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?

747 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

563 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

Qasim J. GCSE Chemistry tutor, GCSE Maths tutor, IB Maths tutor, GCSE...

View profile

£18 /hr

Qasim J.

Degree: Medicine (Bachelors) - Birmingham University

Subjects offered:Maths, Chemistry+ 3 more

“A 4th year medical student with an adaptable and organised approach. Well-planned revision with exam practice ensures knowledge and fantastic exam technique!”

Trusted by schools

| 2 completed tutorials

Save profile

£18 /hr

Arjun P.

Degree: Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Bachelors) - Warwick University

Subjects offered:Maths, Science+ 5 more

“I am a passionate and dedicated student, with over a year of tutoring experience. I am excited to help you improve!”

4.0

1 review | 1 completed tutorial

Save profile

Scott R. GCSE Maths tutor, 13 Plus Maths tutor, A Level Maths tutor,...

View profile

£24 /hr

Scott R.

Degree: PGCE Secondary Mathematics (Other) - Leeds University

Subjects offered:Maths, Further Mathematics

“I am currently completing 2 PGCEs in Leeds. I have always had a passion for maths and my objective is to help as many as possible reach their full potential.”

5.0

18 reviews | 77 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:	3.47.1
Build:	245b6290c38f
Time:	2017-07-12T13:15:28Z

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

563 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

About the author

You may also like...

Other GCSE Maths questions

One-to-one help is at your fingertips