Grade 11 → Trigonometry ↓
Trigonometric Equations
A trigonometric equation is a type of equation involving trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, and their inverses. These functions relate the angles and sides of triangles, especially right angles, and are fundamental in the study of periodic phenomena, waves, oscillations, and various fields of physics and engineering.
What are trigonometric equations?
A trigonometric equation is an equation that involves one or more trigonometric functions. The goal is often to find all the angles that satisfy the equation. These equations can be simple, such as:
sin(x) = 0.5
or more complex such as:
2cos^2(x) - 3sin(x) + 1 = 0
Basic trigonometric functions
The basic trigonometric functions you will encounter are:
sin(x)
- the sine of an anglecos(x)
- cosine of an angletan(x)
- tangent of an anglecsc(x)
- the cosecant of an angle, which is 1/sin(x)sec(x)
- the secant of an angle, which is 1/cos(x)cot(x)
- the cotangent of an angle, which is 1/tan(x)
Understanding the unit circle
The unit circle is fundamental in trigonometry. Understanding the unit circle can help you solve trigonometric equations effectively. The unit circle is a circle with radius 1 and centered at the origin of the coordinate plane.
In this circle:
- In standard position the angle is measured in the counterclockwise direction from the positive x-axis.
- At any point on the circle, the x-coordinate gives the cosine of the angle, and the y-coordinate gives the sine of the angle.
Solving trigonometric equations
Solving trigonometric equations involves finding all the angles that satisfy the given equation. Here are the common methods:
Using algebraic techniques
Some trigonometric equations can be solved using algebraic methods or using standard algebra techniques. For example:
2cos^2(x) - cos(x) = 0
You can factor this equation:
cos(x)(2cos(x) - 1) = 0
This leads to two simple equations:
cos(x) = 0
2cos(x) - 1 = 0
These can be solved by finding suitable angles satisfying each of these.
Using the identity
Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for all values of the variables involved. These identities can make solving trigonometric equations easier. For example:
sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1
This Pythagorean identity can be used to substitute sin^2(x)
or cos^2(x)
into equations and simplify them.
Graphical methods
Trigonometric equations can also be solved using graphical methods. By plotting the functions involved and looking for the intersection, one can find approximate solutions.
Examples of solving trigonometric equations
Let us look at some examples of solving different types of trigonometric equations.
Example 1: Simple equation
Consider the equation:
sin(x) = 0.5
We need to find all the angles where the sine is equal to 0.5. Looking at the unit circle, we know:
x = π/6
x = 5π/6
Since sine is periodic and has a time period of 2π
, the general solutions are:
x = π/6 + 2kπ
, wherek
is an integerx = 5π/6 + 2kπ
, wherek
is an integer
Example 2: Quadratic trigonometric equation
Solve the equation:
2sin^2(x) - sin(x) - 1 = 0
Take sin(x)
as a variable, say u
. The equation becomes:
2u^2 - u - 1 = 0
Factor this in:
(2u + 1)(u - 1) = 0
Thus, re-substituting u = -1/2
or u = 1
for sin(x)
, we get:
sin(x) = -1/2
, which gives the solutionx = 7π/6, 11π/6
, plus2kπ
sin(x) = 1
, which gives the solutionx = π/2
, plus2kπ
Example 3: Using identity
Consider:
2sin(x)cos(x) = sin(x)
Use the identity 2sin(x)cos(x) = sin(2x)
:
sin(2x) = sin(x)
The solutions are as follows:
2x = x + 2kπ
givesx = 2kπ
2x = π - x + 2kπ
leads tox = π/3 + kπ
Conclusion
Trigonometric equations are an important part of mathematics and appear in many different contexts. By understanding algebraic techniques, trigonometric identities, and the periodic nature of trigonometric functions, one can solve these equations effectively. Visualization using the unit circle and an understanding of the properties of sine, cosine, and other trigonometric functions are the keys to mastering this subject.
Always remember to consider the periodic nature of trigonometric functions and express your solution as a general solution with proper periods.