Botswana Open University

Junior Certificate Programme

Mathematics

Unit 10:Trigonometry
Acknowledgements

This unit is a product of many people who worked hard to see it ready for use by BOU
learners. BOU wishes to acknowledge contributions from the following.

Programme Development Coordinator

Dikeme Kgamanyane

Writer
Milca Jimbo

Content Editor
Bale Motlotle

Editor
Lobakeng Eric Setabo

Graphic Production
Gaolatlhe Masire

© 2018 BOU

All rights reserved. Reproduction, copying and all forms of transmission are only
in accordance with the national Copyright Laws that are in force.
Please, address correspondences to:
The Vice Chancellor
BOU
Private Bag BO 187
Tel. 3181470/3646000
Fax: 3181473
Gaborone, Botswana
Margin Icons
While working through this course material you will notice the frequent use of
margin icons. These icons serve to “signpost” a particular piece of text, a new task or
change in activity; they have been included to help you to find your way around this
course material.

A complete icon set is shown below. Familiarise yourself with the icons and their
meaning before starting your study.

Learning Objectives References

Glossary Bibliography

Activity Unit Aims

Time
Unit Outcomes

Unit Assessment
Introduction

Self-assessment Exercise Further Reading

Summary
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Contents
Introduction to Unit 10 i

Lesson 1: Pythagoras rule 1

Lesson 2: Sine 20
Lesson 3: Cosine 41
Lesson 4: Tangent 55
Lesson 5: Bearings and elevations 69

Answers to Self-assessment Exercises

Self–assessment Exercise 1 75
Self–assessment Exercise 2 76
Self–assessment Exercise 3 76
Self–assessment Exercise 4 76
Self–assessment Exercise 5 77
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Introduction to Unit 10
Trigonometry
Introduction
Welcome to the tenth unit of the Three-Year Junior secondary Mathematics Course. I hope you
have completed all the units that come before this one as we shall keep on using the geometric
terms that have been introduced in Unit 7.
The unit is on trigonometry and this is a section of geometry. Like any part of geometry, we
use trigonometry in our day-to-day living. We used an example of building houses in Unit 7.
To build a house we start with a plan. To draw a plan we need to know how to calculate the
length of sides and the angles and that is where we use trigonometry. Even when it comes to
the actual building we need to cross check the sizes of our angles and lengths of sides using
trigonometry. In this unit we shall focus mainly on right-angled triangles. We shall start by
calculating the length of the missing side given the other two sides using the pythagorus rule.
Thereafter we shall learn the three trigonometric ratios namely the sine, cosine and tangent.
We will later apply these ratios to bearings and elevations.

Unit Aims

By the end of this unit you should have acquired knowledge;

• in using the Pythagorus rule
• in applying the Pythagorus rule
• on the three basic trigonometric ratios
• in applying the trigonometric ratios
• on bearings and elevations.

Unit Structure
This unit has five lessons and they are as follows;
Lesson 1 : Pythagorus rule
Lesson 2 : Sine
Lesson 3 : Cosine
Lesson 4 : Tangent
Lesson 5 : Bearings and elevations

Resources
For this unit make sure that you have a full mathematical set and most importantly the recom-
mended calculator that is, Scientific Calculator (Sharp D.A.L.) All the operations shall be based
on this calculator.

i © 2018 BOU
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Lesson 1
Pythagoras Rule
Introduction

In Unit 6 we learned how to calculate perimeter and area of different kinds of triangles. One
of these was the right-angled triangle. In this lesson we are going to learn how to calculate
the lengths of the sides of a right-angled triangle and how we can apply it in calculating other
distances.

We will need a calculator in this lesson

Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• identify the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle

• investigate the relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle
• apply Pythagoras rule in a right-angled triangle to find a specified side
• determine whether or not a triangle is a right-angled triangle
• find the distance between two points with given coordinates
• apply Pythagoras rule to real life situations.

Contents List
1.0 The Right-angled triangle 1
2.0 Pythagoras rule 3
3.0 Application of Pythagoras rule 9
4.0 Distance between two points 14

1.0 The Right-angled Triangle

By now you may be knowing that a right-angled triangle has one of its angles as 90°.
Example 1
A

B C

1
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Triangle ABC is a right-angled triangle because angle ABC is 90°. Of the sides of triangle
ABC, AC is the longest side and it is called the hypotenuse. The hypotenuse is always oppo-
site the angle which is 90°.

Activity 1

Write down the name of the side which is the hypotenuse in each of the
following right-angled triangles.
R
A
Q

B C

E M
G
N
D

I
F O
Answers H

(1)____________________________________________________
(2)_____________________________________________________
(3)_____________________________________________________
(4)_____________________________________________________
(5)_____________________________________________________

Feedback
Here we just pick the longest side or the side that is opposite the right angle. Your
answers should be as follows:
1. AC
2. PQ
3. DF
4. MO
5. GI

2
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Now that we know the hypotenuse let us see how this is related to the other sides in
the rule below.

2.0 Pythagoras Rule

In the diagram below, squares are drawn on the 3 sides of a right-angled triangle ABC.

B C

Each small square is of length 1 unit.

By counting the squares:
(a) The length of (i) AB = 3 units
(ii) BC = 4 units
(iii) AC = 5 units

(b) The area in square units of the square on

(i) AB = 3 X 3 = 9 square units
(ii) BC = 4 X4 = 16 square units
(iii) AC = 5 X 5 = 25 square units

Can you find a relationship between the areas of the square on AB and BC and the area of the
square on AC?

You may have observed that the areas of the squares on AB an BC added together is the same
as the area of the square on AC.

9 square units + 16 square units = 25 square units.

3
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Given a right-angled triangle with hypotenuse of length a, and the other shorter sides of
lengths b and c, the area of squares that can be drawn on the three sides of the triangle are a2,
b2 and c2.

The three squares give a relation a2 = b2 + c2 and this relationship is called the Pythagoras
rule (Pythagoras theorem).

a2

a
b2 b
c

c2

The Pythagoras rule therefore states that the area of the square drawn on the hypotenuse of a
right-angled triangle is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares drawn on the other shorter
sides.

2.1 Using the Pythagoras rule

Although we have used area to explain the Pythagoras rule, we use it to calculate the lengths
of sides in right-angled triangles.

Note: You need to use your calculator, as you will be required to take square roots.

Example 2
(a) Calculate the length of the hypotenuse in triangle ABC.

5cm

B 12 cm C
This is how it has to be done.
a2 = b2 + c2

4
 JC: Mathematics Unit 10

AC2 = AB2 + BC 2
AC² = 52 + 122
AC² = 25 + 144
AC² = 169
√AC² = √169 (Taking square roots on both sides)
AC = 13
The hypotenuse is 13 cm.
(b) Calculate the length of the hypotenuse, correct to three significant figures.

3.7 cm g

4.2 cm
In this case the hypothenuse is g, so just like in the example above it is calculated as follows;
g² = 3.72 + 4.22
g² = 13.69 + 17.64
g² = 31.33
√g² = √31.33
g = 5.60 cm

(c) Calculate the length of the side marked b.

b

3.4 cm 1.6 cm

3.42 = b2 + 1.62
11.56 = b2 + 2.56
11.56 – 2.56 = b2 + 2.56 – 2.56 (Subtracting 2.56 from both sides)
9.00 = b2
√9.00 = √b2 (Taking square roots on both sides)
3=b
Hence b = 3 cm
(d) Calculate the length of the side marked d.

5
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

17mm

8mm

172 = d2 + 82
289 = d2 + 64
289 – 64 = d2 + 64 - 64
225 = d2
√225 = √d2
15 = d
d = 15 cm

You should have noticed that to calculate any of the shorter sides, the Pythagoras rule can be
changed by making either b or c to be the subject of the formula.

From the rule,

a2 = b2 + c2
So, b2 = a2 - c2
Or c2 = a2 - b2

Activity 2

Calculate the length of each of the sides marked with a letter in the following dia-
grams.

1. (a)

a
24m

7m

6
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b)

10 cm b

8 cm

(c)
40 mm

c
41mm

2. Calculate the length of each of the sides marked with a letter in the following
diagrams. If the answer is not exact give your answer correct to three significant
figures

(a) 8.6 cm

5.4 cm
d

(b) e

14.3 cm

12.7 cm

Answers

(a)_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

7
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b)_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

(c)_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

2 (a)_____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

(b)_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Feedback
1. (a) Here we are looking for the hypotenuse, so
c2 = 242 + 72
= 225
Therefore,
c = 25 m

(b) Here we are looking for one of the shorter sides, so

102 = 82 + b2
b2 = 102 – 82
= 36
Therefore,
b = 6 cm
(c) same as (b) above;
c2 = 412 - 402
= 81
Therefore,
c = 9 mm
2. (a) d2 = 5.42 + 8.62
= 103.12
d = 10.2 cm

8
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b) 14.32 = 12.72 + e2

e2 = 14.32 – 12.72
= 43.2
Therefore, e = 6.57 cm

3.0 Application of Pythagoras Rule

Pythagoras rule can be used in solving many practical problems.

Example 3

(a) In the triangle ABC, AB = 17 cm, BC = 16.8 cm and AC = 2.6 cm. Is triangle ABC a
right-angled triangle?

Solution:
AB is the longest side i.e. the hypotenuse.
If ABC is a right-angled triangle, then
AB2 = BC2 + AC2
172 = 16.82 + 2.62
289 = 282.24 + 6.76
289 = 289
Hence ABC is a right-angled triangle.

(b) In triangle DEF, DE = 2 cm, EF = 5 cm and DF = 8.5 cm. Is triangle DEF a right-an-
gled triangle?

Solution:
DF is the longest side i.e. the hypotenuse.
If DEF is a right-angled triangle then,
DF2 = DE2 + EF2
8.52 = 22 + 52
72.25 = 4 + 25
72.25 = 29

72.25 is not equal to 29 therefore the triangle is not a right-angled triangle.

(c) The lengths of the sides of a triangle are 2.3 mm, 3.5 mm and 3.9 mm. Is the triangle

9
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

right angled?

Solution
3.92 = 2.32 + 3.52
15.21 = 5.29 + 12.25
15.21 = 17.54

15.21 ≠ 17 .54
The triangle is not right-angled.

Activity 3

The following are lengths of the sides of triangles.

Use Pythagoras rule to determine if the triangles are right-angled or not.

(a) 9 cm, 12 cm and 15 cm

(b) 13 mm, 15 mm and 21 mm

(c) 1.6 cm, 3 cm and 3.4 cm

(d) 1.5 cm, 3 cm and 4.5 cm

(e) 26 mm, 43mm and 50 mm

(a)_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(b)_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(c)_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(d)_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

10
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(e)_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Feedback
(a) 225 = 225 It is right-angled
(b) 441 ≠ 394 It is not right-angled
(c) 11.56 = 11.56 It is right-angled
(d) 20.25 ≠ 11.25 It is not right-angled
(e) 2500 ≠ 2525 It is not right-angled

Example 4
(a) A ladder rests against a vertical wall. The foot of the ladder is 4.5 m from the foot of the
wall on level ground. The ladder rests against the wall 6 m above the ground. How long is the
ladder?

6m ladder

4.5 m

From the diagram, the ladder is the hypotenuse of a right angle.

l2 = (4.5 m)2 + (6 m)2

l2 = 20.25 + 36
l2 = 56.25
√l2 = √56.25
l = 7.5m

The ladder is 7.5 m

(b) A ship sails 8 km South and then 6 km East. How far is it from its starting point?

11
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

8 km d

South 6 km East

Solution:
d2 = 82 + 62
d2 = 64 + 36
d2 = 100
d = √100
d = 10

It is 10 km from its starting point.

(c) A rectangular field has diagonals 40 metres long. The length of the field is 32 metres.
Calculate the width.

w 40 m

32 m
Solution:
402 = w2 + 322
1600 = w2 + 1024
1600 – 1024 = w2 + 1024 -1024
576 = w2
w = √576
w = 24
The width is 24 metres

Activity 4

1. A car travels 8 km North, then 15 km West. How far is it from its starting

12
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

point?

West 15 km North

d 8 km

2. A ladder of length 12.5 m is placed on horizontal ground. The foot of the lad-
der is 3.5 m from the vertical wall. How far up the wall does it reach? Give your
answer to three significant figures.

h 12.5m

3.0m

3. Calculate the length of the diagonal in the following rectangle, giving your
answer to three significant figures.

20 m 1

35m

Answers
1. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________

13
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Feedback
1. d2 = 152 + 82
= 289
d = 17 km

2. h2 = 12.52 – 3.0 2
= 147.25
h = 12.1 m

3. l2 = 352 + 202
= 1225 + 400
= 1625 m
l = 40 .3 m

4.0 Distance Between Two Points

We can use Pythagoras rule to find the distance between 2 points on a grid.
Example 5

(a)
B
*

A
*

14
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

To find the distance between the two points A and B:

First draw a horizontal line and a vertical line to form a right-angled triangle. Let us name the
third vertex as C.

A C

By counting the number of units (square).

A to C = 3 units
B to C = 4 units
In applying the Pythagoras rule

AB² = AC2 + BC2

AB² =32 + 42
AB2 = 9 + 16
AB2 = 25
AB = √25
AB = 5 units

Hence the length of AB is 5 units.

(b) Find the distance between the points X(2, 3) and Y (8,8).
In this example we first plot the points so that we may form a right-angled triangle.
X
Y
8

4
X Z

Y
2 4 6 8

15
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

XZ = 6 units
YZ = 5 units

XY2 = XZ2 + YZ2

XY2 = 62 + 52
XY2 = 36 + 25
XY2 = 61
XY = √61
XY = 7.81

We can work out the distance between two points without plotting them. This we do by
determining horizontal and vertical units.

Horizontal distance is the difference between the x-coordinates.

As in (b) above 8 - 2 = 6 units
Vertical distance is the difference between the y-coordinates.
8 – 3 = 5 units

(c) Find the distance between the points (3,4) and (8, 11).

Note: When doing this calculation it is important not to confuse the different coordinates.
One way to avoid confusion is to write down (x1, y1) and (x2,y2) under the coordinates.
(3,4) (8,11)
(x1,y1) (x2,y2)

Horizontal distance = x2 – x1 = 8 – 3 = 5

Vertical distance = y2 – y1 = 13 – 1 = 12

d2 = 52 + 122
d2 = 25 + 144
d2 = 169
d = √169
d = 13 units

(d) Find the distance between (1,4) and (6,2) correct to 2 decimal places.
(1,4) (6,2)

16
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(x1,y1) (x2,y2)

x2 – x1 = 6 – 1 = 5
y2 – y1 = 2 – 4 = -2

d2 = 52 + (-2)2
d2 = 25 + 4
d2 =29
d = √29
d = 5.39 units

Activity 5

Find the distance between each pair of points. Give answers correct to 3 signifi-
cant figures.

1. (1,2) and (4,6)

2. (0,3) and (2,5)

3. (10,8) and (2,3)

4. (-5,19) and (-12, 19)

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________

17
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Feedback

1. d = (4 −1)2 − (6 − 2)2
= 32 + 4 2
= 25
= 5 units

2. d = (2 − 0)2 + (5 − 3)2
= 8  
= 2.83 units

3. 9.43 units
4. 3 units

Summary

• Hypotenuse is the longest side of a right angled triangle.

• Pythagoras rule states that
a2 = b2 + c2 where a is the hypotenuse

a
b

• Pythagoras rule is used in calculating the distance between 2 points.

Self-assessment Exercise 1

1. Calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle in which the sides next
to the right angle are:

(a) 5 cm and 12 cm
(b) 9 cm and 12 cm
(c) 15 cm and 20 cm

18
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

2. Calculate the length of the third side of a right angled triangle in which the hypotenuse
and another side are: (if the answer is not exact give it to two decimal places.)

(a) 20 cm and 9 cm
(b) 8 cm and 3 cm
(c) 5.8 cm and 4.2 cm

3. In the triangle ABC, AB = BC = 9 cm. BD = 6 cm, and angle BDA = 90˚. Calculate the
length of AC, correct to three significant figures.
B

9 cm 9 cm

6 cm

A C
D
4. A football pitch has been marked out on a plot of level ground. The sides of the pitch
are 120 m and 90 m. To check the right angles the two diagonals are measured. How long
should they be?

90 m

120 m

5. Find the distance between the following pairs of points

(a) (-5,6) and (2,-3)
(b) (5,3) and (8,7)
(c) (3,-4) and (0,-7)
(d) (6,1) and (9,5)
6. A is the point (6,8) and B is the point (1,3). What is the length between the points?

7. The coordinates of the vertices of a triangle ABC are A(5,2), B(7,7) and C(10,4).
(a) Calculate the lengths of AB, BC and AC.
(b) What type of triangle is ABC?

19
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Lesson 2
Sine

i Introduction

In Lesson 1 we learned how to calculate any missing length of the sides of right angled
triangles by using the Rule of Pythagoras. In this lesson we are going to learn the relationship
between the angles and the lengths of the sides of a right angled triangle. This is called
Trigonometry. Trigonometry involves three ratios, namely Sine, Cosine and Tangent. In this
lesson we are going to learn about Sine.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• identify adjacent, opposite and hypotenuse with reference to a given angle.

• calculate the sine in a right angled triangle
• calculate the missing lengths and angles in a given triangle using sine rule.

Content List

1.0 Naming the sides of a right angled triangle 21

2.0 The Sine of an angle 24
3.0 Calculating the length of the length of the opposite side 28
4.0 Calculate the length of the hypotenuse 31
5.0 Caculate the length using the sine ratio 34
Summary 39
Self-assessment 2 39

20
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

1.0 Naming The Sides of a Right-angled Triangle

In Lesson 1 we learnt that the longest side of a right angled triangle is called the hypotenuse.
We can also give names to the other 2 sides with reference to one of the angles.
Example 1
(a) A

Hypotenuse
Opposite

B C
Adjacent

Triangle ABC is a right angled triangle, with angle ACB marked. Side AC is the hypotenuse.
With reference to angle ACB:
• Side AB is opposite angle ACB, and it is called the opposite side.
• Side BC is next to (or adjacent to) angle ACB and it is called the adjacent side.

(b) X Adjacent Y

Hypotenuse Opposite

In triangle XYZ, angle YXZ is marked, therefore with reference to this angle:
o XZ is the hypotenuse.
o XY is the adjacent side.
o YZ is the opposite side.

(c) S Hypotenuse T

Opposite Adjacent

21
 JC: Mathematics Unit 10

In triangle RST, angle RTS is marked.

ST is the hypotenuse.
RT is the adjacent side.
SR is the opposite side.

Activity 1

Copy and complete the following table using the triangles with reference to the
angle marked x. The first one (a) is done for you.

Triangle Hypotenuse Opposite Adjacent

(a) ABC AC AB CB

(b) DEF

(c) GHI

(d) JKL

(e) MNO

(f) PQR

(g) STU

E
A
(a) (b)

F x

x
C B D

H G
J
(c) x (d)

L x

I K

22
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

M
(e) (f) (g)
x P
S
x
x

O N Q R T U

Answer

Triangle Hypotenuse Opposite Adjacent

(a) ABC AC AB CB
(b) DEF
(c) GHI
(d) JKL
(e) MNO
(f) PQR
(g) STU

Feedback
Triangle Hypotenuse Opposite Adjacent
(a) ABC AC AB CB
(b) DEF DF DE FE
(c) GHI GI IH GH
(d) JKL JL JK LK
(e) MNO MO NO MN
(f) PQR PR RQ PQ
(g) STU SU TU ST

I hope you have got all of the answers correct as this activity is very simple. Let us continue
and look at the sine of an angle.

23
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

2.0 The Sine of an Angle

Consider the diagram drawn below.

G

A B D F

From the figure;

• the ratio BC 2 cm
= = 0.513
AC 3.9 cm

• the ratio DE 3.2 cm

= = 0.508
AE 6.3 cm

• the ratio FG 4.5 cm

= = 0.5
AG 9.0 cm

What do you notice?

Although not very accurate, the ratio is about the same in all the three cases.

With reference to the angle at point A:

• In triangle ABC
BC is the opposite side and AC is the hypotenuse.
• In triangle ADE
DE is the opposite side and AE is the hypotenuse.
• In triangle AFG
FG is the opposite side and AG is the hypotenuse.

So the ratio we have calculated is as follows:

24
 JC: Mathematics Unit 10

• BC Opposite side
=
AC Hypotenuse

• DE Opposite side
=
AE Hypotenuse

• FG Opposite side
=
AG Hypotenuse

We call each ratio, the Sine of angle A. Angle = A = 30° and Sine of 30° = 0.5 from the
calculator.
To find Sine 30°, press the keys of the calculator as follows.

Si 3 0 = 0.5 Result on display

So from the figure,

Sin A = BC; Sin A = DE; Sin A = FG

AC AE AG

Opposite
Sine of angle x =  
Hypotenuse

opposite side hypotenuse

We could find an estimate of the size of the sine of any acute angle by making it an angle of a
right angled triangle and finding the ratio, Opposite side
 
Hypotenuse
This takes a long time and is not very accurate. These values have been worked out for us and
we simply obtain them from the calculator.
Note: Sine is written in short as Sin

Example 2
Use your calculator to find the following correct to three significant figures.

25
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(a) Sin 35°

Press the keys of the calculator as follows:

Si 3 5 = 0.573576436 display

Sin 35° = 0.574

(b) Sin 87°

0.998629534 display
Sin 87° = 0.999

(c) Sin 8.5°

0.147809411 display

Sin 8.5 = 0.148

Activity 2

Use your calculator to find the following correct to three significant figures.

1. Sin 43.4°

2. Sin 55°

3. Sin 62°

4. Sin 24.8°

5. Sin 60°

6. Sin 30.8°

7. Sin 90°

8. Sin 0°

9. Sin 9.2°

10. Sin 77°

Answers
1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________

26
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

5. ________________________
6. ________________________
7. ________________________
8. ________________________
9. ________________________
10. ________________________

Feedback

On your calculator you just press sin, then the angle given, and the equal sign and
should have obtained the following;

1. 0.687
2. 0.819
3. 0.883
4. 0.419
5. 0.866
6. 0.512
7. 1
8. 0
9. 0.160
10. 0.974

We can use the sine ration to calculate the length of a side of a triangle.
We have already known that,
Opposite
Sine of an angle x =  
Hypotenuse
Or in short
Opp
Sin x =
Hyp

27
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

3.0 Calculating the Length of the Opposite Side

To calculate the opposite side, we need to know the angle and the hypotenuse.

Example 3

(a) Triangle ABC is right angled with AC = 12 cm and angle ACB = 32°. Calculate the
length of AB.
A

opposite side hypotenuse

32°
B C

AC is the hypotenuse
AB is the opposite side

opposite
Sin x = hypotenuse  

AB
Sin 32° =
AC
AB
Sin 32° = 12

AB
12 x Sin 32° = x 12 (multiply both sides by 12)
12

12 x Sin 32° = AB

AB = 12 x Sin 32° (this can be written as 12Sin 32°)

1 2 X Si 3 2 =

12Sin 32° = 6.359031171 (displayed)

Hence AB = 6.36 cm (correct to 3 significant figures)

28
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b) Calculate the length of b to 3 significant figures.

b

8 cm

35°

Hypotenuse is 8 cm
Opposite side is b
opp
Hence, Sin x =  
hyp
b
Sin 35° =
8
b
8 x Sin 35 = x 8 (multiply both sides by 8)
8

8 x Sin 35 = b
b = 8 x Sin 35
b = 4.59 cm

(c) Find the length of C to 3 significant figures.

10 cm

20.5°
Opp
Sin x =
Hyp
C
Sin 20.5° =
10

C
10 x Sin 20.5° = x 10
10

10 x Sin 20.5° = C
C = 10 x Sin 20.5°
C = 3.50 cm

29
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Activity 3

In each triangle, calculate the length of the side marked with a letter. Give your
answers correct to three significant figures if the answer is not exact.

1. 2.
5cm

a 13 cm b 48°

35°

3. 4. d

C 10 cm
6.5cm

57°

70°

5.
e

6.2cm
30°

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

30
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Feedback

You should have obtained the following;

1. 13 x Sin 35 = 7.46 cm
2. 5 x Sin 48 = 3.72 cm
3. 10 x Sin 70 = 9.40 cm
4. 6.5 x Sin 57 = 5.45 cm
5. 6.2 x Sin 30 = 3.1 cm

4.0 Calculating the Length of the Hypotenuse

To calculate the hypotenuse, we need to know the angle and the opposite side.
Sin x = Opposite side
Hypotenuse

Example 4
(a) Calculate the length of AC in triangle ABC.
C

b 8cm

40°
A B

BC is the opposite side

AC is the hypotenuse

Sin A = BC
AC

Sin 40° = 8
b

b x Sin 40° = 8 x b (multiply both sides by b)
b

b Sin 40° = 8
b Sin 40° = 8 (divide both sides by Sin 40°)
Sin 40° Sin 40°

8 b =
Sin 40°

31
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Using the calculator press the following keys.

8 ÷ Si 4 0 =

b = 12.44579061 (displayed)
b = 12.4 cm (correct to 3 significant figures)
(b) Calculate the length of the side marked “a” in the given triangle to three significant
figures.

10 cm a

32°

Sin x = Opp
Hyp

Sin 32° = 10
a

a x Sin 32° = 10 x a (multiply both sides by a)

a

a Sin 32° = 10

a Sin 32° = 10 (divide both sides by Sin 32°)

Sin 32° Sin 32°

a = 10
Sin 32°

a = 18.9 cm

(c) Calculate the length of “d” correct to two decimal places.

7.2cm

64.2°

32
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Sin x = Opp
Hyp

Sin 64.2°= 7.2
d

d x Sin 64.2° = 7.2 x d

d

d Sin 64.2° = 7.2

Sin 64.2° Sin 64.2°

d = 7.2
Sin 64.2°

d = 8.00 cm

Activity 2

In each triangle, calculate the lengths of the sides marked with a letter. Give your answers
correct to three significant figures.
1) 2) 3) 29.5°

a 6.1cm d
4cm e

37°
56° 3cm

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

33
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Feedback:
You should have obtained the following;

6.1
a =
1. = 10.1 cm
Sin37
4
d =
2.  
= 4.82 cm
sin56
3
e =
3. = 6.09 cm
sin29.5

5.0 Calculating angles using the sine ratio

Before we start calculating angles, we are going to learn how to find an angle given its sine.

When finding angles with a calculator given their Sines the inverse or 2nd function key
must be pressed. The 2nd function key/inverse is at the top left corner of the calculator.

Example 5

(a) If Sin A = 0.707, find the value of A

To find the angle, press the keys as follows;

2nd Si . 7 0 7 =

Sin-1 0.707 = 44.99134834 should be displayed.

A = 45.0° correct to one decimal place.

When we calculate angles, we shall be giving our answers correct to one decimal place

(b) If Sin A = 0.811, find the value of A. Pressing the keys as shown in example (a),
Sin 0.811 = 54.19374949 should be displayed.
-1

Hence A = 54.2° (correct to 1 decimal place)

(c) If Sin A = 0.875, find the value of A.

Sin-1 0.8757 = 61.04497563 should be displayed.
Hence A = 61.0° (correct to 1 decimal place)

34
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Activity 5

Using a calculator, find the size of each angle A with the following Sines.

1. Sin A = 0.429

2. Sin A = 0.941

3. Sin A = 0.019

4. Sin A = 0.231

5. Sin A = 0.314

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________

Feedback:
1. 25.4°
2. 70.2°
3. 1.1°
4. 13.4°
5. 18.3°

We can now use the ratio to find the size of angles in a right angled triangle.

35
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Example 6

(a) Calculate the size of angle BAC.

C

5 cm
3 cm

B A

Sin BAC = BC
AC

Sin BAC = 3
5
Sin BAC = 0.6

Angle BAC = Sin-1 0.6

Angle BAC = 36.0°

(b) Calculate the size of angle XYZ

X
3 cm

7 cm
Y

Sin XYZ = XZ
ZY
Sin XYZ = 3
7

Sin XYZ = 0.429 (correct to 3 significant figures)

Angle XYZ = Sin-1 0.6
Angle XYZ = 25.4°

36
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Activity 6

Calculate the sides of each angle marked x.

P
S T
x x

1. 2.
5 cm 1 cm
4 cm

U
Q 4 cm R

X 5 cm Y D

14 cm
3. 4.
10 cm
x F
6 cm

x
E

9 cm
5.
7 cm
x O

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

37
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

3. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Feedback

4
1. Sin QPR = , therefore angle QPR = 53.1°
5
1
2. Sin TSU = , therefore angle TSU = 14.5°
4
5
3. Sin XZY = , therefore angle XZY = 56.4°
6
10
4. Sin DFE = , therefore angle DFE = 45.6°
14
7
5. Sin MON = , therefore angle MON = 51.1°
9

I hope you have learnt a lot form the above section, in the next lesson we shall continue and
look at the cosine of an angle.

38
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Summary

Here are some points that you will have to remember all the time;
• In a right angled triangle,

hypotenuse
Opposite

adjacent

Sin x = Opposite side

Hypotenuse

• In order to calculate the sides and angles in a right angled triangle, you need to
know either
(a) two sides of the triangle, or
(b) one side and one angle besides the right angle.
• Given two sides,
(a) if the third side has to be calculated, then use the Rule of Pythagoras
(b) if an angle has to be calculated then use sine ratio if given the opposite
side to the angle and the hypotenuse

Self-assessment Exercise 2

1. Calculate the length of the hypotenuse in the following triangles giving your answers to
3 significant figures.

a) b)
f
7.5cm 12 cm
64°

38°
e

c) 63°

6 cm
h

39
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

2. Calculate the size of the angles marked x in each of the following triangles. Give your
answers correct to one decimal place.

a)
7.8 cm

x
10 cm

b)

8 cm

5 cm

x
c)
9 cm

7.3 cm

d)
12 cm
8 cm

40
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Lesson 3
Cosine

i Introduction

In the unit introduction we mentioned that there are three trigonometric ratios, and in lesson 2
we discussed the first ratio which is the Sine. In this lesson we are going to continue and look
at the second ratio which is the cosine.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• identify adjacent, opposite and hypotenuse with reference to a given angle.

• calculate the Cosine ratio in a right angled triangle
• calculate the missing lengths and angles in a given triangle, using Cosine.

Content List

1.0 The cosine of an angle 41

2.0 Calculating the lengths of sides using cosine 45
3.0 Calculating angles using cosine 49
Summary 52
Self-assessment 2 53

1.0 The Cosine of an Angle

Suppose we want to calculate the length of YZ using Sine 40° in triangle XYZ, can we do it?

40°
Y Z

41
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

No, it is not possible because YZ is not the opposite side to angle 40°. Recall that in a right
angled triangle, we have three sides; the hypotenuse, opposite side and adjacent side to a
given angle.
The side YZ is the adjacent side to angle Z.
The adjacent side and the hypotenuse make the angle.

In a right angled triangle, we call the ratio adjacent side   ,the Cosine of the angle.
hypotenuse

Cosine is written in short as Cos.

Hence,

Cosine of an angle = adjacent side  

hypotenuse

For us to be able calculate the Cosine of an angle, we first have to identify the adjacent side.
Example 7

1. Identify the adjacent sides to the angle marked x in each triangle.

X

i) G ii)
x

x
P R Y Z
PR is the adjacent side. XZ is the adjacent side.

We can find Cosines of angles using a scientific calculator in the same way as we found the
Sines.
1. Find Cos 64°

Press calculator keys as follows;

Cos 6 4 =

Cos 64 = 0.438371146 is displayed.

Thus Cos 64° = 0.438 correct to three significant figures.

42
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Activity 7

1. Name the adjacent sides to the angle marked x in each of the following.

P R W
x
a) b)

X
S

M N R
x
c) d)

x
O
S T

2. Use your calculator to find the following, correct to three significant

figures.

(a) Cos 20°

(b) Cos 19.2°

(c) Cos 68.7°

(d) Cos 89.7°

(e) Cos 90°

(f) Cos 0°

43
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Answers:

1. a) ______________________________________________________________

b)______________________________________________________________

c)______________________________________________________________

d)______________________________________________________________

2. a)______________________________________________________________

b)______________________________________________________________

c)______________________________________________________________

d)______________________________________________________________

e)______________________________________________________________

f)______________________________________________________________

Feedback
You should have obtained the following;
1. (a) PR
(b) YX
(c) MN
(d) ST

2. (a) 0.940
(b) 0.944
(c) 0.363
(d) 0.005
(e) 0
(f) 1

44
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

2.0 Calculating the Lengths of Sides Using Cosine

Like Sine ratio, the Cosine ratio can also be used to calculate sides in a right angled triangle.
But in this case we use the adjacent side and hypotenuse.

adjacent side
Cosine of an angle =  
hypotenuse

Example 8

(a) Triangle ABC is a right angled triangle with hypotenuse of length 10 cm, and angle
ACB = 45°. Calculate the side BC.
A

10 cm

45°
B C

BC is adjacent to angle ACB = 45°.

Using the Cosine ratio
Cos ACB = Adj
Hypo

Cos ACB = BC
Hypo

Cos 45 ° = BC
10

10 x Cos 45 ° = BC x 10 (Multiply both sides by 10)

10

10 x Cos 45 ° = BC
BC = 10 Cos 45°
BC = 10 x 0.707
BC = 7.07 cm

45
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b) Calculate the side marked a in the given triangle, correct to 3 significant figures.

50°
7 cm

a
F

A is adjacent to the given angle and 7 cm is the hypotenuse.

Cos x = adj
hyp

a
Therefore Cos 50 =  
7
7 x Cos 50 = a
a = 7 x Cos 50
a = 7 x 0.643
a = 4.50 cm

(c) Calculate the side marked b in the given triangle, correct to 3 significant figures.

9.08 cm
b

68.4°

9.08 is adjacent to the given angle and b is the hypotenuse.

Cos x = adj
hyp

Cos 68.4° = 9.08

b

b x Cos 68.4° = 9.08 x b (Multiply both sides by b)

b

b x Cos 68.4° = 9.08
b x Cos 68.4° = 9.08 (Dividing both sides by Cos 68.4° )
Cos 68.4° Cos 68.4°

b = 9.08
Cos 68.4°

b = 24.7°

46
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(d) Calculate the length of the hypotenuse in the given triangle.

53.3°

12 cm c

Cos x = adj
hyp

Cos 53.3° = 12
c

c x Cos 53.3° = 12 x c
c

c x Cos 53.3° = 12
Cos 53.3° Cos 53.3°

c = 12
Cos 53.3°

c = 20.1°

Activity 8

Calculate the length of the side marked with a letter in each of the following tri-
angles. Give the answers correct to 3 significant figures.
s
1) 2)
37°

9.36 cm
6.5 cm

47.2°
t

3) 4) 4.8 cm
25.8°
u

28°
5 cm v

47
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

5) 6) x
60.9°

7 cm
w

71.9°
12.5 cm

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

6. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

48
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Feedback

1. s = 6 x Cos 37 = 5.19 cm
2. t = 9.36 x Cos 47.2 = 6.36 cm
3. u = 5 x Cos28 = 4.41 cm
4. v = 4.8   = 5.33 cm
C os25.8

5. w = 12.5 =   40.2 cm
C os 71.9

6. x = 7   = 14.4 cm
C os60.9

3.0 Calculating Angles Using Cosine

We can also calculate the sizes of angles in right angled triangles using the Cosine ratio. As
in the Sine ratio, when finding angles in a calculator the inverse or 2nd function key must be
pressed. Before calculating angles, let us first of all find the sizes of angles given their Co-
sines.

Example 9
(a) If Cos A = 0.574, find the value of A.
To find the value of A, press the keys as follows;

2nd Cos . 5 7 4 =

Cos-1 0.574 = 54.97036838 is displayed.

Hence A = 55.0° correct to one dexcimal place.

(b) If Cos A = 0.848, find the value of A

Cos-1 0.848 = 32.00519986 is displayed
Hence A = 32.0°

49
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Activity 9

Using a calculator, find the size of each angle A with the following Cosines.

1. Cos A = 0.342

2. Cos A = 0.906

3. Cos A = 0.017

4. Cos A = 0.760

5. Cos A = 0.500

Answers

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

Feedback
You should have obtained the following;
1. 70°
2. 25°
3. 89°
4. 40.5°
5. 60°
Calculate the sizes of the angles that in the examples that follow.
Example 10
(a) Calculate the size of angle ABC in the given triangle
A

10 cm

x
C 5 cm B

50
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Cos ABC = BC
AB

Cos ABC = 5
10

Cos ABC = 0.5
Angle ABC = 60°

(b) Calculate the size of the angle marked x.

6 cm
x

8 cm

Cos x = adj
hypo

Cos x = 6
8

Cos x = 0.75
x = 41.4°

Activity 10

Calculate the size of the angle marked x in each of the following triangles. Give
the answers correct to one decimal place.
10 cm G
1. 2.
O
x
N

6 cm 4.4 cm

O
x
H 3.2 cm I

3. S T 4. V W

1.5 cm 3.7 cm 10 cm 32.1 cm

x x

R U

51
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Answers:

1. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Feedback

You should have obtained the following;

6
1. Cos x = , therefore x = 53.1°
10
3.2
2. Cos x = , therefore x = 43.3°
4.4
1.5
3. Cos x = , therefore x = 66.1°
3.7
10
4. Cos x = , therefore x = 71.8°
32.1

Summary

Here are some points that you will have to remember all the time;

52
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

• In a right angled triangle,

hypotenuse
opposite

x
adjacent

Cos x = Adjacent side

Hypotenuse

• In order to calculate the sides and angles in a right angled triangle, you need to
know either
(a) two sides of the triangle, or
(b) one side and one angle besides the right angle.

• Given two sides,

(c) if the third side has to be calculated, then use the rule of Pythagoras
(d) if an angle has to be calculated then use cosine ratio if given the adjacent side and
the hypotenuse.

Self-assessment Exercise 3

1. Calculate the length of the hypotenuse in each of the following triangles. Give the
answers correct to 3 significant figures.

5 cm
a) b) 35°
8 cm

69° t

c) d) 4 cm

3.5 cm u
v

71.9°

53
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

a) b) 32 mm

4.5 cm x

10 mm
x
3 cm

10 cm
c) x d)
x 7 cm

6 cm
14 cm

54
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Lesson 4
Tangent

i Introduction

This is a continuation of the two previous lesson. In Lesson 2 and 3 we learned about the Sine
and Cosine ratios respectively, in right angled triangles. In this lesson we are going to learn
about the third ratio called the Tangent.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• calculate the tangent ratio in a right angled triangle

• calculate the missing lengths and angles in a given triangle using tangent
• calculate the missing lengths and angles in a given triangle using the three ratios

Content List

1.0 Tangent of an angle 55

2.0 Mixed examples 63
Summary 66
Self-assessment exercise 4 67

1.0 The Tangent of an Angle

In triangle PQR below, can you find the length of PR by using either Sine or Cosine? The
sides involved are the opposite side to Q and the adjacent side to Q.

38°
R 5 cm Q

55
 JC: Mathematics Unit 10

We cannot use Sine or Cosine, in this case.

The ratio we need to use in this case is Opposite . This is called the Tangent of an angle.
Adjacent
So in triangle PQR,

PR PR
Tangent of angle PQR = , which in short we write as, tan 38° = .
QR QR

Notice that the tangent of an angle does not involve the hypotenuse. It involves the two
arms of the right angle. We find the Tangent of an angle using a calculator in the some way as
for Sine and Cosine.

Activity 1

1. Write, as a ratio of sides, the tangents of the marked angles in the following
triangles. The first one has been done for you.

opp
x
a) b)
tan x =  
hyp e
b d
a
c x
tan x =  
a f
c

m
n
c) d)
y x
x
€ p

s
e) x

u
t

56
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

2. Use your calculator to find the following correct to three significant figures.

(a) tan 22°

(b) tan 53.6°

(c) tan 45°

(d) tan 89.8°

Answers

1. (a) tan x = c
a

(b) __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

(c) __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

(d) __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

(e) __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. (a)___________________________________

(b)___________________________________

(c)___________________________________

(d)___________________________________

Feedback
You should have obtained the following;
1. (a) tan x = c
a

(b) tan x = d
e

57
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(c) tan x = m
n

(d) tan x = z
y

(e) tan x = u
s

2. Here you just press tan in your calculator, followed by the angle given. You
should have obtained the following;
(a) 0.404
(b) 1.36
(c) 1.00
(d) 286

1.2 Calculating length of sides and angles using tangent

The tangent ratio can be used to calculate lengths of sides and angles of right angled triangles,
by using
opposite side
tan x =  
adjacent side

Example 1
1. Calculate, correct to 3 significant figures the values of the letters in the following triangles.

(a)
a

36°
4.5 cm

opp
tan x =  
adj
a
tan 36° =  
4.5

4.5 x tan 36° = x 4.5

4.5 x tan 36° = a
a = 4.5 x tan 36
a = 3.27 cm

58
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

b
(b)

5 cm

72°

opp
tan x =  
adj
b
tan 36° =  
5

5 x tan 72° = b x 5
5

5 x tan 72° = b
b = 5 x tan 72°
b = 15.4 cm

(c)
4.8mm
c

30°

opp
tan x =  
adj

tan 30° = 4.8

c

c x tan 30° = 4.8 x c
c

c x tan 30° = 4.8
c x tan 30° = 4.8
tan 30° tan 30°

c = 4.8
tan 30°

c = 8.31 mm

59
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

8 mm
(d)

39°

opp
tan x =  
adj

tan 39° = 8
d

8 d
d x tan 39° = x
d
d x tan 39° = 8
tan 39° tan 39°

d = 8
tan 39°

d = 9.88 mm

2. Calculate to one decimal place, the sizes of the marked angle.

(a)

4 cm

9 cm

opp
tan x =
 
adj

tan x = 4
9

tan x = 0.444
x = tan-1 (4/9)
x = 24.0°

60
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b)
4.8 mm

x
5.9 cm

opp
tan x =  
adj

tan x = 4.8
5.9

tan x = 0.814
x = 39.1°

Activity 2

1. Use your calculator to find angle A correct to one decimal place, if

(a) tan A = 0.499

(b) tan A = 0.813

(c) tan A = 3.812

(d) tan A 7.115

2. Calculate the length of the marked sides , correct to 3 significant figures.

63°

(a)
5.3 mm

12 cm
(b)

32°

61
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(c) Calculate the size of angle z correct to one decimal place.

15 cm

9 cm

Answers:

1. (a)___________________________________________________________

(b)_______________________________________________________________

(c)_______________________________________________________________

(d)_______________________________________________________________

2. (a)___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

(b)_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Feedback:

To get the answers for these 2nd Function in your calculator, then tan and the figure
given and the equal sign. You should have got the following answers;
1. (a) 26.5°
(b) 39.1°

62
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(b) 39.1°
(c) 75.3°
(d) 82.0°

2. (a) 5.3 x tan 63 = 10.4 mm

(b) 12 x tan 32 = 19.2 cm
3. tan x = 15  , therefore x = 59.0°
9

Let us now look at the examples inlvolving all the three ratios.

2.0 Mixed Examples

Considering all the three ratios together,

Sine of an angle = Opposite side
Hypotenuse

Taking the first letter of each word,
S for Sine
O for Opposite side and,
H for hypotenuse
This forms SOH.

Cosine of an angle = Adjacent side

Hypotenuse

Taking the first letter of each word,
C for Cosine
A for adjacent side and,
H for hypotenuse
This forms CAH. Finally,
Tangent of an angle = Opposite side
Adjacent side

Taking the first letter of each word,

T for Tangent
O for Opposite side and,
A for adjacent side
This forms TOA.

So to remember these ratios easily, you should always think of SOHCAHTOA.

63
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Example 2

1. (a) Calculate the lengths of the marked sides to 3 significant figures.

36°
25 cm

w is the hypotenuse
25 cm is adjacent to the given angle
The correct ratio to be used is Cosine (CAH).

Cos x = adjacent
hypotenuse

Cos 36° = 25
w

w x Cos 36° = 25 x w
w

w x Cos 36° = 25
Cos 36° Cos 36°

w = 25
Cos 36°

w = 30.9 cm

(b) 12 cm
53.1°

12 cm is adjacent to the given angle.

t is opposite to the given angle.
The correct ratio to be used is tangent (TOA).

64
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

tan x = opposite side

adjacent side

tan 53.1° = t
12

12 x tan 53.1° = t x 12
12

12 x tan 53.1° = t
t = 12 x tan 53.1
t = 16.0 cm

(c)

6 cm
x

30°

6 cm is the hypotenuse.
x is the opposite side to the given angle.
The correct ratio to be used is Sine (SOH).

Sin x = Opposite side

Hypotenuse

Sin 30° = X
6

6 x Sin 30° = X x 6
6

6 x Sin 30° = X
X = 6 x Sin 30°
X = 3 cm
2. Calculate correct to one decimal place the size of the angle indicated by a letter.

6 cm
14 cm

6 cm is the opposite side to the given angle.

14 cm is the adjacent side to the given agnle.
The correct ratio is tangent.

65
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

tan x = opposite side

adjacent side

tan x = 6
14

tan x = 0.429
x = 23.2°

(b)

13 cm

y
12 cm

12 cm is the adjacent side to the given angle.

13 cm is the hypotenuse.
The correct ratio is Cosine.
Cos x = adj
hyp

Cos x = 12
13
Cos x = 0.923
x = 22.6°

Summary

Here we shall include all the points for all the three ratios;

• In a right angled triangle,

Hypotenuse
Opposite

x
Adjacent

66
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Sin x = Opposite side

Hypotenuse

Cos x = Adjacent side

Hypotenuse

Tan x = Opposite side

Adjacent side

• In order to calculate the sides and angles in a right angled triangle, you need to know
either
(a) two sides of the triangle, or
(b) one side and one angle besides the right angle.

• Given two sides,

(e) if the third side has to be calculated, then use the rule of Pythagoras
(f) if an angle has to be calculated then use the appropriate ratio:
• use sine ratio if given the opposite side to the angle and the hypotenuse
• use cosine ratio if given the adjacent side and the hypotenuse
• use tangent ratio if given the opposite and adjacent sides

• Given one side and one angle, to calculate another side, decide how the sides are related
to the angle and choose the correct ratio.

Self-assessment Exercise 4

1. In each of the following triangles, find the length of the side marked with a letter. Give
your answers correct ot 3 significant figures.

(a) (b)

10 cm
6 cm

t
8 cm
4 cm

67
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

(c) (d) 12 cm
v

5 cm 6 cm
16 cm
10 cm

3. ABC is an isosceles triangle with AB = AC = 6 cm.

Base angles ABC and ACB are each 55° in size. Calculate the height, h, of the triangle.
A

6 cm 8 cm

55° 55°
B M C

4. In the diagram, AB = 10 cm, <ABC = 40°, <ACB = 90°, <CAD = 24°. Calculate the
following correct to one decimal place.
(a) BC
(b) CD
(c) BD

24°

10 cm 8 cm

40°
B C D

68
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Lesson 5
Bearings and Elevations
i Introduction

Sometimes there is need to locate points or objects in the sky, sea, lake, land or ocean. Pi-
lots need to know directions when flying high in the sky in order to reach their destinations.
Similarly for anyone to move on water in the sea or ocean using a ship or boat, they will need
to know directions in order to navigate. They normally use compasses which has north, south,
east and west as the main points. Directions which are measured from the north are called
bearings.

In the prevoius lessons we learnt how calculate missing angles and sides using sine, cosine
and tangent, so we shall use the same ratios to calculate bearings. We will need a calculator in
this lesson.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• find a point’s position using bearings

• use trigonometric ratios to solve problems inlvolving bearings
• use trigonometric ratios to solve problems inlvolving elevations

Content List

1.0 Bearings 69
2.0 Angles of elevation 72
Summary 74
Self-assessment exercise 4 74

1.0 Bearings
As mentioned in the introduction, bearings are directions. Bearings are measured from the
north in a clockwise direction. Three digits are used to represent bearings.

69
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Example 1

Let us describe the direction of B from A in the diagram below.

Angle NAB is 700. Therefore the bearing of B from A is the angle 700 measured in the clock-
wise direction from the north. N represents the north in the diagram above. We said bearings
are represented in three digits, so 700 is written as 0700. So the bearing of B from a is 0700, at
a distance of 60km.

Example 2

Let us now find the bearing of A from B. We draw another North (N) at B as shown in the
diagram below.

N N

We measure in the clockwise direction as shown in the diagram above. So the bearing of B
from A is 2500 at a distance of 60km.

We can find the anticlockwise angle NBA using the line properties of angles since the norths
at A and B are parallel. If anticlockwise angle NBA is 1100 (interior angles, Unit 7) as shown
in the diagram below.

70
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

N N

So if you know the angle inside (1100), you can subtract that from 3600 to get the clockwise
angle which is a 2500. So it is important remember the properties that you learnt in Unit 7.
Try the activity below.

Activity 1

N N

Answers:

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Feedback
Here we are looking for the angle at A, so we can start by calculating r. To get r we
subtract 2600 from 3600 and this gives us a 1000. R and the clockwise angle NAB are
interior angles so they add up to 1800. So the angle at A is 800.
So it is very important to remember the properties we learnt in Unit 7. Let us con-
tinue and look at the last example.

71
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

2.0 Angles of Elevation

An angle of elevation is made when one tilts his eyes from a horizontal level upwards until
something or the object is seen.

An angle of depression is when the eyes are tilted downwards from the horizontal level until
an object is seen.

Example 1
A bird on top of a pole makes an angle of depression 30˚ on the ground level. The distance
from the point on the ground level to the bottom of the pole is 60 meters. Calculate
(a) the height of the pole (h)
(b) the distance of the bird from the object.

72
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Solution

Start by drawing a sketch.

A
30°

C
B
60 m
(a) Angle ACB is equal to the angle of depression (alternate angles) so we can use it to calcu-
late the height, which is the side AB. With reference to angle ACB the height is the opposite
side and the distance on the ground (60m) is the adjacent side. So we can use tangent and
have,
h
Tan 300 =  
60m

Therefore,

h = 60m × tan 30 0
= 34.6m

(b) Here we have to calculate the side AC, which is the hypotenuse. Again with reference to
angle ACB the side BC is the adjacent so we have the adjacent side and the hypotenuse, so
we can use the cosine.
60m
Cosine 300 =  
AC

Therefore,

60m
AC =
cosine 30 0
= 69.3m

Example 2
The angle of elevation of he top of the tower is 30˚ from a point C, the distance to the foot of
the tower on ground level is 180m. If the distance is reduced by 20m to point D towards the
tower.
(a) Calculate the height of the tower.
(b) Calculate the angle of elevation of the top of the tower h from the point D.

73
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

With reference to the angle at C, h is the opposite side and 180m is the adjacent side. So we
use tangent,

h
Tan 30 0 =
180m

Therefore,
h = 180m x tan 300
= 103.90

103.9m
(b) tan D =
160m

tan D = 0.649519052
therefore, D = 33.00

Let us summarise what we have learnt so far.

Summary
Bearings are angles measured from the north in a clockwise direction. Three figures are used
to represent bearings. The bearings from A to B, is totally different from the bearing from B
to A.

An angle of elevation is made when one tilts their eyes from a horizontal level upwards until
something or the object is seen. An angle of depression is when the eyes are tilted downwards
from the horizontal level until an object is seen.

Self-assessment Exercise 5

1. A plane leave airport X and flies for 400km on a bearing of 300˚ to another airport Y.
(a) How far is Y north of X
(b) What is the bearing of airport X from airport Y.

2. A ship leaves port A for port B. It sails for 100km on a bearing of 300˚. Find the bear-
ing of port A from port B.

3. Find the bearing of A from B

74
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

4. From the top of a vertical cliff 40 m high, the angle of depression of an object that is level
with the base of the cliff is 34º. How far is the object from the base of the cliff?

Answers To Self-assessment Exercises

Self-assessment Exercises 1

1. (a) 13 cm
(b) 15 cm
(c) 25 cm

2. (a) 17.86 cm
(b) 7.42 cm
(c) 4 cm

3. 13.4 cm
4. 150 m
5. (a) 11.4 units
(b) 5 units
(c) 4.24 units
(d) 5 units
6. 7.07 units
7. (a) AB = 5.39
BC = 4.24
AC = 5.39
(b) Isosceles triangle

75
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

Self-assessment Exercises 2

1. (a) 8.34 cm
(b) 19.5 cm
(c) 6.73 cm

2. (a) 51.3°
(b) 38.7°
(c) 54.2°
(d) 41.8°

Self-assessment Exercises 3

1. (a) 22.3 cm
(b) 6.10 cm
(c) 5.13 cm
(d) 5.22 cm

2. (a) 48.2°
(b) 71.8°
(c) 53.1°
(d) 60°

Self-assessment Exercises 4

1. (a) 10.8 cm
(b) 18.8 cm
(c) 4.04 cm
(d) 14.7 cm

2. (a) 36.9°
(b) 66.4°
(c) 18.2°
(d) 53.1°

3. 4.91 cm

76
JC: Mathematics Unit 10

4. (a) BC = 7.7 cm
(b) CD = 3.3 cm
(c) BD = 7.7 + 3.3
= 11.0 cm

Self-assessment Exercises 5

1. (a) 346.40
(b) 1200
2. 3200
3. 2400
4. 59.30

77