Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 11 Maths Guides

Year 11 - Maths

Drawing the tangent graph

Non right-angled trigonometry

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore how to apply knowledge in trigonometry to non right-angled triangles.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to draw the graph for the tangent trigonometric function.

Key Notes

  • The unit circle can help you predict what the tangent graph will look like
  • The tangent graph has asymptotes
  • The trigonometric functions have different periods.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Period (of a function): For a repeating function, the period is the distance of one repetition of the entire function.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may have their calculator set to radians instead of degrees.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

The unit circle can help you predict what the tangent graph will look like. The tangent graph has asymptotes.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Period (of a function)'

For a repeating function, the period is the distance of one repetition of the entire function. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Pupils may have their calculator set to radians instead of degrees. Correction: The first check for understanding is designed to catch this but it is worth checking that the correct unit of measurement is being used throughout the lesson.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.