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CIE AS Maths: Pure 1 Your notes

3.4 Trigonometric Equations

Contents
3.4.1 Trigonometry - Simple Identities
3.4.2 Linear Trigonometric Equations
3.4.3 Quadratic Trigonometric Equations
3.4.4 Strategy for Trigonometric Equations

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3.4.1 Trigonometry - Simple Identities

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Trigonometry - Simple Identities
What is a trigonometric identity?
Trigonometric identities are statements that are true for all values of x or theta (θ)
They are used to help simplify trig equations before solving them
The first two identities you must know are:

Where do these identities come from?

Although you don’t need to know the proof for these identities it is important to understand where they
come from

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How to use the identities

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Exam Tip
If asked to show one thing is identical (≡) another look at what parts are missing – for example, if
tan x has gone it must have been substituted.

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3.4.2 Linear Trigonometric Equations

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Linear Trigonometric Equations
Solving linear trigonometric equations
You should have already seen two ways to solve linear trig equations
By sketching the graph (see Graphs of Trigonometric Functions) you can read off all the solutions
in a given range (or interval)
By using trigonometric identities you can simplify harder equations
Another way to find solutions is by using the CAST diagram which shows where each function has
positive solutions
You may be asked to use degrees or radians to solve trigonometric equations
Make sure your calculator is in the correct mode
Remember common angles
90° is ½π radians
180° is π radians
270° is 3π/2 radians
360° is 2π radians

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How do I use the CAST diagram?

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What about more complicated trig equations?

Some trig equations could involve a function of x or θ (see Transformations of Trigonometric Functions)
Functions could be in two forms, either y = sin(θ ± k) or y = sin kθ
An easy way to solve an equation involving sin, cos or tan of (θ± k) or kθ is by transforming the range of
the question

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Exam Tip
Your calculator will only give you the principal value and you need to find all other solutions for the
given interval.
Also, remember the CAST diagram only gives you some solutions, so again you may need to find
more depending on the given interval.
It is entirely up to you how you solve a trig equation, but some ways are more helpful than others
depending on the type of equation you are trying to solve

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3.4.3 Quadratic Trigonometric Equations

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Quadratic Trigonometric Equations
Solving quadratic trigonometric equations
If an equation involves sin2θ or cos2θ then it is a quadratic trigonometric equation
These can be solved by factorising and/or using trigonometric identities (see Trigonometry – Simple
Identities)
As a quadratic can result in two solutions, will need to consider whether each solution exists and then
find all solutions within a given interval for each
You may be asked to use degrees or radians to solve trigonometric equations
Make sure your calculator is in the correct mode
Remember common angles
90° is ½π radians
180° is π radians
270° is 3π/2 radians
360° is 2π radians

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Exam Tip
Sketch the appropriate sin, cos, tan graph to ensure you find ALL solutions within the given
interval, and be super-careful if you get a negative solution but have a positive interval.
For example, for an equation, in the interval 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°, with solution sin x = ‑¼ then sin‑1(‑¼) =
-14.5 (to 1d.p.), which is not between 0 and 360 – by sketching the graph you’ll be able to spot the
two solutions will be 180 + 14.5 and 360 ‑ 14.5.

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3.4.4 Strategy for Trigonometric Equations

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Strategy for Trigonometric Equations
How to approach solving trig equations
You can solve trig equations in a variety of different ways
Sketching a graph (see Graphs of Trigonometric Functions)
Using trigonometric identities (see Trigonometry – Simple Identities)
Using the CAST diagram (see Linear Trigonometric Equations)
Factorising quadratic trig equations (see Quadratic Trigonometric Equations)
You may be asked to use degrees or radians to solve trigonometric equations
Make sure your calculator is in the correct mode
Remember common angles
90° is ½π radians
180° is π radians
270° is 3π/2 radians
360° is 2π radians
If you’re having trouble solving a trig equation, this flowchart might help:

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Exam Tip
Don’t forget to check the function range and ensure you have included all possible solutions.
If the question involves a function of x or θ, make sure you transform the range first (and ensure you
transform your solutions back again at the end!).

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