Choosing suitable trig ratio
Choosing suitable trig ratio means selecting sin, cos, tan, cot, sec, or cosec based on the sides or angles given in the problem.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
The correct ratio depends on which sides are known and which side is required. If the question involves height and ground distance, tan is often best. If the hypotenuse is involved, sin or cos may be better. The important habit is to identify opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse correctly before writing any ratio. Many errors happen because students choose a ratio by memory instead of by geometry.
Example
If height and distance are given, tan is used. If height and slant side are given, sin may be used. If base and slant side are given, cos may be used.
Simple analogy
Sides first, ratio second.
Common confusion
Students often choose the ratio they remember first, even when it does not match the given sides.
Exam tip
Ask one question before solving: Which two sides are linked by the data? That answer tells you the ratio.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of choosing suitable trig ratio in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define choosing suitable trig ratio and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain choosing suitable trig ratio, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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