Using Pythagoras' theorem, show that sin^2(x)+cos^2(x)=1 for all x.

Take a right angled triangle with hypotenuse of length 1, and angle at the bottom of the hypotenuse equal to x. We will let o denote the length of the side opposite the angle, and a denote the length of the side adjacent to the angle.
Using SOHCAHTOA, we know that sin(x)=o/1=o, and cos(x)=a/1=a.
So we now have a right angled triangle with a hypotenuse of length 1, another side of length sin(x), and a side of length cos(x). Using Pythagoras' theorem, we know that o^2+a^2=1^2, and so sin^2(x)+cos^2(x)=1.

Answered by Maths tutor

3025 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve the equation 3sin^2(x) + sin(x) + 8 = 9cos^2(x), -180<X<180. Then find smallest positive solution of 3sin^2(2O-30) + sin(2O-30) + 8 = 9cos^2(2O-30).


Let f(x) = x * sin(2x). Find the area beneath the graph of y = f(x), bounded by the x-axis, the y-axis and the line x = π/2.


Use integration by parts to integrate the following function: x.sin(7x) dx


Differentiate xcos(x) with respect to x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning