Whats the difference between the three main trigonometric functions?

Sin(x), Cos(x) and Tan(x) are very useful functions and can be used to solve algerbraic problems where the aim is to find the size of an angle or a size.

Sin(x) = Opposite/Hypotenuse

Cos(x) = Adjacent/Hypotenuse

Tan(x) = Opposite/Adjacent

these are the equations you must rearrange to solve the problems. for example if you're looking to find the length of hypotenuse side and have the angle, x and the length of the adjacent of side you rearrange the equation to be:

hypotenuse =adjacent/cos(x)

This can be confusing at first but can become second nature very quickly if you work through lots of problems.

A great way of remembering the equations is:
SOHCAHTOA

MG
Answered by Michael G. Maths tutor

4476 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

what is 0.777... as a fraction?


John is n years old where n is an whole number. Kim is three years younger than John and Vanessa is half of Kim's age. Write an expression for Vanessa's age in terms of n.


Solve algebraically 6a + b = 16 and 5a - 2b = 19


Given a spinner divided in 3 sections numbered 1, 2 and 3, and that the arc of section 2 is double that of section one (~57.6 cm), calculate pi to 2 decimal places. The radius of the spinner is 30cm and the angle sub-intended by section 3 is 30 degrees.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences