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TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS
A trigonometric equation is one that involves one or more trigonometric functions. For example,
tan2 t + 1 = sec2 t
Solving trigonometric equations such as 2 sin x = 1 refers to the process of finding the values for
the variable x that will make a true numerical statement. Since trigonometric functions are
periodic most trigonometric equations have infinitely many solutions.
7 5
If = or or , etc.
6 6 6 6
4 2
= , , , etc.
3 3 3
Out of these, the numerically smallest is = /3.
This is the principal solution. It is a particular solution also. Also the above values of taken
individually are particular solutions.
For the general solution, we observe that since contangent function is periodic with period and
it takes the value 3 only once in the internal [0, ], ( /6) can be equal to any particular
solution plus a multiple of . If we take the particular solution as the principal solution,
then = n + , n 1
6 6
= n + , n 1 is the general solution.
3
If in any equation, we get two values of the unknown angle which are numerically equal but
opposite in sign, the principal solution is assumed as the positive angle, e.g., Principal solution of
sec = 2 is = /3, although = /3 also satisfies it.
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3. METHODS FOR FINDING PRINCIPAL VALUES :
1
Suppose we have to find the principal value of satisfying the equation sin =
2
Since sin is negative, will be in 3rd or 4th quadrant. We can approach 3rd or 4th quadrant
from two directions. If we take anticlockwise direction the numerical value of the angle will be
greater than . If we approach it in clockwise direction the angle will be numerically less than
. For principal value, we have totake numerically smallest angle.
So for principal value :
(i) If the angle is in 1st or 2nd quadrant we must select anticlockwise direction and if the angle
is in 3rd or 4th quadrant, we must select clockwise direction.
(ii) Principal value is never numerically greater than .
(iii) Principal value always lies in the first circle (i.e. in first rotation)
5
On the above criteria, will be or . Among these two has the least numerical
6 6 6
1
value. Hence is the principal value of satisfying the equation sin = .
6 2
From the above discussion, the method for finding principal value can be summed up as
follows :
(a) First draw a trigonometric circle and mark the quadrant, in which the angle may lie.
(b) Select anticlockwise direction for 1st and 2nd quadrants and select clockwise direction for
3rd and 4th quadrants.
(c) Find the angle in the first rotation.
(d) Select the numerically least angle among these two values. The angle thus found will be the
principal value.
(e) Incase, two angles one with positive sign and the other with negative sign qualify for the
numerically least angle, then it is the convention to select the angle with positive sign as
principal value.
(ii) cos = 0 = (2n + 1)
2
(iii) tan = 0 = n
(iv) sin = 1 = (4n + 1)
2
(v) sin = 1 = (4n + 3)
2
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5. GENERAL SOLUTION
Since trigonometrical functions are periodic functions, therefore, solutions of trigonometrical
equations can be generalised with the helpof periodicity of trigonometrical functions. The solution
consisting of all possible solutions of a trigonometrical equation is called its general solution.
General solution of equation
(a) sin = sin = n + ( 1)n ; n I
sin = k, 1 k 1 = n + ( 1)n ; n I. and = sin 1
k
(finding principal value of )
(b) cos = cos = 2n μ ; n I
1
cos = k = 2n μ ; n I and = cos k
(where is the principal angle)
(c) tan = tan = n + ; n I
1
tan = k = n + ; n I, = tan k
(where is the principal angle)
2 2
(d) sin = sin = n μ
2 2
(e) cos = cos = n μ
2 2
(f) tan = tan = n μ d
Some deductions :
(I) 1. sin = 0 = n
2. cos = 0 = (4n μ 1)
2
3. tan = 0 = n
(II) 1. sin = 1 = (4n + 1)
2
2. cos = 1 = 2n
3
(III) 1. sin = 1 = 2n +
2
6. PARTICULAR SOLUTION
Def. All possible values of unknown which satisfy the given equation are called solutions of the
given equation.
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For complete solution :
1. There should be no extraneous root.
2. There should be no root loss.
While solving equations following points must be kept in mind.
1. Squaring should be avoided as far as possible. If squaring is done check for the extraneous
roots.
2. Never cancel equal terms containing ÂunknownÊ on two sides which are in product. It may
cause root loss.
3. The answer should not contain such values of which make any of the terms undefined.
4. Domainshould not change. If it changes, necessary corrections must be made.
5. Check that denominator is not zero at any stage while solving equations.
Illustration 1
Solve sin x = tan x.
Solution :
sin x FG
cos x 1 IJ
sin x = tan x sin x
cos x
= 0 sin x
cos xH =0
K
sin x (cos x 1) = 0 sinx = 0 or cos x = 1
sin x = 0 x = n, n 1
cos x = 1 cos x = cos 0 x = 2m μ 0, m l or x = 2m, m l
These solutions are included in the solutions x = n, n l because 2m is also an integer.
The solution is x = n, n l
TIP : Cosine form is convenient compared to sine form, if occurs in both sides of the equation.
Ex. cos = sin 3
We can solve this equation to get two different forms.
FG IJ = sin 3
II. cos = sin 3 or sin
H2 K
= n + ( 1)n 3.
To obtain , we will have to consider two cases. When n is odd ( 1)n = 1 and when n is even
( 1)n = 1 and accordingly we can get the value of .
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS
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Clearly in sine form we will have to deal with ( 1)n which is inconvenient compared to the
dealing of μ obtained in cosine form.
Type I. Problems based on preliminaries : In this type we will discuss problems which can
be converted in standard form after a little simplification.
Illustration 1
Find the most general values of satisfying the equations :
1
(i) sin = ă 1 (ii) cos = ă (iii) tan = ă 3
2
Solution :
(i) Given equation is sin = 1.
FG IJ = n + ( 1)n
FG IJ
or sin = sin
H 2K H 2K
i.e. = n + ( 1)n + 1
, where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
2
1
(ii) Given equation is cos =
2
2 2
or, cos = cos = 2n μ where n = 0. μ 1, μ 2, ...
3 3
FG IJ = n + FG IJ
or, tan = tan
H 3K H 3K
= n , where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
3
Illustration 2
Solve the equation :
(i) sin 9 = sin (ii) sin 5x = cos 2x
Solution :
(i) Given Equation is sin 9 = sin
or, sin 9 sin = 0
9 + 9
or, 2 cos . sin =0
2 2
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5 = (2n + 1) 4= n
2
n
or, = (2n + 1) =
10 4
n
= , (2n + 1) where n = 0, μ1, μ2, ...
4 10
FG 5 xIJ
or, cos 2x = cos
H2 K
FG 5 xIJ
2x = 2nμ H2 K
Takingpositive sign, 2x = 2n + 5x.
2
or, 7x = 2n + x = (4n + 1)
2 14
Taking negative sign, 2x = 2n + 5x
2
or, 3x = (4n 1) x = – (4n 1)
2 6
Hence x = (4n + 1) , (4n 1) where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
14 6
Illustration 3
Solve 3 tan ( ă 15Ĉ) = tan ( + 15Ĉ)
Solution :
Given, 3tan ( 15 ) = tan ( + 15 )
tan ( +15 ) 3
or, =
tan ( 15 ) 1
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or, 2 sin 2 = 2 or, sin 2 = 1 = sin
2
n
2 = n + ( 1)n = + (1) n
2 2 4
where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
Type II. Problems based onmethod of factorisation :
Working Rule :
Step I. Make R.H.S. zero, factorise L.H.S.
Step II. Equate each factor to zero and solve.
Step III. Check for root loss and extraneous roots.
Finally, collect the results after correction.
Illustration 4
Solve, 7 cos2 + 3 sin2 = 4
Solution :
Given 7 cos2 + 3 sin2 = 4
or, 7 cos2 + 3 (1 cos2 ) = 4
1
or, 4 cos2 = 1 cos = μ
3
1
Taking positive sign, cos = = cos = 2n
2 3 3
1 2 2
Taking negative sign, cos = = cos = 2n
2 3 3
2
= 2n μ , 2n μ , where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
3 3
Illustration 5
Solution :
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or,
LM
2 sin 1 2 2 sin 2 = 0
3
OP
MN PQ
If 2 sin = 0, sin = 0 [. z = 0 z = 0]
= n, where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
1
If 1 2 2 sin3/2 = 0, sin3/2 =
2 2
F 1I
3
= G J
2 1
or, (sin )3/2
H 2K sin =
2
= sin
6
= n + ( 1)n , where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
6
= n, n + ( 1)n , where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
6
Illustration 6
1
Solve cos cos 2 cos 3 =
4
Solution :
4 cos cos 2 cos 3 = 1
or, (2 cos 3 cos ) 2 cos 2 = 1
or, (cos 4 + cos 2) 2 cos 2 1= 0
2
or, 2 cos 4 cos 2 + 2 cos 2 1= 0
or, 2 cos 4 cos 2 + cos 4 = 0
or, cos 4 [2 cos 2 + 1] = 0
If cos 4 = 0, 4 = (2n + 1) = (2n + 1)
2 8
If 2 cos 2 + 1 = 0
1 2 2
or, cos 2 = = cos 2 = 2n μ
2 3 3
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= n μ
3
Hence, = (2n + 1) , n where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
8 3
Illustration 7
x
Solve 8 tan2 = 1 + sec x
2
Solution :
x 1 cos x
We know that tan2 =
2 1 + cos x
x
Given, 8 tan2 = 1 + sec x
2
FG 1 cos x IJ = 1 + 1 = 1 + cos x
or, 8
H 1 + cos x K cos x cos x
or, 8 cos x 8 cos2 x = (1 + cos x)2
or, 8 cos x 8 cos2 x = 1 + cos2 x + 2 cos x
or, 9 cos2 x 6 cos x + 1 = 0
or, (3 cos x 1)2 = 0 or, 3 cos x 1= 0
1
or, cos x = = cos (suppose)
3
x = 2n μ
FG 1 IJ , where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
H 3K
1
or, x = 2n μ cos
Check : (2 + 1) and cos x 0 [Otherwise, equationwill be meaningless]
2 2
x (2n + 1) and x (2n + 1)
2
i.e. x is not odd multiple of or which is clearly satisfied.
2
FG 1 IJ
x = 2n μ cos 1
H 3K
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Illustration 8
Solve the equation cot ă tan ă cos + sin = 0
Solution :
cot tan cos + sin = 0
cos sin
or, cos + sin = 0
sin cos
cos 2 sin2
or, (cos sin ) = 0
cos sin
or, tan = 1 or, tan = tan = n +
4 4
cos + sin
If 1 = 0
sin cos
1
or, cos + sin = sin 2
2
1
Squaring, we get 1 + sin 2 = sin2 2
4
4 16 4.1(4)
sin 2 =
2
or, sin 2 = 2 μ 2 2
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n
or, = + ( 1)n , where = sin 1
(2 2 2)
2 2
where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ....
Illustration 9
Solve for x, (ă x ), the equation 2(cos x + cos 2x) + sin2 x (1 + 2 cos x) = 2 sin x
Solution :
2(cos x + cos 2x) + sin 2x + 2 sin 2x cos x 2 sin x = 0
3x x
or, 2.2 cos cos + sin 2x + sin 3x + sinx 2 sin x = 0
2 2
3x x 5x x x x
or, 4 cos cos + 2 sin . cos 2 sin cos = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2
x LM
2 cos
3x
+ sin
5x
sin
x
=0
OP
or, 2 cos
2 N 2 2 2 Q
x LM
2 cos
3x
+ 2 cos
3x
.sin x = 0
OP
or, 2 cos
2 N 2 2 Q
x 3x
or, 4 cos cos [1 + sin x] = 0
2 2
x 3x
or, cos cos [1 + sin x] = 0
2 2
x x
If cos = 0, = (2n + 1) x = (2n + 1)
2 2 2
3x 3x
If cos = 0, = (2n + 1) x = (2n + 1)
2 2 2 3
FG IJ
If 1 + sin x = 0, sin x = 1 = sin H 2K
FG IJ
x = n + ( 1)n H 2K = n + ( 1)n + 1
2
Putting the value of n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, .... in the above results and selecting the values lying in the
interval x , we have
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x = , , , , ,
3 3 2
= , , , ,
2 3 3
Illustration 1 0
Solve tan x + tan 2x + tan 3x = 0.
Solution :
tan x + tan 2x + tan 3x = 0
or, tan x + tan 2x + tan (x + 2x) = 0
tan x+ tan 2 x
or, tan x + tan 2x + = 0
1 tan x tan 2 x
n
x=
3
1
If 1 + = 0 then, 1 tan x tan 2x = 1
1 tan x tan 2 x
2 tan x
or, tan x tan 2x = 2 or, tan x = 2
1 tan2 x
1
or, 2 tan2 x = 1 or, tan2 x =
2
1
or, tan x = μ
2
1
tan x = = tan (suppose)
2
x = n+
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tan x =
1
= tan ( )
LM tan () = tan = 1 OP
2 N 2Q
x = n + ( )
1 1
x = n μ = n μ tan
2
n 1 1
Hence, x = , n μ tan where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
3 2
Illustration 1 1
Find all solutions of the equation, 4 cos2 x sin x ă 2 sin2 x = 3 sin x.
Solution :
4 cos2 x sin x 2 sin2x 3 sin x = 0
or, sin x [4 cos2 x 2 sin x 3] = 0
2
or, sin x [4 4 sin x 2 sin x 3] = 0
or, sin x [4 sin2 x + 2 sin x 1] = 0
If sin x = 0, x = n
If 4 sin2 x + 2 sin x 1 = 0
2 4 4 4(1) 1 5
sin x = =
2.4 4
FG 3 IJ LM 54 = 3 OP
or, sin x = sin
H 10 K N 10 Q
x = n + ( n F 3 I
1) GH JK
10
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FG 3 IJ
x = n + ( 1)n
10
, n + ( 1)n H 10 K
where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ....
Illustration 1 2
Solution :
3 1 1
cos x+ sin x =
2 2 2
or, cos x . cos + sin x . sin = cos
6 6 4
FG IJ
or,
H
cos x
6 K
= cos
4
x = 2 n
6 4
Taking positive sign, x = 2n +
6 4
5
x = 2n + + = 2n +
4 6 12
Taking negative sign, x = 2n
6 4
x = 2n + = 2n
4 6 12
5
x = 2n + , 2n where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ....
12 12
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Illustration 1 3
FG , IJ
Find all values of in the interval H 2 2K satisfying the equation.
2
(1 ă tan ) (1 + tan ) sec2 + 2tan = 0
Solution :
Given equation is
2
(1 – t an ) (1 + tan ) . sec2 + 2tan = 0
tan2
or, (1 tan2 ) (1 + tan2 ) + 2 = 0
4 tan2
or, 1 tan + 2 = 0
z
or, 1 z + 2 = 0 where tan2 = z (suppose)
2
or, 1 + 2z = z2
Clearly, when z = 3 equation (1) is satisfied
z = 3 tan2 = 3 tan = μ 3 . = n +
3
Illustration 1 4
If 32 tan8 = 2 cos2 ă 3 cos and 3 cos 2 = 1, then find the genera value of .
Solution :
Given 3 cos 2 = 1
1
or, cos 2 =
3
1
1
2 1 cos 2 3 =2=1
Now, tan = = ...(1)
1 + cos 2 1 + 1 4 2
3
2 cos2
FG 1 IJ 4
or, 2 cos2
or, 3 cos = 32
H 2K = 2 3 cos 2 = 0
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1 2
or, 2 cos + 1 = 0 [ . cos 2] or, cos = = cos
2 3
2
= 2n μ where n = 0, μ 1, μ 2, ...
3
Illustration 1 5
Find real values of x for which 27cos 2x . 81sin 2x is minimum. Also find this minimum value.
Solution :
cos x + 4 sin 2x
Let y = 27cos 2x
. 81sin 2x
= 33
x=
1 LM
(2 n 1) + tan 1
4
, n I.
OP
2 N 3 Q
5 1
Minimum value of y = 3 = .
243
Illustration 1 6
4
If tan (cot x) = cot (tan x), prove that sin 2x = .
(2n + 1)
Solution :
FG tan xIJ
tan (cot x) = tan
H2 K
FG tan xIJ
cot x = n+
H2 K
or, cot x + tan x = n+
2
cos x sin x
or, + = (2n + 1)
sin x cos x 2
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cos 2 x+ sin2 x
or, = (2n + 1)
sin x cos x 2
1 1 (2 n+ 1)
or, = (2n + 1) or, =
2 sin x cos x 22 sin 2 x 4
4
sin 2x =
(2 n+1)
Illustration 1 7
x cos x
Solve the equation ecos = eă + 4.
Solution :
x cos x
Given equation is ecos = e + 4
1 x
or, z– – 4 = 0 where ecos = z (suppose)
z
or, z2 4z 1 = 0
4 16 4.1 (1)
z=
2
z=2μ 5
z= 2+ 5 or, z = 2 5
x x
ecos = 2 + 5 ecos = 2 5
Illustration 1 8
Find the solution set of inequality sin x > 1/2.
Solution :
When sin x = 1/2, the two values of x between 0 and 2
are /6 and 5/6.
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5
From, the graph of y = sin x, it is obvious that, between 0 and 2 sin x > 1/2 for < x< .
6 6
Hence sin x > 1/2 2n + /6 < x < 2n + 5/6.
FGH 2 n + 6 , 2 n + 6 IJK
5
The required solution set is
n1
Illustration 1 9
Solution :
FG 1 sin x+ 1 IJ FG IJ
or, 2
H 2 2
cos x = 2 sin 2 x or sin x+
K H 4 K
= sin 2 x
FG x+ IJ
or, 2x = n + ( 1)n H 4K
Taking n even, n = 2m, m I, 2x = 2m + x +
4
x = 2m + where m I
4
Taking n odd, n = 2m + 1, m I
FG x+ IJ
2x = (2m + 1) H 4K
2 m+ 1
3x = (2m + 1) or x =
4 3 12
FG 1IJ 1 FG 2 m+ 3 IJ , where m 1.
H
Thus, x = 2 m+
4 K
or
3 H 4K
Illustration 20
General value of satisfying the equation tan2 + sec 2 = 1 is .....
Solution :
Given tan2 + sec 2 = 1
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or, tan2 +
1 + tan2
= 1
LM cos 2 = 1 tan OP
2
1 tan2 N 1 + tan Q
2
tan = 0 tan = μ 3
= n = n μ
3
Clearly for tan to be defined odd and for sec 2 to be defined 2 odd
2 2
i.e. odd
4
= n or nμ
3
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS