Why does tanx = sinx/cosx ?

This identity can easily be shown by asking the student to draw a right-angled triangle, with one of the remaing two angles labelled x, and labelling the respective oppposite, adjacent and hypotenuse sides O, A and H. Then I ask them to write down what sinx and cosx equal with respect to their diagram (O'H and A/H). I proceed to ask them to write sinx/cosx in terms of O, A and H and simplify the fraction. They will then end up with O/A, which they realise is tanx from their own diagram.I really enjoy when students ask me this as it's a chance for them to discover an impactful result on their own using some very basic maths.

SR
Answered by Shehan R. Further Mathematics tutor

15885 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Using differentiation, show that f(x) = 2x^3 - 12x^2 + 25x - 11 is an increasing function.


Work out 7/(2x^2) + 4/3x as a single fraction in its simplest form.


A curve is mapped by the equation y = 3x^3 + ax^2 + bx, where a is a constant. The value of dy/dx at x = 2 is double that of dy/dx at x = 1. A turning point occurs when x = -1. Find the values of a and b.


Rationalise and simplify (root(3) - 7)/(root(3) + 1) . Give your answer in the form a + b*root(3) where a, b are integers.


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