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

4820 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Nadia has £5 to buy pencils and rulers. Pencils are 8p each. Rulers are 30p each. She says “I will buy 15 pencils. Then I will buy as many rulers as possible. With my change I will buy more pencils.” How many pencils and how many rulers does she buy?


Solve the simultaneous equations: 5x + 3y = 41 and 2x + 3y = 20 Do not use trial and error.


FIRSTLY: John has a slice of pizza in the exact shape of an isosceles triangle. 2 sides measure Y + 5 and 1 side measures Y – 2. Write an expression for the total perimeter. SECONDLY: Multiply out the following brackets: (3Y + 8)(3Y + 2)


Factorising and Expanding Brackets


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