Class 10 – Trigonometry (CBSE Exam Guide)
Introduction
Trigonometry is derived from the Greek words ‘Trigonon’ (triangle) and ‘Metron’ (measure). It is the
branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of
right-angled triangles. It has vast applications in engineering, architecture, navigation, astronomy,
and daily life problems.
Trigonometric Ratios
In a right-angled triangle, the six trigonometric ratios are defined as follows (with respect to angle
θ):
• sin θ = Opposite / Hypotenuse
• cos θ = Adjacent / Hypotenuse
• tan θ = Opposite / Adjacent
• cosec θ = 1/sin θ
• sec θ = 1/cos θ
• cot θ = 1/tan θ
Trigonometric Values Table
Angle (θ) 0° 30° 45° 60° 90°
sin θ 0 1/2 1/√2 √3/2 1
cos θ 1 √3/2 1/√2 1/2 0
tan θ 0 1/√3 1 √3 Not Defined
cosec θ Not Defined 2 √2 2/√3 1
sec θ 1 2/√3 √2 2 Not Defined
cot θ Not Defined √3 1 1/√3 0
Trigonometric Identities
There are three fundamental trigonometric identities:
1. sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
2. 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
3. 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ
Example: Prove that (1 + tan²θ) = sec²θ
Solution:
We know sin²θ + cos²θ = 1.
Divide throughout by cos²θ:
(sin²θ/cos²θ) + 1 = 1/cos²θ
=> tan²θ + 1 = sec²θ ✔
Heights and Distances
• Angle of Elevation: Angle formed when an observer looks upward at an object.
• Angle of Depression: Angle formed when an observer looks downward at an object.
In both cases, trigonometric ratios are applied to right-angled triangles.
Example: A ladder 5 m long rests against a wall. The foot of the ladder is 3 m
away. Find the height it reaches.
Solution:
Ladder = Hypotenuse = 5 m, Base = 3 m
By Pythagoras: h² + 3² = 5²
h² = 25 – 9 = 16
h=4m✔
Case Study Question
At a point on the ground, the angle of elevation of the top of a tower is 30°. On walking 100 m
towards the tower, the angle becomes 60°. Find the height of the tower.
Solution:
Let height = h, distance = x
tan30° = h/x => h = x/√3
tan60° = h/(x–100) => h = √3(x–100)
Equating: x/√3 = √3(x–100)
=> x = 150, h = 150/√3 = 50√3 ≈ 86.6 m ✔
Unsolved Practice Questions
1. A tower casts a shadow of 20 m when the angle of elevation of the sun is 45°. Find the height of
the tower.
2. A ladder 15 m long reaches a window 9 m above the ground. Find the distance of the foot of the
ladder from the wall.
3. From the top of a building 50 m high, the angle of depression of a car on the road is 30°. Find the
distance of the car from the base of the building.
4. Evaluate: sin²30° + cos²60°
5. Prove: (1 + cot²θ) = cosec²θ
Last Minute Revision Sheet
• Trigonometric Ratios: sin = O/H, cos = A/H, tan = O/A
• Reciprocal Ratios: cosec = 1/sin, sec = 1/cos, cot = 1/tan
• Identities:
– sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
– 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
– 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ
• Standard Values:
sin: 0, 1/2, 1/√2, √3/2, 1
cos: 1, √3/2, 1/√2, 1/2, 0
tan: 0, 1/√3, 1, √3, ∞
• Angles: Elevation = looking up, Depression = looking down
• Use SOH-CAH-TOA in right triangles to solve problems quickly.
