Checking and securing understanding of tangent ratio problems
I can use the tangent ratio to find the missing side or angle in a right-angled triangle.
Checking and securing understanding of tangent ratio problems
I can use the tangent ratio to find the missing side or angle in a right-angled triangle.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The tangent ratio involves the opposite, adjacent and the angle
- If you know the length of the opposite and the size of the angle, you can use the tangent ratio
- If you know the length of the adjacent and the size of the angle, you can use the tangent ratio
- If you know the length of the opposite and adjacent, you can use the tangent ratio
Keywords
Trigonometric functions - Trigonometric functions are commonly defined as ratios of two sides of a right-angled triangle containing the angle.
Tangent function - The tangent of an angle (tan(θ°)) is the y-coordinate of point Q of the triangle which extends from the unit circle.
Adjacent - The adjacent side of a right-angled triangle is the side which is next to both the right angle and the marked angle.
Opposite - The opposite side of a right-angled triangle is the side which is opposite the marked angle.
Common misconception
Pupils may confuse the opposite and adjacent sides.
The orientation of the right-angled triangle is not important. Identifying the known angle is what determines which is is the opposite and which is the adjacent.
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of tangent ratio problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of tangent ratio problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the Right-angled trigonometry unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
opposite
adjacent
hypotenuse
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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