• We only use Pythagoras for right angled triangles

• We know to use Pythagoras when we are given the length of two sides of a triangle, and we want to find the length of the third side hence i.e. when ONLY sides are
involved (this is in contrast with SOHCAHTOA where sides AND angles are involved).
want given given
given given want

given want given

Shortcut method:
If you want to avoid using algebra (i.e. avoid having to plug into the formula !! +#! = % ! and then re-arranging), use the following shortcut:
ü Square the sides and ADD if finding the hypotenuse. Square root after.
ü Square the sides and SUBTRACT if given the hypotenuse. Square root after (you must subtract the smaller number from the bigger number)

Example 1 !
Example 2
!

We are finding the hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle) We are given the hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle)
This means we square both sides, add and root This means we square both sides, subtract and root
6! + 8! 25! − 17!
= 100 = 336
= 10 - = 10 - = 18.3
= 18.3
• Just like with Pythagoras, we only use SOHCAHTOA this for right-angled triangles

• How does SOHCAHTOA differ from Pythagoras?

We use SOHCAHTOA when sides AND angles are involved. In other words when we are either:
ü Given 2 lengths and want to find an angle
or
ü Given a length and an angle (other than the right angle) and want find the length

Always remember that in order to be able to use SOHCAHTOA on a triangle we need to be given any two lengths OR
given a length and an angle (other than the right angle)

give
given n
given

given
Step 1 :
For example: Consider the following 8 scenarios where the blue angle would be the angle given or the angle we want to find.
Hypotenuse is always the angle opposite to the right angle
Adjacent is always right next to the angle (but not the hypotenuse)
Opposite is directly opposite the angle
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4

Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8

Step 2 :
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Step 1 (labelling the sides) gives us

Step 1 (labelling the sides) gives us Step 1 (labelling the sides) gives us

Step 2 Step 2 Step 2

Here we consider opposite (O) and hypotenuse (H) Here we consider opposite (O) and adjacent (A). Here we consider adjacent (A) and hypotenuse (H)
(we don’t care about the adjacent side since it is not (we don’t care about the hypotenuse since it is not (we don’t care about the opposite side since it is not
given to us and we are not asked to find it). given to us and we are not asked to find it). given to us and we are not asked to find it).

Which trig identity uses O and H? Which trig identity uses O and A? Which trig identity uses A and H?
Consider SOHCAHTOA. Remember, S stands for sin, Consider SOHCAHTOA. Remember, S stands for sin, Consider SOHCAHTOA. Remember, S stands for sin,
C stands , for cos and T stands for Tan. C stands for cos and T stands for Tan. C stands for cos and T stands for Tan.
Here we use Sin since we have O and H. Here we use Tan since we have O and A. Here we use Cos since we have A and H.
Step 3 :
• If opposite and hypotenuse sides involved use sin
• If adjacent and hypotenuses sides involved use cos These can be remembered by SOHCAHTOA
• If opposite and adjacent sides involved use tan

Sin O Cos Tan

A O
sin ° H cos ° H tan ° A
Next, cover up (cross off) what you’re trying to find and do the resulting operation.
Take the sin pyramid for example:
Important: Be careful
This line means
• If we are finding the opposite side, we cross off O
and do sin (angle) x H on he calculator
• If we are finding the hypotenuse, we cross off H
O divide (÷)
when finding an
angle (i.e. when
! crossing off sin°). We
H
and do "#$ (&'()*) on the calculator
• If we are finding the angle, we cross off 012 (°) sin ° This line means have a fraction and
use the shift button
multiply (×)
.
and do 012,- on the calculator on our calculator
/

This will make more sense once you see the example on the next page
Example 1: Step 1: Label in relation to the angle
Finding a side Note: we don’t care
about this since not
asked to find it and
not given it

Step 2: This involves tan since we care about adjacent and opposite, so let’s use the
Tan triangle. We are trying to find opposite (O), so cover up O part.

Step 3:

Tan O
tan ° A
we are left with tan (angle) multiplied by $
Remember that T stands for Tan and Tan cannot be written without an angle next to it
⟹ tan 34 × 14 = 9.44
Example 2: Step 1: Label in relation to the angle
Finding a side Note: we don’t care
about this since not
asked to find it and
not given it

Step 2: This involves sin since we care about opposite and hypotenuse, so let’s use the Sin
triangle. We are trying to find hypotenuse (H), so cover up H part.

Step 3:

Sin O
sin ° H
we are left with O divided by s/0(20345)
"
⟹ = 13.3
#$% !!°
 Step 1: Label in relation to the angle
Example 3:
Finding an angle

Note: we don’t care

about this since not
asked to find it and
not given it

Step 2: This involves cos since we care about adjacent and hypotenuse, so let’s use the Cos
triangle. We are trying to find angle so cover up cos° part.
Step 3:

Cos A Careful:
When finding an
angle, we have a

cos ° H fraction and must

use the shift button
on the calculator
! #.%
We are left with ⟹
" &&
WATCH OUT: When finding an angle we must use the trig button with the −1 hence 789 '(
#.%
⟹ 789 '( = 65.8°
&&