Lesson 15.

Solving Equations with

One Trigonometric Term

Precalculus
Capstone Project
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Suppose you want to
find the distance of
Earth from the Sun or
the Moon. We will have
an easier time doing
this if we measure
angles instead of
distances.
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 The idea is to find the relationships between angles and
distances, and the trigonometric functions provide us with the
tools we need.

In this unit, we will solve trigonometric equations that involve

one or more of these six functions.

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How do we solve equations
involving trigonometric functions?

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Learning Competency
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to do the following:

Solve trigonometric equations with one

trigonometric term
(STEM_PC11T–IIh-i-1).

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 Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to do the following:

● Determine whether a given value is a solution of a

trigonometric equation.

● Solve trigonometric equations with one term.

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 Trigonometric Equations

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 Trigonometric Equations

Solutions of a Trigonometric Equations

A solution or a root of an equation is a value in the domain of

the equation that, when substituted, makes the equation true.

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Trigonometric Equations

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Let’s Practice!

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Try It!

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Try It!

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Lesson 15.2

Solving Equations with

Two or More
Trigonometric Terms

Precalculus
Capstone Project
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Navigation is a process of
accurately determining
one’s position and
planning a route for the
movement of a craft or
vehicle from one place to
another.
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Trigonometry is fundamental to navigation because it is used
extensively in calculations referring to Cartesian coordinates.

In this lesson, we will solve trigonometric equations involving

two or more trigonometric terms, which can be useful in
solving real-life problems.

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How do we solve equations with two
or more trigonometric terms?

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Learning Competency
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to do the following:

Solve trigonometric equations with two or more

trigonometric terms
(STEM_PC11T-IIh-i-1).

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 Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to do the following:

● Solve trigonometric equations by factoring and using

identities.

● Solve trigonometric equations given the interval of

the solution.

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 Solving Equations with Two or More Trigonometric Terms

Solving Trigonometric Equations by Factoring

Factoring is a useful technique for solving equations, including trigonometric equations. If the equation is in quadratic
form, we may use factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula. The idea of this technique is to move all
terms to one side of the equation, factor, and then use the Zero-Factor Law.

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Let’s Practice!

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Try It!

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Tips

It is easy to factor quadratic trigonometric

expressions when you treat the
trigonometric function as a variable.

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Try It!

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Try It!

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 Solving Equations with Two or More Trigonometric Terms

Solving Trigonometric Equations using Identities

If an equation contains more than one trigonometric function, try to express the equation in terms of one trigonometric
function. Trigonometric identities, along with algebraic manipulation and other techniques, are useful in simplifying
complicated equations.

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 Solving Equations with One Trigonometric Term

Techniques in Solving Trigonometric Equations

Manipulate equations that

can lead to an equivalent The solutions may involve
equation that has the same the periodicity of the
solutions to the original trigonometric function.
equation.

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 Solving Equations with One Trigonometric Term

Techniques in Solving Trigonometric Equations

Take note of inverse

trigonometric functions.

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Remember

The basic trigonometric functions are

periodic functions since the function
repeats its values every period. The
period is the minimum interval it takes to
capture an interval that, when repeated
over and over, gives a complete function.

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Remember

The periods of the basic trigonometric

functions are as follows:
Function Period

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Try It!

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Tips

Make sure you set your scientific

calculator in the right mode. If the
problem asks for a solution in radian
measure, your calculator should be set to
radian mode.

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Try It!

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Try It!

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How do you solve equations
involving one trigonometric term?

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 Check Your Understanding

Identify whether the given value is a solution or not of the

following trigonometric equations.

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 Check Your Understanding

Find all the solutions to the given equation. Express your

answers in radian measure.

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 Let’s Sum It Up!

● An equation that involves trigonometric functions is

called a trigonometric equation.

● The solutions to trigonometric equations are the

values of the angles that satisfy the equation.

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 Let’s Sum It Up!

● Here are some techniques in f inding the solutions for

equations with one trigonometric term:

○ M a n i pu l a t e equ a t i on s t h a t ca n l ea d to a n
equivalent equation that has the same solutions
to the original equation.

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Let’s Sum It Up!

○ The solutions may involve the periodicity of the

trigonometric function.

○ Take note of inverse trigonometric functions.

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Challenge Yourself

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 Photo Credit Bibliography
Barnett, Raymond, Michael Ziegler, Karl Byleen, and David
Sobecki. College Algebra with Trigonometry. Boston:
McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2008.

Bittinger, Marvin L., Judith A. Beecher, David J. Ellenbogen,

and Judith A. Penna. Algebra and Trigonometry:
Graphs and Models. 4th ed. Boston: Pearson/Addison
● Slide 2: Earth, Moon and Sun system by Siyavula
Education is licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr Wesley, 2009.

Blitzer, Robert. Algebra and Trigonometry. 3rd ed. Upper

Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hal, 2007.

Larson, Ron. College Algebra with Applications for Business

and the Life Sciences. Boston: MA:Houghton Mif flin,
2009.

Simmons, George F. Calculus with Analytic Geometry. 2nd

ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.

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