Key Concepts in Pythagoras and Trigonometry
- Pythagoras theorem: a² + b² = c²
- SOH-CAH-TOA for right-angled triangles
- Finding missing sides and angles
- Exact trigonometric values (30°, 45°, 60°)
- Applications in 2D and 3D problems
Exam Tips for Pythagoras and Trigonometry
- 💡Pythagoras: longest side squared = sum of other two sides squared
- 💡SOHCAHTOA: sin = opp/hyp, cos = adj/hyp, tan = opp/adj
- 💡Use inverse trig (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹) to find angles
Exam Board Coverage
Pythagoras and Trigonometry appears on all major GCSE Maths exam boards at both Foundation and Higher tier.
AQA
Edexcel
OCR
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use Pythagoras vs trigonometry?
Use Pythagoras when you know two sides and want the third — no angles needed. Use trigonometry when you have an angle and need a side, or have two sides and need an angle.
What are the exact trig values I need to know?
sin 30° = ½, cos 30° = √3/2, tan 30° = 1/√3; sin 45° = cos 45° = 1/√2; sin 60° = √3/2, cos 60° = ½, tan 60° = √3.