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Higher

Mathematics

Trigonometry
Contents
Trigonometry
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Radians
Exact Values
Solving Trigonometric Equations
Trigonometry in Three Dimensions
Compound Angles
Double-Angle Formulae
Further Trigonometric Equations
Expressing pcosx + qsinx in the form kcos(x a)
Expressing pcosx + qsinx in other forms
Multiple Angles
Maximum and Minimum Values
Solving Equations
Sketching Graphs of y = pcosx + qsinx

1
EF
EF
RC
EF
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EF
RC
EF
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EF
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RC
EF

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Trigonometry
1

Radians

EF

Degrees are not the only units used to measure angles. The radian (RAD on
the calculator) is a measurement also used.
Degrees and radians bear the relationship:
radians
= 180.
The other equivalences that you should become familiar with are:
30 = 6 radians

45 = 4 radians

60 = 3 radians

90 = 2 radians

135 = 34 radians

360 =2 radians.

Converting between degrees and radians is straightforward.

To convert from degrees to radians, multiply by

and divide by 180.
180
Degrees
To convert from radians to degrees, multiply by 180
180

and divide by .

Radians

= 5 radians .
For example, 50= 50 180
18

Exact Values

EF

The following exact values must be known. You can do this by either
memorising the two triangles involved, or memorising the table.
DEG RAD

1
1

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2
1

sin x cos x tan x

30

3
2
1
2

1
3

45
60

1
2

90

1
2
1
2
3
2

Page 1

Tip
Youll probably find it
easier to remember the
triangles.

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Solving Trigonometric Equations

RC

You should already be familiar with solving some trigonometric equations.

EXAMPLES

1. Solve sin x = 12 for 0 < x < 360 .

sin x = 12

180 x

S A
T C 360 x
180 + x

Since

sin x

Remember
The exact value triangle:

positive
First quadrant solution:

2 30 3

x = sin 1 ( 12 )

=
x 30
x = 30

= 30.

or 180 30
or 150.

is

60

2. Solve cos x = 1 for 0 < x < 360 .

5

cos x = 1

180 x

S A
T C 360 x
180 + x

negative

Since

cos x

is

( 5)

x = cos 1 1

= 63435 (to 3 d.p.).

180 63435 or 180 + 63435
x=
x = 116565 or 243435.

3. Solve sin x =3 for 0 < x < 360 .

There are no solutions since 1 sin x 1 .
Note that 1 cos x 1 , so cos x =3 also has no solutions.

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

4. Solve tan x = 5 for 0 < x < 360 .

180 x
x
tan x = 5
S A
T C
180 + x
360 x

Since

tan x

is

negative
x = tan 1 ( 5 )
= 78690 (to 3 d.p.).
180 78690 or 360 78690
x=
x = 101310 or 281310.

Note
All trigonometric equations we will meet can be reduced to problems like
those above. The only differences are:

the solutions could be required in radians in this case, the question will not
have a degree symbol, e.g. Solve 3tan x = 1 rather than 3tan x =1 ;

exact value solutions could be required in the non-calculator paper you

will be expected to know the exact values for 0, 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees.

Questions can be worked through in degrees or radians, but make sure the
final answer is given in the units asked for in the question.
EXAMPLES

5. Solve 2sin 2 x 1 =0 where 0 x 360 .

180 2 x
2x
2sin 2 x =1
S A
sin 2 x = 12
T C 360 2 x
180 + 2 x
2 x = sin 1 ( 12 )
= 30.

=
2 x 30 or 180 30
or 360 + 30 or 360 + 180 30
or 360 + 360 + 30

Remember
The exact value triangle:
2 30 3
60

2 x = 30 or 150 or 390 or 510

x = 15 or 75 or 195 or 255.

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0 x 360
0 2 x 720

Page 3

Note
There are more solutions
every 360, since
sin(30) = sin(30+360) =
So keep adding 360 until
2x > 720.

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

6. Solve

Trigonometry

2 cos 2 x = 1 where 0 x .

cos 2x = 1

2x

2x

S A

+ 2 x T C 2 2 x

0 x
0 2 x 2

( 2)

Remember
The exact value triangle:

2 x = cos 1 1
= 4 .

=
2 x 4 or 2 4

4 1

or 2 + 4

2 x = 4 or 74

x = 8 or 78 .

7. Solve 4cos 2 x = 3 where 0 < x < 2 .

( cos x )2 = 34
cos x = 34
cos x = 23

x = 6
or
x = 6

S A Since cos x can be positive or negative

T C

Remember
The exact value triangle:

( )

x = cos 1 23
= 6 .

or 6 or + 6 or 2 6
2 + 6
or 56 or 76 or 116 .

8. Solve 3tan ( 3 x 20 ) =5 where 0 x 360 .

3tan ( 3 x 20 ) =5
tan ( 3 x 20 ) = 53

S A
T C

0 x 360
0 3 x 1080
20 3 x 20 1060

( )

3 x 20 =
tan 1 53

= 59036 (to 3 d.p.)

=
3 x 20 59036 or 180 + 59036
or 360 + 59036 or 360 + 180 + 59036
or 360 + 360 + 59036 or 360 + 360 + 180 + 59036
or 360 + 360 + 360 + 59036.

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

3 x 20 =
59036 or 239036 or 419036
or 599036 or 779036 or 959036
3 x = 79036 or 259036 or 439036
or 619036 or 799036 or 979036
x = 2635 or 8635 or 14635 or 20635 or 26635 or 32635.

9. Solve cos 2 x + 3 =
0812 for 0 < x < 2 .

cos 2 x + 3 =
0812

S A
T C

0 < x < 2
0 < 2 x < 4

< 2 x + < 4 +
3
3
3

1047 < 2 x + 3 < 13614 (to 3 d.p.)

Remember
2 x + 3 =
cos 1 ( 0812 )
Make sure your
= 0623 (to 3 d.p.).
calculator uses radians

2 x + 3 =
0623 or 2 0623

or 2 + 0623 or 2 + 2 0623

or 2 + 2 + 0623 or 2 + 2 + 2 0623
2 x + 3 =
5.660 or 6.906 or 11.943 or 13.189
2 x = 4.613 or 5.859 or 10.896 or 12.142
x = 2.307 or 2.930 or 5.448 or 6.071.

Trigonometry in Three Dimensions

EF

It is possible to solve trigonometric problems in three dimensions using

techniques we already know from two dimensions. The use of sketches is
often helpful.

The angle between a line and a plane

The angle a between the plane P and the line ST is calculated by adding a line
perpendicular to the plane and then using basic trigonometry.
T
a

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

EXAMPLE

1. The triangular prism ABCDEF is shown below.

3 cm

C
6 cm

10 cm
Calculate the acute angle between:
(a) The line AF and the plane ABCD.
(b) AE and ABCD.

(a) Start with a sketch:

tan a
=

3 cm
A

10 cm

Opposite 3
=
Adjacent 10

( )

3
a = tan 1 10
= 16.699 (or 0.291 radians) (to 3 d.p.).

Note
Since the angle is in a right-angled triangle, it must be acute so there is no
need for a CAST diagram.
(b) Again, make a sketch:

E
3 cm

C
b

angle to be
A
calculated
We need to calculate the length of AC first using Pythagorass Theorem:
C
=
AC
102 + 62
6 cm
= 136
A
D
10 cm
Therefore:
E
Opposite
tan b = 3
=
3 cm
Adjacent 136

C
b
A

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b = tan 1

( 1363 )

= 14.426 (or 0.252 radians) (to 3 d.p.).

136 cm

Page 6

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

The angle between two planes

The angle a between planes P and Q is calculated by adding a line
perpendicular to Q and then using basic trigonometry.

Q
EXAMPLE

2. ABCDEFGH is a cuboid with dimensions 12 8 8 cm as shown below.

H

8 cm

C
8 cm

A
12 cm
B
(a) Calculate the size of the angle between the planes AFGD and ABCD.
(b) Calculate the size of the acute angle between the diagonal planes
AFGD and BCHE.
(c) Start with a sketch:
F

tan a
=

8 cm
A

12 cm

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a = tan 1 23
= 33.690 (or 0.588 radians) (to 3 d.p.).

Let AF and BE intersect at T

TBA

AB
33.690
=
ATB is isosceles, so T=
= 180 ( 33.690 + 33.690 )
ATB
Note
= 112.620.

( )

Note
Angle GDC is the same
size as angle FAB.

(d) Again, make a sketch:

E
F

Opposite 8
=
Adjacent 12

The angle could also

So the acute angle is:

have been calculated

.
BTF
= ATE
= 180 112 620 using rectangle DCGH.
= 67.380 (or 1.176 radians) (to 3 d.p.).

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CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Compound Angles

EF

When we add or subtract angles, the result is a compound angle.

For example, 45 + 30 is a compound angle. Using a calculator, we find:
sin ( 45 + 30
=
) sin ( 75
=
) 0.966
sin ( 45 ) + sin ( 30 ) =
1.207 (both to 3 d.p.).
This shows that sin ( A + B ) is not equal to sin A + sin B . Instead, we can use
the following identities:
sin ( A=
+ B ) sin A cos B + cos A sin B
sin ( A=
B ) sin A cos B cos A sin B
cos ( A=
+ B ) cos A cos B sin A sin B
cos ( A=
B ) cos A cos B + sin A sin B .

These are given in the exam in a condensed form:

sin ( A=
B ) sin A cos B cos A sin B
cos ( A B ) =
cos A cos B sin A sin B .
EXAMPLES

1. Expand and simplify cos ( x + 60 ) .

cos ( x + 60=
) cos x cos 60 sin x sin 60

Remember
The exact value triangle:

= 12 cos x 23 sin x .

2 30 3
60

2. Show that sin ( a=

+ b ) sin a cos b + cos a sin b for a = 6 and b = 3 .
LHS
= sin ( a + b )

= sin 6 + 3
= sin ( 2 )
= 1.

=
RHS sin a cos b + cos a sin b

= sin 6 cos 3 + cos 6 sin 3

= ( 12 12 ) + 23 23
= 14 + 34 = 1.

Since LHS = RHS , the claim is true for a = 6 and b = 3 .

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Page 8

Remember
The exact value triangle:

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

3. Find the exact value of sin 75 .

sin=
75 sin ( 45 + 30 )

= sin 45 cos30 + cos 45 sin30

) (

= 1 23 + 1 12
2
2

3 + 1
2 2 2 2
= 3 +1
2 2
= 6 +4 2 .

Finding Trigonometric Ratios

You should already be familiar with the following formulae (SOH CAH TOA).
Hypotenuse

Opposite

Adjacent

sin a =

Opposite
Hypotenuse

cos a =

Adjacent
Hypotenuse

tan a =

Opposite
.
Adjacent

If we have sin a = q where 0 < a < 2 , then we can form a right-angled

triangle to represent this ratio.
Opposite
p
Since sin a = q then:
=
Hypotenuse
q
p
the side opposite a has length p;
a
the hypotenuse has length q.
The length of the unknown side can be found using Pythagorass Theorem.
Once the length of each side is known, we can find cos a and tan a using
SOH CAH TOA.
The method is similar if we know cos a and want to find sin a or tan a .

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

EXAMPLES

5 . Show that
4. Acute angles p and q are such that sin p = 54 and sinq = 13
63 .
sin ( p + q ) =
65

sin p = 54

13
q
12

cos p = 35

p
3

5
sinq = 13

cosq = 12
13

+ q ) sin p cos q + cos p sin q

sin ( p=

) (

3 5
= 54 12
13 + 5 13

Note
Since Show that is
used in the question, all
of this working is
required.

48 + 15
= 65
65
63
= 65 .

Using compound angle formulae to confirm identities

EXAMPLES

5. Show that sin ( x 2 ) =

cos x .
sin ( x 2 )

= sin x cos 2 cos x sin 2

= sin x 0 cos x 1
= cos x .
sin ( s + t )
6. Show that
= tan s + tan t for cos s 0 and cos t 0 .
cos s cos t
sin ( s + t ) sin s cos t + cos s sin t
=
cos s cos t
cos s cos t
sin s cos t cos s sin t
=
+
cos s cos t cos s cos t
Remember
sin x
sin s sin t
tan x .
=
+
cos x
cos s cos t
= tan s + tan t .

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Double-Angle Formulae

EF

Using the compound angle identities with A = B , we obtain expressions for

sin 2A and cos 2A . These are called double-angle formulae.

sin 2 A = 2sin A cos A

cos
=
2 A cos 2 A sin 2 A
= 2cos 2 A 1
= 1 2sin 2 A.
Note that these are given in the exam.
EXAMPLES

1. Given that tan = 34 , where 0 < < 2 , find the exact value of sin2 and
cos2.
5

sin 2 = 2sin cos

sin = 34

cos
2 cos 2 sin 2
=

= 2 54 35

cos = 35

= 24
25 .

( ) ( )

3 2 4 2
5
5
9 16 Note
= 25
25
Any of the cos2A
7 .
= 25
formulae could have
been used here.

5 , where 0 < x < , find the exact values of sin x

2. Given that cos 2x = 13
and cos x .

Since cos 2 x = 1 2 sin 2 x ,

5
1 2sin 2 x =
13
8
2sin 2 x = 13
8
sin 2 x = 26
4
= 13

sin x =

2 .
13

We are told that 0 < x < , so only sin x =

13
x

a=

13 2 2 =

2
13

is possible.
13 4 =

9 = 3.

So cos x =

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3 .
13
Page 11

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Further Trigonometric Equations

RC

We will now consider trigonometric equations where double-angle formulae

can be used to find solutions. These equations will involve:
sin2x and either sin x or cos x ;
Remember
The double-angle
cos2x and cos x ;
formulae are given in
cos2x and sin x .
the exam.

Solving equations involving sin2x and either sinx or cosx

EXAMPLE

1. Solve sin 2 x = sin x for 0 x < 360 .

Replace sin2x using the double angle
formula
2sin x cos x + sin x =0
Take all terms to one side, making the
sin x ( 2cos x + 1) =0
equation equal to zero
Factorise the expression and solve
2cos x + 1 =0
sin x =0
S A
T C
cos x = 12
x = 0 or 180 or 360
1 1
x=
180 60 or 180 + 60 x = cos ( 2 )

2sin x cos x = sin x

= 60.

= 120 or 240.

So x = 0 or 120 or 180 or 240 .

Solving equations involving cos2x and cosx

EXAMPLE

2. Solve cos2 x = cos x for 0 x 2 .

cos 2 x = cos x
2cos 2 x 1 =
cos x
2cos 2 x cos x 1 =
0
0
( 2cos x + 1)( cos x 1) =
2cos x + 1 =
0
cos x = 12
x=
3 or + 3
= 23

or 43

Replace cos2x by 2 cos 2 x 1

Take all terms to one side, making a
quadratic equation in cos x
Solve the quadratic equation (using
factorisation or the quadratic formula)

S A
T C

x = cos 1 ( 12 )

cos x 1 =
0
cos x = 1
x = 0 or 2.

= 3

So x = 0 or 23 or 43 or 2 .

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Solving equations involving cos2x and sinx

EXAMPLE

3. Solve cos2 x = sin x for 0 < x < 2 .

1 2sin 2 x =
sin x
2sin 2 x + sin x 1 =
0
0
( 2sin x 1)( sin x + 1) =

2sin x 1 =
0
sin x = 12

=
x 6 or 6
= 6 or

5
6

Replace cos2x by 1 2 sin 2 x

Take all terms to one side,
making a quadratic equation in

cos 2 x = sin x

sin x

Solve the quadratic equation

(using factorisation or the
quadratic formula)

S A
T C

x = sin
= 6

sin x + 1 =
0
sin x = 1

( )
1
2

x = 32 .

So x = 6 or 56 or 32 .

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CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

Expressing pcosx + qsinx in the form kcos(x a)

EF

An expression of the form p cos x + q sin x can be written in the form

k cos ( x a ) where:
k sin a
=
k
p 2 + q 2 and tan a =
.
k cos a
The following example shows how to achieve this.
EXAMPLES

1. Write 5cos x + 12sin x in the form k cos ( x a ) where 0 a < 360 .

Step 1
Expand k cos ( x a ) using the
compound angle formula.
Step 2
Rearrange to compare with
p cos x + q sin x .
Step 3
Compare the coefficients of cos x
and sin x with p cos x + q sin x .
Step 4
Mark the quadrants on a CAST
diagram, according to the signs
of k cos a and k sin a .
Step 5
Find k and a using the formulae
above (a lies in the quadrant
marked twice in Step 4).

Step 6
State p cos x + q sin x in the form
k cos ( x a ) using these values.

hsn.uk.net

k cos ( x a )
= k cos x cos a + k sin x sin a
= k cos a cos x + k sin a sin x

= k
cos a cos x + k
sin
a sin x
12
5
k cos a =5
k sin a =12
180 a

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

=
k

52 + 122
= 169
= 13

tan a =

k sin a
k cos a

= 12
5

( )

a = tan 1 12
5
.
= 67 4 (to 1 d.p.)

5cos x + 12sin
=
x 13cos ( x 67.4 )

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

2. Write 5cos x 3sin x in the form k cos ( x a ) where 0 a < 2 .

5cos x 3sin x = k cos ( x a )
= k cos x cos a + k sin x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos x + ( k sin a ) sin x

k sin a = 3
a

tan a =

= 34

( )

Note
tan 1 35
Make sure your
= 0.540 (to 3 d.p.). calculator is in radian
mode.
So =
a 2 0.540
= 5.743 (to 1 d.p.).

S A

T C
+a
2 a

Hence a is in the
fourth quadrant.

34 cos ( x 5.743 ) .

Hence 5cos x 3sin=

x

k sin a
= 35
k cos a
First quadrant answer is:

52 + ( 3 )2

=
k

k cos a = 5

Expressing pcosx + qsinx in other forms

EF

An expression in the form p cos x + q sin x can also be written in any of the
following forms using a similar method:
k cos ( x + a ) ,

k sin ( x + a ) .

k sin ( x a ) ,

EXAMPLES

1. Write 4cos x + 3sin x in the form k sin ( x + a ) where 0 a < 360 .

4cos x + 3sin
=
x k sin ( x + a )
= k sin x cos a + k cos x sin a
=

( k cos a ) sin x + ( k sin a ) cos x .

=
k

k cos a =3
k sin a =4
180 a

4 2 + 32
= 25

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

=5

tan a
=

So:

k sin a 4
=
k cos a 3

( )

a = tan 1 34
= 53.1 (to 1 d.p.).

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence 4cos x + 3sin
=
x 5sin ( x + 53.1 ) .

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

2. Write cos x 3 sin x in the form k cos ( x + a ) where 0 a < 2 .

cos x 3 sin x =k cos ( x + a )
= k cos x cos a k sin x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos x ( k sin a ) sin x .

k cos a = 1

k=

k sin a = 3

12 + ( 3 )

1+ 3

So:
a = tan 1

= 4
=2

S A
T C
+a
2 a

k sin a
=
k cos a

=
tan a

= 3 .

( 3)

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.

Hence cos x 3 sin x =2cos x + 3 .

10 Multiple Angles

EF

We can use the same method with expressions involving the same multiple
angle, i.e. p cos (nx ) + q sin (nx ) , where n is a constant.
EXAMPLE

Write 5cos 2 x + 12sin 2 x in the form k sin ( 2 x + a ) where 0 a < 360 .

5cos 2 x + 12sin
2 x k sin ( 2 x + a )
=
= k sin 2 x cos a + k cos 2 x sin a
=

=
k

k cos a =12
k sin a =5
180 a

( k cos a ) sin 2 x + ( k sin a ) cos 2 x .

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

122 + 52
= 169
= 13

=
tan a

So:

k sin a 5
=
k cos a 12

( )

5
a = tan 1 12
= 22.6 (to 1 d.p.).

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence 5cos 2 x + 12sin
=
2 x 13sin ( 2 x + 22.6 ) .

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Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

11 Maximum and Minimum Values

EF

To work out the maximum or minimum values of p cos x + q sin x , we can

rewrite it as a single trigonometric function, e.g. k cos ( x a ) .
Recall that the maximum value of the sine and cosine functions is 1, and their
minimum is 1.
y
y
y = cos x
y = sin x
max. = 1
max. = 1
1
1
x
min. = 1

O
1

x
min. = 1

O
1

EXAMPLE

Write 4sin x + cos x in the form k cos ( x a ) where 0 a 2 and state:

(i) the maximum value and the value of 0 x < 2 at which it occurs
(ii) the minimum value and the value of 0 x < 2 at which it occurs.
4sin x + cos x= k cos ( x a )
= k cos x cos a + k sin x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos x + ( k sin a ) sin x .

k = ( 1)2 + 42

k cos a = 1
k sin a = 4
a

= 17

tan a
=

k sin a
= 4
k cos a

So:

a = tan 1 ( 4 )
= 1.326 (to 3 d.p.).

S A
T C
+a
2 a

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence 4sin x + cos
x
=

17 cos ( x 1.326 ) .

The minimum value of 17

occurs when:
cos ( x 1.326 ) =
1

The maximum value of 17

occurs when:
cos ( x 1.326 ) =
1
cos 1 (1)
x 1.326 =
0
x 1.326 =
x 1.326 (to 3 d.p.).
=

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Page 17

x 1.326 = cos 1 ( 1)
x 1.326 =

x 4.468 (to 3 d.p.).

=

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

12 Solving Equations

RC

The method of writing two trigonometric terms as one can be used to help
solve equations involving both a sin ( nx ) and a cos ( nx ) term.
EXAMPLES

1. Solve 5cos x + sin x = 2 where 0 x < 360 .

First, we write 5cos x + sin x in the form k cos ( x a ) :
=
x k cos ( x a )
5cos x + sin
= k cos x cos a + k sin x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos x + ( k sin a ) sin x .

=
k

k cos a =5
k sin a =1
180 a

52 + 12

=
tan a

= 26
a

So:

k sin a 1
=
k cos a 5

()

a = tan 1 15
= 11.3 (to 1 d.p.).

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence 5cos x =
+ sin x

26 cos ( x 11.3 ) .

Now we use this to help solve the equation:

x
5cos x + sin x = 2
180 x
S A
26 cos ( x 11.3 ) = 2

180 + x T C 360 x
cos ( x 11.3 ) = 2
26
x 11.3 =
cos 1 2

( 26 )

=
x 11.3 66.9 or 360 66.9
x 11.3 =
66.9 or 293.1
x = 78.2 or 304.4.

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= 66.9 (to 1d.p.).

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

2. Solve 2cos 2 x + 3sin 2 x =

1 where 0 x < 2 .
First, we write 2cos 2 x + 3sin 2 x in the form k cos ( 2 x a ) :
2cos 2 x + 3sin 2 x = k cos ( 2 x a )
= k cos 2 x cos a + k sin 2 x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos 2 x + ( k sin a ) sin 2 x .

k cos a = 2

=
k

22 + ( 3 )2

=
tan a

k sin a = 3

4+9

So:

S A
T C
+a
2 a

= 13

k sin a 3
=
k cos a 2

( )

a = tan 1 32
= 0.983 (to 3 d.p.).

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence 2cos 2 x + 3sin 2=
x

13 cos ( 2 x 0.983 ) .

Now we use this to help solve the equation:

2x
2cos 2 x + 3sin 2 x =
1
2x
0 < x < 2
S A
13 cos ( 2 x 0.983 ) =
1

0 < 2 x < 4
+ 2 x T C 2 2 x
1
.
cos ( 2 x 0 983 ) =
13
2 x 0.983 =
cos 1 1

( 13 )

= 1.290 (to 3 d.p.).

2 x =
0.983 1.290 or 2 1.290
or 2 + 1.290 or 2 + 2 1.290
or 2 + 2 + 1.290
2 x 0.983 =
1.290 or 4.993 or 7.573 or 11.276
2 x = 2.273 or 5.976 or 8.556 or 12.259
x = 1.137 or 2.988 or 4.278 or 6.130.

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CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

13 Sketching Graphs of y = pcosx + qsinx

EF

Expressing p cos x + q sin x in the form k cos ( x a ) enables us to sketch the

graph=
of y p cos x + q sin x .
EXAMPLES

1. (a) Write 7 cos x + 6sin x in the form k cos ( x a ) , 0 a < 360 .

(b) Hence sketch the graph =
of y 7 cos x + 6sin x for 0 x 360 .
(a) First, we write 7 cos x + 6sin x in the form k cos ( x a ) :
=
x k cos ( x a )
7 cos x + 6sin
= k cos x cos a + k sin x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos x + ( k sin a ) sin x .

k cos a =7

=
k

62 + 7 2

=
tan a

k sin a =6

36 + 49

So:

180 a

= 85

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

k sin a 6
=
k cos a 7

( )

a = tan 1 76
= 40.6 (to 1 d.p.).

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence 7 cos x +=
6sin x

85 cos ( x 40.6 ) .

(b) Now we can sketch the graph =

of y 7 cos x + 6sin x :
y y 7 cos x + 6 sin x
=
85

O
85

40.6

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360

Page 20

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

2. Sketch the graph of=

y sin x + 3 cos x for 0 x 360 .
First, we write sin x + 3 cos x in the form k cos ( x a ) :
sin x + 3 cos
=
x k cos ( x a )
= k cos x cos a + k sin x sin a
=

( k cos a ) cos x + ( k sin a ) sin x .

=
k

k cos a = 3
k sin a =1
180 a

12 + 3

1+ 3
=2

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

=
tan a

k sin a
=
k cos a

So:

1
3

( 3)

a = tan 1 1
= 30.

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.
Hence sin x + 3 cos
=
x 2cos ( x 30 ) .
Now we can sketch the graph of=
y sin x + 3 cos x :
y
=
y sin x + 3 cos x
2
O
2

x
30

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360

Page 21

CfE Edition

Higher Mathematics

Trigonometry

3. (a) Write 5sin x 11cos x in the form k sin ( x a ) , 0 a < 360 .

(b) Hence sketch the graph of
=
y 5sin x 11cos x + 2 , 0 x 360 .
(a) First, we write 5sin x 11cos x in the form k sin ( x a ) :
=
x k sin ( x a )
5sin x 11cos
= k sin x cos a k cos x sin a
=

( k cos a ) sin x ( k sin a ) cos x .

k cos a =5

=
k

52 + 11

k sin a = 11

25 + 11

180 a

S A
T C
180 + a
360 a

= 36
=6

=
tan a

So:

k sin a
=
k cos a

11
5

( )

a = tan 1 11
5

= 33.6 (to 1 d.p.).

Hence a is in the
first quadrant.

=
x 6sin ( x 33.6 ) .
Hence 5sin x 11cos
(b) We can now sketch the graph of

=
y 5sin x 11cos x =
+ 2 6sin ( x 33.6 ) + 2 :
y

6
4

y 5sin x 11cos x + 2
=

O
4
6

33.6

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Page 22

CfE Edition