Tangent Function

The three common trigonometry functions are tangent, sine and cosine. Here, we will consider the tangent function - its definition and some applications.

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You may use want to use some mnemonics to help you remember the trigonometric functions. One common mnemonic is to remember the SOH-CAH-TOA.

The tangent of an angle is the ratio of the opposite side and adjacent side of the corresponding right triangle.

Tangent is usually abbreviated as tan. Tangent θ can be written as tan θ.

Example:
Calculate the value of tan θ in the following triangle.
Tangent example

Solution:
Tangent solution

The following video gives examples of the tangent function.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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