HKDSE Mathematics 17.

Basic Trigonometry

17. Basic Trigonometry

Summary
1. Trigonometric ratios for acute angles

For 0o < θ < 90o

hypotenuse
oppositeside opposite side
sin  
hypotenuse
θ

adjacent side adjacent side

cos  
hypotenuse

oppositeside
tan  
adjacent side

2. Trigonometric ratios for any angles

For any θ

y
sin θ 
r

x
cos θ 
r

y
tan θ 
x

3. Trigonometric ratio of 0, 30, 45, 60, 90

θ 0o 30o 45o 60o 90o

0 1 1 2 1 3 4
sin θ 0   1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
4 3 2 1 1 1 0
cos θ 1   0
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
sin  0 1 1 2 3 4
tan   0  1  3 = undefined
cos  4 3 3 2 1 0

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
4. Trigonometric ratios of 0, 90, 180, 270, 360 (see the graphs of sine, cosine and tangent)

θ 0o 90o 180o 270o 360o

sin θ 0 1 0 1 0

cos θ 1 0 1 0 1

tan  0 undefined 0 undefined 0

5. Signs of trigonometric functions in different quadrants

All Students Take Chinese

y y

Quadrant II Quadrant I S A
sin θ > 0 sin θ > 0
S A cos θ < 0 cos θ > 0
tan θ < 0 tan θ > 0
x x
O O
T C
T C sin θ < 0 sin θ < 0
Quadrant III Quadrant IV cos θ < 0 cos θ > 0
tan θ > 0 tan θ < 0

6. Some important identities

sin 2 x  cos 2 x  1

sin x
tan x 
cos x

1 cos x

tan x sin x

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 HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
7. Identities of 90   , 180   , 270   , 360   and  
90   90   180   180   270   270   360   360   

sin(90o – θ) sin(90o + θ) sin(180o – θ) sin(180o + θ) sin(270o – θ) sin(270o + θ) sin(360o–θ) sin(360o + θ) sin(–θ)

sin
= cos θ = cos θ = sin θ = – sin θ = – cos θ = – cos θ = – sin θ = sin θ = – sin θ

cos(90o – θ) cos(90o + θ) cos(180o – θ) cos(180o + θ) cos(270o – θ) cos(270o + θ) cos(360o–θ) cos(360o + θ) cos(–θ)

cos
= sin θ = – sin θ = – cos θ = – cos θ = – sin θ = sin θ = cos θ = cos θ = cos θ

tan(90o – θ) tan(90o + θ) o o tan(270o – θ) tan(270o + θ)

tan(180 – θ) tan(180 + θ) tan(360o–θ) tan(360o + θ) tan(–θ)
tan 1 1 1 1
= =– = – tan θ = tan θ = =– = – tan θ = tan θ = – tan θ
tan  tan  tan  tan 

Procedure to memories the above formula

1. Determine which the quadrant the angle lies on and then the signs of
Example 2: cos(270o + θ) = + sin θ
trigonometric functions.
1
2. For 90   or 270   : sin  cos , cos  sin , tan 
tan
For 180   or 360   : sin  sin , cos  cos , tan  tan
2. The form of 270  
Example 1: tan(180o – θ) = – tan θ y θ ∴ cos  sin
90o + θ 1. 270   lies in 4th quadrant
90o – θ cos(270   ) > 0
180o – θ
2. The form of 180   S A 360o + θ x
∴ tan  tan
O –θ
1. 180   lies in 2nd quadrant 180o + θ
tan(180   ) < 0 270o – θ 270o + θ
T C 360o – θ

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
8. Graphs of sine, cosine and tangent functions

Period = 360
Period = 360
Maximum = 1 Minimum = –1
Maximum = 1 Minimum = –1 Period = 180
9. Maximum and minimum values of sine and cosine functions
From the graphs, the maximum and minimum values of y = sin x are 1 and –1 respectively, the
maximum and minimum values of y = cos x are 1 and –1 respectively.
(Note: there is no maximum and minimum values for tan x)

Example 3: Find the maximum and minimum values of 2  3 sin x for 0  x  360

Solution: Alternative method:

 1  sin x  1 max. and min. of sin x are 1 and –1.
 3  3 sin x  3 when sin x  1 , 2  3 sin x  1
2  (3)  2  3 sin x  2  (3) when sin x  1 , 2  3 sin x  5
5  2  3 sin x  1 Since 5 > –1
The maximum of 2  3 sin x is 5 The maximum of 2  3 sin x is 5
The minimum of 2  3 sin x is  1 The minimum of 2  3 sin x is  1

2
Example 4: Find the maximum and minimum values of for 0  x  360
2  cos 2 x
Solution: Alternative method:
0  cos 2 x  1 max. and min. of cos2 x are 1 and 0.
2  0  2  cos 2 x  2  1 2 2
when cos x  1 ,  2
1 1 1 2  cos x 2  1
2

  2 2
2 2  cos x 1
2
when cos x  0 ,  1
2  cos x 2  0
2
1 1
 1 Since 2 > 1
2 2  cos 2 x
2 2
The maximum of is 1 The maximum of is 2
2  cos 2 x 2  cos 2 x

2 1 2
The minimum of is The minimum of is 1
2  cos x
2
2 2  cos 2 x

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
10. Solution of trigonometric functions

Procedures to solve equations sinθ = ±y , cosθ = ±y and tanθ = ±y

1. Use y to determine the reference angle α where 0 ≤ α ≤ 90 .
2. Determine which quadrant does θ lie on.
3. The solution should be the form of
α (Quad. I) , 180 – α (Quad. II) , 180 + α (Quad. III) or 360 – α (Quad. IV) .

Example 5: Solve sin   0.5 for 0    360 1. Find the reference angle α .
  sin 1 0.5  30
Solution: 2. Since sin   0.5  0
sin   0.5  lies in Quad. III and Quad. IV
  180  30 or   360  30
  210 or   330

3. So
  180  30 or   360  30

Example 6: Solve cos   0.2 for 0    360

correct to 3 sig. fig. 1. Use calculator to find the reference angle α .
  cos 1 0.2  78.463
Solution: 2. Since cos   0.2  0
cos   0.2  lies in Quad. I and Quad. IV
  78.463 or   360  78.463
  78.5 or   282 (correct to 3 sig. fig)

3. So
  78.463 or   360  78.463

Example 7: Solve tan    3 for 0    360 . 1. Use calculator to find the reference angle α .
  tan 1 3  60
Solution: 2. Since tan    3  0
tan    3  lies in Quad. II and Quad. IV
  180  60 or   360  60
  120 or   300

3. So
  180  60 or   360  60
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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper I – Section A(Simple trigonometry)
1. In the figure, find a and x.
(4 marks) (2000 CE-MATH-I Q4)

2. In the figure, find x and y.

(3 marks) (1998 CE-MATH-I Q3)

3. In the figure, find h.

(1 mark) (1993 CE-MATH-I Q1(b))

4. In the figure, calculate

(a) the length of BE ,
(b) the values of x and y .
(4 marks) (1994 CE-MATH-I Q5)

1
5. In the figure, ABC is a right-angled triangle. If cos A  , find AC.
3
(1 mark) (1995 CE-MATH-I Q1(e))

Paper I – Section A (Equations and identities)

6. (a) If sin x  sin 36 and 90  x  270 , find the value of x .
(b) If cos y   cos 36 and 180  y  360 , find the value of y .
(c) In the figure, find the area of the sector.
(3 marks) (1994 CE-MATH-I Q2)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
1
7. (a) Find x if sin x  and 90  x  180 .
2
1  sin 2 A
(b) Simplify .
cos A
(2 marks) (1992 CE-MATH-I Q1)

Paper I – Section B (Equations and identities)

8. Solve the trigonometric equation 2 sin 2   5sin   3  0 for 0    360 .
(5 marks) (1995 CE-MATH-I Q6)

sin   cos  3
9. Solve  for 0    360 .
sin   cos  2
(4 marks) (1993 CE-MATH-I Q3)

10. Solve sin 2   3cos  1  0 for 0    360 .

(6 marks) (1991 CE-MATH-I Q5)

11. Rewrite sin 2  : cos   3 : 2 in the form a cos 2   b cos   c  0 , where a , b and c are integers.
Hence solve for  , where 0    360 .
(6 marks) (1990 CE-MATH-I Q3)

12. Solve the equation cos 5  0 for 0    180 .

(2 marks) (1997 CE-AMATH-I Q11a)

Paper I – Answer
1. x  45.6, a  7.14 7. (a) 150
2. x  54.5, y  35.5 (b) cos A
3. h = 64.3 8. 30 or 150
4. (a) BE = 5 9. 78.7 or 259
(b) x  26.6, y  36.9 10. 90 or 270
5. AC = 6 11. 120 or 240
6. (a) 144 12. 18 , 54 , 90 , 126 or 162
(b) 216
(c) 5π

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper II - Simple trigonometry

CE
13. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle. E is a point lying on AD . Find .
AC

sin 
A.
sin 
cos 
B.
cos 
C. sin  sin 
D. cos  cos 
(2019 DSE-MATH-II Q22)

14. In the figure, ABCD is a trapezium with ABC  BAD  90 . E and F are points lying on
AB such that E and F divide AB into three equal parts. Which of the following must be true?

I. AF sin   BE sin 
II. CE cos   DF cos 
III. AD tan   BC tan 

A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
(2018 DSE-MATH-II Q21)

15. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle. If E is a point lying on

CD such that CBE  40 , find AED correct to the
nearest degree.
A. 33° .
B. 43° .
C. 47° .
D. 57° .

(2017 DSE-MATH-II Q22)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
16. In the figure, AD =
A. AB cos a  BC cos c .
B. AB cos a  BC sin c .
C. AB sin a  BC cos c .
D. AB sin a  BC sin c .

(2016 DSE-MATH-II Q21)

AD
17. In the figure, =
AB
A. cos  tan  .
B. sin  tan  .
cos 
C. .
tan 
sin 
D. .
tan 
(2015 DSE-MATH-II Q18)

18. In the figure, ABD  ADC  BCD  90 . If AB   ,

then CD 
A.  sin  .
B.  cos  .
C.  sin  tan .
 tan 
D. .
cos 
(2014 DSE-MATH-II Q18)

19. In ABC , AB : BC : AC  8 : 15 : 17 . Find cos A : cos C .

A. 8 : 15
B. 8 : 17
C. 15 : 8
D. 15 : 17
(2013 DSE-MATH-II Q22)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
20. In the figure, D is a point lying on AC such that BD is perpendicular to AC . If BC = ℓ , then AB =
 sin 
A. .
cos 
 sin 
B. .
cos 
 cos 
C. .
sin 
 cos 
D. .
sin 
(2012 DSE-MATH-II Q18)

21. In the figure, ABCD is a square. F is a point lying on

AD such that CF // BE . If AB = AE , find ABF
correct to the nearest degree.

A. 17º
B. 18º
C. 22º
D. 26º

(PP DSE-MATH-II Q22)

22. In the figure, ABC is a straight line. If BD = CD and AB = 10 cm , find BC correct to the nearest cm .
A. 8 cm
B. 13 cm
C. 14 cm
D. 15 cm
(SAMPLE DSE-MATH-II Q24)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
23. In the figure, cos   sin  =
3
A. .
5
3
B. .
5
7
C. .
17
7
D. .
17
(2011 CE-MATH-II Q21)

24. In the figure, D is a point lying on BC such that AD is

perpendicular to BC . Find x correct to 2 decimal places.
A. 6.86
B. 7.25
C. 8.21
D. 9.78
(2011 CE-MATH-II Q22)

AC
25. In the figure, D is a point lying on BC such that AD is perpendicular to BC . Find .
BD
tan 
A.
tan 
tan 
B.
sin 
C. tan  tan 
D. tan  sin 
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q21)

26. In the figure, 2AB = 3BC . Find θ correct to the nearest degree.
A. 34°
B. 42°
C. 48°
D. 56°
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q21)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
27. In the figure, ADE is a straight line. If ABC = x and CDE = y ,
then AD =
A. BC sin x – CD sin y .
B. BC sin x – CD cos y .
C. BC cos x – CD sin y .
D. BC cos x – CD cos y .
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q23)

28. In ∆ABC, AB : BC : AC = 3 : 4 : 5 . Find tan A : cos C .

A. 3:5
B. 4:3
C. 4:5
D. 5:3
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q25)

29. In the figure, tan θ =

5
A. .
12
5
B. .
13
12
C. .
13
13
D. .
12
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q24)

30. In the given, D is a point lying on AC such that BD is perpendicular to AC . Find AD : DC .

A. 1: 2
B. 2 :1
C. 3 :1
D. 3: 2
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q22)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
31. In the figure, ABC is a right-angled triangle. BD is the angle bisector of ABC . If AB = c , then
CD =
c
A. .
3
c
B. .
2 3
3c
C. .
2
3c
D. .
4
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q23)

32. In the figure, sin x =

3
A. .
7
3
B. .
5
4
C. .
5
4
D. .
3
(2006 CE-MATH-II Q23)
33. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle. If BED is a straight line, then the area of ABE is
3
A. cm2 .
6
3
B. cm2 .
2
3 3
C. cm2 .
3
D. 3 cm2 .
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q23)

34. In the figure, AC = 3AB . Find AB , correct to 3 significant figures.

A. 1.26 cm
B. 1.41 cm
C. 1.79 cm
D. 2.83 cm
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q25)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
35. The figure shows a right-angled triangle where AB : BC = 3 : 4 . Find sin  .
5
A.
3
3
B.
4
5
C.
4
3
D.
5
4
E.
5
(2001 CE-MATH-II Q4)
36. In the figure, DAB is a straight line. tan  =
A. 2 tan 20o .
1
B. tan 20 .
2
2
C. .
tan 20
1
D. .
2 tan 20
E. tan 40o .
(2000 CE-MATH-II Q29)

37. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle. Find CF .

A. (a  b)sin  cm
B. (a  b) cos  cm
C. (a sin   b cos ) cm
D. (a cos   b sin  ) cm

E. a 2  b2 sin 2 cm

(2000 CE-MATH-II Q28)

38. In the figure, find x correct to 1 decimal place.

A. 15.0
B. 18.4
C. 22.5
D. 24.1
E. 26.6
(1999 CE-MATH-II Q19)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
39. In the figure, find CD .
A. 6 cm
B. 4 cm
C. 4 3 cm
D. 2 3 cm
2 3
E. cm
3
(1998 CE-MATH-II Q24)

40. In the figure, sin   tan 

a a
A.  .
c b
a b
B.  .
c a
b a
C.  .
c b
b b
D.  .
c a
c a
E.  .
a b
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q12)

41. In the figure, the square sandwich ABCD is cut into two equal halves along EF so that
AE : ED = 2 : 1 . Find  correct to the nearest degree.
A. 56°
B. 63°
C. 64°
D. 71°
E. 72°
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q14)

42. In the figure, find  correct to the nearest degree.

A. 16°
B. 19°
C. 26°
D. 35°
E. 36°
(1996 CE-MATH-II Q47)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
43. In the figure, AB = p , ACB =  . Find CD .
A. p sin 
B. p cos 
p sin 
C.
cos 2 
p sin 2 
D.
cos 
p cos 2 
E.
sin 
(1994 CE-MATH-II Q50)
44. In the figure, AB = BC , BP = CP and BP  CP . Find tan .
1 A
A.
4
1
B.
3
B
1
C.
2
1 
D.
3 C
P
3
E.
2
(1993 CE-MATH-II Q23)
45. In the figure, O is the center of the circle. If the diameter AOB rotates about O , which of the
following is/are constant?
I.  
II. AC  BD
III. AC  BD
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. I and III only
(1992 CE-MATH-II Q52)
46. In the figure, A = 30 and B = 120 . The ratio of the altitudes of the triangle ABC from A and
from B is
A. 2:1.
B. 3:1.
B
C. 2:1.
D. 1: 2 . 120o
E. 1: 3 . 30o
A C
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q20)
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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
x
47. In the figure, ADBC . Find .
y
sin 
A. A
sin 
cos 
B.
cos 
tan 
C.
tan  
B  C
cos  x D y
D.
cos 
tan 
E.
tan 
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q19)

AC
48. In the figure,  D
AB
A. 2.
 
B. tan . h
tan 2
C. .
tan
sin 2 A B C
D. .
sin 
cos 2
E. .
cos 
(1988 CE-MATH-II Q17)

49. In the figure, M is the mid-point of PQ and PSQ  30 . Find tan .
A. 0.268
P
3
B.
6
3
C. M
2
3
D.
4 
S Q
3
E.
8
(1988 CE-MATH-II Q20)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
50. In the figure, AD = p , CD = q and B = 90 , BC =
o

A. p sin   q sin  . D
B. p sin   q cos  . q
C. p cos   q sin  . C
p 
D. p sin  + q cos  .
E. p cos  + q sin  .

A B (1987 CE-MATH-II Q46)

C
51. In the figure, A : B : C =
A. 2: 3 :1.
B. 4:3:1.
C. 3:2:1. 2 3
D. 3: 2:1.
E. 1:2: 3 .
B A (1986 CE-MATH-II Q17)
1

52. In the figure, AC = AD = 1 . ABD = 20° and CAD = 120° , find AB .

A. 2 cos 20° .
1
B. .
2 sin 20o
3
C. .
2 sin 20o
D. 3 cos 20° .
E. 2 sin 20° .
(1986 CE-MATH-II Q19)
53. In the figure, BD : DC =
A
A. sin C : sin B .
B. cos C : cos B .
C. tan C : tan B .
D. sin B : sin C . B C
E. cos B : cos C . D
(1986 CE-MATH-II Q46)
54. In the figure, BCD is a straight line AD = p, then BC =
A
A. p tan (  ) .
B. p (tan   tan ) .
C. p (tan   tan ) .
p
1 1
D. p(  ).
tan tan   
1 1 B D
E. p(  ). C
tan  tan
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q47)
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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
55. In the figure, CAB = CBD = 90 . o
BC = 2. The area of quadrilateral ABCD =
A. 2 sin( + ) . B
D
B. 2(tan  + tan ) .
C. 2(sin  cos  + sin  cos ) . A
D. 2(tan  + sin  cos ) .
E. 2(sin  cos  + tan ) .  

C (1985 CE-MATH-II Q49)

56. In the figure, C = 90° . P and Q are points on BC such that BP = PQ = QC .
CAQ =
A. 30° .
B. 25° .
C. 22° .
D. 20° .
E. 15° .
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q50)
57. In the figure, BCD is a straight line. ADC = 90° and BC = 10 . AD =
A. 10 cos 70° .
A
B. 10 sin 70° .
C. 10 tan 70° .
10 sin 20o
D. .
sin 55o 70o
35o
10 tan 20 o B D
E. . C
sin 55o
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q18)
58. In the figure, B = 90° and BCD is a straight line. If AB = p and BC = q , then cos  =
p
A. .
q

p
B. .
p2  q2 A

q
C. .
p  q2
2 p


p
D. . B q C D
p2  q2

q
E. .
p2  q2

(1984 CE-MATH-II Q46)

17.19
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
59. In the figure, PQRS is a square inscribed in ABC . AB = AC and PQ = a . AB =
1
A. a(sin  + cos ) . A
2
1
B. a(sin  + sin ) .
2
1 1 P S
C. a( + ).
sin  2 cos 
a
1 1
D. a( + ). 
cos  2 sin 
B Q R C
2a
E. .
sin 
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q48)

60. In the figure, AB = p , DC = q and A = D = 90° . BC =

A. (q  p) sin  .
p
B. (q  p) cos  . A B
C. (q  p) tan  .
q p
D.
sin 
. 
D q C
q p
E. .
cos 
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q18)
61. In the figure, ABC = ACD = BDC = 90° . AC = a . CD =
A. a sin2 . A
B. a sin  .
2

a
C. a tan .
D. a sin  cos  . 
B C
a cos
E. .
sin 
D (1983 CE-MATH-II Q19)

62. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle. AB = p and BC = q . If BAY =  , the distance of C from the
straight line XAY is C
A. (p + q) sin  . q
B. (p + q) cos  .
B
C. p  q sin  .
2 2

D. p cos  + q sin  . D p
E. p sin  + q cos  .

(1983 CE-MATH-II Q47) X Y
A

17.20
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
63. In the figure, ABCD is a trapezium in which AB // DC and C = D =  . If CD = p and AB = q ,
then the area of the trapezium is
1
A. (p + q)2 tan .
2 A p B
1 2
B. (p + q2) tan .
4
1 2  
C. (p  q2) tan .
2 D q C
1 2
D. (p  q2) tan .
4
( p2  q2 )
E. .
4 tan
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q44)

64. In the figure, AD = p , DC = q , B = 90° . AB = C

A. p sin  + q sin  .
B. p cos  + q cos  . q 
C. p sin  + q cos  .
D
D. p cos  + q sin  .
E. (p + q)(cos  + cos ) . p
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q23) 
A B

65. In the figure, AD  BC . Let AB = h , then CD =

A. h sin  tan  . A
B. h cos  tan  .
C. h tan  sin  .
h cos 
D. .
tan 
h sin   
E. . B C
tan  D
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q49)

17.21
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
66. In the figure, cos  =
1
A. .
2
1
2
B. .
3
3  1
C. .
4
3 1 1
D. .
2
3
E. .
4
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q22)

67. In the figure, B = C = 90° . If AB = p and BC = q , then CD =

A. p + q tan  .
C D
q
B. p+ .
tan
C. p + q cos  . q
D. p + q tan  .
A  B
q
E. p + . p
tan
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q43)

68. In the figure, a : b : c =

A. 3 : 2 :1 . 30o
B. 9:4:1.
a b
C. 2: 3:1.
D. 3: 2:1.
E. 3:2:1. 60o
c (1980 CE-MATH-II Q19)

69. In the figure, O is the centre of the circle and its radius is r. XY
touches the circle at P. Find the distance of Q from XY . Q
A. r(1  sin ) r
B. r(1 + sin ) O 
C. r(1  cos )
D. r(1 + cos ) X Y
E. r(2  sin ) P
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q45)

17.22
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper II – Identities

cos 180 cos 360

70.  
1  sin(90   ) 1  sin(270   )

A. 0 .
2
B. .
cos 
2 cos 
C. .
sin 2 
2 sin 
D. .
cos 2 
(2015 DSE-MATH-II Q19)

71. cos90     1sin360     1 

A.  cos 2  .
B.  sin 2  .
C. cos 2  .
D. sin 2  .
(2014 DSE-MATH-II Q19)

17.23
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
72. If 0  x  90 , which of the following must be true?
I. tan x tan90  x   1
II. sin x  sin90  x   0
III. cos x  cos90  x   0

A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
(2013 DSE-MATH-II Q23)

cos 60 cos 240

73.  
1  cos(90   ) 1  cos(270   )
1
A. .
cos 2 
cos 
B. .
tan 
tan 
C. .
cos 
1
D. .
cos  tan 
(2012 DSE-MATH-II Q19)

30
74. For 0    90 , the least value of is
3 sin   2 sin 2 (90   )
2

A. 5.
B. 6.
C. 10 .
D. 15 .
(PP DSE-MATH-II Q23)

sin  cos(270   )
75.  =
cos 60 tan 45
A. sin  .
B. 3 sin  .
C. 2 sin   cos  .
D. 2 sin   cos  .
(SAMPLE DSE-MATH-II Q19)

17.24
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
76. If x , y and z are the angles of a triangle with x + y = 90° , which of the following are true?
I. tan x tan y = sin z
II. cos y + cos z = sin x
III. sin2 x + sin2 y = sin2 z
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
(2011 CE-MATH-II Q20)
77. If θ is an acute angle, then tan  tan(90   ) =
A. 2 tan .
B. sin   cos  .
1
C. .
tan 
1
D. .
sin  cos 
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q22)
78. cos 2 1  cos 2 2  cos 2 3    cos 2 89  cos 2 90 =
A. 44 .
B. 44.5 .
C. 45 .
D. 45.5 .
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q46)

79. If A and B are acute angles such that A +B = 90o , then cos2 A + sin2 B =
A. 1.
B. 2 sin2 A .
C. 2 cos2 A .
D. 2 cos2 B .
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q24)
cos A
80. =
tan(90  A)
A. sin A .
B. cos A .
1
C. .
sin A
1
D. .
cos A
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q23)

17.25
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
81. If x and y are acute angles such that x + y = 90° , which of the following must be true?
I. sin x = cos y
II. sin (90° – x) = cos (90° – y)
III. tan x tan y = 1
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q20)

cos A sin A
82.  =
sin A cos A
A. 1.
B. 1 tan 2 A .
C. sin Acos A .
1
D. .
sin Acos A
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q21)

83. 2 sin (90° – θ) sin 60° – cos 0° cos θ =

A. sin  .
B. 3 sin  .
C. 3 cos  .

D. ( 3  1) cos  .

(2006 CE-MATH-II Q21)

84. sin(90  x)  cos( x  180) =

A. 0.
B.  2 cos x .
C. sin x  cos x .
D. sin x  cos x .
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q45)

85. sin 2 1  sin 2 3  sin 2 5    sin 2 87  sin 2 89 =

A. 22 .
B. 22.5 .
C. 44.5 .
D. 45 .
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q46)

17.26
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
1
cos  
86. cos  =
sin 
A.  tan .
B. tan  .
 sin 3 
C. .
cos 
cos   1
D. .
sin  cos 
(2004 CE-MATH-II Q46)

87. If A + B = 180º , which of the following must be true?

I. sin A = sin B
II. cos A = sin B
III. cos A = cos B
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
(2004 CE-MATH-II Q47)
tan(180   )
88. =
cos90   
1
A. .
cos 
1
B. .
cos 
sin 
C. .
cos 2 
 sin 
D. .
cos 2 
(2003 CE-MATH-II Q46)
3
89. If sin   and θ lies in the first quadrant, then sin(90   )  sin(180   ) =
5
1
A. .
5
1
B. .
5
7
C. .
5
7
D. .
5
17.27
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q46)
90. [1  cos(180   )][1  cos(180   )] 
A. sin 2  .
B. (1  cos  ) 2 .
C. (1  cos  ) 2 .
D. (1  cos  )(1  sin  ) .
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q47)
sin 3   sin  cos 2 
91. If tan(90   )  2 , then =
cos 
A. 2.
1
B. .
2
1
C. .
5
1
D.  .
2
E. –2 .
(2001 CE-MATH-II Q43)
1
92. If cos   and 0    90 , then tan(  270) =
k
k
A.  .
1 k 2
1
B.  .
k 2 1
1
C. .
k 2 1

D.  k 2 1 .

E. k 2 1 .

(2000 CE-MATH-II Q51)

17.28
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
cos(90  A) cos( A)
93. =
sin(360  A)
A. – cos A .
B. cos A .
C. sin A .
cos 2 A
D.  .
sin A
cos 2 A
E. .
sin A
(1999 CE-MATH-II Q46)
1  sin  cos 
94.  =
cos  1  sin 
A. 1.
B. 2(1  sin  ) .
2
C. .
cos 
2
D. .
cos  (1  sin  )
1  sin   cos 
E. .
cos  (1  sin  )
(1998 CE-MATH-II Q44)
cos(90  A) sin(180  A)
95. =
tan(360  A)
A.  sin Acos A .
B. sin Acos A .
C.  cos 2 A .
D. cos 2 A .
E. sin 2 A .
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q40)
1
 cos 
96. cos  =
tan 2 
A. sin  .
B. cos  .
C. cos 2  .
1
D. .
cos 
1
E. .
tan 
(1996 CE-MATH-II Q20)

17.29
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
cos 
2
97. 1 
1  sin 
A.  sin  .
B. sin  .
C. sin   2 .
sin  1  sin  
D.  .
1  sin 
sin  1  sin  
E. .
1  sin 
(1995 CE-MATH-II Q16)
sin 180   
98. 
cos90   
A. tan  .
B. tan  .
1
C. .
tan 
D. 1.
E. 1 .
(1994 CE-MATH-II Q18)

cos  cos 
99.  
sin   1 sin   1
2
A. .
cos 
2
B.  .
cos 
C. 0.
D. 2 tan  .
E. 2 tan  .
(1994 CE-MATH-II Q16)
cos  1  cos 2 
100.  
1  sin 2  sin 
A. sin  .
B. cos  .
C. tan .
1
D. .
sin 
1
E. .
cos 
(1993 CE-MATH-II Q19)

17.30
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
101. cos   sin   2 sin  
4 4 2

A. 0.
B. 1.

C. 1  sin  2 2
.

D. 1  cos   2 2
.

E. cos 2
  sin 2   .
2

(1993 CE-MATH-II Q20)

102. If A  B  C  180 , then 1  cos AcosB  C  

A. 0.
B. sin 2 A .
C. 1 cos 2 A .
D. 1 sin Acos A .
E. 1 sin Acos A .
(1992 CE-MATH-II Q21)

 1 
103.  cos  tan  (1  sin  ) =
 
A. sin  .
B. cos  .
C. cos2  .
D. 1 + sin  .
E. sin  tan  .
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q16)

sin(  90o )
104. =
tan(  180o )
A. cos  .
B. cos  .
cos 2 
C. .
sin 
cos 2 
D.  .
sin 
1
E. .
sin 
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q17)

17.31
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
105. cos 90º + cos 180º + cos 270º + cos 360º + + cos 1800° =
A. 0.
B. 1.
C. 1 .
D. 10 .
E. 10 .
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q47)

106. sin(180o +  ) + sin(  90o) =

A. sin  + cos  .
B. sin   cos  .
C. cos   sin  .
D. cos   sin  .
E. 2sin  .
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q16)
4
107. If tan  =  and  lies in the second quadrant, then sin   2 cos  =
3
A. 2.
B. 2 .
11
C. .
5
2
D. .
5
2
E.  .
5
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q18)
1 1
108.  
1 1
1 1
cos  cos 
2
A. .
tan 2 
2
B. .
tan 
C. 2 tan 2  .
2 cos 
D. .
sin 2 
2 cos 2 
E. .
sin 
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q16)

17.32
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
5 2 sin A  3 cos A
109. If tan A   , then 
4 3 sin A  2 cos A
22
A.  .
7
22
B.  .
23
2
C.  .
23
2
D. .
23
22
E. .
7
(1988 CE-MATH-II Q16)

1
110. If sin  cos  = , then (sin  + cos )2 =
4
A. 2.
3
B. .
2
C. 1.
1
D. .
2
1
E. .
4
(1986 CE-MATH-II Q14)

111. sin4   cos4  =

A. 1 .
B. 1  2 cos4  .
C. sin   cos  .
D. sin2   cos2  .
E. 2 sin4   1 .
(1986 CE-MATH-II Q16)

17.33
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
1
112. tan  (  sin ) =
sin 
A. 1.
B. cos  .
C. sin  .
1
D. .
cos 
1
E. .
sin 
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q17)
2ab
113. If tan  = and 0o <  < 90o, then cos  =
a b22

a 2  b2
A. .
a 2  b2
a 2  b2
B. .
a 2  b2
a 2  b2
C. .
a 2  b2
a 2  b2
D. .
a 2  b2
a 2  b2
E. .
a 2  b2
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q18)
tan 2 
114. + cos2 =
1  tan 
2

A. 1.
1
B. + cos2 .
2
C. cos2 .
D. 1+ tan2 .
E. 1 + cos2 .
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q17)
115. sin   (sin  cos  + sin  cos  ) =
2 2 4 4 2

A. sin4 .
B. cos4 .
C. sin4 .
D. cos4 .
E. sin2 cos2 .
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q16)

17.34
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
cos(90   )
o
116. =
tan(180o   )
A. cos  .
B. cos  .
sin 2 
C.  .
cos
cos 2 
D.  .
sin 
sin 2 
E. .
cos 
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q17)
117. (sin  + cos )2  1 =
A. 0.
B. 1.
C. 2 cos2 .
D. 2 sin cos .
E. 2 sin cos .
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q17)
o
118. If A + B = 180 , which of the following is/are true?
I. sin A = sin B
II. cos A = cos B
III. tan A = tan B
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I, II and III
E. None of them
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q19)
sin   cos sin   cos 
119. + =
sin   cos sin   cos 
A. 2.
B. 4 sin  cos  .
2 sin  cos
C. .
sin 2   cos 2 
4 sin  cos
D. .
sin 2   cos 2 
2
E. .
sin   cos 2 
2

(1982 CE-MATH-II Q45)

17.35
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
3
120. If tan x =  and x is an angle in the second quadrant, what is the value of sin x + cos x?
4
7
A. 
5
1
B. 
5
1
C.
5
D. 1
7
E.
5
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q18)

1
121. tan  sin   =
cos 
A. 0.
B. cos  .
C. cos  .
1
D. .
cos 
E. tan  sin  .
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q19)

k
122. If 0o <  < 90o and sin  = , then cos  =
2
k
A. 1 .
2
2
B. .
4  k2
4  k2
C. .
2
2
D. .
4  k2
4  k2
E. .
2
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q18)

17.36
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
1
123. Given that sin   cos  = , what is the value of sin  cos  ?
2
1
A.
2
1
B.
4
3
C.
8
3
D.
4
E. It cannot be determined.
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q43)

1 1
124.  =
1 1
1 1
sin  sin 
A. 2 tan  .
B. 2 tan2  .
2
C. .
tan 2 
2 sin 
D. .
cos 2 
2 sin 2 
E. .
cos 
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q16)

125. If cos  = x and 0o <  < 90o, then tan  =

1
A. .
1  x2

B. 1  x2 .

1  x2
C. .
x
x
D. .
1  x2
x
E.  .
1  x2
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q17)

17.37
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper II – Graphs (Section B)

126. Let a and b be constants. If the figure shows the graph of

y  a cos 2 x , then
A. a = –2 and b = 90 .
B. a = –2 and b = 360 .
C. a = 2 and b = 90 .
D. a = 2 and b = 360 .

(2016 DSE-MATH-II Q37)

127. Let k be a positive constant and  180    180 . If the figure shows the graph of
y  sin(kx   ) , then

1
A. k and   30 .
2
1
B. k and   30 .
2
C. k  2 and   30 .
D. k  2 and   30 .
(2015 DSE-MATH-II Q39)

128. Let h and k be constants. The figure shows the graph of y  h  k tan 2 x , where 0  x   .
Which of the following are true?
I. h0
II. k 0
1
III. tan   
k

A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
(2013 DSE-MATH-II Q39)

17.38
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry

129. The figure shows

x
A. the graph of y  1  3 cos .
2
B. the graph of y  1  3 cos 2 x .
x
C. the graph of y  4  3 cos .
2
D. the graph of y  4  3 cos 2 x .

(2012 DSE-MATH-II Q39)

130. Let a be a constant and −90º <  < 90º . If the figure shows the graph of y = a sin(xº +  ) , then
A. a = −2 and  = −45º .
B. a = −2 and  = 45º .
C. a = 2 and  = −45º .
D. a = 2 and  = 45º .
(PP DSE-MATH-II Q38)

131. Let a be a constant and −90° < b < 90° . If the figure
shows the graph of y  a cos( x  b) , then
A. a = −3 and b = −40° .
B. a = −3 and b = 40° .
C. a = 3 and b = −40° .
D. a = 3 and b = 40° .
(SAMPLE DSE-MATH-II Q42)

17.39
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry

132. Let a be a constant and –90° < θ < 90° . If the figure shows the graph of y  a cos( x   ) , then
A. a = 4 and θ = 60° .
B. a = 4 and θ = –60° .
C. a = –4 and θ = 60° .
D. a = –4 and θ = –60° .
(2011 CE-MATH-II Q46)

133. The figure shows

x
A. the graph of y  1  cos .
2
B. the graph of y  1  cos 2 x .
x
C. the graph of y  2  sin .
2
D. the graph of y  2  sin 2 x .
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q45)

17.40
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
134. Let –90o < θ < 90o . If the figure shows the graph of y = 7sin(xo + θ) , then
A. θ = –60° .
B. θ = –30° .
C. θ = 30° .
D. θ = 60° .
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q46)

135. Let a and b be constants. If the figure shows the graph of y  a cos(2 x  120)  b , then
A. a = 1 and b = 3 .
B. a = 2 and b = 2 .
C. a = 3 and b = 1 .
D. a = 4 and b = 0 .
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q46)

136. Let k be a constant and  90    90 . If the figure shows the
graph of y  k sin( x   ) , then
A. k = –2 and   30 .
B. k = –2 and   30 .
C. k = 2 and   30 ,
D. k = 2 and   30 .
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q46)

137. The figure shows the graph of the function

x
A. y = sin .
2
B. y = 2 sin xº .
C. y = 1 + sin xº .
D. y = 1 + cos xº .
E. y = 1 – cos xº .
(2001 CE-MATH-II Q44)
180 360

17.41
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
138. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = tan x° for 0  x  90 ?
A. B. C.

D. E.

(2000 CE-MATH-II Q11)

139. In the figure, the area of ABC is
A. 60 .
B. 120 .
C. 180 . y  1  2cos 2 x
D. 240 .
E. 360 .
90 180 (2000 CE-MATH-II Q53)

140. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = cos xo for 0  x  90 ?
A. B. C.

D. E.

(1999 CE-MATH-II Q16)

17.42
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
141. The figure shows the graph of the function
A. y  cos x .
B. y  cos( x) .
C. y  cos(90  x) .
D. y  cos(90  x) .
E. y  cos(180  x) . 180 360

(1998 CE-MATH-II Q45)

142. In the figure, f(x) =

x 1
A. sin  .
2 2
1
B. sin 2 x  .
2
1 x 1
C. sin  .
2 2 2
1 1
D. sin x  .
2 2
1 1
E. sin 2 x  .
2 2
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q44)

1
143. The figure shows the graph of y  cos 2 x . The point P is
2

A.  90, 2  .

 1
B. 180,  .
 2

C. 180, 1 .

 1
D.  360,  .
 2

E.  360, 1 .

(1996 CE-MATH-II Q21)

17.43
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
144. The figure shows the graph of the function
x
A. y  cos .
2
1
B. y cos x .
2
C. y  cos x .
D. y  2 cos x .
E. y  cos 2 x .
(1995 CE-MATH-II Q50)

145. Which of the following figures shows the graph of y  1  sin x ?

A. B. C.
y y y
2 x 2
0 2
360

x -2 x
0 2
360
0 2
360
D. E.
y y
x 1
0 2
360
x
0 2
360
-2 -1

(1994 CE-MATH-II Q17)

146. The figure shows the graph of the function

A. y  sin350  x  .
B. y  sinx  10 .
C. y  cosx  10 .
D. y  sinx  10 .
E. y  cosx  10 .
(1993 CE-MATH-II Q46)

17.44
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
147. The figure shows the graph of the function
A. tan( x  180) .
B. tan( x  180) .
C. 180 tan x .
180
D. 180  tan x .
E. 180  tan x . 90 180 270 360
(1992 CE-MATH-II Q22)

y
148. The figure shows the graph of the function
4
A. y = 2 cos xº .
B. y = 2  sin xº . 3
C. y = 2 + sin xº .
2
D. y = 2  cos xº .
E. y = 2 + cos xº . 1
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q48)
x
0 
90  270
180 
 360
2 2

149. The figure shows the graph of y = 3 sin2xº . The point P is

A. (240 , 3) . y

B. (135 , 3) .
C. (240 , 1) .
D. (135 , 1) . O
x

E. (270 , 1) .
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q45)
P

150. The figure shows the graph of y  cos 2 x , where 0  x  180 . The area of the rectangle ABCD is
A. 90 . y
B. 45 .
C. 180 . yy  cos 2 x
=cos2x

D. 135 .
x
E. 360 .
O A B

D C (1989 CE-MATH-II Q17)

17.45
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
151. If x and y can take any value between 0 and 360 , what is the greatest value of 2 sin x  cos y ?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
E. It cannot be found.
(1988 CE-MATH-II Q47)

152. Which of the following functions may be represented by the graph in the interval 0 to 360 ?
A. y = cos 2xº y
B. y = 2 cos xº 2
1
C. y= cos 2xº
2 270 360
x
D. y = sin 2xº O 
90 180  
E. y = 2 sin xº 2 2
-2 (1986 CE-MATH-II Q15)

153. The figure shows the graph of x

A. y = 3cos xo , 0  x  360 .
B. y = 3sin xo , 0  x  360 . 3
C. y = 2 + sin xo , 0  x  360 . 2
D. y = 2 + cos xo , 0  x  360 .
E. y = 3 + sin xo , 0  x  360 . 1
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q45)
0 x
90 180 270 360

154. The figure shows the graph of y = a sin k º . What are the
values of the constant a and k ? y
A. a = 1 and k = 1 2
B. a = 1 and k = 2
1
1
C. a = 1 and k =
2 
D. a = 2 and k = 2
0 
45 
90 
135 180
-1 4 2 4
1
E. a = 2 and k =
2 -2
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q51)

17.46
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
155. The figure shows the graph of a tangent function form 0o to 360o . y
The function is 3
xo 2
A. y = tan .
2
1
B. y = tan xo .
x
C. y = tan 2xo . 0 90 180 270 360
D. y = tan(x  90)o . -1
E. y = tan(x + 90)o . -2
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q50) -3

y
156. The figure shows the graph of y = a cos x º + 1 for 0  x  180 . 3
a=
2
A. 1 .
B. 0. 1
C. 1. 0 x
     
D. 2. 30 60 90 120 150 180
6 3 2 3 6
-1
E. 3.
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q44) -2

157. The figure shows the graph of y

A. y = sin(xo + 30o) . 1
B. y = sin(xo  30o) .
C. y = sin(xo + 150o) .
D. y = sin(xo  150o) .
x
E. y = sin(xo + 60o) . 90 180 270 360
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q45) -1

17.47
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
158. Which of the following is the graph of y = 2 sin  º , where 0    360 ?
A. B.

y y
2 2
1 1
 
-1 
180 
360
-1 180 
360

-2 -2

C. D.

y y
2 2
1 1
 
-1 
180 
360
-1 180 
360

-2 -2

E.

y
2
1

-1 180 
360

-2

(1980 CE-MATH-II Q46)

Paper II – Inequalities and optimum values

2  sin 
159. For 0o ≤ θ ≤ 360o , the least value of is
2  sin 
A. 1 .
1
B. .
3
C. 1.
D. 3.
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q47)

17.48
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
160. If 0° < θ < 45° , which of the following must be true?
I. tanθ < cosθ
II. sinθ < tanθ
III. sinθ < cosθ

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
(2006 CE-MATH-II Q22)

5  sin 
161. For 0    90 , the greatest value of is
4  sin 
4
A. .
5
B. 1.
5
C. .
4
D. 2.
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q20)

4
162. For 0  x  90 , the least value of is
2  cos x
A. 0.
B. 1.
C. 2.
D. 4.
(2004 CE-MATH-II Q20)

163. If 45o < θ < 90o , which of the following must be true?
I. tan  sin 
II. tan  cos 
III. cos   sin 
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q22)

17.49
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
2
164. For 0o  θ  90o , the maximum value of is
3  sin 2 
2
A. .
5
1
B. .
2
2
C. .
3
D. 1.
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q21)
o o
165. If 0 < x < y < 90 , which of the following must be true?
I. sin x < sin y
II. cos x < cos y
III. sin x < cos y
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. I and III only
E. II and III only
(2001 CE-MATH-II Q17)

1
166. The greatest value of 1sin x
is
2
1
A. .
2
1
B. .
4
C. 1.
D. 2.
E. 4.
(1995 CE-MATH-II Q18)

The largest value of 3 cos 2  1  1 is

2
167.

A. 2.
B. 5.
C. 17 .
D. 26 .
E. 50 .
(1994 CE-MATH-II Q48)

17.50
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
168. The largest value of 3 sin   2 cos   1 is
2 2

A. 1.
3
B. .
2
C. 2.
D. 3.
E. 4.
(1993 CE-MATH-II Q22)

169. The greatest value of 1 2 sin  is

A. 5.
B. 3.
C. 1.
D. 0.
E. 1 .
(1992 CE-MATH-II Q18)
170. In which two quadrants will the solution(s) of sin  cos   0 lie?
A. In quadrants I and II only
B. In quadrants I and III only
C. In quadrants II and III only
D. In quadrants II and IV only
E. In quadrants III and IV only
(1992 CE-MATH-II Q20)
171. The least value of 9 cos 2   6 cos   1 is
A. –4.
B. 0.
C. 1.
D. 4.
E. 16 .
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q15)
172. Given that sin  cos   0 , which of the following is/are true?
I. 0    90
II. 90    180
III. 180    270
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. I and III only
(1988 CE-MATH-II Q14)

17.51
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
173. If 0    360 , then the largest value of 2 sin  + cos  + 2 is
o o 2 2

A. 1.
B. 2.
C. 3.
D. 4.
E. 5.
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q46)
3
174. The greatest value of is
4  2 cos
A. 3.
3
B. .
2
3
C. .
4
3
D. .
5
1
E. .
2
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q44)
175. If 0o  x  180o and sin x  cos x , what is the range of x ?
A. 0o  x  45o
B. 0o  x  90o
C. 45o  x  90o
D. 45o  x  180o
E. 90o  x  180o
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q49)
2
176. The maximum value of cos 3x is
A. 1.
B. 2.
C. 3.
D. 6.
E. 9.
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q49)

177. If 0o    360o , the minimum value of 1 + 2cos is
2
A. 2 .
B. 1 .
C. 0.
D. 1.
E. 2.
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q44)
17.52
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper II – Equations (Section A)
178. If 0º  x  360º , solve 2 sin x   3 .
A. 120º or 240º
B. 120º or 300º
C. 150º or 330º
D. 210º or 330º
E. 240º or 300º
(1996 CE-MATH-II Q19)

1
179. If 0  x  360 , solve sin x  correct to 3 significant figures.
3
A. 18.7º or 160º
B. 18.7º or 200º
C. 19.5º or 161º
D. 19.5º or 199º
E. 19.5º or 341º
(1995 CE-MATH-II Q17)

180. If 0  x  360 , which of the following equations has only one root?
A. sin x = 0
1
B. sin x =
2
C. sin x = 2
D. cos x = 0
E. cos x = 1
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q17)

181. If 0o   < 360o , which of the following equations has exactly one root?
A. sin  = 1
1
B. sin  = 
2
C. sin  = 0
1
D. sin  =
2
E. sin  = 2
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q18)

17.53
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper II – Equations (Section B)

182. For 0  x  360 , how many roots does the equation 6 cos 2 x  cos x  5 have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2018 DSE-MATH-II Q38)

183. For 0    360 , how many roots does the equation 5 sin 2   sin   4  0 have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2016 DSE-MATH-II Q38)

184. For 0  x  360 , how many roots does the equation cos 2 x  sin x  1 have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2015 DSE-MATH-II Q38)

185. For 0  x  360 , how many roots does the equation 7 sin 2 x  sin x have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2014 DSE-MATH-II Q39)

186. For 0o ≤ x ≤ 360o , how many roots does the equation cos 2 x  sin 2 x  1 have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q45)

187. For 0o ≤ θ < 360o , how many roots does the equation 3sin2θ + 2 sin θ – 1 = 0 have?
17.54
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q45)

188. Solve the equation sin   3 cos  , where 0    90 .

A. θ = 0o
B. θ = 30o
C. θ = 45o
D. θ = 60o
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q22)

189. For 0o < x < 360o , how many roots does the equation 3 cos 2 x  4 cos x  1  0 have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2006 CE-MATH-II Q44)

190. For 0  x  360 , how many distinct roots does the equation cos x(sin x  1)  0 have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q44)

17.55
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
191. If θ is an acute angle and sinθ = cosθ , then cosθ =
1
A. .
2
2
B. .
2
3
C .
2
D. 1.
(2003 CE-MATH-II Q22)

192. For 0o ≤ θ < 360o , how many roots does the equation 2cos2θ – 5sinθ – 4 = 0 have?
A. 1
B. 2
C 3
D. 4
(2003 CE-MATH-II Q45)

193. For 0o ≤ x ≤ 360o , how many roots does the equation tan x = 2 sin x have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q48)

194. For 0o  x  360o , how many roots does the equation cos3x = cos x have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 6
(2001 CE-MATH-II Q42)

195. If 0º    360º , solve (cos  – 3)(3 sin  – 2) = 0 correct to 3 significant figures.

A. 41.8º or 70.5º
B. 41.8º or 138º
C. 41.8º or 222º
D. 41.8º or 356º
E. 42.1º or 138º
(1999 CE-MATH-II Q47)

17.56
HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
196. For 0  x  360 , how many roots does the equation 3sin x + 2sin x – 1 = 0 have?
o o 2

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4
(1998 CE-MATH-II Q47)

197. For 0o  θ  360o , how many roots does the equation tan (tan  2)  0 have?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q43)

198. If 0o  θ  180o , solve 2 sin x  3 cos x  0 correct to 3 significant figures.

A. 33.7º
B. 56.3º
C. 124º
D. 146º
E. no solution
(1996 CE-MATH-II Q22)

199. If 0  x  360 , the number of points of intersection of the graphs y  sin x and y  tan x is
A. 1.
B. 2.
C. 3.
D. 4.
E. 5.
(1995 CE-MATH-II Q49)

200. For 0  x  360 , how many roots does the equation sin xcos x  2 = 0 have?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4
(1994 CE-MATH-II Q47)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
201. Solve tan   2 tan   3  0 for 0    360 .
4 2

A. 45º, 135º only

B. 45º, 225º only
C. 45º, 60º, 225º, 240º
D. 45º, 120º, 225º, 300º
E. 45º, 135º, 225º, 315º
(1993 CE-MATH-II Q45)

202. Which of the following equations has/have solutions?

I. 2 cos 2   sin 2   1
II. 2 cos 2   sin 2   2
III. 2 cos 2   sin 2   3
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. II and III only
(1992 CE-MATH-II Q23)

203. For 0º   < 360º , how many roots does the equation tan  + 2 sin  = 0 have?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q18)

204. If sin  and cos  are the roots of the equation x2 + k = 0 , then k =
A. 1 .
1
B.  .
2
1
C.  .
4
1
D. .
4
1
E. .
2
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q44)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
205. Given that 0    180 , how many roots has the equation sin   1tan  3  0 ?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q18)
206. If 2 sin 2   sin  cos   cos 2   0 , then tan 
1
A. 1 or .
2
1
B. –1 or .
2
1
C. 1 or – .
2
1
D. –1 or – .
2
E. 1 or –2.
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q46)
o o
207. How many different values of x between 0 and 360 will satisfy the equation
(sin x + 1)(2 sin x + 1) = 0 ?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4
(1987 CE-MATH-II Q49)

208. If 0o  x < 360o , the number of points of intersection of the graph of y = sin x and y = 1 + cos x is
A. 0.
B. 1.
C. 2.
D. 3.
E. 4.
(1987 CE-MATH-II Q50)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
209. Let p be a positive constant such that p sin  = 3 and p cos  = 1 . Find all the values of  in the
interval 0o to 360o .
A. 60o
B. 30o
C. 60o , 240o
D. 30o , 210o
E. Cannot be determined
(1986 CE-MATH-II Q44)
1
210. If 0o   < 360o , the number of roots of the equation 2 sin  + = 3 is
sin 
A. 0.
B. 1.
C. 2.
D. 3.
E. 4.
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q45)

211. If 0o   < 360o , the number of roots of the equation 4 sin2 cos = cos is
A. 2.
B. 3.
C. 4.
D. 5.
E. 6.
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q48)
212. How many roots has the equation sin + sin  = cos  where 0    360 ?
2 2 o o

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q48)
213. If 0    360 , the number of roots of the equation 2 sin  cos   cos  = 0 is
o o

A. 0.
B. 1.
C. 2.
D. 3.
E. 4.
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q20)

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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
Paper II – Key
13. B 53. C 93. A 133. B 173. D
14. C 54. D 94. C 134. C 174. B
15. D 55. E 95. A 135. B 175. A
16. B 56. A 96. B 136. D 176. A
17. A 57. B 97. A 137. E 177. B
18. A 58. E 98. E 138. E 178. E
19. A 59. C 99. A 139. C 179. C
20. A 60. E 100. C 140. A 180. E
21. B 61. D 101. B 141. E 181. A
22. D 62. E 102. B 142. E 182. B
23. D 63. D 103. B 143. B 183. B
24. C 64. D 104. D 144. A 184. B
25. B 65. E 105. A 145. A 185. D
26. D 66. D 106. D 146. B 186. B
27. B 67. E 107. A 147. D 187. B
28. D 68. C 108. A 148. B 188. D
29. A 69. C 109. E 149. B 189. A
30. C 70. C 110. B 150. A 190. A
31. B 71. A 111. D 151. C 191. B
32. C 72. B 112. B 152. E 192. B
33. B 73. C 113. B 153. D 193. D
34. B 74. C 114. A 154. D 194. D
35. E 75. A 115. A 155. A 195. B
36. A 76. D 116. B 156. D 196. D
37. D 77. D 117. D 157. A 197. E
38. B 78. B 118. A 158. A 198. C
39. A 79. C 119. E 159. B 199. C
40. A 80. A 120. B 160. D 200. D
41. E 81. D 121. C 161. C 201. E
42. B 82. D 122. E 162. C 202. D
43. E 83. D 123. C 163. A 203. D
44. C 84. A 124. B 164. C 204. B
45. D 85. B 125. C 165. A 205. B
46. B 86. A 126. A 166. C 206. C
47. C 87. A 127. B 167. C 207. D
48. C 88. B 128. A 168. C 208. C
49. B 89. A 129. D 169. B 209. A
50. D 90. A 130. C 170. D 210. D
51. C 91. B 131. B 171. B 211. E
52. B 92. B 132. D 172. E 212. E
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HKDSE Mathematics 17. Basic Trigonometry
213. E

17.62