Tangent
What Tangent means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Eduqas, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Tangent
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Tangent in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A straight line that touches the circle at exactly one point, called the point of contact, and is perpendicular to the radius drawn to that point.
A straight line that touches a curve at a point and has the same direction there; for a line and a parabola, the repeated-root case.
A straight line through a curve point that has the same local direction as the curve at that point.
A straight line through a point on a smooth curve that matches the curve’s local direction there.
A straight line that meets a circle at exactly one point, the point of contact.
A straight line that touches a circle at exactly one point.
Topics that use Tangent
- Graphs (AQA GCSE)
- Properties and constructions (AQA GCSE)
- Geometry and measures (Eduqas GCSE)
- Algebra - Solving equations and inequalities (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Geometry and measures - Properties and constructions (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
Using Tangent in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Mathematics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge