Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Solutions to Exercise 11A

1a sin 2𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = 0
2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = 0
cos 𝑥 (2 sin 𝑥 − 1) = 0
Hence
1
cos 𝑥 = 0 or sin 𝑥 = 2

1b For cos 𝑥 = 0
𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥= ,
2 2
1
For sin 𝑥 = 2

𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
6 6
Thus
𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= , , ,
6 2 2 6

2a cos 2𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = 0
cos2 𝑥 − sin2 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = 0
cos2 𝑥 − (1 − cos2 𝑥) − cos 𝑥 = 0
2 cos2 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 − 1 = 0
(2 cos 𝑥 + 1)(cos 𝑥 − 1) = 0
1
cos 𝑥 = 1 or − 2

2b For cos 𝑥 = 1
𝑥 = 0, 2𝜋
1
For cos 𝑥 = − 2

2𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Hence
2𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , , 2𝜋
3 3

3a
𝜋 𝜋
sin (𝑥 + ) = 2 cos (𝑥 − )
4 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
sin 𝑥 cos + sin cos 𝑥 = 2 cos 𝑥 cos + 2 sin 𝑥 sin
4 4 4 4
1 1 2 2
sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥
√2 √2 √2 √2
1 1
0= sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥
√2 √2
sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0
sin 𝑥 = − cos 𝑥
tan 𝑥 = −1

3b tan 𝑥 = −1
3𝜋 7𝜋
𝑥= ,
4 4

4a
𝜋 𝜋
sin (𝜃 + ) = 2 sin (𝜃 − )
6 6
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
sin 𝜃 cos + cos 𝜃 sin = 2 sin 𝜃 cos − 2 cos 𝜃 sin
6 6 6 6
𝜋 𝜋
3 cos 𝜃 sin = sin 𝜃 cos
6 6
𝜋
3 tan = tan 𝜃
6
3
= tan 𝜃
√3
tan 𝜃 = √3
𝜋 4𝜋
Hence 𝜃 = 3 , 3

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋 𝜋
4b cos (𝜃 − 6 ) = 2 cos (𝜃 + 6 )
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
cos 𝜃 cos + sin 𝜃 sin = 2 cos 𝜃 cos − 2 sin 𝜃 sin
6 6 6 6
𝜋 𝜋
3 sin 𝜃 sin = cos 𝜃 cos
6 6
1 𝜋 1
tan 𝜃 = cot =
3 6 √3
𝜋 7𝜋
𝜃= ,
6 6

1
4c cos 4𝜃 cos 𝜃 + sin 4𝜃 sin 𝜃 = 2

1
cos(4𝜃 − 𝜃) =
2
1
cos 3𝜃 =
2
Now since 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋, 0 ≤ 3𝜃 ≤ 6𝜋
𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋 11𝜋 13𝜋 17𝜋
3𝜃 = , , , , ,
3 3 3 3 3 3
Hence
𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋 11𝜋 13𝜋 17𝜋
𝜃= , , , , ,
9 9 9 9 9 9

4d cos 3𝜃 = cos 2𝜃 cos 𝜃

cos(2𝜃 + 𝜃) = cos 2𝜃 cos 𝜃
cos 2𝜃 cos 𝜃 − sin 2𝜃 sin 𝜃 = cos 2𝜃 cos 𝜃
sin 2𝜃 sin 𝜃 = 0
Hence sin 𝜃 = 0 or sin 2𝜃 = 0
For sin 𝜃 = 0:
𝜃 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋
For sin 2𝜃 = 0:
Since 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋, 0 ≤ 2𝜃 ≤ 4𝜋
2𝜃 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋, 3𝜋, 4𝜋

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋 3𝜋
Which gives 𝜃 = 0, 2 , 𝜋, , 2𝜋
2
𝜋 3𝜋
So the solutions are 𝜃 = 0, 2 , 𝜋, , 2𝜋
2

5a sin 2𝑥 = sin 𝑥
2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 0
sin 𝑥 (2 cos 𝑥 − 1) = 0
1
sin 𝑥 = 0 or cos 𝑥 = 2

For sin 𝑥 = 0:
𝑥 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋
1
For cos 𝑥 = 2:

𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3
Hence
𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , 𝜋, , 2𝜋
3 3

5b sin 2𝑥 + √3 cos 𝑥 = 0

2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 + √3 cos 𝑥 = 0

cos 𝑥 (2 sin 𝑥 + √3) = 0

√3
cos 𝑥 = 0 or sin 𝑥 = − 2

For cos 𝑥 = 0:
𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥= ,
2 2
√3
For sin 𝑥 = − 2

4𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3
Hence the solutions are

© Cambridge University Press 2019 4

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋 4𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= , , ,
2 3 2 3

5c 3 sin 𝑥 + cos 2𝑥 = 2
3 sin 𝑥 + (1 − 2 sin2 𝑥) = 2
3 sin 𝑥 + 1 − 2 sin2 𝑥 = 2
2 sin2 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−(−3) ± √(−3)2 − 4 × 2 × 1
sin 𝑥 =
2×2
3 ± √1
=
4
1
= 1 or 2

For sin 𝑥 = 1:
𝜋
𝑥=
2
1
For sin 𝑥 = 2:

𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
6 6
Hence the solutions are
𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= , ,
6 2 6

5d cos 2𝑥 + 3 cos 𝑥 + 2 = 0
2 cos2 𝑥 − 1 + 3 cos 𝑥 + 2 = 0
2 cos2 𝑥 + 3 cos 𝑥 + 1 = 0
(2 cos 𝑥 + 1)(cos 𝑥 + 1) = 0
1
Hence cos 𝑥 = −1 or cos 𝑥 = − 2

For cos 𝑥 = −1:

𝑥=𝜋

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1
For cos 𝑥 = − 2:

2𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3
Hence the solutions are
2𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥= , 𝜋,
3 3

5e tan 2𝑥 + tan 𝑥 = 0
2 tan 𝑥
+ tan 𝑥 = 0
1 − tan2 𝑥
2 tan 𝑥 + tan 𝑥 − tan3 𝑥 = 0
tan3 𝑥 − 3 tan 𝑥 = 0

tan 𝑥 (tan 𝑥 − √3)(tan 𝑥 + √3) = 0

Hence tan 𝑥 = 0 or tan 𝑥 = ±√3

For tan 𝑥 = 0:
𝑥 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋

For tan 𝑥 = √3:

𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3
For tan 𝑥 = −√3:
2𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3
Hence the solutions are:
𝜋 2𝜋 4𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , , 𝜋, , , 2𝜋
3 3 3 3

5f sin 2𝑥 = tan 𝑥
sin 𝑥
2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 =
cos 𝑥
2 sin 𝑥 cos2 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
2 sin 𝑥 cos2 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 0

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

sin 𝑥 (2 cos2 𝑥 − 1) = 0
1
Hence the solutions are sin 𝑥 = 0 or cos 𝑥 = ± .
√2

For sin 𝑥 = 0:
𝑥 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋
1
For cos 𝑥 = :
√2

𝜋 7𝜋
𝑥= ,
4 4
1
For cos 𝑥 = − :
√2

3𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
4 4
Hence the solutions are
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , , 𝜋, , , 2𝜋
4 4 4 4

6a 2 sin 2𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = 0
2(2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃) + cos 𝜃 = 0
cos 𝜃 (4 sin 𝜃 + 1) = 0
1
Hence cos 𝜃 = 0 or sin 𝜃 = − 4

For cos 𝜃 = 0:
𝜃 = 90°, 270°
1
For sin 𝜃 = − 4:

𝜃 = 194°29′ , 345° 31′

Hence the solutions are
𝜃 = 90°, 194°29′ , 270°, 345° 31′

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

6b 2 cos 2 𝜃 + cos 2𝜃 = 0
2 cos2 𝜃 + (2 cos 2 𝜃 − 1) = 0
4 cos2 𝜃 = 1
1
cos2 𝜃 =
4
1
cos 𝜃 = ±
2
𝜃 = 60°, 120°, 240°, 300°

6c 2 cos 2𝜃 + 4 cos 𝜃 = 1
2(2 cos 2 𝜃 − 1) + 4 cos 𝜃 = 1
4 cos2 𝜃 + 4 cos 𝜃 − 3 = 0
Using the quadratic formula gives

−4 ± √42 − 4 × 4 × −3
cos 𝜃 =
2×4
−4 ± √64
=
8
−4 ± 8
=
8
1 3
= 2 or − 2

But −1 ≤ cos 𝜃 ≤ 1, hence

1
cos 𝜃 = 2 gives the solutions

𝜃 = 60°, 300°

6d 8 sin2 𝜃 cos2 𝜃 = 1
2(2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃)2 = 1
1
sin2 2𝜃 =
2
1
sin 2𝜃 = ±
√2
Since 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 360°, hence 0 ≤ 2𝜃 ≤ 720°

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

2𝜃 = 45°, 135°, 225°, 315°, 405°, 495°, 585°, 675°

𝜃 = 22°30′ , 67°30′ , 112°, 30′ , 157°30′ , 202°30′ , 247°30′ , 292°30′ , 337°30′

6e 3 cos 2𝜃 + sin 𝜃 = 1
3(1 − 2 sin2 𝜃) + sin 𝜃 = 1
3 − 6 sin2 𝜃 + sin 𝜃 = 1
6 sin2 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 − 2 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−(−1) ± √(−1)2 − 4 × 6 × −2
sin 𝜃 =
2×6
1 ± √49
=
12
1±7
=
12
1 3
=− ,
2 4
1
For sin 𝜃 = − 2:

𝜃 = 210°, 330°
3
For sin 𝜃 = 4:

𝜃 = 41°49′ , 138°11′
Hence the solutions are
𝜃 = 41°49′ , 138°11′ , 210°, 330°

6f cos 2𝜃 = 3 cos 2 𝜃 − 2 sin2 𝜃

cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 = 3 cos2 𝜃 − 2 sin2 𝜃
sin2 𝜃 = 2 cos2 𝜃
tan2 𝜃 = 2

tan 𝜃 = ±√2
𝜃 = 54°44′ , 125°16′ , 234°44′ , 305°16′

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1
6g 10 cos 𝜃 + 13 cos 2 𝜃 = 5

1 1
10 (2 cos2 𝜃 − 1) + 13 cos 𝜃 = 5
2 2
1 1
20 cos2 𝜃 − 10 + 13 cos 𝜃 − 5 = 0
2 2
1 1
20 cos2 𝜃 + 13 cos 𝜃 − 15 = 0
2 2
Now using the quadratic formula

1 −13 ± √132 − 4 × 20 × −15

cos 𝜃 =
2 2 × 20
−13 ± 37
=
2 × 20
5 3
=− ,
4 5
1
But −1 ≤ cos 2 𝜃 ≤ 1

1 3
cos 𝜃 =
2 5
1
𝜃 = 53°8′
2
𝜃 = 106°16′

1
6h tan 𝜃 = 3 tan 2 𝜃

1
2 tan 2 𝜃 1
= 3 tan 𝜃
1 2
1 − tan2 2 𝜃

1 1 1
2 tan 𝜃 = 3 tan 𝜃 − 3 tan3 𝜃
2 2 2
1 1
3 tan3 𝜃 − tan 𝜃 = 0
2 2
1
tan 𝜃 (3 tan2 𝜃 − 1) = 0
2
1 1
Hence tan 2 𝜃 = 0 or tan 𝜃 = ±
√3

𝜃
Since 0° ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 360°, 0° ≤ ≤ 180°
2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1
For tan 2 𝜃 = 0:

1
𝜃 = 0°, 180°
2
𝜃 = 0°, 360°
1 1
For tan 2 𝜃 = :
√3

1
𝜃 = 30°
2
𝜃 = 60°
1 1
For tan 2 𝜃 = − :
√3

1
𝜃 = 150°
2
𝜃 = 300°
Hence the solutions are
𝜃 = 0°, 60°, 300°, 360°

1 1
6i cos2 2𝜃 = 2 − 2 cos 2𝜃

2 cos2 2𝜃 = 1 − 1 cos 2𝜃
2 cos2 2𝜃 + cos 2𝜃 − 1 = 0
(2 cos 2𝜃 − 1)(cos 2𝜃 + 1) = 0
1
Hence cos 2𝜃 = −1 or 2

Since 0° ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 360°, 0° ≤ 2𝜃 ≤ 720°

For cos 2𝜃 = −1:
2𝜃 = 180°, 540°
𝜃 = 90°, 270°
1
For cos 2𝜃 = 2:

2𝜃 = 60°, 300°, 420°, 660°

𝜃 = 30°, 150°, 210°, 330°
Hence

© Cambridge University Press 2019 11

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜃 = 30°, 90°, 150°, 210°, 270°, 330°

6j cos 2𝜃 + 3 = 3 sin 2𝜃
cos 2𝜃 + 3 cos2 𝜃 + 3 sin2 𝜃 = 3 sin 2𝜃
cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 + 3 cos 2 𝜃 + 3 sin2 𝜃 = 3(2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃)
4 cos2 𝜃 + 2 sin2 𝜃 = 6 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
4 cos2 𝜃 − 6 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 + 2 sin2 𝜃 = 0
(2 cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃)(2 cos 𝜃 − 2 sin 𝜃) = 0
(2 cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃)(cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃) = 0
Dividing both sides by cos 2 𝜃
(2 − tan 𝜃)(1 − tan 𝜃) = 0
Hence tan 𝜃 = 1 or 2
𝜃 = 45°, 63°26′ , 225°, 243°26′

7a
𝜋 𝜋
tan ( + 𝜃) = 3 tan( − 𝜃)
4 4
𝜋 𝜋
tan 4 + tan 𝜃 3 tan 4 − 3 tan 𝜃
𝜋 = 𝜋
1 − tan 4 tan 𝜃 1 + tan 4 tan 𝜃

1 + tan 𝜃 3(1 − tan 𝜃)

=
1 − tan 𝜃 1 + tan 𝜃
(1 + tan 𝜃)2 = 3(1 − tan 𝜃)2
1 + 2 tan 𝜃 + tan2 𝜃 = 3 − 6 tan 𝜃 + 3 tan2 𝜃
2 tan2 𝜃 − 8 tan 𝜃 + 2 = 0
tan2 𝜃 − 4 tan 𝜃 + 1 = 0

7b Using the quadratic formula

4 ± √42 − 4 × 1 × 1
tan 𝜃 =
2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

4 ± 2√3
=
2
= 2 ± √3

𝜃 = tan−1(2 ± √3)
𝜋 5𝜋
𝜃= ,
12 12

8a 2 cos 𝑥 − 1 = 2(2 cos 2 𝑥 − 1)

2 cos 𝑥 − 1 = 4 cos 2 𝑥 − 2
4 cos2 𝑥 − 2 cos 𝑥 − 3 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−(−2) ± √(−2)2 − 4 × 4 × (−3)

cos 𝑥 =
2×4
2 ± 2√5
=
2×4
1
= (1 ± √5)
4

1 1
8b 𝑥 = cos−1 4 (1 ± √5) , 2𝜋 − cos−1 4 (1 ± √5)

𝜋 3𝜋 7𝜋 9𝜋
= , , ,
5 5 5 5

9a sin(𝛼 + 𝛽) sin(𝛼 − 𝛽)
= (sin 𝛼 cos 𝛽 − cos 𝛼 sin 𝛽)(sin 𝛼 cos 𝛽 + cos 𝛼 sin 𝛽)
= sin2 𝛼 cos2 𝛽 − cos 2 𝛼 sin2 𝛽
= sin2 𝛼 (1 − sin2 𝛽) − (1 − sin2 𝛼) sin2 𝛽
= sin2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛼 sin2 𝛽 − sin2 𝛽 + sin2 𝛼 sin2 𝛽
= sin2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛽

9b sin2 3𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 = sin 2𝜃

sin(3𝜃 + 𝜃) sin(3𝜃 − 𝜃) = sin 2𝜃
sin 4𝜃 sin 2𝜃 = sin 2𝜃

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

sin 4𝜃 sin 2𝜃 − sin 2𝜃 = 0

sin 2𝜃 (cos 4𝜃 − 1) = 0
Hence sin 2𝜃 = 0 or cos 4𝜃 = 1
Since 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋, 0 ≤ 2𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋 and 0 ≤ 4𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋
For sin 2𝜃:
2𝜃 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋
𝜋
𝜃 = 0, , 𝜋
2
For cos 4𝜃:
𝜋 5𝜋
4𝜃 = ,
2 2
𝜋 3𝜋
𝜃= ,
4 4
Hence the solutions are
𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
𝜃 = 0, , , , 𝜋
8 2 8

10a sin 3𝑥
= sin 𝑥 cos 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 sin 2𝑥
= sin 𝑥 (1 − 2 sin2 𝑥) + cos 𝑥 (2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥)
= sin 𝑥 − 2 sin3 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 cos2 𝑥
= sin 𝑥 − 2 sin3 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 (1 − sin2 𝑥)
= sin 𝑥 − 2 sin3 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 − 2 sin3 𝑥
= 3 sin 𝑥 − 4 sin3 𝑥

10b sin 3𝑥 + sin 2𝑥 = sin 𝑥

3 sin 𝑥 − 4 sin3 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
4 sin3 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 0
2 sin 𝑥 (2 sin2 𝑥 − 1 − cos 𝑥) = 0
2 sin 𝑥 (2(1 − cos 2 𝑥) − 1 − cos 𝑥) = 0
2 sin 𝑥 (2 − 2 cos 2 𝑥 − 1 − cos 𝑥) = 0
2 sin 𝑥 (1 − 2 cos 2 𝑥 − cos 𝑥) = 0

© Cambridge University Press 2019 14

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

sin 𝑥 (2 cos2 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 − 1) = 0

sin 𝑥 (2 cos 𝑥 − 1)(cos 𝑥 + 1) = 0
1
Hence sin 𝑥 = 0, cos 𝑥 = 2 or cos 𝑥 = −1

For sin 𝑥 = 0:
𝑥 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋
For cos 𝑥 = −1:
𝑥=𝜋
1
For cos 𝑥 = 2:

𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3
Hence the solutions are
𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , 𝜋, , 2𝜋
3 3

11a
𝜋 𝜋
sin (𝜃 + ) = cos (𝜃 − )
6 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
sin 𝜃 cos + cos 𝜃 sin = cos 𝜃 cos + sin 𝜃 sin
6 6 4 4
√3 1 1 1
sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 + sin 𝜃
2 2 √2 √2
Dividing both sides by cos 𝜃

√3 1 1 1
tan 𝜃 + = + tan 𝜃
2 2 √2 √2

√3 1 1 1
( − ) tan 𝜃 = −
2 √2 √2 2

√6 − 2 2 − √2
( ) tan 𝜃 =
2√2 2√2

2 − √2
tan 𝜃 =
√6 − 2
Hence

© Cambridge University Press 2019 15

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

(2 − √2)(√6 + 2)
tan 𝜃 =
(√6 − 2)(√6 + 2)
2√6 + 4 − √12 − 2√2
=
6−4
2√6 + 4 − 4√3 − 2√2
=
2
= √6 − √3 − √2 + 2

7𝜋 19𝜋
11b 𝜃= ,
24 24

12a sec 2 𝛼 − 2 sec 𝛼 = 0

sec 𝛼 (sec 𝛼 − 2) = 0
But sec 𝛼 ≠ 0, hence
(sec 𝛼 − 2) = 0
sec 𝛼 = 2
1
cos 𝛼 =
2
𝛼 = 60°, 300°

12b sec 2 𝛼 − tan 𝛼 − 3 = 0

1 + tan2 𝛼 − tan 𝛼 − 3 = 0
tan2 𝛼 − tan 𝛼 − 2 = 0
(tan 𝛼 − 2)(tan 𝛼 + 1) = 0
tan 𝛼 = −1 or 2
For tan 𝛼 = −1:
𝛼 = 135°, 315°
For tan 𝛼 = 2:
𝛼 = 63°26′ , 243°26′
Hence the solutions are 𝛼 = 63°26′ , 135°, 243°26′ , 315°

© Cambridge University Press 2019 16

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

12c cosec 3 2𝛼 = 4 cosec 2𝛼

1 4
3
=
sin 2𝛼 sin 2𝛼
Note that sin 4𝛼 ≠ 0 and sin 2𝛼 ≠ 0
sin 2𝛼 = 4 sin3 2𝛼
Now as sin 2𝛼 ≠ 0
4 sin2 2𝛼 = 1
1
sin 2𝛼 = ±
2
Now, the domain is
0 ≤ 𝛼 ≤ 360°
which means
0 ≤ 2𝛼 ≤ 720°
Hence
2𝛼 = 30°, 150°, 210°, 330°, 390°, 450°, 570°, 690°
𝛼 = 15°, 75°, 105°, 165°, 195°, 255°, 285°, 345°

12d
1 1
√3 cosec 2 𝛼 + cot 𝛼 = √3
2 2
1 1
√3(cot 2 𝛼 + 1) + cot 𝛼 = √3
2 2
1 1
√3 cot 2 𝛼 + cot 𝛼 = 0
2 2
1 1
cot 𝛼 (√3 cot 𝛼 + 1) = 0
2 2
1 1 1
cot 2 𝛼 = 0 or cot 2 𝛼 = −
√3
1 1
For cot 2 𝛼 = 0, 2 𝛼 = 90° and hence 𝛼 = 180°
1 1 1
For cot 2 𝛼 = − , 𝛼 = 120° and hence 2𝛼 = 240°
√3 2

Thus the solutions are

𝛼 = 180° or 240°
© Cambridge University Press 2019 17
Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

12e √3 cosec 2 𝛼 = 4 cot 𝛼

√3(cot 2 𝛼 + 1) = 4 cot 𝛼

√3 cot 2 𝛼 − 4 cot 𝛼 + √3 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−(−4) ± √(−4)2 − 4 × √3 × √3
cot 𝛼 =
2√3
4 ± √4
=
2√3
4±2
=
2√3
1
= or √3
√3

Hence
𝛼 = 30°, 60°, 210°, 240°

12f cot 𝛼 + 3 tan 𝛼 = 5 cosec 𝛼

cos 𝛼 sin 𝛼 5
+3 =
sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼 sin 𝛼
Multiplying both sides by sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼
cos2 𝛼 + 3 sin2 𝛼 = 5 cos 𝛼
cos2 𝛼 + 3(1 − cos 2 𝛼) = 5 cos 𝛼
cos2 𝛼 + 3 − 3 cos2 𝛼 = 5 cos 𝛼
2 cos2 𝛼 + 5 cos 𝛼 − 3 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−5 ± √52 − 4 × 2 × −3
cos 𝛼 =
2×2
−5 ± √49
=
4
−5 ± 7
=
4
1
= −3 or 2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

As −1 ≤ cos 𝛼 ≤ 1
1
cos 𝛼 =
2
𝛼 = 60°, 300°

13a 2 cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 = cos(𝐴 + 𝐵) + cos(𝐴 − 𝐵)

𝑃+𝑄 𝑃−𝑄
Let 𝐴 = and let 𝐵 =
2 2

𝑃+𝑄 𝑃−𝑄 𝑃+𝑄 𝑃−𝑄 𝑃+𝑄 𝑃−𝑄

2 cos ( ) cos ( ) = cos ( + ) + cos ( − )
2 2 2 2 2 2
𝑃+𝑄 𝑃−𝑄
2 cos ( ) cos ( ) = cos(𝑃) + cos(𝑄)
2 2
Hence
𝑃+𝑄 𝑃−𝑄
cos 𝑃 + cos 𝑄 = 2 cos ( ) cos ( )
2 2

13b cos 4𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0

4𝑥 + 𝑥 4𝑥 − 𝑥
2 cos ( ) cos ( )=0
2 2
5𝑥 3𝑥
2 cos ( ) cos ( ) = 0
2 2
5𝑥 3𝑥
Hence cos ( 2 ) = 0 or cos ( 2 ) = 0
5𝑥
For cos ( 2 ) = 0:
5𝑥 5𝜋
Note that since 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋, 0 ≤ ≤
2 2

5𝑥 𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
= , ,
2 2 2 2
𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥= , ,𝜋
5 5
3𝑥
For cos ( 2 ) = 0:
3𝑥 3𝜋
Note that since 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋, 0 ≤ ≤
2 2

3𝑥 𝜋 3𝜋
= ,
2 2 2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋
𝑥= ,𝜋
3
Hence the solutions are
𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥= , , ,𝜋
5 3 5

14a sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = sin 2𝜃

Squaring both sides gives
(sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃)2 = sin2 2𝜃
sin2 𝜃 + 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = sin2 2𝜃
sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 + 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 = sin2 2𝜃
1 + 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 = sin2 2𝜃
sin2 2𝜃 − 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 − 1 = 0
sin2 2𝜃 − sin 2𝜃 − 1 = 0

14b sin2 2𝜃 − sin 2𝜃 − 1 = 0

Using the quadratic formula gives

−(−1) ± √(−1)2 − 4 × 1 × −1
sin 2𝜃 =
2×1
1 ± √5
=
2
1 −1 1 ± √5
𝜃= sin = 160°55′ , 289°5′
2 2

15a cos 3𝜃
= cos 𝜃 cos 2𝜃 − sin 𝜃 sin 2𝜃
= cos 𝜃 (2 cos2 𝜃 − 1) − sin 𝜃 (2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃)
= 2 cos3 𝜃 − cos 𝜃 − 2 sin2 𝜃 cos 𝜃
= 2 cos3 𝜃 − cos 𝜃 − 2(1 − cos2 𝜃) cos 𝜃
= 2 cos3 𝜃 − cos 𝜃 − 2 cos 𝜃 + 2 cos 3 𝜃
= 4 cos3 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

15b 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 − 1 = 0
Let 𝑥 = 2 cos 𝜃
(2 cos 𝜃)3 − 3(2 cos 𝜃) − 1 = 0
8 cos3 𝜃 − 6 cos 𝜃 − 1 = 0
1
4 cos3 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 − =0
2
1
cos 3𝜃 − 2 = 0 (from part a)

1
cos 3𝜃 =
2
3𝜃 = 60°, 300°, 420°
𝜃 = 20°, 100°, 140°
𝑥 = 2 cos(20°) , 2 cos(100°) , 2 cos(140°)
= 2 cos(20°) , − 2 sin(100° − 90°) , −2 cos(180° − 140°)
= 2 cos 20° , −2 sin 10° , −2 cos 40°

15c 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 = 8√3

Let 𝑥 = 4 cos 𝜃

(4 cos 𝜃)3 − 12(4 cos 𝜃) = 8√3

64 cos3 𝜃 − 48 cos 𝜃 = 8√3

√3
4 cos3 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 =
2
√3
cos 3𝜃 = (from part a)
2

𝜃 = 10°, 110°, 130°

𝑥 = 2 cos 10° , 2 cos 110° , 2 cos 130°
𝑥 ≑ −2.571, −1.368, 3.939

16a tan 4𝑥
2 tan 2𝑥
=
1 − tan2 2𝑥

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

2𝑡
2( )
= 1 − 𝑡2
2𝑡 2
1−( )
1 − 𝑡2
2𝑡
2( )
= 1 − 𝑡2
4𝑡 2
1−
(1 − 𝑡 2 )2
2(2𝑡)(1 − 𝑡 2 )
=
(1 − 𝑡 2 )2 − 4𝑡 2
4𝑡(1 − 𝑡 2 )
=
1 − 2𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4 − 4𝑡 2
4𝑡(1 − 𝑡 2 )
=
1 − 6𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4

16b tan 4𝑥 tan 𝑥 = 1

4𝑡(1 − 𝑡 2 )
×𝑡 =1
1 − 6𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4
4𝑡 2 (1 − 𝑡 2 ) = 1 − 6𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4
4𝑡 2 − 4𝑡 4 = 1 − 6𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4
5𝑡 4 − 10𝑡 2 + 1 = 0

16c
1
(cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) − cos(𝐴 + 𝐵))
2
1
= (cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 + sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 − (cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 − sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵))
2
1
= (2 sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵) = sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵
2
1
(cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) + cos(𝐴 + 𝐵))
2
1
= (cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 + sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 + (cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 − sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵))
2
1
= (2 cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵)
2
= cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1
16d sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 = 2 (cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) − cos(𝐴 + 𝐵)) (1)
1
cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 = 2 (cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) + cos(𝐴 + 𝐵))(2)
cos(𝐴−𝐵)−cos(𝐴+𝐵)
tan 𝐴 tan 𝐵 = cos(𝐴−𝐵)+cos(𝐴+𝐵) (1) ÷ (2)

cos(3𝑥)−cos(5𝑥)
Hence tan 4𝑥 tan 𝑥 = cos(3𝑥)+cos(5𝑥)

Thus for tan 4𝑥 tan 𝑥 = 1,

cos(3𝑥) − cos(5𝑥)
=1
cos(3𝑥) + cos(5𝑥)
cos(3𝑥) − cos(5𝑥) = cos(3𝑥) + cos(5𝑥)
2 cos(5𝑥) = 0
cos(5𝑥) = 0
𝜋 3𝜋
5𝑥 = , ,…
2 2
𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥= , ,…
10 10
𝜋 3𝜋
Hence 10 and 10 both satisfy the equation.

𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋
16e 𝑥 = tan 10 , − tan 10 , tan 10 , − tan 10

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Solutions to Exercise 11B

1a 𝑅 sin 𝛼 = √3 (1)
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = 1 (2)

tan 𝛼 = √3 (1) ÷ (2)

𝜋
𝛼=
3
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 3 + 1 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 4
𝑅2 = 4
𝑅=2

1b 𝑅 sin 𝛼 = 3 (1)
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = 3 (2)
tan 𝛼 = 1 (1) ÷ (2)
𝜋
𝛼=
4
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 32 + 32 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 18
𝑅 2 = 18

𝑅 = 3√2

2a 𝑅 sin 𝛼 = 5 (1)
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = 12 (2)
5
tan 𝛼 = 12 (1) ÷ (2)

5
𝛼 = tan−1 = 22°37′
12
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 52 + 122 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 25 + 144
𝑅 2 = 169

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝑅 = 13

2b 𝑅 sin 𝛼 = 4 (1)
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = 2 (2)
tan 𝛼 = 2 (1) ÷ (2)
𝛼 = tan−1 2 = 63°26′
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 22 + 42 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 4 + 16
𝑅 2 = 20

𝑅 = 2√5

3a 𝐴 cos(𝑥 + 𝛼) = 𝐴 cos 𝑥 cos 𝛼 − 𝐴 sin 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐴 cos 𝛼 = 1 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝛼 = 1 (2)

3b 𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos2 𝛼 = 12 + 12 (1)2 + (2)2

𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 2
𝐴2 = 2

𝐴 = √2

3c tan 𝛼 = 1 (1) ÷ (2)

𝜋
𝛼 = tan−1 1 = 4

𝜋 𝜋
3d Note that since −1 ≤ cos (𝑥 + 4 ) ≤ 1, −√2 ≤ √2 cos (𝑥 + 4 ) ≤ √2 and hence
−√2 ≤ cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 ≤ √2. Hence the maximum value of the function is √2 and
the minimum value is −√2.
𝜋
The maximum value occurs when √2 cos (𝑥 + 4 ) = √2 and hence

© Cambridge University Press 2019 25

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 9𝜋
cos (𝑥 + 4 ) = 1 (Note that 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋 so 4 ≤ 𝑥 + 4 ≤ )
4
𝜋
𝑥+ = 2𝜋
4
7𝜋
𝑥=
4
𝜋
The minimum value occurs when √2 cos (𝑥 + 4 ) = −√2 and hence
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 9𝜋
cos (𝑥 + 4 ) = −1 (Note that 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋 so 4 ≤ 𝑥 + 4 ≤ )
4
𝜋
𝑥+ =𝜋
4
3𝜋
𝑥=
4

3e cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = −1
𝜋
√2 cos (𝑥 + ) = −1
4
𝜋 1
cos (𝑥 + ) = −
4 √2
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥+ = ,
4 4 4
𝜋
𝑥 = ,𝜋
2

2𝜋
3f The amplitude is equal to the value of 𝐴 which is √2. The period is = 2𝜋.
1

Graph of 𝑦 = cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 is shown below.

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

4 Graph shows 𝑦 = sin 𝑥 (blue curve), 𝑦 = cos 𝑥 (green curve) and

𝑦 = cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 (purple curve).

This appears the same as the graph in the previous question.

5a 𝐵 cos(𝑥 + 𝜃) = 𝐵 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜃 − 𝐵 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜃 ≡ √3 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives

𝐵 cos 𝜃 = √3 (1)
𝐵 sin 𝜃 = 1 (2)

5b 𝐵 2 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐵 2 cos 2 𝜃 = 3 + 1 (1)2 + (2)2

𝐵 2 (sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃) = 4
𝐵2 = 4
𝐵=2

1
5c tan 𝜃 = (2) ÷ (1)
√3
𝜋
𝜃=
6

5d The greatest possible value is 2 and and the least value is −2 as 𝐵 = 2 is the
amplitude of the new periodic function.
𝜋 𝜋 13𝜋
Note that since 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋, 6 ≤ 𝑥 + 6 ≤ 6

For the point of maximum value

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋
2 = 2 cos (𝑥 + )
6
𝜋
cos (𝑥 + ) = 1
6
𝜋
𝑥 + = 2𝜋
6
11𝜋
𝑥=
6
For the point of minimum value
𝜋
−2 = 2 cos (𝑥 + )
6
𝜋
cos (𝑥 + ) = −1
6
𝜋
𝑥+ =𝜋
6
5𝜋
𝑥=
6

6a 𝐴 sin(𝑥 − 𝛼) = 𝐴 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛼 − 𝐴 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = 4 sin 𝑥 − 3 cos 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐴 cos 𝛼 = 4 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝛼 = 3 (2)

6b 𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos2 𝛼 = 32 + 42 (1)2 + (2)2

𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 25
𝐴2 = 25
𝐴=5
3
tan 𝛼 = 4 (1) ÷ (2)

3
𝛼 = tan−1
4

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

6c 4 sin 𝑥 − 3 cos 𝑥 = 5
3
5 sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 5
4
3
sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 1
4
3
𝑥 − tan−1 = 90°
4
3
𝑥 = 90° + tan−1
4
𝑥 ≑ 126°52′

7a 𝐵 cos(𝑥 − 𝜃) = 𝐵 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜃 + 𝐵 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜃 ≡ 2 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐵 cos 𝜃 = 2 (1)
𝐵 sin 𝜃 = 1 (2)
𝐵 2 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐵 2 cos 2 𝜃 = 22 + 12 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐵 2 (sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃) = 4
𝐵2 = 4

𝐵 = √5
1
tan 𝜃 = 2 (2) ÷ (1)

1
𝜃 = tan−1
2

7b 2 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 1
1
√5 cos (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 1
2
1 1
cos (𝑥 − tan−1 ) =
2 √5
1 1
𝑥 = cos−1 + tan−1
√5 2
𝑥 ≑ 323°8′
Testing 90° and 270° gives a second solution of 90°

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

8a 𝐷 cos(𝑥 + 𝜙) = 𝐷 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜙 − 𝐷 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜙 ≡ cos 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐷 cos 𝜙 = 1 (1)
𝐷 sin 𝜙 = 3 (2)
𝐷2 sin2 𝜙 + 𝐷2 cos 2 𝜙 = 1 + 9 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐷2 (sin2 𝜙 + cos2 𝜙) = 10
𝐷2 = 10

𝐷 = √10
tan 𝜙 = 3 (2) ÷ (1)
𝜙 = tan−1 3

8b cos 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 = 3

√10 cos(𝑥 + tan−1 3) = 3

3
cos(𝑥 + tan−1 3) =
√10
𝑥 ≑ 306°52′
Testing 90° and 270° gives a second solution of 270°

9a 𝐶 sin(𝑥 + 𝛼) = 𝐶 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛼 + 𝐶 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = √5 sin 𝑥 + 2 cos 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives

𝐶 cos 𝛼 = √5 (1)
𝐶 sin 𝛼 = 2 (2)
𝐶 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐶 2 cos2 𝛼 = 4 + 5 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 9
𝐶2 = 9
𝐶=3
2
tan 𝛼 = (1) ÷ (2)
√5

2
𝛼 = tan−1
√5

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

2
√5 sin 𝑥 + 2 cos 𝑥 = 3 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 )
√5

9b √5 sin 𝑥 + 2 cos 𝑥 = −2
2
3 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = −2
√5
2 2
sin (𝑥 + tan−1 )=−
√5 3
2 2
𝑥 = 360° + sin−1 (− ) − tan−1 ≑ 276°23′
3 √5
Testing 0°, 180° and 360° gives a second solution of 𝑥 = 180°

10a 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥 = 4

5
√34 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = 4
3
5 4
sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) =
3 √34
4 5 4 5
𝑥 = 180° − sin−1 − tan−1 , 360° + sin−1 − tan−1
√34 3 √34 3
𝑥 ≑ 77°39′ or 344°17′

10b 6 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥 = 7

5
√61 sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 7
6
5 7
sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) =
6 √61
7 6 7 6
𝑥 = sin−1 + tan−1 , 180° − sin−1 + tan−1
√61 5 √61 5
𝑥 ≑ 103°29′ or 156°8′

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

10c 7 cos 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 = 5

2
√72 + 22 cos (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = 5
7
2 5
cos (𝑥 + tan−1 ) =
7 √53
5 2 5 2
𝑥 = cos−1 − tan−1 , 360° − cos −1 − tan−1
√53 7 √53 7
𝑥 ≑ 30°41′ or 297°26′

10d 9 cos 𝑥 + 7 sin 𝑥 = 3

9
√130 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = 3
7
9 3
sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) =
7 √130
3 9 3 9
𝑥 = 180° − sin−1 − tan−1 , 360° + sin−1 − tan−1
√130 7 √130 7
𝑥 ≑ 112°37′ or 323°8′

11a 𝐴 sin 𝛼 = 1 (1)

𝐴 cos 𝛼 = −√3 (2)

𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝛼 = 1 + 3 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 4
𝐴2 = 4
𝐴=2
1
tan 𝛼 = − (1) ÷ (2)
√3

5𝜋
𝛼=
6

11b 𝐴 sin 𝛼 = −5 (1)

𝐴 cos 𝛼 = −5 (2)
𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝛼 = 52 + 52 (1)2 + (2)2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 50
𝐴2 = 50

𝐴 = 5√2
tan 𝛼 = 1 (1) ÷ (2)
𝜋
𝛼=
4

12a 𝐴 sin 𝛼 = −4 (1)

𝐴 cos 𝛼 = 5 (2)
𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝛼 = 42 + 52 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 41
𝐴2 = 41

𝐴 = √41
4
tan 𝛼 = − 5 (1) ÷ (2)

𝛼 ≑ 321°21′

12b 𝐴 sin 𝛼 = −11 (1)

𝐴 cos 𝛼 = −2 (2)
𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝛼 = 112 + 22 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 125
𝐴2 = 125

𝐴 = 5√5
11
tan 𝛼 = (1) ÷ (2)
2

𝛼 ≑ 259°42′

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

13a i 𝐴 cos(𝑥 + 𝜃) = 𝐴 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜃 − 𝐴 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜃 ≡ √3 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives

𝐴 cos 𝜃 = √3 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝜃 = −1 (2)
2
𝐴2 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝜃 = √3 + (−1)2 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃) = 4
𝐴2 = 4
𝐴=2
1
tan 𝜃 = −
√3
11𝜋
𝜃=
6
11𝜋
Hence √3 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 2 cos (𝑥 + )
6

13a ii √3 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 1

11𝜋
2 cos (𝑥 + )=1
6
11𝜋 11𝜋 23𝜋
Since 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋, ≤𝑥+ <
6 6 6

11𝜋 7𝜋 11𝜋
𝑥+ = ,
6 3 3
𝜋 11𝜋
𝑥= ,
2 6

13b i 𝐵 sin(𝑥 + 𝛼)
= 𝐵 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑎 + 𝐵 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼
≡ cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
= − sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥
𝐵 cos 𝛼 = 𝐵 cos 𝛼 = −1 (1)
𝐵 sin 𝛼 = 1 (2)
𝐵 2 cos 2 𝛼 + 𝐵 2 sin2 𝛼 = 1 + 1 (1)2 + (2)2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝐵 2 (cos 2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 1 + 1
𝐵2 = 2

𝐵 = √2
tan 𝛼 = −1 (2) ÷ 1
3𝜋
𝛼=
4
Hence
3𝜋
√2 sin (𝑥 + ) = cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
4

13b ii cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 1

3𝜋
√2 sin (𝑥 + )=1
4
3𝜋 1
sin (𝑥 + )=
4 √2
3𝜋 11𝜋
Now, note that since 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋, 0 ≤ 𝑥 + <
4 4

Hence
3𝜋 3𝜋 9𝜋
𝑥+ = ,
4 4 4
3𝜋
𝑥 = 0,
2

13c i 𝐶 sin(𝑥 + 𝛽)
= 𝐶 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛽 + 𝐶 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛽

= sin 𝑥 − √3 cos 𝑥
Equating coefficients gives
𝐶 cos 𝛽 = 1 (1)

𝐶 sin 𝛽 = −√3 (2)

2
𝐶 2 sin2 𝛽 + 𝐶 2 cos2 𝛽 = 12 + (−√3) (1)2 + (2)2

𝐶 2 (sin2 𝛽 + cos2 𝛽) = 4
𝐶2 = 4
© Cambridge University Press 2019 35
Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝐶=2

tan 𝛽 = −√3 (2) ÷ (1)

5𝜋
𝛽=
3
5𝜋
Hence sin 𝑥 − √3 cos 𝑥 = 2 cos (𝑥 + )
3

13c ii sin 𝑥 − √3 cos 𝑥 = −1

5𝜋
2 cos (𝑥 + ) = −1
3
5𝜋 1
cos (𝑥 + )=−
3 2
5𝜋 11𝜋
Now, note that since 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋, 0 ≤ 𝑥 + 3
< 3

5𝜋 11𝜋 19𝜋
𝑥+ = ,
3 3 3
𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥= ,
6 2

13d i 𝐷 cos(𝑥 − 𝜙) = 𝐷 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜙 + 𝐷 sin 𝑥 sin 𝛽 ≡ − cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐷 cos 𝜙 = −1 (1)
𝐷 sin 𝜙 = −1 (2)
𝐷2 sin2 𝜙 + 𝐷2 cos 2 𝜙 = 12 + (1)2 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐷2 (sin2 𝜙 + cos2 𝜙) = 2
𝐷2 = 2

𝐷 = √2
tan 𝜙 = 1 (2) ÷ (1)
𝜋
𝜙=
4
5𝜋
Hence − cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = √2 cos (𝑥 − )
4

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

13d ii − cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 1

5𝜋
√2 cos (𝑥 − )=1
4
5𝜋 1
cos (𝑥 − )=
4 √2
5𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
Now, note that since 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋, − ≤𝑥− <
4 4 4

5𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑥− =− ,
4 4 4
3𝜋
𝑥 = 𝜋,
2

14a i 𝑅 sin(𝑥 + 𝛼)
= 𝑅 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛼 + 𝑅 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼
≡ 2 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
= − sin 𝑥 + 2 cos 𝑥
𝑅 sin 𝛼 = 2 (1)
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = −1 (2)
tan 𝛼 = −2 (1) ÷ (2)
1
𝛼 = − tan−1
2
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 1 + 4 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 5
𝑅2 = 5

𝑅 = √5

Hence 2 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = √5 sin(𝑥 − tan−1 2)

14a ii 2 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 1

√5 sin(𝑥 − tan−1 2) = 1
1
sin(𝑥 − tan−1 2) =
√5

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1 1
𝑥 = − sin−1 + tan−1 2 , 180° + sin−1 + tan−1 2
√5 √5
= 36°52′ , 270°

14b i 𝑆 cos(𝑥 − 𝛽)
= 𝑆 cos 𝑥 cos 𝛽 + 𝑆 sin 𝑥 sin 𝛽
≡ −3 sin 𝑥 − 4 cos 𝑥
= −4 cos 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥
𝑆 sin 𝛽 = −3 (1)
𝑆 cos 𝛽 = −4 (2)
3
tan 𝛽 = 4 (1) ÷ (2)

3
𝛽 = tan−1
4
𝑆 2 sin2 𝛽 + 𝑆 2 cos 2 𝛽 = 9 + 16 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑆 2 (sin2 𝛽 + cos2 𝛽) = 25
𝑆 2 = 25
𝑆=5
3
Hence −3 sin 𝑥 − 4 cos 𝑥 = 5 cos (𝑥 − tan−1 4)

14b ii −3 sin 𝑥 − 4 cos 𝑥 = 2

3
5 cos (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 2
4
3 2
cos (𝑥 − tan−1 ) =
4 5
2 3 2 3
𝑥 = 𝜋 + cos−1 + tan−1 , 𝜋 + cos −1 + tan−1
5 4 5 4
≑ 2.63, 4.94

15a 2 sec 𝑥 − 2 tan 𝑥 = 5

Multiplying through cos 𝑥

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

2 − 2 sin 𝑥 = 5 cos 𝑥
2 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥 = 2
5
√22 + 52 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = 2
2
5
√29 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = 2
2
5 2
sin (𝑥 + tan−1 ) =
2 √29
2 5
𝑥 = 360° + sin−1 − tan−1
√29 2
≑ 313°36′

15b 2 cosec 𝑥 + 5 cot 𝑥 = 3

Multiplying through by sin 𝑥
2 + 5 cos 𝑥 = 3 sin 𝑥
3 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥 = 2
5
√32 + 52 sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 2
3
5
√34 sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 2
3
5 2
sin (𝑥 − tan−1 ) =
3 √34
2 5 2 5
𝑥 = sin−1 + tan−1 , 180° − sin−1 + tan−1
√34 3 √34 3
≑ 79°6′ , 218°59′

16a sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = cos 2𝜃

sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = cos 2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃
(sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃) = (cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃)(cos 𝜃 + sin 𝜃)
0 = (cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃)(cos 𝜃 + sin 𝜃) − (sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃)
0 = (cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 − 1)(cos 𝜃 + sin 𝜃)
Hence cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 − 1 = 0 or cos 𝜃 + sin 𝜃 = 0

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Thus
cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 − 1 = 0
and
cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 = 1
or
cos 𝜃 + sin 𝜃 = 0
So
sin 𝜃 = − cos 𝜃
tan 𝜃 = −1

3𝜋 7𝜋
16b For tan 𝜃 = −1 the solutions are 𝜃 = ,
4 4

𝜋 3𝜋
For cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 = 1, √2 cos (𝑥 + 4 ) = 1 which has solutions 𝑥 = 0, .
2
3𝜋 3𝜋 7𝜋
Hence the solutions are 𝜃 = 0, , ,
4 2 4

17a sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = √1.5

𝜋
√2 cos (𝑥 + ) = √1.5
4
𝜋 √3
cos (𝑥 + ) =
4 2
7𝜋 11𝜋
𝑥= ,
12 12

17b √3 sin 2𝑥 − cos 2𝑥 = 2

𝜋
√4 cos (𝑥 + ) = 2
4
𝜋 1
cos (2𝑥 + ) =
4 2
𝜋 11𝜋 35𝜋
2𝑥 + = ,
4 12 12
𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥= ,
3 3

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

17c
1
√2 cos (4𝑥 + tan−1 − ) = 1
1
𝜋 1
cos (4𝑥 − ) =
4 √2
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 7𝜋 9𝜋 15𝜋 17𝜋 23𝜋 25𝜋 31𝜋
4𝑥 − =− , , , , , , , ,
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 9𝜋 3𝜋 13𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , , , 𝜋, , , , 2𝜋
8 2 8 8 2 8

18a 𝐴 cos(2𝑥 − 𝛼)
= 𝐴 cos 2𝑥 cos 𝛼 + 𝐴 sin 2𝑥 sin 𝛼
= (√3 + 1) cos 2𝑥 + (√3 − 1) sin 2𝑥

Equating coefficients gives

𝐴 cos 𝛼 = (√3 + 1) (1)

𝐴 sin 𝛼 = (√3 − 1) (2)

2 2
𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝛼 = (√3 + 1) + (√3 − 1) (1)2 + (2)2

𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 3 + 2√3 + 1 + 3 − 2√3 + 1

𝐴2 = 8

𝐴 = 2√2
(1) ÷ (2) gives
√3−1
tan 𝛼 =
√3+1
2
(√3 − 1)
=
(√3 + 1)(√3 − 1)

3 − 2√3 + 1
=
2
= 2 − 2√3
𝜋
𝛼 = tan−1(2 − 2√3) = 12

(√3 + 1) cos 2𝑥 + (√3 − 1) sin 2𝑥 = 2

© Cambridge University Press 2019 41

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋
2√2 cos(2𝑥 − )=2
12
𝜋 1
cos(2𝑥 − )=
12 √2
𝜋 7𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 7𝜋
2𝑥 − =− ,− , ,
12 4 4 4 4
5𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 11𝜋
𝑥=− ,− , ,
6 12 6 12

19a i 𝐴 sin(𝑥 − 𝛼) = 𝐴 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛼 − 𝐴 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐴 cos 𝛼 = 1 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝛼 = 1 (2)
𝐴2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝛼 = 12 + 12 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 2
𝐴2 = 2

𝐴 = √2
tan 𝛼 = 1 (1) ÷ (2)
𝜋
𝛼=
4
𝜋
Hence sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = √2 sin (𝑥 − 4 )

19a ii

𝜋
19a iii <𝑥<𝜋
2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

19b i
𝜋
sin 𝑥 + √3 cos 𝑥 = 2 sin (𝑥 + )
3

Noting that the points of intersection of the two graphs are when
𝜋
2 sin (𝑥 + ) = 1
3
𝜋 11𝜋
𝑥= ,
2 6
𝜋 𝜋
We can read from the graph that 2 sin (𝑥 + 3 ) ≤ 1 when 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋.

19b ii sin 𝑥 − √3 cos 𝑥 < −1

2 sin(𝑥 − tan−1 √3) < −1

1
sin(𝑥 − tan−1 √3) < −
2

𝜋 3𝜋
Noting that the solutions are 6 , , 2𝜋, we see that the inequality holds when
2
𝜋 3𝜋
0 ≤ 𝑥 < 6 or < 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋
2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

19b iii |√3 sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥| < 1

𝜋
|2 sin (𝑥 + )| < 1
6
Solving the equation
𝜋
|2 sin (𝑥 + )| = 1
6
𝜋
2 sin (𝑥 + ) = ±1
6
𝜋 1
sin (𝑥 + ) = ±
6 2
2𝜋 5𝜋
𝑥= , 𝜋, , 2𝜋
3 3

Hence, by observation of the graph, the inequality is satisfied when

2𝜋 5𝜋
< 𝑥 < 𝜋 or < 𝑥 < 2𝜋
3 3

19b iv
1
cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 ≥ √2
2
𝜋 1
2 cos (𝑥 + ) ≥ √2
4 2
𝜋 17𝜋
Solving for the intersection of the two graphs gives 𝑥 = 12 , , 2𝜋
12

Hence by observation of the graph, the inequality is satisfied when

© Cambridge University Press 2019 44

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋 17𝜋
0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 12 or ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋
12

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
20a i cos (𝜃 − 2 ) = cos 𝜃 cos 2 + sin 𝜃 sin 2

= cos 𝜃 (0) + sin 𝜃 (1)

= sin 𝜃

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
20a ii sin (𝜃 + 2 ) = sin 𝜃 cos 2 + cos 𝜃 sin 2

= sin 𝜃 (0) + cos 𝜃 (1)

= cos 𝜃

20b sin 𝑥 + √3 cos 𝑥

𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 + )
3
𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 + − 2𝜋)
3
5𝜋
= 2 sin(𝑥 + )
3

sin 𝑥 + √3 cos 𝑥
𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 + )
3
𝜋 𝜋
= 2 cos (𝑥 + − )
3 2
𝜋
= 2 cos(𝑥 − )
6

sin 𝑥 + √3 cos 𝑥
𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 + )
3
𝜋
= 2 cos (𝑥 − )
6
𝜋
= 2 cos (𝑥 − + 2𝜋)
6

© Cambridge University Press 2019 45

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

11𝜋
= 2 cos(𝑥 + )
6

20c cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥

𝜋
= √2 cos (𝑥 + )
4

cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
𝜋
= √2 cos (𝑥 + )
4
𝜋
= √2 cos (𝑥 + − 2𝜋)
4
7𝜋
= √2 cos (𝑥 − )
4

cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
𝜋
= √2 cos (𝑥 + )
4
𝜋 𝜋
= √2 sin (𝑥 + + )
4 2
3𝜋
= √2 sin (𝑥 + )
4

cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
𝜋
= √2 cos (𝑥 + )
4
3𝜋
= √2 sin (𝑥 + )
4
3𝜋
= √2 sin (𝑥 + − 2𝜋)
4
5𝜋
= √2 sin (𝑥 − )
4

21 sin(𝜃 + 𝜋)
= sin 𝜃 cos 𝜋 + cos 𝜃 sin 𝜋
= sin 𝜃 (−1) + cos 𝜃 (0)

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

= − sin 𝜃

21b i −√3 sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥

= √3 sin(−𝑥) + cos(−𝑥)
𝜋
= 2 sin (−𝑥 + )
6
𝜋
= 2 sin (𝜋 − (−𝑥 + ))
6
5𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 + )
6

21b ii −√3 sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥

= −(√3 sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥)

𝜋
= −2 sin (𝑥 + )
6
𝜋
= 2 sin (− (𝑥 + ))
6
𝜋
= 2 sin (𝜋 + (𝑥 + ))
6
7𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 + )
6

21b iii √3 sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥

= −(−√3 sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥)

= −(√3 sin(−𝑥) + cos(−𝑥))
𝜋
= −2 sin (−𝑥 + )
6
𝜋
= −2 sin (− (𝑥 − ))
6
𝜋
= 2 sin (𝑥 − )
6

22a cos(𝑥 − 𝛼) = cos 𝛽

cos 𝑥 cos 𝛼 + sin 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = cos 𝛽
cos 𝛽
cot 𝛼 + tan 𝑥 =
sin 𝛼 cos 𝑥

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Squaring both sides gives

2 2
cos2 𝛽
cot 𝛼 + 2 cot 𝛼 tan 𝑥 + tan 𝑥 =
sin2 𝛼 cos2 𝑥
cos 2 𝛽
cot 2 𝛼 + 2 cot 𝛼 tan 𝑥 + tan2 𝑥 = sec 2 𝑥
sin2 𝛼
cos 2 𝛽
cot 2 𝛼 + 2 cot 𝛼 tan 𝑥 + tan2 𝑥 = (1 + tan2 𝑥)
sin2 𝛼
cos 2 𝛽 2 2
cos2 𝛽
(1 − ) tan 𝑥 + 2 cot 𝛼 tan 𝑥 + cot 𝛼 −
sin2 𝛼 sin2 𝛼

Using the quadratic formula

tan 𝑥

cos2 𝛽 2
2 𝛼 − cos 𝛽 )
−2 cot 𝛼 ± √(2 cot 𝛼)2 − 4 (1 − ) (cot
sin2 𝛼 sin2 𝛼
= 2
cos 𝛽
2 (1 − )
sin2 𝛼

2 cos 𝛼 2 sin2 𝛼 − cos 2 𝛽 cos 2 𝛼 − cos2 𝛽

−2 cot 𝛼 ± √( sin 𝛼 ) − 4 ( )( )
sin2 𝛼 sin2 𝛼
=
cos2 𝛽
2 (1 − )
sin2 𝛼

cos 𝛼 2 sin2 𝛼 − cos 2 𝛽 cos2 𝛼 − cos2 𝛽

−2 cot 𝛼 ± 2√( sin 𝛼 ) − ( )( )
sin2 𝛼 sin2 𝛼
=
cos 2 𝛽
2 (1 − )
sin2 𝛼

cos2 𝛼 sin2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛼 cos2 𝛼 + cos 2 𝛼 cos2 𝛽 + sin2 𝛼 cos2 𝛽 − cos4 𝛽

− cot 𝛼 ± √( )
sin4 𝛼
=
cos 2 𝛽
(1 − )
sin2 𝛼

cos 2 𝛼 cos 2 𝛽 + sin2 𝛼 cos 2 𝛽 − cos 4 𝛽

− cot 𝛼 ± √( )
sin4 𝛼
=
cos2 𝛽
(1 − )
sin2 𝛼

(sin2 𝛼 + cos 2 𝛼) cos2 𝛽 − cos 4 𝛽

− cot 𝛼 ± √( )
sin4 𝛼
=
cos 2 𝛽
(1 − )
sin2 𝛼

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

cos2 𝛽 − cos 4 𝛽
− cot 𝛼 ± √( )
sin4 𝛼
=
cos2 𝛽
(1 − )
sin2 𝛼
cos 𝛼 cos 𝛽
− sin 𝛼 ± 2 √1 − cos 2 𝛽
= sin 𝛼
cos 2 𝛽
(1 − )
sin2 𝛼
cos 𝛼 cos 𝛽 sin 𝛽
− sin 𝛼 ±
= sin2 𝛼
cos 2 𝛽
(1 − )
sin2 𝛼
− sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼 ± cos 𝛽 sin 𝛽
=
sin2 𝛼 − cos2 𝛽
sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼 ± cos 𝛽 sin 𝛽
=
cos2 𝛽 − sin2 𝛼
sin(𝛼 ± 𝛽) sin(𝛼 + 𝛽) sin(𝛼 − 𝛽)
= = ,
cos(𝛼 + 𝛽) cos(𝛼 + 𝛽) cos(𝛼 + 𝛽)
sin(𝛼 + 𝛽) sin(𝛼 − 𝛽)
= ,
cos(𝛼 + 𝛽) cos(𝛼 − 𝛽)
= tan(𝛼 + 𝛽) , tan(𝛼 − 𝛽)

22b 𝐴 cos(𝑥 − 𝜃) = 𝐴 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜃 + 𝐴 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜃 = 2 cos 𝑥 + 11 sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐴 cos 𝜃 = 2 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝜃 = 11 (2)
𝐴2 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝜃 = 4 + 112
𝐴2 (sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃) = 125
𝐴2 = 125

𝐴 = 5√5
11
tan 𝜃 = (2) ÷ (1)
2

11
𝜃 = tan−1
2
11
Hence 2 cos 𝑥 + 11 sin 𝑥 = 5√5 cos (𝑥 − tan−1 )
2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

22c i 2 cos 𝑥 + 11 sin 𝑥 = 10

11
5√5 cos (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = 10
2
11 2
cos (𝑥 − tan−1 )=
2 √5
11 2
cos (𝑥 − tan−1 ) = cos (cos −1 )
2 √5
Hence, from part a the solutions are
𝑥 = tan(𝛼 + 𝛽)
11 2
= tan (tan−1 + cos−1 )
2 √5
−1 11 2
tan (tan 2 ) + tan (cos −1 )
= √5
11 2
1 − tan (tan−1 2 ) tan (cos −1 )
√5
11 1
= 2 +2
11 1
1 − ( 2 ) (2)
4
=3

or
𝑥 = tan(𝛼 − 𝛽)
11 2
= tan (tan−1 − cos−1 )
2 √5
11 2
tan (tan−1 2 ) − tan (cos −1 )
= √5
11 2
1 + tan (tan−1 2 ) tan (cos −1 )
√5
11 1
= 2 −2
11 1
1 + ( 2 ) (2)
24
=− 7

4 4
22c ii tan 𝑥 = 3, hence 𝑥 = tan−1 3
24 24
tan 𝑥 = − 7 , hence 𝑥 = 𝜋 − tan−1 7
4 24
Thus, the roots are tan−1 3 and 𝜋 − tan−1 7

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

22c iii
4
tan (2 tan−1 )
3
4 4
= tan (tan−1 + tan−1 )
3 3
4 4
tan tan−1 3 + tan tan−1 3
=
4 4
1 − tan tan−1 3 tan tan−1 3
4 4
+
= 3 3
4 4
1 − (3) (3)
24
=−
7
24
= tan (𝜋 − tan−1 )
7
Thus, it follows that
4 24
2 tan−1 = 𝜋 − tan−1
3 7
And thus, one root is twice the other.

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Solutions to Exercise 11C

1a cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 1
1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
− =1
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2
1 − 𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 = 1 + 𝑡 2
2𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 = 0
𝑡2 + 𝑡 = 0

1b 𝑡(𝑡 + 1) = 0
𝑡 = −1 or 0, hence
𝑥
tan 2 = −1 or 0

1c 𝑡 = −1 or 0, hence
𝑥
tan 2 = −1 or 0

3𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , 2𝜋
2
1
Now, testing points where tan 2 𝑥 is undefined which is where 𝑥 = 𝜋 the
solutions are
3𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , 2𝜋
2

2a √3 sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 1
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
√3 × + =1
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2
2√3𝑡 + 1 − 𝑡 2 = 1 + 𝑡 2

2√3𝑡 − 2𝑡 2 = 0

2√3𝑡 = 2𝑡 2

𝑡 2 = √3𝑡

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

2b 𝑡 2 − √3𝑡 = 0

𝑡(𝑡 − √3) = 0

𝑡 = 0 or √3
𝑥
tan 2 = 0 or √3
1
Now, testing points where tan 2 𝑥 is undefined which is where 𝑥 = 𝜋 the
solutions are
2𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , 2𝜋
3

3a 4 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 1
1
Let 𝑡 = tan 2 𝑥

1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
4( 2
)+ =1
1+𝑡 1 + 𝑡2

4(1 − 𝑡 2 ) + 2𝑡 = 1 + 𝑡 2
4 − 4𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 = 1 + 𝑡 2
5𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 − 3 = 0
(5𝑡 + 3)(𝑡 − 1) = 0

3b (5𝑡 + 3)(𝑡 − 1) = 0
3
𝑡 = 1 or − 5
1 3
So tan 2 𝑥 = 1 or − 5
1
Now, testing points where tan 2 𝑥 is undefined which is where 𝑥 = 180° the
solutions are
𝑥 = 90° or 𝑥 ≑ 298°4′

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

4a 3 sin 𝑥 − 2 cos 𝑥 = 2
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
3( ) − 2( )=2
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

6𝑡 − 2(1 − 𝑡 2 ) = 2(1 + 𝑡 2 )
6𝑡 − 2 + 2𝑡 2 = 2 + 2𝑡 2
6𝑡 − 4 = 0
3𝑡 − 2 = 0

4b
2
𝑡=
3
1 2
tan 𝑥 =
2 3
1 2
𝑥 = tan−1
2 3
2
𝑥 = 2 tan−1
3
≑ 67°23′
1
Now, testing points where tan 2 𝑥 is undefined which is where 𝑥 = 180° the
solutions are
𝑥 = 180° or 𝑥 ≑ 67°23′

5a 6 sin 𝑥 − 4 cos 𝑥 = 5
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
6( ) − 4 ( )=5
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

12𝑡 − 4 + 4𝑡 2 = 5(1 + 𝑡 2 )
12𝑡 − 4 + 4𝑡 2 = 5 + 5𝑡 2
𝑡 2 − 12𝑡 + 9 = 0

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

5b Using the quadratic formula

1
tan 𝑥
2
=𝑡
−(−12) ± √(−12)2 − 4 × 1 × 9
=
2
12 ± √108
=
2
12 ± 6√3
=
2
= 6 ± 3√3

1
5c tan 2 𝑥 = 6 ± 3√3

1
𝑥 = tan−1(6 ± 3√3)
2
1
Now, testing points where tan 2 𝑥 is undefined which is where 𝑥 = 180° the
solutions are

𝑥 = 2 tan−1(6 ± 3√3)

= 77°35′ or 169°48′

𝑥
6 Note for all following parts, as 0° ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360°, 0° ≤ 2 ≤ 180°

6a 5 sin 𝑥 + 4 cos 𝑥 = 5
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
5( ) + 4( )=5
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

10𝑡 + 4(1 − 𝑡 2 ) = 5(1 + 𝑡 2 )

10𝑡 + 4 − 4𝑡 2 = 5 + 5𝑡 2
9𝑡 2 − 10𝑡 + 1 = 0
(9𝑡 − 1)(𝑡 − 1) = 0
𝑡 = 1 or 9
1 1
tan 2 𝑥 = 1 or tan 2 𝑥 = 9

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1 1
𝑥 = 45° or 2 𝑥 = 6°20′ 25
2

So 𝑥 = 90° or 𝑥 ≑ 12°41′

6b 7 cos 𝑥 − 6 sin 𝑥 = 2
1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
7( ) − 6 ( )=2
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

7 − 7𝑡 2 − 12𝑡 = 2 + 2𝑡 2
9𝑡 2 + 12𝑡 − 5 = 0
(3𝑡 − 1)(3𝑡 + 5) = 0
1 5
Hence 𝑡 = 3 or − 3

𝑥 1 5
tan = or −
2 3 3
𝑥 ≑ 36°52′ , 241°56′

6c
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
3( ) − 2 ( )=1
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

6𝑡 − 2 + 2𝑡 2 = 1 + 𝑡 2
𝑡 2 + 6𝑡 − 3 = 0
Using the quadratic formula gives

−6 ± √62 − 4 × 1 × −3
𝑡=
2
−6 ± √48
=
2
−6 ± 4√3
=
2
= −3 ± 2√3
𝑥
tan = −3 ± 2√3
2
𝑥 ≑ 49°48′ , 197°35′

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

6d 5 cos 𝑥 + 6 sin 𝑥 = −5
1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
5( ) + 6 ( ) = −5
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

5 − 5𝑡 2 + 12𝑡 = −5 − 5𝑡 2
12𝑡 = −10
5
𝑡=−
6
𝑥 5
tan =−
2 6
𝑥 ≑ 100°23′ or 𝑥 ≑ 280°23′
However, after substitution we find that 𝑥 ≑ 100°23′ is not a solution.
Since the terms in 𝑡 2 have cancelled out, we need to check 𝑡 = 180°.
LHS = 5 cos 180° + 6 sin 180°
= 5 × −1 + 6 × 0
= −5
= RHS
So the solutions are 𝑥 = 180° or 𝑥 ≑ 280°23′.

7 8 tan 𝜃 − 4 sec 𝜃 = 1
8 sin 𝜃 4
− =1
cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃
8 sin 𝜃 − 4 = cos 𝜃
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
8( )−4= ( )
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

16𝑡 − 4 − 4𝑡 2 = 1 − 𝑡 2
3𝑡 2 − 16𝑡 + 5 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−(−16) ± √(−16)2 − 4 × 3 × 5
𝑡=
2×3
16 ± 14
=
6

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1
= 5,
3
1 1
tan 𝑥 = 5,
2 3
1
𝑥 = 2 tan−1 5 , 2 tan−1
3

8 2 sin 2𝑥 + cos 2𝑥 = 2
Let 𝑡 = tan 𝑥
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
2( ) + =2
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2
4𝑡 + 1 − 𝑡 2 = 2 + 2𝑡 2
3𝑡 2 − 4𝑡 + 1 = 0
(3𝑡 − 1)(𝑡 − 1) = 0
1
𝑡 = 1 or 3
1
tan 𝑥 = 1 or
3

𝑥 = 45°, 225° or 𝑥 ≑ 18.4°, 198.4°

9a 𝑎 cos 𝑥 = 1 + sin 𝑥
1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
𝑎( 2
)=1+
1+𝑡 1 + 𝑡2

𝑎 − 𝑎𝑡 2 = 1 + 𝑡 2 + 2𝑡
𝑡 2 + 𝑎𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + 1 − 𝑎 = 0
(1 + 𝑎)𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 + (1 − 𝑎) = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−2 ± √22 − 4(1 + 𝑎)(1 − 𝑎)

𝑡=
2(1 + 𝑎)
−2 ± √2 − 4(1 − 𝑎2 )
2
=
2(1 + 𝑎)
−2 ± √4𝑎2
=
2(1 + 𝑎)

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

−2 ± 2𝑎
=
2(1 + 𝑎)
−1 ± 𝑎
=
1+𝑎
−1+𝑎
= −1 or 1+𝑎
𝑎−1
Hence 𝑡 = 𝑎+1 as 𝑡 = −1 is not a solution for 0° < 𝑥 < 90°

9b 2 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 1
2 cos 𝑥 = 1 + sin 𝑥
2−1 1
𝑡= =
2+1 3
Hence
1 1
tan 𝑥 =
2 3
1
𝑥 = 18°26′
2
𝑥 = 36°52′

10 6 cos 𝜃 + 17 sin 𝜃 = 18
1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
6( 2
) + 17 ( ) = 18
1+𝑡 1 + 𝑡2

6(1 − 𝑡 2 ) + 34𝑡 = 18 + 18𝑡 2

24𝑡 2 − 34𝑡 + 12 = 0
12𝑡 2 − 17𝑡 + 6 = 0
Hence, using the quadratic formula

−(−17) ± √172 − 4 × 12 × 6
𝑡=
2 × 12
17 ± 1
=
24
3 2
= 4 or 3
𝜃1 3 𝜃2 2
Hence the solutions are tan = 4, tan =3
2 2

© Cambridge University Press 2019 59

Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜃1 − 𝜃2
tan ( )
2
𝜃 𝜃
tan 21 − tan 22
=
𝜃 𝜃
1 + tan 21 tan 22
3 2
= 4−3
3 2
1 + (4) (3)

1
=
18
as required

11a 𝑎 cos 𝑥 + 𝑏 sin 𝑥 = 𝑐

1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡
𝑎( 2
)+𝑏( )=𝑐
1+𝑡 1 + 𝑡2

𝑎(1 − 𝑡 2 ) + 2𝑏𝑡 = 𝑐(1 + 𝑡 2 )

𝑐(1 + 𝑡 2 ) − 𝑎(1 − 𝑡 2 ) − 2𝑏𝑡 = 0
𝑐 + 𝑐𝑡 2 − 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑡 2 − 2𝑏𝑡 = 0
(𝑎 + 𝑐)𝑡 2 − 2𝑏𝑡 − (𝑎 − 𝑐) = 0
𝑥
where 𝑡 = tan 2

11b In order for the roots of this equation to be real, the discriminant must be greater
than 0, hence
Δ = 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 ≥ 0
(−2𝑏)2 − 4(𝑎 + 𝑐)(−(𝑎 − 𝑐)) ≥ 0

4𝑏 2 + 4(𝑎 + 𝑐)(𝑎 − 𝑐) ≥ 0
4𝑏 2 + 4(𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 ) ≥ 0
4𝑏 2 + 4(𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 ) ≥ 0
4𝑏 2 + 4𝑎2 − 4𝑐 2 ≥ 0
𝑏 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 ≥ 0
𝑐 2 ≤ 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

11c The roots of the equation are given by the quadratic formula

−(−2𝑏) ± √Δ
𝑡=
2(𝑎 + 𝑐)

2𝑏 ± √4b 2 + 4𝑎2 − 4𝑐 2
=
2(𝑎 + 𝑐)

𝑏 ± √b 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2
=
(𝑎 + 𝑐)
1 𝑏+√b2 +𝑎2 −𝑐 2 1 𝑏−√b2 +𝑎2 −𝑐 2
So let tan 2 𝛼 = and tan 2 𝛽 =
(𝑎+𝑐) (𝑎+𝑐)

1
tan (𝛼 + 𝛽)
2
1 1
tan 2 𝛼 + tan 2 𝛽
=
1 1
1 − tan 2 𝛼 tan 2 𝛽
𝑏 + √b 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 𝑏 − √b 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2
+
(𝑎 + 𝑐) (𝑎 + 𝑐)
=
𝑏 + √b 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 𝑏 − √b 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2
1−( )( )
(𝑎 + 𝑐) (𝑎 + 𝑐)
2𝑏
(𝑎 + 𝑐)
=
𝑏 − (b 2 + 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 )
2
1−( )
(𝑎 + 𝑐)2
2𝑏
(𝑎 + 𝑐)
=
𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
1−( )
(𝑎 + 𝑐)2
2𝑏
(𝑎 + 𝑐)
=
(𝑐 − 𝑎)(𝑐 + 𝑎)
1−( )
(𝑎 + 𝑐)2
2𝑏
(𝑎 + 𝑐)
= 𝑐−𝑎
1 − (𝑎 + 𝑐 )
2𝑏
=
𝑎 + 𝑐 − (𝑐 − 𝑎)
2𝑏
=
2𝑎
𝑏
=
𝑎

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1−𝑡 2 2𝑡
12 (2𝑘 − 1) ( ) + (𝑘 + 2) (1+𝑡 2 ) = 2𝑘 + 1
1+𝑡 2

(2𝑘 − 1)(1 − 𝑡 2 ) + 2𝑡(𝑘 + 2) = (2𝑘 + 1)(1 + 𝑡 2 )

(2𝑘 + 1)(1 + 𝑡 2 ) − (2𝑘 − 1)(𝑡 2 − 1) − 2𝑡(𝑘 + 2) = 0
2𝑡 2 − 2𝑡(𝑘 + 2) + 4𝑘 = 0
𝑡 2 − 𝑡(𝑘 + 2) + 2𝑘 = 0

(𝑘 + 2) ± √(𝑘 + 2)2 − 4 × 1 × 2𝑘
𝑡=
2
(𝑘 + 2) ± √𝑘 2 + 4𝑘 + 4 − 4 × 1 × 2𝑘
𝑡=
2
(𝑘 + 2) ± √𝑘 2 − 4𝑘 + 4
𝑡=
2
(𝑘 + 2) ± √(𝑘 − 2)2
𝑡=
2
(𝑘 + 2) ± (𝑘 − 2)
𝑡=
2
𝑡 = 𝑘, 2
Noting that
2𝑡
tan 𝜃 =
1 − 𝑡2
it follows that
4 2𝑘
tan 𝜃 = , 2
3 𝑘 −1

13 𝑎 cos 4𝜃 + 𝑏 sin 4𝜃 = 𝑐
𝑎(cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃) + 2𝑏 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 = 𝑐
Let 𝑡 = tan 𝜃
2
1 − 𝑡2 2𝑡 2 2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
𝑎 (( ) −( ) ) + 2𝑏 ( )( )=𝑐
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

𝑎((1 − 𝑡 2 )2 − (2𝑡)2 ) + 2𝑏 × 2𝑡(1 − 𝑡 2 ) = 𝑐(1 + 𝑡 2 )2

𝑎(1 − 2𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4 − 4𝑡 2 ) + 𝑏(4𝑡 − 4𝑡 3 ) = 𝑐(1 + 2𝑡 2 + 𝑡 4 )
(𝑎 − 𝑐)𝑡 4 − 4𝑏𝑡 3 − (2𝑎 + 2𝑐 + 4)𝑡 2 + 4𝑏𝑡 + (𝑎 − 𝑐) = 0

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Hence it follows that the product of roots is

𝑎−𝑐
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4 = =1
𝑎−𝑐
Since 𝑡 = tan 𝜃 and the solutions are 𝜃1 , 𝜃2 , 𝜃3 , 𝜃4 , it follows that
tan 𝜃1 tan 𝜃2 tan 𝜃3 tan 𝜃4 = 1

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

Solutions to Chapter review

1a sin 2𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 0
2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 0
sin 𝑥 (2 cos 𝑥 + 1) = 0
1
sin 𝑥 = 0 or cos 𝑥 = − 2

For sin 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋.

1 2𝜋 4𝜋
For cos 𝑥 = − 2, 𝑥 = , .
4 3
2𝜋 4𝜋
Together this gives 𝑥 = 0, , 𝜋, , 2𝜋
4 3

1b cos 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0
2 cos2 𝑥 − 1 + cos 𝑥 = 0
(2 cos 𝑥 − 1)(cos 𝑥 + 1) = 0
1
cos 𝑥 = 2 or −1
1 𝜋 5𝜋
For cos 𝑥 = 2, 𝑥 = 3 , 3

For cos 𝑥 = −1, 𝑥 = 𝜋

𝜋 5𝜋
Together this gives 𝑥 = 3 , 𝜋, 3

1c cos 2𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥 + 2 = 0
1 − 2 sin2 𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥 + 2 = 0
2 sin2 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥 − 3 = 0
(2 sin 𝑥 + 1)(sin 𝑥 − 3) = 0
1 1
sin 𝑥 = − 2 or 3, but −1 ≤ sin 𝑥 ≤ 1 so the only solution is sin 𝑥 = − 2
7𝜋 11𝜋
Hence, 𝑥 = ,
6 6

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

1d
𝜋 𝜋
2 sin (𝑥 − ) = cos (𝑥 − )
6 3
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
2 sin 𝑥 cos − 2 cos 𝑥 sin = cos 𝑥 cos + sin 𝑥 sin
6 6 3 3
√3 1 1 √3
2 sin 𝑥 ( ) − 2 cos 𝑥 ( ) = cos 𝑥 ( ) + sin 𝑥 ( )
2 2 2 2

√3 1
( ) sin 𝑥 = 3 ( ) cos 𝑥
2 2
3
tan 𝑥 =
√3

2a 𝑅 sin(𝑥 − 𝛼) = 𝑅 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛼 − 𝑅 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = 1 (1)
𝑅 sin 𝛼 = 1 (2)
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 12 + 12 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 2
𝑅2 = 2

𝑅 = √2
tan 𝛼 = 1 (2) ÷ (1)
𝜋
𝛼=
4
𝜋
Hence sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = √2 sin (𝑥 − )
4

2b sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = √2
𝜋
√2 sin (𝑥 − ) = √2
4
𝜋
sin (𝑥 − ) = 1
4
𝜋 𝜋
𝑥− =
4 2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

3𝜋
𝑥=
4

3a 𝐴 cos(𝑥 − 𝜃) = 𝐴 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜃 + 𝐴 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜃 = √3 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives

𝐴 cos 𝜃 = √3 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝜃 = 1 (2)
2
𝐴2 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝜃 = 12 + √3 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃) = 4
𝐴2 = 4
𝐴=2
1
tan 𝜃 = (2) ÷ (1)
√3

𝜋
𝜃=
6
𝜋
Hence √3 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 2 cos (𝑥 − 6 )

3b √3 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = −1
𝜋
2 cos (𝑥 − ) = −1
6
𝜋 1
cos (𝑥 − ) = −
6 2
𝜋 2𝜋 4𝜋
𝑥− = ,
6 3 3

4a 𝑅 sin(𝑥 + 𝛼) = 𝑅 sin 𝑥 cos 𝛼 + 𝑅 cos 𝑥 sin 𝛼 = 2 sin 𝑥 + √5 cos 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝑅 cos 𝛼 = 2 (1)

𝑅 sin 𝛼 = √5 (2)
2
𝑅 2 sin2 𝛼 + 𝑅 2 cos2 𝛼 = 22 + √5 (1)2 + (2)2
𝑅 2 (sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼) = 9

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝑅2 = 9
𝑅=3
√5
tan 𝛼 = (2) ÷ (1)
2

√5
𝛼 = tan−1
2
√5
Hence 2 sin 𝑥 + √5 cos 𝑥 = 3 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 )
2

4b 2 sin 𝑥 + √5 cos 𝑥 = 3

√5
3 sin (𝑥 + tan−1 )=3
2

√5
sin (𝑥 + tan−1 )=1
2

√5
𝑥 + tan−1 = 90°
2
√5
𝑥 = 90° − tan−1
2
𝑥 ≑ 41.8°

5a 𝐴 cos(𝑥 + 𝜃) = 𝐴 cos 𝑥 cos 𝜃 − 𝐴 sin 𝑥 sin 𝜃 = 3 cos 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥

Equating coefficients gives
𝐴 cos 𝜃 = 3 (1)
𝐴 sin 𝜃 = 2 (2)
𝐴2 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐴2 cos 2 𝜃 = 22 + 32 (1)2 + (2)2
𝐴2 (sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃) = 13
𝐴2 = 13

𝐴 = √13
2
tan 𝜃 = 3 (2) ÷ (1)

2
𝜃 = tan−1
3

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

2
Hence 3 cos 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 = √13 cos (𝑥 + tan−1 3)

5b 3 cos 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 = 1
2
√13 cos (𝑥 + tan−1 ) = 1
3
2 1
cos (𝑥 + tan−1 ) =
3 √13
2 1 1
𝑥 + tan−1 = cos −1 , 2𝜋 − cos−1
3 √13 √13
1 2 1 2
𝑥 = cos−1 − tan−1 , 2𝜋 − cos−1 − tan−1
√13 3 √13 3
𝑥 ≑ 40°12′ or 252°25′

1
6 sin 𝑥 = tan 2 𝑥

2𝑡
=𝑡
1 + 𝑡2
2𝑡 = 𝑡 + 𝑡 3
𝑡3 − 𝑡 = 0
𝑡(𝑡 2 − 1) = 0
𝑡(𝑡 − 1)(𝑡 + 1) = 0
𝑡 = 0, ±1
1
tan 2 𝑥 = 0, ±1

1 𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , or 𝜋
2 4 4
𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥 = 0, , or 2𝜋
2 2

7a 7 sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 5
2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
7( ) + =5
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2
14𝑡 + 1 − 𝑡 2 = 5 + 5𝑡 2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

6𝑡 2 − 14𝑡 + 4 = 0
𝑥
3𝑡 2 − 7𝑡 + 2 = 0 where 𝑡 = tan 2

7b Using the quadratic formula

−(−7) ± √(−7)2 − 4 × 3 × 2
𝑡=
2×3
7 ± √25
=
6
7±5
=
6
1
= or 2
3
𝑥 1
tan = or 2
2 3
𝑥 1
= tan−1 or tan−1 2
2 3
1
𝑥 = 2 tan−1 or 2 tan−1 2
3

8a 4 sin 𝑥 − 2 cos 𝑥 = 3
𝑥
Let 𝑡 = tan 2

2𝑡 1 − 𝑡2
4( ) − 2 ( )=3
1 + 𝑡2 1 + 𝑡2

4(2𝑡) − 2(1 − 𝑡 2 ) = 3(1 + 𝑡 2 )

8𝑡 − 2 + 2𝑡 2 = 3 + 3𝑡 2
𝑡 2 − 8𝑡 + 5 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−(−8) ± √(−8)2 − 4 × 1 × 5
𝑡=
2×1
8 ± √44
=
2

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

8 ± 2√11
=
2
= 4 ± √11
𝑥
Since 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋 then 0 ≤ 2 ≤ 𝜋.
𝑥
Recalling 𝑡 = tan 2
𝑥
tan 2 = 4 + √11 or 4 − √11
𝑥
= tan−1 (4 + √11) or tan−1(4 − √11)
2

𝑥 = 2 tan−1(4 + √11) or 2 tan−1 (4 − √11)

𝑥 ≑ 2.87 or 1.20

9a cos 3𝑥
= cos 𝑥 cos 2𝑥 − sin 𝑥 sin 2𝑥
= cos 𝑥 (2 cos2 𝑥 − 1) − sin 𝑥 (2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥)
= 2 cos3 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 − 2 sin2 𝑥 cos 𝑥
= 2 cos3 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 − 2(1 − cos2 𝑥) cos 𝑥
= 2 cos3 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 − 2 cos 𝑥 + 2 cos3 𝑥
= 4 cos3 𝑥 − 3 cos 𝑥

9b cos 3𝑥 + sin 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0

4 cos3 𝑥 − 3 cos 𝑥 + sin 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0
4 cos3 𝑥 − 3 cos 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0
4 cos3 𝑥 − 2 cos 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (2 cos2 𝑥 − 1 + sin 𝑥) = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (2(1 − sin2 𝑥) − 1 + sin 𝑥) = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (2 − 2 sin2 𝑥 − 1 + sin 𝑥) = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (1 − 2 sin2 𝑥 + sin 𝑥) = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (2 sin2 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 − 1) = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (2 sin 𝑥 + 1)(sin 𝑥 − 1) = 0
1
Hence the solutions occur when cos 𝑥 = 0, sin 𝑥 = − 2 and sin 𝑥 = 1.

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Chapter 11 worked solutions – Trigonometric equations

𝜋 3𝜋
For cos 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 2 , 2
1 7𝜋 11𝜋
For sin 𝑥 = − 2, 𝑥 = ,
6 6
𝜋
For sin 𝑥 = 1, 𝑥 = 2
𝜋 7𝜋 3𝜋 11𝜋
Hence the solutions are 𝑥 = 2 , , ,
6 2 6

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