How do you find the length of a side of a right-angled triangle given the angle and the hypotenuse?

First label the triangle to show the opposite, adjacent and hypotenuse. Then you can use SOHCAHTOA to determine which trig function is needed. If you need to work out the opposite you use the sin function and if you need to work out the adjacent you use the cos function. as sin(angle) = opposite/hypotenuse then opposite = sin(angle) x hypotenuse. as cos(angle) = opposite/hypotenuse then opposite = cos(angle) x hypotenuse.

LS
Answered by Lucy S. Maths tutor

3205 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + y = 23 and 4x + 4y = 52


How do you rationalise the denominator?


work out 3 1/2 - 2 1/3. Give answer as an improper fraction


The area of a rectangle is 8cm^2. It has a length of (3x+1)cm and a width of (2x+5)cm. Work out the value of x.


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