Math - Basics of Trigonometry - SOH CAH TOA

Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies triangles and the relationships between their sides and the angles between these sides.

Sinus? Cosinus? Tangent? These may be the only 3 words you remember from your trigonometry class. I remember a fourth one called SOH CAH TOA from my favorite high school math teacher. 

Remember:

• SINUS of an angle is the length of its OPPOSITE side over the length of the HYPOTENUSE, hence SOH.
  
• COSINUS of an angle is the length of its ADJACENT side over the length of the HYPOTENUSE, hence CAH.
  
• TANGENT of an angle is the length of its OPPOSITE side over its ADJACENT side, hence TOA.
  

Altogether we get SOH CAH TOA

Trigonometry is an important topic in secondary school mathematics. Without a solid foundation in the subject, one cannot excel in differential and integral calculus which are pre-requisite math courses in many university programs.