trigonometric ratios
What trigonometric ratios means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of trigonometric ratios
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Reference: AQA
sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse, cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse and tan θ = opposite/adjacent, where θ is an angle in the triangle.
The formulae sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse, cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse and tan θ = opposite/adjacent, known as SOH CAH TOA.
These link an angle to two sides: sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse, cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse and tan θ = opposite/adjacent.
Topics that use trigonometric ratios
- Mensuration and calculation (AQA GCSE)
- Geometry and measures - Mensuration and calculation (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- arc length
- Circumference
- Diameter
- Frustum
- Hypotenuse
- included angle
- perpendicular height
- Pythagoras' theorem
Using trigonometric ratios in the exam
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