This introduction covers Beyond Pythagoras within Trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA) for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA) in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 19 exam-style questions and 7 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 1 of 7 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Beyond Pythagoras
Pythagoras helps find sides, but what if you need to find an ANGLE? Or what if you know an angle and only ONE side? That's where trigonometry comes in. The three ratios (sine, cosine, tangent) connect angles and sides in right-angled triangles.
Visual: SOH CAH TOA
Practice questions for Trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA)
Which trigonometric ratio connects the opposite side and the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle?
For the triangle shown, a student chooses to use sin to find the missing side. Explain why they chose sin rather than one of the other trigonometric ratios.
Quick recall flashcards
SOH CAH TOA
Sin = O/H, Cos = A/H, Tan = O/A. Pick based on which two sides you have or need.
SOH CAH TOA
sin = Opp/Hyp, cos = Adj/Hyp, tan = Opp/Adj