Trigonometric value

Tan(120°) = -√3

Tangent — sine divided by cosine, equivalently opposite/adjacent in a right triangle; undefined where cos = 0.

How to derive tan(120°)

tan(120°)=3tan(120°) = -\sqrt{3}

120° is in quadrant II (tangent negative). Reference angle = 60°, so tan(120°) = −tan(60°) = −√3.

Unit-circle context

The angle 120° corresponds to 2π/3 radians and sits Quadrant II on the unit circle.

Its reference angle is 60°, which is why tan(120°) shares its absolute value with tan(60°).

Other trig values at 120°

Related tan values

Frequently asked

What is the exact value of tan(120°)?
The exact value is -√3. Its decimal approximation is -1.73205.
How do you derive tan(120°)?
120° is in quadrant II (tangent negative). Reference angle = 60°, so tan(120°) = −tan(60°) = −√3.
What is 120° in radians?
120° equals 2π/3 radians (multiply degrees by π/180).

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