Find the length of AB from the right-angle triangle ABC. Angle ACB = 40 degrees and side BC = 15cm.

Label each of the sides using the angle BCA. Therefore, AC = Adjacent, BC = Hypotenuse and AB = Opposite. Use the anagram SohCahToa to identify the side that we have (BC) and the side we are looking for (AB). After ticking the letters of SohCahToa, we will now use the Sin fraction. Let Sin(40) = Opposite / Hypotenuse. Replace Opposite and Hypotenuse with x and 15. Sin(40) = x/15. To solve this equation, multiply both sides by 15. 15 Sin(40) = x. Calculate this figure using your calculator to find the Opposite side AB. The answer is 9.64 cm (2 decimal places).

AL
Answered by Alex L. Maths tutor

4265 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 3x +y =11 and 2x+y=8


Find the intersection point between the equations y=4x+7 and 3y=12x+21


Write 156 as a product of its prime factors.


When do I use Sin, Cos and Tan?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning