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

4887 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is red shift?


Find an equation of the straight line that is perpendicular to the straight line x + 3y = 7 and that passes through the point (4,9).


Solve the equation 3x^2 +17x -6 = 0 without using a calculator


What are surds and why are they used?


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