TRIGONOMETRY

 INTRODUCTION

Trigonometry is the branch of Mathematics which deals with the measurement of angles and sides of a
triangle.

The word Trigonometry is derived from three Greek roots : ‘trio’ meaning ‘thrice or Three’,’gonia’ meaning an
angle and ‘metron’ meaning measure. Infact, Trigonometry is the study of relationship between the sides and
the angles of a triangle.
Trigonometry has its application in astronomy, geography, surveying, engineering and navigation etc. In the past,
astronomers used it to find out the distance of stars and plants from the earth. Even now, the advanced technology
used in Engineering are based on trigonometric concepts.
In this chapter, we will define trigonometric ratios of angles in terms of ratios of sides of a right triangle. We will
also define trigonometric ratios of angles of 00, 300, 450, 600, and 900. We shall also establish some identities
involving these ratios.

 HISTORICAL FACTS

Indian Mathematician have established keen interest in the study of Trigonometry since ages. They are known for
their innovation in the use of size instead the use of choid. The most outstanding astronomer has been Aryabhatta.

Aryabhatta was born in 476 A.D. in Kerala. He studied in the university

of Nalanda. In mathematics, Aryabhatta’s contribution are very valuable.
He was the first mathematician to prepare tables of sines. His book
‘Aryabhatta’ deals with Geometry, Mensuration, Progressions, Square
root, Cube root and Celestial sphere (spherical Trigonometry). This
work, has won him recognition all over the world because of its logical
and unambiguous presentation of astronomical observations.

Aryabhatta was the pioneer to find the correct value of the constant

with respect to a circle up to four decimals as

3.1416. he found the approximate value of and indirectly suggested

that is an irrational number. His observations and conclusions are very
useful and relevant today.

Greek Mathematician Ptolemy, Father of Trigonometry proved the

equation sin2A + cos2A = 1 using geometry involving a relationship
between the chords of a circle. But ancient Indian used simple algebra to
calculate sin A and cos A and proved this relation. Brahmagupta was the
first to use algebra in trigonometry. Bhaskarcharaya II (1114 A.D.) was
very brilliant and most popular Mathematician. His work known as
Siddhantasiron mani is divided into four parts, one of which is
Goladhyaya’s spherical trigonometry.

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 BASE, PERPENDICULAR AND HYPOTENUSE OF A RIGHT TRIANGLE
In ABC, if B = 900, then :
(i) For A, we have :
Base = AB, Perpendicular = BC and Hypotenuse = AC.
(ii) For C, we have :
Base = BC, Perpendicular = AB and Hypotenuse = AC.

So, in a right angled triangle, for a given angle,

(i) The side opposite to the right angle is called hypotenuse.
(ii) The side opposite to the right angle is called perpendicular.
(iii) The third side (r.e., the side forming the given angle with the hypotenuse), is called base.
 TRIGONOMETRICAL RARIOS (T-RATIOS) OF AN ANGLE
In ABC, let B = 900 and let A be acute.
For A, we have :
Base = AB, Perpendicular = BC and Hypotenuse = AC.
The T-ratios for A are defined as :
(i) Sine A = , written as sin A.

(ii) Cosine A = , written as cos A.

(iii) Tangent A = , written as tan A.

(iv) Cosecant A = , written as cosec A.

(v) Secant A = , written as sec A.

(vi) Cotangent A = , written as cot A.

Thus, there are six trigonometrical ratios based on the three sides of a right angled triangle.

Aid to Memory : The sine, cosine, and tangent ratios in a right triangle can be remembered by representing
them as strings of letters, as in SOH-CAH-TOA.
Sine = Opposite Hypotenuse
Cosine = Adjacent Hypotenuse
Tangent = Opposite Adjacent
The memorization of this mnemonic can be aided by expanding it into a phrase, such as “ Some Officers
Have Curly Auburn Hair Till Old Age”.
 RECIPROCAL RELATIONS
Clearly, we have :

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 (i) (ii) (iii)

Thus, we have :

(i) sin cosec = 1 (ii) cos sec = 1 (iii) tan cot = 1

 QUOTAENT RELATIONS
Consider a right angled triangle in which for an acute angle , we have :

sin = : cos =

Now, = tan (by def.)

and, = cos (by def.)

Thus, tan = and cot =

 POWER OF T-RATIOS
We denote :
(i) (sin )2 by sin2 ; (ii) (cos )2 by cos2 ; (iii) (sin )3 by sin3 ; (iv) (cos )3 by sin3 ;
and so on.

REMARK : (i) The symbol sin A is used as an abbreviation for ‘the sine of the angle A’. Sin A is not
the product of ‘sin’ and A. ‘sin’ separated from A has no meaning. Similarly, cos A is
not the product of ‘cos’ and A. similar interpretations follow for other trigonometric
ratios also.
(ii) We may write sin2 A, cos2 A, etc., in place of (sin A)2, (cos A)2, etc., respectively. But
cosec A = (sin A)-1 sin-1 A (it is called sine inverse A). sin-1 A has a different
meaning, which will be discussed in higher classes. Similar conventions hold for the
other trigonometric ratios as well.
(iii) Since the hypotenuse is the longest side in a right triangle, the value of sin A or cos A is
always less than 1 (or, in particular, equal to 1).
Ex.1 Using the information given in fig. write the values of all trigonometric ratios of angle C.
Sol. Using the definition of t-ratios,

SinC = ; cosC =

tanC = ; cotC =

tanC = and cosC =

Ex.2 In a right ABC, if A is acute and tan A = . find the remaining trigonometric ratios of A.

Sol. Consider a ABC in which B = 900

For A, we have :
Base = AB, Perpendicular = BC and Hypotenuse = AC.

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 tan A =

Let, BC = 3x units and AB = 4x units.

Then, AC =
=
= = 5x units.

Ex.3 In a ABC, right angled at B, if tan A = , find the value of

(i) sinA cosC + cosA sinC

(ii) cosA cosC – sinA sinC. [NCERT]

Sol. We know that

tanA =

BC : AB = 1 :
Let BC = k and AB = k
Then, AC = …(Phythagoras theorem)
=
= = 2k

Now, sinA =

cosA =

sinC =

and cosC =

(i) sinA cosC + cosA sinC =

(ii) cosA cosC – sinA sinC =

Ex.4 If sinA = , verify that 2 sinA cosA =

Sol. We know that

SinA =

Let BC = k and AC = 2k
AB =
=

4
 Now cosA =

and cosA =

Now 2 sinA cosA = …(i)

and

…(ii)

Ex.5 In PQR, right angled at Q, PR + QR = 25 cm and PQ = 5 cm. Find the value of sinP, cosP and tanP.
[NCERT]
Sol. We are given
PR + QR = 25 cm
PR = (25 – QR) cm
By Pythagoras theorem,
PR2 = QR2 + PQ2
or (25 – QR)2 = QR2 + 52
or 625 + QR2 – 50 QR = QR2 + 25
or 50QR = 625 – 25 = 600
QR = 12 cm.
and PR = (25 – 12) cm = 13 cm

Now sinP =

cosP =

and tanP =

Ex.6 If A and Q are acute angles such that sin B = sinQ, then prove that B= Q. [NCERT]
Sol. Consider two right ABC and PQR such that sin B = sinQ.
We have,

sinB = and, sinQ =

sinB = sinQ

k, (say) …(i)

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 AC = k PR and AB = k PQ …(ii)
Using Pythagoras theorem in triangles ABC and PQR, we have
AB2 = AC2 + BC2 and PQ2 = PR2 + QR2
BC = and QR =

= [Using (ii)]

=k

From (i) and (ii), we have,

 TRIGONOMETRICAL RATIO OF STANDARD ANGLES

T-Ratios of 450
Consider a ABC in which B = 900 and A = 450
Then, clearly, C = 450.
AB = BC = a (say).
AC =

sin 450 = :

cos 450 = :

tan 450 =

cosec 450 = ; sec 450 = ; cot 450 =

T-Ratios of 600 and 300

Draw an equilateral ABC with each side = 2a.
Then, A = B = C = 600.
From A, draw AD BC.
Then, BD = DC = a, BAD = 300 and ADB = 900.
Also, AD = = = .

T-Ratios of 600
In ADB we have : ADB = 900 and ABD = 600.
Base = BC = a, Perp. = AD = and Hyp. AB = 2a.
sin 600 = :

cos 600 = :

tan 600 =

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 cosec 600 = ; sec 600 = ; cot 600 =

T-Ratios of 300
In ADB we have : ADB = 900 and ABD = 300.
Base = AD = , Perp. = BD = a and Hyp. AB = 2a.
sin 300 = :

cos 300 = :

tan 300 =

cosec 300 = ; sec 300 = ; cot 300 =

T-Ratios of 00 and 900

T-Ratios of 00
We shall see what happens to the trigonometric ratios of angle A, if it is made smaller and smaller in the right
triangle ABC (see figure), till it becomes zero. As A gets smaller and smaller, the length of the side BC
decreases. The point C gets closer to point B, and finally when A becomes very close to 00, AC becomes almost
the same as AB.

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 When A is very close to 00, BC gets very close to 0 and so the value of sin A = is very close to O. Also

when A is very close to 00, AC is nearly same as AB and so the value of cos A = is very close to 1.

This helps us to see how we can define the values of sin A cos A when A = 00. We define :

sin 00 = 0 and cos 00 = 1.

Using these, we have :

tan 00 = ,

cot 00 = (not defined)

sec 00 =

and cosec 00 = (not defined)

T-Ratios of 900
Now, we shall see what happens to the trigonometric ratios of A when it is made larger and larger in ABC till
it’becomes 900. As A gets larger and larger, C gets smaller and smaller. Therefore, as in the case above, the
length of the side AB goes on decreasing. The point A gets closer to point B. Finally when A is very close 900,
C becomes very close to 00 and the side AC almost coincides with side BC (see figure).

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When C is very close to 00, A is very close 900, side AC is nearly the same as side BC, and so sin A is very
close to 1. Also when A is very close to 900, C is very close 00, and the side AB is nearly zero, so cos A very
close to 0. So, we define:
sin 900 = 1 and cos 900 = 0.
Using these, we have :

tan 900 = , (not defined)

cot 900 =

cosec 900 =

and sec 900 = (not defined)

table for T-Ratios of Standard Angles
Angle
00 300 450 600 900
Ratio

Sin 0 1

cos 1 0

tan 0 1 Not
defined

cot Not defined 1 0

sec 1 2 Not
defined

cosec Not defined 2 1

REMARK: (i) As increases from 00 to 900, sin increases from 0 to 1.

(ii) As increases from 00 to 900, cosWINDOW
COMPETITION decreases from 1 to 0.
0 0
(iii) As increases from 0 to 90 , tan increases from 0 to .

(iv) The maximum value of is one.

(v) As cos decreases from 10 to0, increases from 0 to 900.

(vi) sin and cos can not be greater than one numerically.
(vii) sec and cosec can not be less than one numerically.
(viii) tan and cot can have any value.

T-RATIOS OF SOME ANGLES LESS THAN 90

0

9
 Angle
150 180 360
Ratio

Sin

cos

tan

Ex.7 In ABC, right angled at B, BC = 5 cm, BAC = 300, find the length of the sides AB and AC.
Sol. We are given
BAC = 300, i.e., A = 300
and BC = 5 cm

Now sinA = or sin 300 =

or = …[ sin 300 = ]
or AC = 2 5 or 10 cm
To find AB, we have,

= cos A

or = cos 300

or = …[ cos 300 = ]

AB = 10 or cm
Hence, AB = cm and AC = 10 cm.
Ex.8 In ABC, right angled at C, if AC = 4 cm and AB = 8 cm. Find A and B.
Sol. We are given, AC = 4 cm and AB = 8 cm

Now sinB =

But we know that sin 300 =

B = 300
Now A = 900 – B …[ A+ B = 900]
= 900 – 300 = 600
Hence, A = 600 and B = 300.

Ex.9 Evaluate : [NCERT]

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Sol. =

= =

=
Ex.10 Find the value of in each of the following :
(i) 2 sin 2 = (ii) 2 cos 3 = 1 (iii) tan 2 – 3 = 0
Sol. (i) we have,
2 sin 2 =
sin 2 =
sin 2 sin 600 2 600 = 300
(ii) we have,
2 cos 3 = 1
cos 3 =
cos 3 cos 600 3 600 = 200
(iii) we have,
tan 2 – 3 = 0
tan 2 = 3
tan 2 =
tan 2 tan 600 2 600 = 300
COMPETION WINDOW
USING TRIGONOMETRIC TABLES
A Trigonometric Table consists of three parts :
(i) A column on the extreme left containing degrees from 00 to 890.
(ii) Ten column headed by 0’, 6’, 12’, 18’, 24’, 30’, 36’, 42’, 48’, and 54’,
(iii) Five column of mean differences, headed by 1’, 2’, 3’, 4’, and 5’, The mean differences is added in case of sines,
tangents and secants. The mean difference is subtracted in case of cosines, cotangents and cosecants.
The method of finding T-ratios of given angles using trigonometric tables, will be clear from the following
example :
Find the value of sin 430 52’.
We have, 43052’ = 43028’ + 4’
In the table natural sines, look at the numbers in the row against 430 and in the column headed 48’ as shown
below.
From Table of Natural Sines :

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 x0 0’ 6’ 12’ 18’ 24’ 30’ 36’ 42’ 48’ 54’ 1’ 2’ 3’ 4’ 5
Now, sin
Mean Differences
43048’ =
430 0.6820 0.6921 8
0.6921

Mean difference for 4’ = 0.0008 [To be added]

[See the number in the same row under 4’]
sin 430 52’ = [0.6921 + 0 0.0008] = 0.6929

TO FIND THE ANGLE WHEN ITS T-RATIOS IS GIVEN

Find , when sin = 0.7114.

From the table, find the angle whose sine is just smaller than 0.7114.

We have sin = 0.7114

Sin 450 18’ = 0.7108
Diff. = 0.0006

Mean difference of 6 corresponds to 3’.

Required angle = (450 18’ + 3’) = 45021’

Find , when cos = 0.5248

From the table, find the angle whose cosing is just smaller than 0.5248

We have cos = 0.5248

cos 580 18’ = 0.5255
Diff. = 0.0007

And 7 corresponds to 3’.

Required angle = 580 18’ + 3’ = 580 21’

TRY OUT THE FOLLOWING

1. Using tables find the value of :

(i) sin 830 12’ (ii) cos 700 17’ (iii) tan 240 14’ (iv) cosec (30.8)0 (v) sec 680 10’ (vi) cot 390 15’
2. Using tables find the value of if :
(i) sin = 0.42’ (ii) cos = 0.8092 (iii) tan = 2.91 (iv) cosec = 2.8893 (v) sec = 1.2304
(vi) cot = 0.1385

ANSWERS

1. (i) 0.993. (ii) 0.3373 (iii) 0.4536 (iv) 1.9530 (v) 2.6892 (vi) 1.2283
2. (i) 240 50’ (ii) 350 59’ (iii) 710 2’ (iv) 200 15’ (v) 350 38’ (vi) 820 7’

 T-RATIOS OF COMPLEMENTARY ANGLES

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 Complementary Angles
Two angles are said to be complementary, if their sum is 900.
Thus, 0 and (900 – ) are complementary angles.
T-ratios of Complementary Angles
Consider ABC in which B = 900 and A = 0.
C = (900 – ).
Let AB = x. BC = y and AC = r.

When we consider the T-ratios of (900 – ), then

Base = BC, Perp. = AB and Hyp. AC =
sin (900 – ) = = cos .

cos (900 – ) = = sin .

tan (900 – ) = = cot .

cosec (900 – ) = = sec .

sec (900 – ) = = cosec .

cot (900 – ) = = tan .

(i) sin (900 – ) = cos (ii) cos (900 – ) = sin (iii) tan (900 – ) = cot
0 0
(iv) cosec (90 – ) = sec (v) sec (90 – ) = cosec (vi) cot (900 – ) = tan

Aid to memory

Add co if that is not there

Remove co if that is there
Thus we have,
sine of (900 – ) = cosine of sine (900 – ) = cos
cosine of (900 – ) = sine of cos (900 – ) = sin
0
tangent of (90 – ) = cotangent of tan (900 – ) = cot
0
cotangent of (90 – ) = tangent of cot (900 – ) = tan
secant of (900 – ) = cosecant of sec (900 – ) = cosec
0
cosecant of (90 – ) = secant of cosec (900 – ) = sec
In other words :
sin (angle) = cos (complement) ; cos (angle) = sin (complement)
tan (angle) = cot (complement) ; cot (angle) = tan (complement)
sec (angle) = cosec (complement) ; cosec (angle) = sec (complement)

where complement = 900 – angle

Ex.11 Without using tables, evaluate :

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 (i) (ii) (iii)

Sol. (i) [ sin (900 – ) cos ]

(ii) [ cos (900 – ) sin ]

(iii) [ tan (900 – ) cot ]

REMARK : (i) The above example suggests that out of the two t-ratios, we convent one is term of the
t-ratios of the complement.
(ii) For uniformity, we usually convert the angle greater than 450 in terms of its complement.

Ex.12 Without using tables, show that (cos 350 cos 550 – sin 350 sin 550) = 0.
Sol. LHS = (cos 350 cos 550 – sin 350 sin 550)
= [(cos 350 cos 550 – sin (900 – 550) sin (900 – 350)]
= (cos 350 cos 550 – cos 550 cos 350) = 0 = RHS.
[ sin (900 – ) cos and cos (900 – ) sin ]

Ex.13 Express (sin 580 + cosec 850) in terms of trigonometric ratios of angles between 00 and 450.
Sol. (sin 580 + cosec 850) = sin (900 – 50) cosec (900 – 50) = (cos 50 + sec 50).
Ex.14 If tan 2A = cot (A – 180), where 2A is an acute angle, find the value of A.
Sol. We are given,
tan 2A = cot (A – 180)
or cot (900 – 2A) = cot (A – 180) …[ cot (900 – 2A) = tan 2A]
0 0
90 – 2A = A – 18
or A + 2A = 900 – 180
or 3A = 1080
A = 360

Ex.15 Evaluate : .

Sol. .

= . [ cot (900 – ) = tan ]

= …

Ex.16 For a triangle ABC, show that sin , where A, B and C are interior angles of ABC.

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Sol. We know that A + B + C = 1800
Thus we have, B + C = 1800 – A

or or or .

 T-IDENTITIES

We know that an equation is called an identity when it is true for all value of the variables involved. Similarly, an
equation involving trigonometric ratios of an angle is called a trigonometric identity, if it is true for all
values of the angle(s) the angle(s) involved.
The three Fundamental Trigonometric Identities are –
(i) cos2 A + sin2 A = 1 ; 00 A 900 A
2 2 0 0
(ii) 1 + tan A + cosec A = 1 ; 0 A < 90
(iii) 1 + cot2 A + cosec2 A = 1 ; 00 < A 900

Geometrical Proof :
Consider a ABC, right angled at B. Then we have :
AB2 + BC2 = AC2 …(i) By Pythagoras theorem
C B
A
(i) cos2 A + sin2 A = 1 ; 00 A 900
Dividing each term of (i) by AC2, we get

i.e.,

i.e., (cos A)2 + (sin A)2 = 1

i.e., cos2 A + sin2 A = 1 …(ii)
This is true for all A such that 0 A 900
0

So, this is a trigonometric identity.

(ii) 1 + tan2 A = sec2 A ; 00 A < 900

Let us now divide (i) by AB2. We get

or,

i.e., 1 + tan2 A = sec2 A …(iii)

This equation is true for A = 0 . Since tan A and sec A are not defined for A = 900, so (iii) is true for all A such
0

that 00 A < 900

(iii) 1 + cot2 A = cosec2 A : 00 < A < 900
Again, let us divide (i) by BC2, we get

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 1 + cot2 A = cosec2 A …(iii)
Since cosec A and cot A are not defined for A = 00, therefore (iv) is true for all A such that : 00 < A < 900
Using the above trigonometric identities, we can express each trigonometric ratio in terms of the other
rigonometric ratios, i.e., if any one of the ratios is known, we can also determine the value of other trigonometric
ratios.
Fundamental Identities (Results)

To prove Trigonometrical Identities

The following methods are to be followed :
Method-I : Table the more complicated side of the identity (L.H.S. or R.H.S. as the case may be) and by
using suitable trigonometric and algebraic formula prove it equal to the other side.
Method-II : When neither side of the identity is in a simple form, simplify the L.H.S. and R.H.S. separately by
using suitable formulae (by expressing all the T-ratios occurring in the identity in terms of the
sine and cosine and show that the results are equal).
Method-III : If the identity to the proved is true, transposing so as to get similar terms on the same side, or
cross-multiplication, and using suitable formulae, we get an identity which is true.

Ex.17 Express sin A, sec A and tan A in terms of cot A. [NCERT]

Sol. We know that

sin A =

sec A = …(Dividing num. and deno, by sin A)

= and tan A

Ex.18 Prove
Sol. LHS =
= = RHS
Hence, proved.
Ex.19 Prove

Sol. LHS =

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 = [ ]

= [ ]

= [Dividing the numerator and denominator by sin A cos A.]

= = RHS
Hence, proved.
 APPLICATIONS OF TRIGONOMETRY
Many times, we have to find the height and distances of many objects in real life. We use trigonometry to solve
problems, such as finding the height of a tower, height of a flagmast, distance between two objects, where
measuring directly is trouble, some and some times impossible. In those cases, we adopt indirect methods which
involves solution of right triangles.
Thus Trigonometry is very useful in geography, astronomy and navigation. It helps us to prepare maps, determine
the position of a landmass in relation to the longitudes and latitudes. Surveyors have made use of this knowledge
since ages.
Angle of Elevation
The angle between the horizontal line drawn through the observer eye and line joining the eye to any object
is called the angle of elevation of the object, if the object is at a higher level than the eye i.e., If a horizontal line
OX is drawn through O, the eye of the observer, and P is an object in the vertical plane through OX, then if P is
above OX, as in fig. XOP is called the angle of elevation or the altitude of P as seen from O.

Angle of Depression
The angle between the horizontal line drawn through the observer eye and line joining the eye to any object
is called the angle of depression of the object, if the object is at a higher level than the eye i.e., If a horizontal
line OX is drawn through O, the eye of the observer, and P is an object in the vertical plane through OX, then if P
is above OX, as in fig. XOP is called the angle of depression of P as seen from O.

REMARK :

17
1. The angle of elevation as well as angle of depression are measured with reference to horizontal line.
2. All objects such as towers, mountains etc. shall be considered as linear for mathematical convenience,
throughout this section.
3. The height of the observer, is neglected, if it is not given in the problem.
4. Angle of depression of P as seen from O is equal to the angle of elevation of O, as seen from P.
i.e., AOP = OPX.
5. To find one side a right angled triangle when another side and an acute angle are given, the hypotenuse also
being regarded as a side.

= a certain T-ratio of the given angle.

6. The angle of elevation increases as the object moves towards the right of the line of sight.
7. The angle of depression increases as the object moves towards the right of the line of sight.

COMPWRIRION WINDOW
BEARING OF A POINT
The true bearing to a point is the angle measured in degrees in a clockwise direction from the north line. We will
refer to the true bearing simply as the bearing.

e.g. (i) the bearing of point P is 650 (ii) the bearing of point Q is 3000
A bearing is used to represent the direction of one point relative to another point.
e.g., the bearing of A from B is 600. The bearing of B from A is 2400.

TRY OUT THE FOLLOWING

State the bearing of the point P in each of the following diagrams :

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 ANSWERS

(a) 480 (b) 2400 (c) 1400 (d) 2900

Ex.20 An observer 1.5 m tall, is 28 5 m away from a tower 30 m high. Determine the angle of elevation of the top of the
tower from his eye. (NCERT)
Sol. Let AB be the height of the tower, CD the height of the observer with his eye at the point D, AB = 30 m, CD = 1.5
m.
Through D, draw DE║CA than BDE = where is the angle of elevation of the top of the tower from his eye.
AC = horizontal distance between the tower and the observer = 28.5 m
BE = AB – AE = (30 – 1.5) m = 28.5 m BDE is right triangle at E,
then

.
Required angle of elevation of the tower = = 450.
Ex.21 A vertical post casts a shadow 21 m long when the altitude of the sun is 30 0. Find :
(a) the height of the post.
(b) the length of the shadow when the altitude of the sun is 600.
(c) the altitude of the sun when the length of the shadow is m.
Sol. Let AB be the vertical post and its shadow is 21 m when the altitude of the sun is 30 0.
(a) BC = 21 m, ACB = 300, AB = h metres
ABC is rt.

AB = h, Height of the pole =

(b) In this case, we have,
ACB = 600, BC = x m AB = m
ABC is rt. , then :

x = BC, Length of the shadow = 7 m.

(c) In this case :
AB = h =
BC = The length of the shadow = m
when the altitude of the sun is
ABC is rt. , then
= 1 = tan 450 450
Altitude of the sun = = 450

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Ex.22 A 1.6 m tall girl stands at a distance of 3.2 m from the lamp-post and casts a shadow of 4.8 m on the ground. Find
the height of the lamp-post by using (i) trigonometric ratios (ii) property of similar trianges. (NCERT)
Sol. Let PQ be the position of the lamp-post whose height is h metres. i.e., PQ = h metres. AB be the position of the
tall girl such that AB = 16. m. Let BC be the shadow of AB such that BC = 4.8 m, ACB = PAE =
(corr. s)

(i) In right ABC,

AB = EQ = 1.6 m. Also AE = BQ = 3.2 m
PE = PQ – EQ = (h – 1.6) m
In right ABC,
3h – 4.8 = 3.2 3h = 4.8 + 3.2 = 8 3h = 8
The height of the lamp-post = m= m
(ii) In two s ACB and PCQ, we have : CQ = CB + BQ
ACB = ACB = (common) = (4.8 + 3.2) m = 8 metres
ABC = PQC = 900 ACB ~ PAE (AA simila)

Thus m

Required height of the lamp-post = PQ = h = m

Ex.23 A captain of an airplane flying at an altitude of 1000 metres sights two ships as shown in the figure. If the angle of
depressions are 600 and 300, find the distance between the ships.

Sol. Let A be the position of the captain of an airplane flying at the altitude of 1000 metres from the ground.

20
 AB = the altitude of the airplane from the ground = 1000 m
P and Q be the position of two ships.
Let PB = x metres, and BQ = y metres.
Required : PQ = Distance between the ships = (x + y) metres.
ABP is rt. at B ABQ is rt. at B

m
Required distance between the ships = (x + y) metres = (577.3 + 1732) m = 2309.3 m
Ex.24 Two poles of equal heights are standing opposite to each other on either side of a road, which is 80 metres wide.
From a point between them on the road, the angles of elevation of their top are 30 0 and 600. Find the position of
the point and also the height of the poles.
Sol. Let AB and CD be two poles of equal height standing opposite to each of their on either side of the road BD.
AB = CD = h metres.
Let P be the observation point on the road BD. The angles of elevation of their top are 30 0 and 600.
APB = 300, CPD = 600
The width of the road = BD = 80 m, let PD = x metres
Then BP = (80 - x) metres
Consider right CDP, we have :
…(i)
In right ABP, we have :
…(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get :

Height of each pole = AB = CD = . x = 20. = 20 (1.732) = 34.64 metres.

Position of point P is 20 m from the first and 60 m from the second pole.
i.e., position of the point P is 20 m from either of the poles.
 SYNOPSIS

1. In a right triangle ABC, with right angle B,

2.

21
3. The value of sinA or cosA never exceeds 1, whereas the value of secA or cosecA is always greater than or equal
to 1.
4.

5.
6. If one of the sides and any other part (either an acute angle or any side) of a right triangle is known, the remaining
sides and angles of the triangle can be easily determined.
7. In a right triangle, the side opposite to 300 is half the side of the hypotenuse.

8. In a right triangle, the side opposite to 600 is times the side of the hypotenuse.

9. (i) The line of sight is the line drawn from the eye of an observer to the point in the object viewed by the
observer.
(ii) The angle of elevation of an object viewed is the angle formed by the line of sight with the horizontal
when it is above the horizontal level i.e., the case when we raise our head to look at the object.
(iii) The angle of depression of an object viewed is the angle formed by the line of sight with the horizontal
when it is above the horizontal level i.e., the case when we raise our head to look at the object.

EXERCISE – 1 (FOR SCHOOL/BOARD EXAMS)

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
CHOOSE THE CORRECT ONE
1. In . If AB = 14 cm and AC = 50 cm then tan A equals :
(A) (B) (C) (D)

2. If sin then the value of the is :

(A) (B) (C) (D)

3. If sec then the value of the is :

(A) (B) (C) (D)

4. If angle A is acute and cos A = then cot A is :

(A) (B) (C) (D)

22
5. sec is equal to –

(A) (B) (C) (D)

6. sin 300 + cos 600 equals :
(A) (B) (C) 1 (D) None of these
7. The value of 2 tan2 600 – 4 cos2 450 – 3 sec2 300 is :
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 12 (D) 8
8. The value of tan2 300 – 3 sin2 600 + 3 cosec2 450 is
(A) 1 (B) 8 (C) 0 (D) 12
9. 7 sin2 + 3 cos2 = 4 then :
(A) (B) (C) (D)

10. The solution of the trigonometric equation :

(A) = 00 (B) = 300 (C) = 600 (D) = 900
11. If cot + cos = p and cot = q, then the value of p2 – q2 is :
(A) (B) (C) 2 pq (D) 4 pq
12. The value of sin2 150 + sin2 300 + sin2 450 + sin2 600 + sin2 750 is :
(A) 1 (B) (C) (D) 3

13. The value of is :

(A) Zero (B) 1 (C) (D)

14. The values of x and y which make the following solutions true are: cosx = sin 520 and cos y0 = sin (y0 + 10)
0

(A) x = 520, y = 300 (B) x = 380, y = 400 (C) x = 480, y = 520 (D) x = 400, y = 500
15. If and then equal :

(A) 1 (B) Zero (C) (D) 2

16. A flagstaff 6 metres high throws shadow metres long on the ground. The angle of elevation is :
(A) 300 (B) 450 (C) 900 (D) 600
17. An observer m tall is 3 m away from the pole m high. The angle of the top of elevation of the top from
the pole is :
(A) 450 (B) 300 (C) 600 (D) 150
18. An observer 1.5 m tall is 28.5 m away from. a chimney. The angle of elevation of the top of the chimney from her
eyes is 450. The height of the chimney is :
(A) 30 m (B) 27 m (C) 28.5 m (D) None of these
19. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from a distance 100 m from its foot is 30 0. The height of the tower is :

(A) m (B) m (C) m (D) m

20. A kite is flying at a height of 60 m above the ground. The sting attached to the kite is temporarily the to a point on
the ground. The inclination of the string with the ground is 600. The length of the staring is :
(A) m (B) 30 m (C) m (D) m
21. A tree is broken by the wind. Its top struck the ground at an angle 300 at a distance of 30 m from its foot. The
whole height of the tree is :
(A) m (B) m (C) m (D) m
22. From a point on a bridge across a river, the angles of depression of the banks on opposite sides of the river are 30 0
and 450 respectively. If the bridge is at a height of 3 m from the banks then the width of the river is :
(A) m (B) m (C) m (D) m
23. The angles of elevation of the top of a tower from two points at a distance of 4 m and 9 m from the base of the
tower and in the same straight line with it are complementary. The height of the tower is :
(A) m (B) m (C) 6 m (D) 2.25 m

23
24. A 1.5 m tall boy is standing at some distance from a 30 m tall building. The angles of elevation from his eyes to
the top of the building increases from 30 to 600 as he walks towards the building. The distance he walked towards
the building is :
(A) m (B) m (C) m (D) m
25. As observed from the top of a 75 m high lighthouse from the sea-level, the angles of depression of two ships are
300 and 600. if one strip is exactly behind the other on the same side of the light-house then the distance between
the two ships is :
(A) m (B) m (C) m (D) None of these

(OBJECTIVE) ANSWER KEY EXERCISE

EXERCISE – 2 (FOR SCHOOL/BOARD EXAMS)

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. In the adjoining fig, determine :

2. If 5 tan = 4, find the value of :

3. If A = 300. verify sin 2A = 2 sin A cos A :

4. Given that , what is the value of ?

5. What is the maximum value of ?

6. What is the value of if

7. In the given fig ABC is right at B such that AB = 3 cm and AC = 6 cm. Determine ACB.

24
8. Evaluate :

9. Evaluate :
10. Evaluate :

11. If tan A = and A + B = 900, then what is the value of cot B?

12. If tan A = cot B, prove that A + B = 900

13. Evaluate :
14. The height of a tower is 10 m. Calculate the height of its shadow when sun’s altitude is 45 0.
15. What is the angle of elevation of the sum when the length of the shadow of a pole is times of the height of the
pole ?
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. If cos A = . evaluate

2. Given cos , find

3. If sin and cos find

4. If , prove that or .

5. If , find .

6. If , find .

7. If 2 sin + cos = 2, find sin

8. If . find the value of .

9. (i) If sin (A + B) = 1 and cos (A – B) = 1, find A and B.
(ii) If tan (2A + B) = and cot (3A – B) = , find A and B.
10. Find x if : (i) cos (5x – 40 ) = sin 30 . (ii) cosec (x + 300) = cot 450.
0 0

11. If A = 600. B = 300, verify each of the following :

(i) cos (A - B) cos A cos B + sin A sin B.
(ii) cos (A + B)

12. (i) Assume that tan (A + B) = , find tan 750 when A = 450, B = 300.
(ii) Assume cos (A - B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B, find cos 150 when A = 450, B = 300.

13. Assume that sin (A + B) = cos A cos B + cos A sin B, if sin A = , sin B = . Then find angle (A + B)

14. Find the value of in each of the following if :

25
 (i) 2 cos 3 = 1 (ii) tan = 6 (iii)

15. Prove that : (i) sin 600 cos 300 + cos 600 sin 300 = sin 900 (ii) cos 900 = 4 cos3cos 300 – 3 cos 300
16. Evaluate the following :
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)
17. Find the value of x in each of the following :

(i) .
(ii) .
(iii) .
(iv) .
(v) .
(vi) .

18. If (sec x – 1) (sec x + 1) = 3 then find the value of x.

19. Prove :

20. Prove : .
21. Prove : .

22. Prove :

23. Prove : .
24. Prove :
25. Prove : .
26. Prove :
27. Prove :
28. Prove :

29. Prove :
30. Prove :

31. Prove :

32. Prove :
33. Prove :
34. Prove :
35. Prove :

26
36. Prove :

37. Prove :

38. Prove :

39. Prove :

40. Prove :

41. Prove :

42. Prove :

43. Prove :

44. Prove :

45. Prove :

46. Prove :

47. Prove :

48. Prove :

49. Prove :

50. Prove :

51. Prove :

52. Prove :

53. Prove :

54. Prove :

55. Prove :

56. Prove :

57. Prove :

58. Prove :

59. Prove :

27
60. Prove :
61. What is the angle of elevation of a vertical flagstaff of height m from a point 100 m from its foot.
62. A ladder makes an angle of 600 with the floor and its lower end is 20 m from the wall. Find the length of the
ladder.
63. The shadow of a building is 100 m long when the angle of elevation of the sun is 600. Find the height of the
building.
64. A ladder 20 m long is placed against a vertical wall of height 10 metres. Find the distance between the foot of the
ladder and the wall and also the inclination of the ladder to the horizontal.

65. What is the angle of elevation of the sun when the length of the shadow of the pole is times the height of the
pole ?
66. A flagstaff 6 metres high throws a shadow metres logn on the ground. Find the angle of elevation of the sun.
67. A tree metres high is broken by the wind at a height metres from its root in shch a way that top
struck the ground at certain angle and horizontal distance from the root of the tree to the point where the top meets
the ground is 10 m. Find the angle of elevation made by the top of the tree with the ground.
68. A tree is broken at certain height and its upper part m long not completely separated meet the ground at an
angle of 450. Find the height of the tree before it was broken and also find the distance from the root of the tree to
the point where the top of the tree meets the ground.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. The ladder resting against a vertical wall is inclined at an angle of 30 0 to the ground. The foot of the ladder is 7.5
m from the wall. Find the length of the ladder.
2. A circus artist is climbing a 20 m long rope, which is tightly stretched and tied from the top of vertical pole to the
ground. Find the height of the pole if the angle made by the rope with the ground level is 30 0.
3. The length of a string between a kite and a point on the roof of a building 10 m high is 180 m. If the string makes
an angle with the level ground such that , how high is the kite from the ground?
4. The angle of depression of a ship as seen from the top of 120 m high light house is 600. How far is the ship from
the light house?
5. A boy 1.7 m tall, is 25 m away from a tower and observes the angle of elevation of the top of the tower to be 60 0.
Find the height of the tower.
6. A man 1.8 m tall stands at a distance of 3.6 m from a lamp post and casts a shadow of 5.4 m on the ground. Find
the height of the tower.
7. A straight highway leads to the foot of a tower of height 50 m. from the top of the tower, the angles of depression
of two cars standing on the highway are 300 and 600. What is the distance between the two cars and how far is
each car from the tower ?
8. Two points A and B are on opposite sides of a tower. The top of the tower makes an angle of 30 0 and 450 at A
and B respectively. If the height of the tower is 40 metres, find the distance AB.
9. Two men on either side of a tower 60 metres high observe the angle of elevation of the top of the tower to be 45 0
and 600 respectively. Find the distance between the two men.
10. Two boats approach a light house in the middle of the sea from opposite directions. The angles of elevation of the
top of the light house from two boats are and . If the distance between the two boats is x metres, prove that the
height of the light house is

(i) Find h if and x = 250 m

(ii) Find h if and x = 400 m
11. A boy standing on a horizontal plane finds a bird flying a distance of 100 m from him at an elevation of 30 0. A
girl standing on the roof of 20 metres high building, finds the angle of elevation of the same bird to be 45 0. Both
the boy and the girl are on opposite sides of the bird. Find the distance of the bird from the girl.

28
12. Two pillars of equal height stand on either side of a roadway which is 180 metres wide. The angle of elevation of
the top of the pillars are 600 and 300 at a point on the roadway between the pillars. Find the height of the pillars
and the position of the point.
13. Two lamp posts are 60 metres apart, and the height of the one is double that of the other. From the middle of the
line joining their feet, an observer finds the angular elevation of their top to be complementary. Find the height of
each lamp.
14. Two lamp posts are of equal height. A boy measured-the elevation of the top of each lamp-post from the mid-
point of the line-segment joining the feet of lamp-post as 300. After walking 15 m towards one of them, he
measured the elevation of its top at the point where he stands as 60 0. Determine the height of each lamp-post and
the distance between them.
15. When the sun’s altitude increases from 300 to 600, the length of the shadow of a tower decreases by 100 metres.
Find the height of the tower.
16. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from two points at distances a and b metres from the base and in the
same straight lien with it are and respectively. Prove that the height of the tower is :
17. From the top of a church spire 96 m high, the angels of depression of two cars on a road, at the same level as the
base of the spire and on the same side of it are and where and Calculate the distance
between tow cars.
18. At a point on the level ground, the angle of the elevation of a vertical tower is found to be such that its tangent is
. On waling 192 m towards the towards, the tangent of the angel is found to be . Find the height of the
tower.
19. AB is a straight road leading to C, the foot of a tower, A being at a distance of 120 m from C and B being 75 m
nearer. It the angle of elevation of the tower at B be the double of the angle of elevation of the tower at A, find the
height of the tower.
20. An aeroplane is observed at the same time by two anti-aircraft batteries distant 6000 m apart to be at elevation of
300 and 450 respectively. Assuming that the aeroplane is traveling directly towards the two batteries, find its
height and its horizontal distance from the nearer battery.
21. AT.V tower stands vertically on a bank of canal. From a point on the other bank directly opposite the tower the
angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 600. From a point 20 m away from this point on the same bank, the
angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 300. Find the height of the tower and the width of the canal.
22. A car is traveling on a straight road leading to a tower. From a point at a distance of 500 m from the tower as seen
by the driver is 300. After driving towards the tower for 10 seconds, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower
as seen by the driver is found to be 600. Find the speed of the car.
23. The height of a hill is 3300 metres. From a point P on the ground the angle of elevation of the top of the hill is
600. A balloon is moving with constant speed vertically upwards from P. After 5 minutes of its movement, a
person sitting in it observes the angle of elevation of the top of the hill as 30 0. What is the speed of the balloon ?
24. A man in a boat rowing away from a light-house 100 m high, takes 2 minutes to change the angle of elevation of
the top of the light-house from 600 to 450. Find speed of the boat.
25. From a point on the ground 40 m away from the foot of tower, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 30 0.
The angle of elevation to the top of a water tank (on the top of the tower) is 45 0. Find
(i) The height of the tower (ii) The depth of the tank.
26. At a point on a level plane, a tower subtends an angle and a man h metres high on its top an angle . Prove that

the height of the tower is :

29
27. A vertical tower stands on a horizontal plane and is surmounted by a flagstaff of height 12 metres. At a point on
the plane, the angle of elevation of the bottom of the flagstaff is 45 0 and of the top of the flagstaff is 600.
Determine the height of the tower:
28. The angles of elevation of the top and the bottom of a flagstaff fixed on a wall are 45 0 and 300 to a man standing
on the other end of the road 20 metres wide. Find the height of the flagstaff and the height of the wall.
29. An aeroplane when flying at a height of 4000 m from the ground passes vertically above another aeroplane at an
instant when the angles of the elevation of the two planes from the same point on the ground are 60 0 and 450
respectively. Find the vertical distance between the aeroplane at that instant.
30. An aeroplane when 6000 metres high passes vertically above another aeroplane at an instant when the angles of
the elevation at the same observing point are 600 and 450 respectively. How many metres higher is the one than
the other ?
31. Two aeroplane are observed to be in a vertical line. The angle of the upper plane is and a that of the lower is .
0 0
If the height of the former be H metres, find the height of the latter plane if = 60 , = 45 , H = 3500 m.
0
32. The angle of elevation of a Jet fighter from a point A on the ground is 60 . After 10 seconds flight, the angle of
the of elevation changes to 300. If the Jet is flying at a speed of 432 km/hour, find the height at which the jet is
flying.
33. The angle of elevation of a Jet fighter from a point on the ground is 600. After 15 seconds flight, the angle of the
of elevation changes to 300. If the Jet is flying at height of m, find the speed of the Jet.
34. From the top of tower 60 metres high, the angle of depression of the top and bottom of a pole are observed to be
450 and 600 respectively. Find the height of the pole and distance of tower from the pole.
35. From the top of a building 60 metres high, the angle of depression of the top and bottom of a vertical lamp-post
are observed to be 300 and 600 respectively. Find :
(i) The horizontal distance between the building and the lamp-post and
(ii) The difference between the height of the building and the lamp-post.
36. From the top of a cliff 200 metres high, the angles of depression of the top and bottom of a tower are observed to
be 300 and 600. Find the height of the tower and calculate the distance between them.
37. A man on the deck of a ship is 12 m above water level. He observes that the angle of elevation, of the top of a cliff
is 450 and the angle of depression of its base is 300. Calculate the distance of the cliff from the ship and the height
of the cliff.
38. From a window (60 metres high above the ground) of a house in a street the angles of elevation and depression of
the top and the foot of another house on opposite side of street are 600 and 450 respectively. Show that the height
of the opposite house is 60 metres.
39. A man on the deck of a ship, 16 m above water level, observes that the angle of elevation and depression
respectively of the top and bottom of a cliff are 600 and 300. Calculate the distance of the cliff from the ship and
the height of the cliff.
40. The angle of elevation of a cloud from a point 100 m above a lake is 300 and the angle of depression of its
reflection in the lake is 600. Find the height of the cloud.
41. If the angle of elevation of a cloud from a point h metres above a lake be , and the angle of depression of its
reflection in the lake be , prove that the height of the cloud is :

30
42. If the angle of elevation of a cloud from a point h metres above a lake be , and the angle of depression of its
reflection in the lake be , prove that the distance (x) of the cloud from the point of observation is : .
Find x if = 300, = 450 and h = 250 m.

TRIGONOMETRY ANSWER KEY EXERCISE-2 (X)-CBSE

EXERCISE – 3 (FOR SCHOOL/BOARD EXAMS)

PREVIOUS YEARS BOARD QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE 1
1. Without using tables, find the value of 14 sin 300 + 6 cos 600 = 5 tan 450. [ICSE-2004]

31
2. Prove that : [CBSE-Al-2004C]

3. Evaluate : [CBSE-Al-2004C]
4. Without using mathematical tables, find the value of x if cos x = cos 60 cos 30 + sin 60 sin 300.
0 0 0

[ICSE-2005]

5. Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate : [ICSE-2006]

6. Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate : [ICSE-2007]

7. Without using tables, evaluate : [ICSE-2008]

8. Prove the [ICSE-2008]

9. In the fig AD = 4 cm, BD = 3 cm and CB = 12 cm, find cot [CBSE-Delhi-2008]

10. Without using the trigonometric tables, evaluate the following :

[CBSE-Delhi-2008]

11. Without using the trigonometric tables, evaluate the following :

[CBSE-Delhi-2008]
12. If sin = cos , find the value of . [CBSE-Al-2008]
13. Without using the trigonometric tables, evaluate the following :
. [CBSE-Al-2008]
14. Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate the following :
. [CBSE-Al-2008]

15. If show that . [CBSE-Al-2008]

16. If , find the value of (sin A + cos A) sec A. [CBSE-Foreign-2008]

17. If sec 4A = cosec (A – 200), where 4A is an acute angle, find the value of A. [CBSE-Foreign-2008]
OR

In a ABC, right angled at C, if , find the value of sin A cos B + cos A sin B.

18. If cos A = , find the value of tan A + cot A. [CBSE-Foreign-2008]

19. If sin = , find the value of [2 cot2 + 2) [CBSE-Delhi-2009]

20. Simplify : [CBSE-Delhi-2009]

21. If , then find the value of k. [CBSE-Al-2009]

22. If , then evaluate

OR

32
 Find the value of tan 600 geometrically. [CBSE-Al-2009]

23. If sec A = and A + B = 900. find the value of cosec B. [CBSE-Foreign-2009]

24. Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate :

[CBSE-Foreign-2009]
SHORT ANSWER TYPE II

1. Evaluate : [Al-2005]
2. Prove that following : . [Foreign-2005]

OR

Evaluate : [Foreign-2005]

3. Prove that: .
OR
Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate the following :
. [Delhi-2005C]
4. Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate the following :

. [Al-2005C]
5. Prove that: . [ICSE-2005]

6. Prove that: . [ICSE-20056]

7. Prove that: . [ICSE-20056]

OR

Without using trigonometric tables : .

8. Prove that : [Al-2006]

OR

Without using trigonometric tables : .

9. Without using trigonometric tables : .

[Foreign-2006]
10. Without using trigonometric tables evaluate the following :

OR

Prove that : [Delhi-2006C]

33
11. Without using trigonometric tables evaluate the following : (i)
[Al-2006C]

(ii) [Delhi-2007]

(iii) [Al-2007]

12. Prove that : [ICSE-2007]

13. Prove that :

OR
Prove that : (1 + cot A – cosec A) (1 + tan A + sec A) = 2 [CBSE (Delhi)-2008]
14. Prove that :
OR
Prove that sin (1 + tan ) + cos (1 + cot ) = sec + cosec [CBSE - Al-2008]
15. Prove that : . [CBSE-foreign-2008]
OR

Without using trigonometric tables evaluate the following : .

16. Find the value of sin 300 geometrically.

OR

Without using trigonometric tables, evaluate :

[CBSE-Delhi-2009]

17. Evaluate : . [CBSE-Al-2009]

18. Prove that : [CBSE-foreign-2009]

34