Tangent for AQA A-level Maths

Tangent

This page covers the following topics:

1. Tangent
2. Values and applications
3. Right-angled triangles
4. Tangent graphs and transformations

Tangent of an angle is a ratio between the side opposite to the angle and the side adjacent to the angle.

Tangent

Tangent is one of three trigonometric functions of an angle.

Values and applications

tan(x) is found by calculating the ratio of two sides of a right-angled triangle, the opposite and the adjacent.

Right-angled triangles

The diagram shows a tangent graph.

Tangent graphs and transformations

1

Use your calculator to find the value of tan(0).

​

0

Use your calculator to find the value of tan(0).

2

Find tanB if a = 0.2 and b = 0.5.

​

2.5

Find tanB if a = 0.2 and b = 0.5.

3

What is the period (size of one wave) of a tangent graph?

​

180º

What is the period (size of one wave) of a tangent graph?

4

What is the value of tan(30º)?

​

√3/3

What is the value of tan(30º)?

5

Write down the x coordinate of point A on the tangent graph

​

90º

Write down the x coordinate of point A on the tangent graph

End of page