Grade 12 · Mathematics · Paper 2 · CAPS
General Trigonometry – Grade 12 Mathematics (Paper 2)
What Trigonometry covers, how it is examined in Mathematics Paper 2, the 6 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 6
- Exam-style questions
- 14
- Marks of practice
- 158
- Study time
- ≈ 7 h 15 min
What it covers
General trigonometry is the foundation of the Paper 2 trig questions: reduction formulae, negative angles, special angles worked out by hand, and proving identities. Grade 12 adds the formulae for sin, cos and tan of sums and doubles of angles, which you use to simplify expressions, find exact values and solve equations, as well as the general solution of trigonometric equations. Graphs of sine, cosine and tangent with a changed amplitude, period or horizontal shift round off the topic.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Mathematics Paper 2 – Monday 26 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Trigonometry ≈ 50/150 in Paper 2 (with 2D/3D triangles)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Questions 5–7 of Mathematics Paper 2.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Gr 11 revision: reduction formulae, special angles and basic identities35 min
- Compound and double angle formulae35 min
- Values without a calculator: diagrams, numerical angles and letters40 min
- Proving identities (and where they are undefined)40 min
- General solutions and trigonometric equations45 min
- Trig graphs and maximum/minimum values of expressions40 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples6 sections | 3 h 55 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions14 questions · 158 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 3 h 10 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 7 h 15 min |
Mathematics Paper 2 is written on Monday 26 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 14 exam-style questions on Trigonometry (158 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 6 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Mathematics Paper 2
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Trigonometry? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Trigonometry as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Maths P2 topics
Questions about Trigonometry
How many marks is Trigonometry worth in the matric exam?
In Mathematics Paper 2 (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Trigonometry ≈ 50/150 in Paper 2 (with 2D/3D triangles). In a typical paper you will find it in Questions 5–7 of Mathematics Paper 2. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Trigonometry?
About 7 h 15 min: 3 h 55 min for the notes and worked examples in its 6 sections, 3 h 10 min for the 14 exam-style questions (158 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Mathematics Paper 2 exam in 2026?
Mathematics Paper 2 is written on Monday 26 October 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Trigonometry?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Trigonometry as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.