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NCERT Class 10 Mathematics Exercise 8.1 Solutions: Introduction to Trigonometry
AI-written, checked on 23 Oct 2026
Solutions written by Shishya, checked — not the board's official answers
Step-by-step working for every question of Exercise 8.1 in NCERT's Class 10 Mathematics book, chapter “Introduction to Trigonometry”, written by Shishya. Each question is in our own short words; open the NCERT chapter for the exact wording and figures.
How these were checked: the solutions were drafted with AI and then read and corrected on 23 Oct 2026. Every numerical final answer is recomputed from the question's own numbers by a calculator check that runs before each release; proofs and explanations were read, not machine-checked. The NCERT textbook is the authority — if something here disagrees with it, follow the book.
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Ex 8.1 Q1
In △ABC right-angled at B, AB = 24 cm and BC = 7 cm. Find (i) sin A, cos A (ii) sin C, cos C.
- In △ABC, the angle at B is 90°, so AC is the hypotenuse.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- Use the Pythagorean theorem to find AC: AC² = AB² + BC².
- Substitute the given values: AC² = 24² + 7² = 576 + 49 = 625.
why?
Putting the known values in place of the letters turns the formula or equation into plain arithmetic — the letters stood for exactly these values.
- Take the square root to find AC: AC = √625 = 25 cm.
- (i) For angle A, the opposite side is BC and the adjacent side is AB.
- Calculate sin A = Opposite/Hypotenuse = BC/AC = 7/25.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Calculate cos A = Adjacent/Hypotenuse = AB/AC = 24/25.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (ii) For angle C, the opposite side is AB and the adjacent side is BC.
- Calculate sin C = Opposite/Hypotenuse = AB/AC = 24/25.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Calculate cos C = Adjacent/Hypotenuse = BC/AC = 7/25.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: (i) sin A = 7/25, cos A = 24/25; (ii) sin C = 24/25, cos C = 7/25
- In △ABC, the angle at B is 90°, so AC is the hypotenuse.
Ex 8.1 Q2
In Fig. 8.13 (△PQR right-angled at Q, PQ = 12 cm, PR = 13 cm), find tan P − cot R.
Uses a figure printed in the NCERT book — open the chapter above to see it.
- In △PQR, ∠Q = 90°, PQ = 12 cm, PR = 13 cm.
- By Pythagoras theorem, QR² = PR² − PQ² = 13² − 12² = 169 − 144 = 25.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- So QR = 5 cm.
- tan P = opposite/adjacent = QR/PQ = 5/12.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- cot R = adjacent/opposite = QR/PQ = 5/12.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- tan P − cot R = 5/12 − 5/12 = 0.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: 0
Ex 8.1 Q3
sin A = 3/4. Find cos A and tan A.
- Use the identity sin² A + cos² A = 1.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- Substitute sin A = 3/4 to get (3/4)² + cos² A = 1.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- This gives 9/16 + cos² A = 1, so cos² A = 1 − 9/16 = 7/16.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- Taking the square root, cos A = √7/4 (taking the positive value for an acute angle).
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Use the definition tan A = sin A / cos A.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Substitute the values to get tan A = (3/4) / (√7/4).
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Simplify the fraction to get tan A = 3/√7.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: cos A = √7/4, tan A = 3/√7
- Use the identity sin² A + cos² A = 1.
Ex 8.1 Q4
15 cot A = 8. Find sin A and sec A.
- Given 15 cot A = 8, so cot A = 8/15.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- In a right triangle, cot A = adjacent/opposite, so let adjacent = 8 and opposite = 15.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- By Pythagoras theorem, hypotenuse = √(8² + 15²) = √(64 + 225) = √289 = 17.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- sin A = opposite/hypotenuse = 15/17.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- sec A = hypotenuse/adjacent = 17/8.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: sin A = 15/17; sec A = 17/8
- Given 15 cot A = 8, so cot A = 8/15.
Ex 8.1 Q5
sec θ = 13/12. Find all the other trigonometric ratios.
- Given sec θ = 13/12, we know that sec θ = hypotenuse / adjacent side.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Let the hypotenuse be 13 and the adjacent side be 12.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- Using the Pythagorean theorem, opposite side = √(13² − 12²) = √(169 − 144) = √25 = 5.
- Now, sin θ = opposite / hypotenuse = 5/13.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- cos θ = adjacent / hypotenuse = 12/13.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- tan θ = opposite / adjacent = 5/12.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- cot θ = adjacent / opposite = 12/5.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- cosec θ = hypotenuse / opposite = 13/5.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: sin θ = 5/13, cos θ = 12/13, tan θ = 5/12, cot θ = 12/5, cosec θ = 13/5
- Given sec θ = 13/12, we know that sec θ = hypotenuse / adjacent side.
Ex 8.1 Q6
A and B are acute angles with cos A = cos B. Show that A = B.
- Draw a right triangle with angles A and B as its two acute angles: △ABC right-angled at C, so AB is the hypotenuse.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- Then cos A = AC/AB and cos B = BC/AB.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- cos A = cos B gives AC/AB = BC/AB, so AC = BC.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- In △ABC, the angles opposite the equal sides AC and BC are equal: ∠B = ∠A.
Answer: A = B
- Draw a right triangle with angles A and B as its two acute angles: △ABC right-angled at C, so AB is the hypotenuse.
Ex 8.1 Q7
cot θ = 7/8. Evaluate (i) (1 + sin θ)(1 − sin θ)/[(1 + cos θ)(1 − cos θ)] (ii) cot²θ.
- Given cot θ = 7/8, we have adjacent side = 7 and opposite side = 8.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Hypotenuse = √(7² + 8²) = √(49 + 64) = √113.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse = 8/√113 and cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse = 7/√113.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (i) The expression is (1 + sin θ)(1 − sin θ)/[(1 + cos θ)(1 − cos θ)].
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (i) This simplifies to (1 − sin²θ)/(1 − cos²θ).
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- (i) Using identities, 1 − sin²θ = cos²θ and 1 − cos²θ = sin²θ.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- (i) So the expression becomes cos²θ/sin²θ = cot²θ.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- (i) cot²θ = (7/8)² = 49/64.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- (ii) cot²θ = (7/8)² = 49/64.
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
Answer: (i) 49/64; (ii) 49/64
- Given cot θ = 7/8, we have adjacent side = 7 and opposite side = 8.
Ex 8.1 Q8
3 cot A = 4. Check whether (1 − tan²A)/(1 + tan²A) = cos²A − sin²A.
- Given 3 cot A = 4, so cot A = 4/3.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Since cot A = adjacent/opposite, let adjacent side = 4 and opposite side = 3.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Hypotenuse = √(4² + 3²) = √(16 + 9) = √25 = 5.
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- Therefore, tan A = opposite/adjacent = 3/4, sin A = 3/5, and cos A = 4/5.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Calculate LHS: (1 − tan²A)/(1 + tan²A) = (1 − (3/4)²)/(1 + (3/4)²).
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- Simplify numerator: 1 − 9/16 = 7/16.
why?
Simplifying (combining like terms, cancelling common factors) changes how the expression looks, not its value, so the next step is easier.
- Simplify denominator: 1 + 9/16 = 25/16.
why?
Simplifying (combining like terms, cancelling common factors) changes how the expression looks, not its value, so the next step is easier.
- LHS = (7/16) ÷ (25/16) = 7/25.
- Calculate RHS: cos²A − sin²A = (4/5)² − (3/5)².
why?
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 (Pythagoras on a right triangle with hypotenuse 1). Dividing it by cos²θ gives 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, and by sin²θ gives 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ.
- Simplify RHS: 16/25 − 9/25 = 7/25.
why?
Simplifying (combining like terms, cancelling common factors) changes how the expression looks, not its value, so the next step is easier.
- Since LHS = RHS = 7/25, the identity is verified.
Answer: 7/25, yes
- Given 3 cot A = 4, so cot A = 4/3.
Ex 8.1 Q9
In △ABC right-angled at B, tan A = 1/√3. Find (i) sin A cos C + cos A sin C (ii) cos A cos C − sin A sin C.
- Given tan A = 1/√3, we identify the sides of the right triangle as opposite = 1, adjacent = √3, and hypotenuse = 2.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- From these sides, sin A = 1/2 and cos A = √3/2.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- Since the triangle is right-angled at B, angle C is complementary to angle A, so sin C = cos A = √3/2 and cos C = sin A = 1/2.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (i) Substitute the values into sin A cos C + cos A sin C to get (1/2)(1/2) + (√3/2)(√3/2).
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (i) Calculate the sum as 1/4 + 3/4, which equals 1.
- (ii) Substitute the values into cos A cos C − sin A sin C to get (√3/2)(1/2) − (1/2)(√3/2).
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (ii) Calculate the difference as √3/4 − √3/4, which equals 0.
Answer: (i) 1; (ii) 0
- Given tan A = 1/√3, we identify the sides of the right triangle as opposite = 1, adjacent = √3, and hypotenuse = 2.
Ex 8.1 Q10
In △PQR right-angled at Q, PR + QR = 25 cm and PQ = 5 cm. Find sin P, cos P and tan P.
- Let QR = x cm, so PR = (25 − x) cm.
- Apply Pythagoras theorem in △PQR: PQ² + QR² = PR².
why?
In a right-angled triangle, (hypotenuse)² = (one side)² + (other side)² (Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem). The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
- Substitute values: 5² + x² = (25 − x)².
why?
Putting the known values in place of the letters turns the formula or equation into plain arithmetic — the letters stood for exactly these values.
- Expand and simplify: 25 + x² = 625 − 50x + x².
why?
Expanding multiplies every term in one bracket by every term in the other: (a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd.
- Cancel x² and solve: 50x = 600, so x = 12 cm.
- Thus QR = 12 cm and PR = 25 − 12 = 13 cm.
- sin P = opposite/hypotenuse = QR/PR = 12/13.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- cos P = adjacent/hypotenuse = PQ/PR = 5/13.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- tan P = opposite/adjacent = QR/PQ = 12/5.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: sin P = 12/13, cos P = 5/13, tan P = 12/5
Ex 8.1 Q11
True or false? Justify: (i) tan A is always less than 1 (ii) sec A = 12/5 for some angle A (iii) cos A is short for the cosecant of A (iv) cot A is cot times A (v) sin θ = 4/3 for some angle θ.
- (i) False: tan 45° = 1 and tan 60° = √3, which is more than 1.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (ii) True: sec A = hypotenuse/adjacent side, and a hypotenuse of 12 with an adjacent side of 5 is possible (the third side is √119), so sec A = 12/5 for some A.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (iii) False: cos A is short for the cosine of A; cosec A is the cosecant.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (iv) False: cot A is one symbol, the cotangent of angle A, not cot multiplied by A.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
- (v) False: sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse, and the hypotenuse is the longest side, so sin θ cannot be more than 1; 4/3 is more than 1.
why?
In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan = opposite/adjacent (cosec, sec, cot are their reciprocals). The ratio depends only on the angle, not on the size of the triangle.
Answer: (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) False; (v) False
- (i) False: tan 45° = 1 and tan 60° = √3, which is more than 1.
Other exercises in this chapter
- Exercise 8.2 — 4 questions
- Exercise 8.3 — 13 questions
← Introduction to Trigonometry: notes, practice and all exercises
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