Pythagoras or Trigonometry? (A) WORKSHEET

Once students are comfortable using Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry in right angled triangles, use this worksheet to help them decide which method they should use to solve different problems.

The worksheet displays a simple flow diagram at the beginning to guide learners which they can then use to determine whether they should use Pythagoras’ theorem, the sine, cosine, tangent ratio or neither in order to find x in 16 different questions. Questions include calculating missing lengths and angles, finding the perimeter and area of isosceles triangles, calculating a missing angle in a trapezium and showing that a triangle has a right angle.

As an extension, pupils are asked to go back to find x, a nice revision or end of unit exercise.