Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 73

Chapter 3
Trigonometry

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• understand the meaning of sine, cosine and tangent ratios;

• find the length of a side or an angle of a right-angled triangle using the sine, cosine and
tangent ratios for acute angles;
• find the exact values of the trigonometric functions for special angles, such as 30,45and 60
• solve problems involving angles of elevation and depression;
• determine values of sine and cosine for obtuse angles;
• understand and use the Sine Rule;
1
• find the area of triangles using the formula, ab sin C;
2
• understand and use the Cosine Rule.

Historically, trigonometry was developed for astronomy, geography and navigation. Over time,
it has also become a very important tool in physics, engineering and chemistry.
The word trigonometry comes from two Greek words: Trigonon, meaning triangle, and metron,
meaning measure.
Trigonometry can be classified into two main branches, namely plane trigonometry, which deals
with figures in a single plane, and spherical trigonometry, which deals with triangles that are
surface sections of a sphere. In this course, we will be dealing mainly with plane trigonometry.

1. Trigonometric Ratios of Acute Angles

We have learnt that similar triangles have equal corresponding angles and proportional sides.
Before we discuss about trigonometric ratios, let us go on to Activity 1 to have an
understanding of similar right-angled triangles.

Activity 1 The meaning of trigonometric ratios

Work in pairs.
In the diagram, A is formed by sides AB and
AC. Vertical lines are drawn to connect points P, Q , R
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 74

and S to points K, L, M and N respectively

such that these lines are perpendicular to side AC.
1. Identify the four right-angled triangles in the diagram.
2. What can you say about the measure of corresponding angles in these triangles?
3. What can you say about the following ratios?
PK QL RM SN
(a) , , and
AP AQ AR AS
AK AL AM AN
(b) , , and
AP AQ AR AS
PK QL RM SN
(c) , , and
AK AL AM AN
4. Notice that each right-angled triangle in the diagram has three sides: one side AC,
one side PK , QL , RM , SN. Express the four ratios in each of 3(a) , 3(b) and 3(c) by a

ratio.

Naming the sides of a right-angled triangle

Look at the right-angle triangle ABC below, where C is the right angle and  B is
marked. Recall that when we learnt about Pythagoras , theorem, we refer to the longest
side of a right-angled triangle as its hypotenuse.
The naming of the two remaining sides depends on their position relative to  B. The
longest side AB is the hypotenuse. The side BC next  B is called the adjacent side, and
the side opposite to  B is called the opposite side.

Let us look at ABC again but with A marked this time. The side AB remains as the
hypotenuse. However, side AC is now the adjacent side and side BC is the opposite side.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 75

Trigonometric ratios in a right-angled triangle

We can now express the three ratios found in Activity 1 (with respect to  A) as follows:

The sine ratio of A is

opposite side BC
sin A =
hypotenuse AB
The cosine ratio of A is
adjacent side AC
cos A = =
hypotenuse AB
The tangent ratio of A is
opposite side BC
tan A = =
adjacent side AC
O
We can abbreviate further to S = or SOH;
H
A O
C= or CAH and T = or TOA
H A
These ratios may be quite confusing when we first learn how to use them. It will be great
if we can find a way to remember these.

What are the sine, cosine and tangent ratios of B?

hypotenuse 1
cosecant A : cosec A = =
opposite side sin∠ A
hypotenuse 1
secant A: secA = =
adjacent side cos ine ∠ A
adjacent side 1
cotangent A: cotA = =
opposite side tangent∠ A
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 76

Example 1 Find the values of sin A, cos A and tan A and express them in fractions.

Solution
A is the angle being discussed.
Since side AB is opposite to the right angle, it is the hypotenuse.
Side BC is opposite to A , so it is the opposite side.
Side AC is then the adjacent side.

opposite side
sin A =
hyootenuse Let ,s Try It Now
3
= 1. Based on the diagram in Example 1 ,
5 find the value of sin B , cos  B
adjacent side
cos A = and tan  B and express them in
hypotenuse
fractions.
4
=
5
opposite side
tan A =
adjacent side
3
=
4
Example 2 Construct a right-angled triangle, ABC, with A = 54 and  C = 90.
Measure the length of sides AB, BC and AC. Hence, find the sine. cosine and tangent for A.
Solution Using the definition of sine, cosine and tangent ratios, we get
opposite side
sin 54 =
hypotenuse
6. 9

8. 5
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 77

= 0.812 ( to 3 sig. fig.)

adjacent side
cos 54 =
hypotenuse
5

8.5
= 0.588 ( to 3 sig. fig.)
opposite side
tan 54 =
adjacent side
6. 9
 Let ,s Try It Now
5
= 1.38 2. Construct a right-angled triangle ,
ABC, withA = 35andC = 90.
Measure the length of sides AB , BC and
AC and hence, find the values of sin 35,
cos 35and tan 35.

Exercise 1
1. For each of the right-angled triangles below, label the hypotenuse, opposite side and
adjacent side relative to .
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

2. For each of the right - angled triangle below, express the values of sin A, cos A and
tan A as fractions.
(a) (b)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 78

3. For each triangle in question 2, express as fractions the values of sin B, cos B and
tan B.
Let, s Investigate:
Trigonometric ratios and their values
(a) For 0    90o, find the maximum and minimum values of sin , cos  and tan , where
possible. You may use calculators to determine these values.
(b) As the value of  increases, do the values of sin , cos  and tan  get larger or smaller?
2. Measures of Sides and Angles in Right-angled Triangles

Example 1 Find the value of the unknown side or angle marked in the triangles below.

(a) (b)

Solution
(a) Since A is 28o and the hypotenuse is 13 cm, we can find the opposite side to A
using the sine ratio.
opposite side
sin 28o = Let ,s Try It Now
hypotenuse 3. Find the value of the unknown
x
= side or angle marked in the
13 triangles below.
 x = 13 sin 28 (a)
= 6.10 cm (to 3 sig. fig. )
(b) Since the hypotenuse is 50 cm and the side
opposite to  is 46 cm,
we can find  using the sine ratio.
(b)
opposite side
sin  =
hypotenuse
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 79

46
=
50
46
  = sin -1
50 = 66.9  (to 1 dec. pl.)
= 66.9  (to 1 dec. pl.)
Example 2 The height of an isosceles triangle ABC is 7 cm. Given that AB = AC and
 A = 76 , find the length of AB.
Solution Let AN be the height of ABC.
Since ABC is an isosceles triangle, AN
bisects A, i.e. BAN = CAN = 38,

In the right-angled ABN, we know the

length of the adjacent side AN and BAN,
and we want to find the length of the
hypotenuse AB.
Using the cosine ratio,
adjacent 7
cos 38 = =
hypotenuse AB
7
 AB = = 8.88 cm ( to 3 sig. fig.)
cos 38

Let ,s Try It Now

4. Find the value of the unknown side or angle marked in the triangles below.
(a) (b)

Example 3 A and B are two points directly opposite each other on the opposite banks of a
river. C is a point that is 50 m away from B along the same bank of the river.
If ACB = 43, find the width of the river.
Solution
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 80

Side AB represents the width of the river. Relative to  ACB, side AB is the opposite side and
side BC is the adjacent side.
Using the tangent ratio,
opposite side AB
tan 43 = =
adjacent side 50
 AB = 50 tan 43
= 46.6 m (to 3 sig. fig.)
Therefore, the width of the river is 46.6 m.
Example 4 Find the value of
(a)  ,
(b) X,
(c) y.

Solution
4.5
(a) In PQR, tan  =
6
= 0.75
  = tan-1 0.75
= 36.9 (to 1 dec. pl.)
(b) For PQR, by Pythagoras , theorem,
x2 = 4.52 + 62
x2 = 56.25
x = 56.25
x = 7.5
x
(c) In PRS, sin 60 =
y
7.5
y =
sin60
= 8.66 ( to 3 sig. fig.)
4.5 6
Note : In part (b), we can also find x using the trigonometric ratios sin = or cos = ,
x x
sin has been found in (a).
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 81

Practice 1
1. Find the sides marked x in the triangles below. Give your answers correct to three significant
figures.
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

16

2. Find the value of  in the triangles below. Give your answers correct to the nearest 0.1o.
(a) (b)

(c)

3. Find the marked angles and sides in the figures below.

(a) (b)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 82

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

4. A ladder of length 8 m is placed against a wall such that it makes an angle of 75 with the
ground.

Calculate
(a) the height, h, of the top of the ladder from the ground,
(b) the horizontal distance, d, of the foot of the ladder from the foot of the wall.
5. The diagram shows part of a roof structure.
Given that FE is parallel to AC, AB = 11.8 m, AF = 1.2 m,
CD = 9.5 m and  DAB = 37, calculate
(a) height BD,
(b)  DCB , (c) length EF.
Exercise 2

1. Find the value of x in each of the following triangles, giving your answer correct to 4
significant figures.
(a) (b)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 83

(c) (d)

2. Find the value of x and y , giving your answer correct to 4 significant figures.

3. Find the unknown angles and sides marked x, y and z in the following triangles. Give your
correct to 4 significant figures. All dimensions are in centimetres (cm).

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

4. In the diagram, AB = 9 cm, AN = 4.6 cm, NAC = 35o and BNA = 90 o.

Calculate
(a) ABN,
(b) the length of CN.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 84

5. A child walked from point A to the South point B ,which are 5 m.Then he walked to point C ,
which are 5 m ,then he walked to the East point D , which are 9 m as shown. Find the
4
distance from point A to D. ( given cos 37 = )
5

3. Solving Right-Angled Triangles Using Trigonometrical Ratios

Step I Start with a right-angled triangle.
Step 2 Identify the relevant angle.
Step 3 Mark the hypotenuse and identify the opposite and adjacent sides relative to the
relevant angle.
Step 4 Identify all the known values to help decide the appropriate trigonometric ratio
4
Example 1 Given tanA = and 0 o < A < 90 o , find sinA – cosA.
3
Solution By Pythagoras , theorem
AC = 5
4 3
sinA = , cosA =
5 5
4 3
sinA – cosA = -
5 5
1
=
5
Example 2 Given 1 – 2sinA = 2sinA - 1 and 0 < A < 90 o , find cosecA.
o

Solution 1 – 2sinA = 2sinA - 1

4sinA = 2 1
1 cosecA = 1
sinA =
2 2
1 = 2
cosecA =
sinA
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 85

Example 3 Given 2 - secA = 5 - 2secA and 0o < A < 90 o , find cotA.

Solution 2 - secA = 5 - 2secA
secA = 3

By Pythagoras , theorem
BC2 = 32 - 12
= 8
BC = 2 2
adjacent side
cotA =
opposite side
1
=
2 2

7 1
Example 4 Given sinA + cosA = and sin A – cosA = , find tanA.
5 5
7
Solution sinA + cosA = __________(1)
5
1 __________(2)
sin A – cosA =
5
7 1
(1) + (2) : 2sinA = +
5 5
8
=
5
8 1
sinA = 
5 2
4
=
5
By Pythagoras , theorem
AB = 3
4
tan A =
3
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 86

Example 5 By Pythagoras, theorem, show that

1. sin2A + cos2A = 1,
2. tan2A + 1 = sec2A,
3. cot2A + 1 = cosec2A.

Solution
2 2 BC 2 AB 2
1. sin A + cos A = 2 + 2
AC AC
BC 2 + AB 2
=
AC 2
AC 2
=
AC 2
= 1
BC 2 AB2
2
2. tan A + 1 = +1 3. cot2A + 1 = +1
AB 2 BC2

BC 2 + AB 2
= AB 2 + BC 2
AB 2 =
BC 2
AC 2
=
AB 2 AC 2
=
= sec2A BC 2
= cosec2A

Example 6 Given 3 – 3sin2A - 2cosA = 0 and 0 o < A < 90 o , find cosA.

Solution 3 – 3sin2A - 2cosA = 0
3 – 3(1-cos2A) – 2cosA = 0
3 – 3 + 3cos2A – 2cos = 0
cosA(3cosA - 2) = 0
cosA = 0 or 3cosA – 2 = 0
2
cosA =
3
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 87

Example 7 Given 2secA - 3cosA = 1 and 0 o < A < 90 o , find cosA

Solution 2secA - 3cosA = 1
1
2( ) - 3cosA = 1
cosA
2 - 3cos2A = cosA
2
3cos A + cosA – 2 = 0
(3cosA-2) (cosA + 1) = 0
3cosA – 2 = 0 or cosA + 1 = 0
2
cosA = or cosA = -1
3
2
cosA =
3
Example 8 Given secA + tanA = 2 and 0 o < A < 90 o , find cosA
Solution secA + tanA = 2
1 sin A
+ = 2
cosA cosA
1 + sinA = 2cosA
(1 + sinA)2 = (2cosA)2
1 + 2sinA + sin2A = 4cos2A
1 + 2sinA + sin2A = 4(1 – sin2A )
1 + 2sinA + sin2A = 4 – 4sin2A )
5sin2A + 2sinA – 3 = 0
(5sinA – 3) (sinA + 1) = 0
5sinA – 3 = 0 or sinA + 1 = 0
3
sinA = or sinA = -1
5
3
 sinA =
5
,
By Pythagoras theorem
adjacent side = 4
4
 cosA =
5
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 88

Trigonometric Identity
sin A cosA
tan A = , cotA =
cosA sin A
1 1 1
cot A = , sec A = , cosec A =
tan A cosA sinA

Pythagorean Identity
sin2 A cos2 A = 1 , sec2 A - tan2 A = 1 , cosec2 A – cot2 A = 1
Co-Function
sin A = cos(90 - A) , tan A = cot(90 - A)
sec A = cosec(90- A)
Exercise 3
5
1. Given 0 o < A < 90 o if tan A = , then find sin A.
12
2 sin A
2. If sin A = , then find
3 cos A (tan A - sin A cos A )
cosecA + cotA
3. If = 3 and 0 o < A < 90 o , then find 1 – 2sinAcosA.
cosecA - cotA

4. If sec 4 A + tan 4 A = 3 , then find cosec 4 A + cot 4 A .

8
5. Given  ABC is a right –angled triangle  C = 90. If sin A = , then find cosA-cosB.
17
1 - sin A
6. If sinA – cosA = 0 and 0 o < A < 90 o , then find .
1 + cos A
2secA + tanA
7. If = 2 and 0 o < A < 90 o , then find sin A .
2secA - tanA
8. Find the value of cos 2 10 + cos 2 20 + cos 2 30 + ... + cos 2 80 .
9. Find the value of sin2 2+ sin2 4 o + sin2 6 o + sin2 8 o + … + sin2 88 o.
10. If sin2 A = 4cos2 A and sec4 A – sec2A = k tan4A , then find k .
1 cosecA -sinA
11. If tan A = , then find .
5 secA - cosA
cotA - cot(90° - A)
12. If cot A = 5 then find
1+ cotAcot(90° - A)
13. Simplify of cos3 A (1 + tan A ) + sin 3 A (1 + cot A ) .
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 89

14. Simplify cos4 A – sin4 A.

15. Simplify sin6 A + cos6 A.
4. Trigonometric Function of an Acute Angle
Activity 2
1. In the diagram, ABC is an equilateral
triangle of side 2 units, and AM ⊥ BC.
(a) Find the lengths of BM and AM.
(b) State the values of ABM and BAM.
(c) Find the exact values of sin 30,
cos 30 and tan 30
2. In the diagram, ABC is an isosceles right-angled
triangle with BC = AC = 1 unit. Without using a
calculator, find
(a) the length of AB,
(b) ABC,
(c) the exact values of sin 45, cos 45 and tan 45.
The results in Activity 2 can be summarised in the following table.
 30 45 60
sin  1 1 3
2 2 2
cos  3 1 1
2 2 2
tan  1 1 3
3
With the aid of the equilateral triangle and the isosceles right-angled triangle, we can remember
the exact values of the special angles. For the value of tan 30, we can also rationalize the
denominator.
1 1 3 3
i.e. tan 30 = =  = .
3 3 3 3
2
Similarly, sin 45 = cos 45 = .
2
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 90

Example 1 Find the length of side x :

AT
Solution ANT , sin60 = TP = 9 – 1.5
AN
= 7.5
AT = ANsin60
ATP, by
3
= 3 Pythagoras,theorem
2
AT
tan60 = x2 = AT2 + TP2
NT
AT 27
NT = = + 56.25
tan60 4
3 3 = 6.75 + 56.25
= 2 = 63
3
3 x = 3
=
2
= 1.5
Example 2 In the diagram, D is a point on BC, AB = 8 cm,
ABC = 30 and  ADC = 45. Find the exact
lengths of
(a) AC, (b) AD, (c) BD.
Solution (a) In ABC, AC = 8 sin 30 (c) In ABC, BC = 8 cos 30
1 3
= 8 = 8
2 2
AC = 4 cm = 4 3 cm
AC 4
(b) In ACD, = sin 45 ACD, DC =
AD tan 45

AD = 4 2 cm = 4
BD = BC - DC = 4 3 - 4 cm
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 91

Try It In the diagram, AD = 6 cm, CAD = 45 and

ABC = 60. Find the exact lengths of
(a) CD,
(b) AC,
(c) AB.
Exercise 4
1. Find the exact length of x in each of the following diagram. (The unit of length is cm.)
(a) (b)

6
2. In the diagram, AB is a chord of the circle with center O and radius 5 cm. If AOB = 120,
Find the length of AB.

3. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. AB = 8 cm, AD = 5 cm and  DAB = 45.

Find the exact value of
(a) the area of ABCD,
(b) the length of BD.

^
4. In the figure, B A C = 60 and BD is perpendicular to AC. lf AB = 50 cm and AC = 40 cm,
find
(a) BD,
(b) AD,
(c) DC,
^
(d) B C A.
5. In the figure, AC = 25 cm. Find the lengths of
(a) CE,
(b) BE, (c) AD.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 92

6. Given  ABC is a right – angled triangle,  B = 90 and A = 60. If the sum of AB
and AC is 9 units , then find the length of BC.
^ ^ ^
7. In the diagram BAC = 105 , ABC- A CB = 15 and DC is 9 units ,then find the length
of AB.

8. Given  ABC is an isosceles triangle, AB = AC = 10 units. If A = 120 , then find the

length of BC.
2 sin A cos A
9. If A = 30 , then find
2 − cos 2 A − sin 2 A
10. If (tan 60)2x+6 - (cot 30)2x = 13cosec 30 , then find x2 + 3.
11. If x > 0 and x(tan 60)2 + x (cot 30)2 = 8(sin 60)2 , then find x.
12. Find the value of sin 30 + cos2 45 - 2tan2 60 + 4 cot 45 .
2 2
13. Given x tan 45 - sec 60 = cosec 45 - x cot 30 , find x .
5. Angle of Elevation and Depression
If a man looks up at the top of the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles as shown below, the
angle formed between his line of sight and the horizontal line is called the angle of elevation of
the top of the statue from the man.

If a woman looks down at the yacht from the cliff as shown in the photograph, the angle
formed between her line of sight and the horizontal line is called the angle of depression of the
yacht from the cliff.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 93

Example 1 A man sits at A, which is at the top of a vertical cliff AC. He sees a boat at B, which
is 70 m from C. The angle of depression of B from A is 28. Find the height of the cliff, AC.

Solution ACB is a right-angled triangle with CB =70 m, C = 90o and B = 28.

AC
tan 28 =
70
AC = 70 tan 28
= 37.2 (to 3 sig. fig.)
Therefore, the height of the cliff is 37.2 m.
Activity 3 Finding inaccessible heights with the help of a clinometer
Materials: Protractor, straw, tape, string, blue tack, mass (e.g. key), measuring tape
Work in pairs.
1. A clinometer is a simple instrument that measure the angle of elevation and depression.
Use the diagram below as a guide to make your own clinometer.

2. Explain why the angle between the 90 mark and the string can be considered as the angle of
Elevation.
3. Use your clinometer to find the angle of elevation of the top of a flagpole (or some other tall
objects) from at least three different locations. What is the reason for taking at least three
measurements?
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 94

4. (a) Measure and record the distance away. The value of h and the angle of elevation.
(b) Use the data you have collected in (a) to calculate the height of the flagpole.
Practice 2
1. The angle of elevation of the top of a building from a point 60 m from its foot is 42o. Calculate
the height of the building.

2. A man in a stationary cable car, 65 m above point X at sea level, sees a canoe some distance
away. The angle of depression of the canoe from the cable car is 30o. How far away is the
canoe from X?

3. Ben observes the top of a tree from a distance of 10 m. His eye level is 1.6 m above the
ground. If the angle of elevation of the top of the tree from Ben's sight is 24o, find the height
of the tree.

4. A man observes a tower from the top window of a house. The tower is 28 m away from the
house. From the window, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 59o and the angle of
depression of the base of the tower is 20o. Find the height of the tower.

5. John sat at the top of a cliff at a vertical height of 32 m above sea level. At that time, there
were two boats, X and Y, due east of the cliff. John noted that the angles of depression of X
and Y are 21and 14respectively. What is the distance between the two boats?
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 95

6. Two points, A and B, on level ground are 20 m apart. A pole PQ, stands between the two
points such that APB is a straight line. The angle of elevation of the top of the pole, Q, is 70
from A, and 50o from B. Find the height of the pole.

7. The angle of elevation from a point, P, at ground

level to a lift car 8 m above the ground is53o.
What will the new angle of elevation be when
the lift descends 4 m?

Exercise 5
1. Find the distance between the points of a pair of dividers with arms 9.8 cm long, when the
angle between the arms is 62.
2. An aerial mast is supported by four wires attached to points on the ground each 57 metres
away from the foot of the mast. If each wire makes an angle of 32 with the horizontal,
find the height of the mast.
3. A ladder AB, of length 13 m, rests against a vertical wall with its foot on a horizontal floor at
a distance of 5 m from the wall. When top of the ladder slips down a distance x m on the
wall, the foot of the ladder moves out x m. Find x.

4. A ladder 6.5 metres long leans against a wall, touching a window sill, and makes an angle of
62 with the ground. Find the height of the window sill above the ground. How far is the
foot of the ladder from the foot of the wall?
5. From the top of a lighthouse 52 metres high, the angles of depression of two ships due north
of it are 42 and 37o. How far apart are the ships?
6. The angle of elevation of the top of a vertical cliff, as seen from a boat 120 m away, is 32.
The angle of elevation of the top of a flagpole at the edge of the cliff, as seen from the boat,
is 37. Find the height of the flagpole.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 96

7. H is a point on the ground due east of a building, 72m high, and K is a point due west of the
building. The angles of elevation of the top of the building from H and K are 43o and
54respectively. Find the actual distance of H and K from the top of the building.
8. Two masts are 20 m and 12 m high. If the line joining their tops makes an angle of 35 with
the horizontal, find their distance apart.
9. A tower stands on top of a cliff. At a distance of 55 m from the foot of the cliff, the angles of
elevation of the top of the tower as well as the cliff are 60 and 45 respectively. Find the
height of the tower.

10. In the figure below, N is the foot of the perpendicular from P to the side QR of PQR.
^
If QN = x cm, NR = 2x cm and P Q R = 35, write down an expression for PN in terms of x,
^
and hence, calculate P R Q.

^
11. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle in which AD = 43.7 cm, DE = 100 cm and E D C = 27.
Calculate
(a) AB,
(b) EC,
^
(c) E A D.
12. A tree is x m high. The angle of elevation of its top from a point P on the ground is 23.
From another point Q, 10 m from P and in line with P and the foot of the tree, the angle of
elevation is 32. Find x.

13. A kite at the end of a 124-m string makes an angle of 58o with the ground. Find the height
of the kite above the hand holding it. (Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 97

6. Sine and Cosine of an obtuse Angle

Obtuse angle. An angle with a measure

greater than 90 but less than 180.

Definition in terms of coordinates

When we define the sine and cosine ratios of an angle in terms of the sides of a right-angled
triangle, the angle must be an acute angle. However, if we define the sine and cosine ratios of an
angle in terms of coordinates, the angle concerned need not necessarily be acute. The sine and
cosine ratios of obtuse angles can be found by relating them to that of corresponding acute angles.
Let us go to Activity 3 to find out about the relationship.
Activity 4
Extending sine and cosine ratios to obtuse angles
Work in pairs.
l. (a) Study the graphs below and complete the table that follows.
Graph I Graph II Graph III

Coordinates of Length of OP sin = opposite side cos = adjacent side

point P(x,y) (unit) hypotenuse hypotenuse
Graph I (4, 3)
Graph II (5, 12)
Graph III (8, 15)
(b) If point p has coordinates (x, y) and the length of OP is r, write an expression in terms of x ,
y and r for
(i) sin , (ii) cos .
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 98

2. Use 1(b) as a guide to help you complete the table below.

Graph IV Graph V Graph VI

Coordinates of Length of OQ sin cos

point Q (x,y) (unit)
Graph IV (-4, 3)
Graph V (-5, 12)
Graph VI (-8, 15)
What do you observe about the values of (a) sin  and (b) cos ?
3. Compare Graphs I and IV and answer the questions that follow.

(a) How are  and  related? Express this relationship in the form of an equation.
(b) Compare and comment on the values of sin  and sin .
(c) Compare and comment on the values of cos  and cos .
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 99

4. Repeat 3 for Graphs II and V and for Graphs III and VI.

For an obtuse angle,

(a) the sine ratio is always positive,
(b) the cosine ratio is always negative.

Example 1 Express the following in terms of trigonometric ratios of acute angles. Verify your
answers with a calculator.
(a) cos 118 (b) sin 124
Solution
(a) cos 118 = - cos(180 - 118) using calculator:
= -cos 62 cos 118 = - 0.4695 = - cos 62
(b) sin 124 = sin (180 - 124) using calculator:
= sin 56 sin 124 = 0.8290 = sin 56

Let , s Try It Now

5. Express the following in terms of
trigonometric ratios of acute angles.
Verify your answers with a calculator.
(a) cos 105
(b) sin 166
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 100

Example 2 For 0<  < 180, find the possible value(s) of  correct to one decimal place when
(a) sin  = 0.838, (b) cos  = - 0.735.
Solution
(a) For sin  to be positive, there are two possible values of  for 0  180, and they are
supplementary angles.
sin  = 0.838
  = 56.9 ( to 1 dec. pl.) or  = (180 - 56.9)
= 123.1 (to 1 dec. pl.)
Therefore, the possible values of  are 56.9 and 123.1.
(b) For cos  to be negative, there is only one possible value of  for 0  180,
and it lies between 90 and 180.
cos  = - 0.735
  = 137.3 (to 1 dec. pl.)
Therefore, in this case, the only possible value of  is 137.3
Practice 3
1. Without using a calculator, find the values of sin and cos in the following diagrams.
(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 101

1 3
2. (a) Given that sin 30 = and cos 30 = , find
2 2
(i) sin 150, ( ii) cos 150
(b) Given that sin 110 = 0.9397 and cos 110 = - 0.3420, find
(i) sin 70 (ii) cos 70

3. In the diagram, ABC = 90o,

AB = 5 cm, BC = 12 cm,
AC = 13 cm and BCD is a
straight line. Without using a calculator,
find the value of
(a) sin , (b) cos .
4. Given that 90 < 0 < 180o, write down the value of  if
(a) sin  = sin 38o, (b) cos  = -cos 75o
5. Given that 0o <  < 180, find the value of  for each of the following,
correct to one decimal place.
(a) sin  = 0.6 (b) sin  = 0.345
(c) cos  = 0.578 (d) cos  = -0.701
6. The vertices of a triangle are A(-1, -2), B(1, -2) and C(4,2).

(a) Write down in decimals,

(i) sine of CAB, (ii) cosine of ABC.
(b) Hence, find
(i) CAB, (ii) ABC.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 102

Exercise 6
True or False
1. In the diagram,  and  are supplementary angles.
4
(a) sin  =
5
3
(b) cos  = -
5
o
2. For 0 <  < 180,
(a) if cos  is positive, then sin  is positive,
(b) if cos  is negative, then sin  is negative.

3. In the diagram, BCD is a straight line, ABC = 90o, AB = 8 cm and AC = 17 cm.

(a) Calculate the length of BC.

(b) Write down, as a fraction, the value of
^ ^
(i) sin A C B (ii) cos A C D
4. Given that 90o < < 180o, write down the value of  if
(a) sin  = sin 56o, (b) cos = - cos 40o.
5. Given that 0o <  < 180o, find the value(s) of  for the following, correct to one decimal
place.
(a) sin  = 0.3 (b) cos  = -0.46
6. A rectangle has length 15 cm and breadth 9 cm. Find the two complementary angles that
each diagonal of the rectangle makes with the sides.
7. ABCD is a trapezium with AB parallel to DC. Given that AB = 5.48 cm, A =100o,
B = 120 and the shortest possible distance between the parallel sides is 3.76 cm,
calculate the length of DC.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 103

8. A ladder of length 12 m is placed against a wall such that it makes an angle of 60 with
the ground.
(a) How high above the ground is the contact point between the ladder and the wall?
(b) The foot of the ladder is then moved 1.5 m closer to the wall. Calculate the new angle
that the ladder makes with the ground.
9. A, B and P are three points on the ground. P is the foot of a vertical pole, PT. A is to the
west of P and B is to the east of P, such that AP = 40 m and BP = 30 m.
Given that the larger of the two angles of elevation of T from points A and B is 16o,
calculate
(a) the height of the pole,
(b) the smaller angle of elevation.
10. A hiker was walking towards a hill. At point X, the angle of elevation to the top of the hill
was 36o. When he was at point Y, which was 100 m ahead of X, the angle of elevation
increased to 42. Find the height of the hill.

7. Sine Rule and Area of Triangle

Activity 5
Investigating the Sine Rule using Geometer, s Sketchpad
Step 1 Draw a non-right-angled triangle ABC using the Line Segment tool.
Step 2 Select AB with the Selection Arrow tool. Select Measure from the menu bar and
choose Length. You will see m AB = displayed on the screen. This represent the
length of side AB.
Step 3 Repeat step 2 for the length of sides BC and AC. To deselect any point or sides,
simply click anywhere on the screen.
Step 4 Select the point A, B and C. The three points will be highlighted simultaneously.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 104

Click Measure from the menu bar and choose Angle. You will see mABC =
Displayed on the sceen.

Step 5 Repeat Step 4 for BCA and CAB.

AB
Step 6 To find the ratio , click Measure from the menu bar, choose Calculate
sin ∠ BCA
and then do the following.
(i) Select m AB = on the main screen.
(ii) Select l on the calculator screen.
(iii)Select Functions, and choose sin [on the calculator screen, followed by mBCA
on the main screen, and ] and OK on the calculator screen.
m AB
You will see displayed on the screen.
sin ∠ BCA
Step 7 Repeat step 6 to find
BC
(i) the ratio
sin ∠ CAB
CA
(ii) the ratio
sin ∠ ABC
AB BC CA
What do you notice about the ratios , and
sin ∠ BCA sin ∠ CAB sin ∠ ABC

Step 8 Vary the positions of points A, B and C. What do you notice about the ratios?

For any triangle ABC, the Sine Rule states that

a b c
= =
sin ∠ A sin ∠ B sin ∠ C
or
sin ∠ A sin∠ B sin∠ C
= =
a b c
We can use the Sine Rule
. to find an unknown side of a triangle when another side and two angles are given,
. to find an unknown angle of a triangle when two sides and a non-included
angle are given.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 105

Example 1 P, Q and R are three points marked on the perimeter of Ubin Quarry. The
distance from P to Q is 200 m, Q = 34and R = 21. Find the distance
from P to R.

Solution Given the measures of two angles (i.e. Q and R) and a side (i.e. side PQ),
distance PR can be found using the Sine Rule.
PR PQ
=
sin ∠ Q sin ∠ R
PR 200
=
sin 34 sin 21
200
PR =  sin 34
sin 21
= 312 (to 3 sig. fig.)
Therefore, the distance from P to R is 312 m.
Example 2 The diagram on the right shows  ABC where AB = 7 cm, AC = 8.3 cm and
B = 60o. Find the acute c.

Solution Given the measures of two sides and a non-included angle, C can be found using the
Sine Rule.
AC AB
=
sin ∠ B sin ∠ C
8.3 7
=
sin 60 sin ∠ C
sin 60
sin C = 7 
8.3
= 0.7304 ( to 4 sig. fig.)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 106

C = sin-1 0.7304
C = 46.9(to 1 dec. pl.) or C = 133.1( to 1 dec.pl.)
Therefore, C is 46.9 since the angle is acute.
A construction of ABC using c =53.5 and C : l26.5 respectively reveals that it can have
two different shapes.

Therefore C = 53.5 or 126.5.

1
Area of triangle formula, ab sin C
2
You have learnt that,
1
Area of any triangle =  base  height
2
1
In Activity 2 that follows, the formula “ x base X height” is further developed so that the area
2
of a triangle can be expressed in terms of the sides and angles of the triangle.
Activity 6 Developing the formula for the area of a triangle in terms of its sides and angles
Work in pairs.
1. (a) Consider Figures i- iii , where C is an acute angle and three different heights (i.e. AP, BQ
and CR) of an acute-angled triangle , ABC, are highlighted.
Figure I Figure II Figure III

Now, we will use the sine ratio to express its base and height in terms of its sides and angles.
(i) With reference to ABP in Figure I. we can express height AP in terms of B:
opposite side
sin B =
hypotenuse
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 107

AP
=
AB
AP = AB sin B _________________________(1)
Given AB = c, (1) becomes
Height AP = c sin B
Similarly, by considering ACP, we can express height AP in terms of  C
opposite side
sin C =
hypotenuse
AP
=
AC
AP = AC sin C _________________________(2)
Given AC = b, (2) becomes
Height AP = b sin C

(ii) With reference to ABC in Figure II, write two expressions for height BQ, with one
of them involving sin C and the other, sin A.
(iii) With reference to ABC in Figure III, write two expressions for height CR, with one
of them involving sin A and the other, sin B.
(b) Using the expressions for the height of ABC found in (a), write two different
expressions for the area of ABC
(i) if BC is the base and AP is the height,
(ii) if AC is the base and BQ is the height,
(iii) if AB is the base and CR is the height.
(c) Although there are six expressions for the area of ABC in (b), only three expressions are
unique. Write the three unique expressions for the area of any acute-angled triangle,
ABC.

2. (a) Consider Figures IV-VI, where C is an obtuse angle and three different heights (i.e.AP,
BQ and CR) of an obtuse-angled triangle, ABC, are highlighted.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 108

(i) With reference to ABC in Figure IV, write two expressions for height AP, with one of
them involving sin B and the other, sin C.
(ii) With reference to ABC in Figure V, write two expressions for height BQ, with one
involving sin C and the other, sin A.
(iii) With reference to ABC in Figure VI, write two expressions for height CR, with one
involving sin A and the other, sin B.
(b) Using the expressions for the height of ABC found in 2(a), write two different
expressions for the area of ABC
(i) if BC is the base and AP is the height,
(ii) if AC is the base and BQ is the height,
(iii) if AB is the base and CR is the height
(c) Hence, write three unique expressions for the area of an obtuse-angled triangle.
3. Compare the expressions for the area of an acute-angled triangle [found in 1 (c)] with that of
an obtuse-angled triangle [found in 2(c)]. Are they the same?
When two sides and an included angle of a triangle are known, we can find its area.
For any triangle ABC, we have
1
Area of ABC = ab sin C
2
1
= bc sin A
2
1
= ac sin B
2
Example 3 In ABC, AB = 12 cm, AC = 15 cm and A = 40. Find the area of the triangle.

Solution Since two sides and the included angle of the triangle are known, we can find its area.
1
Area of ABC =  AB  AC  sin A
2
1
=  12  15  sin 40
2
= 57.9 cm2 (to 3 sig. fig.)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 109

Exercise 7
1. Find the measure of the side marked x in each of the following triangles. Give your answers
correct to one decimal place.
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

2. Find the area of the following triangles.

(a) (b)

(C) (d)

3. In ABC, A = 45, b = 15 cm and c = 22 cm. Find the area of the triangle.

Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 110

4. In the quadrilateral ABCD, AC = 108 cm, ABC = 68 , BAC = 37, ACD = 60
and CAD = 40.

Calculate
(a) the length of BC,
(b) the length of AD,
(c) the area of ACD.
5. In the diagram QR = 12 cm, PQR = 90, QPR = 55, PRS = 87 and
SPR = 60
(a) Find the length of SR.
(b) Calculate the area of PRS.

6. In the diagram AC = 3.1 cm, BC = 3.8 cm, AD = 4.2 cm, ACB = 67o.

Calculate
(a) the area of ABC,
(b) the length of CD.
7. In the diagram, QRS is a straight line andPSR is an obtuse angle. PQR = 37,
PRQ = 126o, PR = 9 cm and PS = 7.6 cm.
Calculate
(a) length PQ,
(b) length QR,
(c) PSR,
(d) The area of PQR.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 111

8. In the trapezium ABCD, AD is parallel to BC, ABC = 90, DAC = 56,

ACD = 102 and AC = 3.4 cm.

Find
(a) the length of AB,
(b) the length of AD,
(c) the area of ACD.
9. P, Q and R are three points on level ground. A child walked from point p to point Q, which
are 40 m apart. An ice-cream van was parked at point R such that RPQ = 26 and
RQP = 40o.
(a) How far away was the child from the van when he was at p?
(b) what was the shortest distance between the child and the van?
^
10. In the figure, AB = 20 cm, B A C = 90o,
^
A C B = 30 and AD is perpendicular to BC. Find
^
(a) B A D;
(b) BD; (c) the area of ABC.

8. Cosine Rule

Measures in triangles Can the Sine Rule be used to find the unknown angle
or side in all triangles?
The above are two cases where unknown lengths and angles in triangles cannot be found by the
Sine Rule.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 112

In such cases, we can turn to the Cosine Rule. First, let us prove the Cosine Rule for acute-
angled triangles. ln APC, applying Pythagoras' theorem,
b2 = h2 + (a-x)2
b2 = h2 +(a2-2ax+x2)
b2 = h2+ x2+ a2 – 2ax _________________(1)
With reference toAPB,
c2 = h2 + x2____________________(2)
Substituting (2) into (1)
b2 = c2+ a2 – 2ax __________________(3)
Now,
x
cosB =
c
x = c cos B ___________________(4)
Substituting (4) into (3),
b2 = c2 + a2 - 2a(c cos B)
b2 = c + a2- 2ac cos B
Similarly, it can be proven that:
a2 = b2+ c2- 2bc cos A
c2 = a2+ b2-2ab cos C
The same rule also holds for obtuse-angled and right-angled triangles. The Geometer's Sketchpad
can be used to investigate the Cosine Rule, just as it was done for Sine Rule in Section 1.7.
For any triangle ABC, the Cosine Rule state that
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos  A
b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B
c2 = a2 + b2 -2ab cos C
We can use the Cosine Rule
• to find an unknown side of a triangle when two sides and the included angle are given,
• to find an unknown angle of a triangle when three sides are given.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 113

Example 1 A, B and C are three points on the edge of Bedok Reservoir. Given that AB = 370
m, AC = 500 m and A = 100, find distance BC.

Solution Given the measures of two sides (i.e. sides AB and AC) and the included angle (i.e.
A) of ABC, the remaining side BC can be found by applying the Cosine Rule.
BC2 = AB2 + AC2 – 2(AB)(AC) cos A
BC2 = 3702 + 5002 - 2(370)(500) cos 100o
= 451100 (to 4 sig. fig.)
BC = 451100
= 672 (to 3 sig. fig.)
Therefore, distance BC is 672 m.
Example 2 In PQR, PQ = 6 cm, PR = 7 cm and QR =10 cm. Find the measure of the
largest angle in PQR.
Solution The angle opposite the longest side is the largest, i.e. P . Given the measures
of three sides, P can be found by applying the Cosine Rule.

QR2 = PQ2 + PR2 - 2(PQ)(PR) cos P

102 = 62 + 72 – 2(6)(7) cos P
6 2 + 7 2 - 10 2
cos P =
2(6)(7)
= -0.1786
P = 100.3(to 1 dec.pl.)
Exercise 8
1. Find the measure of the side marked x in each of the following triangles. Give your answers
correct to three significant figures.
(a) (b)
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 114

(c) (d)

2. In ABC, AB = 8 cm, BC = 5 cm, and CA = 6 cm. BC is produced to R so that CR = 3 cm.

^
Using the cosine formula, find cos A C B. Hence,calculate the length of AR.

3. In the parallelogram ABCD, AB = 6 cm, BC = 5 cm and DAB = 48. Calculate

(a) length DB,
(b) length AC.

^ ^
4. In the figure, AP = 5 cm, PC = 8 cm, A P C = 60 and A B C = 45. Find
(a) AB;
(b) AC.

5. In the diagram below, AMB, ANC and

BCD are straight lines. Find
(a) the value of cos  as a fraction in its
lowest terms,
(b) the values of x and .

6. In the diagram, AB = 12.4 cm,

AC = 8.3 cm and BC = 5.9 cm.
Given that BCD is a straight line
and AB = AD, calculate
(a) ABC, (b) length CD.
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 115

7. In the diagram, QPN = 79, QPN = 56,

PN = 2 cm and NR = 3.4 cm, calculate
(a) length PQ,
(b) length PR,
(c) the area of PNR.
8. In the trapezium ABCD, AB is parallel to DC,
AB = 6 cm, BC = 8 cm, DC = 15 cm and
ABC = 120. Calculate
(a) length DB,
(b) BDC,
(c) length AD,
(d) ADC.

Chapter Review
1.
^
The coordinates of the point A is (2, h) and A O B = 60.
Calculate
(a) the length of OA,
(b) h
^ ^ 3
2. In ABC where A B C = 90, AB = 24 cm and sin A C B = , find the value of
5
(a) AC,
(b) BC,
^ ^
(c) cos A C B + tan B A C.
3. DEF is a triangle in which DE = DF = 17 cm and EF = 16 cm. Find the lengths of the heights
DM and EN where DM and EN are perpendicular to EF and DF respectively.
4. Given the right-angled triangle ABC, AB = 8 cm , BC = 15 cm and AC = 17 cm, find
sinA + cosA.
AB
5. Given the right-angled triangle ABC and sin2A +sin2B = 1. If AC = 2BC ,then find
BC
Chapter 3 Trigonometry P a g e | 116

cosA(secA - cosA) 2sinAcosA

6. If = , then find the angle of  A
sinA(cosecA - sinA) 1+ cos 2 A - sin 2 A

7. In the figure, O is the centre of the circle,

3
AO = DC , BC = 5 cm , find the value of secB.
2

8. In the figure below, AP and CQ are perpendicular to BC and AB respectively.

sinA
If AP : CQ = 3 : 4, find the numerical value of .
sinC

9. Given the area of ABC is 15 square units and C = 90. If sinB = 3sinA , then find
the length of AB.
1
10. If sinA – cosA = and 0< A < 90, then find tanA.
5
11. If 0< A < 90, then find cos 2 A + tan 2 A + sin 2 A .
12. Given ABC , C = 90. If secA = 2 , then find sinAcosB – cosAsinB
13. Given ABC , B = 90. Find the value of sinAcosAtanA + sinCcosCtanC +
B B
sec cosec .
2 2
14. Given ABC , B = 90. If sec2A + tan2A = 3 , then find sinA.
1 2 1 2 1 2
15. Find the value of (sinA + ) + (cosA + ) - (tanA + ).
sinA cosA tan A
16. Find the value of (sinA - cosecA)2 + (cosA + secA)2 – tan2A – cot2A.
17. If secA + tanA = 3 , then find secA – tanA.
18. If secA – cosecA = 0 , then find sin2Asec2A + sin2Acosec2A.
23 7
19. If cosA + sinA = and cosA - sinA = , then find cotA.
17 17
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1 1 1 1
20. If + + + = secA + tanA and 0< A < 90, then find
1+ secA 1+ cotA 1+ cosA 1+ tanA
sinA + tanA.
21. If cosec A sec A = 4 , then find cos4 A + sin4 A.
22. If tan A + cot A = 3 , then find tan3 A + cot3 A.
23. If cosec2 A + 3 cot2 A = 33 and 0 < A < 90 , then find sin A.
2tanA
24. Given tan 2A = , cot 10 = m , then find tan 20.
1- tan 2 A
25. If cos 2A = 1 – 2sin2 A , then find sin 15.
26. Find sin2(A + 30) + sin2(60 - A).
x x
27. If 2
+ 2
= cot2 30 - cosec2 45 , then find x.
1+ cos A 1+ sec A
28. The angle of depression of a boat from the top of a cliff is 24. When the boat moves a
distance of 80 m directly towards the cliff, the angle of depression becomes 32. Find the
length of the cliff.
29. A ladder 3.4 m long rests against a wall at an angle of 78 to the horizontal. Find the
distance of the ladder from the foot of the wall.
30. The angle of elevation of the top of a building at point A (on level ground) is 62. At a point
120 m away from A, the angle of elevation is found to be 35. Find the height of the
building.
31. The angles of elevation of a tower at two places due west of it are 63 and 56. Given that
the foot of the tower and the two points are on ground level and the distance between
the two points is 20 m, find the height of the tower.
32. A vertical cliff is 32 m high. From the top of the cliff, the angles of depression of two boats,
x and y, lying due east of the cliff are 21 o and 14 o respectively. Find the distance between
the boats.
33.

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In the diagram , A O x = 135 and OA = 3 2 , find the values of h and k.