Understanding SOHCAHTOA
SOHCAHTOA is a memory trick that breaks down into three key ratios. Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, and Tan = Opposite/Adjacent. The hypotenuse is always the longest side, opposite the 90° angle.
Before diving into calculations, identify what you've got and what you need. If you have an angle and the opposite side but need the hypotenuse, you'll use sine. For example, if sin(35°) = 20/H, then H = 20 ÷ sin(35°) = 34.9cm.
When you need to find an angle instead of a side, use the inverse functions (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹). If cos(x) = 16/24, then x = cos⁻¹(16/24) = 48.2°.
Top Tip: Always check which sides you can identify relative to your angle - this determines which ratio to use.