Section 7.

1 Solving Trigonometric Equations and Identities 453

Chapter 7: Trigonometric
Equations and Identities
In the last two chapters we have used basic definitions and relationships to simplify
trigonometric expressions and solve trigonometric equations. In this chapter we will look
at more complex relationships. By conducting a deeper study of trigonometric identities
we can learn to simplify complicated expressions, allowing us to solve more interesting
applications.

Section 7.1 Solving Trigonometric Equations with Identities .................................... 453

Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities ......................................................... 461
Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities ........................................................................... 477
Section 7.4 Modeling Changing Amplitude and Midline ........................................... 488

Section 7.1 Solving Trigonometric Equations with Identities

In the last chapter, we solved basic trigonometric equations. In this section, we explore
the techniques needed to solve more complicated trig equations. Building from what we
already know makes this a much easier task.

Consider the function f ( x) = 2 x 2 + x . If you were asked to solve f ( x) = 0 , it requires

simple algebra:
2x 2 + x = 0 Factor
x ( 2 x + 1) = 0 Giving solutions
1
x = 0 or x = −
2

Similarly, for g (t ) = sin(t ) , if we asked you to solve g (t ) = 0 , you can solve this using
unit circle values:
sin( t ) = 0 for t = 0,  , 2 and so on.

Using these same concepts, we consider the composition of these two functions:
f ( g (t )) = 2(sin( t )) 2 + (sin( t )) = 2 sin 2 (t ) + sin( t )

This creates an equation that is a polynomial trig function. With these types of functions,
we use algebraic techniques like factoring and the quadratic formula, along with
trigonometric identities and techniques, to solve equations.

As a reminder, here are some of the essential trigonometric identities that we have
learned so far:
This chapter is part of Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions © Lippman & Rasmussen 2020.
This material is licensed under a Creative Commons CC-BY-SA license.
454 Chapter 7

Identities
Pythagorean Identities
cos 2 (t ) + sin 2 (t ) = 1 1 + cot 2 (t ) = csc 2 (t ) 1 + tan 2 (t ) = sec 2 (t )

Negative Angle Identities

sin( −t ) = − sin( t ) cos( −t ) = cos(t ) tan( −t ) = − tan( t )
csc(−t ) = − csc(t ) sec(−t ) = sec(t ) cot( −t ) = − cot( t )

Reciprocal Identities
1 1 sin( t ) 1
sec(t ) = csc(t ) = tan( t ) = cot( t ) =
cos(t ) sin( t ) cos(t ) tan( t )

Example 1
Solve 2 sin 2 (t ) + sin( t ) = 0 for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

This equation kind of looks like a quadratic equation, but with sin(t) in place of an
algebraic variable (we often call such an equation “quadratic in sine”). As with all
quadratic equations, we can use factoring techniques or the quadratic formula. This
expression factors nicely, so we proceed by factoring out the common factor of sin(t):
sin( t )(2 sin( t ) + 1) = 0

Using the zero product theorem, we know that the product on the left will equal zero if
either factor is zero, allowing us to break this equation into two cases:
sin( t ) = 0 or 2 sin( t ) + 1 = 0

We can solve each of these equations independently, using our knowledge of special
angles.
sin( t ) = 0 2 sin( t ) + 1 = 0
1
t = 0 or t = π sin( t ) = −
2
7 11
t= or t =
6 6

Together, this gives us four solutions to

the equation on 0  t  2 :
7 11
t = 0,  , ,
6 6

We could check these answers are

reasonable by graphing the function and comparing the zeros.
 Section 7.1 Solving Trigonometric Equations and Identities 455

Example 2
Solve 3 sec 2 (t ) − 5 sec(t ) − 2 = 0 for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

Since the left side of this equation is quadratic in secant, we can try to factor it, and
hope it factors nicely.

If it is easier to for you to consider factoring without the trig function present, consider
using a substitution u = sec(t ) , resulting in 3u 2 − 5u − 2 = 0 , and then try to factor:
3u 2 − 5u − 2 = (3u + 1)(u − 2)

Undoing the substitution,

(3 sec(t ) + 1)(sec(t ) − 2) = 0

Since we have a product equal to zero, we break it into the two cases and solve each
separately.

3 sec(t ) + 1 = 0 Isolate the secant

1
sec(t ) = − Rewrite as a cosine
3
1 1
=− Invert both sides
cos(t ) 3
cos(t ) = −3

Since the cosine has a range of [-1, 1], the cosine will never take on an output of -3.
There are no solutions to this case.

Continuing with the second case,

sec(t ) − 2 = 0 Isolate the secant

sec(t ) = 2 Rewrite as a cosine
1
=2 Invert both sides
cos(t )
1
cos(t ) = This gives two solutions
2
 5
t= or t =
3 3

These are the only two solutions on the interval.

By utilizing technology to graph
f (t ) = 3sec2 (t ) − 5sec(t ) − 2 , a look at a graph
confirms there are only two zeros for this function on
the interval [0, 2π), which assures us that we didn’t
miss anything.
456 Chapter 7

Try it Now
1. Solve 2 sin 2 (t ) + 3 sin( t ) + 1 = 0 for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

When solving some trigonometric equations, it becomes necessary to first rewrite the
equation using trigonometric identities. One of the most common is the Pythagorean
Identity, sin 2 ( ) + cos 2 ( ) = 1 which allows you to rewrite sin 2 ( ) in terms of cos 2 ( )
or vice versa,

Identities
Alternate Forms of the Pythagorean Identity
sin 2 ( ) = 1 − cos 2 ( )
cos 2 ( ) = 1 − sin 2 ( )

These identities become very useful whenever an equation involves a combination of sine
and cosine functions.

Example 3
Solve 2 sin 2 (t ) − cos(t ) = 1 for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

Since this equation has a mix of sine and cosine functions, it becomes more complicated
to solve. It is usually easier to work with an equation involving only one trig function.
This is where we can use the Pythagorean Identity.

2 sin 2 (t ) − cos(t ) = 1 Using sin 2 ( ) = 1 − cos 2 ( )

( )
2 1 − cos 2 (t ) − cos(t ) = 1 Distributing the 2
2 − 2 cos 2 (t ) − cos(t ) = 1

Since this is now quadratic in cosine, we rearrange the equation so one side is zero and
factor.
− 2 cos 2 (t ) − cos(t ) + 1 = 0 Multiply by -1 to simplify the factoring
2 cos 2 (t ) + cos(t ) − 1 = 0 Factor
(2 cos(t ) − 1)(cos(t ) + 1) = 0
This product will be zero if either factor is zero, so we can break this into two separate
cases and solve each independently.
 Section 7.1 Solving Trigonometric Equations and Identities 457

2 cos(t ) − 1 = 0 or cos(t ) + 1 = 0
1
cos(t ) = or cos(t ) = −1
2
 5
t= or t = or t =
3 3

Try it Now
2. Solve 2 sin 2 (t ) = 3 cos(t ) for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

In addition to the Pythagorean Identity, it is often necessary to rewrite the tangent, secant,
cosecant, and cotangent as part of solving an equation.

Example 4
Solve tan( x) = 3 sin( x) for all solutions with 0  x  2 .

With a combination of tangent and sine, we might try rewriting tangent

tan( x) = 3 sin( x)

sin( x)
= 3 sin( x) Multiplying both sides by cosine
cos( x)
sin( x) = 3 sin( x) cos( x)

At this point, you may be tempted to divide both sides of the equation by sin(x). Resist
the urge. When we divide both sides of an equation by a quantity, we are assuming the
quantity is never zero. In this case, when sin(x) = 0 the equation is satisfied, so we’d
lose those solutions if we divided by the sine.

To avoid this problem, we can rearrange the equation so that one side is zero1.
sin( x) − 3 sin( x) cos( x) = 0 Factoring out sin(x) from both parts
sin( x)(1 − 3 cos(x)) = 0

From here, we can see we get solutions when sin( x) = 0 or 1 − 3 cos( x) = 0 .

Using our knowledge of the special angles of the unit circle,

sin( x) = 0 when x = 0 or x = π.

1
You technically can divide by sin(x), as long as you separately consider the case where sin(x) = 0. Since
it is easy to forget this step, the factoring approach used in the example is recommended.
458 Chapter 7

For the second equation, we will need the inverse cosine.

1 − 3 cos( x) = 0
1
cos( x ) = Using our calculator or technology
3
1
x = cos −1    1.231 Using symmetry to find a second solution
3
x = 2 − 1.231 = 5.052

We have four solutions on 0  x  2 :

x = 0, 1.231, π, 5.052

Try it Now
3. Solve sec( ) = 2 cos( ) to find the first four positive solutions.

Example 5
4
Solve + 3cos ( ) = 2cot ( ) tan ( ) for all solutions with 0    2 .
sec2 ( )

4
+ 3cos ( ) = 2cot ( ) tan ( ) Using the reciprocal identities
sec2 ( )

1
4 cos 2 ( ) + 3 cos( ) = 2 tan( ) Simplifying
tan( )
4 cos 2 ( ) + 3cos ( ) = 2 Subtracting 2 from each side
4 cos 2 ( ) + 3cos ( ) − 2 = 0

This does not appear to factor nicely so we use the quadratic formula, remembering that
we are solving for cos(θ).

− 3  3 2 − 4(4)(−2) − 3  41
cos( ) = =
2( 4 ) 8

Using the negative square root first,

− 3 − 41
cos( ) = = −1.175
8

This has no solutions, since the cosine can’t be less than -1.
 Section 7.1 Solving Trigonometric Equations and Identities 459

Using the positive square root,

− 3 + 41
cos( ) = = 0.425
8
 = cos −1 (0.425 ) = 1.131 By symmetry, a second solution can be found
 = 2 − 1.131 = 5.152

Important Topics of This Section

Review of Trig Identities
Solving Trig Equations
By Factoring
Using the Quadratic Formula
Utilizing Trig Identities to simplify

Try it Now Answers

1. Factor as (2 sin( t ) + 1)(sin( t ) + 1) = 0
7 11
2 sin( t ) + 1 = 0 at t = ,
6 6
3
sin( t ) + 1 = 0 at t =
2
7 3 11
t= , ,
6 2 6

( )
2. 2 1 − cos 2 (t ) = 3 cos(t )
2 cos (t ) + 3 cos(t ) − 2 = 0
2

(2 cos(t ) −1)(cos(t ) + 2) = 0
cos(t ) + 2 = 0 has no solutions
 5
2 cos(t ) − 1 = 0 at t = ,
3 3

1
3. = 2 cos( )
cos( )
1
= cos 2 ( )
2
1 2
cos( ) =  =
2 2
 3 5 7
= , , ,
4 4 4 4
460 Chapter 7

Section 7.1 Exercises

Find all solutions on the interval 0    2 .

1. 2sin ( ) = −1 2. 2sin ( ) = 3 3. 2 cos ( ) = 1 4. 2cos ( ) =− 2

Find all solutions.

   
5. 2 sin  x  =1 6. 2sin  x  = 2 7. 2cos ( 2t ) = − 3 8. 2 cos ( 3t ) = −1
4  3 
   
9. 3cos  x  = 2 10. 8cos  x  = 6 11. 7 sin ( 3t ) = −2 12. 4sin ( 4t ) = 1
5  2 

Find all solutions on the interval [0, 2 ) .

13. 10sin ( x ) cos ( x ) = 6 cos ( x ) 14. −3sin ( t ) = 15cos ( t ) sin ( t )

15. csc ( 2 x ) − 9 = 0 16. sec ( 2 ) = 3

17. sec ( x ) sin ( x ) − 2sin ( x ) = 0 18. tan ( x ) sin ( x ) − sin ( x ) = 0

1 1
19. sin 2 x = 20. cos 2  =
4 2
21. sec 2 x = 7 22. csc 2 t = 3
24. 8sin x + 6sin ( x ) + 1 = 0
2
23. 2sin 2 w + 3sin w + 1 = 0

25. 2 cos t + cos ( t ) = 1 26. 8cos ( ) = 3 − 2 cos ( )

2 2

27. 4 cos ( x) − 4 = 15cos ( x ) 28. 9sin ( w ) − 2 = 4sin ( w)

2 2

29. 12sin ( t ) + cos ( t ) − 6 = 0 30. 6 cos ( x ) + 7 sin ( x ) − 8 = 0

2 2

31. cos2  = −6sin  32. sin 2 t = cos t

33. tan ( x ) = 3 tan ( x ) 34. cos ( t ) = − cos ( t )

3 3

35. tan ( x ) = tan ( x ) 36. tan ( x ) − 9 tan ( x ) = 0

5 5

37. 4sin ( x ) cos ( x ) + 2sin ( x ) − 2 cos ( x ) − 1 = 0

38. 2sin ( x ) cos ( x ) − sin ( x ) + 2 cos ( x ) − 1 = 0

39. tan ( x ) − 3sin ( x ) = 0 40. 3cos ( x ) = cot ( x )

41. 2 tan ( t ) = 3sec ( t ) 42. 1 − 2 tan ( w ) = tan ( w)

2 2
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 461

Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities

In this section, we begin expanding our repertoire of trigonometric identities.

Identities
The sum and difference identities
cos( −  ) = cos( ) cos(  ) + sin(  ) sin(  )

cos( +  ) = cos( ) cos(  ) − sin(  ) sin(  )

sin(  +  ) = sin(  ) cos(  ) + cos( ) sin(  )

sin(  −  ) = sin(  ) cos(  ) − cos( ) sin(  )

We will prove the difference of angles identity for cosine. The rest of the identities can
be derived from this one.

Proof of the difference of angles identity for cosine

Consider two points on a unit circle:
P at an angle of α from the positive x axis
with coordinates (cos( ), sin(  )) , and Q at
C

an angle of β with coordinates P

(cos( ), sin(  )) . Q

α α-β
Notice the measure of angle POQ is α – β.
Label two more points: β D
C at an angle of α – β, with coordinates O

(cos( −  ), sin(  −  )) ,
D at the point (1, 0).

Notice that the distance from C to D is the

same as the distance from P to Q because
triangle COD is a rotation of triangle POQ.

Using the distance formula to find the distance from P to Q yields

(cos( ) − cos(  ))2 + (sin(  ) − sin(  ))2
Expanding this
cos 2 ( ) − 2 cos( ) cos(  ) + cos 2 (  ) + sin 2 ( ) − 2 sin(  ) sin(  ) + sin 2 (  )
462 Chapter 7

Applying the Pythagorean Identity and simplifying

2 − 2 cos( ) cos(  ) − 2 sin(  ) sin(  )

Similarly, using the distance formula to find the distance from C to D

(cos( −  ) − 1)2 + (sin(  −  ) − 0)2
Expanding this
cos 2 ( −  ) − 2 cos( −  ) + 1 + sin 2 ( −  )

Applying the Pythagorean Identity and simplifying

− 2 cos( −  ) + 2

Since the two distances are the same we set these two formulas equal to each other and
simplify
2 − 2 cos( ) cos(  ) − 2 sin(  ) sin(  ) = − 2 cos( −  ) + 2
2 − 2 cos( ) cos(  ) − 2 sin(  ) sin(  ) = −2 cos( −  ) + 2
cos( ) cos(  ) + sin(  ) sin(  ) = cos( −  )

This establishes the identity.

Try it Now
1. By writing cos( +  ) as cos( − (−  )) , show the sum of angles identity for cosine
follows from the difference of angles identity proven above.

The sum and difference of angles identities are often used to rewrite expressions in other
forms, or to rewrite an angle in terms of simpler angles.

Example 1
Find the exact value of cos( 75 ) .

Since 75 = 30 + 45 , we can evaluate cos( 75 ) as

cos( 75 ) = cos(30  + 45 ) Apply the cosine sum of angles identity
= cos(30 ) cos( 45 ) − sin( 30 ) sin( 45 ) Evaluate
3 2 1 2
=  −  Simply
2 2 2 2
6− 2
=
4
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 463

Try it Now
 
2. Find the exact value of sin   .
 12 

Example 2
 
Rewrite sin  x −  in terms of sin(x) and cos(x).
 4

 
sin  x −  Use the difference of angles identity for sine
 4
   
= sin (x ) cos  − cos (x )sin   Evaluate the cosine and sine and rearrange
4 4
2 2
= sin ( x ) − cos ( x )
2 2

Additionally, these identities can be used to simplify expressions or prove new identities

Example 3
sin( a + b) tan( a) + tan(b)
Prove = .
sin( a − b) tan( a) − tan(b)

As with any identity, we need to first decide which side to begin with. Since the left
side involves sum and difference of angles, we might start there

sin( a + b)
Apply the sum and difference of angle identities
sin( a − b)
sin( a) cos(b) + cos( a) sin( b)
=
sin( a) cos(b) − cos( a) sin( b)

Since it is not immediately obvious how to proceed, we might start on the other side,
and see if the path is more apparent.

tan( a) + tan( b)
Rewriting the tangents using the tangent identity
tan( a) − tan( b)
464 Chapter 7

sin( a ) sin( b)
+
cos( a ) cos(b)
= Multiplying the top and bottom by cos(a)cos(b)
sin( a ) sin( b)
−
cos( a ) cos(b)

 sin( a) sin( b) 
 +  cos( a) cos(b)
 cos( a) cos(b) 
= Distributing and simplifying
 sin( a) sin( b) 
 −  cos( a) cos(b)
 cos( a) cos(b) 

sin( a) cos(b) + sin(b) cos(a)

= From above, we recognize this
sin( a) cos(b) − sin(b) cos(a)

sin( a + b)
= Establishing the identity
sin( a − b)

These identities can also be used to solve equations.

Example 4
3
Solve sin( x) sin( 2 x) + cos( x) cos( 2 x) = .
2

By recognizing the left side of the equation as the result of the difference of angles
identity for cosine, we can simplify the equation
3
sin( x) sin( 2 x) + cos( x) cos( 2 x) = Apply the difference of angles identity
2
3
cos( x − 2 x) =
2
3
cos( −x) = Use the negative angle identity
2
3
cos( x) =
2

Since this is a special cosine value we recognize from the unit circle, we can quickly
write the answers:

x= + 2k
6 , where k is an integer
11
x= + 2k
6
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 465

Combining Waves of Equal Period

A sinusoidal function of the form f ( x) = A sin( Bx + C ) can be rewritten using the sum of
angles identity.

Example 5
 
Rewrite f ( x) = 4 sin  3 x +  as a sum of sine and cosine.
 3

 
4 sin  3 x +  Using the sum of angles identity
 3
     
= 4 sin (3x ) cos  + cos(3x )sin    Evaluate the sine and cosine
 3  3 
 1 3
= 4 sin (3x )  + cos (3x )  
 Distribute and simplify
 2 2 
= 2 sin (3x ) + 2 3 cos (3x )

Notice that the result is a stretch of the sine added to a different stretch of the cosine, but
both have the same horizontal compression, which results in the same period.

We might ask now whether this process can be reversed – can a combination of a sine
and cosine of the same period be written as a single sinusoidal function? To explore this,
we will look in general at the procedure used in the example above.

f ( x) = A sin( Bx + C ) Use the sum of angles identity

= A(sin( Bx) cos(C) + cos(Bx) sin( C)) Distribute the A
= A sin( Bx ) cos(C ) + A cos( Bx ) sin( C ) Rearrange the terms a bit
= A cos(C ) sin( Bx ) + A sin( C ) cos( Bx )

Based on this result, if we have an expression of the form m sin( Bx ) + n cos( Bx ) , we

could rewrite it as a single sinusoidal function if we can find values A and C so that
m sin( Bx ) + n cos( Bx ) = A cos(C ) sin( Bx ) + A sin( C ) cos( Bx ) , which will require that:
m
= cos(C )
m = A cos(C ) A
which can be rewritten as
n = A sin( C ) n
= sin( C )
A

To find A,
466 Chapter 7

m 2 + n 2 = ( A cos(C ) ) + ( A sin( C ) )
2 2

= A2 cos 2 (C ) + A2 sin 2 (C )
(
= A2 cos 2 (C ) + sin 2 (C ) ) Apply the Pythagorean Identity and simplify
=A 2

Rewriting a Sum of Sine and Cosine as a Single Sine

To rewrite m sin( Bx ) + n cos( Bx ) as A sin( Bx + C )
m n
A 2 = m 2 + n 2 , cos(C ) = , and sin( C ) =
A A

You can use either of the last two equations to solve for possible values of C. Since
there will usually be two possible solutions, we will need to look at both to determine
which quadrant C is in and determine which solution for C satisfies both equations.

Example 6
Rewrite 4 3 sin( 2 x) − 4 cos( 2 x) as a single sinusoidal function.

( )
Using the formulas above, A 2 = 4 3 + (− 4) = 16  3 + 16 = 64 , so A = 8.
2 2

Solving for C,
4 3 3  11
cos(C ) = = , so C = or C = .
8 2 6 6
−4 1
However, notice sin( C ) = = − . Sine is negative in the third and fourth quadrant,
8 2
11
so the angle that works for both is C = .
6

Combining these results gives us the expression

 11 
8 sin  2 x + 
 6 

Try it Now
3. Rewrite − 3 2 sin( 5 x) + 3 2 cos(5 x) as a single sinusoidal function.

Rewriting a combination of sine and cosine of equal periods as a single sinusoidal

function provides an approach for solving some equations.
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 467

Example 7
Solve 3 sin( 2 x) + 4 cos( 2 x) = 1 to find two positive solutions.

Since the sine and cosine have the same period, we can rewrite them as a single
sinusoidal function.
A 2 = (3) + (4) = 25 , so A = 5
2 2

3 3
cos( C ) = , so C = cos −1    0.927 or C = 2 − 0.927 = 5.356
5 5
4
Since sin( C ) = , a positive value, we need the angle in the first quadrant, C = 0.927.
5

Using this, our equation becomes

5 sin (2x + 0.927) = 1 Divide by 5
1
sin (2 x + 0.927 ) = Make the substitution u = 2x + 0.927
5
1
sin (u ) = The inverse gives a first solution
5
1
u = sin −1    0.201 By symmetry, the second solution is
5
u =  − 0.201 = 2.940 A third solution would be
u = 2 + 0.201 = 6.485

Undoing the substitution, we can find two positive solutions for x.

2 x + 0.927 = 0.201 or 2x + 0.927 = 2.940 or 2x + 0.927 = 6.485
2x = −0.726 2x = 2.013 2x = 5.558
x = −0.363 x = 1.007 x = 2.779

Since the first of these is negative, we eliminate it and keep the two positive solutions,
x = 1.007 and x = 2.779 .
468 Chapter 7

The Product-to-Sum and Sum-to-Product Identities

Identities
The Product-to-Sum Identities
1
sin(  ) cos(  ) = (sin(  +  ) + sin(  −  ) )
2
1
sin(  ) sin(  ) = (cos( −  ) − cos( +  ) )
2
1
cos( ) cos(  ) = (cos( +  ) + cos( −  ) )
2

We will prove the first of these, using the sum and difference of angles identities from the
beginning of the section. The proofs of the other two identities are similar and are left as
an exercise.

Proof of the product-to-sum identity for sin(α)cos(β)

Recall the sum and difference of angles identities from earlier

sin(  +  ) = sin(  ) cos(  ) + cos( ) sin(  )
sin(  −  ) = sin(  ) cos(  ) − cos( ) sin(  )

Adding these two equations, we obtain

sin(  +  ) + sin(  −  ) = 2 sin(  ) cos(  )

Dividing by 2, we establish the identity

1
sin(  ) cos(  ) = (sin(  +  ) + sin(  −  ) )
2

Example 8
Write sin( 2t ) sin( 4t ) as a sum or difference.

Using the product-to-sum identity for a product of sines

1
sin( 2t ) sin( 4t ) = (cos( 2t − 4t ) − cos( 2t + 4t ) )
2
1
= (cos( −2t ) − cos( 6t ) ) If desired, apply the negative angle identity
2
1
= (cos( 2t ) − cos( 6t ) ) Distribute
2
1 1
= cos( 2t ) − cos( 6t )
2 2
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 469

Try it Now
 11    
4. Evaluate cos  cos  .
 12   12 

Identities
The Sum-to-Product Identities
u +v u −v
sin (u ) + sin (v ) = 2 sin   cos 
 2   2 
u −v u +v
sin (u ) − sin (v ) = 2 sin   cos 
 2   2 

u +v u −v
cos (u ) + cos (v ) = 2 cos  cos 
 2   2 

u +v u −v
cos (u ) − cos (v ) = −2 sin   sin  
 2   2 

We will again prove one of these and leave the rest as an exercise.

Proof of the sum-to-product identity for sine functions

We define two new variables:
u = +
v = −

u+v
Adding these equations yields u + v = 2 , giving  =
2
u−v
Subtracting the equations yields u − v = 2  , or  =
2

Substituting these expressions into the product-to-sum identity

1
sin(  ) cos(  ) = (sin(  +  ) + sin(  −  ) ) gives
2
 u + v   −v 1
u
sin   cos  = (sin (u ) + sin (v )) Multiply by 2 on both sides
 2   2  2
u +v u −v
2 sin   cos  = sin (u ) + sin (v ) Establishing the identity
 2   2 
470 Chapter 7

Try it Now
5. Notice that, using the negative angle identity, sin (u ) − sin (v) = sin( u) + sin( −v) . Use
this along with the sum of sines identity to prove the sum-to-product identity for
sin (u ) − sin (v) .

Example 9
Evaluate cos(15 ) − cos(75 ) .

Using the sum-to-product identity for the difference of cosines,

cos(15 ) − cos(75 )
 15  + 75    15  − 75  
= −2 sin   sin   Simplify
 2   2 

= −2 sin (45)sin (− 30) Evaluate

2 −1 2
= −2   =
2 2 2

Example 10
cos( 4t ) − cos( 2t )
Prove the identity = − tan( t ) .
sin( 4t ) + sin( 2t )

Since the left side seems more complicated, we can start there and simplify.

cos( 4t ) − cos( 2t )
Use the sum-to-product identities
sin( 4t ) + sin( 2t )
 4t + 2t   4t − 2t 
− 2 sin   sin  
 2   2 
= Simplify
 4t + 2t   4t − 2t 
2 sin   cos 
 2   2 
− 2 sin (3t )sin (t )
= Simplify further
2 sin (3t ) cos (t )
− sin (t )
= Rewrite as a tangent
cos (t )
= − tan(t ) Establishing the identity
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 471

Example 11
Solve sin ( t ) + sin ( 3 t ) = cos( t ) for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

In an equation like th is, it is not immediately obvious how to proceed. One option
would be to combine the two sine functions on the left side of the equation. Another
would be to move the cosine to the left side of the equation, and combine it with one of
the sines. For no particularly good reason, we’ll begin by combining the sines on the
left side of the equation and see how things work out.

sin ( t ) + sin ( 3 t ) = cos( t ) Apply the sum to product identity on the left
  t + 3 t    t − 3 t 
2sin   cos   = cos( t ) Simplify
 2   2 
2sin ( 2 t ) cos ( − t ) = cos( t ) Apply the negative angle identity
2sin ( 2 t ) cos ( t ) = cos( t ) Rearrange the equation to be 0 on one side
2sin ( 2 t ) cos ( t ) − cos( t ) = 0 Factor out the cosine
cos ( t ) ( 2sin ( 2 t ) − 1) = 0

Using the Zero Product Theorem we know that at least one of the two factors must be
2
zero. The first factor, cos (  t ) , has period P = = 2 , so the solution interval of

0  t  2 represents one full cycle of this function.

cos (  t ) = 0 Substitute u =  t
cos(u ) = 0 On one cycle, this has solutions
 3
u= or u = Undo the substitution
2 2

 1
t = , so t =
2 2
3 3
 t = , so t =
2 2

2
The second factor, 2 sin ( 2 t ) − 1 , has period of P = = 1 , so the solution interval
2
0  t  2 contains two complete cycles of this function.

2 sin ( 2 t ) − 1 = 0 Isolate the sine

1
sin ( 2 t ) = Substitute u = 2 t
2
472 Chapter 7

1
sin( u ) = On one cycle, this has solutions
2
 5
u= or u = On the second cycle, the solutions are
6 6
 13 5 17
u = 2 + = or u = 2 + = Undo the substitution
6 6 6 6

 1
2 t = , so t =
6 12
5 5
2 t = , so t =
6 12
13 13
2 t = , so t =
6 12
17 17
2 t = , so t =
6 12

Altogether, we found six solutions on

0  t  2 , which we can confirm by
looking at the graph.
1 5 1 13 3 17
t= , , , , ,
12 12 2 12 2 12

Important Topics of This Section

The sum and difference identities
Combining waves of equal periods
Product-to-sum identities
Sum-to-product identities
Completing proofs

Try it Now Answers

cos( +  ) = cos( − (−  ))
cos( ) cos( −  ) + sin(  ) sin( −  )
1.
cos( ) cos(  ) + sin(  )(− sin(  ))
cos( ) cos(  ) − sin(  ) sin(  )
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 473

            
2. sin   = sin  −  = sin   cos  − cos  sin  
 12  3 4 3 4 3 4
3 2 1 2 6− 2
= −
2 2 2 2 4

(
3. A 2 = − 3 2 ) + (3 2 )
2 2
= 36 . A = 6
−3 2 − 2 3 2 2 3
cos(C ) = = , sin( C ) = = . C=
6 2 6 2 4
 3 
6 sin  5 x + 
 4 

 11     1   11    11   

4. cos  cos  =  cos +  + cos −  
 12   12  2   12 12   12 12  
1  5   1  3
=  cos( ) + cos   =  − 1 − 
2  6  2  2 
−2− 3
=
4

5. sin( u ) − sin( v) Use negative angle identity for sine

sin( u ) + sin( −v) Use sum-to-product identity for sine
 u + (− v )   u − (− v ) 
2 sin   cos 
 2   2  Eliminate the parenthesis
u −v u +v
2 sin   cos 
 2   2  Establishing the identity
474 Chapter 7

Section 7.2 Exercises

Find an exact value for each of the following.

1. sin ( 75 ) 2. sin (195 ) 3. cos(165) 4. cos(345)
 7     5   11 
5. cos   6. cos   7. sin   8. sin  
 12   12   12   12 

Rewrite in terms of sin ( x ) and cos ( x ) .

 11   3   5   2 
9. sin  x +  10. sin  x −  11. cos  x −  12. cos  x + 
 6   4   6   3 

Simplify each expression.

       
13. csc  − t  14. sec  − w  15. cot  − x  16. tan  − x 
2  2  2  2 

Rewrite the product as a sum.

17. 16 sin (16 x ) sin (11x ) 18. 20 cos ( 36t ) cos ( 6t )
19. 2sin ( 5 x ) cos ( 3 x ) 20. 10 cos ( 5 x ) sin (10 x )

Rewrite the sum as a product.

21. cos ( 6t ) + cos ( 4t ) 22. cos ( 6u ) + cos ( 4u )
23. sin ( 3 x ) + sin ( 7 x ) 24. sin ( h ) + sin ( 3h )

2 1  
25. Given sin ( a ) = and cos ( b ) = − , with a and b both in the interval  ,   :
3 4 2 
a. Find sin ( a + b ) b. Find cos ( a − b )

4 1  
26. Given sin ( a ) = and cos ( b ) = , with a and b both in the interval  0, 2  :
5 3  
a. Find sin ( a − b ) b. Find cos ( a + b )

Solve each equation for all solutions.

27. sin ( 3 x ) cos ( 6 x ) − cos ( 3 x ) sin ( 6 x ) = −0.9
28. sin ( 6 x ) cos (11x ) − cos ( 6 x ) sin (11x ) = −0.1
29. cos ( 2 x ) cos ( x ) + sin ( 2 x ) sin ( x ) = 1
3
30. cos ( 5 x ) cos ( 3 x ) − sin ( 5 x ) sin ( 3 x ) =
2
 Section 7.2 Addition and Subtraction Identities 475

Solve each equation for all solutions.

31. cos ( 5 x ) = − cos ( 2 x )
32. sin ( 5 x ) = sin ( 3 x )
33. cos ( 6 ) − cos ( 2 ) = sin ( 4 )
34. cos ( 8 ) − cos ( 2 ) = sin ( 5 )

Rewrite as a single function of the form A sin( Bx + C ) .

35. 4 sin ( x ) − 6 cos ( x ) 36. − sin ( x ) − 5 cos ( x )
37. 5sin ( 3 x ) + 2 cos ( 3 x ) 38. −3sin ( 5 x ) + 4 cos ( 5 x )

Solve for the first two positive solutions.

39. −5sin ( x ) + 3cos ( x ) = 1 40. 3sin ( x ) + cos ( x ) = 2
41. 3sin ( 2 x ) − 5cos ( 2 x ) = 3 42. −3sin ( 4 x ) − 2 cos ( 4 x ) = 1

Simplify.
sin ( 7t ) + sin ( 5t ) sin ( 9t ) − sin ( 3t )
43. 44.
cos ( 7t ) + cos ( 5t ) cos ( 9t ) + cos ( 3t )

Prove the identity.

   tan ( x ) + 1
44. tan  x +  =
 4  1 − tan ( x )

  1 − tan ( t )
45. tan  − t  =
 4  1 + tan ( t )

46. cos ( a + b ) + cos ( a − b ) = 2 cos ( a ) cos ( b )

cos ( a + b ) 1 − tan ( a ) tan ( b )

47. =
cos ( a − b ) 1 + tan ( a ) tan ( b )

tan ( a + b ) sin ( a ) cos ( a ) + sin ( b ) cos ( b )

48. =
tan ( a − b ) sin ( a ) cos ( a ) − sin ( b ) cos ( b )

49. 2 sin ( a + b ) sin ( a − b ) = cos ( 2b ) − cos(2a)

sin ( x ) + sin ( y ) 1 
50. = tan  ( x + y ) 
cos ( x ) + cos ( y ) 2 

Prove the identity.

476 Chapter 7

cos ( a + b )
51. = 1 − tan ( a ) tan ( b )
cos ( a ) cos ( b )

52. cos ( x + y ) cos ( x − y ) = cos 2 x − sin 2 y

53. Use the sum and difference identities to establish the product-to-sum identity
1
sin(  ) sin(  ) = (cos( −  ) − cos( +  ) )
2

54. Use the sum and difference identities to establish the product-to-sum identity
1
cos( ) cos(  ) = (cos( +  ) + cos( −  ) )
2

55. Use the product-to-sum identities to establish the sum-to-product identity

u +v u −v
cos (u ) + cos (v ) = 2 cos  cos 
 2   2 

56. Use the product-to-sum identities to establish the sum-to-product identity

u +v u −v
cos (u ) − cos (v ) = −2 sin   sin  
 2   2 
 Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities 477

Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities

Two special cases of the sum of angles identities arise often enough that we choose to
state these identities separately.

Identities
The double angle identities
sin( 2 ) = 2 sin(  ) cos( )
cos( 2 ) = cos 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( )
= 1 − 2 sin 2 ( )
= 2 cos 2 ( ) − 1

These identities follow from the sum of angles identities.

Proof of the sine double angle identity

sin( 2 )
= sin(  +  ) Apply the sum of angles identity
= sin(  ) cos( ) + cos( ) sin(  ) Simplify
= 2 sin(  ) cos( ) Establishing the identity

Try it Now
1. Show cos( 2 ) = cos 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( ) by using the sum of angles identity for cosine.

For the cosine double angle identity, there are three forms of the identity stated because
the basic form, cos( 2 ) = cos 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( ) , can be rewritten using the Pythagorean
Identity. Rearranging the Pythagorean Identity results in the equality
cos 2 ( ) = 1 − sin 2 ( ) , and by substituting this into the basic double angle identity, we
obtain the second form of the double angle identity.

cos( 2 ) = cos 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( ) Substituting using the Pythagorean identity

cos( 2 ) = 1 − sin 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( ) Simplifying
cos(2 ) = 1 − 2 sin 2 ( )
478 Chapter 7

Example 1
3
If sin(  ) = and θ is in the second quadrant, find exact values for sin( 2 ) and
5
cos( 2 ) .

To evaluate cos( 2 ) , since we know the value for sin( ) we can use the version of the
double angle that only involves sine.
2
3 18 7
cos( 2 ) = 1 − 2 sin ( ) = 1 − 2  = 1 −
2
=
5 25 25

Since the double angle for sine involves both sine and cosine, we’ll need to first find
cos( ) , which we can do using the Pythagorean Identity.
sin 2 ( ) + cos 2 ( ) = 1
2
3
  + cos ( ) = 1
2

5
9
cos 2 ( ) = 1 −
25
16 4
cos( ) =  =
25 5

Since θ is in the second quadrant, we know that cos(θ) < 0, so

4
cos( ) = −
5

Now we can evaluate the sine double angle

 3  4  24
sin( 2 ) = 2 sin(  ) cos( ) = 2  −  = −
 5  5  25

Example 2
Simplify the expressions
a) 2 cos 2 (12 ) − 1 b) 8 sin (3x)cos(3x)

a) Notice that the expression is in the same form as one version of the double angle
identity for cosine: cos( 2 ) = 2 cos 2 ( ) − 1 . Using this,
2 cos 2 (12) − 1 = cos(2  12) = cos(24)

b) This expression looks similar to the result of the double angle identity for sine.
8 sin (3x)cos(3x) Factoring a 4 out of the original expression
4  2 sin (3x)cos(3x) Applying the double angle identity
4 sin( 6 x )
 Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities 479

We can use the double angle identities to simplify expressions and prove identities.

Example 2
cos( 2t )
Simplify .
cos(t ) − sin( t )

With three choices for how to rewrite the double angle, we need to consider which will
be the most useful. To simplify this expression, it would be great if the denominator
would cancel with something in the numerator, which would require a factor of
cos(t ) − sin( t ) in the numerator, which is most likely to occur if we rewrite the
numerator with a mix of sine and cosine.

cos( 2t )
Apply the double angle identity
cos(t ) − sin( t )
cos 2 (t ) − sin 2 (t )
= Factor the numerator
cos(t ) − sin( t )
=
(cos(t ) − sin( t ))(cos(t ) + sin( t )) Cancelling the common factor
cos(t ) − sin( t )
= cos(t ) + sin( t ) Resulting in the most simplified form

Example 3
sec 2 ( )
Prove sec(2 ) = .
2 − sec 2 ( )

Since the right side seems a bit more complicated than the left side, we begin there.
sec 2 ( )
Rewrite the secants in terms of cosine
2 − sec 2 ( )
1
cos 2 ( )
=
1
2−
cos 2 ( )

At this point, we could rewrite the bottom with common denominators, subtract the
terms, invert and multiply, then simplify. Alternatively, we can multiple both the top
and bottom by cos 2 ( ) , the common denominator:
1
 cos 2 ( )
cos ( )
2
= Distribute on the bottom
 1 
 2 −   cos ( )
2

 cos 2 ( ) 
480 Chapter 7

cos 2 ( )
cos 2 ( )
= Simplify
cos 2 ( )
2 cos 2 ( ) − 
cos 2 ( )
1
= Rewrite the denominator as a double angle
2 cos ( ) − 1
2

1
= Rewrite as a secant
cos( 2 )
= sec(2 ) Establishing the identity

Try it Now
2. Use an identity to find the exact value of cos 2 (75) − sin 2 (75) .

As with other identities, we can also use the double angle identities for solving equations.

Example 4
Solve cos( 2t ) = cos(t ) for all solutions with 0  t  2 .

In general when solving trig equations, it makes things more complicated when we have
a mix of sines and cosines and when we have a mix of functions with different periods.
In this case, we can use a double angle identity to rewrite the cos(2t). When choosing
which form of the double angle identity to use, we notice that we have a cosine on the
right side of the equation. We try to limit our equation to one trig function, which we
can do by choosing the version of the double angle formula for cosine that only
involves cosine.
cos( 2t ) = cos(t ) Apply the double angle identity
2 cos 2 (t ) − 1 = cos(t ) This is quadratic in cosine, so make one side 0
2 cos (t ) − cos(t ) − 1 = 0
2
Factor
(2 cos(t ) + 1)(cos(t ) − 1) = 0 Break this apart to solve each part separately

2 cos(t ) + 1 = 0 or cos(t ) − 1 = 0
1
cos(t ) = − or cos(t ) = 1
2
2 4
t= or t = or t =0
3 3
 Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities 481

Looking at a graph of cos(2t) and cos(t) shown together, we can verify that these three
solutions on [0, 2π) seem reasonable.
Example 5
A cannonball is fired with velocity of 100 meters per second. If it is launched at an
angle of θ, the vertical component of the velocity will be 100 sin(  ) and the horizontal
component will be 100 cos( ) . Ignoring wind resistance, the height of the cannonball
will follow the equation h(t ) = −4.9t 2 + 100 sin(  )t and horizontal position will follow
the equation x(t ) = 100 cos( )t . If you want to hit a target 900 meters away, at what
angle should you aim the cannon?

To hit the target 900 meters away, we want x(t ) = 900 at the time when the cannonball
hits the ground, when h(t ) = 0 . To solve this problem, we will first solve for the time,
t, when the cannonball hits the ground. Our answer will depend upon the angle  .

h(t ) = 0
− 4.9t 2 + 100 sin(  )t = 0 Factor
t (− 4.9t + 100sin(  )) = 0 Break this apart to find two solutions

t =0 or − 4.9t + 100 sin(  ) = 0 Solve for t

− 4.9t = −100 sin(  )
100 sin(  )
t=
4 .9

This shows that the height is 0 twice, once at t = 0 when the cannonball is fired, and
again when the cannonball hits the ground after flying through the air. This second
value of t gives the time when the ball hits the ground in terms of the angle  . We want
the horizontal distance x(t) to be 900 when the ball hits the ground, in other words when
100 sin(  )
t= .
4 .9

Since the target is 900 m away we start with

x(t ) = 900 Use the formula for x(t)

100 cos( )t = 900 Substitute the desired time, t from above
100 sin(  )
100 cos( ) = 900 Simplify
4.9
100 2
cos( ) sin(  ) = 900 Isolate the cosine and sine product
4.9
900 (4.9)
cos( ) sin(  ) =
100 2
482 Chapter 7

The left side of this equation almost looks like the result of the double angle identity for
sine: sin( 2 ) = 2 sin ( )cos( ) .
Multiplying both sides of our equation by 2,

2(900)(4.9)
2 cos( ) sin( ) = Using the double angle identity on the left
100 2
2(900)(4.9)
sin( 2 ) = Use the inverse sine
100 2
 2(900)(4.9) 
2 = sin −1  2   1.080 Divide by 2
 100 
1.080
= = 0.540 , or about 30.94 degrees
2

Power Reduction and Half Angle Identities

Another use of the cosine double angle identities is to use them in reverse to rewrite a
squared sine or cosine in terms of the double angle. Starting with one form of the cosine
double angle identity:
cos( 2 ) = 2 cos 2 ( ) − 1 Isolate the cosine squared term
cos( 2 ) + 1 = 2 cos ( )
2
Add 1
cos( 2 ) + 1
cos 2 ( ) = Divide by 2
2
cos( 2 ) + 1
cos 2 ( ) = This is called a power reduction identity
2

Try it Now
3. Use another form of the cosine double angle identity to prove the identity
1 − cos( 2 )
sin 2 ( ) = .
2

The cosine double angle identities can also be used in reverse for evaluating angles that
cos( 2 ) + 1
are half of a common angle. Building from our formula cos 2 ( ) = , if we let
2

 = 2 , then  = this identity becomes cos 2    = cos( ) + 1 . Taking the square
2 2 2
root, we obtain
  cos( ) + 1
cos  =  , where the sign is determined by the quadrant.
2 2

This is called a half-angle identity.

 Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities 483

Try it Now
4. Use your results from the last Try it Now to prove the identity
  1 − cos( )
sin   = 
2 2 .

Identities
Half-Angle Identities
  cos( ) + 1   1 − cos( )
cos  =  sin   = 
2 2 2 2

Power Reduction Identities

cos( 2 ) + 1 1 − cos( 2 )
cos 2 ( ) = sin 2 ( ) =
2 2

Since these identities are easy to derive from the double-angle identities, the power
reduction and half-angle identities are not ones you should need to memorize separately.

Example 6
Rewrite cos 4 ( x) without any powers.

(
cos 4 ( x) = cos 2 ( x) )
2
Using the power reduction formula
2
 cos( 2 x) + 1 
=  Square the numerator and denominator
 2 

( cos(2 x) + 1)
2

= Expand the numerator

4
cos 2 (2 x) + 2 cos( 2 x) + 1
= Split apart the fraction
4
cos 2 (2 x) 2 cos( 2 x) 1
= + + Apply the formula above to cos 2 (2 x)
4 4 4
cos(2  2 x ) + 1
cos 2 (2 x) =
2
 cos( 4 x) + 1 
 
=  2  + 2 cos( 2 x) + 1 Simplify
4 4 4
484 Chapter 7

cos( 4 x ) 1 1 1
= + + cos( 2 x ) + Combine the constants
8 8 2 4
cos( 4 x) 1 3
= + cos( 2 x) +
8 2 8

Example 7
Find an exact value for cos(15).

Since 15 degrees is half of 30 degrees, we can use our result from above:
 30   cos(30 ) + 1
cos(15 ) = cos =
 2  2

We can evaluate the cosine. Since 15 degrees is in the first quadrant, we need the
positive result.
3
+1
cos(30 ) + 1 2
=
2 2
3 1
= +
4 2

Important Topics of This Section

Double angle identity
Power reduction identity
Half angle identity
Using identities
Simplify equations
Prove identities
Solve equations
 Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities 485

Try it Now Answers

cos (2 ) = cos( +  )
1. cos( ) cos( ) − sin(  ) sin(  )
cos 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( )

− 3
2. cos 2 (75) − sin 2 (75) = cos(2  75) = cos(150 ) =
2

1 − cos(2 )
2
1 − ( cos 2 ( ) − sin 2 ( ) )
2
1 − cos ( ) + sin 2 ( )
2
3.
2
sin ( ) + sin 2 ( )
2

2
2sin ( )
2
= sin 2 ( )
2

1 − cos( 2 )
sin 2 ( ) =
2
1 − cos( 2 )
sin(  ) = 
2

4.  =
2
  
1 − cos 2  
    2 
sin   = 
2 2
  1 − cos( )
sin   = 
2 2
486 Chapter 7

Section 7.3 Exercises

1
1. If sin ( x ) = and x is in quadrant I, then find exact values for (without solving for x):
8
a. sin ( 2x ) b. cos ( 2x ) c. tan ( 2x )

2
2. If cos ( x ) = and x is in quadrant I, then find exact values for (without solving for x):
3
a. sin ( 2x ) b. cos ( 2x ) c. tan ( 2x )

Simplify each expression.

3. cos 2 ( 28 ) − sin 2 (28) 4. 2 cos 2 ( 37 ) − 1
5. 1 − 2sin 2 (17) 6. cos 2 ( 37 ) − sin 2 (37)
7. cos 2 ( 9 x ) − sin 2 (9 x) 8. cos 2 ( 6 x ) − sin 2 (6 x)
9. 4sin ( 8 x ) cos(8 x) 10. 6sin ( 5 x ) cos(5 x)

Solve for all solutions on the interval [0, 2 ) .

11. 6sin ( 2t ) + 9sin ( t ) = 0 12. 2 sin ( 2t ) + 3cos ( t ) = 0
13. 9 cos ( 2 ) = 9 cos 2 ( ) − 4 14. 8cos ( 2 ) = 8cos 2 ( ) − 1
15. sin ( 2t ) = cos ( t ) 16. cos ( 2t ) = sin ( t )
17. cos ( 6 x ) − cos ( 3 x ) = 0 18. sin ( 4 x ) − sin ( 2 x ) = 0

Use a double angle, half angle, or power reduction formula to rewrite without exponents.
19. cos2 (5x) 20. cos2 (6 x)
21. sin 4 (8 x) 22. sin 4 ( 3x )
23. cos 2 x sin 4 x 24. cos 4 x sin 2 x

25. If csc ( x ) = 7 and 90  x  180 , then find exact values for (without solving for x):
x x x
a. sin   b. cos   c. tan  
2 2 2

26. If sec ( x ) = 4 and 270  x  360 , then find exact values for (without solving for x):
x x x
a. sin   b. cos   c. tan  
2 2 2
 Section 7.3 Double Angle Identities 487

Prove the identity.

27. ( sin t − cos t ) = 1 − sin ( 2t )

2

( )
2
28. sin 2 x − 1 = cos ( 2 x ) + sin 4 x

2 tan ( x )
29. sin ( 2 x ) =
1 + tan 2 ( x )

2sin ( x ) cos ( x )
30. tan ( 2 x ) =
2 cos 2 ( x ) − 1

31. cot ( x ) − tan ( x ) = 2 cot ( 2 x )

sin ( 2 )
32. = tan ( )
1 + cos ( 2 )

1 − tan 2 ( )
33. cos ( 2 ) =
1 + tan 2 ( )

1 + cos ( 2t ) 2 cos ( t )
34. =
sin ( 2t ) − cos ( t ) 2sin ( t ) − 1

35. sin ( 3 x ) = 3sin ( x ) cos 2 ( x ) − sin 3 ( x)

36. cos ( 3 x ) = cos3 ( x) − 3sin 2 ( x) cos ( x )

488 Chapter 7

Section 7.4 Modeling Changing Amplitude and Midline

While sinusoidal functions can model a variety of behaviors, it is often necessary to

combine sinusoidal functions with linear and exponential curves to model real
applications and behaviors. We begin this section by looking at changes to the midline of
a sinusoidal function. Recall that the midline describes the middle, or average value, of
the sinusoidal function.

Changing Midlines

Example 1
A population of elk currently averages 2000 elk, and that average has been growing by
4% each year. Due to seasonal fluctuation, the population oscillates from 50 below
average in the winter up to 50 above average in the summer. Find a function that
models the number of elk after t years, starting in the winter.

There are two components to the behavior of the elk population: the changing average,
and the oscillation. The average is an exponential growth, starting at 2000 and growing
by 4% each year. Writing a formula for this:
average = initial (1 + r )t = 2000(1 + 0.04)t

For the oscillation, since the population oscillates 50 above and below average, the
amplitude will be 50. Since it takes one year for the population to cycle, the period is 1.
original period 2
We find the value of the horizontal stretch coefficient B = = = 2 .
new period 1

The function starts in winter, so the shape of the function will be a negative cosine,
since it starts at the lowest value.

Putting it all together, the equation would be:

P(t ) = −50 cos(2 t ) + midline

Since the midline represents the average population, we substitute in the exponential
function into the population equation to find our final equation:
P(t ) = −50cos(2 t ) + 2000(1 + 0.04)t

This is an example of changing midline – in this case an exponentially changing midline.

 Section 7.4 Modeling Changing Amplitude and Midline 489

Changing Midline
A function of the form f (t ) = A sin( Bt ) + g (t ) will oscillate above and below the
average given by the function g(t).

Changing midlines can be exponential, linear, or any other type of function. Here are
some examples:

Linear midline Exponential midline Quadratic midline

f (t ) = A sin ( Bt ) + (mt + b) f (t ) = A sin ( Bt ) + (abt ) f (t ) = A sin ( Bt ) + ( at 2 )

Example 2
 
Find a function with linear midline of the form f (t ) = A sin  t  + mt + b that will pass
2 
through the points given below.

t 0 1 2 3
f(t) 5 10 9 8

Since we are given the value of the horizontal compression coefficient we can calculate
original period 2
the period of this function: new period = = =4.
B 
2

Since the sine function is at the midline at the beginning of a cycle and halfway through
a cycle, we would expect this function to be at the midline at t = 0 and t = 2, since 2 is
half the full period of 4. Based on this, we expect the points (0, 5) and (2, 9) to be
points on the midline. We can clearly see that this is not a constant function and so we
use the two points to calculate a linear function: midline = mt + b . From these two
points we can calculate a slope:
9−5 4
m= = =2
2−0 2

Combining this with the initial value of 5, we have the midline: midline = 2t + 5 .
490 Chapter 7

 
The full function will have form f (t ) = A sin  t  + 2t + 5 . To find the amplitude, we
2 
can plug in a point we haven’t already used, such as (1, 10).
 
10 = A sin  (1)  + 2(1) + 5 Evaluate the sine and combine like terms
2 
10 = A + 7
A=3

A function of the form given fitting the data would be

 
f (t ) = 3 sin  t  + 2t + 5
2 

Alternative Approach
Notice we could have taken an alternate approach by plugging points (0, 5) and (2, 9)
into the original equation. Substituting (0, 5),
 
5 = A sin  (0)  + m(0) + b Evaluate the sine and simplify
2 
5=b

Substituting (2, 9)
 
9 = A sin  (2)  + m(2) + 5 Evaluate the sine and simplify
2 
9 = 2m + 5
4 = 2m
m = 2 , as we found above. Now we can proceed to find A the same way we did before.

Example 3
The number of tourists visiting a ski and hiking resort
averages 4000 people annually and oscillates
seasonally, 1000 above and below the average. Due to
a marketing campaign, the average number of tourists
has been increasing by 200 each year. Write an
equation for the number of tourists after t years,
beginning at the peak season.

Again there are two components to this problem: the

oscillation and the average. For the oscillation, the
number of tourists oscillates 1000 above and below average, giving an amplitude of
1000. Since the oscillation is seasonal, it has a period of 1 year. Since we are given a
starting point of “peak season”, we will model this scenario with a cosine function.
So far, this gives an equation in the form N (t ) = 1000 cos(2 t ) + midline .
 Section 7.4 Modeling Changing Amplitude and Midline 491

The average is currently 4000, and is increasing by 200 each year. This is a constant
rate of change, so this is linear growth, average = 4000 + 200 t . This function will act
as the midline.

Combining these two pieces gives a function for the number of tourists:
N (t ) = 1000 cos(2 t ) + 4000 + 200t

Try it Now
1. Given the function g ( x) = ( x 2 − 1) + 8cos( x) , describe the midline and amplitude
using words.

Changing Amplitude

There are also situations in which the amplitude of a sinusoidal function does not stay
constant. Back in Chapter 6, we modeled the motion of a spring using a sinusoidal
function, but had to ignore friction in doing so. If there were friction in the system, we
would expect the amplitude of the oscillation to decrease over time. In the equation
f (t ) = A sin( Bt ) + k , A gives the amplitude of the oscillation, we can allow the amplitude
to change by replacing this constant A with a function A(t).

Changing Amplitude
A function of the form f (t ) = A(t ) sin( Bt ) + k will oscillate above and below the
midline with an amplitude given by A(t).

Here are some examples:

Linear amplitude Exponential amplitude Quadratic amplitude

f (t ) = (mt + b) sin ( Bt ) + k f (t ) = ( abt ) sin ( Bt ) + k f (t ) = ( at 2 ) sin ( Bt ) + k

492 Chapter 7

When thinking about a spring with amplitude decreasing

over time, it is tempting to use the simplest tool for the job
– a linear function. But if we attempt to model the
amplitude with a decreasing linear function, such as
A(t ) = 10 − t , we quickly see the problem when we graph
the equation f (t ) = (10 − t ) sin( 4t ) .

While the amplitude decreases at first as intended, the

amplitude hits zero at t = 10, then continues past the intercept, increasing in absolute
value, which is not the expected behavior. This behavior and function may model the
situation on a restricted domain and we might try to chalk
the rest of it up to model breakdown, but in fact springs
just don’t behave like this.

A better model, as you will learn later in physics and

calculus, would show the amplitude decreasing by a fixed
percentage each second, leading to an exponential decay
model for the amplitude.

Damped Harmonic Motion

Damped harmonic motion, exhibited by springs subject to friction, follows a model
of the form
f (t ) = abt sin( Bt ) + k or f (t ) = ae rt sin( Bt ) + k .

Example 4
A spring with natural length of 20 feet is pulled back 6 feet and released. It oscillates
once every 2 seconds. Its amplitude decreases by 20% each second. Find a function
that models the position of the spring t seconds after being released.

Since the spring will oscillate on either side of the natural length, the midline will be at
20 feet. The oscillation has a period of 2 seconds, and so the horizontal compression
coefficient is B =  . Additionally, it begins at the furthest distance from the wall,
indicating a cosine model.

Meanwhile, the amplitude begins at 6 feet,

and decreases by 20% each second, giving
an amplitude function of A(t ) = 6(1 − 0.20) t .

Combining this with the sinusoidal

information gives a function for the position
of the spring:
f (t ) = 6(0.80) t cos( t ) + 20
 Section 7.4 Modeling Changing Amplitude and Midline 493

Example 5
A spring with natural length of 30 cm is pulled out 10 cm and released. It oscillates 4
times per second. After 2 seconds, the amplitude has decreased to 5 cm. Find a
function that models the position of the spring.

1 2
The oscillation has a period of second, so B = = 8 . Since the spring will
4 1
4
oscillate on either side of the natural length, the midline will be at 30 cm. It begins at
the furthest distance from the wall, suggesting a cosine model. Together, this gives
f (t ) = A(t ) cos(8 t ) + 30 .

For the amplitude function, we notice that the amplitude starts at 10 cm, and decreases
to 5 cm after 2 seconds. This gives two points (0, 10) and (2, 5) that must be satisfied
by an exponential function: A(0) = 10 and A(2) = 5 . Since the function is exponential,
we can use the form A(t ) = abt . Substituting the first point, 10 = ab 0 , so a = 10.
Substituting in the second point,
5 = 10 b 2 Divide by 10
1
= b2 Take the square root
2
1
b=  0.707
2

This gives an amplitude function of A(t ) = 10(0.707 ) t . Combining this with the
oscillation,
f (t ) = 10(0.707)t cos(8 t ) + 30

Try it Now
2. A certain stock started at a high value of $7 per share, oscillating monthly above and
below the average value, with the oscillation decreasing by 2% per year. However, the
average value started at $4 per share and has grown linearly by 50 cents per year.
a. Find a formula for the midline and the amplitude.
b. Find a function S(t) that models the value of the stock after t years.

Example 6
In AM (Amplitude Modulated) radio, a carrier wave with a high frequency is used to
transmit music or other signals by applying the to-be-transmitted signal as the amplitude
of the carrier signal. A musical note with frequency 110 Hz (Hertz = cycles per second)
is to be carried on a wave with frequency of 2 KHz (KiloHertz = thousands of cycles
per second). If the musical wave has an amplitude of 3, write a function describing the
broadcast wave.
494 Chapter 7

1
The carrier wave, with a frequency of 2000 cycles per second, would have period
2000
of a second, giving an equation of the form sin(4000 t ) . Our choice of a sine function
here was arbitrary – it would have worked just was well to use a cosine.

The musical tone, with a frequency of 110 cycles per second, would have a period of
1
of a second. With an amplitude of 3, this would correspond to a function of the
110
form 3sin(220 t ) . Again our choice of using a sine function is arbitrary.

The musical wave is acting as the amplitude of the carrier wave, so we will multiply the
musical tone’s function by the carrier wave function, resulting in the function
f (t ) = 3sin(220 t ) sin(4000 t )

Important Topics of This Section

Changing midline
Changing amplitude
Linear Changes
Exponential Changes
Damped Harmonic Motion

Try it Now Answers

1. The midline follows the path of the quadratic x 2 − 1 and the amplitude is a constant
value of 8.

m(t ) = 4 + 0.5t
2.
A(t ) = 7(0.98)t
S(t)= 7(0.98) t cos(24t ) + 4 + 0.5t
 Section 7.4 Modeling Changing Amplitude and Midline 495

Section 7.4 Exercises

Find a possible formula for the trigonometric function whose values are given in the
following tables.

1. x 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 2. x 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
y -4 -1 2 -1 -4 -1 2 y 5 1 -3 1 5 1 -3

3. The displacement h(t ) , in centimeters, of a mass suspended by a spring is modeled

by the function h ( t ) = 8sin(6 t ) , where t is measured in seconds. Find the
amplitude, period, and frequency of this displacement.

4. The displacement h(t ) , in centimeters, of a mass suspended by a spring is modeled

by the function h ( t ) = 11sin(12 t ) , where t is measured in seconds. Find the
amplitude, period, and frequency of this displacement.

5. A population of rabbits oscillates 19 above and below average during the year,
reaching the lowest value in January. The average population starts at 650 rabbits and
increases by 160 each year. Find a function that models the population, P, in terms of
the months since January, t.

6. A population of deer oscillates 15 above and below average during the year, reaching
the lowest value in January. The average population starts at 800 deer and increases
by 110 each year. Find a function that models the population, P, in terms of the
months since January, t.

7. A population of muskrats oscillates 33 above and below average during the year,
reaching the lowest value in January. The average population starts at 900 muskrats
and increases by 7% each month. Find a function that models the population, P, in
terms of the months since January, t.

8. A population of fish oscillates 40 above and below average during the year, reaching
the lowest value in January. The average population starts at 800 fish and increases
by 4% each month. Find a function that models the population, P, in terms of the
months since January, t.

9. A spring is attached to the ceiling and pulled 10 cm down from equilibrium and
released. The amplitude decreases by 15% each second. The spring oscillates 18
times each second. Find a function that models the distance, D, the end of the spring
is below equilibrium in terms of seconds, t, since the spring was released.
496 Chapter 7

10. A spring is attached to the ceiling and pulled 7 cm down from equilibrium and
released. The amplitude decreases by 11% each second. The spring oscillates 20
times each second. Find a function that models the distance, D, the end of the spring
is below equilibrium in terms of seconds, t, since the spring was released.

11. A spring is attached to the ceiling and pulled 17 cm down from equilibrium and
released. After 3 seconds the amplitude has decreased to 13 cm. The spring oscillates
14 times each second. Find a function that models the distance, D the end of the
spring is below equilibrium in terms of seconds, t, since the spring was released.

12. A spring is attached to the ceiling and pulled 19 cm down from equilibrium and
released. After 4 seconds the amplitude has decreased to 14 cm. The spring oscillates
13 times each second. Find a function that models the distance, D the end of the
spring is below equilibrium in terms of seconds, t, since the spring was released.

Match each equation form with one of the graphs.

13. a. ab x + sin ( 5 x ) b. sin ( 5x ) + mx + b
14. a. ab x sin ( 5 x ) b. ( mx + b ) sin(5 x)

I II III IV

 
Find a function of the form y = ab x + c sin  x  that fits the data given.
2 
15. x 0 1 2 3 16. x 0 1 2 3
y 6 29 96 379 y 6 34 150 746

 
Find a function of the form y = a sin  x  + m + bx that fits the data given.
2 
17. x 0 1 2 3 18. x 0 1 2 3
y 7 6 11 16 y -2 6 4 2

 
Find a function of the form y = ab x cos x  + c that fits the data given.
2 
19. x 0 1 2 3 20. x 0 1 2 3
y 11 3 1 3 y 4 1 -11 1