MATHS

1 . Trigonometric Equations :
An equation involving one or more trigonometrical ratios of unknown angle is called
trigonometric equation . e.g. cos2 x – 4 sin x = 1 . It is to be noted that a trigonometrical identity
is satisfied for every value of the unknown angle whereas , trigonometric equation is satisfied only
for some values (finite or infinite in number) of unknown angle. e.g. sin 2 x + cos2 x = 1 is a
trigonometrical identity as it is satisfied for every value of x  R.

2 . Solution of a Trigonometric Equation :

A value of the unknown angle which satisfies the given equation is called a solution of the equation.
 1
e.g.  = , is a solution of sin  = .
6 2

3 . General Solution :
Since trigonometrical functions are periodic functions , solutions of trigonometric equations can
be generalized with the help of the periodicity of the trigonometrical functions . The solution
consisting of all possible solutions of a trigonometric equation is called its general solution .
We use the following formulae for solving the trigonometric equations : (n  I) .
  
 sin  = sin    = n  + (– 1)n  where    ,  , n  I
 2 2
 cos  = cos    = 2 n    where  [0 , ] , nI

  
 tan  = tan    = n  +  where    ,  , n  I
 2 2

 
 sin2  = sin2    = n    where   0 ,  , nI
 2

 
 cos2  = cos2    = n    where   0 ,  , nI
 2

 
 tan2  = tan2    = n    where   0 ,  , nI
 2

(For these type of equations students must use these solution to get correct
answers)

 sin  = 0  = n  cos  = 0  = (2 n + 1)
2

 tan  = 0  = n  sin  = 1  = (4 n + 1)
2

 sin  = –1   = (4 n – 1)  cos  = 1   = 2 n 
2
 cos  = – 1  = (2 n + 1)

 sin  = sin  and cos  = cos    = 2 n  + 

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 Everywhere in this chapter n is taken as an integer, if not stated otherwise.

 The general solution should be given unless the solution is required in a specified interval or
range.

Practice Problems # 01
Solve the following trigonometric equation :

1 3
1. tan  + cot  = – 2 2. sin = and cos = –
2 2
1
3. cos2  – sin  – =0
4

4. sin  + sin 5  = sin 3  , where 0  

1
5. sin2  – cos  = , where 0  2 
4

6. tan4  – 2 tan2  – 3 = 0

4 . Types of Trigonometric Equations :

(a) Solution of equations by factorising .
Consider the equation ; (2 sin x  cos x) (1 + cos x) = sin2 x.
(b) Solutions of equations reducible to quadratic equations .
Consider the equation ; 3 cos2 x  10 cos x + 3 = 0
(c) Solving equations by introducing an Auxilliary argument .
Consider the equation ; sin x + cos x = 2 and 3 cos x + sin x = 2 .
(d) Solving equations by Transforming a sum of Trigonometric functions into a product .
Consider the example ; sin 5 x + sin 2 x  sin 4 x = 0
(e) Solving equations by transforming a product of trigonometric functions into a sum .
Consider the equation ; sin 5 x . cos 3 x = sin 6 x . cos 2 x .
(f) Solving equations by a change of variable :
(i) Equations of the form P (sin x ± cos x , sin x . cos x ) = 0 , where P (x , z) is
a polynominal , can be solved by the change ,
cos x ± sin x = t  1 ± 2 sin x . cos x = t 2 .
Consider the equation ; sin x + cos x = 1 + sin x . cos x .
(ii) Equation of the form of , a . sin x + b . cos x + d = 0 , where a ; b and d are real
numberes and a , b  0 can be solved by changing sin x and cos x into their
corresponding tangent of half the angle .
Consider the equation , 3 cos x + 4 sin x = 5 .
(iii) Many equations can be solved by introducing a new variable e.g. the equation ,
 1
sin4 2 x + cos4 2 x = sin 2 x . cos 2 x changes to 2 (y + 1)  y  = 0 by substituting,
 2
sin 2 x . cos 2 x = y .

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(iv) If an equation of the form A sin x + B cos x = C , then we divide both side by
A B C
A 2  B2 . sin x + cos x = .
2 2
2
A B 2 A B A  B2
2

C A
 cos (x + ) = , where  = tan–1   .
2
A B 2 B
(g) Solving equations with the use of the Boundness of the functions sin x and cos x .
 x   x 
Consider the equation ; sin x  cos  2 sin x  + 1  sin  2 cos x  . cos x = 0
 4   4 

Practice Problems # 02
Solve the folloiwng trigonometric equations :

1. 3 tan2  – 2 sin  = 0 2. 3 sin x – cos x = 1

13
3. sin x – cos x = – 2 4. sin2 x + cos4 x – =0
16

5. tan 5 x – tan 3 x = 0 6. 4 sin4 x + 12 cos2 x = 7

5 . Some Important points to remember :

 While solving a trigonometric equation , squaring the equation at any step should be
avoided as far as possible . If squaring is necessary , check the solution for extraneous
values .
 Never cancel terms containing unknown terms on the two sides , which are in product .
It may cause loss of genuine solution .
 The answer should not contain such values of angles , which make any of the terms undefined.
 Domain should not be changed. If it is changed, necessary corrections must be incorporated.
 Check that the denominator is not zero at any stage while solving equations .
 Some times you may find that your answers differ from those in the package in their notations.
This may be due to the different methods of solving the same problem . W henever you
come across such situation, you must check their authenticity . This will ensure that your
answer is correct .
 While solving trigonometric equations you may get same set of solution repeated in your
answer . It is necessary for you to exclude these repetitions .
 k 
e.g. n  + , (n  I) forms a part of + , k  I the second part of the second
2 5 10
set of solution (you can check by putting k = 5 m + 2 (m I ) .
k 
Hence the final answer is + , kI.
5 10

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 Some times the two solution set consist partly of common values . In all such cases
the common part must be presented only once . Now we present some illustrations for
solving the different forms of trigonometric equations . Which will highlight the importance
of above mentioned points .

Practice Problems # 03
Solve the following simultaneous equations :

1. 4 sin x . sin 2 x . sin 4 x = sin 3 x

1 x
2. sin x + sin 2 x + sin 3 x = cot
2 2

2
3. 5 sin2 x – 7 sin x cos x + 16 cos2 x = 4 4. 2cos 2 x = 3 . 2cos x
–4

7
5. sin6 2 x + cos6 2 x = 6. sin2 x + sin2 2 x = 1
16

Illustration 1 :
Solve : 7 cos2  + 3 sin2  = 4
Solution :
Given , 7 cos2  + 3 sin2  = 4 or 7 cos2  + 3 (1 – cos2 ) = 4 or 4 cos2  = 1
2
 1   
 cos2  =   = cos2     = n  ±  nI
2 3 3

Illustration 2 :

   2 
Solve : tan  + tan     + tan     =3
 3  3 

Solution :
2 
tan   tan   tan   tan  
3  3 
From the given equation , tan  + +
1  tan  tan 
3
 1  tan  tan 
2
 3 


tan   3 tan   3
or tan  + + =3
1  3 tan  1  3 tan 

or
  
tan  1  3 tan2   tan   
3 . 1  
3 tan   tan   
3 1  3 tan  =3
1  3 tan   1  3 tan  

3 tan   tan3     
or 3 =3 or tan 3  = 1 = tan   or 3 = n +  
1  3 tan2  4 4

 
or  = (4n + 1)   , where n I
 12 

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Illustration 3 :

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
or 2 cos 4  cos 2  + 2 cos2 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  = ( 2 n + 1)   = (2 n + 1)
2 8
1 2
If 2 cos 2  + 1 = 0 or cos 2  = – = cos
2 3
2 
 2 = 2 m±   = m 
3 3
 
Hence ,  = (2 n + 1) or m  ± where n , m  I
8 3

Illustration 4 :
Solve : tan x + tan 2 x + tan 3 x = 0 .
Solution :
tan x + tan 2 x + tan 3 x = 0 or tan x + tan 2 x + tan (x + 2 x ) = 0
tan x  tan 2 x
or tan x + tan 2 x + =0
1  tan x tan 2 x

 1 
or (tan x + tan 2 x )  1  1  tan x tan 2 x  = 0
 
If tan x + tan 2 x = 0 , tan x = – tan 2 x
or tan x = tan (– 2 x )  x = n  + (– 2 x ) or 3x = n
n 1
 x= If 1 + =0 then , 1 – tan x tan 2 x = – 1
3 1  tan x tan 2 x

2 tan x
or tan x tan 2 x = 2 or tan x  =2
1  tan 2 x

1
or tan2x = 1 – tan2x or 2 tan2 x = 1 or tan2 x =
2
1 1
or tan x =  or x = m  ± tan–1
2 2

n  1 
 x=m+ Hence x = or m  ± tan–1   , n , m  I
3  2

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Illustration 5 :

Solve : sin x + cos x – 2 2 sin x cos x = 0 .

Solution :

Here sin x + cos x = 2 2 sin x cos x = 2 sin 2 x ..… (1)

 1 1   
or 2  sin x  cos x  = 2 sin 2 x or sin  x   = sin 2 x
 2 2   4

 
or 2 x = n  + (– 1)n  x  
 4


Taking n even , n = 2 m , m I , 2 x = 2 m  + x +
4

 x = 2m+ where m  I
4
 
Taking n odd , n = 2 m + 1 , m  I 2 x = ( 2 m + 1)  –  x  
 4

 2m  1 
 3 x = (2 m + 1)  – or x = –
4 3 12

 1 1  3
Thus , x =  2 m    or  2 m    , where m l .
 4 3  4

6 . Solving Simultaneous Equations :

Here we will discuss problems related to the solution of two equations satisfied simultaneously.
We may divide the problems in two categories :
(i) Two equations in one unknown (ii) Two equations in two unknowns.

Illustration 6 :
Solve for  and : tan  + tan  = 4
tan 3  + tan 3  = 2
Solution :
Here , tan  + tan  = 4 or (tan  – 2) + (tan  – 2) = 0
Putting tan  = x + 2 and tan  = y + 2 , then x + y = 0 … (1)
Again , tan 3  + tan 3  = 2

3 tan   tan3  3 tan   tan3 

or + =2
1  3 tan2  1  3 tan2 
or 3 tan  – 3 tan3  – 9 tan  tan2  + 3 tan3 tan2  + 3 tan  – tan3  – 9 tan2 .tan 
+ 3 tan2 . tan3  = 2 (1 – 3 tan2  – 3 tan2  + 9 tan2 tan2 )
or 3.4– { (tan  + tan )3 – 3 tan . tan  (tan  + tan ) } – 9 . 4 tan  tan 
+ 3 . 4 tan2  tan2  = 2 – 6 {( tan  + tan ) 2 – 2 tan . tan } + 18 tan2 . tan2 
or 12 – 64 + 12 tan  tan  – 36 tan . tan  + 12 tan2 . tan2 
= 2 – 96 + 12 tan . tan + 18 tan2 . tan2 
2 2
or 6 tan . tan  + 36 tan  tan  – 42 = 0
or (tan  . tan )2 + 6 tan . tan  – 7 = 0 tan . tan  = – 7 , 1
or (x + 2) (– x + 2) = – 7 , 1 (using (1))
or 4 – x2 = – 7 , 1 ;  x 2 = 11, 3

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Now , x 2 = 11  x=± 11  tan  = 2 ± 11

  = n  + tan –1
(2 ± 11 ) where n I .
x2 = 3  x=± 3  tan  = 2 ± 3
  = n  + tan–1 (2 ± 3 ) where n  I

Also, tan  = 4 – tan  = 2  11 , 2  3

  = m  + tan–1 (2  11 ) or m  + tan–1 (2  11 ) , where m  I.

Illustration 7 :


Find the smallest positive values of x and y satisfying , x – y = and cot x + cot y = 2 .
4
Solution :

Given x–y= ...... (i) ; cot x + cot y = 2 ...... (ii)
4
From (ii) , sin (x + y) = 2 sin x . sin y

= cos (x – y) – cos (x + y) = cos – cos ( x + y)
4
 1
 sin ( x + y) + cos ( x + y) = cos =
4 2

1 1 1   
 sin (x + y) + cos (x + y) =  cos  x  y   = cos
2 2 2  4  3

   
 x+y– = 2n ±  x + y = 2n ± + …... (iii)
4 3 3 4
7
for n = 0 , x + y = (sin c e x , y > 0) …... (iv)
12
5 
From (i) and (iv) , x = , y=
12 6
5 
Hence least positive values of x and y are and respectively .
12 6

Illustration 8 :
Find the solution set of the system of equations ,
2 3
x+y= and cos x + cos y = , where x and y are real .
3 2
Solution :

2 3 x  y x  y 3
x+y= , cos x + cos y =  2 cos   . cos   =
3 2  2   2  2

 x  y 3  2 
 2 cos . cos   = x  y  3 
3  2  2  

x  y 3
 cos   = which is not possible .
 2  2

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Practice Problems # 04
Solve the following simulaneous equations .

1
1. sin x . sin y = and cot x . cot y = 3
4

1
2. sin x + cos y = 0 and sin 2 x + cos2 y = (0 < x <  , 0 < y < )
2

1 2
3. y–x= and cos ( x) cos ( y) =
4 2

1 1
4. cos (x – y) = and cos (x + y) =
2 2

2 sin x
5. x+y= and =2
3 sin y

1
6. tan x + tan y = 2 and cos x . cos y =
2

7 . Trigonometric Inequations :
To solve trigonometric inequation of the type f (x) a , or f (x) a where f (x) is some trigonometric
ratio . W e take following steps :
(i) Draw the graph of f(x) in a interval length equal to fundamental period of f(x).
(ii) Draw the line y = a.
(iii) Take the portion of the graph for which inequation is satisfied.
(iv) To generalise add p n (n  I) and take union over set of integers , where p is
fundamental period of f (x).

Illustration 9 :

1
Find the solution set of – < tan x 1.
3
Solution :
1 
– < tan x 1
3 6
 O  
  2 4 2
 – < x 
6 4

The required solution set will be

  
  n  , n  
n I  6 4

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Practice Problems # 05
Find the solution set for following trigonometric inequation

1. sin  + cos  < – 1 2. sin x < cos x

 x
3. log2  sin  < – 1 4. sin 3 x < sin x
 2

1
5. sin x < 6. tan x + cot x  > 2
2

8 . Problems based on Boundary Conditions :

If the problem involves only one equation consisting of more than one variable or equation involves
variable of different natures then the boundary conditions of trigonometric functions is generally
used . It must be noted that
sin x   1 ; cos x   1 ; sec x   1 ;
cosec x   1 ; tan x   0 ; cot x   0

Illustration 10 :
Find the general solution of the equation , sin 4 x + cos4 x = sin x cos x .
Solution :
The given equation can be re–written as , 4 sin 4 x + 4 cos4 x = 4 sin x cos x
or (1 – cos 2 x )2 + (1 + cos 2 x )2 = 2 sin 2 x or 2 ( 1 + cos2 2 x ) = 2 sin 2 x
 1 + cos2 2 x = sin 2 x or, 1 + 1 – sin2 2 x = sin 2 x
 2
sin 2 x + sin 2 x = 2
This relation is possible if and only if , sin 2 x = 1
  ( 4 n  1) 
or 2 x = 2n +  x = n + = , nI.
2 4 4

Illustration 11 :
Solve the equation , ecos x = e–cos x + 4
Solution :
Given equation is , ecos x = e–cos x + 4
1
or z– – 4 = 0 , where ecos x = z (suppose) or z2 – 4 z – 1 = 0
z

4  16  4 , 1 ( 1)
 z=
2
 z=2± 5

 z=2+ 5  ecos x = 2 + 5
 cos x = loge 2   
5 > 1 and is impossible  no solution

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Illustration 12 :

x 
Solve : 2 cos2 sin2 x = x 2 + x – 2 , 0 < x  .
2 2
Solution :
In this problem , terms on the two sides of the equation are different in nature, L.H.S. is in
trigonometric form, whereas R.H.S. is in algebraic form. Hence, we will use boundary conditions.
x
L.H.S. = 2 cos2 sin2 x
2
= ( 1 + cos x ) sin2 x < 2 (since 1 + cos x < 2 and sin2 x  1)
1
R.H.S. = x 2 + 2
x2
Hence L.H.S. is never equal to R. H. S. Therefore, the given equation has no solution.

Practice Problems # 06 1
.

1. Solve : sin4 x – cos7 x = 1

   
2. Solve : tan  sin   = cot  cos  
2  2 

x2  x
3. Solve : 2 cos2 = 2x + 2–x .
6

 1
4. If 0 <  ,  < and cos  cos  cos ( + ) = – . Find  and .
2 8

5. Solve : sin2 x + cos2 y = 2 cosec 2 z

6. Solve : 2 sec 2 x – 1 = sin 3 y

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ANSWER SHEET
Practice Problems # 01
 5
1.  = m  – , nI 2.  = 2 n  + , nI
4 6

   2 5
3.  = n + (– 1)n   , n  I 4. 0, , , , and 
6 6 3 3 6

 5 
5. = , 6.  = n  ± , nI
3 3 3

Practice Problems # 02
  
1. m  or n  + (– 1)n , m, nI 2. x = n  + (– 1)n – , nI
6 6 6

  n 
3. x = (4 n – 1) + , nI 4. x= ±
2 4 2 6

5. x = n 6. x = 2n ±
4

Practice Problems # 03
m  2n 
1. x = n  or ± , nI 2. x= + , nI
3 9 7 7

3. n  + tan–1 3 or m  + tan–1 4 , m , n  I 4. x = n , n  I

n  
5. x= ± , nI 6. ( 2 n + 1) , nI
4 12 6

Practice Problems # 04
 (6k  6m  1) (6k  6m  1)   (6k  6  1) (6k  6n  1) 
1. 
6
,
6
, 
6
,
6
 (k , m ,   I )
   

   2   5  2    (4n  1)   (4n 1) 

2.  , , ,  3. n,  , , n , nI
6 3   6 3   4   4 

  ( 6 k  6 n  1)  ( 2 k  6 n  1)  ( 2 k  2 n  1)  ( 6 k  6 n  1) 
4. 
6
,
2
,
2
,
6
 (k , n  I )
 

  ( 2 n  1)   ( 6 n  1)    ( 4 m  1)  (8 n  4 m  1) 
5.  ,  , nI 6.  ,  , n,mI
 2 6   4 4 

11
 MATHS
Practice Problems # 05
  (8 n  3)  ( 8 n  1) 
1.   3 
 2n  , 2n  2 
2. 
 4
.
4
 , nI

n I  

  (12 n  1)    (12n  5) 
3.  4 n ,    , 2  4n  , n  I
 3   3 

  ( 8 n  1)    (8 n  1)  (8 n  3)   (8 n  5 ) 
4.  , 2 n   ,    (   2  n) ,   , nI
 4   4 4   4 

   5   n 
5.  
 2n , 2n  6   2n   , ( 2 n  1)  6. R–  , nI
n I    6   4 

Practice Problems # 06

1. x = 2n +  , n  I , x = n + , nI 2.  = n , n  I
2


3. x=0 4. ==
3

 
5. x = ( 2 n + 1) , y = m  , z = ( 2 t + 1) , (n , m , t  I)
2 2


6. x = n  , y = ( 4 n + 1) , (n , m  I )
6

12
 MATHS

Solved Examples (Subjective)

Example 1 :
Solve : 3 tan (  15º) = tan (  15º)
Solution :
tan (  15 º ) 3
Given , 3 tan (  15º) = tan (  15º) or =
tan (  15º ) 1
tan (  15º )  tan (  15º ) 4
or, = (By componendo and dividendo)
tan (  15 º )  tan (  15 º ) 2

sin (  15º    15º ) 

or =2 or, 2 sin 2  = 2 or sin 2  = 1 = sin
sin (  15º    15º ) 2
 n 
 2  = n  + (1)n  = + ( 1)n ,  nI
2 2 4

Example 2 :
Solve : 2 sin2 x – 5 sin x cos x – 8 cos2 x = – 2 .
Solution :
In such problems we divide both sides by cos2 x. This converts the given equation in a quadratic
equation in tan x , which can be easily solved .
Clearly , cos x  0 For if cos x = 0 , then , 2 sin2 x = – 2
 sin2 x = – 1 which is impossible.
Given equation is , 2 sin2 x – 5 sin x cos x – 8 cos2 x = – 2
or, 2 tan2 x – 5 tan x – 8 = – 2 sec 2 x [dividing both sides by cos2x]
2 2
or, 2 tan x – 5 tan x – 8 + 2 (1 + tan x) = 0 or, 4 tan2 x –5tan x – 6 = 0
2
or, 4 tan x – 8 tanx + 3 tan x – 6 = 0 or, 4tanx (tanx –2) + 3 (tanx – 2) = 0
or, (tan x – 2) (4 tan x + 3) = 0  either tan x – 2 = 0
 tan x = 2 = tan  (suppose)  x = n +  = n + tan–1 2
3
or, 4 tan x + 3 = 0  tan x = – = tan  (suppose)
4
 3 
 x = n  +  = m  + tan–1   . where n , m  I
 4 

Example 3 :
Find all values of  lying between 0 and 2 , satisfying the following equations ,
r sin  = 3 and r + 4 sin  = 2  3  1 .
Solution :
Given equations are,
r sin  = 3 ...... (i) and r + 4 sin  = 2  3  1 ...... (ii)
To find the value of , we must eliminate r .
3 3
Now, from (i), r =
sin 
Substituting the value of r in (ii), we get ,
sin 
+ 4 sin  = 2  3  1
or, 4 sin2  – 2 3 sin  – 2 sin  + 3 =0

or, 2 sin  ( 2 sin  – 3 ) – 1 (2 sin  – 3 )=0

or, (2 sin  – 3 ) (2 sin  – 1) = 0
13
 MATHS

3  
If 2 sin  – 3 = 0 , sin  = = sin   = n  + (– 1)n
2 3 3
1  
If 2 sin  – 1 = 0 , sin  = = sin   = n  + (–1)n
2 6 6
  2 5
Values of  lying between 0 and 2  are , , ,
6 3 3 6

Example 4 :
1
Find the solution set of the inequation , sin x > .
2
Solution :
1  5
When sin x = , the two values of x between 0 and 2  are and .
2 6 6

y = 1/2
/6 5/6 x

From , the graph of y = sin x , it is obvous that, between 0 and 2

1  5
sin x > for <x< .
2 6 6
1  5
Hence sin x >  2n  + < x < 2 n +
2 6 6

  5 
The required solution set =   2n   , 2 n   
n I  6 6 

Example 5 :
Find the general solution of the equation ,
 x   x 
 cos    2 sin x  sin x +  1  sin    2 cos x  cos x = 0 .
 4
    4
  

Solution :
From the given equation ,
 x x 
 sin x cos    sin   cos x  – 2 (sin x + cos x ) + cos x = 0
2 2

  4   4  

 x 5x 
or sin  x   – 2 + cos x = 0 or sin   + cos x – 2 = 0 …... (1)
 4  4 

5x
Which is possible only if , sin   and cos x both are equal to their maximum value 1 .
 4 

5x 
Thus (1) is satisfied if , sin   =1 ...… (2)
 4 
and cos x = 1 ...… (3)

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 MATHS

5x  5x 
From (2), sin   =1  = 2n  +
 4  4 2


or x = 2 (4 n + 1) , where n I ...… (4)
5
and from (3) , cos x = 1  x = 2 m , where m I ...… (5)
Now the value of x satisfy both (2) and (3) are the value of x which are common in (4) and (5).
Thus we require the integral values of m and n, such that
 4n  1
2 (4 n + 1) = 2m  m= … (5)
5 5
Since both m and n are integers, therefore we can take only those integral values of n for which
4n + 1 is divisible by 5 . Obviously n = 1 is the least positive integral value of n for which 4n + 1 is
divisible by 5 . Thus we can take n = 1 + 5  ,   I
2
From (4), x =
5
[ 4 (1 + 5 ) + 1]  = 2 (4  + 1) p , where
[4(1 + 5l ) + 1]  = 2(4l + 1) , where  I

Example 6 :

Solve the equation , cos2 
4
sin x   
   2 
2 cos 2 x  – tan2  x  tan x  = 1 .
  4 

Solution :

Given

cos2 
4

sin x 


 


4
2 
2 cos 2 x  – tan2  x  tan x  = 1


or,


sin2  sin x 
4

   2 
2 cos 2 x  + tan2  x  tan x  = 0
  4 


It is possible only when , sin2  sin x 
4
 

2 cos 2 x  = 0

...… (1)

  2 
and tan2  x  tan x  = 0 ...… (2)
 4 

from equation (1)



sin2  sin x 
4
 
2 cos 2 x  = 0




4
(sin x + 2 cos2 x ) = n , nI

or, sin x + 2 cos2 x = 4 n

2
 sin x + cos2 x   sin x  + cos x 1+ <4
 The equation has no solution for n  0 we consider n = 0
 sinx + cos2x = 0 i.e., sin2x – sinx – 1 = 0
or, (sin x – 2 )( 2 sin x + 1) = 0 sin x  2
1 
 sin x = –
2
 x = 2 k  – , k  I
4
Also these values of x satisfy the equation (2), therefore the general solution of given equation is

x = 2k – , k  I.
4

15
 MATHS
Example 7 :
Solve x and y : 4sin x + 31/cos y = 11 , 5 . 16sin x – 2 . 31/cos y = 2 .
Solution :
Let , 4sinx =  , 31/cos y = 
Then the equation becomes ,  +  = 11 … (1) and 5 2 – 2  = 2 … (2)
12
On solving we get , =2,–
5
If  = 2 , 4sin x = 2  22 sin x = 2
1
 2 sin x = 1 ;  sin x =
2
12 12
If  = – , then 4sin x = – which is impossible as 4sin x > 0
5 5
When  = 2 , we get  = 11 – 2 = 9
1 1
 31/cos y = 9 = 32  cos y
= 2 , cos y =
2
1 1
Thus we have sin x = , cos y =
2 2
 
 x = n  + (–1)n and y = 2 m  ± , where m , n I
6 3

Example 8 :
Find all values of ‘’ for which the equation , sin 4 x + cos4 x + sin 2 x +  = 0 has atleast one
solution . Also find the general solution of the equation for that  .
Solution :
Here (sin2 x + cos2 x)2 – 2 sin2 x . cos2 x + sin 2 x +  = 0
1
or, 1– sin2 2 x + sin 2 x +  = 0
2
or, sin2 2 x – 2 sin 2 x – 2 (1 + ) = 0

2 4  8 (1   )
 sin 2 x = =1± 2  3 ...… (1)
2
3
But sin 2 x is real ; so 2 + 3  0 , i.e.,   –
2

Also , – 1  sin 2 x  1 –11± 2  3  1

3
As 1 + 2  3  1 So 1+ 2  3 = 1  =–
2
 3 1
Also –11– 2  3  1  0  2  3  2     , 
 2 2

 3 1
where    ,   2 x = n  + (–1)n , n I and sin  = 1 – 2  3
 2 2

n
 x=
2
+ (–1)n sin–1 1   2  3 
 3 1
where n I and    , 
 2 2

16
 MATHS
Example 9 :

For x  (– , ), solve the equation ,  3 sin x  cos x   3 sin1x  cos 2 x  2 = 4 .

Solution :

The given equation is ,  3 sin x  cos x   3 sin1x  cos 2 x  2 = 4

  
3 sin2 x  cos2 x  2 3 sin x  cos x 
or  2 sin  x    =4
  6

    2 sin  x   
 6  
or  2 sin  x   Hence , 2 sin  x   = ± 2
  6   6 

   
or, sin  x   = ± 1 or x+ = 2 n ±
 6 6 2

 
or, x = 2n ± –
2 6
As x  (–  , ) ,
 2
 x= and x = – are the solutions of the given equation
3 3

Example 10 :
Solve for x and y : 12 sin x + 5 cos x = 2 y2 – 8 y + 21 .
Solution :
12 sin x + 5 cos x = 2 y2 – 8 y + 21
 12 5 
 122  52  sin x  cos x  = 2 (y2 – 4 y + 4) + 13
 13 13 

5
 13 cos (x – ) = 2 (y – 2)2 + 13 , where cos  =
13
Clearly , LHS  13 because the greatest value of cos (x – ) is 1
Also RHS  13 because the least value of RHS is 13
 the equation can hold if the value of each side = 13
Thus , cos (x – ) = 1 and y = 2
 x –  = 2n and y = 2  x = 2n +  and y = 2

 5 
x = 2 n  + cos–1   and y = 2 , where n I
 13 

17
 MATHS
Example 11 :
Find the values of x , 0  x  2  , such that sin x + sin 2 x + sin 3 x = cos x + cos 2 x + cos 2 x.
Solution :
The given equation can be written as , (sin x + sin 3 x ) + sin 2 x = (cos x + cos 3 x ) + cos 2 x
 2 sin 2 x cos x + sin 2 x = 2 cos 2x cos x + cos 2x
 sin 2x (2 cos x + 1) – cos 2x (2 cos x + 1) = 0
 (sin 2x – cos 2x) (2 cos x + 1) = 0
That is , either sin 2x – cos 2x = 0 or 2 cos x + 1 = 0. In former case , tan 2 x = 1
 (4 n  1) 
 2x = n + (n  I)  x=
4 8
 5 9  13 
 x= , , ,
8 8 8 8
1 2 4
If 2 cos x + 1 = 0 , then cos x = – , that is x = or
2 3 3

Example 12 :
If , 32 tan8  = 2 cos2  – 3 cos  and 3 cos 2  = 1 , then find the general value of  .
Solution :
1
Given , 3 cos 2  = 1 or cos 2  =
3

1  cos 2  1 1 1
2 3
Now , tan  = = 1 = .........(i)
1  cos 2  1 2
3
Now , 32 tan8  = 2 cos2  – 3 cos 
2
 1
or 2 cos  – 3 cos  = 32   = 2
2
or 2 cos2  – 3 cos  – 2 = 0
2
or 2 cos2  – 4 cos  + cos  – 2 = 0 or (cos  – 2) (cos  + 2) =0
1 2
or 2 cos  + 1 = 0 [ cos   2 ] or cos  = – = cos
2 3
2
  = 2n ± , where n = 0 , ± 1 , ± 2 , ......
3

Example 13 :
For what value of k the equation , sin x + cos (k + x ) + cos (k – x ) = 2 has real solutions ?
Solution :
Given equation is sin x + cos(k + x) + cos(k – x) = 2
or sin x + 2 cos k . cos x = 2 or 2 cos x . cos x + sin x = 2
This equation is of the form a cos x + b sin x = c
Here a = 2 cos k, b = 1 and c = 2

Since for real solutions , c a2  b2

 2 1  4 cos2 k or 2 1  4 cos 2 k

3 1 1
 cos2 k   sin2 k   sin2 k – 0
4 4 4

 1  1 1 1  
or  sin k    sin k    0  –  sin k   n –  k  n +
 2  2 2 2 6 6

18
 MATHS
Example 14 :
3
Solve the trigonometric equation , cos2  – sin  – =0.
2
Solution :
3
cos2  – sin  – =0
2
3
 1 – sin2  – sin  – =0
2
3
 – sin2  – sin  + =0
2
 (2 sin2  – 1) (2 sin  + 3) =0
1 3
 sin  = and sin  = – (not possible)
2 2

 = n  + (– 1)n , nI
6

Example 15 :
Solve the trigonometric equation , sin 5 x + sin 3 x = sin 4 x
Solution :
sin 5 x + sin 3 x = sin 4 x
 2 sin 4 x cos x = sin 4 x
 sin 4 x (2 cos x – 1) = 0
n 
 x= or x = 2 m±
4 3

19
 MATHS

Solved Examples (Objective)

Example 1 :
If max { 5 sin  + 3 sin ( – ) } = 7 , then the set of possible values of  is , ( R) :

    2 
(A)  x x  2 n   ; n  Z  (B)  x x  2 n   ; nZ
 3   3 

  2 
(C)  ,  (D) None of these
3 3 
Solution :
5 sin  + 3 (sin  . cos  – cos  . sin ) = (5 + 3 cos ) sin  – 3 sin  . cos 

 max { 5 sin  + 3 sin ( – ) } = 5  3 cos  2  9 sin 2 

 R

= 34  30 cos 
 The given equation is 34 + 30 cos  = 49
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

Example 2 :
Let  ,  be any two positive values of ‘ x ‘ for which 2 cos x , cos x  and 1 – 3 cos2 x are in
G.P. The minimum value of  –   is :
  
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
3 4 2
Solution :
cos2 x = 2 cos x . (1 – 3 cos2 x )
 cos x { 6 cos2 x + cos x – 2 } = 0
1 2  
 cos x = 0 ,,– . The two smallest positive values of x are and
2 3 3 2
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

Example 3 :
    1
The sum of all the solutions of the equation , cos x . cos   x  . cos   x  = ,
3  3  4
x  [0 , 6 ] is :
110 
(A) 15  (B) 30  (C) (D) None of these
3

Solution :
 1 2 3 2  1 cos x 1
Here , cos x  cos x  sin x  = or (4 cos2 x – 3) =
 4 4  4 4 4
or cos 3 x = 1  3 x = 2n
2n 
 x=
3
, where n = 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9

2 9
 The required sum =  n.
3 n0

Hence (B) is the correct answer.

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 MATHS
Example 4 :
 5 5 
If x    , , the greatest positive solution of 1 + sin 4 x = cos2 3 x is :
 2 2 

5
(A)  (B) 2  (C) (D) None of these
2
Solution :
sin2 3 x + sin4 x = 0 or sin2 x { (3 – 4 sin 2
x)2 + sin2 x } = 0
 sin x = 0  x = n
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

Example 5 :
The number of points inside or on the circle x 2 + y2 = 4 satisfying tan4 x + cot 4 x + 1 = 3 sin2 y is
(A) one (B) two (C) four (D) infinite
Solution :
tan4 x + cot 4 x + 1 = (tan2 x – cot 2 x)2 + 3  3
3 sin2 y  3  tan2 x = cot 2x, sin2 y = 1
 3
 tanx =  1, siny =  1  x=± , ± , ..…
4 4

But x 2  4  –2x2  x=± only
4
 3 
siny =  1  y=± ,± , ….. But y2  4  y=± only
2 2 2
So four solutions are possible .
Hence (C) is the correct answer .

Example 6 :
The equation , 3 sin2 x + 10 cos x – 6 = 0 is satisfied if (n  I) .
 1  1
(A) x = n  + cos–1   (B) x = n  – cos–1  
3 3

 1 n  1
(C) x = 2 n  ± cos–1   (D) x = – cos–1  
3 2 3
Solution :
The given equation is equivalent to , 3 (1 – cos2 x) + 10 cos x – 6 = 0
 3 cos2 x – 10 cos x + 3 = 0  (3 cos x –1) (cos x – 3) = 0
1  1
Therefore cos x = (because cos x  3) . Hence x = 2 n  ± cos–1   , n  I
3 3
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

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Example 7 :
x x
The equation , 2 sin cos2 x – 2 sin sin2 x = cos2 x – sin2 x has a root for which
2 2
1 1
(A) sin 2 x = 1 (B) sin 2 x = – 1 (C) cos x = (D) cos 2 x = –
2 2
Solution :
x
The given equation can be written as , 2 sin (cos2 x – sin2 x ) = cos2 x – sin2 x
2
x  x 
or 2 sin cos 2 x = cos 2 x   2 sin  1 cos 2 x = 0
2  2 

x 1 
Hence cos 2 x = 0 or sin   = . That is , 2 x = n  +
 2 2 2

x  n  
or = k + (–1)k (n , k  I). In other words , x = + or x = 2 k  + (–1)k
2 6 2 4 3
n  
If x = + , then sin 2 x =  1, and if x = 2 k  + (–1)k ,
2 4 3
 1 2 1
cos x = cos = and cos 2 x = cos =–
3 2 3 2
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

Example 8 :
2
A solution of the equation ( 1 – tan ) ( 1 + tan ) sec2  + 2tan

= 0 , where  lies in the interval
  
  ,  is given by :
 2 2

  
(A)  = 0 (B)  = (C)  = (D)  =
3 4 6

Solution :
2
(1 – tan ) (1 + tan ) sec2  + 2tan

=0
2
 (1 – tan4 ) + 2tan  = 0
2t = t 2 – 1
(where t = tan2 ) By inspection (or by graph) we find 8
y = 2t and y = t 2 – 1 intersect in t = 3 y = 2t
1
 tan2  = 3  tan  = ± 3 2
y = t –1
 0 3 t
 =± as shown in the figure
3 1
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

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Example 9 :
Number of solutions of the equation , tan x + sec x = 2 cosx lying in the interval [0 , 2 ] is :
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3
Solution :
1  sin x
The given equation can be written as , = 2 cos x
cos x
 1 + sin x = 2 cos2 x = 2 (1 – sin2x)  2sin2x + sinx – 1 = 0
1
 (1 + sinx) (2 sinx –1) = 0  sin x = – 1 or
2
3 1
Now sinx = – 1  x = for which the given equation is not meaningful and x =
2 2
 5
 x= or
6 6
 The required number of solutions are 2.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

Example 10 :
  
The number of solutions of the equation , 2cos  = sin x  ,     ,  is :
 2 2
(A) zero (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) Nore than four
Solution :
We have 2cos  = sin x  It is true only for sin x  = 1
 sin x = ± 1
   3 3
So , x = 2 n  
2
 x  [– 2 , 2 ]  x=–
2
,
2
,
2
,–
2
Then the number of solutions = 4.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

Example 11 :
F or what and onl y what v a l ues of  l yi ng bet ween 0 and  i s t he i nequa l i t y,
sin  cos3  > sin3  cos  valid ?
      
(A)   0 ,  (B)   0 ,  (C)   ,  (D) None of these
 4  2 4 2

Solution :
We have sin  cos3  > sin3  cos 
 sin cos (cos2   sin2 ) > 0
 sin cos (1  tan2 ) > 0 (  sin  > 0 for 0 <  < )
 cos  (1  tan2 ) > 0  cos  > 0 and 1  tan2  > 0

  3 
 cos  < 0 and 1  tan2  < 0    0 , 4  or   , 
   4 

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 MATHS
Example 12 :
tan x = tan x if :
  (2 k  1)    ( 2 k  1) 
(A) x    ,  k  (B) x   k , 
 2   2 

  ( 2 k  1)    ( 2 k  1) 
(C) x     k ,   (D) x   , k , k  N
 2   2 
Solution :
R.H.S.  0 for all x, the given condition is true for those values of x which lie in the I or III quadrant
and the values of x given by A abd B satisfy these conditions.

Example 13 :
1
The number of solutions of the equation, cot x = cot x + (0  x  2) is :
sin x
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3
Solution :
If cos x > 0
1
then
sin x
 (impossible)
Now if cot x < 0
1
then  cot x = cot x +
sin x

2 cos x  1
 sin x
=0

1
 cos x = 
2
2
 x = 2 n ± , n  I and 0  x  2
3
2 4
 then x= ,
3 3

Example 14 :
The number of solutions of cos x = 1 + sin x  , 0  x  3  is :
(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) None of these
Solution :
Clearly , 1 + sin x  0 . So , the equation is cos x – sin x = 1 .
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

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 MATHS
Example 15 :
Let [x] = the greatest integer less than or equal to ‘ x ‘ and let f (x) = sin x + cos x . Then the most
   
general solutions of f (x) =  f    are :
  10  


(A) 2 n  + , nZ (B) n  , n  Z (C) 2 n  , n  Z (D) None of these
2
Solution :
  
f   = sin 18º + cos 18º = 2 sin (45º + 18º) = 2 sin 63º
 10 

1   
As sin 63º > sin 45º = and sin 63º < 1 , we get 1 < f   < 2
2  10 

   
  f    = 1 . So , the equation is sin x + cos x = 1
  10  

  1  
 cos  x   = or x– = 2 n ±
 4 2 4 4
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

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