Content-Specific Cheat Sheets
SAT Trigonometry Rules & Identities (SOH-CAH-TOA Cheat Sheet)
Master the trigonometry formulas tested on the Digital SAT.
Direct Answer
The core trigonometry rules for the SAT are: 1. SOH-CAH-TOA: sin(θ) = Opp/Hyp, cos(θ) = Adj/Hyp, tan(θ) = Opp/Adj. 2. Complementary Angle Identity: sin(x°) = cos(90° - x°). 3. Radians to Degrees: Multiply radians by 180/π. 4. Pythagorean Identity: sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1.
Trigonometry accounts for roughly 2 to 4 questions per test. The complementary angle identity sin(A) = cos(B) where A + B = 90° appears on almost every exam.
Reference Data Table
| Trig Concept / Formula | Equation | Exam Application |
|---|---|---|
| SOH-CAH-TOA | sin = O/H, cos = A/H, tan = O/A | Right triangle side ratio calculations |
| Complementary Angle Identity | sin(x°) = cos(90° - x°) | If sin(3x) = cos(2x), then 3x + 2x = 90 |
| Radians to Degrees Conversion | Degrees = Radians × (180 / π) | Converting angle units in circle sectors |
| Pythagorean Identity | sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1 | Simplifying algebraic trigonometric equations |
| Tangent Identity | tan(θ) = sin(θ) / cos(θ) | Converting between ratios without right triangles |
Key Takeaways & Pro Tips
Ensure your calculator or Desmos is set to DEG (degrees) or RAD (radians) according to the problem units.
Frequently asked questions
Is the unit circle provided on the SAT reference sheet?
No. The reference sheet does NOT include any trigonometry identities or unit circle values.
Master the Digital SAT with Prepvora
Take a free 17-minute adaptive diagnostic and practice thousands of questions with instant step-by-step explanations.