Step 2: Use a calculator to nd the reference angle

tan y = 1
ref = tan
1
(1)
= 45

Step 3: Use CAST diagram to determine in which quadrants tan y is negative

The CAST diagram indicates that tan y is negative in the second and fourth quadrants.
y = (180

45

) + k . 180

y = 135

+ k . 180

, k Z
Notice that for k = 1, y = 135

+ 180

= 315

, which is the angle in the fourth

quadrant.
Step 4: Check that the solution satises the original equation
Step 5: Write the nal answer
y = 135

+ k . 180

where k Z.
Worked example 11: Trigonometric equations
QUESTION
Prove 8 cos
4
x 8 cos
2
x + 1 = cos 4x and hence solve 8 cos
4
x 8 cos
2
x + 1 = 0,8
(correct to one decimal place).
SOLUTION
Step 1: Prove the identity
Expand the right-hand side of the identity and show that it is equal to the left-hand
side:
RHS = cos 4x
= 2 cos
2
2x 1
= 2

2 cos
2
x 1

2
1
= 2

4 cos
4
x 4 cos
2
x + 1

1
= 8 cos
4
x 8 cos
2
x + 2 1
= 8 cos
4
x 8 cos
2
x + 1
= LHS
Step 2: Solve the equation
8 cos
4
x 8 cos
2
x + 1 = 0,8
cos 4x = 0,8
157 Chapter 4. Trigonometry