GETTING READY FOR

A-LEVEL
MATHEMATICS:

Examples:

10 Bridging Topics to prepare you for A level Maths:

1. Expanding brackets and simplifying expressions

2. Rearranging equations
3. Rules of indices
4. Factorising expressions
5. Completing the square
6. Solving quadratic equations
7. Solving linear simultaneous equations
8. Linear inequalities
9. Straight line graphs
10.Trigonometry
Expanding brackets
and simplifying expressions
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1a. Algebraic expressions – basic algebraic manipulation, indices and surds

Key points
• When you expand one set of brackets you must multiply everything inside the bracket by
what is outside.
• When you expand two linear expressions, each with two terms of the form ax + b, where
a ≠ 0 and b ≠ 0, you create four terms. Two of these can usually be simplified by collecting
like terms.

Examples
Example 1 Expand 4(3x − 2)

4(3x − 2) = 12x − 8 Multiply everything inside the bracket

by the 4 outside the bracket

Example 2 Expand and simplify 3(x + 5) − 4(2x + 3)

3(x + 5) − 4(2x + 3) 1 Expand each set of brackets

= 3x + 15 − 8x – 12 separately by multiplying (x + 5) by
3 and (2x + 3) by −4
= 3 − 5x 2 Simplify by collecting like terms:
3x − 8x = −5x and 15 − 12 = 3

Example 3 Expand and simplify (x + 3)(x + 2)

(x + 3)(x + 2) 1 Expand the brackets by multiplying

= x(x + 2) + 3(x + 2) (x + 2) by x and (x + 2) by 3
= x2 + 2x + 3x + 6
= x2 + 5x + 6 2 Simplify by collecting like terms:
2x + 3x = 5x

Example 4 Expand and simplify (x − 5)(2x + 3)

(x − 5)(2x + 3) 1 Expand the brackets by multiplying

= x(2x + 3) − 5(2x + 3) (2x + 3) by x and (2x + 3) by −5
= 2x2 + 3x − 10x − 15
= 2x2 − 7x − 15 2 Simplify by collecting like terms:
3x − 10x = −7x
Rearranging equations
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 6a. Definition, differentiating polynomials, second derivatives
Textbook: Pure Year 1, 12.1 Gradients of curves

Key points
• To change the subject of a formula, get the terms containing the subject on one side and
everything else on the other side.
• You may need to factorise the terms containing the new subject.

Examples
Example 1 Make t the subject of the formula v = u + at.

v = u + at 1 Get the terms containing t on one

side and everything else on the other
v − u = at side.
v−u 2 Divide throughout by a.
t=
a

Example 2 Make t the subject of the formula r = 2t − πt.

r = 2t − πt 1 All the terms containing t are

already on one side and everything
else is on the other side.
r = t(2 − π) 2 Factorise as t is a common factor.
r
t= 3 Divide throughout by 2 − π.
2 −π

t + r 3t
Example 3 Make t the subject of the formula = .
5 2

t + r 3t 1 Remove the fractions first by

= multiplying throughout by 10.
5 2
2t + 2r = 15t 2 Get the terms containing t on one
side and everything else on the other
2r = 13t side and simplify.
2r 3 Divide throughout by 13.
t=
13
 3t + 5
Example 4 Make t the subject of the formula r = .
t −1

3t + 5 1 Remove the fraction first by

r= multiplying throughout by t − 1.
t −1
r(t − 1) = 3t + 5 2 Expand the brackets.
rt − r = 3t + 5 3 Get the terms containing t on one
side and everything else on the other
rt − 3t = 5 + r
side.
t(r − 3) = 5 + r 4 Factorise the LHS as t is a common
factor.
5+ r 5 Divide throughout by r − 3.
t=
r −3
Rules of indices
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1a. Algebraic expressions – basic algebraic manipulation, indices and surds

Key points
• am × an = am + n
am
• = a m−n
an
• (am)n = amn
• a0 = 1
1
• a = n a i.e. the nth root of a
n

( a)
m
• an
= n
am
= n

1
• a−m =
am
• The square root of a number produces two solutions, e.g. 16 = ±4 .

Examples
Example 1 Evaluate 100

100 = 1 Any value raised to the power of zero is

equal to 1

1
Example 2 Evaluate 9 2

1 1
92 = 9 Use the rule a n = n a
=3

2
Example 3 Evaluate 27 3

2 m

( ) ( a)
2 m
27 = 3 3
27 1 Use the rule a = n n

= 32 2 Use 3
27 = 3
=9
Example 4 Evaluate 4−2

1 1
4−2 = 1 Use the rule a − m =
42 am
1
= 2 Use 42 = 16
16

6 x5
Example 5 Simplify
2 x2

6 x5 am
2
= 3x3 6 ÷ 2 = 3 and use the rule n
= a m − n to
2x a
x5 5 −2
give = 2
x= x3
x

x3 × x5
Example 6 Simplify
x4

x 3 × x 5 x 3+ 5 x 8 1 Use the rule a m × a n =

a m+n
= =
x4 x4 x4
am
= x8 − 4 = x 4 2 Use the rule = a m−n
an

1
Example 7 Write as a single power of x
3x

1 1 −1 1
= x Use the rule = a − m , note that the
3x 3 a m

1
fraction remains unchanged
3

4
Example 8 Write as a single power of x
x

4 4 1
= 1 1 Use the rule a n = n a
x x2
−
1 1
= 4x 2 2 Use the rule m
= a−m
a
Factorising expressions
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1b. Quadratic functions – factorising, solving, graphs and the discriminants

Key points
• Factorising an expression is the opposite of expanding the brackets.
• A quadratic expression is in the form ax2 + bx + c, where a ≠ 0.
• To factorise a quadratic equation find two numbers whose sum is b and whose product is ac.
• An expression in the form x2 – y2 is called the difference of two squares. It factorises to
(x – y)(x + y).

Examples
Example 1 Factorise 15x2y3 + 9x4y

15x2y3 + 9x4y = 3x2y(5y2 + 3x2) The highest common factor is 3x2y.

So take 3x2y outside the brackets and
then divide each term by 3x2y to find
the terms in the brackets

Example 2 Factorise 4x2 – 25y2

4x2 – 25y2 = (2x + 5y)(2x − 5y) This is the difference of two squares as
the two terms can be written as
(2x)2 and (5y)2

Example 3 Factorise x2 + 3x – 10

b = 3, ac = −10 1 Work out the two factors of

ac = −10 which add to give b = 3
(5 and −2)
So x2 + 3x – 10 = x2 + 5x – 2x – 10 2 Rewrite the b term (3x) using these
two factors
= x(x + 5) – 2(x + 5) 3 Factorise the first two terms and the
last two terms
= (x + 5)(x – 2) 4 (x + 5) is a factor of both terms
Example 4 Factorise 6x2 − 11x − 10

b = −11, ac = −60 1 Work out the two factors of

ac = −60 which add to give b = −11
So (−15 and 4)
6x2 − 11x – 10 = 6x2 − 15x + 4x – 10 2 Rewrite the b term (−11x) using
these two factors
= 3x(2x − 5) + 2(2x − 5) 3 Factorise the first two terms and the
last two terms
= (2x – 5)(3x + 2) 4 (2x − 5) is a factor of both terms

x 2 − 4 x − 21
Example 5 Simplify
2x2 + 9x + 9

x 2 − 4 x − 21 1 Factorise the numerator and the

denominator
2 x2 + 9 x + 9

For the numerator: 2 Work out the two factors of

b = −4, ac = −21 ac = −21 which add to give b = −4
(−7 and 3)
So
x2 − 4x – 21 = x2 − 7x + 3x – 21 3 Rewrite the b term (−4x) using these
two factors
= x(x − 7) + 3(x − 7) 4 Factorise the first two terms and the
last two terms
= (x – 7)(x + 3) 5 (x − 7) is a factor of both terms

For the denominator: 6 Work out the two factors of

b = 9, ac = 18 ac = 18 which add to give b = 9
(6 and 3)
So
2x2 + 9x + 9 = 2x2 + 6x + 3x + 9 7 Rewrite the b term (9x) using these
two factors
= 2x(x + 3) + 3(x + 3) 8 Factorise the first two terms and the
last two terms
= (x + 3)(2x + 3) 9 (x + 3) is a factor of both terms
So
x 2 − 4 x − 21 ( x − 7)( x + 3) 10 (x + 3) is a factor of both the
=
2
2x + 9x + 9 ( x + 3)(2 x + 3) numerator and denominator so
x−7 cancels out as a value divided by
= itself is 1
2x + 3
Completing the square
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1b. Quadratic functions – factorising, solving, graphs and the discriminants

Key points
• Completing the square for a quadratic rearranges ax2 + bx + c into the form p(x + q)2 + r
• If a ≠ 1, then factorise using a as a common factor.

Examples
Example 1 Complete the square for the quadratic expression x2 + 6x − 2

x2 + 6x − 2 1 Write x2 + bx + c in the form

2 2
 b b
= (x + 3) − 9 − 2  x +  −  +c
2

 2 2
= (x + 3)2 − 11 2 Simplify

Example 2 Write 2x2 − 5x + 1 in the form p(x + q)2 + r

2x2 − 5x + 1 1 Before completing the square write

ax2 + bx + c in the form
 b 
a  x2 + x  + c
 a 
 5  2 Now complete the square by writing
= 2  x2 − x  + 1
 2  5
x 2 − x in the form
2
2 2
 5 5  2 2
= 2  x − −  +1  b b
 4   4   x+ 2 − 2
   
2
 5  25 3 Expand the square brackets – don’t
= 2 x − − +1
 4  8 5
2
forget to multiply   by the
4
factor of 2
2
 5  17
= 2 x −  − 4 Simplify
 4 8
Solving quadratic equations by
factorisation
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1b. Quadratic functions – factorising, solving, graphs and the discriminants

Key points
• A quadratic equation is an equation in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 where a ≠ 0.
• To factorise a quadratic equation find two numbers whose sum is b and whose products is
ac.
• When the product of two numbers is 0, then at least one of the numbers must be 0.
• If a quadratic can be solved it will have two solutions (these may be equal).

Examples
Example 1 Solve 5x2 = 15x

5x2 = 15x 1 Rearrange the equation so that all of

the terms are on one side of the
5x2 − 15x = 0 equation and it is equal to zero.
Do not divide both sides by x as this
would lose the solution x = 0.
5x(x − 3) = 0 2 Factorise the quadratic equation.
5x is a common factor.
So 5x = 0 or (x − 3) = 0 3 When two values multiply to make
zero, at least one of the values must
be zero.
Therefore x = 0 or x = 3 4 Solve these two equations.

Example 2 Solve x2 + 7x + 12 = 0

x2 + 7x + 12 = 0 1 Factorise the quadratic equation.

Work out the two factors of ac = 12
b = 7, ac = 12 which add to give you b = 7.
(4 and 3)
x2 + 4x + 3x + 12 = 0 2 Rewrite the b term (7x) using these
two factors.
x(x + 4) + 3(x + 4) = 0 3 Factorise the first two terms and the
last two terms.
(x + 4)(x + 3) = 0 4 (x + 4) is a factor of both terms.
So (x + 4) = 0 or (x + 3) = 0 5 When two values multiply to make
zero, at least one of the values must
be zero.
Therefore x = −4 or x = −3 6 Solve these two equations.
Example 3 Solve 9x2 − 16 = 0

9x2 − 16 = 0 1 Factorise the quadratic equation.

(3x + 4)(3x – 4) = 0 This is the difference of two squares
as the two terms are (3x)2 and (4)2.
So (3x + 4) = 0 or (3x – 4) = 0 2 When two values multiply to make
zero, at least one of the values must
4 4 be zero.
x= − or x = 3 Solve these two equations.
3 3

Example 4 Solve 2x2 − 5x − 12 = 0

b = −5, ac = −24 1 Factorise the quadratic equation.

Work out the two factors of ac = −24
which add to give you b = −5.
(−8 and 3)
So 2x2 − 8x + 3x – 12 = 0 2 Rewrite the b term (−5x) using these
two factors.
2x(x − 4) + 3(x − 4) = 0 3 Factorise the first two terms and the
last two terms.
(x – 4)(2x + 3) = 0 4 (x − 4) is a factor of both terms.
So (x – 4) = 0 or (2x +3) = 0 5 When two values multiply to make
zero, at least one of the values must
be zero.
x = 4 or x = − 3 6 Solve these two equations.
2

Solving quadratic equations by

completing the square
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1b. Quadratic functions – factorising, solving, graphs and the discriminants

Key points
• Completing the square lets you write a quadratic equation in the form p(x + q)2 + r = 0.

Examples
Example 5 Solve x2 + 6x + 4 = 0. Give your solutions in surd form.
 x2 + 6x + 4 = 0 1 Write x2 + bx + c = 0 in the form
2 2
 b b
(x + 3) − 9 + 4 = 0
2
x+  −  +c = 0
 2 2
(x + 3)2 − 5 = 0 2 Simplify.
(x + 3)2 = 5 3 Rearrange the equation to work out
x. First, add 5 to both sides.
x+3= ± 5 4 Square root both sides.
Remember that the square root of a
value gives two answers.
x = ± 5 −3
5 Subtract 3 from both sides to solve
the equation.
So x = − 5 − 3 or x = 5 −3 6 Write down both solutions.

Example 6 Solve 2x2 − 7x + 4 = 0. Give your solutions in surd form.

2x2 − 7x + 4 = 0 1 Before completing the square write

ax2 + bx + c in the form
 7   b 
2  x2 − x  + 4 = 0 a  x2 + x  + c
 2   a 

 2
7 7 
2 2 Now complete the square by writing
2  x −  −    + 4 = 0 7
 4   4   x 2 − x in the form
2
2 2
 b   b 
 x + 2a  −  2a 
   
2
 7  49
2 x −  − +4 =0 3 Expand the square brackets.
 4 8
2
 7  17
2 x −  − =0 4 Simplify.
 4 8
(continued on next page)
2
 7  17 5 Rearrange the equation to work out
2 x −  = 17
 4 8 x. First, add to both sides.
8
2
 7  17 6 Divide both sides by 2.
x− 4 =
  16

7 17 7 Square root both sides. Remember

x− =± that the square root of a value gives
4 4
two answers.
17 7 7
x=
± + 8 Add to both sides.
4 4 4

7 17 7 17 9 Write down both the solutions.

So x= − or x= +
4 4 4 4
Solving quadratic equations by using the
formula
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1b. Quadratic functions – factorising, solving, graphs and the discriminants

Key points
• Any quadratic equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be solved using the formula
−b ± b 2 − 4ac
x=
2a
• If b2 – 4ac is negative then the quadratic equation does not have any real solutions.
• It is useful to write down the formula before substituting the values for a, b and c.

Examples
Example 7 Solve x2 + 6x + 4 = 0. Give your solutions in surd form.

a = 1, b = 6, c = 4 1 Identify a, b and c and write down

2
−b ± b − 4ac the formula.
x= Remember that −b ± b 2 − 4ac is
2a
all over 2a, not just part of it.

2 Substitute a = 1, b = 6, c = 4 into the

−6 ± 62 − 4(1)(4) formula.
x=
2(1)
−6 ± 20 3 Simplify. The denominator is 2, but
x= this is only because a = 1. The
2 denominator will not always be 2.

−6 ± 2 5 4 Simplify 20 .
x=
2 20 = 4×5 = 4× 5= 2 5

x =−3 ± 5 5 Simplify by dividing numerator and

denominator by 2.
So x =−3 − 5 or =
x 5 −3 6 Write down both the solutions.
Example 8 Solve 3x2 − 7x − 2 = 0. Give your solutions in surd form.

a = 3, b = −7, c = −2 1 Identify a, b and c, making sure you

2
−b ± b − 4ac get the signs right and write down
x= the formula.
2a
Remember that −b ± b 2 − 4ac is
all over 2a, not just part of it.
−(−7) ± (−7) 2 − 4(3)(−2) 2 Substitute a = 3, b = −7, c = −2 into
x=
2(3) the formula.

3 Simplify. The denominator is 6

7 ± 73
x= when a = 3. A common mistake is
6 to always write a denominator of 2.
7 − 73 7 + 73 4 Write down both the solutions.
So x = or x =
6 6
Solving linear simultaneous equations
using the elimination method
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1c. Equations – quadratic/linear simultaneous

Key points
• Two equations are simultaneous when they are both true at the same time.
• Solving simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns involves finding the value of each
unknown which works for both equations.
• Make sure that the coefficient of one of the unknowns is the same in both equations.
• Eliminate this equal unknown by either subtracting or adding the two equations.

Examples
Example 1 Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + y = 5 and x + y = 1

3x + y = 5 1 Subtract the second equation from

– x+y=1 the first equation to eliminate the y
2x =4 term.
So x = 2

Using x + y = 1 2 To find the value of y, substitute

2+y=1 x = 2 into one of the original
So y = −1 equations.

Check: 3 Substitute the values of x and y into

equation 1: 3 × 2 + (−1) = 5 YES both equations to check your
equation 2: 2 + (−1) = 1 YES answers.

Example 2 Solve x + 2y = 13 and 5x − 2y = 5 simultaneously.

x + 2y = 13 1 Add the two equations together to

+ 5x − 2y = 5 eliminate the y term.
6x = 18
So x = 3

Using x + 2y = 13 2 To find the value of y, substitute

3 + 2y = 13 x = 3 into one of the original
So y = 5 equations.

Check: 3 Substitute the values of x and y into

equation 1: 3 + 2 × 5 = 13 YES both equations to check your
equation 2: 5 × 3 − 2 × 5 = 5 YES answers.
Example 3 Solve 2x + 3y = 2 and 5x + 4y = 12 simultaneously.

(2x + 3y = 2) × 4 → 8x + 12y = 8 1 Multiply the first equation by 4 and

(5x + 4y = 12) × 3 → 15x + 12y = 36 the second equation by 3 to make
7x = 28 the coefficient of y the same for
both equations. Then subtract the
So x = 4 first equation from the second
equation to eliminate the y term.

Using 2x + 3y = 2 2 To find the value of y, substitute

2 × 4 + 3y = 2 x = 4 into one of the original
So y = −2 equations.

Check: 3 Substitute the values of x and y into

equation 1: 2 × 4 + 3 × (−2) = 2 YES both equations to check your
equation 2: 5 × 4 + 4 × (−2) = 12 YES answers.

Solving linear simultaneous equations

using the substitution method
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1c. Equations – quadratic/linear simultaneous
Textbook: Pure Year 1, 3.1 Linear simultaneous equations

Key points
• The subsitution method is the method most commonly used for A level. This is because it is
the method used to solve linear and quadratic simultaneous equations.

Examples
Example 4 Solve the simultaneous equations y = 2x + 1 and 5x + 3y = 14

5x + 3(2x + 1) = 14 1 Substitute 2x + 1 for y into the

second equation.
5x + 6x + 3 = 14 2 Expand the brackets and simplify.
11x + 3 = 14
11x = 11 3 Work out the value of x.
So x = 1

Using y = 2x + 1 4 To find the value of y, substitute

y=2×1+1 x = 1 into one of the original
So y = 3 equations.

Check: 5 Substitute the values of x and y into

equation 1: 3 = 2 × 1 + 1 YES both equations to check your
equation 2: 5 × 1 + 3 × 3 = 14 YES answers.
Example 5 Solve 2x − y = 16 and 4x + 3y = −3 simultaneously.

y = 2x − 16 1 Rearrange the first equation.

4x + 3(2x − 16) = −3 2 Substitute 2x − 16 for y into the
second equation.
4x + 6x − 48 = −3 3 Expand the brackets and simplify.
10x − 48 = −3
10x = 45 4 Work out the value of x.
So x = 4 12
Using y = 2x − 16 5 To find the value of y, substitute
y = 2 × 4 12 − 16 x = 4 12 into one of the original
So y = −7 equations.
Check: 6 Substitute the values of x and y into
equation 1: 2 × 4 12 – (–7) = 16 YES both equations to check your
equation 2: 4 × 4 12 + 3 × (−7) = −3 YES answers.
Linear inequalities
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 1d. Inequalities – linear and quadratic (including graphical solutions)

Key points
• Solving linear inequalities uses similar methods to those for solving linear equations.
• When you multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number you need to reverse the
inequality sign, e.g. < becomes >.

Examples
Example 1 Solve −8 ≤ 4x < 16

−8 ≤ 4x < 16 Divide all three terms by 4.

−2 ≤ x < 4

Example 2 Solve 4 ≤ 5x < 10

4 ≤ 5x < 10 Divide all three terms by 5.

4
≤x<2
5

Example 3 Solve 2x − 5 < 7

2x − 5 < 7 1 Add 5 to both sides.

2x < 12 2 Divide both sides by 2.
x<6

Example 4 Solve 2 − 5x ≥ −8

2 − 5x ≥ −8 1 Subtract 2 from both sides.

−5x ≥ −10 2 Divide both sides by −5.
x≤2 Remember to reverse the inequality
when dividing by a negative
number.

Example 5 Solve 4(x − 2) > 3(9 − x)

4(x − 2) > 3(9 − x) 1 Expand the brackets.

4x − 8 > 27 − 3x 2 Add 3x to both sides.
7x − 8 > 27 3 Add 8 to both sides.
7x > 35 4 Divide both sides by 7.
x>5
Straight line graphs
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 2a. Straight-line graphs, parallel/perpendicular, length and area problems

Key points
• A straight line has the equation y = mx + c, where m is
the gradient and c is the y-intercept (where x = 0).
• The equation of a straight line can be written in the form
ax + by + c = 0, where a, b and c are integers.
• When given the coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) of two
points on a line the gradient is calculated using the
y − y1
formula m = 2
x2 − x1

Examples
1
Example 1 A straight line has gradient − and y-intercept 3.
2
Write the equation of the line in the form ax + by + c = 0.

1 1 A straight line has equation

m= − and c = 3
2 y = mx + c. Substitute the gradient
1 and y-intercept given in the question
So y = − x + 3
2 into this equation.
1 2 Rearrange the equation so all the
x +y–3=0
2 terms are on one side and 0 is on
the other side.
x + 2y − 6 = 0 3 Multiply both sides by 2 to
eliminate the denominator.

Example 2 Find the gradient and the y-intercept of the line with the equation 3y − 2x + 4 = 0.

3y − 2x + 4 = 0 1 Make y the subject of the equation.

3y = 2x − 4
2 4 2 Divide all the terms by three to get
=y x− the equation in the form y = …
3 3
2 3 In the form y = mx + c, the gradient
Gradient = m =
3 is m and the y-intercept is c.
4
y-intercept = c = −
3
Example 3 Find the equation of the line which passes through the point (5, 13) and has gradient 3.

m=3
1 Substitute the gradient given in the
y = 3x + c
question into the equation of a
straight line y = mx + c.
2 Substitute the coordinates x = 5 and
13 = 3 × 5 + c
y = 13 into the equation.
3 Simplify and solve the equation.
13 = 15 + c
c = −2
y = 3x − 2 4 Substitute c = −2 into the equation
y = 3x + c

Example 4 Find the equation of the line passing through the points with coordinates (2, 4) and (8, 7).

x1 = 2 , x2 = 8 , y1 = 4 and y2 = 7 1 Substitute the coordinates into the

y2 − y1 7 − 4 3 1 y − y1
m= = = = equation m = 2 to work out
x2 − x1 8 − 2 6 2 x2 − x1
the gradient of the line.
1 2 Substitute the gradient into the
y
= x+c equation of a straight line
2 y = mx + c.
1 3 Substitute the coordinates of either
4 = ×2+c
2 point into the equation.
c=3 4 Simplify and solve the equation.
1 5 Substitute c = 3 into the equation
y
= x+3
2 1
y
= x+c
2
Trigonometry in right-angled triangles
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 4a. Trigonometric ratios and graphs

Key points
• In a right-angled triangle:
o the side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse
o the side opposite the angle θ is called the opposite
o the side next to the angle θ is called the adjacent.

• In a right-angled triangle:
opp
o the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse is the sine of angle θ, sin θ =
hyp
adj
o the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse is the cosine of angle θ, cosθ =
hyp
opp
o the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side is the tangent of angle θ, tan θ =
adj

• If the lengths of two sides of a right-angled triangle are given, you can find a missing angle
using the inverse trigonometric functions: sin−1, cos−1, tan−1.

• The sine, cosine and tangent of some angles may be written exactly.

0 30° 45° 60° 90°

1 3
sin 0 2 2
2
2
1
3 1
cos 1 2 2
2
2 0
3
tan 0 3
1 3
Examples
Example 1 Calculate the length of side x.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

1 Always start by labelling the sides.

adj
cos θ = 2 You are given the adjacent and the
hyp hypotenuse so use the cosine ratio.
6 3 Substitute the sides and angle into
cos 25° =
x the cosine ratio.
6
x= 4 Rearrange to make x the subject.
cos 25°
x = 6.620 267 5... 5 Use your calculator to work out
6 ÷ cos 25°.
x = 6.62 cm 6 Round your answer to 3 significant
figures and write the units in your
answer.

Example 2 Calculate the size of angle x.

Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

1 Always start by labelling the sides.

opp 2 You are given the opposite and the

tan θ =
adj adjacent so use the tangent ratio.
3 3 Substitute the sides and angle into
tan x =
4.5 the tangent ratio.
–1  3  4 Use tan−1 to find the angle.
x = tan  
 4.5 
x = 33.690 067 5... 5 Use your calculator to work out
tan–1(3 ÷ 4.5).
x = 33.7° 6 Round your answer to 3 significant
figures and write the units in your
answer.
Example 3 Calculate the exact size of angle x.

1 Always start by labelling the sides.

opp 2 You are given the opposite and the

tan θ =
adj adjacent so use the tangent ratio.
3
tan x = 3 Substitute the sides and angle into
3 the tangent ratio.
4 Use the table from the key points to
x = 30° find the angle.

The cosine rule

A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 4a. Trigonometric ratios and graphs
Textbook: Pure Year 1, 9.1 The cosine rule

Key points
• a is the side opposite angle A.
b is the side opposite angle B.
c is the side opposite angle C.

• You can use the cosine rule to find the length of a side when two sides and the
included angle are given.
• To calculate an unknown side use the formula a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc cos A .

• Alternatively, you can use the cosine rule to find an unknown angle if the lengths of all three
sides are given.
b2 + c2 − a 2
• To calculate an unknown angle use the formula cos A = .
2bc
Examples
Example 4 Work out the length of side w.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

1 Always start by labelling the angles

and sides.

a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc cos A 2 Write the cosine rule to find the

side.
w2 = 82 + 7 2 − 2 × 8 × 7 × cos 45° 3 Substitute the values a, b and A into
the formula.
w2 = 33.804 040 51... 4 Use a calculator to find w2 and
then w.
w = 33.80404051 5 Round your final answer to 3
w = 5.81 cm significant figures and write the
units in your answer.

Example 5 Work out the size of angle θ.

Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.

1 Always start by labelling the angles

and sides.

b2 + c2 − a 2 2 Write the cosine rule to find the

cos A =
2bc angle.
102 + 7 2 − 152 3 Substitute the values a, b and c into
cosθ =
2 × 10 × 7 the formula.
−76
cos θ = 4 Use cos−1 to find the angle.
140
θ = 122.878 349... 5 Use your calculator to work out
cos–1(–76 ÷ 140).
θ = 122.9° 6 Round your answer to 1 decimal
place and write the units in your
answer.
The sine rule
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 4a. Trigonometric ratios and graphs
Textbook: Pure Year 1, 9.2 The sine rule

Key points
• a is the side opposite angle A.
b is the side opposite angle B.
c is the side opposite angle C.

• You can use the sine rule to find the length of a side when its opposite angle and another
opposite side and angle are given.
a b c
• To calculate an unknown side use the formula = = .
sin A sin B sin C
• Alternatively, you can use the sine rule to find an unknown angle if the opposite side and
another opposite side and angle are given.
• To calculate an unknown angle use the formula sin
= =
A sin B sin C
.
a b c

Examples
Example 6 Work out the length of side x.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

1 Always start by labelling the angles

and sides.

a b 2 Write the sine rule to find the side.

=
sin A sin B
x 10 3 Substitute the values a, b, A and B
=
sin 36° sin 75° into the formula.
10 × sin 36°
x= 4 Rearrange to make x the subject.
sin 75°
x = 6.09 cm 5 Round your answer to 3 significant
figures and write the units in your
answer.
Example 7 Work out the size of angle θ.
Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.

1 Always start by labelling the angles

and sides.

sin A sin B 2 Write the sine rule to find the angle.

=
a b
sin θ sin127° 3 Substitute the values a, b, A and B
= into the formula.
8 14
8 × sin127° 4 Rearrange to make sin θ the subject.
sin θ =
14
θ = 27.2° 5 Use sin−1 to find the angle. Round
your answer to 1 decimal place and
write the units in your answer.
Areas of triangles
A LEVEL LINKS
Scheme of work: 4a. Trigonometric ratios and graphs
Textbook: Pure Year 1, 9.3 Areas of triangles

Key points
• a is the side opposite angle A.
b is the side opposite angle B.
c is the side opposite angle C.
1
• The area of the triangle is ab sin C .
2

Examples
Example 8 Find the area of the triangle.

1 Always start by labelling the sides

and angles of the triangle.

Area = 1 ab sin C 2 State the formula for the area of a

2 triangle.
1 3 Substitute the values of a, b and C
Area = × 8 × 5 × sin 82°
2 into the formula for the area of a
triangle.
Area = 19.805 361... 4 Use a calculator to find the area.

Area = 19.8 cm2 5 Round your answer to 3 significant

figures and write the units in your
answer.