The three primary trigonometric functions for an angle θ \theta θ 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 θ from the positive x x x -axis has Coordinates ( cos θ , sin θ ) (\cos\theta, \sin\theta) ( cos θ , sin θ ) . This definition extends the trig functions to all real Angles, not just those in [ 0 , π / 2 ] [0, \pi/2] [ 0 , π /2 ] .
Key Identity:
sin 2 θ + cos 2 θ = 1 \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 sin 2 θ + cos 2 θ = 1 Proof (geometric). In the unit circle, a point at angle θ \theta θ has coordinates ( cos θ , sin θ ) (\cos\theta, \sin\theta) ( cos θ , sin θ ) . By the Pythagorean theorem, the distance from the origin is cos 2 θ + sin 2 θ = 1 \sqrt{\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta} = 1 cos 2 θ + sin 2 θ = 1 So cos 2 θ + sin 2 θ = 1 \cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta = 1 cos 2 θ + sin 2 θ = 1 .
Dividing through by cos 2 θ \cos^2\theta cos 2 θ :
1 + tan 2 θ = sec 2 θ 1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta 1 + tan 2 θ = sec 2 θ Dividing through by sin 2 θ \sin^2\theta sin 2 θ :
1 + cot 2 θ = cosec 2 θ 1 + \cot^2\theta = \cosec^2\theta 1 + cot 2 θ = cosec 2 θ Angles can be measured in radians. One full revolution is 2 π 2\pi 2 π radians.
\pi \mathrm{ radians = 180° Why radians? In calculus, the derivative formula d d x [ sin x ] = cos x \frac{d}{dx}[\sin x] = \cos x d x d [ sin x ] = cos x holds only when x x x is in radians. If x x x is in degrees, you get an extra factor of π 180 \frac{\pi}{180} 180 π . Radians arise because the arc length subtended by angle θ \theta θ on a unit circle is exactly θ \theta θ .
Arc Length:
S = r θ S = r\theta S = r θ Where s s s is arc length, r r r is radius, and θ \theta θ is in radians.
Sector Area:
A = 1 2 r 2 θ A = \frac{1}{2}r^2\theta A = 2 1 r 2 θ Segment Area:
A = 1 2 r 2 ( θ − sin θ ) A = \frac{1}{2}r^2(\theta - \sin\theta) A = 2 1 r 2 ( θ − sin θ ) Example: Find the length of the arc and the area of the sector for a circle of radius 8 cm with An angle of 5 π 6 \dfrac{5\pi}{6} 6 5 π 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.
1 2 × 36 × θ = 24 π ⟹ θ = 48 π 36 = 4 π 3 \frac{1}{2} \times 36 \times \theta = 24\pi \implies \theta = \frac{48\pi}{36} = \frac{4\pi}{3} 2 1 × 36 × θ = 24 π ⟹ θ = 36 48 π = 3 4 π 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 A cos B ± cos A sin B \sin(A \pm B) = \sin A \cos B \pm \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 \pm B) = \cos A \cos B \mp \sin A \sin B cos ( A ± B ) = cos A cos B ∓ sin A sin B tan ( A ± B ) = tan A ± tan B 1 ∓ tan A tan B \tan(A \pm B) = \frac{\tan A \pm \tan B}{1 \mp \tan A \tan B} tan ( A ± B ) = 1 ∓ tan A tan B tan A ± tan B Proof of cos ( A + B ) \cos(A + B) cos ( A + B ) . Consider two points on the unit circle: P P P at angle A A A with Coordinates ( cos A , sin A ) (\cos A, \sin A) ( cos A , sin A ) And Q Q Q at angle − ( A + B ) -(A+B) − ( A + B ) with coordinates ( cos ( A + B ) , − sin ( A + B ) ) (\cos(A+B), -\sin(A+B)) ( cos ( A + B ) , − sin ( A + B )) . Rotating the entire figure by angle A A A maps P P P to ( 1 , 0 ) (1, 0) ( 1 , 0 ) and Q Q Q to The point at angle − B -B − B Namely ( cos B , − sin B ) (\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 [ cos ( A + B ) − cos A ] 2 + [ − sin ( A + B ) − sin A ] 2 = ( cos B − 1 ) 2 + ( − sin B ) 2 Expanding and simplifying using cos 2 A + sin 2 A = 1 \cos^2 A + \sin^2 A = 1 cos 2 A + sin 2 A = 1 yields cos ( A + B ) = cos A cos B − sin 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 .
Double Angle Formulae:
sin 2 A = 2 sin A cos A \sin 2A = 2\sin A \cos A sin 2 A = 2 sin A cos A cos 2 A = cos 2 A − sin 2 A = 2 cos 2 A − 1 = 1 − 2 sin 2 A \cos 2A = \cos^2 A - \sin^2 A = 2\cos^2 A - 1 = 1 - 2\sin^2 A cos 2 A = cos 2 A − sin 2 A = 2 cos 2 A − 1 = 1 − 2 sin 2 A tan 2 A = 2 tan A 1 − tan 2 A \tan 2A = \frac{2\tan A}{1 - \tan^2 A} tan 2 A = 1 − tan 2 A 2 tan A The three forms of cos 2 A \cos 2A cos 2 A are all useful in different contexts. Use cos 2 A = 2 cos 2 A − 1 \cos 2A = 2\cos^2 A - 1 cos 2 A = 2 cos 2 A − 1 When everything is in terms of cos \cos cos And cos 2 A = 1 − 2 sin 2 A \cos 2A = 1 - 2\sin^2 A cos 2 A = 1 − 2 sin 2 A when everything is in terms of sin \sin sin .
Proof that sin 2 A = 2 sin A cos A \sin 2A = 2\sin A \cos A sin 2 A = 2 sin A cos A .
sin 2 A = sin ( A + A ) = sin A cos A + cos A sin A = 2 sin A cos A \sin 2A = \sin(A + A) = \sin A \cos A + \cos A \sin A = 2\sin A \cos A sin 2 A = sin ( A + A ) = sin A cos A + cos A sin A = 2 sin A cos A ■ \blacksquare ■
Example: Express cos 3 θ \cos 3\theta cos 3 θ in terms of cos θ \cos\theta cos θ .
cos 3 θ = cos ( 2 θ + θ ) \cos 3\theta = \cos(2\theta + \theta) cos 3 θ = cos ( 2 θ + θ ) = cos 2 θ cos θ − sin 2 θ sin θ = \cos 2\theta \cos\theta - \sin 2\theta \sin\theta = cos 2 θ cos θ − sin 2 θ sin θ = ( 2 cos 2 θ − 1 ) cos θ − 2 sin θ cos θ sin θ = (2\cos^2\theta - 1)\cos\theta - 2\sin\theta \cos\theta \sin\theta = ( 2 cos 2 θ − 1 ) cos θ − 2 sin θ cos θ sin θ = 2 cos 3 θ − cos θ − 2 sin 2 θ cos θ = 2\cos^3\theta - \cos\theta - 2\sin^2\theta \cos\theta = 2 cos 3 θ − cos θ − 2 sin 2 θ cos θ = 2 cos 3 θ − cos θ − 2 ( 1 − cos 2 θ ) cos θ = 2\cos^3\theta - \cos\theta - 2(1 - \cos^2\theta)\cos\theta = 2 cos 3 θ − cos θ − 2 ( 1 − cos 2 θ ) cos θ = 2 cos 3 θ − cos θ − 2 cos θ + 2 cos 3 θ = 2\cos^3\theta - \cos\theta - 2\cos\theta + 2\cos^3\theta = 2 cos 3 θ − cos θ − 2 cos θ + 2 cos 3 θ = 4 cos 3 θ − 3 cos θ = 4\cos^3\theta - 3\cos\theta = 4 cos 3 θ − 3 cos θ Example: Prove that sin 3 θ = 3 sin θ − 4 sin 3 θ \sin 3\theta = 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta sin 3 θ = 3 sin θ − 4 sin 3 θ .
sin 3 θ = sin ( 2 θ + θ ) = sin 2 θ cos θ + cos 2 θ sin θ \sin 3\theta = \sin(2\theta + \theta) = \sin 2\theta \cos\theta + \cos 2\theta \sin\theta sin 3 θ = sin ( 2 θ + θ ) = sin 2 θ cos θ + cos 2 θ sin θ = 2 sin θ cos 2 θ + ( 1 − 2 sin 2 θ ) sin θ = 2\sin\theta \cos^2\theta + (1 - 2\sin^2\theta)\sin\theta = 2 sin θ cos 2 θ + ( 1 − 2 sin 2 θ ) sin θ = 2 sin θ ( 1 − sin 2 θ ) + sin θ − 2 sin 3 θ = 2\sin\theta(1 - \sin^2\theta) + \sin\theta - 2\sin^3\theta = 2 sin θ ( 1 − sin 2 θ ) + sin θ − 2 sin 3 θ = 2 sin θ − 2 sin 3 θ + sin θ − 2 sin 3 θ = 2\sin\theta - 2\sin^3\theta + \sin\theta - 2\sin^3\theta = 2 sin θ − 2 sin 3 θ + sin θ − 2 sin 3 θ = 3 sin θ − 4 sin 3 θ = 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta = 3 sin θ − 4 sin 3 θ ■ \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 cos x loses the solutions where cos x = 0 \cos x = 0 cos x = 0 .
Example: Solve sin 2 x = cos x \sin 2x = \cos x sin 2 x = cos x for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \leq x < 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
2 sin x cos x = cos x 2\sin x \cos x = \cos x 2 sin x cos x = cos x 2 sin x cos x − cos x = 0 2\sin x \cos x - \cos x = 0 2 sin x cos x − cos x = 0 cos x ( 2 sin x − 1 ) = 0 \cos x(2\sin x - 1) = 0 cos x ( 2 sin x − 1 ) = 0 Either cos x = 0 \cos x = 0 cos x = 0 or sin x = 1 2 \sin x = \dfrac{1}{2} sin x = 2 1 .
cos x = 0 \cos x = 0 cos x = 0 : x = π 2 , 3 π 2 x = \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} x = 2 π , 2 3 π .
sin x = 1 2 \sin x = \dfrac{1}{2} sin x = 2 1 : x = π 6 , 5 π 6 x = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} x = 6 π , 6 5 π .
Solutions: x = π 6 , π 2 , 5 π 6 , 3 π 2 x = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} x = 6 π , 2 π , 6 5 π , 2 3 π .
Example: Solve 3 cos 2 x − cos x − 2 = 0 3\cos^2 x - \cos x - 2 = 0 3 cos 2 x − cos x − 2 = 0 for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \leq x < 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
Let u = cos x u = \cos x u = cos x . Then 3 u 2 − u − 2 = 0 3u^2 - u - 2 = 0 3 u 2 − u − 2 = 0 .
( 3 u + 2 ) ( u − 1 ) = 0 (3u + 2)(u - 1) = 0 ( 3 u + 2 ) ( u − 1 ) = 0
u = − 2 3 u = -\dfrac{2}{3} u = − 3 2 or u = 1 u = 1 u = 1 .
cos x = 1 \cos x = 1 cos x = 1 : x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 .
cos x = − 2 3 \cos x = -\dfrac{2}{3} cos x = − 3 2 : x = arccos ( − 2 3 ) ≈ 2.301 x = \arccos\left(-\dfrac{2}{3}\right) \approx 2.301 x = arccos ( − 3 2 ) ≈ 2.301 or x = 2 π − 2.301 ≈ 3.982 x = 2\pi - 2.301 \approx 3.982 x = 2 π − 2.301 ≈ 3.982 .
Example: Solve cos 2 x = 1 − 3 sin x \cos 2x = 1 - 3\sin x cos 2 x = 1 − 3 sin x for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \leq x < 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
Use cos 2 x = 1 − 2 sin 2 x \cos 2x = 1 - 2\sin^2 x cos 2 x = 1 − 2 sin 2 x :
1 − 2 sin 2 x = 1 − 3 sin x 1 - 2\sin^2 x = 1 - 3\sin x 1 − 2 sin 2 x = 1 − 3 sin x 2 sin 2 x − 3 sin x = 0 2\sin^2 x - 3\sin x = 0 2 sin 2 x − 3 sin x = 0 sin x ( 2 sin x − 3 ) = 0 \sin x(2\sin x - 3) = 0 sin x ( 2 sin x − 3 ) = 0 sin x = 0 \sin x = 0 sin x = 0 : x = 0 , π x = 0, \pi x = 0 , π .
2 sin x − 3 = 0 2\sin x - 3 = 0 2 sin x − 3 = 0 : sin x = 1.5 \sin x = 1.5 sin x = 1.5 Which has no solution since ∣ sin x ∣ ≤ 1 |\sin x| \le 1 ∣ sin x ∣ ≤ 1 .
Solutions: x = 0 , π x = 0, \pi x = 0 , π .
Example: Solve 2 sin 2 x + 3 cos x − 3 = 0 2\sin^2 x + 3\cos x - 3 = 0 2 sin 2 x + 3 cos x − 3 = 0 for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \le x \lt 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
Use sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x \sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x :
2 ( 1 − cos 2 x ) + 3 cos x − 3 = 0 2(1 - \cos^2 x) + 3\cos x - 3 = 0 2 ( 1 − cos 2 x ) + 3 cos x − 3 = 0 − 2 cos 2 x + 3 cos x − 1 = 0 -2\cos^2 x + 3\cos x - 1 = 0 − 2 cos 2 x + 3 cos x − 1 = 0 2 cos 2 x − 3 cos x + 1 = 0 2\cos^2 x - 3\cos x + 1 = 0 2 cos 2 x − 3 cos x + 1 = 0 ( 2 cos x − 1 ) ( cos x − 1 ) = 0 (2\cos x - 1)(\cos x - 1) = 0 ( 2 cos x − 1 ) ( cos x − 1 ) = 0
cos x = 1 2 \cos x = \frac{1}{2} cos x = 2 1 : x = π 3 , 5 π 3 x = \frac{\pi}{3}, \frac{5\pi}{3} x = 3 π , 3 5 π .
cos x = 1 \cos x = 1 cos x = 1 : x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 .
Solutions: x = 0 , π 3 , 5 π 3 x = 0, \frac{\pi}{3}, \frac{5\pi}{3} x = 0 , 3 π , 3 5 π .
Sine Rule:
a sin A = b sin B = c sin C = 2 R \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} = 2R sin A a = sin B b = sin C c = 2 R Where R R R 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:
A 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2 b c cos A A^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc\cos A A 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2 b c 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 = 1 2 a b sin C A = \frac{1}{2}ab\sin C A = 2 1 ab sin C Example: In triangle A B C ABC A B C , a = 8 a = 8 a = 8 , b = 5 b = 5 b = 5 , C = 60 ∘ C = 60^\circ C = 6 0 ∘ . Find c c c .
C 2 = 64 + 25 − 2 ( 8 ) ( 5 ) cos 60 ° = 89 − 40 = 49 C^2 = 64 + 25 - 2(8)(5)\cos 60° = 89 - 40 = 49 C 2 = 64 + 25 − 2 ( 8 ) ( 5 ) cos 60° = 89 − 40 = 49 c = 7 c = 7 c = 7 .
Example: In triangle A B C ABC A B C , a = 7 a = 7 a = 7 , b = 9 b = 9 b = 9 , B = 55 ∘ B = 55^\circ B = 5 5 ∘ . Find angle A A A .
By the sine rule:
sin A 7 = sin 55 ° 9 \frac{\sin A}{7} = \frac{\sin 55°}{9} 7 sin A = 9 sin 55° sin A = 7 sin 55 ° 9 ≈ 7 × 0.8192 9 ≈ 0.6372 \sin A = \frac{7\sin 55°}{9} \approx \frac{7 \times 0.8192}{9} \approx 0.6372 sin A = 9 7 sin 55° ≈ 9 7 × 0.8192 ≈ 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 A + B = 39.6° + 55° = 94.6° < 18 0 ∘ and A + B = 140.4 ° + 55 ° = 195.4 ° > 180 ∘ A + B = 140.4° + 55° = 195.4° > 180^\circ A + B = 140.4° + 55° = 195.4° > 18 0 ∘ . Only A ≈ 39.6 ∘ A \approx 39.6^\circ A ≈ 39. 6 ∘ is valid (since the sum of angles Must be less than 180 ∘ 180^\circ 18 0 ∘ ).
An expression of the form a sin x + b cos x a\sin x + b\cos x a sin x + b cos x can be written as R sin ( x + α ) R\sin(x + \alpha) R sin ( x + α ) or R cos ( x − α ) R\cos(x - \alpha) R cos ( x − α ) Where:
R = a 2 + b 2 , α = arctan ( b a ) R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}, \quad \alpha = \arctan\left(\frac{b}{a}\right) R = a 2 + b 2 , α = arctan ( a b ) Derivation. We want a sin x + b cos x = R sin ( x + α ) = R sin x cos α + R cos x sin α a\sin x + b\cos x = R\sin(x + \alpha) = R\sin x \cos\alpha + R\cos x \sin\alpha a sin x + b cos x = R sin ( x + α ) = R sin x cos α + R cos x sin α . Matching Coefficients: R cos α = a R\cos\alpha = a R cos α = a and R sin α = b R\sin\alpha = b R sin α = b . Squaring and adding: R 2 = a 2 + b 2 R^2 = a^2 + b^2 R 2 = a 2 + b 2 So R = a 2 + b 2 R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} R = a 2 + b 2 . Dividing: tan α = b / a \tan\alpha = b/a tan α = b / a .
Applications: The maximum value is R R R and the minimum is − R -R − R .
Example: Express 3 sin x + 4 cos x 3\sin x + 4\cos x 3 sin x + 4 cos x in the form R sin ( x + α ) R\sin(x + \alpha) R sin ( x + α ) .
R = 9 + 16 = 5 R = \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5 R = 9 + 16 = 5
α = arctan ( 4 3 ) \alpha = \arctan\left(\frac{4}{3}\right) α = arctan ( 3 4 ) 3 sin x + 4 cos x = 5 sin ( x + arctan ( 4 3 ) ) 3\sin x + 4\cos x = 5\sin\left(x + \arctan\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\right) 3 sin x + 4 cos x = 5 sin ( x + arctan ( 3 4 ) ) Maximum value is 5 5 5 Occurring when sin ( x + α ) = 1 \sin(x + \alpha) = 1 sin ( x + α ) = 1 .
Example: Find the maximum value of 2 sin θ − 3 cos θ 2\sin\theta - \sqrt{3}\cos\theta 2 sin θ − 3 cos θ and the smallest positive Value of θ \theta θ at which it occurs.
R = 4 + 3 = 7 R = \sqrt{4 + 3} = \sqrt{7} R = 4 + 3 = 7 2 sin θ − 3 cos θ = 7 sin ( θ + α ) 2\sin\theta - \sqrt{3}\cos\theta = \sqrt{7}\sin(\theta + \alpha) 2 sin θ − 3 cos θ = 7 sin ( θ + α ) Where tan α = − 3 2 \tan\alpha = \dfrac{-\sqrt{3}}{2} tan α = 2 − 3 So \alpha = -\arctan\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \approx -0.714 \mathrm{ rad .
Maximum value is 7 \sqrt{7} 7 Occurring when sin ( θ + α ) = 1 \sin(\theta + \alpha) = 1 sin ( θ + α ) = 1 I.e., θ + α = π 2 \theta + \alpha = \dfrac{\pi}{2} θ + α = 2 π So \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} + \arctan\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \approx 2.285 \mathrm{ rad .
Example: Express 5 sin θ − 12 cos θ 5\sin\theta - 12\cos\theta 5 sin θ − 12 cos θ in the form R sin ( θ − α ) R\sin(\theta - \alpha) R sin ( θ − α ) and find its Maximum value.
R = 25 + 144 = 169 = 13 R = \sqrt{25 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13 R = 25 + 144 = 169 = 13 5 sin θ − 12 cos θ = 13 sin ( θ − α ) 5\sin\theta - 12\cos\theta = 13\sin(\theta - \alpha) 5 sin θ − 12 cos θ = 13 sin ( θ − α ) Where tan α = 12 5 \tan\alpha = \dfrac{12}{5} tan α = 5 12 So α = arctan ( 12 5 ) \alpha = \arctan\!\left(\dfrac{12}{5}\right) α = arctan ( 5 12 ) .
Maximum value is 13 13 13 .
The wave function technique is especially powerful for solving equations of the form a sin x + b cos x = c a\sin x + b\cos x = c a sin x + b cos x = c .
Example: Solve 3 sin x + 4 cos x = 5 3\sin x + 4\cos x = 5 3 sin x + 4 cos x = 5 for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \le x \lt 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
Since R = 5 R = 5 R = 5 We have 5 sin ( x + α ) = 5 5\sin(x + \alpha) = 5 5 sin ( x + α ) = 5 So sin ( x + α ) = 1 \sin(x + \alpha) = 1 sin ( x + α ) = 1 .
X + α = π 2 + 2 k π X + \alpha = \frac{\pi}{2} + 2k\pi X + α = 2 π + 2 k π X = π 2 − α + 2 k π = π 2 − arctan 4 3 + 2 k π X = \frac{\pi}{2} - \alpha + 2k\pi = \frac{\pi}{2} - \arctan\frac{4}{3} + 2k\pi X = 2 π − α + 2 k π = 2 π − arctan 3 4 + 2 k π For k = 0 k = 0 k = 0 : x ≈ 1.571 − 0.927 = 0.644 x \approx 1.571 - 0.927 = 0.644 x ≈ 1.571 − 0.927 = 0.644 rad. For k = 1 k = 1 k = 1 : x ≈ 0.644 + 2 π ≈ 6.927 x \approx 0.644 + 2\pi \approx 6.927 x ≈ 0.644 + 2 π ≈ 6.927 (outside range).
There is exactly one solution in [ 0 , 2 π ) [0, 2\pi) [ 0 , 2 π ) .
Note that if ∣ c ∣ > R = a 2 + b 2 |c| > R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} ∣ c ∣ > R = a 2 + b 2 The equation has no real solutions, because the maximum Of a sin x + b cos x a\sin x + b\cos x a sin x + b cos x is R R R .
The equation of a straight line passing through ( x 1 , y 1 ) (x_1, y_1) ( x 1 , y 1 ) with gradient m m m :
Y − y 1 = m ( x − x 1 ) Y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Y − y 1 = m ( x − x 1 ) Gradient between two points:
M = y 2 − y 1 x 2 − x 1 M = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} M = x 2 − x 1 y 2 − y 1 Example: Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining A ( 2 , 5 ) A(2, 5) A ( 2 , 5 ) And B ( 8 , 3 ) B(8, 3) B ( 8 , 3 ) .
Midpoint: M = ( 2 + 8 2 , 5 + 3 2 ) = ( 5 , 4 ) M = \left(\dfrac{2 + 8}{2}, \dfrac{5 + 3}{2}\right) = (5, 4) M = ( 2 2 + 8 , 2 5 + 3 ) = ( 5 , 4 ) .
Gradient of AB: m A B = 3 − 5 8 − 2 = − 1 3 m_{AB} = \dfrac{3 - 5}{8 - 2} = -\dfrac{1}{3} m A B = 8 − 2 3 − 5 = − 3 1 .
Gradient of perpendicular bisector: m = 3 m = 3 m = 3 .
Equation: y − 4 = 3 ( x − 5 ) y - 4 = 3(x - 5) y − 4 = 3 ( x − 5 ) I.e., y = 3 x − 11 y = 3x - 11 y = 3 x − 11 .
The general equation of a circle with centre ( a , b ) (a, b) ( a , b ) and radius r r r :
( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b ) 2 = r 2 (x - a)^2 + (y - b)^2 = r^2 ( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b ) 2 = r 2 Expanded form: x 2 + y 2 − 2 a x − 2 b y + ( a 2 + b 2 − r 2 ) = 0 x^2 + y^2 - 2ax - 2by + (a^2 + b^2 - r^2) = 0 x 2 + y 2 − 2 a x − 2 b y + ( a 2 + b 2 − r 2 ) = 0 .
Given the expanded form x 2 + y 2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 x^2 + y^2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 x 2 + y 2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 The centre is ( − g , − f ) (-g, -f) ( − g , − f ) and the radius is g 2 + f 2 − c \sqrt{g^2 + f^2 - c} g 2 + f 2 − c (provided g 2 + f 2 − c > 0 g^2 + f^2 - c > 0 g 2 + f 2 − c > 0 ).
Example: Find the centre and radius of the circle x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 = 0 x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0 x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 = 0 .
Complete the square:
( x 2 − 6 x + 9 ) + ( y 2 + 4 y + 4 ) = 12 + 9 + 4 (x^2 - 6x + 9) + (y^2 + 4y + 4) = 12 + 9 + 4 ( x 2 − 6 x + 9 ) + ( y 2 + 4 y + 4 ) = 12 + 9 + 4
( x − 3 ) 2 + ( y + 2 ) 2 = 25 (x - 3)^2 + (y + 2)^2 = 25 ( x − 3 ) 2 + ( y + 2 ) 2 = 25
Centre ( 3 , − 2 ) (3, -2) ( 3 , − 2 ) Radius 5 5 5 .
Example: Find the equation of the circle with centre ( 2 , − 3 ) (2, -3) ( 2 , − 3 ) that passes through ( 5 , 1 ) (5, 1) ( 5 , 1 ) .
R 2 = ( 5 − 2 ) 2 + ( 1 + 3 ) 2 = 9 + 16 = 25 R^2 = (5 - 2)^2 + (1 + 3)^2 = 9 + 16 = 25 R 2 = ( 5 − 2 ) 2 + ( 1 + 3 ) 2 = 9 + 16 = 25 ( x − 2 ) 2 + ( y + 3 ) 2 = 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 x 2 + y 2 = r 2 x^2 + y^2 = r^2 x 2 + y 2 = r 2 at point ( x 1 , y 1 ) (x_1, y_1) ( x 1 , y 1 ) on the circle is:
X 1 x + y 1 y = r 2 X_1 x + y_1 y = r^2 X 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 ( x − 2 ) 2 + ( y + 1 ) 2 = 25 at the point ( 5 , 3 ) (5, 3) ( 5 , 3 ) .
Verify ( 5 , 3 ) (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 ( 5 − 2 ) 2 + ( 3 + 1 ) 2 = 9 + 16 = 25 . Confirmed.
Gradient of radius from ( 2 , − 1 ) (2, -1) ( 2 , − 1 ) to ( 5 , 3 ) (5, 3) ( 5 , 3 ) : m r = 3 − ( − 1 ) 5 − 2 = 4 3 m_r = \dfrac{3 - (-1)}{5 - 2} = \dfrac{4}{3} m r = 5 − 2 3 − ( − 1 ) = 3 4 .
Gradient of tangent: m t = − 3 4 m_t = -\dfrac{3}{4} m t = − 4 3 .
Equation: y − 3 = − 3 4 ( x − 5 ) y - 3 = -\dfrac{3}{4}(x - 5) y − 3 = − 4 3 ( x − 5 ) I.e., 4 y − 12 = − 3 x + 15 4y - 12 = -3x + 15 4 y − 12 = − 3 x + 15 Or 3 x + 4 y − 27 = 0 3x + 4y - 27 = 0 3 x + 4 y − 27 = 0 .
Example: Find the equation of the tangent to x 2 + y 2 + 4 x − 6 y + 9 = 0 x^2 + y^2 + 4x - 6y + 9 = 0 x 2 + y 2 + 4 x − 6 y + 9 = 0 at the point ( − 2 , 3 ) (-2, 3) ( − 2 , 3 ) .
Complete the square: ( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y − 3 ) 2 = 4 (x + 2)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 4 ( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y − 3 ) 2 = 4 . Centre ( − 2 , 3 ) (-2, 3) ( − 2 , 3 ) Radius 2 2 2 .
Since ( − 2 , 3 ) (-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 ( − 2 + 2 ) 2 + ( 3 − 3 ) 2 = 0 = 4 . The point ( − 2 , 3 ) (-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 Δ > 0 : two intersection points (secant)Δ = 0 \Delta = 0 Δ = 0 : one intersection point (tangent)Δ < 0 \Delta < 0 Δ < 0 : no intersection pointsExample: Find where the line y = 2 x + 1 y = 2x + 1 y = 2 x + 1 intersects the circle x 2 + y 2 = 10 x^2 + y^2 = 10 x 2 + y 2 = 10 .
X 2 + ( 2 x + 1 ) 2 = 10 X^2 + (2x + 1)^2 = 10 X 2 + ( 2 x + 1 ) 2 = 10 X 2 + 4 x 2 + 4 x + 1 = 10 X^2 + 4x^2 + 4x + 1 = 10 X 2 + 4 x 2 + 4 x + 1 = 10 5 x 2 + 4 x − 9 = 0 5x^2 + 4x - 9 = 0 5 x 2 + 4 x − 9 = 0 ( 5 x + 9 ) ( x − 1 ) = 0 (5x + 9)(x - 1) = 0 ( 5 x + 9 ) ( x − 1 ) = 0
x = -\frac{9}{5} \mathrm{ or x = 1
When x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 : y = 3 y = 3 y = 3 . When x = − 9 5 x = -\dfrac{9}{5} x = − 5 9 : y = − 13 5 y = -\dfrac{13}{5} y = − 5 13 .
Points of intersection: ( 1 , 3 ) (1, 3) ( 1 , 3 ) and ( − 9 5 , − 13 5 ) \left(-\dfrac{9}{5}, -\dfrac{13}{5}\right) ( − 5 9 , − 5 13 ) .
The perpendicular distance from ( x 0 , y 0 ) (x_0, y_0) ( x 0 , y 0 ) to the line a x + b y + c = 0 ax + by + c = 0 a x + b y + c = 0 is:
D = ∣ a x 0 + b y 0 + c ∣ a 2 + b 2 D = \frac{|ax_0 + by_0 + c|}{\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}} D = a 2 + b 2 ∣ a x 0 + b y 0 + c ∣ Proof. Let P = ( x 0 , y 0 ) P = (x_0, y_0) P = ( x 0 , y 0 ) and let Q Q Q be the foot of the perpendicular from P P P to the line. The line through P P P perpendicular to a x + b y + c = 0 ax + by + c = 0 a x + b y + c = 0 has direction ( a , b ) (a, b) ( a , b ) So its parametric Form is ( x 0 + a t , y 0 + b t ) (x_0 + at, y_0 + bt) ( x 0 + a t , y 0 + b t ) . Substituting into the line equation: a ( x 0 + a t ) + b ( y 0 + b t ) + c = 0 a(x_0 + at) + b(y_0 + bt) + c = 0 a ( x 0 + a t ) + b ( y 0 + b t ) + c = 0 Giving t = − a x 0 + b y 0 + c a 2 + b 2 t = -\frac{ax_0 + by_0 + c}{a^2 + b^2} t = − a 2 + b 2 a x 0 + b y 0 + c . The distance Is ∣ t ∣ a 2 + b 2 = ∣ a x 0 + b y 0 + c ∣ a 2 + b 2 |t|\sqrt{a^2 + b^2} = \frac{|ax_0 + by_0 + c|}{\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}} ∣ t ∣ a 2 + b 2 = a 2 + b 2 ∣ a x 0 + b y 0 + c ∣ . ■ \blacksquare ■
Example: Find the distance from ( 3 , 2 ) (3, 2) ( 3 , 2 ) to the line 4 x + 3 y − 5 = 0 4x + 3y - 5 = 0 4 x + 3 y − 5 = 0 .
D = ∣ 12 + 6 − 5 ∣ 16 + 9 = 13 5 D = \frac{|12 + 6 - 5|}{\sqrt{16 + 9}} = \frac{13}{5} D = 16 + 9 ∣12 + 6 − 5∣ = 5 13 A line through point a = ( a 1 , a 2 , a 3 ) \mathbf{a} = (a_1, a_2, a_3) a = ( a 1 , a 2 , a 3 ) with direction vector d = ( d 1 , d 2 , d 3 ) \mathbf{d} = (d_1, d_2, d_3) d = ( d 1 , d 2 , d 3 ) has parametric equations:
X = a 1 + t d 1 , y = a 2 + t d 2 , z = a 3 + t d 3 X = a_1 + td_1, \quad y = a_2 + td_2, \quad z = a_3 + td_3 X = a 1 + t d 1 , y = a 2 + t d 2 , z = a 3 + t d 3 In vector form: r = a + t d \mathbf{r} = \mathbf{a} + t\mathbf{d} r = a + t d .
Example: Find the equation of the line through ( 1 , 2 , − 1 ) (1, 2, -1) ( 1 , 2 , − 1 ) in the direction ( 3 , − 1 , 4 ) (3, -1, 4) ( 3 , − 1 , 4 ) .
r = ( 1 2 − 1 ) + t ( 3 − 1 4 ) \mathbf{r} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix} + t\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} r = 1 2 − 1 + t 3 − 1 4 Parametrically: x = 1 + 3t$$y = 2 - t$$z = -1 + 4t .
Two lines in 3D can be:
Parallel : direction vectors are scalar multiplesIntersecting : there exists a common point (same values of s s s and t t t satisfy all three coordinate equations simultaneously)Skew : neither parallel nor intersectingExample: Determine whether the following lines intersect:
L 1 L_1 L 1 : r = ( 1 , 0 , 2 ) + s ( 2 , 1 , − 1 ) \mathbf{r} = (1, 0, 2) + s(2, 1, -1) r = ( 1 , 0 , 2 ) + s ( 2 , 1 , − 1 )
L 2 L_2 L 2 : r = ( 3 , 1 , − 1 ) + t ( 1 , − 1 , 3 ) \mathbf{r} = (3, 1, -1) + t(1, -1, 3) r = ( 3 , 1 , − 1 ) + t ( 1 , − 1 , 3 )
Equate coordinates:
1 + 2 s = 3 + t ( 1 ) 1 + 2s = 3 + t \quad (1) 1 + 2 s = 3 + t ( 1 )
s = 1 − t ( 2 ) s = 1 - t \quad (2) s = 1 − t ( 2 )
2 − s = − 1 + 3 t ( 3 ) 2 - s = -1 + 3t \quad (3) 2 − s = − 1 + 3 t ( 3 )
From (2): s = 1 − t s = 1 - t s = 1 − t . Substitute into (1): 1 + 2 ( 1 − t ) = 3 + t 1 + 2(1 - t) = 3 + t 1 + 2 ( 1 − t ) = 3 + t So 3 − 2 t = 3 + t 3 - 2t = 3 + t 3 − 2 t = 3 + t Giving t = 0 t = 0 t = 0 , s = 1 s = 1 s = 1 .
Check (3): 2 − 1 = − 1 + 0 2 - 1 = -1 + 0 2 − 1 = − 1 + 0 I.e., 1 = − 1 1 = -1 1 = − 1 . This is false, so the lines are skew .
The shortest distance from point P P P to the line through A A A with direction d \mathbf{d} d is:
D = ∣ A P → × d ∣ ∣ d ∣ D = \frac{|\overrightarrow{AP} \times \mathbf{d}|}{|\mathbf{d}|} D = ∣ d ∣ ∣ A P × d ∣ Example: Find the perpendicular distance from the point ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) (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) r = ( 0 , 1 , − 1 ) + t ( 2 , − 1 , 3 ) .
A P → = ( 1 , 1 , 4 ) \overrightarrow{AP} = (1, 1, 4) A P = ( 1 , 1 , 4 ) , d = ( 2 , − 1 , 3 ) \mathbf{d} = (2, -1, 3) d = ( 2 , − 1 , 3 ) .
A P → × d = ( 1 ⋅ 3 − 4 ⋅ ( − 1 ) 4 ⋅ 2 − 1 ⋅ 3 1 ⋅ ( − 1 ) − 1 ⋅ 2 ) = ( 7 5 − 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} A P × d = 1 ⋅ 3 − 4 ⋅ ( − 1 ) 4 ⋅ 2 − 1 ⋅ 3 1 ⋅ ( − 1 ) − 1 ⋅ 2 = 7 5 − 3 ∣ A P → × d ∣ = 49 + 25 + 9 = 83 |\overrightarrow{AP} \times \mathbf{d}| = \sqrt{49 + 25 + 9} = \sqrt{83} ∣ A P × d ∣ = 49 + 25 + 9 = 83 ∣ d ∣ = 4 + 1 + 9 = 14 |\mathbf{d}| = \sqrt{4 + 1 + 9} = \sqrt{14} ∣ d ∣ = 4 + 1 + 9 = 14 D = 83 14 = 83 14 ≈ 2.435 D = \frac{\sqrt{83}}{\sqrt{14}} = \sqrt{\frac{83}{14}} \approx 2.435 D = 14 83 = 14 83 ≈ 2.435 The shortest distance between two skew lines r 1 = a 1 + t d 1 \mathbf{r}_1 = \mathbf{a}_1 + t\mathbf{d}_1 r 1 = a 1 + t d 1 and r 2 = a 2 + s d 2 \mathbf{r}_2 = \mathbf{a}_2 + s\mathbf{d}_2 r 2 = a 2 + s d 2 is:
D = ∣ ( a 2 − a 1 ) ⋅ ( d 1 × d 2 ) ∣ ∣ d 1 × d 2 ∣ D = \frac{|(\mathbf{a}_2 - \mathbf{a}_1) \cdot (\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2)|}{|\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2|} D = ∣ d 1 × d 2 ∣ ∣ ( a 2 − a 1 ) ⋅ ( d 1 × 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) 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) r = ( 0 , 0 , 1 ) + t ( 0 , 1 , 1 ) .
a 2 − a 1 = ( − 1 , 0 , 1 ) \mathbf{a}_2 - \mathbf{a}_1 = (-1, 0, 1) a 2 − a 1 = ( − 1 , 0 , 1 ) .
d 1 = ( 1 , 2 , 0 ) \mathbf{d}_1 = (1, 2, 0) d 1 = ( 1 , 2 , 0 ) , d 2 = ( 0 , 1 , 1 ) \mathbf{d}_2 = (0, 1, 1) d 2 = ( 0 , 1 , 1 ) .
d 1 × d 2 = ( 2 ⋅ 1 − 0 ⋅ 1 0 ⋅ 0 − 1 ⋅ 1 1 ⋅ 1 − 2 ⋅ 0 ) = ( 2 − 1 1 ) \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} d 1 × d 2 = 2 ⋅ 1 − 0 ⋅ 1 0 ⋅ 0 − 1 ⋅ 1 1 ⋅ 1 − 2 ⋅ 0 = 2 − 1 1 ( a 2 − a 1 ) ⋅ ( d 1 × d 2 ) = ( − 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 ( a 2 − a 1 ) ⋅ ( d 1 × d 2 ) = ( − 1 ) ( 2 ) + 0 ( − 1 ) + 1 ( 1 ) = − 1 ∣ d 1 × d 2 ∣ = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6 |\mathbf{d}_1 \times \mathbf{d}_2| = \sqrt{4 + 1 + 1} = \sqrt{6} ∣ d 1 × d 2 ∣ = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6 D = ∣ − 1 ∣ 6 = 1 6 = 6 6 D = \frac{|-1|}{\sqrt{6}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{6}} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{6} D = 6 ∣ − 1∣ = 6 1 = 6 6 See the examples integrated throughout the sections above.
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.
Forgetting to check the domain: When solving cos x = − 2 3 \cos x = -\dfrac{2}{3} cos x = − 3 2 There are two solutions in [ 0 , 2 π ) [0, 2\pi) [ 0 , 2 π ) : one in the second quadrant and one in the third quadrant.
Sign errors in the wave function: When writing a sin x + b cos x = R sin ( x + α ) a\sin x + b\cos x = R\sin(x + \alpha) a sin x + b cos x = R sin ( x + α ) ensure α \alpha α has the correct sign. The quadrant of α \alpha α depends on the signs of a a a and b b b .
Incorrectly completing the square for circles: Remember to add the constant terms to both sides. For x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 = 0 x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0 x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 = 0 You add 9 and 4 to both sides.
Assuming lines in 3D always intersect: Always check all three coordinates when testing for intersection. Even if two coordinates match, the third may not.
Dividing by zero in trig equations: When you factor and divide by cos x \cos x cos x , sin x \sin x sin x Or tan x \tan x tan x You lose solutions. Always consider the case where the factor equals zero separately.
Using the wrong form of cos 2 A \cos 2A cos 2 A : All three forms are equivalent, but using the wrong one for the given context makes the algebra much harder.
Confusing the ambiguous case of the sine rule: When sin A = k \sin A = k sin A = k where 0 < k < 1 0 < k < 1 0 < k < 1 There are two possible angles (A A A and 180 ° − A 180° - A 180° − A ). Both may or may not be valid in the triangle. Always check the sum of angles.
Forgetting that R R R in the wave function is always positive: R = a 2 + b 2 R = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} R = a 2 + b 2 is defined as the positive square root. The maximum of a sin x + b cos x a\sin x + b\cos x a sin x + b cos x is R R R and the minimum is − R -R − R .
Express 5 sin θ − 12 cos θ 5\sin\theta - 12\cos\theta 5 sin θ − 12 cos θ in the form R sin ( θ − α ) R\sin(\theta - \alpha) R sin ( θ − α ) and find its maximum value.
Solve cos 2 x = 1 − 3 sin x \cos 2x = 1 - 3\sin x cos 2 x = 1 − 3 sin x for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \leq x < 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
Find the equation of the circle with centre ( 2 , − 3 ) (2, -3) ( 2 , − 3 ) that passes through ( 5 , 1 ) (5, 1) ( 5 , 1 ) .
Find the equation of the tangent to x 2 + y 2 + 4 x − 6 y + 9 = 0 x^2 + y^2 + 4x - 6y + 9 = 0 x 2 + y 2 + 4 x − 6 y + 9 = 0 at the point ( − 2 , 3 ) (-2, 3) ( − 2 , 3 ) .
A sector of a circle of radius 6 cm has an area of 24\pi \mathrm{ cm^2 . Find the perimeter of the sector.
Prove that sin 3 θ = 3 sin θ − 4 sin 3 θ \sin 3\theta = 3\sin\theta - 4\sin^3\theta sin 3 θ = 3 sin θ − 4 sin 3 θ .
Determine whether the lines r = ( 1 , 2 , 0 ) + s ( 1 , − 1 , 2 ) \mathbf{r} = (1, 2, 0) + s(1, -1, 2) 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) r = ( 3 , 0 , 4 ) + t ( 2 , 1 , − 1 ) intersect, are parallel, or are skew.
Find the minimum value of 3 cos x + 4 sin x 3\cos x + 4\sin x 3 cos x + 4 sin x and the smallest positive value of x x x at which it occurs.
Find the perpendicular distance from the point ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) (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) r = ( 0 , 1 , − 1 ) + t ( 2 , − 1 , 3 ) .
In triangle A B C ABC A B C , a = 7 a = 7 a = 7 , b = 9 b = 9 b = 9 , B = 55 ∘ B = 55^\circ B = 5 5 ∘ . Find angle A A A (there may be two solutions).
Solve 2 sin 2 x + 3 cos x − 3 = 0 2\sin^2 x + 3\cos x - 3 = 0 2 sin 2 x + 3 cos x − 3 = 0 for 0 ≤ x < 2 π 0 \le x \lt 2\pi 0 ≤ x < 2 π .
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) 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) r = ( 0 , 0 , 1 ) + t ( 0 , 1 , 1 ) .
Find the angle between the lines r = ( 0 , 0 , 0 ) + s ( 1 , 2 , − 1 ) \mathbf{r} = (0, 0, 0) + s(1, 2, -1) 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) r = ( 1 , 1 , 0 ) + t ( 2 , − 1 , 3 ) .
Find the area of triangle A B C ABC A B C given a = 10 a = 10 a = 10 , b = 8 b = 8 b = 8 , c = 6 c = 6 c = 6 .
The line y = m x + 7 y = mx + 7 y = m x + 7 is tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 − 4 x + 2 y − 20 = 0 x^2 + y^2 - 4x + 2y - 20 = 0 x 2 + y 2 − 4 x + 2 y − 20 = 0 . Find the possible values of m m m .
Express cos 4 θ \cos 4\theta cos 4 θ in terms of cos θ \cos\theta cos θ 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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