Trigonometric Ratios

The six trigonometric ratios are sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), cotangent (cot), cosecant (cosec), and secant (sec). In geometry, trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the sides and angles of a right-angled triangle. Therefore, trig ratios are evaluated with respect to sides and angles. 

The trigonometry ratios for a specific angle ‘θ’ is given below:

Note: Opposite side is the perpendicular side and the adjacent side is the base of the right-triangle. Also, check out trigonometric functions to learn about each of these ratios or functions in detail.Trigonometric Identities

Definition

Trigonometric Ratios are defined as the values of all the trigonometric functions based on the value of the ratio of sides in a right-angled triangle. The ratios of sides of a right-angled triangle with respect to any of its acute angles are known as the trigonometric ratios of that particular angle.

The three sides of the right triangle are:

• Hypotenuse (the longest side)
• Perpendicular (opposite side to the angle)
• Base (Adjacent side to the angle)

Related Articles:

• Trigonometric Identities
• Trigonometric Ratios of Complementary Angles
• Trigonometric Ratios Of Standard Angles
• Trigonometry Angles
• Trigonometry Formulas
• Trigonometry Values

How to Find Trigonometric Ratios?

Consider a right-angled triangle, right-angled at B.

With respect to ∠C, the ratios of trigonometry are given as:

• sine: Sine of an angle is defined as the ratio of the side opposite(perpendicular side) to that angle to the hypotenuse.
• cosine: Cosine of an angle is defined as the ratio of the side adjacent to that angle to the hypotenuse.
• tangent: Tangent of an angle is defined as the ratio of the side opposite to that angle to the side adjacent to that angle.
• cosecant: Cosecant is a multiplicative inverse of sine.
• secant: Secant is a multiplicative inverse of cosine.
• cotangent: Cotangent is the multiplicative inverse of the tangent.

The above ratios are abbreviated as sin, cos, tan, cosec, sec and tan respectively in the order they are described. So, for Δ ABC, the ratios are defined as:

sin C = (Side opposite to ∠C)/(Hypotenuse) = AB/AC

cos C = (Side adjacent to ∠C)/(Hypotenuse) = BC/AC

tan C = (Side opposite to ∠C)/(Side adjacent to ∠C) = AB/BC = sin ∠C/cos ∠C

cosec C= 1/sin C = (Hypotenuse)/ (Side Opposite to ∠C) = AC/AB

sec C = 1/cos C = (Hypotenuse)/ (Side Opposite to ∠C) = AC/BC

cot C = 1/tan C = (Side adjacent to ∠C)/(Side opposite to ∠C)= BC/AB

In right Δ ABC, if ∠A and ∠C are assumed as 30° and 60°, then there can be infinite right triangles with those specifications but all the ratios written above for ∠C in all of those triangles will be same. So, all the ratios for any of the acute angles (either ∠A or ∠C) will be the same for every right triangle. This means that the ratios are independent of lengths of sides of the triangle.

Trigonometric Ratios Table

The trigonometric ratios for some specific angles such as 0 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° and 90° are given below, which are commonly used in mathematical calculations.

From this table, we can find the value for the trigonometric ratios for these angles. Examples are:

• Sin 30° = ½
• Cos 90° = 0
• Tan 45° = 1 

Trigonometry Applications

Trigonometry is one of the most important branches of mathematics. Some of the applications of trigonometry are:

• Measuring the heights of towers or big mountains
• Determining the distance of the shore from the sea
• Finding the distance between two celestial bodies
• Determining the power output of solar cell panels at different inclinations
• Representing different physical quantities such as mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves, etc.

It is evident from the above examples that trigonometry has its involvement in a major part of our day-to-day life and much more. In most of the applications listed above, something was being measured and that is what trigonometry is all about.

Solved Problems

Q.1: If in a right-angled triangle ABC, right-angled at B, hypotenuse AC = 5cm, base BC = 3cm and perpendicular AB = 4cm and if ∠ACB = θ, then find tan θ, sin θ and cos θ.

Sol: Given, 

In ∆ABC, 

Hypotenuse, AC = 5cm 

Base, BC = 3cm 

Perpendicular, AB = 4cm

Then, 

tan θ = Perpendicular/Base = 4/3

Sin θ = Perpendicular/Hypotenuse = AB/AC = ⅘

Cos θ = Base/Hypotenuse = BC/AC = ⅗

Q.2: Find the value of tan θ if sin θ = 12/5 and cos θ = ⅗.

Sol: Given, sin θ = 12/5 and cos θ = ⅗

As we know,

Tan θ = Sin θ/Cos θ

Tan θ = (12/5)/(⅗)

Tan θ = 12/3

Tan θ = 4

Practice Questions

1. Find the value of sin θ, if tan θ = ¾ and cos θ = ½. 
2. Find tan θ if sin θ = 4/3 and cos θ = 3/2
3. Find sec θ, if cos θ = 9/8
4. Find cosec θ, if sin θ 16/5

Video Lesson

Trigonometric Ratios of Compound Angles

Download BYJU’S App and learn thousands of concepts here through interesting and personalised videos.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What are the three primary trigonometric ratios?

The three primary trigonometric ratios are tangent (tan), sine (sin) and cosine (cos).

Q2

What are the six trigonometric ratios?

The six 6 trigonometric ratios are sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, cosecant, and secant.

Q3

What is SOH CAH TOA?

SOH CAH TOA is the mnemonic to remember the formula for trigonometry ratios, such that:
SOH: Sine function is the ratio of Opposite side and Hypotenuse
CAH: Cosine is the ratio of Adjacent Side and Hypotenuse
TOA: Tangent is the ratio of Opposite side and Adjacent Side

Q4

What is the formula for Cotangent, Secant and Cosecant?

Cotangent is the ratio of Adjacent side and Opposite side, (Base/Perpendicular)
Secant is the ratio of hypotenuse and adjacent side, (Hypotenuse/Base)
Cosecant is the ratio of hypotenuse and opposite side (Hypotenuse/Perpendicular)

Q5

What is the relationship between sin, cos and tan?

Tangent functions is equal to the ratio of sine and cosine function.
Tan θ = Sin θ/Cos θ