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Geometry and Trigonometry

The three primary trigonometric functions for an angle θ\theta in a right-angled triangle are:

\sin\theta = \frac{\mathrm{opposite}{\mathrm{hypotenuse}, \quad \cos\theta = \frac{\mathrm{adjacent}{\mathrm{hypotenuse}, \quad \tan\theta = \frac{\mathrm{opposite}{\mathrm{adjacent}

On the unit circle (radius 1), the point at angle θ\theta from the positive xx-axis has Coordinates (cos⁡θ,sin⁡θ)(\cos\theta, \sin\theta). This definition extends the trig functions to all real Angles, not just those in [0,π/2][0, \pi/2].

Key Identity:

sin⁡2θ+cos⁡2θ=1\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1

Proof (geometric). In the unit circle, a point at angle θ\theta has coordinates (cos⁡θ,sin⁡θ)(\cos\theta, \sin\theta). By the Pythagorean theorem, the distance from the origin is cos⁡2θ+sin⁡2θ=1\sqrt{\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta} = 1So cos⁡2θ+sin⁡2θ=1\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta = 1.

Dividing through by cos⁡2θ\cos^2\theta:

1+tan⁡2θ=sec⁡2θ1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta

Dividing through by sin⁡2θ\sin^2\theta:

1+cot⁡2θ=cosec⁡2θ1 + \cot^2\theta = \cosec^2\theta

Angles can be measured in radians. One full revolution is 2π2\pi radians.

\pi \mathrm{ radians = 180°

Why radians? In calculus, the derivative formula ddx[sin⁡x]=cos⁡x\frac{d}{dx}[\sin x] = \cos x holds only when xx is in radians. If xx is in degrees, you get an extra factor of π180\frac{\pi}{180}. Radians arise because the arc length subtended by angle θ\theta on a unit circle is exactly θ\theta.

Arc Length:

S=rθS = r\theta

Where ss is arc length, rr is radius, and θ\theta is in radians.

Sector Area:

A=12r2θA = \frac{1}{2}r^2\theta

Segment Area:

A=12r2(θ−sin⁡θ)A = \frac{1}{2}r^2(\theta - \sin\theta)

Example: Find the length of the arc and the area of the sector for a circle of radius 8 cm with An angle of 5π6\dfrac{5\pi}{6} radians.

Arc length: s = 8 \times \dfrac{5\pi}{6} = \dfrac{20\pi}{3} \approx 20.94 \mathrm{ cm.

Sector area: A = \dfrac{1}{2} \times 64 \times \dfrac{5\pi}{6} = \dfrac{160\pi}{6} = \dfrac{80\pi}{3} \approx 83.78 \mathrm{ cm^2.

Example: A sector of a circle of radius 6 cm has an area of 24\pi \mathrm{ cm^2. Find the Perimeter of the sector.

12×36×θ=24π  ⟹  θ=48π36=4π3\frac{1}{2} \times 36 \times \theta = 24\pi \implies \theta = \frac{48\pi}{36} = \frac{4\pi}{3}

Arc length: s = 6 \times \frac{4\pi}{3} = 8\pi \mathrm{ cm.

Perimeter = 2r + s = 12 + 8\pi \mathrm{ cm.

Addition Formulae:

sin⁡(A±B)=sin⁡Acos⁡B±cos⁡Asin⁡B\sin(A \pm B) = \sin A \cos B \pm \cos A \sin B cos⁡(A±B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B∓sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A \pm B) = \cos A \cos B \mp \sin A \sin B tan⁡(A±B)=tan⁡A±tan⁡B1∓tan⁡Atan⁡B\tan(A \pm B) = \frac{\tan A \pm \tan B}{1 \mp \tan A \tan B}

Proof of cos⁡(A+B)\cos(A + B). Consider two points on the unit circle: PP at angle AA with Coordinates (cos⁡A,sin⁡A)(\cos A, \sin A)And QQ at angle −(A+B)-(A+B) with coordinates (cos⁡(A+B),−sin⁡(A+B))(\cos(A+B), -\sin(A+B)). Rotating the entire figure by angle AA maps PP to (1,0)(1, 0) and QQ to The point at angle −B-BNamely (cos⁡B,−sin⁡B)(\cos B, -\sin B). Since rotation preserves distances:

[cos⁡(A+B)−cos⁡A]2+[−sin⁡(A+B)−sin⁡A]2=(cos⁡B−1)2+(−sin⁡B)2[\cos(A+B) - \cos A]^2 + [-\sin(A+B) - \sin A]^2 = (\cos B - 1)^2 + (-\sin B)^2

Expanding and simplifying using cos⁡2A+sin⁡2A=1\cos^2 A + \sin^2 A = 1 yields cos⁡(A+B)=cos⁡Acos⁡B−sin⁡Asin⁡B\cos(A+B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B.

Double Angle Formulae:

sin⁡2A=2sin⁡Acos⁡A\sin 2A = 2\sin A \cos A cos⁡2A=cos⁡2A−sin⁡2A=2cos⁡2A−1=1−2sin⁡2A\cos 2A = \cos^2 A - \sin^2 A = 2\cos^2 A - 1 = 1 - 2\sin^2 A tan⁡2A=2tan⁡A1−tan⁡2A\tan 2A = \frac{2\tan A}{1 - \tan^2 A}

The three forms of cos⁡2A\cos 2A are all useful in different contexts. Use cos⁡2A=2cos⁡2A−1\cos 2A = 2\cos^2 A - 1 When everything is in terms of cos⁡\cosAnd cos⁡2A=1−2sin⁡2A\cos 2A = 1 - 2\sin^2 A when everything is in terms of sin⁡\sin.

Proof that sin⁡2A=2sin⁡Acos⁡A\sin 2A = 2\sin A \cos A.

sin⁡2A=sin⁡(A+A)=sin⁡Acos⁡A+cos⁡Asin⁡A=2sin⁡Acos⁡A\sin 2A = \sin(A + A) = \sin A \cos A + \cos A \sin A = 2\sin A \cos A

■\blacksquare

Example: Express cos⁡3θ\cos 3\theta in terms of cos⁡θ\cos\theta.

cos⁡3θ=cos⁡(2θ+θ)\cos 3\theta = \cos(2\theta + \theta) =cos⁡2θcos⁡θ−sin⁡2θsin⁡θ= \cos 2\theta \cos\theta - \sin 2\theta \sin\theta =(2cos⁡2θ−1)cos⁡θ−2sin⁡θcos⁡θsin⁡θ= (2\cos^2\theta - 1)\cos\theta - 2\sin\theta \cos\theta \sin\theta =2cos⁡3θ−cos⁡θ−2sin⁡2θcos⁡θ= 2\cos^3\theta - \cos\theta - 2\sin^2\theta \cos\theta =2cos⁡3θ−cos⁡θ−2(1−cos⁡2θ)cos⁡θ= 2\cos^3\theta - \cos\theta - 2(1 - \cos^2\theta)\cos\theta =2cos⁡3θ−cos⁡θ−2cos⁡θ+2cos⁡3θ= 2\cos^3\theta - \cos\theta - 2\cos\theta + 2\cos^3\theta =4cos⁡3θ−3cos⁡θ= 4\cos^3\theta - 3\cos\theta

Example: Prove that sin⁡3θ=3sin⁡θ−4sin⁡3θ\sin 3\theta = 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta.

sin⁡3θ=sin⁡(2θ+θ)=sin⁡2θcos⁡θ+cos⁡2θsin⁡θ\sin 3\theta = \sin(2\theta + \theta) = \sin 2\theta \cos\theta + \cos 2\theta \sin\theta =2sin⁡θcos⁡2θ+(1−2sin⁡2θ)sin⁡θ= 2\sin\theta \cos^2\theta + (1 - 2\sin^2\theta)\sin\theta =2sin⁡θ(1−sin⁡2θ)+sin⁡θ−2sin⁡3θ= 2\sin\theta(1 - \sin^2\theta) + \sin\theta - 2\sin^3\theta =2sin⁡θ−2sin⁡3θ+sin⁡θ−2sin⁡3θ= 2\sin\theta - 2\sin^3\theta + \sin\theta - 2\sin^3\theta =3sin⁡θ−4sin⁡3θ= 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta

■\blacksquare

When solving trig equations in a given interval, always check for all solutions. The periodicity of Trig functions means there are multiple solutions.

:::caution When dividing by a trig function to simplify, always consider the case where that Function equals zero separately. Dividing by cos⁡x\cos x loses the solutions where cos⁡x=0\cos x = 0.

Example: Solve sin⁡2x=cos⁡x\sin 2x = \cos x for 0≤x<2π0 \leq x < 2\pi.

2sin⁡xcos⁡x=cos⁡x2\sin x \cos x = \cos x 2sin⁡xcos⁡x−cos⁡x=02\sin x \cos x - \cos x = 0 cos⁡x(2sin⁡x−1)=0\cos x(2\sin x - 1) = 0

Either cos⁡x=0\cos x = 0 or sin⁡x=12\sin x = \dfrac{1}{2}.

cos⁡x=0\cos x = 0: x=π2,3π2x = \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2}.

sin⁡x=12\sin x = \dfrac{1}{2}: x=π6,5π6x = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}.

Solutions: x=π6,π2,5π6,3π2x = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2}.

Example: Solve 3cos⁡2x−cos⁡x−2=03\cos^2 x - \cos x - 2 = 0 for 0≤x<2π0 \leq x < 2\pi.

Let u=cos⁡xu = \cos x. Then 3u2−u−2=03u^2 - u - 2 = 0.

(3u+2)(u−1)=0(3u + 2)(u - 1) = 0

u=−23u = -\dfrac{2}{3} or u=1u = 1.

cos⁡x=1\cos x = 1: x=0x = 0.

cos⁡x=−23\cos x = -\dfrac{2}{3}: x=arccos⁡(−23)≈2.301x = \arccos\left(-\dfrac{2}{3}\right) \approx 2.301 or x=2π−2.301≈3.982x = 2\pi - 2.301 \approx 3.982.

Example: Solve cos⁡2x=1−3sin⁡x\cos 2x = 1 - 3\sin x for 0≤x<2π0 \leq x < 2\pi.

Use cos⁡2x=1−2sin⁡2x\cos 2x = 1 - 2\sin^2 x:

1−2sin⁡2x=1−3sin⁡x1 - 2\sin^2 x = 1 - 3\sin x 2sin⁡2x−3sin⁡x=02\sin^2 x - 3\sin x = 0 sin⁡x(2sin⁡x−3)=0\sin x(2\sin x - 3) = 0

sin⁡x=0\sin x = 0: x=0,πx = 0, \pi.

2sin⁡x−3=02\sin x - 3 = 0: sin⁡x=1.5\sin x = 1.5Which has no solution since ∣sin⁡x∣≤1|\sin x| \le 1.

Solutions: x=0,πx = 0, \pi.

Example: Solve 2sin⁡2x+3cos⁡x−3=02\sin^2 x + 3\cos x - 3 = 0 for 0≤x<2π0 \le x \lt 2\pi.

Use sin⁡2x=1−cos⁡2x\sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x:

2(1−cos⁡2x)+3cos⁡x−3=02(1 - \cos^2 x) + 3\cos x - 3 = 0 −2cos⁡2x+3cos⁡x−1=0-2\cos^2 x + 3\cos x - 1 = 0 2cos⁡2x−3cos⁡x+1=02\cos^2 x - 3\cos x + 1 = 0

(2cos⁡x−1)(cos⁡x−1)=0(2\cos x - 1)(\cos x - 1) = 0

cos⁡x=12\cos x = \frac{1}{2}: x=π3,5π3x = \frac{\pi}{3}, \frac{5\pi}{3}.

cos⁡x=1\cos x = 1: x=0x = 0.

Solutions: x=0,π3,5π3x = 0, \frac{\pi}{3}, \frac{5\pi}{3}.

Sine Rule:

asin⁡A=bsin⁡B=csin⁡C=2R\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} = 2R

Where RR is the circumradius of the triangle.

Use the sine rule when you know an angle and its opposite side, or two angles and one side.

Cosine Rule:

A2=b2+c2−2bccos⁡AA^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc\cos A

Use the cosine rule when you know all three sides (to find an angle) or two sides and the included Angle (to find the third side).

Area of a triangle:

A=12absin⁡CA = \frac{1}{2}ab\sin C

Example: In triangle ABCABC, a=8a = 8, b=5b = 5, C=60∘C = 60^\circ. Find cc.

C2=64+25−2(8)(5)cos⁡60°=89−40=49C^2 = 64 + 25 - 2(8)(5)\cos 60° = 89 - 40 = 49

c=7c = 7.

Example: In triangle ABCABC, a=7a = 7, b=9b = 9, B=55∘B = 55^\circ. Find angle AA.

By the sine rule:

sin⁡A7=sin⁡55°9\frac{\sin A}{7} = \frac{\sin 55°}{9} sin⁡A=7sin⁡55°9≈7×0.81929≈0.6372\sin A = \frac{7\sin 55°}{9} \approx \frac{7 \times 0.8192}{9} \approx 0.6372 A = \arcsin(0.6372) \approx 39.6° \quad \mathrm{or \quad A = 180° - 39.6° = 140.4°

Both values are valid since A+B=39.6°+55°=94.6°<180∘A + B = 39.6° + 55° = 94.6° < 180^\circ and A+B=140.4°+55°=195.4°>180∘A + B = 140.4° + 55° = 195.4° > 180^\circ. Only A≈39.6∘A \approx 39.6^\circ is valid (since the sum of angles Must be less than 180∘180^\circ).

An expression of the form asin⁡x+bcos⁡xa\sin x + b\cos x can be written as Rsin⁡(x+α)R\sin(x + \alpha) or Rcos⁡(x−α)R\cos(x - \alpha)Where:

R=a2+b2,α=arctan⁡(ba)R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}, \quad \alpha = \arctan\left(\frac{b}{a}\right)

Derivation. We want asin⁡x+bcos⁡x=Rsin⁡(x+α)=Rsin⁡xcos⁡α+Rcos⁡xsin⁡αa\sin x + b\cos x = R\sin(x + \alpha) = R\sin x \cos\alpha + R\cos x \sin\alpha. Matching Coefficients: Rcos⁡α=aR\cos\alpha = a and Rsin⁡α=bR\sin\alpha = b. Squaring and adding: R2=a2+b2R^2 = a^2 + b^2So R=a2+b2R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}. Dividing: tan⁡α=b/a\tan\alpha = b/a.

Applications: The maximum value is RR and the minimum is −R-R.

Example: Express 3sin⁡x+4cos⁡x3\sin x + 4\cos x in the form Rsin⁡(x+α)R\sin(x + \alpha).

R=9+16=5R = \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5

α=arctan⁡(43)\alpha = \arctan\left(\frac{4}{3}\right) 3sin⁡x+4cos⁡x=5sin⁡(x+arctan⁡(43))3\sin x + 4\cos x = 5\sin\left(x + \arctan\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\right)

Maximum value is 55Occurring when sin⁡(x+α)=1\sin(x + \alpha) = 1.

Example: Find the maximum value of 2sin⁡θ−3cos⁡θ2\sin\theta - \sqrt{3}\cos\theta and the smallest positive Value of θ\theta at which it occurs.

R=4+3=7R = \sqrt{4 + 3} = \sqrt{7} 2sin⁡θ−3cos⁡θ=7sin⁡(θ+α)2\sin\theta - \sqrt{3}\cos\theta = \sqrt{7}\sin(\theta + \alpha)

Where tan⁡α=−32\tan\alpha = \dfrac{-\sqrt{3}}{2}So \alpha = -\arctan\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \approx -0.714 \mathrm{ rad.

Maximum value is 7\sqrt{7}Occurring when sin⁡(θ+α)=1\sin(\theta + \alpha) = 1I.e., θ+α=π2\theta + \alpha = \dfrac{\pi}{2}So \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} + \arctan\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \approx 2.285 \mathrm{ rad.

Example: Express 5sin⁡θ−12cos⁡θ5\sin\theta - 12\cos\theta in the form Rsin⁡(θ−α)R\sin(\theta - \alpha) and find its Maximum value.

R=25+144=169=13R = \sqrt{25 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13 5sin⁡θ−12cos⁡θ=13sin⁡(θ−α)5\sin\theta - 12\cos\theta = 13\sin(\theta - \alpha)

Where tan⁡α=125\tan\alpha = \dfrac{12}{5}So α=arctan⁡ ⁣(125)\alpha = \arctan\!\left(\dfrac{12}{5}\right).

Maximum value is 1313.

The wave function technique is especially powerful for solving equations of the form asin⁡x+bcos⁡x=ca\sin x + b\cos x = c.

Example: Solve 3sin⁡x+4cos⁡x=53\sin x + 4\cos x = 5 for 0≤x<2π0 \le x \lt 2\pi.

Since R=5R = 5We have 5sin⁡(x+α)=55\sin(x + \alpha) = 5So sin⁡(x+α)=1\sin(x + \alpha) = 1.

X+α=π2+2kπX + \alpha = \frac{\pi}{2} + 2k\pi X=π2−α+2kπ=π2−arctan⁡43+2kπX = \frac{\pi}{2} - \alpha + 2k\pi = \frac{\pi}{2} - \arctan\frac{4}{3} + 2k\pi

For k=0k = 0: x≈1.571−0.927=0.644x \approx 1.571 - 0.927 = 0.644 rad. For k=1k = 1: x≈0.644+2π≈6.927x \approx 0.644 + 2\pi \approx 6.927 (outside range).

There is exactly one solution in [0,2π)[0, 2\pi).

Note that if ∣c∣>R=a2+b2|c| > R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}The equation has no real solutions, because the maximum Of asin⁡x+bcos⁡xa\sin x + b\cos x is RR.


The equation of a straight line passing through (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) with gradient mm:

Y−y1=m(x−x1)Y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)

Gradient between two points:

M=y2−y1x2−x1M = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Example: Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining A(2,5)A(2, 5) And B(8,3)B(8, 3).

Midpoint: M=(2+82,5+32)=(5,4)M = \left(\dfrac{2 + 8}{2}, \dfrac{5 + 3}{2}\right) = (5, 4).

Gradient of AB: mAB=3−58−2=−13m_{AB} = \dfrac{3 - 5}{8 - 2} = -\dfrac{1}{3}.

Gradient of perpendicular bisector: m=3m = 3.

Equation: y−4=3(x−5)y - 4 = 3(x - 5)I.e., y=3x−11y = 3x - 11.

The general equation of a circle with centre (a,b)(a, b) and radius rr:

(x−a)2+(y−b)2=r2(x - a)^2 + (y - b)^2 = r^2

Expanded form: x2+y2−2ax−2by+(a2+b2−r2)=0x^2 + y^2 - 2ax - 2by + (a^2 + b^2 - r^2) = 0.

Given the expanded form x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0x^2 + y^2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0The centre is (−g,−f)(-g, -f) and the radius is g2+f2−c\sqrt{g^2 + f^2 - c} (provided g2+f2−c>0g^2 + f^2 - c > 0).

Example: Find the centre and radius of the circle x2+y2−6x+4y−12=0x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0.

Complete the square:

(x2−6x+9)+(y2+4y+4)=12+9+4(x^2 - 6x + 9) + (y^2 + 4y + 4) = 12 + 9 + 4

(x−3)2+(y+2)2=25(x - 3)^2 + (y + 2)^2 = 25

Centre (3,−2)(3, -2)Radius 55.

Example: Find the equation of the circle with centre (2,−3)(2, -3) that passes through (5,1)(5, 1).

R2=(5−2)2+(1+3)2=9+16=25R^2 = (5 - 2)^2 + (1 + 3)^2 = 9 + 16 = 25

(x−2)2+(y+3)2=25(x - 2)^2 + (y + 3)^2 = 25

Tangent to a Circle:

The tangent at a point on the circle is perpendicular to the radius at that point.

The equation of the tangent to x2+y2=r2x^2 + y^2 = r^2 at point (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) on the circle is:

X1x+y1y=r2X_1 x + y_1 y = r^2

Example: Find the equation of the tangent to (x−2)2+(y+1)2=25(x - 2)^2 + (y + 1)^2 = 25 at the point (5,3)(5, 3).

Verify (5,3)(5, 3) lies on the circle: (5−2)2+(3+1)2=9+16=25(5-2)^2 + (3+1)^2 = 9 + 16 = 25. Confirmed.

Gradient of radius from (2,−1)(2, -1) to (5,3)(5, 3): mr=3−(−1)5−2=43m_r = \dfrac{3 - (-1)}{5 - 2} = \dfrac{4}{3}.

Gradient of tangent: mt=−34m_t = -\dfrac{3}{4}.

Equation: y−3=−34(x−5)y - 3 = -\dfrac{3}{4}(x - 5)I.e., 4y−12=−3x+154y - 12 = -3x + 15Or 3x+4y−27=03x + 4y - 27 = 0.

Example: Find the equation of the tangent to x2+y2+4x−6y+9=0x^2 + y^2 + 4x - 6y + 9 = 0 at the point (−2,3)(-2, 3).

Complete the square: (x+2)2+(y−3)2=4(x + 2)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 4. Centre (−2,3)(-2, 3)Radius 22.

Since (−2,3)(-2, 3) is the centre, not a point on the circle, we must check: (−2+2)2+(3−3)2=0≠4(-2+2)^2 + (3-3)^2 = 0 \ne 4. The point (−2,3)(-2, 3) is inside the circle, so there is no tangent From this point to the circle. The point must lie on the circle for a tangent to exist.

Substitute the line equation into the circle equation and solve the resulting quadratic. The Discriminant of the resulting quadratic tells you:

  • Δ>0\Delta > 0: two intersection points (secant)
  • Δ=0\Delta = 0: one intersection point (tangent)
  • Δ<0\Delta < 0: no intersection points

Example: Find where the line y=2x+1y = 2x + 1 intersects the circle x2+y2=10x^2 + y^2 = 10.

X2+(2x+1)2=10X^2 + (2x + 1)^2 = 10 X2+4x2+4x+1=10X^2 + 4x^2 + 4x + 1 = 10 5x2+4x−9=05x^2 + 4x - 9 = 0

(5x+9)(x−1)=0(5x + 9)(x - 1) = 0

x = -\frac{9}{5} \mathrm{ or x = 1

When x=1x = 1: y=3y = 3. When x=−95x = -\dfrac{9}{5}: y=−135y = -\dfrac{13}{5}.

Points of intersection: (1,3)(1, 3) and (−95,−135)\left(-\dfrac{9}{5}, -\dfrac{13}{5}\right).

The perpendicular distance from (x0,y0)(x_0, y_0) to the line ax+by+c=0ax + by + c = 0 is:

D=∣ax0+by0+c∣a2+b2D = \frac{|ax_0 + by_0 + c|}{\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}}

Proof. Let P=(x0,y0)P = (x_0, y_0) and let QQ be the foot of the perpendicular from PP to the line. The line through PP perpendicular to ax+by+c=0ax + by + c = 0 has direction (a,b)(a, b)So its parametric Form is (x0+at,y0+bt)(x_0 + at, y_0 + bt). Substituting into the line equation: a(x0+at)+b(y0+bt)+c=0a(x_0 + at) + b(y_0 + bt) + c = 0Giving t=−ax0+by0+ca2+b2t = -\frac{ax_0 + by_0 + c}{a^2 + b^2}. The distance Is ∣t∣a2+b2=∣ax0+by0+c∣a2+b2|t|\sqrt{a^2 + b^2} = \frac{|ax_0 + by_0 + c|}{\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}}. ■\blacksquare

Example: Find the distance from (3,2)(3, 2) to the line 4x+3y−5=04x + 3y - 5 = 0.

D=∣12+6−5∣16+9=135D = \frac{|12 + 6 - 5|}{\sqrt{16 + 9}} = \frac{13}{5}

A line through point a=(a1,a2,a3)\mathbf{a} = (a_1, a_2, a_3) with direction vector d=(d1,d2,d3)\mathbf{d} = (d_1, d_2, d_3) has parametric equations:

X=a1+td1,y=a2+td2,z=a3+td3X = a_1 + td_1, \quad y = a_2 + td_2, \quad z = a_3 + td_3

In vector form: r=a+td\mathbf{r} = \mathbf{a} + t\mathbf{d}.

Example: Find the equation of the line through (1,2,−1)(1, 2, -1) in the direction (3,−1,4)(3, -1, 4).

r=(12−1)+t(3−14)\mathbf{r} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix} + t\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}

Parametrically: x = 1 + 3t$$y = 2 - t$$z = -1 + 4t.

Two lines in 3D can be:

  • Parallel: direction vectors are scalar multiples
  • Intersecting: there exists a common point (same values of ss and tt satisfy all three coordinate equations simultaneously)
  • Skew: neither parallel nor intersecting

Example: Determine whether the following lines intersect:

L1L_1: r=(1,0,2)+s(2,1,−1)\mathbf{r} = (1, 0, 2) + s(2, 1, -1)

L2L_2: r=(3,1,−1)+t(1,−1,3)\mathbf{r} = (3, 1, -1) + t(1, -1, 3)

Equate coordinates:

1+2s=3+t(1)1 + 2s = 3 + t \quad (1)

s=1−t(2)s = 1 - t \quad (2)

2−s=−1+3t(3)2 - s = -1 + 3t \quad (3)

From (2): s=1−ts = 1 - t. Substitute into (1): 1+2(1−t)=3+t1 + 2(1 - t) = 3 + tSo 3−2t=3+t3 - 2t = 3 + tGiving t=0t = 0, s=1s = 1.

Check (3): 2−1=−1+02 - 1 = -1 + 0I.e., 1=−11 = -1. This is false, so the lines are skew.

The shortest distance from point PP to the line through AA with direction d\mathbf{d} is:

D=∣AP→×d∣∣d∣D = \frac{|\overrightarrow{AP} \times \mathbf{d}|}{|\mathbf{d}|}

Example: Find the perpendicular distance from the point (1,2,3)(1, 2, 3) to the line r=(0,1,−1)+t(2,−1,3)\mathbf{r} = (0, 1, -1) + t(2, -1, 3).

AP→=(1,1,4)\overrightarrow{AP} = (1, 1, 4), d=(2,−1,3)\mathbf{d} = (2, -1, 3).

AP→×d=(1⋅3−4⋅(−1)4⋅2−1⋅31⋅(−1)−1⋅2)=(75−3)\overrightarrow{AP} \times \mathbf{d} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \cdot 3 - 4 \cdot (-1) \\ 4 \cdot 2 - 1 \cdot 3 \\ 1 \cdot (-1) - 1 \cdot 2 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ 5 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix} ∣AP→×d∣=49+25+9=83|\overrightarrow{AP} \times \mathbf{d}| = \sqrt{49 + 25 + 9} = \sqrt{83} ∣d∣=4+1+9=14|\mathbf{d}| = \sqrt{4 + 1 + 9} = \sqrt{14} D=8314=8314≈2.435D = \frac{\sqrt{83}}{\sqrt{14}} = \sqrt{\frac{83}{14}} \approx 2.435

The shortest distance between two skew lines r1=a1+td1\mathbf{r}_1 = \mathbf{a}_1 + t\mathbf{d}_1 and r2=a2+sd2\mathbf{r}_2 = \mathbf{a}_2 + s\mathbf{d}_2 is:

D=∣(a2−a1)⋅(d1×d2)∣∣d1×d2∣D = \frac{|(\mathbf{a}_2 - \mathbf{a}_1) \cdot (\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2)|}{|\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2|}

Example: Find the shortest distance between the skew lines r=(1,0,0)+s(1,2,0)\mathbf{r} = (1, 0, 0) + s(1, 2, 0) And r=(0,0,1)+t(0,1,1)\mathbf{r} = (0, 0, 1) + t(0, 1, 1).

a2−a1=(−1,0,1)\mathbf{a}_2 - \mathbf{a}_1 = (-1, 0, 1).

d1=(1,2,0)\mathbf{d}_1 = (1, 2, 0), d2=(0,1,1)\mathbf{d}_2 = (0, 1, 1).

d1×d2=(2⋅1−0⋅10⋅0−1⋅11⋅1−2⋅0)=(2−11)\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \cdot 1 - 0 \cdot 1 \\ 0 \cdot 0 - 1 \cdot 1 \\ 1 \cdot 1 - 2 \cdot 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} (a2−a1)⋅(d1×d2)=(−1)(2)+0(−1)+1(1)=−1(\mathbf{a}_2 - \mathbf{a}_1) \cdot (\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2) = (-1)(2) + 0(-1) + 1(1) = -1 ∣d1×d2∣=4+1+1=6|\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2| = \sqrt{4 + 1 + 1} = \sqrt{6} D=∣−1∣6=16=66D = \frac{|-1|}{\sqrt{6}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{6}} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{6}

See the examples integrated throughout the sections above.

  1. Degrees vs radians: Always check which units are being used. Calculus requires radians. If a question gives angles in degrees, convert before differentiating or integrating.

  2. Forgetting to check the domain: When solving cos⁡x=−23\cos x = -\dfrac{2}{3}There are two solutions in [0,2π)[0, 2\pi): one in the second quadrant and one in the third quadrant.

  3. Sign errors in the wave function: When writing asin⁡x+bcos⁡x=Rsin⁡(x+α)a\sin x + b\cos x = R\sin(x + \alpha) ensure α\alpha has the correct sign. The quadrant of α\alpha depends on the signs of aa and bb.

  4. Incorrectly completing the square for circles: Remember to add the constant terms to both sides. For x2+y2−6x+4y−12=0x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0You add 9 and 4 to both sides.

  5. Assuming lines in 3D always intersect: Always check all three coordinates when testing for intersection. Even if two coordinates match, the third may not.

  6. Dividing by zero in trig equations: When you factor and divide by cos⁡x\cos x, sin⁡x\sin xOr tan⁡x\tan xYou lose solutions. Always consider the case where the factor equals zero separately.

  7. Using the wrong form of cos⁡2A\cos 2A: All three forms are equivalent, but using the wrong one for the given context makes the algebra much harder.

  8. Confusing the ambiguous case of the sine rule: When sin⁡A=k\sin A = k where 0<k<10 < k < 1There are two possible angles (AA and 180°−A180° - A). Both may or may not be valid in the triangle. Always check the sum of angles.

  9. Forgetting that RR in the wave function is always positive: R=a2+b2R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} is defined as the positive square root. The maximum of asin⁡x+bcos⁡xa\sin x + b\cos x is RR and the minimum is −R-R.


  1. Express 5sin⁡θ−12cos⁡θ5\sin\theta - 12\cos\theta in the form Rsin⁡(θ−α)R\sin(\theta - \alpha) and find its maximum value.

  2. Solve cos⁡2x=1−3sin⁡x\cos 2x = 1 - 3\sin x for 0≤x<2π0 \leq x < 2\pi.

  3. Find the equation of the circle with centre (2,−3)(2, -3) that passes through (5,1)(5, 1).

  4. Find the equation of the tangent to x2+y2+4x−6y+9=0x^2 + y^2 + 4x - 6y + 9 = 0 at the point (−2,3)(-2, 3).

  5. A sector of a circle of radius 6 cm has an area of 24\pi \mathrm{ cm^2. Find the perimeter of the sector.

  6. Prove that sin⁡3θ=3sin⁡θ−4sin⁡3θ\sin 3\theta = 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta.

  7. Determine whether the lines r=(1,2,0)+s(1,−1,2)\mathbf{r} = (1, 2, 0) + s(1, -1, 2) and r=(3,0,4)+t(2,1,−1)\mathbf{r} = (3, 0, 4) + t(2, 1, -1) intersect, are parallel, or are skew.

  8. Find the minimum value of 3cos⁡x+4sin⁡x3\cos x + 4\sin x and the smallest positive value of xx at which it occurs.

  9. Find the perpendicular distance from the point (1,2,3)(1, 2, 3) to the line r=(0,1,−1)+t(2,−1,3)\mathbf{r} = (0, 1, -1) + t(2, -1, 3).

  10. In triangle ABCABC, a=7a = 7, b=9b = 9, B=55∘B = 55^\circ. Find angle AA (there may be two solutions).

  11. Solve 2sin⁡2x+3cos⁡x−3=02\sin^2 x + 3\cos x - 3 = 0 for 0≤x<2π0 \le x \lt 2\pi.

  12. Find the shortest distance between the skew lines r=(1,0,0)+s(1,2,0)\mathbf{r} = (1, 0, 0) + s(1, 2, 0) and r=(0,0,1)+t(0,1,1)\mathbf{r} = (0, 0, 1) + t(0, 1, 1).

  13. Find the angle between the lines r=(0,0,0)+s(1,2,−1)\mathbf{r} = (0, 0, 0) + s(1, 2, -1) and r=(1,1,0)+t(2,−1,3)\mathbf{r} = (1, 1, 0) + t(2, -1, 3).

  14. Find the area of triangle ABCABC given a=10a = 10, b=8b = 8, c=6c = 6.

  15. The line y=mx+7y = mx + 7 is tangent to the circle x2+y2−4x+2y−20=0x^2 + y^2 - 4x + 2y - 20 = 0. Find the possible values of mm.

  16. Express cos⁡4θ\cos 4\theta in terms of cos⁡θ\cos\theta using double angle formulae.

This topic covers the mathematical techniques and concepts related to geometry and trigonometry, including key theorems, methods, and problem-solving approaches.

Key concepts include:

  • sine, cosine, and tangent functions
  • trigonometric identities
  • solving trigonometric equations
  • the sine and cosine rules
  • radian measure and arc length

Regular practice with a variety of question types is essential to build fluency and confidence in applying these mathematical techniques.

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