GCSE Maths Practice: trigonometry

Question 9 of 10

Find the correct tangent ratio given sides.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{Which formula correctly relates sides when using } \tan \theta\text{?}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

\( \tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} \) \( \tan \theta = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \) \( \tan \theta = \frac{\text{hypotenuse}}{\text{opposite}} \)

Remember TOA: Tangent = Opposite / Adjacent.

Tangent is defined as \(\tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}\). It does not use the hypotenuse. Knowing which sides are used is essential when solving triangles for missing sides or angles. Always identify opposite and adjacent sides with respect to the angle of interest. Practicing several examples reinforces this concept.