MATHEMATICS

GRADE 10

TRIGONOMETRY
Theory

Compiled by
Sarel van Greunen
 Notes
Labeling
Remember that the labels depend on the where the angle is
placed:

SOHCAHTOA
After labeling the sides you can use SOHCAHTOA to connect the
Trigonometric functions with their respective sides’ ratio:

Sin𝑥=Opposite÷Hypotenuse
Cos𝑥=Adjacent÷Hypotenuse
Tan𝑥=Opposite÷Adjacent
Basic methods
Solving the size of angles for angles between 0˚ and 90˚:
1. Get the present alone: Isolate the trigonometric function
2. Unwrap the present: Use arc-trigonometric (sin−1 ( ),
cos−1 ( ) or tan−1( ))
3. Solve the resultant equation.

Mathematics – Grade 10 Trigonometry All rights reserved

Solving triangles: Unknown side:
1. Label the sides Notes
2. Choose and write down your trigonometric function: Use
SOHCAHTOA to choose the ratio you need according to
the labels and sides given
3. Solve the resultant equation.

Solving triangles: Unknown angle:

1. Label the sides
2. Choose and write down your trigonometric function: Use
SOHCAHTOA to choose the ratio you need according to
the labels and sides given
3. Solve the resultant equation according to the method for
solving angles.

NB: Do not forget that Pythagoras is a tool to solve sides if you

have two sides of a right-angled triangle, and you need to
calculate the missing side.

Cartesian plane

𝑏
Sin𝑥=Opposite÷Hypotenuse =
𝑟
𝑎
Cos𝑥=Adjacent÷Hypotenuse=
𝑟
𝑏
Tan𝑥=Opposite÷Adjacent=
𝑎
2 2 2
𝑎 +𝑏 =𝑟
It is very important that 𝜃 is always measured from the positive
𝑥-axis to the radial arm 𝑂𝐴.
Mathematics – Grade 10 Trigonometry All rights reserved