How do I know which trig formula to use in the exam?

MYTUTOR SUBJECT ANSWERS

Answers / Maths / GCSE / How do I know which trig formula to use in the exam?

816 views

How do I know which trig formula to use in the exam?

When faced with a problem that involves triangles, there is a simple flowchart you can follow to determine which formula or identity you need to use! Firstly you must ask yourself whether the triangle has a right angle. If it has, you must then ask if it has any other angles (or you are asked to find another angle), if you are you can use the standard trig formula of SOHCAHTOA, if it hasn't, then you can use Pythagoras' theorem c2=a2+b2. However, if you haven't got a right angle, you must decide if your triangle has a side length you know the opposite angle to (some call this SSA), or if you have an angle in between two known sides (some call this SAS). If you know the opposite angle you use the Sine rule, if the angle is not opposite a known side you use the Cosine Rule.

2 years ago

Answered by Joseph, a GCSE Maths tutor with MyTutor

Still stuck? Get one-to-one help from a personally interviewed subject specialist

787 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

Tinashe M. A Level Maths tutor, GCSE Maths tutor, GCSE Chemistry tuto...

View profile

£18 /hr

Tinashe M.

Degree: Chemical Engineering MEng (Integrated Masters) - Newcastle University

Subjects offered:Maths, Chemistry

“I love maths, chemistry and biology and my passion for these subjects is something that will help teach students.”

MyTutor guarantee

Save profile

Bea A. A Level English Literature tutor, GCSE English Literature tuto...

View profile

£20 /hr

Bea A.

Degree: MMath Pure Mathematics (Masters) - St. Andrews University

Subjects offered:Maths, English Literature

“I am an experienced mathematician with a personal approach to tutoring. I'm here to help you further your mathematical potential.”

5.0

8 reviews | 20 completed tutorials

Save profile

Liam B. GCSE Psychology tutor, IB Psychology tutor, A Level Psycholog...

View profile

£18 /hr

Liam B.

Degree: Psychology (Bachelors) - York University

Subjects offered:Maths, Science+ 4 more

“A psychology graduate keen to pass on the knowledge and skills gained through my experiences both at university, and in the world of sport.”

5.0

1 review | 2 completed tutorials

Save profile

See more GCSE Maths tutors

About the author

View profile

Joseph O.

Currently unavailable: for regular students

Degree: Law (Bachelors) - Liverpool University

Subjects offered:Maths

“I'm currently studying at the University of Liverpool, having started tutoring when in the sixth form and contining this into my undergraduate studies, volunteering in deprived schools for ActionTutoring. I am a very approachable and ...”

MyTutor guarantee

Save profile

Version:	3.49.9
Build:	5f485a18d000
Time:	2017-09-20T16:11:15Z

MYTUTOR SUBJECT ANSWERS

How do I know which trig formula to use in the exam?

Still stuck? Get one-to-one help from a personally interviewed subject specialist

787 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

About the author

You may also like...

Other GCSE Maths questions

One-to-one help is at your fingertips