TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

AND EQUATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics concerned with measurement of the parts, sides,
and angles of a triangle. Plane trigonometry, which is the subject of this chapter, is restricted
to triangles lying in a plane. Trigonometry is based on certain ratios, called trigonometric
functions, with the early applications of the trigonometric functions being in surveying,
navigation, and engineering. These functions also play an important role in the study of all
sorts of vibratory phenomena – sound, light, electricity, etc. Consequently, a considerable
portion of the subject matter is concerned with a study of the properties of and relations among
the trigonometric functions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this chapter, you will be able to:

 Demonstrate basic understanding of trigonometric functions.

 Solve trigonometric equations.

COMPILED BY T. PAEPAE
3.1 TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES AND EQUATIONS

Why it is important to understand: Trigonometric Identities and Equations

‘There are an enormous number of uses of trigonometry and trigonometric functions. Fields
that use trigonometry or trigonometric functions include astronomy (especially for locating
apparent positions of celestial objects, in which spherical trigonometry is essential) and hence
navigation (on the oceans, in aircraft, and in space), music theory, acoustics, optics, analysis
of financial markets, electronics, probability theory, statistics, biology, medical imaging (CAT
scans and ultrasound), pharmacy, chemistry, number theory (and hence cryptology),
seismology, meteorology, oceanography, many physical sciences, land surveying and
geodesy (a branch of earth sciences), architecture, phonetics, economics, electrical
engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer graphics, cartography,
crystallography and game development. It is clear that a good knowledge of trigonometry is
essential in many fields of engineering.’ Bird, J., 2017. Higher engineering mathematics.
Routledge.

SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

On completion of this study unit, you will be able to:

 Define sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent of an angle in a right-
angled triangle.
 Calculate values of trigonometric ratios for angles in degrees and in radians.
 Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental trigonometric identities and relations.
 Find the inverse of trigonometric relations/functions.
 Manipulate formulae containing trigonometric functions.
 Demonstrate understanding of reference angles.
 Solve trigonometric equations using the reference angle.

1
3.1.1 Trigonometric Functions and Their Definitions

The fundamental trigonometric functions are sine, cosine and tangent and their reciprocal
ratios are cosecant, secant and cotangent. These six functions are normally abbreviated sin,
csc, cos, sec, tan, and cot, respectively. These are functions because for every angle 𝜃𝜃 there
is only one value 𝑝𝑝 such that sin 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑝𝑝. The value 𝑝𝑝 is a ratio which is found by applying the
definitions of trigonometric functions which is usually defined with reference to a right-angled
triangle as shown below.

Definitions of Trigonometric Functions

Given a unit circle 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 1, where the radius 𝑟𝑟 = 1, 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 = 𝑥𝑥 , 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑦𝑦 and ∠𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝜃𝜃:

(1, 0)

Fundamental Ratio Reciprocal Ratio

𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑦𝑦 ℎ𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 𝑟𝑟 1
sin 𝜃𝜃 = = = 𝑦𝑦 csc 𝜃𝜃 = = =
ℎ𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 𝑟𝑟 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 ℎ𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 𝑟𝑟 1
cos 𝜃𝜃 = = = 𝑥𝑥 sec 𝜃𝜃 = = =
ℎ𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 𝑟𝑟 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥
𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑦𝑦 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥
tan 𝜃𝜃 = = cot 𝜃𝜃 = =
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑦𝑦

when 𝑥𝑥 = 0, tan 𝜃𝜃 and sec 𝜃𝜃 are undefined ; when 𝑦𝑦 = 0, csc 𝜃𝜃 and cot 𝜃𝜃 are undefined

The angle 𝜃𝜃 is called the argument of the trigonometric function and can be measured in
degrees and in radians. Because the trigonometric functions can be defined in terms of the
unit circle, they are sometimes called the circular functions.

2
3.1.2 Trigonometric Identities

Recall that an equation is a statement that two mathematical expressions are equal. For
example, the following are equations:
𝑥𝑥 + 2 = 5
(𝑥𝑥 + 1)2 = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥 + 1
sin2 𝜃𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃𝜃 = 1

An identity is an equation that is true for all values of the variable(s). The last two equations
above are identities, but the first one is not since it is not true for values of 𝑥𝑥 other than three.
The fundamental identities play a central role in trigonometry because we can use them to
relate any trigonometric function to any other.

Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

From the definitions of the trigonometric functions, we can find the following trigonometric
identities, which can be used in many simplifications, trigonometric equations and also in
calculus. Familiarize yourself with these formulae.

Pythagorean Identities

sin2 𝜃𝜃 + cos2 𝜃𝜃 = 1 1 + tan2 𝜃𝜃 = sec 2 𝜃𝜃 cot 2 𝜃𝜃 + 1 = csc 2 𝜃𝜃

Reciprocal Identities
1 1 1
sin 𝜃𝜃 = cos 𝜃𝜃 = tan 𝜃𝜃 =
csc 𝜃𝜃 sec 𝜃𝜃 cot 𝜃𝜃
1 1 1
csc 𝜃𝜃 = sec 𝜃𝜃 = cot 𝜃𝜃 =
sin 𝜃𝜃 cos 𝜃𝜃 tan 𝜃𝜃
Quotient Identities
sin 𝜃𝜃 cos 𝜃𝜃
tan 𝜃𝜃 = cot 𝜃𝜃 =
cos 𝜃𝜃 sin 𝜃𝜃
Even-Odd Identities

cos(−𝜃𝜃) = cos 𝜃𝜃 sin(−𝜃𝜃) = −sin 𝜃𝜃 tan(−𝜃𝜃) = −tan 𝜃𝜃

sec(−𝜃𝜃) = sec 𝜃𝜃 csc(−𝜃𝜃) = −csc 𝜃𝜃 cot(−𝜃𝜃) = −cot 𝜃𝜃

Cofunction Identities
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
sin � − 𝜃𝜃� = cos 𝜃𝜃 tan � − 𝜃𝜃� = cot 𝜃𝜃 sec � − 𝜃𝜃� = csc 𝜃𝜃
2 2 2
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
cos � − 𝜃𝜃� = sin 𝜃𝜃 cot � − 𝜃𝜃� = tan 𝜃𝜃 csc � − 𝜃𝜃� = sec 𝜃𝜃
2 2 2

Notice that sin 2 θ represents (sin θ ) , cos 2 θ represents (cos θ ) and so on.
2 2

3
Verifying the Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

Verifying trigonometric identities is a useful process if you need to convert a trigonometric

expression into a form that is more useful algebraically. Trigonometric identities are the basic
tools of trigonometry used in solving trigonometric equations, just as factoring, finding common
denominators, and using special formulas are the basic tools of solving algebraic equations.
When verifying an identity, you cannot assume the two sides of the equation to be equal since
that is what you are trying to verify. Consequently, you cannot use operations such as adding
the same quantity to each side of the equation or cross multiplication when verifying identities.

Example 3.1 Verifying Trigonometric Identities

Verify the following identities:

1 1
1. − = 2 tan 𝑥𝑥 sec 𝑥𝑥
1−sin 𝑥𝑥 1+sin 𝑥𝑥

Solution:

1 1
LHS = −
1−sin 𝑥𝑥 1+sin 𝑥𝑥
(1+sin 𝑥𝑥)−(1−sin 𝑥𝑥) 1+sin 𝑥𝑥−1+sin 𝑥𝑥
= =
(1−sin 𝑥𝑥)(1+sin 𝑥𝑥) 1+sin 𝑥𝑥−sin 𝑥𝑥−sin2 𝑥𝑥
2 sin 𝑥𝑥 2 sin 𝑥𝑥
= =
1−sin2 𝑥𝑥 cos2 𝑥𝑥
sin 𝑥𝑥 1
=2 � �
cos 𝑥𝑥 cos 𝑥𝑥

= 2 tan 𝑥𝑥 sec 𝑥𝑥 = RHS

cot2 𝑥𝑥 1−sin 𝑥𝑥
2. =
1+csc 𝑥𝑥 sin 𝑥𝑥

Solution:

Working with the left side, you have

cot2 𝑥𝑥 csc2 𝑥𝑥−1 (csc 𝑥𝑥−1)(csc 𝑥𝑥+1)
= = (1+csc 𝑥𝑥)
= csc 𝑥𝑥 − 1
1+csc 𝑥𝑥 1+csc 𝑥𝑥

Now, simplifying the right side, you have

1−sin 𝑥𝑥 1 sin 𝑥𝑥
= − = csc 𝑥𝑥 − 1
sin 𝑥𝑥 sin 𝑥𝑥 sin 𝑥𝑥

It follows that LHS = RHS, so the equation is an identity.

4
Sum and Difference Formulas

We now look at identities for trigonometric functions of sums and differences.

 Formulas for sine: sin ( A + B ) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B

sin ( A − B ) = sin A cos B − cos A sin B

 Formulas for cosine: cos ( A + B ) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B

cos ( A − B ) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B

tan A + tan B
 Formulas for tangent: tan ( A + B ) =
1 − tan A tan B
tan A − tan B
tan ( A − B ) =
1 + tan A tan B

Double-Angle and Half-Angle Formulas

The identities we consider here are consequences of the addition formulas. The double-angle
formulas allow us to find the values of the trigonometric functions at 2𝑥𝑥 from their values at 𝑥𝑥.
The half-angle formulas relate the values of the trigonometric functions at (1⁄2)𝑥𝑥 to their
values at 𝑥𝑥.

Double-Angle Formulas

If angle A equals’ angle B, the above identities give rise to the following identities:

 Formula for sine: sin 2 A = 2 sin A cos A

 Formulas for cosine: cos 2 A = cos 2 A − sin 2 A

= 2 cos 2 A − 1
= 1− 2 sin 2 A

2 tan A
 Formula for tangent: tan 2 A =
1 − tan 2 A

5
Half-Angle Formulas

The following formulas allow us to write any trigonometric expression involving even powers
of sine and cosine in terms of the first power of cosine only. This technique is important in
calculus. The Half-Angle Formulas are immediate consequences of these formulas.

Power-reducing formulas

 cos 2 A =
1
(1 + cos 2 A)
2

 sin 2 A =
1
(1 − cos 2 A)
2

Half-angle formulas – derived from power-reducing formulas by letting 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 = 𝜽𝜽

 A 1 + cos A
 cos   = ±
2 2

 A 1 − cos A
 sin   = ±
2 2

The choice of the + or − sign depends on the quadrant in which 𝐴𝐴/2 lies.

3.1.3 Using a Calculator to Evaluate Trigonometric Functions

When evaluating a trigonometric function with a calculator, you need to set the calculator to
the desired mode of measurement. If the angle is given in degrees, your calculator should be
in the degree mode. If the angle is in radians, change your calculator to radian mode first.

Most calculators do not have keys for the cosecant, secant, and cotangent functions. To
evaluate these functions, use the fact that:

1 1 1
csc 𝜃𝜃 = sin 𝜃𝜃 sec 𝜃𝜃 = cos 𝜃𝜃 cot 𝜃𝜃 = tan 𝜃𝜃

Example 3.2 Using a Calculator to Evaluate Trigonometric Functions

Using a calculator, find the following:

1. sin 110°

Solution: Change the mode to degrees

sin 110° = 0.94

6
2. cot 1.35
Solution: Switch to radian mode
1
cot 1.35 = = 0.224
tan 1.35

π 
3. cos 2  
3
Solution:

π   π
2

cos   =  cos  = 0,25

2

3  3

π
4. 4 sec 2 π − 2 cos ec 2
2
Solution:
2
 
π  1 2 
 1   =2
4 sec 2 π − 2 cos ec 2 = 4   − 2
2  cos π   cos π 
 
 2 

ACTIVITY 1

1. Evaluate the following, using a scientific calculator.

1.1 sec 3,8 [− 1,26]

1.2 sin 2 1,7 [0,98]

1.3 cot 2 (2,4 )
2
[3,01]
3π 3π
1.4 3 cos ec − 2 tan 2 [− 35,31]
7 7

1.5 cosec 2 (sin 4) +

1
[− 0,956]
 3π 
cot 
 5 

1 5 π
2. If sin x = and sec y = , where x and y lie between 0 and , evaluate:
3 4 2
sin (x + y ) [ 0,832 ]

7
 °
3. The following diagram shows a triangle ABC, where ∠ ACB is 90 , AB = 3 , AC = 2

and ∠ BAC is θ .
B

A θ C
2

5
3.1 Show that sin θ =
3
4 5
3.2 Show that sin 2θ =
9
 1
3.3 Find the exact value of cos 2θ − 9 

3.4 Find the exact value of tan 2θ [− 4 5 ]

4. Verify the following identities.
4.1 sec 4 𝑥𝑥 − tan4 𝑥𝑥 = sec 2 𝑥𝑥 + tan2 𝑥𝑥
1+tan 𝑥𝑥 cos 𝑥𝑥+sin 𝑥𝑥
4.2 =
1−tan 𝑥𝑥 cos 𝑥𝑥−sin 𝑥𝑥
cos2 𝑡𝑡+tan2 𝑡𝑡−1
4.3 = tan2 𝑡𝑡
sin2 𝑡𝑡
1+sin 𝑥𝑥 1−sin 𝑥𝑥
4.4 − = 4 tan 𝑥𝑥 sec 𝑥𝑥
1−sin 𝑥𝑥 1+sin 𝑥𝑥
tan 𝑥𝑥+tan 𝑦𝑦
4.5 = tan 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝑦𝑦
cot 𝑥𝑥+cot 𝑦𝑦

5. For the following exercises, prove or disprove the identity.

5.1 cot(−𝑥𝑥) cos(−𝑥𝑥) + sin(−𝑥𝑥) = − csc 𝑥𝑥
tan 𝑥𝑥
5.2 sin(−𝑥𝑥) = cos 2 𝑥𝑥
sec 𝑥𝑥
sec(−𝑥𝑥)
5.3 tan 𝑥𝑥+cot 𝑥𝑥
= − sin(−𝑥𝑥)
1+sin 𝑥𝑥 cos 𝑥𝑥
5.4 =
cos 𝑥𝑥 1+sin(−𝑥𝑥)
1 1
5.5 − = − cot 𝑥𝑥 csc 𝑥𝑥
1+cos 𝑥𝑥 1−cos(−𝑥𝑥)

8
3.4.1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The statement sin x = y , means that the sine of an angle x is equal to the ratio y . For each
value of x , there exist only one value for y . If we want to calculate the value of an angle x
given the ratio y , we need the concept of an inverse trigonometric relation.

Recall from Chapter 1 that, for a function to have an inverse function, it must be one-to-one.
That is, it must pass the Horizontal Line Test. Trigonometric functions are not one-to-one and,
therefore, do not have inverse functions. From the Figure below, you can see that y = sin x
does not pass the test because different values of x yield the same y -value.

However, this is overcome by restricting the domains of these functions so that they become
one-to-one (see the Figure below).

Therefore, on the restricted domain − π 2 ≤ x ≤ π 2 , y = sin x has a unique inverse function

called the inverse sine function. It is denoted by:

y = arc sin x or y = sin −1 x

Both notations are commonly used but most calculators use the second one. The notation

sin −1 x is consistent with the inverse function notation f −1

(x ) . sin −1 x (read as “the arcsine
of x ”) means the angle whose sine is x .

Note: sin −1 x ≠ (sin x )

−1 1
≠
sin x

9
Similar interpretations can be made for the other 5 trigonometric functions.
x = cos θ , then θ = cos −1 x
x = tan θ , then θ = tan −1 x

1 1
x = cot θ = , then x=
tan θ tan θ
x tan θ = 1
1
tan θ =
x
1 1
θ = tan −1   not
 x tan −1 x
Similar interpretation gives:
1 1 1
x = cos ecθ = , then θ = sin −1   not
sin θ  x sin −1 x
1 1 1
x = sec θ = , then θ = cos −1   not
cos θ  x cos −1 x

Using a Calculator to Evaluate Inverse Trigonometric Relations

If the values of trigonometric functions are obtained with a calculator, we simply use the trig
function keys on the calculator and find the value of the ratio. However, if the ratio is given and
the angle is required, special problems arise with a pocket calculator.

Let us evaluate the following:

3 3 3
sin 60 ° = sin 120 ° = sin 420 ° =
2 2 2

 The ratio is 3 2 in all three examples.

 When a pocket calculator is used to find the angle associated with this ratio,

3  3
sin θ = ⇒ θ = sin −1   = 60 °

2  2 
we get only one value, namely 60 ° .

10
 The inverse relations are multi-valued, and it is therefore necessary to always specify
the principal value (a positive angle, less than 360º, measured from the positive 𝑥𝑥-axis
to the terminal arm) of the angle. The reason why we only get the smallest angle 60 ° is
because the calculator is pre-programmed to accommodate only the principal values of
the inverse trigonometric relations.

 To find the other possible solution angles, one can use one’s knowledge of trigonometric
values in all the different quadrants and also the reference angles. More of this concept
in Section 3.4.3.2.

Example 3.3 Finding the Principal Value

Determine the principal values of each of the following:

θ in θ in
Question Procedure
degrees radians

 1 
θ = arc cos ec 3,423 θ = cos ec −1 (3,423) = sin −1   16,99 ° 0,296
 3,423 

3  3   3
cot θ = θ = cot −1   = tan −1  
 30 ° 0,524
3  3   3 

 1   1 
θ = cos −1  −  θ = cos −1  −  135 ° 2,356
 2  2

tan θ = 3,142 θ = tan −1 (3,142) 72,35 ° 1,263

2 3  2 3  3 
sec θ = − θ = sec −1  −  = cos −1  −
  150 ° 2,618
3  3   2 3 

3.4.2 Manipulation of Formulae

The manipulation of formulae can also be extended to include trigonometric functions.

Example 3.4 Changing the Subject of the Formula

11
1. Make θ the subject of the formula: y = 2 cos −1 ln θ

Solution:
y
cos −1 ln θ =
2

 y
ln θ = cos  
2

 y
cos  
θ =e 2

1
2. Make y the subject of the formula: x = sin 10 2 y
3

Solution:

sin 10 2 y = 3 x

10 2 y = sin −1 3 x

(
2 y = log sin −1 3 x )
y=
1
2
(
log sin −1 3 x )

3. Make t the subject of the formula: y = 3 ln(sin 2t + x )

Solution:

[ln(sin 2t + x )]3
1
=y

ln(sin 2t + x ) = y 3

sin 2t + x = e y
3

sin 2t = e y − x
3

(
2t = sin −1 e y − x
3
)
1
(
t = sin −1 e y − x
2
3
)
12
 ACTIVITY 2

1. Evaluate the following:

1.1 sin −1 (−0,64) − cot −1[cos(0,32)] [− 1,506]

1.2 arc sin (0,93) + 2 sec −1 (1,28) [2,543]
1.3 (
0,25 sin cos ec −1 2 ) [0,177]
1.4 cot −1 (3,1) + e ln 2 [2,312]
1.5 3 cot −1 (3,12 ) + arc cos ec (− 1,45) [0,169]
1.6 [
ln cos ec −1 (1,32 ) − arc tan (− 2,45) ] [0,714]

2. Solve for x in each case:

2.1 ln (cot x ) = 1 [x = 0,353]

2.2 5 x log 3
+ cos 22  = 3 [x = 1,898]
2.3 cos ec −1 (2 x + 1) =
2
[x = 0,341]
π
2.4 sin (ex − 2) = cos(0,1) [x = 1,277]
2.5 log 2 (sec x) − π = 0 [x = 1,457]
2.6 sin 3 = 2 cot −1 (2 cos ec 2x ) [x = 0,132]
2.7 ln(log( x + 2) ) = 0,05 [x = 9,253]
2.8 e x = (cos ec3) cot −1 5
2
( ) [x = 3,050]
2.9 ln 4 = e −3 tan (x + 1) [x = 0,535]
2.10 sin 3 = 2 cot −1 2 x ( ) [x = 3,823]
2.11 cosec −1 (3 x − 1) = ln 2 [ x = 0,855]

v sin ( x − β )   
2
−1 gR
2.12 R= 0  x = β + sin  2 
g   v0 
1  1 −1  1 
2.13 θ=  x = 2 sin 1 − θ 2 
1 − sin 2x   

13
3.4.3 Trigonometric Equations

An equation that contains trigonometric functions is called a trigonometric equation. In

section 3.4.1, the concept of the principal value of an angle was discussed. For instance;

3 3 3
sin 60 ° = sin 120 ° = sin 420 ° =
2 2 2
It was observed that the sine of these seemingly different angles gives exactly the same ratio
0,866. This means that sin θ = 0,866 does not have a single solution. When solving a
trigonometric equation, it is advisable to find a reference angle (instead of a principal value)
so that it can be used to locate the other angles in the relevant quadrants as discussed below.

3.4.3.1 Signs of Trigonometric Functions in Each Quadrant

From the definition we see that the values of the trigonometric functions are all positive if the
angle θ has its terminal side in Quadrant I. This is because x and y are positive in this
quadrant. [Of course, r is always positive since it is simply the distance from the origin to the
point P ( x , y ) , as seen in section 3.1.1]. If the terminal side of θ is in Quadrant II, however,

then x is negative and y is positive. Thus, in Quadrant II, the functions sin θ and cos ecθ
are positive, and all the other trigonometric functions have negative values. In a similar
manner, you can verify the rest of the trigonometric functions in other quadrants. The following
mnemonic device can be used to remember which trigonometric functions are positive in each
quadrant: All of them, Sine, Tangent, or Cosine.

Sine and Cosecant All Trig Ratios

Tangent and Cotangent Cosine and Secant

You can remember this as “All Students Take Calculus.”

14
3.4.3.2 Reference Angle

Let θ be an angle in standard position (an angle whose vertex lies at the origin and its initial
arm lies on the positive 𝑥𝑥-axis). The reference angle α associated with θ is the acute angle
formed by the terminal side of θ and the 𝑥𝑥-axis. The Figure below shows that to find a
reference angle, it is useful to know the quadrant in which the terminal side of θ lies.

𝜃𝜃 = 𝛼𝛼 𝛼𝛼
𝛼𝛼 𝛼𝛼

Quadrant I II III IV
α in degrees θ =α θ = 180 ° − α θ = 180 ° + α θ = 360 ° − α
α in radians θ =α θ = π −α θ = π +α θ = 2π − α

A reference angle is an acute angle that is found by an inverse trigonometric function of an

absolute value of a given number: e.g., cos 𝜃𝜃 = −0.5 ⇒ 𝜃𝜃 = cos −1 |−0.5| = cos−1 0.5 = 60∘ is a
reference angle instead of cos 𝜃𝜃 = −0.5 ⇒ 𝜃𝜃 = cos−1 (−0.5) = 120∘ which is the principal
value. Once we know the reference angle, all the other solutions can be deducted using the
table and the elliptical Figure above.

Example 3.1 Principal and Reference Angles

Determine all possible principal angles for related acute (or reference) angle of 30°.

Solution:

30° 30°
30° 30°

𝜃𝜃 = 𝛼𝛼 𝜃𝜃 = 180° − 𝛼𝛼 𝜃𝜃 = 180° + 𝛼𝛼 𝜃𝜃 = 360° − 𝛼𝛼

𝜃𝜃 = 30° 𝜃𝜃 = 150° 𝜃𝜃 = 210° 𝜃𝜃 = 330°

15
3.4.3.3 Solving Trigonometric Equations

Since trigonometric functions are periodic, solutions are repeated within each period. For
instance, the period of both the sine and cosine function is 2π . In other words, every 2π
units, the 𝑦𝑦-values repeat. If we need to find all possible solutions, then we must add 2π k ,
where k is an integer, to the initial solution. However, we will in this unit, solve trigonometric
equations over a specified interval.

Solving trigonometric equations requires the same techniques as solving algebraic equations.
We look for known patterns, factor, and substitute certain expressions with a variable to make
solving a more straightforward process. We will also have the advantage of using the identities
we developed in the previous sections. The preliminary goal is to isolate the trigonometric
function involved in the equation. Below, four standard procedures for solving trigonometric
equations are illustrated.

(A) Basic Trigonometric Equations

These are equations containing a single trigonometric function of a single angle. Solving any
trigonometric equation always reduces to solving a basic trigonometric equation – an equation
of the form T (θ ) = c , where T is a trigonometric function and c is a constant. In the next
three examples we solve such basic equations.

Example 3.2 Solving Basic Trigonometric Equations

1. Solve for θ if sin θ = − 0,766 and 0 ° ≤ θ ≤ 360 °

Solution:
First we find the reference angle α . Switch the calculator to degree mode.

α = sin −1 (0,766) = 49,996 ° Ratio always without the minus sign

 This angle is not necessarily the solution to our equation.
 From the given equation sin θ = − 0,766 , we notice that the ratio is negative.
 We know that the sine function is negative in quadrants III and IV.
The required angles are:
III: θ = 180 ° + α
= 180 ° + 49,996 ° = 229,966 °
IV: θ = 360 ° − α
= 360 ° − 49,996 ° = 310,004 °

16
2. Solve for A if sec A = 2,31 and 0≤ A≤π

Solution:

α = sec −1 (2,31)

 1 
= cos −1   = 1,123 Switch the calculator to radian mode
 2,31 

We know sec A is positive in quadrants I and IV. Therefore, the required angles are:

I: A = α = 1,123

IV: A = 2π − α = 5,16

But 0 ≤ A ≤ π , so the only solution is A = 1,123

Note: All solutions must first be calculated before some solutions can be eliminated
because of the given domain.

3. Solve for x if cos x + 2 = − cos x and 0 < x ≤ 2π

Solution:

Begin by rewriting the equation so that cos x is isolated on one side of the equation.

cos x + cos x = − 2
2 cos x = − 2
2
cos x = −
2

 2 π
α = cos −1  =

 2  4

The ratio for cos x is negative, so the solution angles lie in quadrants II and III.

3
x1 = π − α = π
4

5
x2 = π + α = π
4

17
(B) Trigonometric Equations with Multiple Angles

The next two examples involve trigonometric functions of multiple angles of the forms sin nθ
or sec nθ and so on. To solve equations of these form, first solve the equation for nθ , then
divide by n or let nθ be equal to k .

Example 3.3 Functions of Multiple Angles

1. Solve for t if 2 cos 3t − 1 = 0 and 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π

Solution:
1
cos 3t =
2
1 π
Reference angle: α = cos −1   =
2 3
cos 3t is positive in quadrants I and IV, so the required angles are:
3t = α 3t = 2π − α
α π  π  1 5π
t= = t =  2π −  × =
3 9  3 3 9

2. Solve for x if 4 tan ( x − 0,35) = 1,8 and 0≤ x≤π

Solution:
tan (x − 0,35) = 0,45
Let: (x − 0,35) = k
tan k = 0,45

Reference angle: α = tan −1 (0,45)

= 0,42285
The ratio for tan k is given positive, so the solution angles lie in quadrants I and III.
k = α = 0,42285 k = π + α = 3,5644

But k = ( x − 0,35)

(x1 − 0,35) = 0,42285 (x2 − 0,35) = 3,5644

x1 = 0,773 (Only solution) x 2 = 3,914 (N/A)

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(C) Trigonometric Equations That May Be Factorable

When two or more functions occur in the same equation, collect all terms on one side and try
to separate the functions by factoring or by using appropriate identities. Compound angles
must be written in terms on single angles. Look out for quadratic equations.

Example 3.4 Functions of Multiple Angles

1. Solve for x if sin 2 x = − cos x and 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π

Solution:
2 sin x cos x = − cos x Use double angle identity to get angles the same
2 sin x cos x + cos x = 0
cos x (2 sin x + 1) = 0
Setting each of these factors equal to zero gives:
1
cos x = 0 and sin x = −
2
Reference angles:
π 1 π
α 1 = cos −1 (0) = and α 2 = sin −1   =
2 2 6
Use the conventional methods discussed previously to find all the possible angles.
π 7π
x1 = α = x3 = π + α =
2 6
3π 11π
x 2 = 2π − α = x 4 = 2π − α =
2 6

1
2. Solve for A if 2 cos 2 A = − sin A and 0≤ A≤π
2
Solution:
Use the trigonometric identities to convert the equation to one type of trig function and a
common angle.

( )
2 1 − 2 sin 2 A =
1
2
− sin A

1
2 − 4 sin 2 A + sin A − = 0
2
3
4 sin 2 A − sin A − = 0
2
This is a quadratic equation, which factorises to:

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 (4 sin A − 3) sin A + 1  = 0
 2
1
4 sin A − 3 = 0 and sin A + =0
2
3 1
sin A = and sin A = −
4 2
Reference angles:

3 1 π
α 1 = sin −1   = 0,84806 and α 2 = sin −1   =
4 2 6
The required angles are:

7π
x1 = α = 0,84806 x3 = π + α =
6
11π
x 2 = π − α = 2,2935 x 4 = 2π − α =
6
The solutions for A are: A ∈{0,848 ; 2,294}

(D) Solving Trigonometric Equations by Using Fundamental Identities

Trigonometric identities can be used to transpose the equations into single trigonometric
functions or trigonometric functions of the same type.

Example 3.5 Rewriting with a Single Trigonometric Function

1. Solve for x if sec 2 x − 2 tan x = 4 and 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π

Solution:

1 + tan 2 x − 2 tan x − 4 = 0 Pythagorean identity

tan 2 x − 2 tan x − 3 = 0
(tan x − 3)(tan x + 1) = 0
tan x = 3 and tan x = −1
α 1 = tan −1 (3) = 1,249 α 2 = tan −1 (1) = 0,785
x1 = α = 1,249 x3 = π − α = 2,356

x 2 = π + α = 4,391 x 4 = 2π − α = 5,498

20
 ACTIVITY 3

Solve the following trigonometric equations:

1. 2 cos x − 3 = 0 (0 ≤ x ≤ 360 ) °
[30 ; 330 ]
° °

2. 3 tan A + 1 = 0 (0 ≤ A ≤ 360 ) °
[150 ; 330 ]
° °

3. sec θ = 1,918 (0 ≤ θ ≤ 180 ) °

[58,57 ] °

4. cos ecθ − 2 sec θ = 0 ( 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π ) [0,464 ; 3,605]

 π 5π 
5. sin x − 2 sin x cos x = 0 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) 0 ; 3 ; π ; 3 ; 2π 

 π
6. cos  A −  −
3
=0 (0 ≤ A ≤ 2π ) [1,047 ; 6,283]
 6 2
7. cos 2 x − 3 cos x + 2 = 0 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) [0 ; 6,283]
 π 5π 7π 11π 
8. 2 tan 2 x + sec 2 x = 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π )  6 ; 6 ; 6 ; 6 

π 
9. 2 sin 2 x − 3 cos x − 3 = 0  ≤ x ≤ 2π  [3,14 ; 2,094 ; 4,189]
2 
 π 5π 
10. tan 2 x + 2 sin x = 0 (0 ≤ x < 2π ) 0 ; 3 ; π ; 3 

 π 3π 
11. 2 − sin 2 x = 2 cos 2
x
(0 ≤ x < 2π ) 0 ; 2 ; 2 
2
12. 3sin ( x + 1, 41) =
−1, 23 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) [2,15 ; 4,45]
13. sin θ + sin 2θ = 0 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) [0 ; 3,142 ; 6,283 ; 2,09 ; 4,19]
 π 5π 
14. 2 sec x = tan x + cot x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) ;
 6 6 
15. 2 sec 2 x + 13 = 11 tan x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) [1,19 ; 1,25 ; 4,33 ; 4,39]
16. 1 − sin x = 3 cos 2 x (0 ≤ x ≤ π ) [0,73 ; 2,41]
17. cot x − cos ec 2 x + 6 = 0 (0 ≤ x ≤ 180 ) °
19, 72° ; 150, 77° 

18. cos ecx + cot x = 3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2π ) [1,047]

21