Mathematics

Tangent Ratio

Define tangent of an acute angle in a right triangle.

tan θ = Opposite / Adjacent

Formula Explanation

Tangent is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side.

Variables Explained

θ = acute angle.

Solved Example

Opposite = 3, Adjacent = 4. tan θ?
3/4 = 0.75.

Exam Tip

tan θ = sin θ / cos θ.