logo

Learning objective

Understand and apply the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios for acute angles in right-angled triangles, with angles provided in degrees and answers expressed in degrees to one decimal place. Solve two-dimensional problems using Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry, which may involve bearings. Recognize that the shortest distance from a point to a line is the perpendicular distance. Perform calculations related to angles of elevation and depression.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Practise this topicRead the exam answerTopic hub

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE MathematicsExtended TrigonometrySupplement content

Study support

Understand this objective

Quick explanation

Understand and apply the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios for acute angles in right-angled triangles, with angles provided in degrees and answers expressed in degrees to one decimal place. Solve two-dimensional problems using Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry, which may involve bearings. Recognize that the shortest distance from a point to a line is the perpendicular distance. Perform calculations related to angles of elevation and depression

  • This point belongs to Right-angled triangles, especially Right-angled triangles outcomes.
  • You need to be able to understand and apply the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios for acute angles in right-angled triangles, with angles provided in degrees and answers expressed in degrees to one decimal place. Solve two-dimensional problems using Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry, which may involve bearings. Recognize that the shortest distance from a point to a line is the perpendicular distance. Perform calculations related to angles of elevation and depression.
  • The key ideas to know are Calculate, Determine, and Show.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

CalculateDetermineShowWork out

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Right-angled triangles outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Right-angled triangles.

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub
Flashcards10 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 10

Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted

Paper 2 structured question: Right-angled triangles

Paper 2Core or Extended Mathematics3 marks

Diagram Description

Tower and Surveyor

A right-angled triangle is formed with the tower as the vertical side, the ground distance as the horizontal side, and the line of sight as the hypotenuse. The angle of elevation is 35° at the surveyor's point.

  1. a

    Calculate the height of the tower to one decimal place.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives

No linked resources are published for this section yet.

Revision hubs

Move back to a broader study route

Cambridge IGCSEMathematics resources