Trigonometric

Equations



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 Trigonometric Equations

General Solutions of Trigonometric Equation:

(i) If sin θ = sin α
θ = n π + (-1)n α
⇒
 −π π 
Where α ∈  ,  , n ∈ I
 2 2
(ii) If cos θ = cos α
⇒ θ = 2n π ± α
Where α ∈ [0, π], n ∈ I
(iii) If tan θ = tan α
⇒ θ = nπ + α
 π π
Where α ∈  − ,  , n ∈ I
 2 2
(iv) If sin2 θ = sin2 α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α
 π
Where α ∈ 0,  , n ∈ I
 2
(v) If cos2 θ = cos2 α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α
 π
Where α ∈ 0,  , n ∈ I
 2
(vi) If tan2 θ = tan2 α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α
 π
Trigonometric Equations

Where α ∈ 0,  , n ∈ I
 2

1.
 Q.1 What is the most general values of q which satisfy both the equations.
1 1
sin θ = − and tan θ =
2 3

A. Clearly θ lies in III Quadrant.

Hence common values for both equations are
π
θ = (2n +1) π +
6
7π
or θ = 2n π + ,n ∈ I
6

2
1
Q.2

( )
2
Principle solutions of equation :  sinx +  + tanx + 1 / 3 =0
 2

1 1
A. Clearly sinx = −
2
and tanx = −
3
⇒ θ ∈ IV Quadrant
π
Hence θ = 2n π - ,n∈I
6
Principal solution (0 ≤ q < p)
11π
Put n = 1 θ=
6

Types of Trigonometric Equations

(i) Type – 1

Solution of trigonometric equation by factorization or equation which are

expressed in quadratic form.

Solve the following trigonometric equations:

Q.1 2 cosx. cos2x = cosx

A. 2cosx. cos2x – cosx = 0

cosx(2cos2x – 1) = 0
1
Trigonometric Equations

cosx = 0 or cos2x =
2
π
π
x = ( 2n + 1) (n ∈ I) cos2x = cos
3
2
π
2x = 2n π ±
3
π
x = n π ± (n ∈ I)
6
2.
Q.2 cotx – cosx = 1 – cotx.cosx

A. cotx – 1 – cosx + cotx.cosx = 0

(cotx – 1) + cosx(-1 + cotx) = 0
(cotx – 1)(cosx + 1) = 0
cotx = 1 or cosx = – 1
π
tanx = tan x = (2n + 1)π (cot x is not defined)
4
so, rejected (n ∈ I)
π
x = nπ + (n ∈ I)
4

Q.3 3cos2x – 10cosx + 3 = 0

A. 3cos2x – 9 cosx – cosx + 3 = 0

3cosx(cosx – 3) – (cosx – 3) = 0
(3cosx – 1)(cosx – 3) = 0
cosx = 1/3 or cosx = 3
cosx = cos α x ∈ φ
x = 2n π ± α
1
(n ∈ I, cos α = )
3

Q.4 3sin2x – sinx cosx – 4cos2x = 0

A. 3sin2x – 4sinx cosx + 3sinx cosx – 4cos2x = 0

sinx(3 sinx – 4cosx) + cosx(3sinx – 4cosx) = 0
(sinx + cosx)(3sinx – 4cosx) = 0
sinx = – cosx or 3sinx = 4cosx
tanx = -1 tanx = 4/3
tanx = tan(- π /4) tanx = tan α
x = nπ + (- π /4) x = n π + α
4
(n ∈ I) (n ∈ I, tan α = )
3

Q.5 2sin22x + 6 sin2x = 5

Trigonometric Equations

A. 2(1-cos22x) + 6 sin2x = 5
2 – 2cos22x + 6 sin2x = 5
2 – 2(1 – 2sin2x)2 + 6 sin2x = 5
Let sin2x = a then
2 – 2(1 – 2a)2 + 6a = 5

3.
 2 – 2(1 – 4a + 4a2) + 6a = 5
8a2 – 14a + 5 = 0
8a2 – 10a – 4a + 5 = 0
2a(4a – 5) – (4a – 5) = 0
(2a – 1)(4a – 5) = 0
⇒ a = ½ or a = 5/4
sin x = ½
2
sin2x = 5/4 (not possible)
sin2x = sin2 π /4
x = n π ± π /4
(n ∈ I)

Q.6 (1 – tan θ )(1 + sin2 θ ) = (1 + tan θ )

A. 
(1 – tan θ )  1 +
2tanθ 
 = (1 + tan θ )
 1 + tan2 θ 
2
( 1 + tanθ )
(1 – tan θ ) = (1+tan θ )
1 + tan2 θ
(1 – tan θ )(1 + tan θ )2 – (1 + tan θ )(1 + tan2 θ ) = 0
(1 + tan θ ){(1 – tan θ )(1+tan θ ) – (1 + tan2 θ )} = 0
(1 + tan θ ){(1 – tan2 θ ) – (1 + tan2θ)} = 0
tan θ = – 1 or tan θ = 0
tan θ = tan(– π /4) θ = nπ (n ∈ I)
π
θ = n π – , (n ∈ I)
4

Q.7 Find the general solution of the trigonometric equation

cos4x + 6 = 7 cos2x and also find sum of all the solution in [0, 100 π ]

A. cos4x + 6 = 7 cos2x
(2cos22x – 1) + 6 = 7 cos2x Previous Year’s Questions
2cos22x – 7 cos2x + 5 = 0
2cos22x – 2cos2x – 5 cos2x + 5 = 0 Let S = {θ ∈ [–2π, 2π] : 2cos2θ +
2cos2x(cos2x – 1) – 5(cos2x – 1) = 0 3 sinθ = 0}. Then the sum of the
cos2x = 5/2 or cos2x = 1 elements of S is
(not possible) 2x = 2n π
Trigonometric Equations

13π
x = n π , (n ∈ I) (A) (B) π
6
5π
Sum of all solutions = 0 + π + 2p + … + 100p (C) 2π (D)
6
 100.101
= π  =5050 π
 2 

4.
Q.8 5tan4x – (sec2x)2 = 29

A. 5(tan2x)2 – (1 + tan2x)2 = 29
let tan2x = a then
5a2 – (1 + a)2 = 29
5a2 – (1 + a2 + 2a) = 29
4a2 – 2a – 30 = 0
2a2 – a – 15 = 0 ⇒ 2a2 – 6a + 5a – 15 = 0
2a(a – 3) + 5(a – 3) = 0
(2a + 5)(a – 3) = 0
5
a = – or a=3
2
5 π
tan2x = − tan2x = tan2
2 3
π
(Not possible) x = nπ ± , n ∈ I
3

Q.9 sin2x(1 + tanx) = 3sinx(cosx – sinx) + 3

A. sin2x(1 + tanx) = 3sinx cosx(1 – tanx) + 3

divide by cos2x
tan2x(1 + tanx) = 3tanx(1 – tanx) + 3sec2x
tan2x + tan3x = 3tanx – 3tan2x + 3 + 3tan2x
tan3x + tan2x – 3tanx – 3 = 0
tan2x(tanx + 1) – 3(tanx + 1) = 0
(tan2x – 3) (tanx + 1) = 0
tan2x = 3 or tanx = - 1
π  π
tan2x = tan2 tanx = tan  − 
3  4
π π
x = n π ± x = nπ –
3 4
(n ∈ I) (n ∈ I)

Q.10 Find the solutions set of the equation

log − x2 −6x ( sin3x + sinx ) = log − x2 −6x ( sin2x )
Trigonometric Equations

10 10

A. For log to be defined

(i) sin3x + sin x > 0
(ii) sin2x > 0
−x2 − 6x
(iii) > 0 ⇒ x(x + 6) < 0
10

5.
 x2 − 6x
(iv) − 10
 ≠ 1 ⇒ x2 + 6x + 10 ≠ 0

Now from given equation

⇒ sin3x + sinx = sin2x
⇒ 2sin2x cosx – sin2x = 0
⇒ sin2x(2cosx – 1) = 0
⇒ sin2x = 0 or cosx = ½
(  sin2x > 0) x = 2n π ± π /3
rejected (n ∈ I)
π π
⇒ x = -2 π + , − {  x ∈ (-6, 0)}
3 3
5π
x= − is only a solution.
3

Q.11 tan2θ + sec2θ = 1

A. tan2θ +
1
=1
cos2θ
1 + tan2 θ
tan2θ + =1
1 − tan2 θ
Let tan2θ = a then
1+a
a+ = 1 ⇒ a(1 – a) + (1 + a) = (1 – a)
1−a
⇒ a – a2 + 1 + a = 1 – a
⇒ a2 – 3a = 0
⇒ a(a – 3) = 0
a = 0 or a=3
tan2θ = 0 or tan2θ = tan2 π /3
θ = nπ, (n ∈ I) θ = nπ ± π/3
(n ∈ I)
(ii) Type – 2

Solving trigonometric equation by introducing Point to Remember!!!

an Auxiliary argument
equation of the form
(i) First check for real solution
⇒ a cos θ + bsin θ = c
Trigonometric Equations

(ii) Avoid squaring

divide by a2 + b2
a b c
⇒ cos θ + sin θ =
a +b
2

2
a +b 2

2
a + b2
2

sin α cos α

c
⇒ sin( θ + α ) =
a + b2
2

6.
Q.1 Solve: sinx + cosx = 2

A. Divide by 1 + 1 = 2
1 1 2
⇒ sinx + cosx =
2 2 2
π π
⇒ cos sinx + sin cosx = 1
4 4
⇒ sin(x + π/4) = 1
π π
⇒ x + = 2n π +
4 2
π
⇒ x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
4

Q.2 Solve: 3cosx + sinx = 2

A. Divide by 3+1 = 2
3 1 2
⇒ cosx + sinx =
2 2 2
π π
⇒ sin cosx + cos sinx = 1
3 3
⇒ sin(x + /3) = 1
π π
⇒ x + = 2n π +
3 2
π
⇒ x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
6

Q.3 Solve: sinx + cosx = 1.5

A. Divide by 1 + 1 = 2
1 1 3
⇒ sinx + cosx =
2 2 2 2
π 3
⇒ sin(x + ) =
4 2 2
Trigonometric Equations

3
⇒ No solution (  > 1)
2 2

7.
 Q.4 Solve: (secx – 1) = ( 2 − 1 ) tanx

A.  1


− 1 = ( 2−1
sinx
) cosx
 cosx 
⇒ 1 – cosx = ( 2 − 1 ) sinx; cosx ≠ 0
x x x
⇒ 2sin2 = ( 2 − 1 ) 2sin . cos
2 2 2
x x x
⇒ 2sin = 0 or sin
= ( 2 − 1 )cos
2 2 2
x x π
⇒ = n π (n ∈ I) tan = 2 − 1 = tan
2 2 8
x π
⇒ x = 2n π (n ∈ I) ⇒ = n π + (n ∈ I)
2 8
π
⇒ x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
4

Q.5 Solve: sinx + cosx = 2 sin5x

A. Divide by 1+1 = 2
π
⇒ sin(x + ) = sin5x
4
π
⇒ x+ = n π + (–1)n 5x (n ∈ I)
4
for n → even let n = 2m
π
⇒ x+ = 2m π + 5x
4
π
⇒ 4x = – 2m π +
4
−mπ π
⇒ x= +
2 16
π π
or x= k +
2 16
(
k ∈I )
for n → odd, let n = (2m + 1)
π
x+ = (2m + 1) π – 5x
4
Trigonometric Equations

3π
⇒ 6x = 2m π +
4
mπ π
⇒ x = + (m ∈ I)
3 8

8.
Q.6 Solve the equality: 2sin11x + cos3x + 3 sin3x = 0

A. cos3x + 3 sin3x = –2sin11x

Divide by 1+3 = 2
1 3
⇒ cos3x + sin3x = – sin11x
2 2
 π
⇒ sin  3x +  = –sin11x
 6
 π
( ) ( )
n
⇒  3x +  = nπ + −1   −11x
 6
If n → even ⇒ n = 2m
π
⇒ 3x + = 2m π – 11x
6
π
⇒ 14x  =  2mπ –
6

⇒ x  =  mπ − π (m ∈ I)
7 84
If n → odd ⇒ n = 2m + 1
π
⇒ 3x + = (2m + 1) π + 11x
6
5π
⇒ 8x  =  − 2mπ −
6
2mπ 5π
⇒ x = −  −  
8 48
5π
or x = kπ – (k ∈ I)
4 48

Q.7 If α and β are the roots of the equation acos θ + bsin θ = c then match the
entries of column -I with the entries of column – II
Column – I Column – II
(A) sin α + sin β (P)  2b/(a + c)
(B) sin α . sin β (Q) (c-a)/(c+a)
α β
Trigonometric Equations

(C) tan + tan (R) 2bc/(a2 + b2)

2 2
α β
(D) tan . tan (S) (c2 -a2)/(a2 +b2)
2 2

A. A → R, B → S, C → P, D → Q
a cos θ = c – bsin θ

9.
 on squaring
⇒ a2cos2θ = c2 + b2sin2θ – 2bc sinθ
⇒ a2(1 – sin2θ) = c2 + b2 sin2θ – 2bc sinθ
Let sinθ = x
⇒ (a2 + b2)x2 – 2bc. x + (c2 – a2) = 0
above equation have roots sin α , sin β ,
2bc
⇒ sin α + sin β = 2
a + b2
c2 − a 2
⇒ sin α . sin β =
a2 + b2
Now from given equation
 2  θ
   θ 
 1 − tan  2    2tan  2  
a  + b  =c
 2  θ   2  θ 
 1 + tan  2    1 + tan  2  
     
⇒ a(1 – tan2 θ /2) + 2btan θ /2 = c(1 + tan2 θ /2)
Let tan θ /2 = x
⇒ (a + c)x2 – 2bx + (c – a) = 0
above equation have roots tan α /2, tan β /2
⇒ tan α /2 + tan β /2 = 2b/(a+c)
α β
⇒ tan . tan = (c – a)/(c + a)
2 2

Q.8 Solve: 4cosx + 3sinx = 5

A. Divide by 42 + 32 = 5
4 3
⇒ cosx + sinx = 1
5 5
4
⇒ sin(x + α ) = 1 where sin α =
5
π
⇒ x + α = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
2
π 4
⇒ x = 2n π + - α (n ∈ I, sin α = )
Trigonometric Equations

2 5

10.
Q.9  x
Solve: sin 
 x
 + cos   = 2 sin x
 2   2 

A. Divide by 2
 x π
sin  +  = sin( x )
 2 4
x π
⇒ + = n π + (-1)n x (n ∈ I, x ≥ 0)
2 4
If n = - 2m (even) then
x π
+ = - 2m + x
2 4
x π
⇒ = 2m π +
2 4
2
 π
⇒ x =  4mπ +  (m ∈ I)
 2
If n = 2m + 1 (odd) then
x π
+ = (2m + 1) π - x
2 4
3 x 3π
⇒   = 2m π +
2 4
2
 4mπ π 
⇒ x = (m ∈ I)
 3 + 2 

3
Q.10 Solve: 1 + sin3x + cos3x =
2
sin2x

A. Given equation is
13 + (sinx)3 + (cosx)3 = 3(1)(sinx)(cosx)
⇒ 1 + sinx + cosx = 0 or 1 = sinx = cosx (Not possible)
⇒ sinx + cosx = – 1
 π 1  π
⇒ sin  x +    = − = sin  − 
 4 2  4
Trigonometric Equations

π π
⇒ x + = n π + (-1)n ( − )
4 4
If n = 2m (even)
π π
⇒ x +   =  2mπ –  
4 4
π
⇒  x  =  2mπ – (m ∈ I)
2

11.
 If n = 2m + 1 (odd)
⇒ x + π /4 = (2m + 1) π + π /4
⇒ x = (2m + 1) π (m ∈ I)

Number of integral values of k for which the equation

Q.11 3sinx + 4 cos x = k has real solutions.

A.  − 32 + 42   ≤ 3sinx + 4cosx ≤ 32 + 42
\ –5 ≤ k ≤ 5
Integral values of k are
{0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±5}
Number of values of k = 11

The number of integral values of k for which the equation

Q.12 7cosx + 5sinx = 2k + 1 has a solution
(A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 10 (D) 12

A. B
We know that
− 72 + 52 ≤ 7cosx + 5 sinx ≤ 72 + 52
− 74   ≤ 2k + 1 ≤ 74
Integral values of k are
{0, ±1, ±2, ±3, -4}
Number of values = 8

Find the general solution of the trigonometric equation

Q.13 1 
 +log 3 ( cosx + sinx ) 
3 2 
− 2log2 (cosx −sinx ) = 2

A. Given equation is
3·3log3 (cosx + sinx ) − 2log2 (cosx −sinx ) = 2
⇒ 3 (cosx+sinx) – (cosx-sinx) = 2
Divide by 2
 π  π
⇒ 3sin  x +  − cos  x +  = 1
 4  4
Trigonometric Equations

Divide by 2
3  π 1  π 1
sin  x +  − cos  x +  =
2  4 2  4 2
π π π
⇒ sin(x + - ) = sin
4 6 6

12.
 π π
⇒ x+ = n π +(-1)n (n ∈ I)
12 6
If n = 2m (even) then
π
⇒ x = 2m π + (m ∈ I)
12
If n = 2m + 1 (odd) then
π
⇒ x = (2m + 1) π – (m ∈ I) (rejected)
4
(as sinx + cosx = 0)

Q.14 Solve: 3 3 sin3x + cos3x + 3 3 sinx cosx = 1

A. Given equation is
( 3 sinx)3 + (cosx)3 + (–1)3 = 3( 3 sinx)cosx.(–1)
⇒ 3 sinx + cosx – 1 = 0 or 3 sinx = cosx = – 1
3 1 1
sinx + cosx =
2 2 2
 π  π
cos  x −  = cos
 3 3
π π
⇒ x – = 2n π ± (n ∈ I)
3 3
2π
⇒ x = 2n π + or x = 2n π (n ∈ I)
3

(iii) Type – 3

Solving equations by transforming a sum of

Trigonometric functions into a product.

Q.1 General solution of the trigonometric equations

sin x + sin5x = sin2x + sin4x is
nπ 2nπ
(A) (B) (C) 2n π (D) n π
3 3

A. A
Trigonometric Equations

2sin3x. cos2x = 2sin3x. cos x

⇒ sin3x = 0 or cos2x = cos x
3x = n π 2x = 2n π ± x
nπ 2nπ
x= (n ∈ I) x = 2n π , (n ∈ I)
3 3
nπ
Combinedly x =
3
13.
 (iv) Type – 4

Solving equations by transforming a product

of trigonometric functions into a sum.

Q.1 Number of solutions of the trigonometric equation in [0, π ],

 sin3θ = 4sinθ sin2θ sin4θ
(A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 7 (D) 10

A. C
sin3θ = 4sinθ sin2θ sin4θ
(
⇒ sin3θ = 2 cosθ − cos3θ sin4θ )
⇒ sin3θ = 2sin4θ.cosθ − 2sin4θcos3θ

( ) (
⇒ sin3θ = sin5θ + sin3θ − sin7θ + sinθ )
⇒ (sin7 θ – sin5 θ ) + sin θ = 0
⇒ 2cos6 θ .sin θ + sin θ = 0
⇒ sin θ (2 cos6θ + 1) = 0
1
sin θ = 0 or cos 6θ = −
2
2π
θ = n π (n ∈ I) 6θ =  2nπ ±
3
8π 4π 14π 10π 16π
Values in [0, π] ⇒ 0, π, , , , ,
18 18 18 18 18

Q.2 Find all value of θ , between 0 and π , which satisfy the equation
1
cosθ.cos2θ.cos3θ =
4

1
A. ( )
2 cosθ.cos3θ .cos2θ =
2
1
⇒ ( cos4θ + cos2θ ) .cos2θ =
2
1
⇒ (2 cos2 2θ − 1 + cos2θ).cos2θ   =
Trigonometric Equations

2
let cos2θ = x Hence
1
⇒ (2x2 + x – 1).x =
2
⇒ 4x3 + 2x2 – 2x – 1 = 0
⇒ 2x2(2x + 1) – (2x + 1) = 0

14.
 ⇒ (2x2 – 1)(2x + 1) = 0
⇒ x2 = ½ or x = –1/2
π 2π
cos22θ = cos2   cos 2θ = cos
4 3
nπ π π
θ= ± (n ∈ I) θ = nπ ± (n ∈ I)
2 8 3
π π 3π 5π 7 π 2π
In [0, π ] values are θ = , , , , ,
8 3 8 8 8 3

Q.3 Number of solution(s) of the equation sinx + 2sin2x = 3 + sin3x in [0, π]

(A) no solution (B) infinite solution
(C) exactly one solution (D) exactly two solution

A. A
sin3x – 2sin2x – sinx = – 3
3sinx – 4sin3 x– 4sinx cosx – sinx = – 3
2sinx – 4sin3x – 4sinx cosx = – 3
2sinx(1–2sin2x – 2cosx) = – 3
3
2cos2x – 2cosx – 1 = − cosecx
2
 1  3
2  cos2 x − cos x −  = − cosecx
 2 2
2
 1 3  3
2  cosx −  −  = − cosecx 
 2 4  2
3
for x ∈ [0, π] LHSmin = −
2
3
RHSmax = −
2
3
Hence LHS = RHS = −
2
1
⇒ cosx = − and cosecx = 1
2
1
cosx = − and sinx = 1 (Not possible simultaneously)
2
Trigonometric Equations

⇒ No Solutions
Alternate method:
(sin3x – sinx) – 2sin2x = 3
2cos2x sinx – 2sin2x = 3
3
(sinx) cos2x – sin2x = −
2

15.
 LHS ∈  − 1 + sin2 x ,   1 + sin2 x 
 
3
which cannot be hence no solutions.
2

Q.4 Solve: cos2x + cos22x + cos33x + cos24x = 2

A.  1 + cos2x   1 + cos4x   1 + cos6x   1 + cos8x 

  +   +   +   = 2
2 2 2 2
1
⇒ (cos2x + cos4x + cos6x + cos8x) = 0
2
⇒ (cos2x + cos8x) + (cos4x + cos6x) = 0
⇒ 2cos5x cos3x + 2cos5x. cosx = 0
⇒ 2cos5x(cos3x + cosx) = 0
⇒ 2cos5x (2cos2x. cosx) = 0
cos5x = 0 or cos2x = 0 or cosx = 0
π π
5x = (2n + 1) 2x = (2n+1)
2 2
π π π
x = (2n + 1) x = (2n + 1) x = (2n + 1)
10 4 2
(n ∈ I) (n ∈ I) (n ∈ I)

Q.5 Solve: cosec x – cosec 2x = cosec 4x

1 1 1
A. − =
sinx sin2x sin4x
1 1 1 sin2x + sin4x
⇒ = + =
sinx sin2x sin4x sin2x.sin4x
1 2sin3x.cosx
⇒ =
sinx sin2x.sin4x
⇒ sin2x.sin4x = sin3x (2sinx cosx)
⇒ sin4x – sin3x = 0
7x x x
⇒ 2cos sin = 0 or sin = 0
2 2 2
Trigonometric Equations

7x
⇒ cos = 0 or ⇒ x/2 = n π
2
π
⇒ x = (2n + 1) ⇒ x = 2nπ [Rejected]
7
(n, m ∈ I, n ≠ 7m – 4) (as sinx = 0)

16.
 sin6x
Q.6 Solve:
sinx
= 8cosx. cos2x. cos4x

A. sin6x
= 8.
sin8x
sinx 8sinx
⇒ sin6x = sin8x
⇒ sin8x – sin6x = 0
⇒ 2cos7x. sinx = 0
⇒ cos7x = 0 (as sinx cannot be zero)
π
x = (2n + 1) ; n ∈I
14

(v) Type – 5

Solving equations by change of variable or by

substitution method.

Q.1 Solve: sin42x + cos42x = sin2x. cos2x

A. (sin22x + cos22x)2 – 2sin22x. cos22x =

1
sin4x
2
1 2 1
⇒ 1 – ( 2sin2xcos2x ) = sin4x Previous Year’s Questions
2 2
⇒ 2 – sin24x = sin4x The number of soluitons of the
⇒ sin24x + sin4x – 2 = 0 equation 1 + sin4x = cos2 3x,
⇒ (sin4x – 1)(sin4x + 2) = 0
 5π 5π 
⇒ sin4x = 1 or sin4x = – 2 x ∈ − ,  is
π  2 2
4x = 2n π + (Not possible)
2 (A) 5 (B) 4
nπ π (C) 7 (D) 3
x= + (n ∈ I)
2 8

(vi) Type – 6
Trigonometric Equations

Solving equations with the use of the

boundness of the function sinx, cosx

17.
 Q.1 Solve: sin3x – cos3x = 1 + sinx.cosx

A. (sinx – cosx)(1 + sinx cosx) = 1 + sinx. cosx

⇒ 1 + sinx cosx = 0 or sinx – cosx = 1
 π 3π
⇒ 2sinxcosx = - 2 cos  x +  = cos
 4  4
π 3π
⇒ sin2x = - 2 x+ = 2n π ±
4 4
π
Not possible x = 2n π + , (2n – 1) π (n ∈ I) 
2

Q.2 Solve: cosx + cos2x + cos3x = 3

A. (cosx + cos3x) + cos2x = 3

⇒ (2cos2x. cosx) + cos2x = 3
⇒ (cos2x)(2cosx + 1) = 3
⇒ 2cosx + 1 = 3sec2x
Now LHS ∈ [-1,3]
RHS ∈ ( −∞, −3] ∪ [3, ∞ )
⇒ LHS = RHS = 3
⇒ cosx = 1 & sec2x = 1
x = 2n π cos2x = 1
(n ∈ I) x = mπ m ∈ I ( )

(x = 2n π) (n ∈ I)

Alternate method:
Given equation only possible if
cosx = 1 and cos2x = 1 and cos3x = 1
2nπ
x = 2n π and x = n π and x =
3
common values x = 2n π,  (n ∈ I)
Trigonometric Equations

Q.3 If 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π , then the number of real values of x, which satsify the equation
cosx + cos2x + cos3x + cos4x = 0
(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 7 (D) 9

A. (cosx + cos4x) + (cos2x + cos3x) = 0

5x 3x 5x x
⇒ 2cos .cos + 2cos .cos = 0
2 2 2 2
18.
 5x  3x x
⇒ 2cos cos + cos  = 0
2  2 2
5x x
⇒ cos = 0 , cosx = 0, cos = 0
2 2
π π
⇒ x = ( 2n + 1) , x = ( 2n + 1) , x = ( 2n + 1) π (n ∈ I)
5 2
Values in [0, 2π] are
π 3π 7 π 9π π 3π
x= , , π, , , ,
5 5 5 5 2 2

x x
Q.4 Solve: sinx(cos
4
– 2sinx) + (sin – 2cosx) cosx + 1 = 0
4

x x
A. (sinx cos
4
+ cosx sin ) – 2(sin2x + cos2x) + 1 = 0
4
5x
⇒ sin –2+1=0
4
 5x 
⇒ sin   = 1
 4
5x
⇒ = 2n π + π / 2
4
8 2π
⇒ x = nπ + (n ∈ I)
5 5

Q.5 Solve for x and y: x2 + 2x + 3 = 3 siny + cosy

 3 1 
A. (x2 + 2x + 1) + 2 = 2 
 2
siny + cosy 
2 
 π
⇒ (x+1)2 + 2 = 2sin  y + 
 6 
Now LHS ∈ [2, ∞ )
RHS ∈ [-2,2]
Hence LHS = RHS = 2
Trigonometric Equations

 π
x = – 1 and sin  y +  = 1
 6

y + π = 2nπ + π
6 2
π
y = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
3

19.
 Q.6 Solve x and y : 1 – 2x – x2 = tan2(x + y) + cot2(x + y)

A. –(x + 1)2 + 2 = tan2(x + y) +

1
tan2 ( x + y )
Now LHS ∈ ( −∞, 2]
RHS ∈ [2, ∞ )
Hence LHS = RHS = 2
π
x = - 1 and tan2(x + y) = 1 = tan2  
4
π
⇒ x + y = n π ±
4
π
–1 + y = n π ±
4
π
x = – 1 and y = nπ ± + 1 (n ∈ I )
4

Q.7
2
Number of ordered pair satisfying the inequality 2cosec x y 2 − 2y + 2 ≤ 2

A.  2cosec x ∈ [2, ∞ )
2

+ 1 ∈ [ 1, ∞ )
2
and y 2 − 2y + 2 = ( y − 1)
Hence 2cosec x y 2 − 2y + 2 ∈ [2, ∞ )
2

\ given inequality will only be satisfy if

2
2cosec x y 2 − 2y + 2 = 2
⇒ cosec2x = 1 and y2 – 2y + 2 = 1
π
sin2x = sin2 and (y – 1)2 = 0
2
π
x = nπ ± (n ∈ I) and y=1
2

Q.8 Solve: (cosx)100 – (sinx)100 = 1

A. We know sin100x, cos100x ∈ [0,1]

Trigonometric Equations

Hence for above equation to satisfy.

(cosx)100 = 1 and (sinx)100 = 0
cosx = ± 1 and sinx = 0
x = n π (n ∈ I) and x = nπ (n ∈ I)

x = nπ (n ∈ I)
20.
 (vii) Type – 7

Solution of trigonometric equations of the form of

f(x) = φ ( x )

Q.1 Solve: 1 − cosx = sinx

A. On squaring
(1 – cosx) = sin2x
⇒ (1 – cosx) = (1 – cosx) (1 + cosx)
⇒ cos x = 1 or 1 + cos x = 1
x = 2n π cosx = 0
π
(n ∈ I) x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
2
(as sin x ≥ 0)

Q.2  π
Solve: 2sin  3x +  = 1 + 8sin2x.cos2 2x
 4
 1 1
A. 2 sin3x +

cos3x  = 1 + 4sin4x.cos2x
 2 2 
On squaring
2(sin3x + cos3x)2 = 1 + 2(2sin4x cos2x)
2(1 + sin6x) = 1 + 2(sin6x + sin2x)
2 + 2 sin6x = 1 + 2 sin6x + 2 sin2x
1 π
sin 2x = = sin
2 6
n π
2x = n π + ( −1)   ; n ∈ I
6
nπ n π
x= + ( −1)  ;n ∈ I …(1)
2 12
 π
Now we must keep in mind that sin  3x +  > 0 hence
 4
let us check in (1) for
Trigonometric Equations

π  π
n=0,x= ⇒ sin  3x +  > 0
12  4
5π  π
n = 1, x = ⇒ sin  3x +  < 0
12  4

21.
 13π  π
n = 2, ⇒ sin  3x +  < 0
12  4
17 π  π
n = 3, ⇒ sin  3x +  > 0
12  4
 π
n = 4, 25π ⇒ sin  3x +  > 0
12  4

Hence possible values of n
n = 0, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, …
for 0, 4, 8, … n = 4m
3, 7, 11, … n = 4m + 3
hence in (1)
(i) Put n = 4m then solution
π
x = 2m π + (m ∈ I)
12
(ii) Put n = 4m + 3 then solution

= 2mπ + 3π − π
π π
x = (4m + 3) −
2 12 2 12
x = 2mπ + 17 π m ∈ I( )
12

Q.3 Find smallest positive x satisfying 1 − sin2x − 2sin3x = 0

A. 1 − sin2x − 2sin3x = 0
On squaring
(1 – sin2x) = 2sin23x = 1 – cos6x
⇒ sin2x = cos6x
π 
⇒ cos6x = cos  − 2x 
2 
π 
⇒ 6x = 2nπ ±  − 2x 
 2 
π π
⇒ 8x = 2nπ + , 4x = 2nπ −
2 2
Trigonometric Equations

nπ π nπ π
x  =  
4
+
16
,  x =
2
−
8
(
n ∈I )
π
Smallest positive value is
16

22.
 (viii) Type – 8 (Miscellenous)

Q.1 Find the least positive angle measure in degree satisfying the equation
sin3x + sin32x + sin33x = (sinx + sin2x + sin3x)3

A. Let sinx = a, sin2x = b, sin3x = c

Hence given equation is
a3 + b3 + c3 = (a + b + c)3
⇒ a3 + b3 + c3 = a3 + b3 + c3 + 3(a + b)(b + c)(c + a)
⇒ a + b = 0 , b + c = 0 , c + a = 0
3x x 5x x
2sin cos = 0,   2sin cos = 0 , 2sin2x cosx = 0
2 2 2 2
Least positive angle is x = 72°

Q.2 Let S be the set of all α ∈ R such that the equation,

cos2x + αsinx = 2α − 7 has a solution. Then S is equal to
(A) [2,6] (B) [3,7] (C) R (D) [1,4]

A. Given equation is
1 – 2sin2x + αsinx = 2α − 7
⇒ 2sin2x – αsinx + 2 ( α − 4 ) = 0

α ± α2 − 4.2.2 ( α − 4 )
sinx =
4
α ± α − 16α + 64
2
sinx =
4
α ± ( α − 8) α−4
sinx = = ,2
4 2
α−4
Equation have a solutions if −1 ≤ ≤ 1 ⇒ α ∈ [2,6]
2

Q.3 ( ) ( )
If tan 5πcosα = cot 5πsinα number of solutions in [0, 2π]

A. ( )
π 
tan 5πcosα = tan  − 5πsinα
2
Trigonometric Equations


π
⇒ 5πcosα = nπ +
2
− 5πsinα n ∈ I ( )
π
(
⇒ 5π sinα + cosα = nπ + )
2

23.
 n 1 2n + 1
⇒ sinα + cosα = + = … (1)
5 10 10
⸪ − 2 ≤ sinα + cosα ≤ 2
2n + 1
− 2≤ ≤ 2
10
10 2 − 1 10 2 − 1
⇒ − ≤n≤
2 2
⇒ n = – 7, –6, –5, …, 6
for each n, equation (1) have two values of α in [0,2π] hence
total solutions.
= 14 × 2 = 28

Q.4 Solve: cos3x – cos2x = sin3x

A. cos3x – sin3x = cos2x

(4cos3x – 3cosx) – (3sinx – 4sin3x) = cos2x – sin2x
⇒ 4(sin3x + cos3x) – 3(sinx + cosx) = (cosx + sinx) (cosx – sinx)
⇒ (sinx + cosx) {4(1 – sinxcosx) –3 - (cosx – sinx)} = 0
⇒ (sinx + cosx) {1 – 4sinx cosx – cosx + sinx} = 0
⇒ sinx + cosx = 0 ⇒ tanx = -1
π Previous Year’s Questions
x = nπ − (n ∈ I)
4
or 2(1 – 2sinx cosx) + (sinx – cosx) – 1 = 0 π
If 0 ≤ x ≤ , then the number of
2(sinx – cosx)2 + (sinx – cosx) – 1 = 0 2
Let sin x – cos x = α, then value of x for which
⇒ 2α2 + α − 1 = 0 sin x – sin 2x + sin 3x = 0, is
⇒ (α + 1) (2α − 1) = 0 (A) 2 (B) 1
1 (C) 3 (D) 4
⇒ α = −1 or α=
2
1
sinx – cosx = – 1 sinx – cosx =
2
 π −1  π 1
sin  x −  = sin  x −  =
 4 2  4 2 2
π πn π
( ) ( )
n
x− = nπ − −1 x−
= nπ + −1 α
4 4 4
Trigonometric Equations

1
(n ∈ I) n ∈ I , sinα = ( )
2 2

24.
 TRIGONOMETRIC INEQUALITIES AND SYSTEM OF INEQUALITIES

Q.1 Solve the inequality sinx > 0

A.

( ) ( ) (
x ∈ … −2π, −π ∪ 0, π ∪ 2π, 3π )
General solution
( (
x ∈ ∪ 2nπ, 2n + 1 π
n∈I
) )

x
Q.2 
Solve the inequality log 2  sin  < −1
 2

A. 0 < sin
x
< 
1
2 2

General solution
Trigonometric Equations

x  π  5π 
∈ ∪  2nπ, 2nπ +  ∪  2nπ +
2 n∈I  6  6
( )
, 2n + 1 π

 π  5π 
x ∈ ∪  4nπ, 4nπ +  ∪  4nπ +
3  3
( )
, 4n + 2 π
n∈I  

25.
 Q.3 Solve the inequality log2(sinx) < – 1

1
A. 0 < sinx <
2

General solution
 π  5π 
x ∈ ∪  2nπ, 2nπ +  ∪  2nπ +
6  6
( )
, 2n + 1 π
n∈I  

1
Q.4 Solve the inequality cosx < −
2

A.

 2π 4π 
General solution: x ∈ ∪  2nπ + , 2nπ +
 3 3 
Trigonometric Equations

n∈I

26.
Q.5 Solve the inequality tan x > 0

A.  π   π   3π 
x ∈ ...  −π, −  ∪  0,  ∪  π, 
 2  2  2 

 π
General solutions: x ∈ ∪  nπ, nπ + 
n∈I  2

Q.6 Solve the inequality tan2x - ( )

3 + 1 tanx + 3 < 0

A. ( tanx − 1) ( tanx − )
3 <0

⇒ 1 < tanx < 3

 π π
General solution: x ∈ ∪  nπ + , nπ + 
n∈I  4 3

Trigonometric Equations

27.
 Q.7 ( )
Solve the inequality sin2x > 2sin2 x + 2 − 2 cos2 x

A. Divide by cos2x
2sinxcosx sin2 x
cos x
2
> 2
cos2 x
+ 2− 2 ( )
⇒ 2tanx > 2tan2 x + 2 − 2( )
⇒ 2tan2 x − 2 + 2 − 2tanx < 0
⇒ 2 ( tan2 x − 1) + 2 ( 1 − tanx ) < 0
⇒ { }
2 ( tanx − 1) tanx + 1 − 2 < 0

⇒ 2 − 1 < tanx < 1

General solutions
 π π
x ∈ ∪  nπ + , nπ +   
n∈I  8 4

Q.8 Solve the inequality sinx ≥ cos2x.

A. sinx ≥ 1 − 2sin2 x
Trigonometric Equations

⇒ 2sin2 x + sinx − 1 ≥ 0
(2sinx – 1) (sinx + 1) ≥ 0
1 
⇒ sinx ∈  , 1 ∪ {−1}
2 

28.

General Solution:
 π 5π   3π 
x ∈ ∪ 2nπ + , 2nπ +  ∪ 2nπ + 
n∈I  6 6   2

Q.9 Solve the inequality 5 − 2sinx ≥ 6sinx − 1

A. Let sinx = t then

5 − 2t ≥ 6t – 1 Previous Year’s Questions
1
I – case: 6t – 1 ≥ 0 ⇒ t ≥ If 0 < θ < 2π, then the intervals of
6
On squaring value of q for which
⇒ 5 – 2t ≥ (6t – 1)2 2sin2θ – 5 sinθ + 2 > 0, is
⇒ 5 – 2t ≥ 36t2 – 12t + 1  π   5π 
(A)  0,  ∪  , 2π
⇒ 36t2 – 10t – 4 ≤ 0  6  6 
⇒ 18t2 – 5t – 2 ≤ 0  π 5π 
⇒ 18t2 – 9t + 4t - 2 ≤ 0 (B)  , 
8 6 
⇒ 9t(2t -1 ) + 2(2t – 1) ≤ 0
⇒ (9t + 2)(2t – 1) ≤ 0  π   π 5π 
(C)  0,  ∪  , 
 8  6 6 
 −2 1 
t∈ , 
 9 2  41π 
(D)  ,π
by intersection of all these we get  48 
1 1
t ∈  ,  … (1)
6 2 
Trigonometric Equations

1
II – Case: 6t – 1 < 0 ⇒ t <
6
⇒ positive ≥ negative
always true
t ∈ R
1
By Intersection of all case II we get t <
6

29.
 (1) ∪ (2)
1 1
t≤ ⇒ sinx ≤
2 2

 7π π
x ∈ ∪ 2nπ − , 2nπ +   
n∈I  6 6

System of Ttrigonometric Equations

3 1
cosx · cosy = and sinx siny = . Find general solution of x and y.
Q.1 4 4

A. On adding cosx cosy + sinx siny = 1

cos(x – y) = 1 ⇒ x – y = 2nπ (n ∈ I) …(1)
On subtracting
1
cosx cosy – sinx siny =
2
1
cos ( x + y ) =
2
π
x + y = 2mπ ± …(2)
3
π π
(1) + (2) ⇒ x = nπ + mπ ± ⇒ x = kπ ± (k ∈ I)
6 6

(2) – (1) ⇒ y = mπ − nπ ± π
Trigonometric Equations

6
π
⇒ y = pπ ±
6
(
p ∈I )

30.
 1
Q.2 cos (x + y) = 1 and cos (x – y) =
2
. Find general solution of x and y

A. cos (x + y) = 1
⇒ x + y = 2mπ (m ∈ I) … (1)
1
cos(x – y) =  
2

⇒ x – y = 2nπ ± π n ∈ I … (2)
( )
3
(1) + (2)
π π
⇒ x = mπ + nπ ± ⇒ x = kπ ± (k ∈ I)
6 6
(1) – (2)
π π
⇒ y = mπ − nπ  ⇒ y = pπ ± (p ∈ I)
6 6

Q.3 Find real values of x for which 27cos2x.81sin2x is minimum, also find this
minimum value.
A. Given expression becomes,
⇒ 33cos2x. 34sin2x = 33cos2x + 4sin2x
For minimum value
3cos2x + 4sin2x = - 5
divide by 5
3 4
⇒ cos2x + sin2x = −1
5 5
 3
⇒ sin ( 2x + α ) = −1 ; α = sin−1  
 5
π π 1  3
⇒ 2x + α = 2nπ + ⇒ x = nπ + − sin−1   (n ∈ I )
2 4 2  5

1 1
Minimum Value = 3-5 = =
3 5
243
Trigonometric Equations

31.
 Q.4 cos ( α − β ) = 1 and cos ( α + β ) = 1/e, where α, β ∈ [ −π, π] , numbers of pairs of
α, β which satisfy both the equation is
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 4

A.  α, β ∈ [ −π, π]
\ α + β ∈  −2π, 2π ], α − β ∈[ − 2π, 2π 

Now cos ( α − β ) = 1 ⇒ α − β = −2π, 0, 2π

for α − β = −2π ⇒ α = −π, β = π 
  ⇒ cos ( α + β ) = 1 So, rejected
 α − β = 2π ⇒ α = π, β = −π 
for α − β = 0 ⇒ α = β
1
and cos ( α + β ) = cos2α = → 4 solutions
e

Q.5 If 0 < θ < 2π , then the intervals of values of θ for which

2sin2 θ − 5sinθ + 2 > 0  is
 π   5π   π 5π 
(A)  0,  ∪  .2π  (B)  , 
 6   6  8 6 
 π   π 5π   41π 
(C)  0,  ∪  ,  (D)  , π
 8   6 6   48 

A. A
Given inequality is 2sin2 θ – 4sin θ - sin θ + 2 > 0
⇒ 2sinθ ( sinθ − 2) − ( sinθ − 2) > 0
⇒ ( 2sinθ − 1) ( sinθ − 2) > 0
⇒ ( 2sinθ − 1) < 0{as ( sinθ − 2) < 0}
1
⇒ sinθ <
2
 π   5π 
x ∈  0,  ∪  , 2π 
 6  6 
Trigonometric Equations

32.
Q.6 {
Let P = θ : sinθ − cosθ = 2cosθ and }
Q = {θ : sinθ + cosθ = 2sinθ} be two sets. then

(A) P ⊂ Q  and Q – P ≠ Q (B) Q ⊄ P

(C) P ⊂ Q (D) P = Q

A. D
For P : sinθ = ( )
2 + 1 cosθ

⇒ tanθ = 2 + 1 … (1)
For Q : cosθ = ( )
2 − 1 sinθ

1
⇒ tanθ = = 2 + 1 … (2)
2−1
From (1) & (2) it is clear that P = Q

Trigonometric Equations

33.
34.