Grade 12 · Mathematics · Paper 2 · CAPS
Trigonometry in Triangles (2D and 3D) – Grade 12 Mathematics (Paper 2)
What 2D & 3D Trigonometry covers, how it is examined in Mathematics Paper 2, the 3 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 3
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 100
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 05 min
What it covers
This topic applies the sine rule, cosine rule and area rule to triangles in two and three dimensions. A typical problem shows a sketch – a vertical tower seen from two points on the ground, or a figure with angles measured up or down from the horizontal – and asks for a length, height or angle. Many questions first ask you to prove a formula in terms of letters before you substitute numbers, so choosing the right triangle to start with is the key skill.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Mathematics Paper 2 – Monday 26 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Part of Trigonometry ≈ 50/150 in Paper 2; the 2D/3D question is typically 10–15 marks
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in one of Questions 5–7 (usually the last trigonometry question) of Mathematics Paper 2.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Sine, cosine and area rules (revision)30 min
- Numerical 2D and 3D problems40 min
- 'Show that' problems in terms of letters45 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples3 sections | 1 h 55 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 100 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 00 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 05 min |
Mathematics Paper 2 is written on Monday 26 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on 2D & 3D Trigonometry (100 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 3 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 2D & 3D Trigonometry? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick 2D & 3D Trigonometry as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Maths P2 topics
Questions about 2D & 3D Trigonometry
How many marks is 2D & 3D Trigonometry worth in the matric exam?
In Mathematics Paper 2 (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Part of Trigonometry ≈ 50/150 in Paper 2; the 2D/3D question is typically 10–15 marks. In a typical paper you will find it in one of Questions 5–7 (usually the last trigonometry question) of Mathematics Paper 2. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study 2D & 3D Trigonometry?
About 4 h 05 min: 1 h 55 min for the notes and worked examples in its 3 sections, 2 h 00 min for the 10 exam-style questions (100 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 2D & 3D 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 2D & 3D Trigonometry as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.