Date: 09/12/2022
Class: #16
Syllabus Topic: Trigonometry
Title: Factor Formulae, The form 𝑎 cos 𝜃 + 𝑏 sin 𝜃
Factor Formulae
𝑷+𝑸 𝑷−𝑸
• 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑷 + 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑸 = 𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐬
𝟐 𝟐
𝑷+𝑸 𝑷−𝑸
• 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑷 − 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑸 = 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧
𝟐 𝟐
𝑷+𝑸 𝑷−𝑸
• 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑷 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑸 = 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐬
𝟐 𝟐
𝑷+𝑸 𝑷−𝑸
• 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑷 − 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑸 = −𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐧
𝟐 𝟐
Finding the general solution using Factor Formulae
Question:
Find the general solution in radians of the equation sin 6𝜃 + sin 2𝜃 = 0.
Solution:
sin 6𝜃 + sin 2𝜃 = 0
6𝜃+2𝜃 6𝜃−2𝜃
2 sin cos =0
2 2
2 sin 4𝜃 cos 2𝜃 = 0
sin 4𝜃 cos 2𝜃 = 0
Either sin 4𝜃 = 0 or cos 2𝜃 = 0
For sin 4𝜃 = 0,
𝑃𝑉 = 0
∴ G.S. is 4𝜃 = 𝑛𝜋 ,𝑛∈ℤ
𝑛𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = ,𝑛∈ℤ
4
For cos 2𝜃 = 0,
𝜋
𝑃𝑉 = 2
𝜋
∴ G.S. is 2𝜃 = 2𝑛𝜋 ± 2 ,𝑛∈ℤ
𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = 𝑛𝜋 ± 4 ,𝑛∈ℤ
Question:
Find the general solution in radians of the equation cos 5𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = 0.
Solution:
cos 5𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = 0
5𝜃+𝜃 5𝜃−𝜃
2 cos cos =0
2 2
2 cos 3𝜃 cos 2𝜃 = 0
cos 3𝜃 cos 2𝜃 = 0
Either cos 3𝜃 = 0 or cos 2𝜃 = 0
For cos 3𝜃 = 0,
𝜋
𝑃𝑉 = 2
𝜋
∴ G.S. is 3𝜃 = 2𝑛𝜋 ± 2 ,𝑛∈ℤ
2𝑛𝜋 𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = ±6 ,𝑛∈ℤ
3
For cos 2𝜃 = 0,
𝜋
𝑃𝑉 = 2
𝜋
∴ G.S. is 2𝜃 = 2𝑛𝜋 ± 2 ,𝑛∈ℤ
𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = 𝑛𝜋 ± 4 ,𝑛∈ℤ
Important Result:
𝐜𝐨𝐬(−𝜽) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
𝐬𝐢𝐧(−𝜽) = − 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽
Question:
Find the general solution in radians for the equation sin 𝑥 + 2 sin 2𝑥 + sin 3𝑥 = 0.
Solution:
sin 𝑥 + 2 sin 2𝑥 + sin 3𝑥 = 0
We have three terms. We need to take two of them and convert it to a product.
Notice that if we combine the first and last term, we get sin 2𝑥 as a factor.
𝑥+3𝑥 𝑥−3𝑥
sin 𝑥 + sin 3𝑥 = 2 sin cos
2 2
sin 𝑥 + sin 3𝑥 = 2 sin 2𝑥 cos(−2𝑥)
sin 𝑥 + sin 3𝑥 = 2 sin 2𝑥 cos 2𝑥 [∵ cos(−𝜃) = cos 𝜃]
Hence,
sin 𝑥 + 2 sin 2𝑥 + sin 3𝑥 = 0
2 sin 2𝑥 cos 2𝑥 + 2 sin 2𝑥 = 0
2 sin 2𝑥 (cos 2𝑥 + 1) = 0
sin 2𝑥 (cos 2𝑥 + 1) = 0
Either sin 2𝑥 = 0 or cos 2𝑥 + 1 = 0
For sin 2𝑥 = 0,
𝑃𝑉 = 0
∴ G.S. is 2𝑥 = 𝑛𝜋 ,𝑛∈ℤ
𝑛𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝑥 = ,𝑛∈ℤ
2
For cos 2𝑥 + 1 = 0,
cos 2𝑥 = −1
𝑃𝑉 = 𝜋
∴ G.S. is 2𝑥 = 2𝑛𝜋 ± 𝜋 ,𝑛∈ℤ
𝜋
∴ G.S . is 𝑥 = 𝑛𝜋 ± 2 ,𝑛∈ℤ
𝑛𝜋 𝜋
Hence, the general solutions are 𝑥 = , 𝑥 = 𝑛𝜋 ± 2 ,𝑛∈ℤ
2
Solving equations using Factor Formulae
Question:
Solve cos 𝜃 − cos 4𝜃 = 0 for 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋.
Solution:
cos 𝜃 − cos 4𝜃 = 0
𝜃+4𝜃 𝜃−4𝜃
−2 sin 2
sin 2
=0
5𝜃 3𝜃
−2 sin ( 2 ) sin (− )=0
2
5𝜃 3𝜃
−2 sin ( 2 ) [− sin ( 2 )] = 0 [∵ sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃]
5𝜃 3𝜃
2 sin ( 2 ) sin ( 2 ) = 0
5𝜃 3𝜃
sin ( 2 ) sin ( 2 ) = 0
5𝜃 3𝜃
Either sin ( 2 ) = 0 or sin ( 2 ) = 0
5𝜃
For sin ( 2 ) = 0, Note that:
0≤𝜃≤𝜋
5𝜃
= 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋
2 0 ≤ 5𝜃 ≤ 5𝜋
5𝜃 5𝜋
5𝜃 = 0, 2𝜋, 4𝜋 0≤ ≤
2 2
2𝜋 4𝜋
𝜃 = 0, ,
5 5
3𝜃
For sin ( 2 ) = 0,
Note that:
3𝜃 0≤𝜃≤𝜋
= 0, 𝜋
2
0 ≤ 3𝜃 ≤ 3𝜋
3𝜃 = 0, 2𝜋 3𝜃 3𝜋
0≤ ≤
2 2
2𝜋
𝜃 = 0, 3
2𝜋 2𝜋 4𝜋
∴ 𝜃 = 0, , , for 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋
5 3 5
Alternative Method:
You can find the general solution and then substitute values of 𝑛, only including values
of 𝜃 in the given interval.
5𝜃
For sin ( 2 ) = 0,
𝑃𝑉 = 0
5𝜃
∴ G.S. is = 𝑛𝜋 ,𝑛∈ℤ
2
2𝑛𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = ,𝑛∈ℤ
5
2𝜋 4𝜋
Hence, 𝜃 = 0, , for 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋.
5 5
3𝜃
For sin ( 2 ) = 0,
𝑃𝑉 = 0
3𝜃
∴ G.S. is = 𝑛𝜋 ,𝑛∈ℤ
2
2𝑛𝜋
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = ,𝑛∈ℤ
3
2𝜋
Hence, 𝜃 = 0, for 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋.
3
2𝜋 2𝜋 4𝜋
∴ 𝜃 = 0, , , for 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋
5 3 5
Proofs using Factor Formulae
Question:
sin 6𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥+sin 2𝑥
Prove that cos 2𝑥+cos 𝑥+cos 6𝑥+cos 7𝑥 = tan 4𝑥.
Solution:
Taking L.H.S:
sin 6𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥+sin 2𝑥
cos 2𝑥+cos 𝑥+cos 6𝑥+cos 7𝑥
Recall that addition is commutative.
Tip: Rearrange the terms in such a way that when the factor formula is applied, you can
avoid fractions as well as negative values.
6𝑥+2𝑥 6𝑥−2𝑥 7𝑥+𝑥 7𝑥−𝑥
sin 6𝑥+sin 2𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥 2 sin( ) cos( )+2 sin( ) cos( )
2 2 2 2
= 6𝑥+2𝑥 6𝑥−2𝑥 7𝑥+𝑥 7𝑥−𝑥
cos 6𝑥+cos 2𝑥+cos 7𝑥+cos 𝑥 2 cos( ) cos( )+2 cos( ) cos( )
2 2 2 2
sin 6𝑥+sin 2𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥 2 sin 4𝑥 cos 2𝑥+2 sin 4𝑥 cos 3𝑥
= 2 cos 4𝑥 cos 2𝑥+2 cos 4𝑥 cos 3𝑥
cos 6𝑥+cos 2𝑥+cos 7𝑥+cos 𝑥
sin 6𝑥+sin 2𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥 2 sin 4𝑥(cos 2𝑥+cos 3𝑥)
= 2 cos 4𝑥 (cos 2𝑥+cos 3𝑥)
cos 6𝑥+cos 2𝑥+cos 7𝑥+cos 𝑥
sin 6𝑥+sin 2𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥 sin 4𝑥
= cos 4𝑥
cos 6𝑥+cos 2𝑥+cos 7𝑥+cos 𝑥
sin 6𝑥+sin 2𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥
= tan 4𝑥
cos 6𝑥+cos 2𝑥+cos 7𝑥+cos 𝑥
sin 6𝑥+sin 2𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥
= R.H.S.
cos 6𝑥+cos 2𝑥+cos 7𝑥+cos 𝑥
sin 6𝑥+sin 7𝑥+sin 𝑥+sin 2𝑥
∴ cos 2𝑥+cos 𝑥+cos 6𝑥+cos 7𝑥 = tan 4𝑥
Q.E.D
.
The form 𝑎 cos 𝜃 + 𝑏 sin 𝜃
Note:
𝒂 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 + 𝒃 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 = 𝒓 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽 + 𝜶)
𝒂 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 − 𝒃 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 = 𝒓 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽 − 𝜶)
𝒂 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 + 𝒃 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 = 𝒓 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽 − 𝜶)
𝒂 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 − 𝒃 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 = 𝒓 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽 + 𝜶)
Question:
𝜋
Express cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 in the form 𝑟 cos(𝑥 − 𝛼) , 𝑟 > 0 for 0 < 𝛼 < 2 .
Solution:
Let cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 𝑟 cos(𝑥 − 𝛼)
Let cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝑥 cos 𝛼 + 𝑟 sin 𝑥 sin 𝛼
Equating coefficients of cos 𝑥 and sin 𝑥 gives,
𝑟 cos 𝛼 = 1 → Eq. 1
𝑟 sin 𝛼 = 1 → Eq. 2
Eq. 2 ÷ Eq. 1 gives,
𝑟 sin 𝛼 1
=1
𝑟 cos 𝛼
tan 𝛼 = 1
𝛼 = tan−1 (1)
𝜋
𝛼= 4
Squaring Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 gives,
𝑟 2 cos2 𝛼 = 1 → Eq. 3
𝑟 2 sin2 𝛼 = 1 → Eq. 4
Eq. 3 + Eq. 4 gives,
𝑟 2 cos2 𝛼 + 𝑟 2 sin2 𝛼 = 1 + 1
𝑟 2 (cos2 𝛼 + sin2 𝛼) = 2
𝑟2 = 2 [∵ cos 2 𝛼 + sin2 𝛼 = 1]
𝑟 = √2
𝜋
∴ cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 = √2 sin (𝑥 + 4 )
Question:
Express 4 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 in the form 𝑟 sin(𝜃 − 𝛼) , 𝑟 > 0, 0 < 𝛼 < 90°.
Hence, find the general solution for 4 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 = 2.
Solution:
Let 4 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 = 𝑟 sin(𝜃 − 𝛼)
Let 4 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 cos 𝛼 − 𝑟 cos 𝜃 sin 𝛼
Equating coefficients of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃 gives,
𝑟 cos 𝛼 = 4 → Eq. 1
𝑟 sin 𝛼 = 3 → Eq. 2
Eq. 2 ÷ Eq. 1 gives,
𝑟 sin 𝛼 3
=4
𝑟 cos 𝛼
3
tan 𝛼 = 4
3
𝛼 = tan−1 (4)
𝛼 = 36.9°
Squaring Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 gives,
𝑟 2 cos2 𝛼 = 42 → Eq. 3
𝑟 2 sin2 𝛼 = 32 → Eq. 4
Eq. 3 + Eq. 4 gives,
𝑟 2 cos2 𝛼 + 𝑟 2 sin2 𝛼 = 42 + 32
Alternative result:
𝑟 2 (cos2 𝛼 + sin2 𝛼) = 16 + 9 𝑟 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2
𝑟 2 = 25
𝑟=5
∴ 4 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 = 5 sin(𝜃 − 36.9°)
Now,
4 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃 = 2
5 sin(𝜃 − 36.9°) = 2
2
sin(𝜃 − 36.9°) = 5
𝑃𝑉 = 23.6°
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 − 36.9° = 180𝑛 + (−1)𝑛 (23.6°) ,𝑛 ∈ ℤ
∴ G.S. is 𝜃 = 180𝑛 + (−1)𝑛 (23.6°) + 36.9° ,𝑛 ∈ ℤ
Transformations of Graphs
Transformation Function Description Note
Vertical 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒂 The graph of 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒂 The 𝑦-coordinates
Translation is obtained by translating are shifted by 𝑎 units
the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) whilst the 𝑥-
through 𝒂 units parallel to coordinates remain
the 𝑦-axis. unaffected.
Horizontal 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒂) The graph of 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒂) The 𝑥-coordinates
Translation is obtained by translating are shifted by −𝑎
the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) units whilst the 𝑦-
through −𝒂 units parallel coordinates remain
to the 𝑥-axis. unaffected.
Vertical Stretch 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒇(𝒙) The graph of 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒇(𝒙) is The 𝑦-coordinates
obtained by from the graph are multiplied by 𝑎
of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) by a one-way units whilst the 𝑥-
stretch of scale factor 𝒂 coordinates remain
parallel to the 𝑦-axis. unaffected.
Horizontal 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒂𝒙) The graph of 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒂𝒙) is The 𝑥-coordinates
Stretch obtained by from the graph are multiplied by 𝑎
of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) by a one-way units whilst the 𝑦-
𝟏 coordinates remain
stretch of scale factor 𝒂
unaffected.
parallel to the 𝑥-axis.
Past Paper Question - June 2013 – Question 3(b)
(b) (i) Express 𝑓(𝜃) = 3 cos 𝜃 − 4 sin 𝜃 in the form 𝑟 cos(𝜃 + 𝛼) where
𝜋
𝑟 > 0 and 0° ≤ 𝑎 ≤ 2 . [4]
(ii) Hence, find
(a) the maximum value of 𝑓(𝜃) [2]
1
(b) the minimum value of 8+𝑓(𝜃) [2]
Solution:
(b)(i) 𝑓(𝜃) = 3 cos 𝜃 − 4 sin 𝜃
Let 3 cos 𝜃 − 4 sin 𝜃 = 𝑟 cos(𝜃 + 𝛼)
Let 3 cos 𝜃 − 4 sin 𝜃 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 cos 𝛼 − 𝑟 sin 𝜃 sin 𝛼
Equating coefficients gives,
𝑟 cos 𝛼 = 3 → Eq. 1
𝑟 sin 𝛼 = 4 → Eq. 2
Eq. 2 ÷ Eq. 1 gives,
𝑟 sin 𝛼 4
=3
𝑟 cos 𝛼
4
tan 𝛼 = 3
𝛼 = 0.927𝑐
𝑟 = √32 + 42
𝑟 = √9 + 16
𝑟 = √25
𝑟=5
∴ 3 cos 𝜃 − 4 sin 𝜃 = 5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 )
(ii)(a) 𝑓(𝜃) = 3 cos 𝜃 − 4 sin 𝜃
𝑓(𝜃) = 5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 )
Minimum Maximum
cos 𝜃 −1 1
cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −1 1
5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −5 5
−1 ≤ cos 𝜃 ≤ 1
−1 ≤ cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 1
−5 ≤ 5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 5
Hence,
The maximum value of 𝑓(𝜃) is 5 .
1
(ii)(b) The minimum value of 8+𝑓(𝜃) occurs when the denominator is the largest.
1
Minimum value of 8+𝑓(𝜃)
1
= 8+5
1
= 13
−1 ≤ cos 𝜃 ≤ 1
−1 ≤ cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 1
−5 ≤ 5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 5
3 ≤ 8 + 5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 13
1 1
≥ 8 + 5 cos(𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≥
3 13
1 1 1
≤ 8+5 cos(𝜃+0.927𝑐) ≤ 3
13
Hence,
1 1
The minimum value of 8+𝑓(𝜃) is 13 .
Past Paper Question - June 2014 – Question 3(b)
(b) (i) Express 𝑓(𝜃) = 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 in the form 𝑟 sin(2𝜃 + 𝛼) where
𝜋
𝑟 > 0 and 0 < 𝑎 < 2 . [4]
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, determine
(a) the value of 𝜃, between 0 and 2𝜋 radians, at which 𝑓(𝜃) is a minimum. [4]
1
(b) the minimum and maximum values of 7 − 𝑓(𝜃) . [5]
Solution:
(b)(i) 𝑓(𝜃) = 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃
Let 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 = 𝑟 sin(2𝜃 + 𝛼)
Let 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 = 𝑟 sin 2𝜃 cos 𝛼 + 𝑟 cos 2𝜃 sin 𝛼
Equating coefficients gives,
𝑟 cos 𝛼 = 3 → Eq. 1
𝑟 sin 𝛼 = 4 → Eq. 2
Eq. 2 ÷ Eq. 1 gives,
𝑟 sin 𝛼 4
=3
𝑟 cos 𝛼
4
tan 𝛼 = 3
𝛼 = 0.927𝑐
𝑟 = √32 + 42
𝑟 = √9 + 16
𝑟 = √25
𝑟=5
∴ 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 = 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 )
(ii)(a) 𝑓(𝜃) = 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃
𝑓(𝜃) = 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 )
Minimum Maximum
sin 𝜃 −1 1
sin(2𝜃) −1 1
sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −1 1
5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −5 5
−1 ≤ sin 𝜃 ≤ 1
−1 ≤ sin(2𝜃) ≤ 1
−1 ≤ sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 1
−5 ≤ 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 5
Hence,
The minimum value of 𝑓(𝜃) is −5 .
So,
5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) = −5
sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) = −1
3𝜋 7𝜋
2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 = ,
2 2
2𝜃 = 3.785𝑐 , 10.069𝑐
𝜃 = 1.89𝑐 , 5.03𝑐
1 1
(ii)(b) 7−𝑓(𝜃) = 7−(3 sin 2𝜃+4 cos 2𝜃)
1 1
= 7−5 sin(2𝜃+0.927𝑐)
7−𝑓(𝜃)
Minimum Maximum
sin 𝜃 −1 1
sin(2𝜃) −1 1
sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −1 1
−5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −5 5
7 − 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) 2 12
1 1 1
7−5 sin(2𝜃+0.927𝑐 ) 12 2
−1 ≤ sin 𝜃 ≤ 1
−1 ≤ sin(2𝜃) ≤ 1
−1 ≤ sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 1
−5 ≤ −5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 5
2 ≤ 7 − 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 12
1 1
≥ 7 − 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≥ 12
2
1 1 1
≤ 7−5 sin(2𝜃+0.927𝑐) ≤ 2
12
Hence,
1 1
The maximum value of 7−𝑓(2𝜃) is 2 .
1 1
The minimum value of 7−𝑓(2𝜃) is 12 .
Past Paper Question - June 2015 – Question 3(b)
(b) (i) Express 𝑓(2𝜃) = 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 in the form 𝑟 sin(2𝜃 + 𝛼) where
𝜋
𝑟 > 0 and 0 < 𝛼 < 2 . [6]
1
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the maximum and minimum values of 7−𝑓(2𝜃) . [4]
Solution:
(b)(i) 𝑓(2𝜃) = 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃
Let 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 = 𝑟 sin(2𝜃 + 𝛼)
Let 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 = 𝑟 sin 2𝜃 cos 𝛼 + 𝑟 cos 2𝜃 sin 𝛼
Equating coefficients gives,
𝑟 cos 𝛼 = 3 → Eq. 1
𝑟 sin 𝛼 = 4 → Eq. 2
Eq. 2 ÷ Eq. 1 gives,
𝑟 sin 𝛼 4
=3
𝑟 cos 𝛼
4
tan 𝛼 = 3
𝛼 = 0.927𝑐
𝑟 = √32 + 42
𝑟 = √25
𝑟=5
∴ 3 sin 2𝜃 + 4 cos 2𝜃 = 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 )
1 1
(ii) 7−𝑓(2𝜃) = 7−(3 sin 2𝜃+4 cos 2𝜃)
1 1
= 7−5 sin(2𝜃+0.927𝑐)
7−𝑓(2𝜃)
Minimum Maximum
sin 𝜃 −1 1
sin(2𝜃) −1 1
sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −1 1
−5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) −5 5
7 − 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) 2 12
1 1 1
7−5 sin(2𝜃+0.927𝑐 ) 12 2
−1 ≤ sin 𝜃 ≤ 1
−1 ≤ sin(2𝜃) ≤ 1
−1 ≤ sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 1
−5 ≤ −5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 5
2 ≤ 7 − 5 sin(2𝜃 + 0.927𝑐 ) ≤ 12
1 1 1
≤ ≤
12 7−5 sin(2𝜃+0.927𝑐 ) 2
Hence,
1 1
The maximum value of 7−𝑓(2𝜃) is 2 .
1 1
The minimum value of 7−𝑓(2𝜃) is 12 .
Past Paper Question - June 2016 – Question 3(b)
(b) (i) Express the function 𝑓(𝜃) = sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 in the form 𝑟 sin(𝜃 + 𝛼), where
𝜋
𝑟 > 0 and 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2 . [5]
(ii) Hence, find the maximum value of 𝑓 and the smallest non-negative value of 𝜃 at
which it occurs. [5]
Solution:
(b) (i) 𝑓(𝜃) = sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃
Let sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = 𝑟 sin(𝜃 + 𝛼)
Let sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 cos 𝛼 + 𝑟 cos 𝜃 sin 𝛼
Equating coefficients gives,
𝑟 cos 𝛼 = 1 → Eq. 1
𝑟 sin 𝛼 = 1 → Eq. 2
Eq. 2 ÷ Eq. 1 gives,
𝑟 sin 𝛼 1
=1
𝑟 cos 𝛼
tan 𝛼 = 1
𝜋
𝛼= 4
𝑟 = √12 + 12
𝑟 = √2
𝜋
∴ sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = √2 sin (𝜃 + 4 )
(ii) 𝑓(𝜃) = sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃
𝜋
𝑓(𝜃) = √2 sin (𝜃 + )
4
Now,
−1 ≤ sin 𝜃 ≤ 1
𝜋
−1 ≤ sin (𝜃 + 4 ) ≤ 1
𝜋
−√2 ≤ √2 sin (𝜃 + 4 ) ≤ √2
Hence, the maximum value of 𝑓(𝜃) is √2 .
So,
𝜋
√2 sin (𝜃 + 4 ) = √2
𝜋
sin (𝜃 + 4 ) = 1
𝜋 𝜋
𝜃+4= 2
𝜋 𝜋
𝜃=2−4
𝜋
𝜃= 4
𝜋
∴ The smallest non-negative value of 𝜃 at which it occurs is 𝜃 = 4 .
