CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 8: Introduction to Trigonometry NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter introduces students to the fundamental concepts of trigonometry, a branch of mathematics dealing with the relationships between angles and sides of triangles. The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Mathematics, Chapter 8, cover essential topics like trigonometric ratios, trigonometric identities, and their applications. These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for all exercises, helping students understand how to calculate trigonometric ratios for various angles and solve problems involving right-angled triangles. The content is designed to build a strong foundation for more advanced trigonometry topics in higher classes. Mastering these concepts is crucial for students preparing for their board examinations, as trigonometry is a significant part of the mathematics syllabus. These solutions serve as an excellent resource for revision and practice, ensuring students can confidently tackle exam questions.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectMathematics
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 8

Chapter summary

Chapter 8, Introduction to Trigonometry, for CBSE Class 10 Mathematics focuses on defining and calculating trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent, etc.) in right-angled triangles. The NCERT Solutions cover problems involving finding these ratios given side lengths, using the Pythagorean theorem, and evaluating trigonometric functions for specific angles. The exercises also include problems that require applying these ratios to find unknown sides or angles and understanding basic trigonometric identities.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the definitions of trigonometric ratios in a right-angled triangle.
  • Apply the Pythagorean theorem to find unknown side lengths.
  • Calculate trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan) for given angles.
  • Solve problems involving the difference between trigonometric ratios.
  • Determine trigonometric ratios for angles A and C in a right-angled triangle.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Introduction to Trigonometry
  • Trigonometric Ratios
  • Right-angled Triangles
  • Pythagorean Theorem
  • Trigonometric Ratios of Specific Angles
  • Ratios in terms of sides
  • Sine, Cosine, Tangent
  • Opposite and Adjacent Sides
  • Hypotenuse

Important topics

  • Definition of Trigonometric Ratios
  • Calculating Trigonometric Ratios using Side Lengths
  • Pythagorean Theorem Application
  • Trigonometric Ratios for Angles A and C
  • Evaluating tan P - cot R

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

In a triangle ABC, right-angled at B, AB = 24 cm and BC = 7 cm. Determine:
  1. sin A, cos A
  2. sin C, cos C
Solution:

First, we need to find the length of the hypotenuse AC using the Pythagorean theorem in the right-angled triangle ABC. The theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

AC^2 = AB^2 + BC^2

Substitute the given values of AB and BC:

AC^2 = (24 \text{ cm})^2 + (7 \text{ cm})^2

AC^2 = 576 \text{ cm}^2 + 49 \text{ cm}^2

AC^2 = 625 \text{ cm}^2

Now, take the square root to find the length of AC:

AC = \sqrt{625 \text{ cm}^2} = 25 \text{ cm}

Now we can determine the trigonometric ratios:

(i) For angle A:

The side opposite to angle A is BC, and the adjacent side is AB. The hypotenuse is AC.

\sin A = \frac{\text{Side opposite to } \angle A}{\text{Hypotenuse}} = \frac{BC}{AC} = \frac{7 \text{ cm}}{25 \text{ cm}} = \frac{7}{25}

\cos A = \frac{\text{Side adjacent to } \angle A}{\text{Hypotenuse}} = \frac{AB}{AC} = \frac{24 \text{ cm}}{25 \text{ cm}} = \frac{24}{25}

(ii) For angle C:

The side opposite to angle C is AB, and the adjacent side is BC. The hypotenuse is AC.

\sin C = \frac{\text{Side opposite to } \angle C}{\text{Hypotenuse}} = \frac{AB}{AC} = \frac{24 \text{ cm}}{25 \text{ cm}} = \frac{24}{25}

\cos C = \frac{\text{Side adjacent to } \angle C}{\text{Hypotenuse}} = \frac{BC}{AC} = \frac{7 \text{ cm}}{25 \text{ cm}} = \frac{7}{25}

Question 2

In the given figure, find tan P - cot R.

Triangle PQR with PQ=12cm, PR=13cm

Solution:

The given figure shows a right-angled triangle PQR, right-angled at Q. We are given the lengths of the hypotenuse PR = 13 cm and one side PQ = 12 cm. We need to find the length of the third side QR using the Pythagorean theorem.

PR^2 = PQ^2 + QR^2

Substitute the given values:

(13 \text{ cm})^2 = (12 \text{ cm})^2 + QR^2

169 \text{ cm}^2 = 144 \text{ cm}^2 + QR^2

Rearrange the equation to solve for QR^2:

QR^2 = 169 \text{ cm}^2 - 144 \text{ cm}^2

QR^2 = 25 \text{ cm}^2

Take the square root to find the length of QR:

QR = \sqrt{25 \text{ cm}^2} = 5 \text{ cm}

Now we can find tan P and cot R.

For angle P, the opposite side is QR and the adjacent side is PQ.

\tan P = \frac{\text{Side opposite to } \angle P}{\text{Side adjacent to } \angle P} = \frac{QR}{PQ} = \frac{5 \text{ cm}}{12 \text{ cm}} = \frac{5}{12}

For angle R, the opposite side is PQ and the adjacent side is QR.

\cot R = \frac{\text{Side adjacent to } \angle R}{\text{Side opposite to } \angle R} = \frac{QR}{PQ} = \frac{5 \text{ cm}}{12 \text{ cm}} = \frac{5}{12}

Finally, calculate tan P - cot R:

\tan P - \cot R = \frac{5}{12} - \frac{5}{12} = 0

Therefore, tan P - cot R = 0.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the opposite and adjacent sides relative to the angle.
  • Errors in applying the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Incorrectly identifying the hypotenuse.
  • Mistakes in simplifying fractions of trigonometric ratios.

Revision tips

  • Memorize the definitions of the six trigonometric ratios.
  • Practice drawing right-angled triangles and labeling sides correctly.
  • Ensure you can quickly apply the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Work through each example and exercise solution to reinforce understanding.

Practice MCQs

Q1. In a right-angled triangle ABC, right-angled at B, if AB = 24 cm and BC = 7 cm, what is the length of the hypotenuse AC?

Q2. For angle A in triangle ABC (right-angled at B), what is sin A?

Q3. In triangle PQR, right-angled at Q, if PQ = 12 cm and PR = 13 cm, what is the length of QR?

Q4. In triangle PQR (right-angled at Q), what is tan P?

Q5. If sin C = 24/25 and cos C = 7/25 in a right-angled triangle, what is the ratio tan C?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 8: Introduction to Trigonometry for Class 10?

This chapter introduces the basic concepts of trigonometry, focusing on the relationships between the angles and sides of right-angled triangles, and defining trigonometric ratios like sine, cosine, and tangent.

How do the NCERT Solutions help students understand trigonometry?

The solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each problem, breaking down complex calculations and concepts. They help students visualize the triangles, apply theorems correctly, and compute trigonometric ratios accurately.

What is the Pythagorean theorem and how is it used in this chapter?

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. It's used here to find the length of an unknown side when two sides are known.

What are trigonometric ratios?

Trigonometric ratios are ratios of the lengths of the sides of a right-angled triangle with respect to its angles. The main ratios are sine (sin), cosine (cos), and tangent (tan), along with their reciprocals cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot).

How can I use these solutions for exam preparation?

These solutions are ideal for revision. By working through them, you can reinforce your understanding of the concepts, practice problem-solving techniques, and identify areas where you might need further study before the exams.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.