GCSE trigonometry revision
Use this GCSE trigonometry page as a short revision guide before trying your own triangle problem in the solver tool.
What this topic means and what to look for first.
GCSE trigonometry usually begins with right-angle triangle questions and SOHCAHTOA.
A good first check is to label opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse before choosing a ratio.
One reliable route through the topic.
- 1Choose the angle you are working from.
- 2Label opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse.
- 3Select sine, cosine, or tangent.
- 4Substitute the values carefully.
- 5Use inverse trig if you need the angle rather than a side.
See the method in action.
Find x when sin 30 degrees = x / 12
- sin 30 degrees is 0.5.
- So x / 12 = 0.5.
- Therefore x = 6.
Find theta when tan theta = 5 / 12
- Use the inverse tangent function.
- theta = tan^-1(5/12).
- So theta is about 22.6 degrees.
Things that commonly send the method off track.
- Choosing the wrong trig ratio because the sides were not labeled first.
- Forgetting to use inverse trig when solving for an angle.
Want to test your own problem next?
Use the public page first, then create a free account if you want to try the solver beta on a typed question or photo.
A free account is the current follow-up route for returning to the solver beta and future guide updates as the public library grows.
Want to try a similar problem yourself?
Create a free account if you want to use the solver beta after reading the guide.
A free account is the current follow-up route for returning to the solver beta and future guide updates as the public library grows.
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Short answers worth checking.
Yes. For GCSE-style triangle problems, the calculator should usually be in degree mode.
Many students use SOHCAHTOA as a quick memory aid.
Continue with the next closely related topic.
Use the public site structure first, then switch into the solver tool only if you need a direct test.
CureMath uses artificial intelligence to suggest how a maths problem could potentially be solved. AI can make mistakes.
Check important answers independently before relying on them.