Trigonometric Equations

Can you solve equations like this

a cos + b sin = c?

Solving trigonometric equations

When solving trigonometric equations, we will

finally reach
sin x = k, or
cos x = k, or
tan x = k
Then,
(i) determine the possible positions of x,
(ii) datermine the base angle,
(iii) Since a trigonometric function is periodic, a
trigonometric equation has infinite number of
roots. We normally find the roots in a given range.

Examples of trigonometric equations

Example 1: Given that sin x = - 0.5247, find all values of x

in the range 0 x < 360.

Example 2: Solve the equations

(a) tan 2 = 1.257, -180 180
(b) cos = -0.884,

0 < 360

Example 3: Solve the equation

(a) 6sin2x 5sin x +1 = 0,
(b) tan x + 3tan2x = sec2x + 2,

- x
0x

Trigonometric equations involing

identities
Example: Solve the following equations, giving

all solutions from 0 to 360:

(i) 5cos2 x + 2 sin x = 2
(ii) 2cos 2 = 1 4cos
(iii) tan + tan( + 45) = 1
(iv) sin ( + 10) = sin (3 + 40)
(v) sin 5 - sin 3 + sin = 0

Equations in the form

a cos + b sin = c
Method 1: use the substitute t tan
2

tan

2t
1 t

sin

2t
1 t2

cos

1 t2
1 t2

Example: Solve 3 cos + sin = 1 for 0 < 360

Note: There are other forms of equations that can be

solved using these substitution also.

Equations in the form

a cos + b sin = c
Method 2: Express a cos + b sin in the form

r cos ( - )
Dividing throughout by a 2 b 2
a
b
c
cos
sin
a2 b2
a2 b2
a 2 b2
a
b
cos

sin

Put
and
2
2
a b
a2 b2
c

cos cos + sin sin =

cos ( - ) =

c
a 2 b2

a2 b2

Trigonometric inequalities