Maths: Trigenometry

As part of the maths exam and curriculum we have to study trigonometry. We covered this in GCSE maths, but we have to continue it further here at college.

“Trigonometry (from Greek trigōnon, “triangle” and metron, “measure”) is a branch of mathematics that studies relationships involving lengths and angles of triangles.” 

 

 

Trigonometry (or shortened to trig)  can be used to calculate lengths of sides and sizes of angles in right-angled triangles.  The sides of the triangle are given 3 different names. The hypotenuse is the longest side and is always opposite the right angle. The opposite and adjacent sides relate to the angle under consideration. In trigonometry, there are three basic formulae that you will need to remember to calculate angles and lengths.

Which formula you use will depend on the question you are asked.

There are a few different ways to remember these formulas. But the easiest, by far, is SOHCAHTOA.

“”SOHCAHTOA” is a helpful mnemonic for remembering the definitions of the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent i.e., sine equals opposite over hypotenuse, cosine equals adjacent over hypotenuse, and tangent equals opposite over adjacent”