How to derive it
- tan 54° = sin 54° ÷ cos 54° = (√5 + 1)/4 ÷ √(10 − 2√5)/4.
- Simplify the surds: √(25 + 10√5)/5 ≈ 1.3764.
All trig ratios of 54°
| Ratio | Exact | Decimal |
|---|---|---|
| sin 54° | (√5 + 1)/4 | 0.8090 |
| cos 54° | √(10 − 2√5)/4 | 0.5878 |
| tan 54° | √(25 + 10√5)/5 | 1.3764 |
| cosec 54° | 1 ÷ sin 54° | 1.2361 |
| sec 54° | 1 ÷ cos 54° | 1.7013 |
| cot 54° | 1 ÷ tan 54° | 0.7265 |
Exact values of special angles
For whole-degree values from 0° to 90°, see the trigonometry table.
Questions students ask
What is the value of tan 54°?
√(25 + 10√5)/5, which is about 1.3764.
What is tan 54° in radians?
54° is 3π/10 radians, so tan(3π/10) = √(25 + 10√5)/5.
Is tan 54° equal to cot 36°?
Yes. tan θ = cot(90° − θ), so tan 54° = cot 36°.
How do you find tan 54° without a calculator?
tan 54° = sin 54° ÷ cos 54° = (√5 + 1)/4 ÷ √(10 − 2√5)/4. Simplify the surds: √(25 + 10√5)/5 ≈ 1.3764.