Why does tanx = sinx/cosx ?

This identity can easily be shown by asking the student to draw a right-angled triangle, with one of the remaing two angles labelled x, and labelling the respective oppposite, adjacent and hypotenuse sides O, A and H. Then I ask them to write down what sinx and cosx equal with respect to their diagram (O'H and A/H). I proceed to ask them to write sinx/cosx in terms of O, A and H and simplify the fraction. They will then end up with O/A, which they realise is tanx from their own diagram.I really enjoy when students ask me this as it's a chance for them to discover an impactful result on their own using some very basic maths.

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Express (7+ √5)/(3+√5) in the form a + b √5, where a and b are integers.


y=(6x^9 +x^8)/(2x^4), work out the value of d^2y/dx^2 when x=0.5


A circle has equation x^{2}-8x+y^{2}-6y=d. A line is tangent to this circle and passes through points A and B, (0,17) and (17,0) respectively. Find the radius of the circle.


Let y = (4x^2 + 3)^4. Find dy/dx.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences