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Section 6.5
Solving Trigonometric Equations షభ
When solving simple trigonometric equations of the form (trig ratio) = number (e.g., sinݔ ൌ √మ ),
here’s a reasonable approach: ିଵషభ షഏ
1. Use a trig inverse function to find a solution. ݔൌsin √మൌ ర
th
2. Determine if a second solution exists, and if so, The solution above is a 4 quadrant
use trigonometric knowledge to find it. angle. The sine is also negative in the
rd
3 quadrant, so there is a solution
ఱഏ
there: ݔൌర
3. Include periodic solutions. Period of sine is 2ߨ, so the full
షഏ
solution is ݔൌర2ߨ݇ or
ఱഏ
ݔൌర2ߨ݇, where k is any integer.
Some equations have non‐standard periods
Example: Solve tan4ݔ ൌ 3
√ ഏ
This tangent function has period ర. Also, tangent functions only have one solution per period.
We have 4ݔ ൌ tanିଵ 3 ൌ గ. Dividing by 4, we have ݔൌഏ. The full solution is ݔൌഏ ഏ.
√ ଷ భమ భమ ర
Section 6.5
Solving Trigonometric Equations
For more complicated equations, use algebra or trig identities to isolate trig ratios, then find the
solutions to the simple trig equations that result.
Example: Solve cosݔ െ2sinݔcosݔ ൌ 0
There is a common factor of cosݔ, so factor that out:
ሺ ሻ
cosݔ 1െ2sinݔ ൌ0
This is a product that is equal to 0, so set each factor equal to 0:
nd cosݔ ൌ 0 ݎ 1 െ 2sinݔ ൌ 0
Use algebra on the 2 equation to isolate the sinݔ: ଵ
cosݔ ൌ 0 ݎ sinݔ ൌ
Finish the problem by solving these simple trig equations. ଶ
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