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Tangent function - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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In GCSE Mathematics, the tangent value of an angle is used in trigonometry to find missing sides and angles in a right-angled triangle.

Specifically, if the angle in the triangle we are working with is called theta, then the tangent value of theta is found by dividing the length of the side opposite theta, by the length of the side adjacent to theta.

As an equation, we would write this as

tan space theta equals fraction numerator o p p o s i t e over denominator a d j a c e n t end fraction

You may remember this as the TOA part of the acronym SOHCAHTOA.

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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