Chap 8 Trigonometric Functions

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8 Trigonometric functions

LEARNING SEQUENCE
8.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................................. 456
8.2 Trigonometric ratios ............................................................................................................................................ 457
8.3 Circular measure .................................................................................................................................................. 466
8.4 Unit circle definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 475
8.5 Symmetry properties .......................................................................................................................................... 486
8.6 Graphs of the sine and cosine functions ....................................................................................................497
8.7 Review ..................................................................................................................................................................... 508

Fully worked solutions for this topic are available online.


8.1 Overview
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8.1.1 Introduction
Periodicity forms a natural part of our lives. Our heart rates, blood
pressure and other vital statistics fluctuate over a 24-hour period,
our long-term sleep and wakefulness patterns are periodic, and our
mood-affecting biorhythms and ovulation cycles are periodic. Even
in the world of fashion, such measures as dress length or width of
trouser leg can be cyclical. What is old-fashioned today will, in the
fullness of time, often regain its popularity.
The length of time for one repetition of a cycle is known as the
period. The rotation of the Earth creates a day–night cycle with a
period of 24 hours; the revolution of the Earth about the sun creates
seasonal cycles with a period of 12 months.
The trigonometric sine and cosine functions are the most important examples of periodic functions. These form
models for many periodic phenomena, smoothing out random fluctuations to show the overall oscillatory nature
of the phenomena about an equilibrium position. The functions model the wave form of alternating current in
most electrical power circuits, they model the depth of water at a pier from low to high tide levels, they model
sound and light waves, weather patterns and temperature fluctuations, and they model the height above ground
of a person on a Ferris wheel; all of these are examples of their applicability.
The simple harmonic motion of a pendulum swinging under gravity is modelled by a sine function. Such
pendulums have provided a means of timekeeping ever since their invention in 1656. London’s Big Ben is one
such example. Despite quartz clocks being more accurate, grandfather clocks are still found today in private
homes and antique shops.
Radian measure makes trigonometric functions mathematically simpler. The concept of a radian was first
recognised in 1714 by the English mathematician Roger Cotes, a colleague of Isaac Newton. The actual term
‘radian’, however, was introduced in 1873 by James Thomson, mathematics professor at Queens College,
Belfast. Cotes died from illness at a young age, with Newton quoted as saying, ‘If he had lived we would have
known something’.

KEY CONCEPTS
This topic covers the following key concepts from the VCE Mathematics Study Design:
• the unit circle, radians, arc length and sine, cosine and tangent as functions of a real variable
sin(x)
• the relationships sin(x) ≈ x for small values of x, sin2 (x) + cos2 (x) = 1 and tan(x) =
cos(x)
n𝜋 n𝜋
• exact values for sine, cosine and tangent of and , n∈ Z
6 4
• symmetry properties, complementary relations and periodicity properties for sine, cosine and tangent
functions.
Note: Concepts shown in grey are covered in other topics.
Source: VCE Mathematics Study Design (2023–2027) extracts © VCAA; reproduced by permission.

456 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
8.2 Trigonometric ratios
LEARNING INTENTION
At the end of this subtopic you should be able to:
• calculate sides, angles and areas in right-angled triangles
• determine exact values for trigonometric ratios of 30°, 45° and 60°.

The process of calculating all side lengths and all angle magnitudes of a triangle is called solving the triangle.
Here we review the use of trigonometry to solve right-angled triangles.

8.2.1 Right-angled triangles


The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle and it lies opposite the 90° angle, the largest angle
in the triangle. The other two sides are labelled relative to one of the other angles in the triangle, an example of
which is shown in the diagram.
It is likely that the trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine and tangent, possibly together with Pythagoras’ theorem
(a2 + b2 = c2 ), will be required to solve a right-angled triangle.

Trigonometric ratios
opposite
sin(𝜃) =
hypotenuse
Hypotenuse Opposite
adjacent
cos(𝜃) =
hypotenuse
opposite
tan(𝜃) = θ
adjacent
Adjacent

The trigonometric ratios, usually remembered as SOH, CAH,


TOA, cannot be applied to triangles that do not have a right angle. H
O
However, isosceles and equilateral triangles can easily be divided
θ
into two right-angled triangles by dropping a perpendicular from
the vertex between a pair of equal sides to the midpoint of the O
opposite side. H θ
θ A

SOH A

TOA
CAH

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 457


WORKED EXAMPLE 1 Calculating sides and angles in right-angled triangles

Calculate, to 2 decimal places, the value of the pronumeral shown in each diagram.
a. b. 12
h
10

40° 8
a

THINK WRITE
a. 1. Choose the appropriate trigonometric ratio. a. Relative to the angle, the sides marked are the
opposite and the hypotenuse.
10
sin(40°) =
h
10
2. Rearrange to make the required side the h=
subject and evaluate, checking the calculator sin(40°)
is in degree mode. = 15.56 (to 2 decimal places)
b. 1. Obtain the hypotenuse length of the lower b. From Pythagoras’ theorem, the sides 6, 8, 10
triangle. form a Pythagorean triple, so the hypotenuse
is 10.
2. In the upper triangle choose the appropriate The opposite and adjacent sides to the angle a°
trigonometric ratio. are now known.
12
tan(a) =
10
3. Rearrange to make the required angle the tan(a) = 1.2
subject and evaluate. ∴ a = tan−1 (1.2)
= 50.19° (to 2 decimal places)

TI | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE CASIO | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE


a. 1. Put the calculator in a. 1. Put the calculator in
DEGREE mode by pressing DEGREE mode.
the top right-hand corner On a Main screen, complete
until it displays DEG. the entry
( line as: )
On a Calculator page, press 10
solve sin(40) = , h
MENU then select: h
3: Algebra then press EXE.
1: Solve
Complete
( the entry line)as:
10
solve sin(40) = , h
h
then press ENTER.
To put in decimal form,
press MENU, then select:
2: Number
1: Convert to Decimal
2. The answer appears on the h = 15.56 (to 2 decimal places) 2. The answer appears on the h = 15.56
screen. screen. (to 2 decimal places)

458 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
b. 1. Put the calculator in b. 1. Put the calculator in
DEGREE mode. DEGREE mode.
On a Calculator page, press On a Main screen, complete
MENU, then select: the entry line as:
3: Algebra (
solve )
1: Solve 12
tan(a) = , a
Complete
( the entry line) as: 10
12 |0 < a > 90
solve tan(a) = , a
10 then press EXE.
|0 < a > 90
then press ENTER.
Note: Using ENTER
gives you an approximate
(decimal) value.
The answer appears on the a = 50.19° (to 2 decimal places) The answer appears on the a = 50.19°
screen. screen. (to 2 decimal places)

8.2.2 Exact values for trigonometric ratios of 30°, 45° and 60°
By considering the isosceles right-angled triangle with equal sides of 1 unit, the
trigonometric ratios for√45° can be obtained. Using Pythagoras’ theorem, the hypotenuse
of this triangle will be 2 units.
2 1

45°
1

The equilateral triangle with the side length of 2 units can be divided in half to form a
right-angled triangle containing 60° and 30°. The right-angled triangle has a hypotenuse
of 2 units and the √
side divided in half has length 1 unit. Using Pythagoras’ theorem, the
2 30°
third side will be 3 units.
3
60°
1

The exact values for trigonometric ratios of 30°, 45° and 60° can be calculated from these triangles using
SOH, CAH, TOA. Alternatively, these values can be displayed in a table and committed to memory.

𝜃 30° 45° 60°


√ √
1 1 2 3
sin(𝜃) √ =
2 2 2 2
√ √
3 1 2 1
cos(𝜃) √ =
2 2 2 2

1 3 √
tan(𝜃) √ = 1 3
3 3
√ √ √
1 2 3
As a memory aid, notice the sine values in the table are in the order , , . The cosine values reverse
2 2 2
this order, and the tangent values are the sine values divided by the cosine values.
For other angles, a calculator or other technology is required. It is essential to set the calculator mode to degrees
in order to evaluate a trigonometric ratio involving angles in degree measure.
TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 459
Resources
Resourceseses
Interactivity Trigonometric ratios (int-2577)

WORKED EXAMPLE 2 Calculating exact lengths

A ladder of length 4 metres leans against a fence. If the ladder is inclined at 30° to the ground,
calculate how far exactly the foot of the ladder is from the fence.
THINK WRITE
1. Draw a diagram showing the given
information.
4m

30°
xm
Let the distance of the ladder from the fence be x m.
2. Choose the appropriate trigonometric ratio. Relative to the angle, the sides marked are the
adjacent and the hypotenuse.
x
cos(30°) =
4
3. Calculate the required length using the exact x = 4 cos(30°)

value for the trigonometric ratio. 3
= 4×
√ 2
=2 3

4. State the answer. The foot of the ladder is 2 3 metres from the fence.

8.2.3 Deducing one trigonometric ratio from another


Given the sine, cosine or tangent value of some unspecified angle, it is possible to obtain the
exact value of the other trigonometric ratios of that angle using Pythagoras’ theorem.
4 4
One common example is that given tan(𝜃) = , it is possible to deduce that sin(𝜃) = and 5 4
3 5
3 4
cos(𝜃) = without evaluating 𝜃. The reason for this is that tan(𝜃) = means that the sides
5 3 θ
opposite and adjacent to the angle 𝜃 in a right-angled triangle are in the ratio 4 ∶ 3.
3

Labelling these sides 4 and 3 respectively and using Pythagoras’ theorem (or recognising the Pythagorean triad
4 3
‘3, 4, 5’) leads to the hypotenuse being 5 and hence the ratios sin(𝜃) = and cos(𝜃) = are obtained.
5 5

WORKED EXAMPLE 3 Determining exact trigonometric ratios

1
A line segment AB is inclined at a degrees to the horizontal, where tan(a) = .
3
a. Deduce the exact value of sin(a). √
b. Calculate the vertical height of B above the horizontal through A if the length of AB is 5 cm.

460 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
THINK WRITE
1
a. 1. Draw a right-angled triangle with two sides a. tan(a) = ⇒ sides opposite and adjacent to
in the given ratio and calculate the third side. 3
angle a are in the ratio 1 ∶ 3.

c
1

a
3
Using Pythagoras’ theorem:
c2 = 12 + 32

∴ c = 10

1
2. State the required trigonometric ratio. sin(a) = √
10
b. 1. Draw the diagram showing the given b. Let the vertical height be y cm.
information. B

5 cm
y cm

a
A

y
2. Choose the appropriate trigonometric ratio sin(a) = √
and calculate the required length. 5

y = 5 sin(a)
√ 1 1
= 5 × √ as sin(a) = √
10 10

1 2
= √ or
2 2

3. State the answer. The vertical height of B above the horizontal



2
through A is cm.
2

8.2.4 Area of a triangle


The formula for calculating the area of a triangle given its base and perpendicular height is shown below.

Area of a triangle
1
Area = (base) × (perpendicular height)
2

If two sides and the angle included between these two sides are known, it is also possible to calculate the area of
the triangle from that information.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 461


Consider the triangle ABC shown, where the convention of labelling the sides opposite the angles A, B and C
with lower case letters a, b and c respectively has been adopted in the diagram.
In triangle ABC, construct the perpendicular height, h, from B to a point D on AC. As this is not necessarily an
isosceles triangle, D is not the midpoint of AC.
h
In the right-angled triangle BCD, sin(C) = ⇒ h = a sin(C). B
a
This means the height of triangle ABC is a sin(C) and its
base is b.
The area of the triangle ABC can now be calculated.
c h a
1
Area = (base) × (height)
2
1
= b × a sin(C)
2 A D C
1
= ab sin(C) b
2
1
The formula for the area of the triangle ABC, A∆ = ab sin(C), is expressed in terms of two of its sides and the
2
angle included between them.
1 1
Alternatively, A∆ = bc sin(A) or A∆ = ac sin(B).
2 2
Hence, the area of a triangle is:
1
× (product of two sides) × (sine of the angle included between the two given sides).
2

Area of a triangle with an angle given


1
Area: AΔ = ab sin(C)
2

WORKED EXAMPLE 4 Calculating the area of a triangle


√ √ √
Calculate the exact area of the triangle ABC for which a = 62, b = 5 2, c = 6 2 cm, and A = 60°.
THINK WRITE
1. Draw a diagram showing the given B
information.
Note: The naming convention for labelling the
angles and the sides opposite them with upper- 6 2 cm 62 cm
and lower-case letters is commonly used.
60°
A 5 2 cm C
2. State the two sides and the angle included The given angle A is included between the sides
between them. b and c.

462 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
3. State the appropriate area formula and The area formula is:
substitute the known values. 1
A∆ = bc sin(A),
2
√ √
b = 5 2, c = 6 2, A = 60°
1 √ √
∴ A = × 5 2 × 6 2 × sin(60°)
2

1 √ √ 3
4. Evaluate, using the exact value for the ∴ A = ×5 2×6 2×
trigonometric ratio. 2 √ 2
1 3
= × 30 × 2 ×
2√ 2
= 15 3

5. State the answer. The area of the triangle is 15 3 cm2 .

8.2 Exercise

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Technology free

Note: You may use a scientific calculator for Questions 1–6.


1. WE1 Calculate, to 2 decimal places, the value of the pronumeral shown in each diagram.
a. h b. 2
a

10 4
50°

3
2. Calculate the values of the unknown marked sides correct to 2 decimal places.
a. b.

8 h
y 10

27° 37°
x x

3. A ladder 6 m long rests against a vertical wall and forms an angle of 40° to the horizontal ground. Calculate
how high up the wall the ladder reaches, correct to 2 decimal places.
4. The angle of depression of a boat from a cliff 60 m high is 10°. Calculate how far, to the nearest metre, the
boat is from the base of the cliff.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 463


“c08TrigonometricFunctions_PrintPDF” — 2022/12/14 — 7:07 — page 464 — #10

5. Calculate the value of angle 𝜃, correct to 2 decimal places.


a. b.

5 10

θ θ
2 8

6. An 800 metre long taut chairlift cable enables the chairlift to rise 300 metres vertically. Calculate the angle
of elevation (to the nearest degree) of the cable.
7. Find the exact values of the following.
a. sin(45°) b. tan(30°)
c. cos(60°) d. tan(45°) + cos(30°) − sin(60°)

8. A 3-metre ladder propped against a wall makes an angle of 60° with the ground. Calculate exactly how far
up the wall the ladder reaches.

Ladder

60°

9. A 1-metre long broom leaning against a wall makes an angle of 30° with the wall. Calculate exactly how far
up the wall the broom reaches.

30°
Broom

10. WE2 A ladder of length 4 metres leans against a fence. If the ladder is inclined at 45° to the horizontal

ground, calculate exactly how far exactly the foot of the ladder is from the fence.
cos(30°) sin(45°)
11. Evaluate , expressing the answer in exact form with a rational denominator.
tan(45°) + tan(60°)
sin(30°) cos(45°)
12. Evaluate , expressing the answer in exact form with a rational denominator.
tan(60°)
13. For an acute angle 𝜃, obtain the following trigonometric ratios without evaluating 𝜃.

3
a. Given tan(𝜃) = , form the exact value of sin(𝜃).
2
5
b. Given cos(𝜃) = , form the exact value of tan(𝜃).
6

5
c. Given sin(𝜃) = , form the exact value of cos(𝜃).
3

464 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition

3 5
14. For an acute angle 𝜃, cos(𝜃) = . Calculate the exact values of sin(𝜃) and tan(𝜃).
7
2
15. WE3 A line segment AB is inclined at a degrees to the horizontal, where tan(a) = .
3
a. Deduce the exact value of cos(a).
b. Calculate the run of AB along the horizontal through A if the length of AB is 26 cm.
3
16. A right-angled triangle contains an angle 𝜃 where sin(𝜃) = . If the longest side of the triangle is 60 cm,
5
calculate the exact length of the shortest side.

17. An A-frame house has an angle at the roof apex of 30° and two sides each 7 m as shown. Calculate the exact
area of the front of the house.

30°

7m

18. Calculate the exact area of the triangle ABC where:


a. b = 11,
√ c = 8, A = 60°
b. a = 4 2, c = 5, B = 45°
√ √
19. WE4 Calculate the exact area of the triangle ABC for which a = 10, b = 6 2,c = 2 13 cm and C = 45°.

Technology active
20. In order to check the electricity supply, a technician uses a ladder to reach the top
of an electricity pole. The ladder reaches 5 metres up the pole and its inclination to
the horizontal ground is 54°.
a. Calculate the length of the ladder to 2 decimal places.
b. If the foot of the ladder is moved 0.5 metres closer to the pole, calculate its new
inclination to the ground and the new vertical height it reaches up the electricity
pole, both to 1 decimal place.
21. The two legs of a builder’s ladder are each of length 2 metres. The ladder is
placed on horizontal ground so that the distance between its 2 feet is 0.75 metres.
Calculate the magnitude of the angle between the legs of the ladder.

22. Triangle ACB is an isosceles triangle with equal sides CA and CB. If the third side
AB has length of 10 cm and the angle CAB is 72°, solve this triangle by calculating the length of the equal
sides and the magnitudes of the other two angles.
23. Triangle ABC has angles such that ∠CAB = 60° and ∠ABC = 45°. The perpendicular distance from C to
AB is 18 cm. Calculate the exact lengths of each of its sides.
24. An isosceles triangle ABC has sides BC and AC of equal length 5 cm. If the angle enclosed between the
equal sides is 20°, calculate:
a. the area of the triangle to 3 decimal places
b. the length of the third side AB to 3 decimal places.

25. An equilateral triangle has a vertical height of 10 cm. Calculate the exact perimeter and area of the triangle.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 465


8.2 Exam questions

Question 1 (3 marks) TECH-ACTIVE

For the diagram shown


B

45°
3 2 cm 3 2 cm

A D C

a. calculate the perpendicular height of triangle ABC (correct to 2 decimal places) (1 mark)
b. determine the area of ΔABC in exact form. (2 marks)
Question 2 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC For the right-angled triangle shown, the exact value of x would be

30°
4

√ √ 4 3
A. 2 3 B. 4 3 C. D. 4 E. 2
3
Question 3 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC 4 sin(60°) cos(60°) is equal to


√ √ 1
A. 1 B. 3 C. 2 D. E. 0
2
More exam questions are available online.

8.3 Circular measure


LEARNING INTENTION
At the end of this subtopic you should be able to:
• convert between radians and degrees
• calculate arc lengths.

Measurements of angles up to now have been given in degree measure. An alternative to degree measure is
radian measure. This alternative can be more efficient for certain calculations that involve circles, and it is
essential for the study of trigonometric functions.

466 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
8.3.1 Definition of radian measure
Radian measure is defined in relation to the length of an arc of a circle. An arc is a part of the circumference of a
circle.
One radian is the measure of the angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc equal in length to the radius
of the circle.
In particular, an arc of 1 unit subtends an angle of one radian at the centre of a unit circle, a circle with radius
1 unit and, conventionally, a centre at the origin.
y y
1 unit
2 units
1 unit
1 unit
2 radians
1 radian
1 unit x 1 unit x

Doubling the arc length to 2 units doubles the angle to 2 radians. This illustrates the direct proportionality
between the arc length and the angle in a circle of fixed radius.
The diagram suggests that an angle of one radian will be a little less than 60°, since the sector containing the
angle has one ‘edge’ curved and therefore is not a true equilateral triangle.
The degree equivalent for 1 radian can be found by considering the angle subtended by an arc which is half the
circumference. The circumference of a circle is given by 2𝜋r, so the circumference of a unit circle is 2𝜋.
In a unit circle, an arc of 𝜋 units subtends an angle of 𝜋 radians at the centre. But y
we know this angle to be 180°. π units

This gives the relationship between radian and degree measure.


180°

Radians to degrees x
(1, 0)
𝜋 radians = 180°

180° 𝜋
Hence, 1 radian equals , which is approximately 57.3°; 1° equals radians, which is approximately
𝜋 180
0.0175 radians.
From these relationships it is possible to convert from radians to degrees and vice versa.

Converting radians to degrees


180
To convert radians to degrees, multiply by .
𝜋
𝜋
To convert degrees to radians, multiply by .
180

Radians are often expressed in terms of 𝜋, perhaps not surprisingly, since a radian is a circular measure and 𝜋 is
so closely related to the circle.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 467


Notation
𝜋 radians can be written as 𝜋 c , where c stands for circular measure. However, linking radian measure with the
length of an arc, a real number, has such importance that the symbol c is usually omitted. Instead, the onus is on
degree measure to always include the degree sign in order not to be mistaken for radian measure.

WORKED EXAMPLE 5 Converting between degrees and radians

4𝜋 c
a. Convert 30° to radian measure. b. Convert to degree measure.
3
( )
𝜋 𝜋
c. Convert to degree measure and hence state the value of sin .
4 4
THINK WRITE
𝜋
a. Convert degrees to radians. a. To convert degrees to radians, multiply by .
180
𝜋
30° = 30 ×
180
𝜋
=×
30
6
180
𝜋
=
6 180
b. Convert radians to degrees. b. To convert radians to degrees, multiply by .
Note: The degree sign must 𝜋
( )
be used. 4𝜋 c 4𝜋 180 °
= ×
3 3 𝜋
( )
4𝜋  60 °
180
= ×
3 𝜋
= 240°
𝜋  180°
c. 1. Convert radians to degrees. c. = 𝜋 ×
4 4 
𝜋
= 45°
( )
𝜋
2. Calculate the trigonometric value. sin = sin(45°)
4 √
2
=
2

TI | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE CASIO | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE


a. 1. On a Calculator page, a. 1. Put the calculator in RADIAN
type 30°. mode.
Note: Press the button On a Main screen, type 30°,
to find the degree symbol. then press EXE.
Press the button and Note: The degree symbol can
select Rad, then press be found in the Trig tab of the
the ENTER button twice. keyboard menu.

𝜋c 𝜋c
2. The answer appears on the 30° = 2. The answer appears on the 30° =
screen. 6 screen. 6

468 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
b. 1. On a Calculator page, b. 1. Put the calculator in DEGREE
4𝜋 r mode.
type . 4𝜋 r
3 On a Main screen, type ,
Note: Press the button 3
to find the radian symbol. then press EXE.
Press the button and Note: The radian symbol can
select DD, then press be found in the Trig tab of
the ENTER button twice. the keyboard menu.

4𝜋 c 4𝜋 c
2. The answer appears on the = 240° 2. The answer appears on the = 240°
screen. 3 screen. 3

Angle measure and direction


By continuing to rotate around the circumference of the unit circle, y
larger angles are formed from arcs that are multiples of the circumference.
For instance, an angle of 3𝜋 radians is formed from an arc of length 3𝜋 Positive
direction
units created by one and a half revolutions of the unit circle: 3𝜋 = 2𝜋 + 𝜋.
This angle, in degrees, equals 360° + 180° = 540°, and its endpoint on the
circumference of the circle is in the same position as that of 180° or 𝜋 c ; (1, 0)
this is the case with any other angle that is a multiple of 2𝜋 added to 𝜋 c . x

By convention, positive angles move anticlockwise around the unit Negative


circle from the point (1, 0). Negative angles move clockwise around direction
the unit circle from the point (1, 0).

WORKED EXAMPLE 6 Converting radians to degrees

a. Convert −3c to degree measure.


b. Draw a unit circle diagram to show angle −3c .

THINK WRITE
( )
180 °
a. Convert radians to degrees. a. −3c = − 3×
𝜋
As the 𝜋 can’t be cancelled, a calculator is used to
evaluate.
−3c ≈ −171.9°
b. Draw the unit circle diagram. Since the angle is b. y
negative, move clockwise around the unit circle
from (1, 0).

(1, 0)
x
3c ≈ 171.9°

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 469


8.3.2 Using radians in calculations
From the definition of a radian, for any circle of radius r, an angle of 1c is subtended at the centre of the circle by
an arc of length r. So, if the angle at the centre of this circle is 𝜃c , then the length of the arc subtending this angle
must be 𝜃 × r.
This gives a formula for calculating the length of an arc.

Length of an arc
l = r𝜃

In the formula l is the arc length and 𝜃 is the angle, in radians, subtended by the arc at the centre of the circle of
radius r.
Any angles given in degree measure will need to be converted to radian measure to use this arc length formula.
Some calculations may require recall of the geometry properties of the angles in a circle, such as the angle at the
centre of a circle is twice the angle at the circumference subtended by the same arc.

Major and minor arcs


For a minor arc, 𝜃 < 𝜋, and for a major arc, 𝜃 > 𝜋, with the sum of the minor and major arc angles totalling 2𝜋 if
the major and minor arcs have their endpoints on the same chord.
Major arc AB

A B A B
Minor arc AB

Trigonometric ratios of angles expressed in radians


Problems in trigonometry may be encountered where angles are given in radian mode and their sine, cosine or
tangent value is required to solve the problem. A calculator or other technology can be set on radian or ‘rad’
mode and the required trigonometric ratio evaluated directly without the need to convert the angle to degrees.
Care must be taken to ensure the calculator is set to the appropriate degree or radian mode to match the measure in
which the angle is expressed. Care is also needed with written presentation: if the angle is measured in degrees,
the degree symbol must be given; if there is no degree sign then it is assumed the measurement is in radians.

WORKED EXAMPLE 7 Calculating arc lengths

a. An arc subtends an angle of 56° at the centre of a circle of radius 10 cm. Calculate the length of the
arc to 2 decimal places.
b. Calculate, in degrees, the magnitude of the angle that an arc of length 20𝜋 cm subtends at the
centre of a circle of radius 15 cm.

470 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
THINK WRITE

a. 1. The angle is given in degrees, so convert it to a. 𝜃° = 56°


radian measure. 𝜋
𝜃c = 56 ×
180
14𝜋
=
45
14𝜋
2. Calculate the arc length. l = r𝜃, r = 10, 𝜃 =
45
14𝜋
l = 10 ×
45
28𝜋
=
9
≈ 9.77
The arc length is 9.77 cm (to 2 decimal places).
b. 1. Calculate the angle at the centre of the circle b. l = r𝜃, r = 15, l = 20𝜋
subtended by the arc. 15𝜃 = 20𝜋
20𝜋
∴𝜃=
15
4𝜋
=
3
4𝜋
The angle is radians.
3
2. Convert the angle from radians to degrees. In degree measure:
4𝜋 180°
𝜃° = ×
3 𝜋
= 240°
The magnitude of the angle is 240°.

TI | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE CASIO | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE


a. 1. Put the calculator in a. 1. Put the calculator in RADIAN
RADIAN mode. mode.
On a Calculator page, On a Main screen, type 56°,
type 56°. then press EXE.
Note: Press the button Note: The degree symbol can
to find the degree symbol. be found in the Trig tab of the
Press the button and keyboard menu.
select Rad, then press the
ENTER button twice.

2. Complete the next entry 2. Complete the next entry line as:
line as: 10 × ans
10 × ans then press EXE.
then press ENTER. Note: ‘ans’ can be found in the
Note: ‘ans’ can be found Number tab in the Keyboard
by pressing . This menu. This will paste the
will paste the previous previous answer onto the entry
answer onto the entry line. line.
Press ENTER to get
the decimal value.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 471


3. The answer appears on the The arc length is 9.77 cm 3. The answer appears on the The arc length is
screen. (to 2 decimal places). screen. 9.77 cm (to 2 decimal
places).
b. 1. On a Calculator page, b. 1. On a Main screen, complete
press MENU, then select: the entry line as:
3: Algebra solve (15𝜃 = 20𝜋, 𝜃)
1: Solve then press EXE.
Complete the entry line as: Note: The 𝜃 symbol can be
solve (15𝜃 = 20𝜋, 𝜃) found in the Trig tab of the
then press ENTER. Keyboard menu.
Note: The 𝜃 symbol can be
found by pressing the
button.

2. Press ans, then press 2. Put the calculator in DEGREE


and select DD. Press mode.
ENTER twice. 4𝜋 r
On a Main screen, type ,
Note: Press the button 3
then press EXE.
to find the radian symbol.
Note: The radian symbol can
be found in the Trig tab of the
keyboard menu.

3. The answer appears on the 240° 3. The answer appears on the 240°
screen. screen.

8.3 Exercise

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1. a. Copy, complete and learn the following table by heart.

Degrees 30° 45° 60°


Radians

b. Copy, complete and learn the following table by heart.

Degrees 0° 90° 180° 270° 360°


Radians

2. Convert the following to degrees.


𝜋c 2𝜋 c 5𝜋 11𝜋 7𝜋 9𝜋
a. b. c. d. e. f.
5 3 12 6 9 2

472 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
3. Convert the following to radian measure.
a. 40° b. 150° c. 225° d. 300° e. 315° f. 720°

4. WE5 a. Convert 60° to radian measure.


3𝜋 c
b. Convert to degree measure.
4 ( )
𝜋 𝜋
c. Convert to degree measure and hence state the value of tan .
6 6
5. An arc subtends an angle of 2c at the centre of a circle with radius 5 cm. Calculate the length of this arc.

6. An arc of length 6 mm subtends an angle of 0.5c at the centre of a circle. Calculate the radius of the circle.

7. a. Express 36° in radian measure.


b. Hence, calculate the length of the arc that subtends an angle of 36° at the centre of the circle with radius
7 cm.
3𝜋
8. A circle has a radius of 6 cm. An arc of length cm forms part of the circumference of this circle. Find the
4
angle the arc subtends at the centre of the circle:
a. in radian measure
b. in degree measure.

9. Calculate the exact lengths of the following arcs.


a. The arc that subtends an angle of 150° at the centre of a circle of radius 12 cm
b. The major arc with endpoints on a chord that subtends an angle of 60° at the centre of a circle of
radius 3 cm.
Technology active
10. a. Express the following in radian measure to 3 decimal places.
i. 3° ii. 112°15′ iii. 215.36°
b. Express the following in degree measure to 3 decimal places.
i. 3c ii. 2.3𝜋
c 𝜋c
c. Rewrite {1.5 , 50°, } with the magnitudes of the angles ordered from smallest to largest.
7
11. Express 145°12′ in radian measure, correct to 2 decimal places.

12. WE6 a. Convert 1.8c to degree measure.


b. Draw a unit circle diagram to show the angle 1.8c .

13. For each of the following, draw a unit circle diagram to show the position of the angle and the arc that
subtends the angle.
a. An angle of 2 radians b. An angle of −2 radians
𝜋
c. An angle of −
2
14. WE7 a. An arc subtends an angle of 75° at the centre of a circle of radius 8 cm. Calculate the length of the
arc correct to 2 decimal places.
b. Calculate, in degrees, the magnitude of the angle that an arc of length 12𝜋 cm subtends at the centre of a
circle of radius 10 cm.
15. A ball on the end of a rope of length 2.5 metres swings through an arc of 75 cm. Calculate the angle through
which the ball swings, correct to the nearest tenth of a degree.
16. A fixed point on the rim of a wheel of radius 3 metres rolls along horizontal ground at a speed of 2 m/s.
After 5 seconds, calculate the angle the point has rotated through and express the answer in both degrees
and radians.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 473


17. An analogue wristwatch has a minute hand of length 11 mm.
Calculate, to 2 decimal places, the arc length the minute hand traverses between
9.45 am and 9.50 am.
18. Evaluate the following to 3 decimal places.
a. tan(1.2)
b. tan(1.2°)

19. a. Calculate the following to 3 decimal places.


()
c 2𝜋
i. tan(1 ) ii. cos iii. sin(1.46°)
7
b. Complete the following table with exact values.

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝜃
6 4 3
sin(𝜃)
cos(𝜃)
tan(𝜃)

20. Calculate the exact value of x in the following diagram.

π

6
4

x
π

3
6

8.3 Exam questions

Question 1 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC The angle 300° is equivalent to


9𝜋 7𝜋 C. 3𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
A. B. D. E.
4 4 2 3
Question 2 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

7𝜋
MC The angle that is equivalent to is
6
A. 120° B. 210° C. 100° D. 150° E. 240°

Question 3 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC The angle (to the nearest degree) subtended by an arc of length 3.5 cm at the centre of a circle with radius
5 cm is
A. 82° B. 68° C. 50° D. 40° E. 35°
More exam questions are available online.

474 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
8.4 Unit circle definitions
LEARNING INTENTION
At the end of this subtopic you should be able to:
• calculate and illustrate the location of trigonometric points on a unit circle
• understand the unit circle definitions for sine, cosine and tangent functions.

With the introduction of radian measure, we encountered positive and negative angles of any size. We now
consider the conventions for angle rotations and the positions of the endpoints on the unit circle of these
rotations.

8.4.1 Trigonometric points


The unit circle has centre (0, 0) and radius 1 unit. Its Cartesian equation is y
x2 + y2 = 1. Quadrant 2 Quadrant 1
(0, 1)
The coordinate axes divide the Cartesian plane into four quadrants. The x2 + y2 = 1
points on the circle that lie on the boundaries between the quadrants are the
endpoints of the horizontal and vertical diameters. These boundary points
have coordinates (−1, 0), (1, 0) on the horizontal axis and (0, −1), (0, 1) on (−1, 0) O x
the vertical axis. A (1, 0)

A rotation starts with an initial ray OA, where A is the point (1, 0) and O
(0, 0). Angles are created by rotating the initial ray anticlockwise for positive (0, −1)
angles and clockwise for negative angles. If the point on the circumference Quadrant 3 Quadrant 4
the ray reaches after a rotation of 𝜃 is P, then ∠AOP = 𝜃 and P is called
the trigonometric point [𝜃]. The angle of rotation 𝜃 may be measured in y
radian or degree measure. In radian measure, the value of 𝜃 corresponds to
the length of the arc AP of the unit circle the rotation cuts off.
P [θ] or P (x, y)
[ ]
The point P 𝜃 has Cartesian coordinates (x, y) where:
𝜋 θ A (1, 0)
• x > 0, y > 0 if P is in quadrant 1, 0 < 𝜃 <
2 O x
𝜋
• x < 0, y > 0 if P is in quadrant 2, < 𝜃 < 𝜋
2
3𝜋
• x < 0, y < 0 if P is in quadrant 3, 𝜋 < 𝜃 <
2
3𝜋
• x > 0, y < 0 if P is in quadrant 4, < 𝜃 < 2𝜋.
2

y y

90° [–π2 ]

180° 0°, 360° [𝜋] [0], [2𝜋]


O x O x
A (1, 0) A (1, 0)

270°
] –3π2– ]

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 475


Continued rotation anticlockwise or clockwise can be used to form other values for 𝜃 greater than 2𝜋 or values
less than 0 respectively. No trigonometric point has a unique 𝜃 value.
The angle 𝜃 is said to lie in the quadrant in which its endpoint P lies.

WORKED EXAMPLE 8 Identifying trigonometric points

a. Give a trigonometric value, using radian measure, of the point P on the unit circle which lies on
the boundary between the quadrants 2 and 3.
2𝜋 c 𝜋 c
b. Identify the quadrants the following angles would lie in: 250°, 400°, ,− .
3 6
c. Give two other trigonometric points, Q and R, one with a negative angle and one with a positive
angle respectively, which would have the same position as the point P [250°].
THINK WRITE
a. 1. State the Cartesian coordinates of the a. The point (−1, 0) lies on the boundary of
required point. quadrants 2 and 3.
2. Give a trigonometric value of this point. An anticlockwise rotation of 180° or 𝜋 c from
Note: Other values are possible. the point (1, 0) would have its endpoint at
(−1, 0). The point P has the trigonometric
value [𝜋].
b. 1. Explain how the quadrant is determined. b. For positive angles, rotate anticlockwise from
(1, 0); for negative angles, rotate clockwise
from (1, 0). The position of the endpoint of the
rotation determines the quadrant.
2. Identify the quadrant the endpoint of the Rotating anticlockwise 250° from (1, 0) ends
rotation would lie in for each of the given in quadrant 3.
angles. Rotating anticlockwise from (1, 0) through
400° would end in quadrant 1.
2𝜋
Rotating anticlockwise from (1, 0) by
3
would end in quadrant 2.
𝜋
Rotating clockwise from (1, 0) by would
6
end in quadrant 4.
y

] –2π3–]
[400°]

[π] 0 (1, 0) x

[– –π6 ]
[250°]

3. State the answer. The angle 250° lies in quadrant 3, 400° in


2𝜋 c 𝜋c
quadrant 1, in quadrant 2, and − in
3 6
quadrant 4.

476 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
c. 1. Identify a possible trigonometric point Q. c. A rotation of 110° in the clockwise direction
from (1, 0) would end in the same position as
P [250°]. Therefore, the trigonometric point
could be Q [−110°].
2. Identify a possible trigonometric point R. A full anticlockwise revolution of 360° plus
another anticlockwise rotation of 250° would
end in the same position as P [250°].
Therefore, the trigonometric point could be
R [610°].

Resources
Resourceseses
Interactivity The unit circle (int-2582)

8.4.2 Unit circle definitions of the sine and cosine functions


Consider the unit circle and trigonometric point P [𝜃] with Cartesian y
coordinates (x, y) on its circumference. In the triangle ONP,
∠NOP = 𝜃 = ∠AOP, ON = x and NP = y.
P [θ] or P (x, y)
x y
As the triangle ONP is right-angled, cos(𝜃) = = x and sin(𝜃) = = y.
1 1 1
This enables the following definitions to be given for a rotation from the y
θ
point (1, 0) of any angle 𝜃 with endpoint P [𝜃] on the unit circle.
0 x N x
A (1, 0)

Coordinates of a trigonometric point


cos(𝜃) is the x-coordinate of the trigonometric point P [𝜃].
sin(𝜃) is the y-coordinate of the trigonometric point P [𝜃].

The importance of these definitions is that they enable sine and cosine functions to be defined for any real
number 𝜃. With 𝜃 measured in radians, the trigonometric point [𝜃] also marks the position of 𝜃 on the
circumference of the unit circle, with zero placed at the point (1, 0). This relationship enables the sine or cosine
of a real number 𝜃 to be evaluated as the sine or cosine of the angle of rotation of 𝜃 radians in a unit circle:
sin(𝜃) = sin(𝜃c ) and cos(𝜃) = cos(𝜃 c ).
The sine and cosine functions are f: R → R, f(𝜃) = sin(𝜃) and f: R → R, f(𝜃) = cos(𝜃).
They are trigonometric functions, also referred to as circular functions. The use of parentheses in writing
sin(𝜃) or cos(𝜃) emphasises their functionality.
The functions have a many-to-one correspondence, as many values of 𝜃 are mapped to the one trigonometric
point. The functions have a period of 2𝜋, since rotations of 𝜃 and of 2𝜋 + 𝜃 have the same endpoint on the
circumference of the unit circle. The cosine and sine values repeat after each complete revolution around the
unit circle.
For f(𝜃) = sin(𝜃), the image of a number such as 4 is f(4) = sin(4) = sin(4c ). This is evaluated as the y-coordinate
of the trigonometric point [4] on the unit circle.
The values of a function for which f(t) = cos(t), where t is a real number, can be evaluated through the relation
cos(t) = cos(tc ), as t will be the trigonometric point [t] on the unit circle.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 477


The sine and cosine functions are periodic functions that have applications in contexts that may have nothing to
do with angles, as we shall study in later topics.

WORKED EXAMPLE 9 Evaluating and drawing trigonometric points


[ ]
𝜋
a. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point P and show the position of this
3
point on a unit circle diagram.
b. Illustrate cos(330°) and sin(2) on a unit circle diagram.
c. Use the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point [𝜋] to obtain the values of sin(𝜋) and
cos(𝜋).
d. If f(𝜃) = cos(𝜃), evaluate f(0).

THINK WRITE
[ ]
𝜋
a. 1. State the value of 𝜃. a. P
3
𝜋
This is the trigonometric point with 𝜃 = .
3
2. Calculate the exact Cartesian coordinates. The Cartesian coordinates are:
Note: The exact values for sine and cosine of x = cos(𝜃) y = sin(𝜃)
𝜋c ( ) ( )
, or 60°, need to be known. 𝜋 𝜋
3 = cos = sin
3 3
( )c ( )c
𝜋 𝜋
= cos = sin
3 3
= cos(60°) = sin(60°)

1 3
= =
2
(2 √ )
1 3
Therefore, P has coordinates , .
2 2
[ ] ( √ )
𝜋 1 3
3. Show the position of the given point on a unit P or P , lies in quadrant 1 on
circle diagram. 3 2 2
the circumference of the unit circle.
y

(0, 1)
π
P ––[ ] 3
3 or P 0.5, ––
2 ( )
1
π 3
––
––
(–1, 0) 3 2 (1, 0)
0 x
0.5

(0, –1)

478 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
b. 1. Identify the trigonometric point and which of b. cos(330°):
its Cartesian coordinates gives the first value. The value of cos(330°) is given by the
x-coordinate of the trigonometric point [330°].
2. State the quadrant in which the trigonometric The trigonometric point [330°] lies in quadrant 4.
point lies.
3. Identify the trigonometric point and which sin(2):
of its Cartesian coordinates gives the second The value of sin(2) is given by the y-coordinate
value. of the trigonometric point [2].
𝜋
4. State the quadrant in which the trigonometric As ≈ 1.57 < 2 < 𝜋 ≈ 3.14, the trigonometric
point lies. 2
point [2] lies in quadrant 2.
5. Draw a unit circle showing the two For each of the points on the unit circle
trigonometric points and construct the diagram, the horizontal line segment gives the
line segments that illustrate the x- and x-coordinate and the vertical line segment gives
y-coordinates of each point. the y-coordinate.
y

(0, 1)
[2]

sin(2)
(–1, 0) cos(330°) (1, 0)
0 x
[330°]

(0, –1)

6. Label the line segments that represent the The value of cos(330°) is the length measure of
appropriate coordinate for each point. the horizontal line segment.
The value of sin(2) is the length measure of the
vertical line segment.
The line segments illustrating these values are
highlighted in orange on the diagram.
c. 1. State the Cartesian coordinates of the given c. An anticlockwise rotation of 𝜋 from (1, 0) gives
point. the endpoint (−1, 0).
The trigonometric point [𝜋] is the Cartesian point
(−1, 0).
2. State the required values. The point (−1, 0) has x = −1, y = 0.
Since x = cos(𝜃),
cos(𝜋) = x
= −1
Since y = sin(𝜃),
sin(𝜋) = y
=0

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 479


d. 1. Substitute the given value in the function rule. d. f(𝜃) = cos(𝜃)
∴ f (0) = cos(0)
2. Identify the trigonometric point and state its The trigonometric point [0] has Cartesian
Cartesian coordinates. coordinates (1, 0).
3. Evaluate the required value of the function. The value of cos(0) is given by the x-coordinate
of the point (1, 0).
∴ cos(0) = 1
∴ f(0) = 1

8.4.3 Unit circle definition of the tangent function


Consider again the unit circle with centre O (0, 0)[ containing
] Tangent
the points A (1, 0) and the trigonometric point P 𝜃 on its y +
circumference. A tangent line to the circle is drawn at point A. T
The radius OP is extended to intersect the tangent line at point T.
[ ] P
For any point P 𝜃 on the unit circle, tan(𝜃) is defined as the tan(θ)
length of the intercept AT that the extended ray OP cuts off on 1
y
the tangent drawn to the unit circle at the point A (1, 0).
θ 0
Intercepts that lie above the x-axis give positive tangent values; 0 x
N A (1, 0)
x
intercepts that lie below the x-axis give negative tangent values.
Unlike the sine and cosine functions, there are values of 𝜃 for
which tan(𝜃) is undefined. These occur when OP is vertical and
therefore parallel to the tangent line through A (1, 0); these two
vertical lines cannot
( intersect,
) no(matter
) how far OP is extended.
𝜋 3𝜋
The values of tan and tan , for instance, are not
2 2
defined.
[ ]
The value of tan(𝜃) can be calculated from the coordinates (x, y) of the point P 𝜃 , provided the x-coordinate is
not zero.
Using the ratio of sides of the similar triangles ONP and OAT:

AT NP
=
OA ON
tan(𝜃) y
=
1 x

Hence:
y [ ]
tan(𝜃) = , x ≠ 0, where (x, y) are the coordinates of the trigonometric point P 𝜃 .
x
Since x = cos(𝜃), y = sin(𝜃), this can be expressed as the following relationship.

Unit circle definition of the tangent function


sin(𝜃)
tan(𝜃) =
cos(𝜃)

480 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
WORKED EXAMPLE 10 Evaluating tan(𝜃)

a. Illustrate tan(130°) on a unit circle diagram and use a calculator to evaluate tan(130°) to
3 decimal places.
b. Use the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point P [𝜋] to obtain the value of tan(𝜋).

THINK WRITE
a. 1. State the quadrant in which the angle lies. a. 130° lies in the second quadrant.
2. Draw the unit circle with the tangent at the y
point A (1, 0).
Note: The tangent line is always drawn at the (0, 1)
point (1, 0).
[130°] P

(–1, 0) A (1, 0)
0 x

(0, –1) T tan(130°)

Tangent
3. Extend PO until it reaches the tangent line. Let T be the point where the extended radius
PO intersects the tangent drawn at A. The
intercept AT is tan(130°).
4. State whether the required value is positive, The intercept lies below the x-axis, which
zero or negative. shows that tan(130°) is negative.
5. Calculate the required value. The value of tan(130°) = −1.192, correct to
3 decimal places.
b. 1. Identify the trigonometric point and state its b. The trigonometric point P [𝜋] is the endpoint
Cartesian coordinates. of a rotation of 𝜋 c or 180°. It is the Cartesian
point P(−1, 0).

2. Calculate the required value. The point (−1, 0) has x = −1, y = 0. Since
y
tan(𝜃) = ,
x
0
tan(𝜋) =
−1
=0

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 481


3. Check the answer using the unit circle Check:
diagram. PO is horizontal and runs along the x-axis.
Extending PO, it intersects the tangent at the
point A. This means the intercept is 0, which
means tan(𝜋) = 0.
y

(0, 1)

P A (1, 0)
(–1, 0) 0 x

(0, –1) T

Tangent

TI | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE CASIO | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE


a. 1. Put the calculator in a. 1. Put the calculator in DEGREE
DEGREE mode. mode.
On the Calculator page, On a Main screen, complete the
complete the entry entry line as:
line as: tan(130)
tan(130) then press EXE.
then press ENTER.

2. The answer appears on the tan(130°) = −1.192 2. The answer appears on the tan(130°) = −1.192
screen. (to 3 decimal places) screen. (to 3 decimal places)

8.4 Exercise

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1. State the quadrant in which each of the following angles lies.
a. 24° b. 240°
c. 123° d. 365°
e. −50° f. −120°

482 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
𝜋 3𝜋 7𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 11𝜋
2. Consider the set { , , ,− ,− ,− } where the angles are expressed in radian measure.
3 4 6 3 4 6
a. Select the two angles that lie in the first quadrant.
b. Select the two angles that lie in the second quadrant.
c. State the angle that lies in the third quadrant.
d. State the angle that lies in the fourth quadrant.
3. a. The trigonometric point 𝜃 lies on the boundary between quadrants 1 and 2.
i. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point 𝜃.
ii. State the value of sin(𝜃).
b. The trigonometric point 𝛼 lies on the boundary between quadrants 2 and 3.
i. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point 𝛼.
ii. State the value of cos(𝛼).
c. The trigonometric point 𝛽 lies on the boundary between quadrants 3 and 4.
i. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point 𝛽.
ii. State the value of tan(𝛽).
d. The trigonometric point 𝜈 lies on the boundary between quadrants 4 and 1.
i. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point 𝜈.
ii. State the value of sin(𝜈), cos(𝜈) and tan(𝜈).

4. Identify the quadrant in which each of the following lies.


11𝜋
a. 585° b.
12
7𝜋
c. −18𝜋 d.
4
5. WE8 a. Give a trigonometric value, using radian measure, of the point P on the unit circle which lies on the
boundary between the quadrants 1 and 2.
4𝜋 c 𝜋 c
b. Identify the quadrants the following angles would lie in: 120°, −400°, , .
3 4
c. Give two other trigonometric points, Q with a negative angle and R with a positive angle, that would have
the same position as the point P [120°].
6. Using a positive and a negative radian measure, state trigonometric values of the point on the unit circle that
lies on the boundary between quadrants 3 and 4.
[ ]
𝜋
7. WE9 a. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point P and show the position of this
6
point on a unit circle diagram.
b. Illustrate sin(225°) and cos(1) on a unit circle diagram.
[ ] ( )
𝜋 𝜋
c. Use the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point − to obtain the values of sin − and
( ) 2 2
𝜋
cos − .
2
d. If f(𝜃) = sin(𝜃), evaluate f (0).
( )
3𝜋
8. a. For the function f(t) = sin(t), evaluate f .
2
b. For the function g(t) = cos(t), evaluate g (4𝜋).
c. For the function h(t) = tan(t), evaluate h (−𝜋).
d. For the function k(t) = sin(t) + cos(t), evaluate k (6.5𝜋).

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 483


9. Identify the quadrants where:
a. sin(𝜃) is always positive b. cos(𝜃) is always positive.
[ ]
𝜋
10. a. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point P .
4
b. Express the Cartesian point P (0, −1) as two different trigonometric points, one with a positive value for 𝜃
and one with a negative value for 𝜃.
11. Illustrate the following on a unit circle diagram.
a. cos(40°) b. sin (165°)
c. cos(−60°) d. sin(−90°)

12. Illustrate the following on a unit circle diagram.


( ) ( )
5𝜋 3𝜋
a. sin b. cos
3 5
( )
2𝜋
c. cos(5𝜋) d. sin −
3
13. Illustrate the following on a unit circle diagram.
( )
5𝜋
a. tan(315°) b. tan
6
( )
4𝜋
c. tan d. tan(−300°)
3
[ ]
14. a. The trigonometric point P 𝜃 has Cartesian coordinates (−0.8, 0.6). State the quadrant in which P lies and
the values of sin(𝜃), cos(𝜃) and tan(𝜃).
(√ √ )
[ ] 2 2
b. The trigonometric point Q 𝜃 has Cartesian coordinates ,− . State the quadrant in which Q
2 2
lies and the values of sin(𝜃), cos(𝜃) and tan(𝜃).
( )
[ ] 2 1
c. For the trigonometric point R 𝜃 with Cartesian coordinates √ ,√ , state the quadrant in which R
5 5
lies and the values of sin(𝜃), cos(𝜃) and tan(𝜃).
[ ]
d. The Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point S 𝜃 are (0, 1). Describe the position of S and state
the values of sin(𝜃), cos(𝜃) and tan(𝜃).
15. By locating the appropriate trigonometric point and its corresponding Cartesian coordinates, obtain the exact
values of the following.
( )
𝜋
a. cos(0) b. sin c. tan(𝜋)
2
( )
3𝜋
d. cos e. sin(2𝜋) f. tan(−11𝜋)
2
Technology active
16. WE10 a. Illustrate tan(230°) on a unit circle diagram and use a calculator to evaluate tan(230°) to 3 decimal
places.
b. Use the Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point P [2𝜋] to obtain the value of tan(2𝜋).
( ) ( )
5𝜋 3𝜋
17. Consider {tan(−3𝜋), tan , tan(−90°), tan , tan(780°)}.
2 4
a. State which elements in the set are not defined.
b. State which elements have negative values.

484 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
[ ] [ ]
3𝜋 2𝜋
18. Consider O, the centre of the unit circle, and the trigonometric points P and Q on its
10 5
circumference.
a. Sketch the unit circle showing these points.
b. Calculate how many radians are contained in the angle ∠QOP.
c. Express each of the trigonometric points P and Q with a negative 𝜃 value.

[ ] each of[ the ]trigonometric points P and Q with a larger positive value for 𝜃 than the given values
d. Express
3𝜋 2𝜋
P and Q .
10 5
19. a. On a unit circle diagram, show the trigonometric point P [2] and the line segments sin(2), cos(2) and
tan(2). Label them with their length measures expressed to 2 decimal places.
b. State the Cartesian coordinates of P to 2 decimal places.

20. Use CAS technology to calculate the exact values of the following.
( ) ( )
7𝜋 7𝜋
a. cos2 + sin2
6 6
( ) ( )
7𝜋 7𝜋
b. cos + sin
6 6
( ) ( )
2 7 7
c. sin + cos2
6 6
2 2
d. sin (76°) + cos (76°)
2
e. sin (t) + cos2 (t); explain the result with reference to the unit circle.

8.4 Exam questions

Question 1 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

5𝜋
MC The radian measure is
4
A. in the first quadrant. B. in the second quadrant.
C. in the third quadrant. D. in the fourth quadrant.
E. exactly between the first and second quadrants.

Question 2 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

11𝜋
MC The angle − is
2
A. exactly between the first and second quadrants. B. exactly between the third and fourth quadrants.
C. exactly between the third and fourth quadrants. D. in the fourth quadrant.
E. in the second quadrant.

Question 3 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC If 0 < x < 2𝜋, sin(x) < 0 and cos(x) < 0, state which of the following is true.
𝜋 𝜋
A. 0 < x < B. <x<𝜋
2 2
3𝜋 3𝜋
C. 𝜋 < x < D. < x < 2𝜋
2 2
E. 0 < x < 𝜋
More exam questions are available online.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 485


8.5 Symmetry properties
LEARNING INTENTION
At the end of this subtopic you should be able to:
• identify the signs of trigonometric values in the four quadrants
• calculate exact trigonometric values
• use symmetry properties to calculate values of trigonometric functions.

There are relationships between the coordinates and associated trigonometric values of trigonometric points
placed in symmetric positions in each of the four quadrants. These will now be investigated.

8.5.1 The signs of the sine, cosine and tangent values in the four
quadrants
y
The definitions cos(𝜃) = x, sin(𝜃) = y and tan(𝜃) = , where (x, y) are the y
x
[ ]
Cartesian coordinates of the trigonometric point 𝜃 , have been established.
If 𝜃 lies in the first quadrant, All of the trigonometric values will be positive,
S A
since x > 0, y > 0.
If 𝜃 lies in the second quadrant, only the Sine value will be positive, x
since x < 0, y > 0. T C

If 𝜃 lies in the third quadrant, only the Tangent value will be positive,
since x < 0, y < 0.
If 𝜃 lies in the fourth quadrant, only the Cosine value will be positive,
since x > 0, y < 0.
This is illustrated in the diagram shown.

There are several mnemonics for remembering the allocation of signs in this diagram: we shall use ‘ASTC’ and
refer to the diagram as the ASTC diagram.
A common saying is ‘All Stations To Central’.

The sine, cosine and tangent values at the boundaries of the quadrants
The points that do not lie within a quadrant are the four coordinate axis intercepts of the unit circle. These are
called the boundary points. Since the Cartesian coordinates and the trigonometric positions of these points are
known, the boundary values can be summarised by the following table.

Boundary point (1, 0) (0, 1) (−1, 0) (0, −1) (1, 0)


𝜋 3𝜋
𝜃 radians 0 𝜋 2𝜋
2 2
𝜃 degrees 0° 90° 180° 270° 360°
sin(𝜃) 0 1 0 −1 0
cos(𝜃) 1 0 −1 0 1
tan(𝜃) 0 undefined 0 undefined 0

Other values of 𝜃 could be used for the boundary points, including negative values.

486 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
WORKED EXAMPLE 11 Identifying quadrants

a. Identify the quadrant(s) where both cos(𝜃) and sin(𝜃) are negative.
b. If f(𝜃) = cos(𝜃), evaluate f (−6𝜋).

THINK WRITE
a. 1. Refer to the ASTC diagram. a. cos(𝜃) = x, sin(𝜃) = y
The quadrant where both x and y are negative
is quadrant 3.
b. 1. Substitute the given value in the function rule. b. f(𝜃) = cos(𝜃)
∴ f (−6𝜋) = cos(−6𝜋)
2. Identify the Cartesian coordinates of the A clockwise rotation of 6𝜋 from (1, 0) shows
trigonometric point. that the trigonometric point [−6𝜋] is the
boundary point with coordinates (1, 0).
3. Evaluate the required value of the function. The x-coordinate of the boundary point gives
the cosine value.
cos(−6𝜋) = 1
∴ f (−6𝜋) = 1

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Exact trigonometric values of , and
6 4 3
As the exact trigonometric ratios are known for angles of 30°, 45°
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
and 60°, these give the trigonometric ratios for , and ,
6 4 3 π

respectively. A summary of these is given with the angles in 6
each triangle expressed in radian measure. The values should be
memorised. 2 2
1 3

π π
– –
4 3
1 1

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝜃 or 30° or 45° or 60°
6 4 3
√ √
1 1 2 3
sin(𝜃) √ =
2 2 2 2
√ √
3 1 2 1
cos(𝜃) √ =
2 2 2 2

1 3 √
tan(𝜃) √ = 1 3
3 3

These values can be used to calculate the exact trigonometric values for other angles that lie in positions
symmetric to these first-quadrant angles.

Resources
Resourceseses
Interactivity The ‘All Sin Tan Cos’ rule (int-2583)

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 487


8.5.2 Trigonometric points symmetric to [𝜃] where
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝜃 ∈ {30°, 45°, 60°, , , }
6 4 3
The symmetrical points to [45°] are shown in the diagram. y

Each radius of the circle drawn to each of the points makes


an acute angle of 45° with either the positive or the negative
x-axis. The symmetric points to [45°] are the end points of a
[135°] [45°]
rotation that is 45° short of, or 45° beyond, the horizontal x-axis.
The calculations 180° − 45°, 180° + 45° and 360° − 45° give
the symmetric trigonometric points [135°] , [225°] and [315°]
respectively. 45° 45°
45° 45° x
Comparisons between the coordinates of these trigonometric
points with those of the first quadrant point [45°] enable
the trigonometric values of these non-acute angles to be [225°] [315°]
calculated from those of the acute angle 45°.
Consider the y-coordinate of each point.
As the y-coordinates of the trigonometric points [135°] and
[45°] are the same, sin(135°) = sin(45°). Similarly, the
y-coordinates of the trigonometric points [225°] and [315°] are
the same, but both are the negative of the y-coordinate of [45°].
Hence, sin(225°) = sin(315°) = − sin(45°). This gives the following exact sine values:
√ √ √ √
2 2 2 2
sin(45°) = ; sin(135°) = ; sin(225°) = − ; sin(315°) = −
2 2 2 2

Now consider the x-coordinate of each point.


As the x-coordinates of the trigonometric points [315°] and [45°] are the same, cos(315°) = cos(45°). Similarly,
the x-coordinates of the trigonometric points [135°] and [225°] are the same, but both are the negative of the
x-coordinate of [45°]. Hence, cos(135°) = cos(225°) = − cos(45°). This gives the following exact cosine values:
√ √ √ √
2 2 2 2
cos(45°) = ; cos(135°) = − ; cos(225°) = − ; cos(315°) =
2 2 2 2

y sin(𝜃)
By using tan(𝜃) = = , you will find that the corresponding relationships for the four points are
x cos(𝜃)
tan(225°) = tan(45°) and tan(135°) = tan(315°) = − tan(45°). Hence, the exact tangent values are:

tan(45°) = 1; tan(135°) = −1; tan(225°) = 1; tan(315°) = −1

The relationships between the Cartesian coordinates of [45°] and each of [135°] , [225°] and [315°] enable the
trigonometric values of 135°, 225° and 315° to be calculated from those of 45°.

488 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
𝜋
If, instead of degree measure, the radian measure of is y
[ ] 4
𝜋
used, the symmetric points to are the end points of
4
𝜋 𝜋
rotations that lie short of, or beyond, the horizontal 3π
]
––
] ] π

]
4 4 4 4
x-axis. The positions of the symmetric points are calculated
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
as 𝜋 − , 𝜋 + , 2𝜋 − , giving the symmetric π
– π

4 4 [ 4] [ ] [ ] 4 4
3𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋 π

π
– x
trigonometric points , , respectively. 4 4
4 4 4
By comparing the Cartesian coordinates of the symmetric
[ ] 5π
]
––
] ] 7π
––
]
𝜋 4 4
points with those of the first quadrant point , it is
4
possible to obtain results such as the following selection.

Second quadrant Third quadrant Fourth quadrant


( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
3𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 7𝜋 𝜋
cos = − cos tan = tan sin = − sin
4 √ 4 4 4 4 √ 4
2 =1 2
=− =−
2 2

[ ] [ ]
𝜋 𝜋
A similar approach is used to generate symmetric points to the first quadrant points and .
6 3

WORKED EXAMPLE 12 Calculating exact values

Calculate
( the
) exact values of the following.( )
5𝜋 7𝜋 c. tan(−30°)
a. cos b. sin
3 6

THINK WRITE
( )
5𝜋
a. 1. State the quadrant in which the trigonometric a. cos
point lies. 3 [ ]
5𝜋 5 2 5𝜋
As = 𝜋 = 1 𝜋, the point lies in
3 3 3 3
quadrant 4.
2. Identify the first-quadrant symmetric point. y
] π

]
3

S A
π

3 [2π]
π x

T 3 C

]5π
––
]
3

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 489


5𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
Since = 2𝜋 − , the rotation of stops
3 3 3
𝜋
short of the x-axis by .
[ ] [3 ]
𝜋 5𝜋
The points and are symmetric.
3 3

3. Compare the coordinates of the symmetric The x-coordinates of the symmetric points are
points and obtain the required value. equal.
( ) ( )
Note: Check the +/− sign follows the ASTC 5𝜋 𝜋
diagram rule. cos = + cos
3 3
1
=
2
Check: cosine is positive in quadrant 4.
( )
7𝜋
b. 1. State the quadrant in which the trigonometric b. sin
point lies. 6
7𝜋 1
=1 𝜋
6 6
The point lies in quadrant 3.
2. Identify the first-quadrant symmetric point. y

[–π]
6
S A
π

[π] 6
π
– 0 x
6
T C
[––
6]

7𝜋 𝜋 7𝜋
As = 𝜋 + , the rotation of goes
6 6 6 [ ]
𝜋 𝜋
beyond the x-axis by . The points and
[ ] 6 6
7𝜋
are symmetric.
6
[ ]
7𝜋
3. Compare the coordinates of the symmetric The y-coordinate of is the negative of
points and obtain the required value. [ ] 6
𝜋
that of in the first quadrant.
6
( ) ( )
7𝜋 𝜋
sin = − sin
6 6
1
=−
2
Check: sine is negative in quadrant 3.

c. 1. State the quadrant in which the trigonometric c. tan(−30°)


point lies. [−30°] lies in quadrant 4.

490 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
2. Identify the first-quadrant symmetric point. y

S A [30°]
30° 0°
0 –30° x
T C [–30°]

−30° is a clockwise rotation of 30° from the


horizontal so the symmetric point in the first
quadrant is [30°].
3. Compare the coordinates of the symmetric The points [30°] and [−30°] have the same
points and obtain the required value. x-coordinates but opposite y-coordinates. The
tangent value is negative in quadrant 4.
tan(−30°) = − tan(30°)

3
=−
3

8.5.3 Symmetry properties


The symmetry properties give the relationships between the trigonometric values in quadrants 2, 3, 4 and that
of the first quadrant value, called the base, with which they are symmetric. The symmetry properties are simply
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
a generalisation of what was covered for the bases , , .
6 4 3
𝜋
For any real number 𝜃 where 0 < 𝜃 < , the trigonometric y
[ ] 2
point 𝜃 lies in the first quadrant. The other quadrant values
can be expressed in terms of the base 𝜃, since the symmetric
values will either be 𝜃 short of or 𝜃 beyond the horizontal
x-axis. [π – θ] [θ]
[ ]
The symmetric points [to 𝜃 ]are:
• second quadrant 𝜋 − 𝜃
[ ] θ θ
• third quadrant 𝜋 + 𝜃
[ ] θ θ x
• fourth quadrant 2𝜋 − 𝜃 .

Comparing the Cartesian coordinates with those of the first-


quadrant base leads to the following general statements. [π + θ] [2π – θ]

The symmetry properties for the second quadrant are:

sin(𝜋 − 𝜃) = sin(𝜃)
cos(𝜋 − 𝜃) = − cos(𝜃)
tan(𝜋 − 𝜃) = − tan(𝜃)

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 491


The symmetry properties for the third quadrant are:

sin(𝜋 + 𝜃) = − sin(𝜃)
cos(𝜋 + 𝜃) = − cos(𝜃)
tan(𝜋 + 𝜃) = tan(𝜃)

The symmetry properties for the fourth quadrant are:

sin(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = − sin(𝜃)
cos(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = cos(𝜃)
tan(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = − tan(𝜃)

Other forms for the symmetric points


The rotation assigned to a point is not unique. With clockwise rotations or repeated revolutions, other values are
always possible. However, the symmetry properties apply no matter how the points are described.
[ ]
The trigonometric point 2𝜋 + 𝜃 would lie in the first quadrant where all ratios are positive. Hence:

sin(2𝜋 + 𝜃) = sin(𝜃)
cos(2𝜋 + 𝜃) = cos(𝜃)
tan(2𝜋 + 𝜃) = tan(𝜃)
[ ]
The trigonometric point −𝜃 would lie in the fourth quadrant where only cosine is positive. Hence:

sin(−𝜃) = − sin(𝜃)
cos(−𝜃) = cos(𝜃)
tan(−𝜃) = − tan(𝜃)
[ ]
For negative rotations,[ the] points symmetric to 𝜃 could be given as:
• fourth quadrant −𝜃
[ ]
• third quadrant −𝜋 + 𝜃
[ ]
• second quadrant −𝜋 − 𝜃
[ ]
• first quadrant −2𝜋 + 𝜃 .

Using symmetry properties to calculate values of trigonometric functions


Trigonometric values are either the same as or the negative of the associated trigonometric values of the first-
quadrant base; the sign is determined by the ASTC diagram.
The base involved is identified by noting the rotation needed to reach the x-axis and determining how far short of
or how far beyond this the symmetric point is. It is important to emphasise that for the points to be symmetric,
this is always measured from the horizontal and not the vertical axis.
To calculate a value of a trigonometric function, follow these steps.
• Locate the quadrant in which the trigonometric point lies
• Identify the first-quadrant base with which the trigonometric point is symmetric
• Compare the coordinates of the trigonometric point with the coordinates of the base point or use the ASTC
diagram rule to form the sign in the first instance
• Evaluate the required value exactly if there is a known exact value involving the base.
( ) ( )
8𝜋 𝜋
With practice, the symmetry properties allow us to recognise, for example, that sin = − sin
7 7
8𝜋 𝜋
because = 𝜋 + and sine is negative in the third quadrant. Recognition of the symmetry properties is very
7 7

492 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
( )
3𝜋
important, and we should aim to be able to apply these quickly. For example, to evaluate cos , think,
4
𝜋
‘Second quadrant; cosine is negative; base is ’, and write:
4
( ) ( )
3𝜋 𝜋
cos = − cos
4 √ 4
2
=−
2

WORKED EXAMPLE 13 Using symmetry properties to calculate exact values

a. Identify the symmetric points to [20°]. Determine at which of these points the tangent value is the
same as tan(20°).
( )
6𝜋
b. Express sin in terms of a first-quadrant value.
5
c. If cos(𝜃) = 0.6, give the values of cos(𝜋 − 𝜃) and cos(2𝜋 − 𝜃).
d. Calculate
( the
) exact values of the following. ( )
7𝜋 11𝜋
i. tan ii. sin
6 3

THINK WRITE
a. 1. Calculate the symmetric points to the a. Symmetric points to [20°] will be ± 20°
given point. from the x-axis. The points are:
second quadrant [180° − 20°] = [160°]
third quadrant [180° + 20°] = [200°]
fourth quadrant [360° − 20°] = [340°]
2. Identify the quadrant. The point [20°] is in the first quadrant,
so tan(20°) is positive. As tangent is
also positive in the third quadrant,
tan(200°) = tan(20°).
3. State the required point. The tangent value at the trigonometric
point [200°] has the same value as
tan(20°).
6𝜋
b. 1. Express the trigonometric value in the b. is in the third quadrant.
appropriate quadrant form. 5( ) ( )
6𝜋 𝜋
sin = sin 𝜋 +
5 5
( ) ( )
6𝜋 𝜋
2. Apply the symmetry property for that ∴ sin = − sin
quadrant. 5 5
c. 1. Use the symmetry property for the c. (𝜋 − 𝜃) is the second quadrant form.
appropriate quadrant. ∴ cos(𝜋 − 𝜃) = − cos(𝜃)
2. State the answer. Since cos(𝜃) = 0.6, cos(𝜋 − 𝜃) = −0.6.

3. Use the symmetry property for the 2𝜋 − 𝜃 is the fourth quadrant form.
appropriate quadrant. ∴ cos(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = cos(𝜃)
4. State the answer. Since cos(𝜃) = 0.6, cos(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = 0.6.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 493


( ) ( )
7𝜋 𝜋
d. i. 1. Express the trigonometric value in an d. i. tan = tan 𝜋 +
appropriate quadrant form. 6 6
( )
𝜋
2. Apply the symmetry property and = tan
evaluate. √ 6
3
=
3
( ) √
7𝜋 3
∴ tan =
6 3
11𝜋
ii. 1. Express the trigonometric value in an ii. is in quadrant 4.
appropriate quadrant form. 3
( ) ( )
11𝜋 𝜋
2. Apply the symmetry property and sin = sin 4𝜋 −
evaluate. 3 ( 3)
𝜋
= sin 2𝜋 −
( )3
𝜋
= − sin
√ 3
3
=−
( ) √2
11𝜋 3
∴ sin =−
3 2

Resources
Resourceseses
Interactivity Symmetry points and quadrants (int-2584)

8.5 Exercise

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1. State the exact values of the following.
a. sin(120°) b. tan(210°) c. cos(135°) d. cos(300°) e. tan(150°) f. sin(315°)

2. Calculate the exact values of the following.


a. cos(150°) b. sin(240°) c. tan(330°) d. tan(−45°) e. sin(−30°) f. cos(−60°)

3. Calculate the exact values of the following.


a. tan(420°) b. sin(405°) c. cos(480°) d. sin(765°) e. cos(−510°) f. tan(−585°)

494 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
4. Calculate the exact values of the following.
a. cos(120°) b. tan(225°) c. sin(330°) d. tan(−60°) e. cos(−315°) f. sin(510°)

5. State the exact values of the following.


( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
a. tan b. tan c. sin d. sin e. cos f. cos
3 3 6 6 4 4
6. Calculate the exact values of the following.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
5𝜋 4𝜋 3𝜋 13𝜋 17𝜋 8𝜋
a. cos − b. sin − c. tan − d. tan e. sin f. cos
6 3 4 6 4 3
7. Calculate the exact values of the following.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
3𝜋 2𝜋 5𝜋 4𝜋 7𝜋 11𝜋
a. sin b. tan c. cos d. cos e. tan f. sin
4 3 6 3 6 6
8. Calculate the exact values of the following.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 8𝜋 9𝜋 23𝜋
a. cos − b. sin − c. tan − d. sin e. cos f. tan
4 3 6 3 4 6
9. Show the boundary points on a diagram and then state the value of the following.
( ) ( )
13𝜋 9𝜋
a. cos(4𝜋) b. tan(9𝜋) c. sin(7𝜋) d. sin e. cos − f. tan(−20𝜋)
2 2
10. Identify the quadrant(s) or boundaries for which the following apply.
a. cos(𝜃) > 0, sin(𝜃) < 0 b. tan(𝜃) > 0, cos(𝜃) > 0
c. sin(𝜃) > 0, cos(𝜃) < 0 d. cos(𝜃) = 0
e. cos(𝜃) = 0, sin(𝜃) > 0 f. sin(𝜃) = 0, cos(𝜃) < 0

11. WE11 a. Identify the quadrant(s) where cos(𝜃) is negative and tan(𝜃) is positive.
b. If f(𝜃) = tan(𝜃), evaluate f(4𝜋).

12. WE12 Calculate the exact values of the following.


( ) ( )
4𝜋 5𝜋
a. sin b. tan c. cos(−30°)
3 6
( ) ( ) ( )
5𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋
13. Calculate the exact values of sin − , cos − and tan − .
4 4 4
14. If cos(𝜃) = 0.2, use the symmetry properties to write down the value of the following.
a. cos(𝜋 − 𝜃) b. cos(𝜋 + 𝜃) c. cos(−𝜃) d. cos(2𝜋 + 𝜃)

15. If sin(t) = 0.9 and tan(x) = 4, calculate the value of the following.
a. tan(−x) b. sin(𝜋 − t)
c. tan(2𝜋 − x) d. sin(−t) + tan(𝜋 + x)

16. Given cos(𝜃) = 0.91, sin(t) = 0.43 and tan(x) = 0.47, use the symmetry properties to obtain the values of the
following.
a. cos(𝜋 + 𝜃) b. sin(𝜋 − t) c. tan(2𝜋 − x) d. cos(−𝜃) e. sin(−t) f. tan(2𝜋 + x)

17. If sin(𝜃) = p, express the following in terms of p.


a. sin(2𝜋 − 𝜃) b. sin(3𝜋 − 𝜃) c. sin(−𝜋 + 𝜃) d. sin(𝜃 + 4𝜋)

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 495


18. WE13 a. Identify the symmetric points to [75°]. Determine at which of these points the cosine value is the

same as cos(75°).
( )
6𝜋
b. Express tan in terms of a first quadrant value.
7
c. If sin(𝜃) = 0.8, give the values of sin(𝜋 − 𝜃) and sin(2𝜋 − 𝜃).
d. Calculate the exact values of the following.
( ) ( )
5𝜋 25𝜋
i. cos ii. sin
4 6

Technology active
( ) ( )
2 5𝜋 2 5𝜋
19. a. Verify that sin + cos = 1.
4 4
5𝜋
b. Explain, with the aid of a unit circle diagram, why cos(−𝜃) = cos(𝜃) is true for 𝜃 = .
[ ] 6
c. The point 𝜙 lies in the second quadrant and has Cartesian coordinates (−0.5, 0.87). Show this on a
diagram and give the values of sin(𝜋 + 𝜙), cos(𝜋 + 𝜙) and tan(𝜋 + 𝜙).
d. Simplify sin(−𝜋 + t) + sin(−3𝜋 − t) + sin(t + 6𝜋).
e. Use the unit circle to give two values of an angle A for which sin(A) = sin(144°).
( )
2𝜋
f. With the aid of the unit circle, give three values of B for which sin(B) = − sin .
11
[ ]
20. Consider the point Q 𝜃 , tan(𝜃) = 5.
a. Identify the two quadrants in which could Q lie.
b. Determine, to 4 decimal places, the value of 𝜃 for each of the two points.
c. Calculate the exact sine and cosine values for each 𝜃 and state the exact Cartesian coordinates of each of
the two points.

8.5 Exam questions

Question 1 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE


( )
3𝜋
MC The value of cos is
4 √
1 2 1
A. B. − C. √
2 2 2

3 2
D. E. √
2 2
Question 2 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

1
MC If sin(𝜃) = − √ and 0° ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 360°, then 𝜃 equals
2
A. 225° B. 135°, 225° C. 135°
D. 225°, 315° E. 45°

Question 3 (2 marks) TECH-FREE


( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
5𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋
Calculate the exact value of 4 sin − 2 cos + tan + sin .
6 3 4 3
More exam questions are available online.

496 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
8.6 Graphs of the sine and cosine functions
LEARNING INTENTION
At the end of this subtopic you should be able to:
• graph sine and cosine functions
• identify key features and properties of sine and cosine functions
• approximate for small values of x in trigonometric functions.

As the two functions sine and cosine are closely related, we shall initially consider their graphs together.

8.6.1 The graphs of y = sin(x) and y = cos(x)


The functions sine and cosine are both periodic and have many-to-one correspondences, which means values
repeat after every revolution around the unit circle. This means both functions have a period of 2𝜋, since
sin(x + 2𝜋) = sin(x) and cos(x + 2𝜋) = cos(x).
The graphs of y = sin(x) and y = cos(x) can be plotted using the boundary values from continued rotations
clockwise and anticlockwise around the unit circle.

𝜋 3𝜋
x 0 𝜋 2𝜋
2 2
sin(x) 0 1 0 −1 0
cos(x) 1 0 −1 0 1

The diagram shows four cycles of the graphs drawn on the domain [−4𝜋, 4𝜋]. The graphs continue to repeat
their wavelike pattern over their maximal domain R; the interval, or period, of each repetition is 2𝜋.

y
1 y = cos(x) y = sin(x)

0 x
–4π – 7π
– –3π – 5π
– –2π – 3π
– –π π
–– π
– π 3π
– 2π 5π
– 3π 7π
– 4π
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

–1

The first observation that strikes us about these graphs is how remarkably similar they are: a horizontal
𝜋
translation of to the right will transform the graph of y = cos(x) into the graph of y = sin(x), and a horizontal
2
𝜋
translation of to the left transforms the graph of y = sin(x) into the graph of y = cos(x).
2
Recalling our knowledge of transformations of graphs, this observation can be expressed as:
( )
𝜋
cos x − = sin(x)
2

( )
𝜋
sin x + = cos(x)
2
𝜋 𝜋
The two functions are said to be ‘out of phase’ by or to have a phase difference or phase shift of .
2 2

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 497


Both graphs oscillate up and down 1 unit from the x-axis. The x-axis is the equilibrium or mean position, and
the distance the graphs oscillate up and down from this mean position to a maximum or minimum point is called
the amplitude.
The graphs keep repeating this cycle of oscillations up and down from the equilibrium position, with the
amplitude measuring half the vertical distance between maximum and minimum points and the period
measuring the horizontal distance between successive maximum points or between successive minimum points.

Resources
Resourceseses
Interactivities Sine and cosine graphs (int-2976)
The unit circle, sine and cosine graphs (int-6551)

One cycle of the graph of y = sin(x)


The basic graph of y = sin(x) has the domain y
[0, 2𝜋], which restricts the graph to one cycle. ) 2π , 1)
1
The graph of the function f ∶ [0, 2𝜋] → R,
f (x) = sin(x) is shown.
y = sin(x)
Key features of the graph of y = sin(x):
• The equilibrium position is the x-axis, the
0 x
line with equation y = 0. π
– π 3π
–– 2π
• The amplitude is 1 unit. 2 2
• The period is 2𝜋 units.
• The domain is [0, 2𝜋]. –1
• The range is [−1, 1].
• The x-intercepts occur at x = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋.
) –3π2– , –1)
• The type of correspondence is many-
to-one.
The graph lies above the x-axis for x ∈ (0, 𝜋) and y
below for x ∈ (𝜋, 2𝜋), which matches the quadrant
signs of sine given in the ASTC diagram. 1
y = sin(x)
The symmetry properties of sine
are displayed in its graph as a
sin(𝜋 − 𝜃) = sin(𝜃) and π+θ 2π – θ
sin(𝜋 + 𝜃) = sin(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = − sin(𝜃). 0 x
θ π–θ π 2π
–a

–1

498 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
One cycle of the graph of y = cos(x)
The basic graph of y = cos(x) has the domain [0, 2𝜋], which restricts the graph to one cycle.
The graph of the function f ∶ [0, 2𝜋] → R, f (x) = cos(x) is shown.

y
2

(0, 1) (2π, 1)
1
y = cos(x)

0 x
π 3π
– π –– 2π
2 2
–1
( π, –1)

–2

Key features of the graph of y = cos(x):


• The equilibrium position is the x-axis, the line with equation y = 0.
• The amplitude is 1 unit.
• The period is 2𝜋 units.
• The domain is [0, 2𝜋].
• The range is [−1, 1].
𝜋 3𝜋
• The x-intercepts occur at x = , .
2 2
• The type of correspondence is many-to-one.

The graph of y = cos(x) has the same amplitude, period, equilibrium (or mean) position, domain, range and type
of correspondence as the graph of y = sin(x).
Guide to sketching the graphs on extended domains
There is a pattern of 5 points to the shape of the basic sine and cosine graphs created by the division of the
period into four equal intervals.
1
For y = sin(x), the first point starts at the equilibrium; the second point at
of the period is up one amplitude to
4
1 3
the maximum point; the third point, at of the period, is back at equilibrium; the fourth point at of the period
2 4
is down one amplitude to the minimum point; and the fifth point at the end of the period interval returns back to
equilibrium.
In other words:
equilibrium → range maximum → equilibrium → range minimum → equilibrium.
For y = cos(x), the pattern for one cycle is summarised as:
range maximum → equilibrium → range minimum → equilibrium → range maximum.
This pattern only needs to be continued in order to sketch the graph of y = sin(x) or y = cos(x) on a domain other
than [0, 2𝜋].

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 499


WORKED EXAMPLE 14 Sketching the sine graph for a given domain

Sketch the graph of y = sin(x) over the domain [–2𝜋, 4𝜋] and state the number of cycles of the sine
function drawn.
THINK WRITE
1. Draw the graph of the function over [0, 2𝜋]. The basic graph of y = sin(x) over the domain [0, 2𝜋]
is drawn.
y
2 y = sin(x)

1
) )
π
–, 1
2

π 0
3π –π – – π 3π 5π 7π x
–2π – –– – π –– 2π –– 3π –– 4π
2 2 2 2 2 2
–1
) 3π
)
–– , –1
2

–2

2. Extend the pattern to cover the domain The pattern is extended for one cycle in the negative
specified. direction and one further cycle in the positive
direction to cover the domain [−2𝜋, 4𝜋].
y
2

) 3π
– ––, 1
2 ) )–π2, 1) ) )

––, 1
2
1
y = sin(x)

–2π – –– π 0
3π –π – – π
– π 3π 2π ––
–– 7π 4π x
5π 3π ––
2 2 2 2 2 2

–1
( π
)
– – , –1
2 ) 3π
–– , –1
2 ) )

)
–– , –1
2
–2

3. State the number of cycles of the function that Altogether, 3 cycles of the sine function have been
are shown in the graph. drawn.

500 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
TI | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE CASIO | THINK DISPLAY/WRITE
a. 1.On a Graph page, complete a. 1. Put the calculator in RADIAN
the entry line for function 1 mode.
as: On a Graph & Table screen,
f 1(x) = sin(x)| − 2𝜋 ≤ x ≤ complete the entry line for y1
4𝜋 as:
then press ENTER. y1 = sin(x)| − 2𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 4𝜋
Press MENU, then select: Click the tick box, then select
9: Settings… the graph icon.
Alternate between Click the window icon to
radians and degrees by change the view on the screen.
pressing on RAD/DEG in
the top right corner of the
screen.
Press MENU, then select:
4: Window/Zoom
1: Window Settings…
to change the view shown
on the screen.
2. Answer the question. Three cycles have been drawn. 2. Answer the question. Three cycles have been
drawn.

8.6.2 Graphical and numerical solutions to equations


The sine and cosine functions are transcendental functions, meaning they cannot be expressed as algebraic
expressions in powers of x. There is no algebraic method of solution for an equation such as sin(x) = 1 − 2x,
because it contains a transcendental function and a linear polynomial function. However, whether solutions exist
or not can usually be determined by graphing both functions to see if or in how many places they intersect. If a
solution exists, an interval in which the root lies can be specified and the bisection method can refine
this interval.
When sketching, care is needed with the scaling of the x-axis. The polynomial function is normally graphed
using an integer scale, whereas the trigonometric function normally uses multiples of 𝜋. It can be helpful to
𝜋
remember that 𝜋 ≈ 3.14, so ≈ 1.57 and so on.
2
WORKED EXAMPLE 15 Solving equations graphically

Consider the equation sin(x) = 1 − 2x.


a. Sketch the graphs of y = sin(x) and y = 1 − 2x on the same set of axes and explain why the equation
sin(x) = 1 − 2x has only one root.
b. Use the graph to give an interval in which the root of the equation sin(x) = 1 − 2x lies.
c. Use the bisection method to create two narrower intervals for the root and hence give an estimate
of its value.
THINK WRITE
a. 1. Calculate the points needed to a. y = sin(x)
sketch the two graphs. One cycle of this graph has the domain [0, 2𝜋]. The axis
intercepts are (0, 0) , (𝜋, 0) and (2𝜋, 0).
y = 1 − 2x has axis intercepts at (0, 1) and (0.5, 0).

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 501


2. Sketch the graphs on the same set y
of axes. 2

1
y = sin(x)

π
–– 0 0.5 π
– π 3π
–– 2π x
2 2 2
–1

–2
y = 1 – 2x

3. Give an explanation about the The two graphs intersect at one point only, so the equation
number of roots to the equation. sin(x) = 1 − 2x has only one root.
b. State an interval in which the root of From the graph it can be seen that the root lies between the
the equation lies. origin and the x-intercept of the line. The interval in which
the root lies is therefore [0, 0.5].
c. 1. Define the function whose sign is c. sin(x) = 1 − 2x
to be tested in the bisection method ∴ sin(x) − 1 + 2x = 0
procedure. Let f (x) = sin(x) − 1 + 2x.
2. Test the sign at the endpoints of the At x = 0, the sine graph lies below the line, so f (0) < 0.
interval in which the root has been Check:
placed. f (0) = sin(0) − 1 + 2 (0)
= −1
<0
At x = 0.5, the sine graph lies above the line, so f (0.5) > 0.
Check:
f (0.5) = sin(0.5) − 1 + 2 (0.5)
= sin(0.5c ) − 1 + 1
= 0.48 …
>0

3. Create the first of the narrower The midpoint of [0, 0.5] is x = 0.25.
intervals. f (0.25) = sin(0.25) − 1 + 2 (0.25)
= −0.25 …
<0
The root lies in the interval [0.25, 0.5].

4. Create the second interval. The midpoint of [0.25, 0.5] is x = 0.375.


f (0.375) = sin(0.375) − 1 + 2 (0.375)
= 0.116 …
>0
The root lies in the interval [0.25, 0.375].
5. State an estimated value of the root The midpoint of [0.25, 0.375] is an estimate of the root.
of the equation. An estimate is x = 0.3125.

502 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
8.6.3 Approximations to the sine and cosine functions for values
close to zero
Despite the sine and cosine functions having no algebraic y
form, for small values of x it is possible to approximate
them by simple polynomial functions for a domain close 3
to zero. y=x
2
Comparing the graphs of y = sin(x) and y = x, we can see
the two graphs resemble each other for a domain around (1, 1)
1 y = sin(x)
x = 0.

x
Small values of sin(x) π
––
2
0 π

2 π

For small values of x, –1


(–1, –1)

sin(x) ≈ x. –2

–3

This offers another way to obtain an estimate of the root of the equation sin(x) = 1 − 2x, as the graphs drawn in
Worked example 15 placed the root in the small interval [0, 0.5].
1
Replacing sin(x) by x, the equation becomes x = 1 − 2x, the solution to which is x = or 0.333 … To 1-decimal-
3
place accuracy, this value agrees with that obtained with greater effort using the bisection method.
Returning to the unit circle definitions of the sine and cosine y
functions, the line segments whose lengths give the values of
sine and cosine are shown in the unit circle diagram for a small (0, 1)
value of 𝜃, the angle of rotation.
The length PN = sin(𝜃), and for small 𝜃 this length is
approximately the same as the length of the arc that subtends
the angle 𝜃 at the centre of the unit circle. The arc length is (–1, 0) P [θ]
θ
r𝜃 = 1𝜃 = 𝜃. Hence, for small 𝜃, sin(𝜃) ≈ 𝜃. O 1 N (1, 0) x
The length ON = cos(𝜃) and for small 𝜃, ON ≈ 1, the length of
the radius of the circle. Hence, for small 𝜃, cos(𝜃) ≈ 1.

Small values of cos(x) (0, –1)

For small values of x,

cos(x) ≈ 1.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 503


WORKED EXAMPLE 16 Approximate sin(x) and cos(x) for small values of x

a. Use the linear approximation for sin(x) to evaluate sin(3°) and compare the accuracy of the
approximation with the calculator value for sin(3°).
b. Show there is a root to the equation cos(x) − 12x2 = 0 for which 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4.
c. Use an approximation for cos(x) to obtain an estimate of the root in part b, expressed to 2 decimal
places.
THINK WRITE
𝜋
a. 1. Express the angle in radian mode. a. 3° = 3 ×
180
𝜋c
∴ 3° =
60
2. Use the approximation for the trigonometric sin(x) ≈ x for small values of x.
function to estimate the value of the 𝜋
As is small,
trigonometric ratio. 60 )
(
𝜋c 𝜋
sin ≈
60 60
𝜋
∴ sin(3°) ≈
60
3. Compare the approximate value with that From a calculator, sin (3°) = 0.052 34 and
given by a calculator for the value of the 𝜋
= 0.052 36 to 5 decimal places.
trigonometric ratio. 60
The two values would be the same when
expressed correct to 3 decimal places.
b. Show there is a root to the equation in the b. cos(x) − 12x2 = 0
given interval. Let f(x) = cos(x) − 12x2 f (0) = cos(0) − 12 (0)
=1
>0
2
f (0.4) = cos(0.4) − 12 (0.4)
= −0.9989 …
<0
Therefore, there is a root of the equation for
which 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4.
c. Use the approximation to obtain an estimate c. Values of x in the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 are small
of the root in part b. and for small x, cos(x) ≈ 1.
Let cos(x) = 1.
The equation cos(x) − 12x2 = 0
becomes:
0 = 1 − 12x2
1 = 12x2
1
x2 =
12

2
x= ±
5 √
1 3
x = ± √ =±
2 3 6
= ±0.2887
The root for which x is positive is 0.29 to
2 decimal places.

504 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
8.6 Exercise

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1. Consider the graph of the function y = f (x) shown.
a. State the domain and range of the graph. y
b. Select the appropriate equation for the function
1
from y = sin(x) or y = cos(x).
c. Write down the coordinates of each of the four
turning points.
0 π 2π 3π 4π x
–1
d. Identify the period and the amplitude of
the graph.
e. Give the equation of the mean (or equilibrium) position.
f. Identify the values of x for which f (x) > 0.
2. Consider the graph of the function y = g(x) shown.
a. State the domain and range of the graph. y
b. Select the appropriate equation for the function 1
from: y = sin(x) or y = cos(x).
c. Write down the coordinates of each of the
–2π –π 0 2π x
minimum turning points. π
d. Identify the period and amplitude of the –1
graph and state the equation of its mean
(or equilibrium) position.
e. Write down the coordinates of the x intercepts of the graph.
f. Identify the values of x for which g(x) < 0.
3. Sketch the following graphs over the given domain intervals.
a. y = sin(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 6𝜋

b. y = cos(x), −4𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 2𝜋
𝜋 3𝜋
c. y = cos(x), − ≤x≤
2 2
3𝜋 𝜋
d. y = sin(x), − ≤x≤ .
2 2
4. WE14 Sketch the graph of y = cos(x) over the domain
[−2𝜋, 4𝜋] and state the number of cycles of the cosine
function drawn.
5. a. State the number of maximum turning points on the graph of the function f ∶ [−4𝜋, 0] → R, f (x) = sin(x).
b. State the number of minimum turning points of the graph of the function f ∶ [0, 14𝜋] → R, f (x) = cos(x).

6. State the number of intersections that the graphs of the following make with the x-axis.
7𝜋
a. y = cos(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ b. y = sin(x), −2𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 4𝜋
2
c. y = sin(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 20𝜋 d. y = cos(x), 𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 4𝜋

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 505


7. On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of y = cos(x) and y = sin(x) over the domain [0, 2𝜋] and shade the
region {(x, y) ∶ sin(x) ≥ cos(x), x ∈ [0, 2𝜋]}.
8. a. Draw one cycle of the cosine graph over [0, 2𝜋] and give the values of x in this interval for which
cos(x) < 0.
b. Explain how the graph in part a illustrates what the ASTC diagram says about the sign of the cosine
function.
9. The graph of the function f ∶ [0, a] → R, f (x) = cos(x) has 10 intersections with the x-axis. Determine the
smallest value possible for a.
10. Use the linear approximation sin(x) ≈ x to estimate the values of the following.
( )
𝜋
a. sin b. sin (2.5°)
12

11. Consider the equation sin(x) − 11x + 4 = 0.


a. The number of solutions to this equation can be determined by using the graph of y = sin(x) and the graph
of a straight line. Identify the straight line.
b. The graphs of y = sin(x) and the straight line are shown in the diagram.

y = sin(x)
1

0 0.5π

–1

–2

Justifying your answer, state the number of solutions to the equation sin(x) − 11x + 4 = 0.
c. Use the linear approximation for sin(x) to express sin(x) − 11x + 4 = 0 as an algebraic equation and, hence
obtain an estimate of any solutions.
12. Use the linear approximation for sin(x) to calculate the following.
a. sin(1°)
( )
𝜋
b. sin
9
c. sin(−2°)
( )
𝜋
d. sin ; comment on the reason for the discrepancy with its exact value.
6
13. The solution to the equation cos(x) + 5x − 2 = 0 is small. Use an approximation for cos(x) to obtain an
estimate of the solution.
Technology active
14. WE15 Consider the equation sin(x) = x − 2.
a. Sketch the graphs of y = sin(x) and y = x − 2 on the same set of axes and explain why the equation
sin(x) = x − 2 has only one root.
b. Use the graph to give an interval in which the root of the equation sin(x) = x − 2 lies.
c. Use the bisection method to create two narrower intervals for the root and hence give an estimate of its
value.

506 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
15. Consider the equation cos(x) − x2 = 0.
a. Give the equations of the two graphs whose intersection determines the number of solutions to the
equation.
b. Sketch the two graphs and hence determine the number of roots of the equation cos(x) − x2 = 0.
c. Determine the value of k for which the equation cos(x) = x2 + k has exactly one solution.

16. WE16 a. Use the linear approximation for sin(x) to evaluate sin(1.8°) and compare the accuracy of the
approximation with the calculator value for sin(1.8°).
b. Show there is a root to the equation cos(x) − 10.5x2 = 0 for which 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4.
c. Use an approximation for cos(x) to obtain an estimate of the root in part b, expressed to 2 decimal places.

17. a. State an approximate value of cos(0.05) and compare the value with that given by a calculator.
b. Explain why the quadratic approximation is not applicable for calculating the value of cos(5).

18. Consider the equation 4x sin(x) − 1 = 0.


a. Show the equation has a solution for which 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6 and use the linear polynomial approximation for
sin(x) to estimate this solution.
b. Specify the function whose intersection with y = sin(x) determines the number of solutions to the equation
and hence explain why there would be other positive solutions to the equation.
c. Explain why these other solutions were not obtained using the linear approximation for sin(x).
d. Analyse the behaviour of the function specified in part b to determine how many solutions of
4x sin(x) − 1 = 0 lie in the interval [−4𝜋, 4𝜋].
19. a. i. Use a CAS technology to obtain the two solutions to the equation sin(x) = 1 − x2 .
ii. For the solution closer to zero, compare its value with that obtained using the linear approximation for
sin(x).
b. Investigate over what interval the approximation sin(x) = x is reasonable.

20. Sketch the graph of y = cos2 (x) for x ∈ [0, 4𝜋] and state its period.

8.6 Exam questions

Question 1 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE


MC State which of the following is not true of both f(x) = sin(x) and g(x) = cos(x).
A. The period is 2𝜋. B. The domain is all real numbers.
C. The range is −1 ≤ y ≤ 1. D. They pass through the point (0, 0).
E. The amplitude is 1.

Question 2 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE


MC For the domain −3𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 3𝜋, the values of x for which sin(x) = 0 are
A. 0, ± 𝜋, ± 2𝜋, ± 3𝜋 B. 0, ± 𝜋, ± 2𝜋
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
C. 0, ± , ± , ± D. ± , ± , ±
2 2 2 2 2 2
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋
E. 0, ± , ± , ± ±
4 4 4 4
Question 3 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE
MC For the domain −2𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 3𝜋, the values of x for which cos(x) = −1 are
3𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
A. 0, ± 2𝜋, B. ± , ± , ±
2 2 2
𝜋 3𝜋
C. ± , ± D. ± 𝜋, ± 3𝜋
2 2
E. ± 𝜋, 3𝜋
More exam questions are available online.

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 507


8.7 Review
8.7.1 Summary
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8.7 Exercise
Technology free: short answer
1. Express the following in degree measure.
11𝜋 c
a. b. −3.5𝜋 c
9
( ) ( ) ( )
11𝜋 11𝜋 11𝜋
2. Evaluate cos − tan + sin − exactly.
6 3 4
3. If cos(t) = 0.6, evaluate the following.
a. cos(−t) b. cos(𝜋 + t) c. cos(3𝜋 − t) d. cos(−2𝜋 + t)

4. Sketch the following graphs over the given domain.


7𝜋
a. y = sin(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ b. y = cos(x), −𝜋 ≤ x ≤ 3𝜋
2
5. Use a graphical method to determine the number of roots of the following equations.

a. cos(x) − x = 0 b. sin(x) − 1−x=0
6. A window ledge 4 metres above the ground can just be reached by a 10-metre ladder. The foot of the ladder
makes an angle 𝜃 with the ground (assumed horizontal).
a. Write down the value of sin(𝜃).
b. Calculate exactly how far up the ladder a person of height 1.8 metres needs to climb in order for the top of
the person’s head to be level with the window ledge.
Technology active: multiple choice
7. MC In a rectangle ABCD, the angle CAD is 27° and the side AD is 3 cm. The length of the diagonal AC in
cm is closest to:
A. 6.61 B. 5.89 C. 3.37 D. 2.67 E. 1.53

8. MC The exact value of sin(45°) + tan(30°) × cos(60°) is:


√ √ √ √ √ √
3 2+1 3 2+ 3 3 2+2 3 3 6+6
A. B. C. D. E.
2 2 6 12 12
9. MC An angle of 100° has a radian equivalent of:
5𝜋 7𝜋 2𝜋
A. B. C. D. 0.573 E. 1.8
9 9 3
10. MC An arc subtends an angle of 30° at the centre of a circle of radius 3 cm. The length of the arc, in cm, is:
𝜋 3𝜋
A. B. 90 C. 𝜋 D. 180 E.
2 4

508 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
Questions 11 and 12 refer to the given unit circle diagram.

P [θ]

π

5 A(1,0)
N 0 x

11. MC A possible value of 𝜃 for the trigonometric point P [𝜃] is:


𝜋 4𝜋 6𝜋
A. B. C.
5 5 5
7𝜋
D. E. −𝜋
10
12. MC The value of sin(𝜃) is given by the length of the line segment:
A. OP
B. PA
C. ON
D. NP
E. AT, where T is the point where PO extended meets the vertical line through A.
13. MC Identify the quadrant(s) in which sin(𝜃) < 0 and cos(𝜃) > 0.
A. First quadrant
B. Second quadrant
C. Third quadrant
D. Fourth quadrant
E. Both the second and fourth quadrants
14. MC The exact value of tan(330°) is:

√ √ 3
A. 1 B. −1 C. 3 D. − 3 E. −
3
15. MC The exact value of cos(−5𝜋) is:
A. 1 B. −1 C. 0 D. 5 E. −5

16. MC The value of sin(4.5°) is approximately equal to:



2 𝜋 𝜋
A. B. 4.5 C. D. E. 1
20 40 400

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 509


Technology active: extended response
17. Two circular pulleys, with radii 3 cm and 8 cm respectively, have their centres 13 cm apart.

C C
D D
E

A B G F
A B

Calculate:
a. the length of DC
b. the angle CED in radians
c. the angle EBF in radians
d. the angle GAD in radians
e. the length of the belt required to pass tightly around the pulleys, giving the answer to 1 decimal place.
3𝜋
18. a. Show on a diagram of the unit circle the positions of −2 and .
[] 4
3𝜋
b. Let P be the trigonometric point . Give the exact Cartesian coordinates of point P.
4
c. Let Q be the trigonometric point [−2]. Give the Cartesian coordinates of Q to 2 decimal places.
𝜋
d. R is the trigonometric point [𝜃] where 0 < 𝜃 < . The points P and R are symmetric points. Determine the
2
exact value of 𝜃.
e. i. Determine the exact value for the angle POQ where O is the centre of the unit circle.
ii. Express the angle POQ in degrees, correct to 2 decimal places.
3𝜋
f. Give another angle that would be mapped to the same position as each of −2 and on the
4
circumference of a unit circle.
19. A real estate agent has three land sites for sale. All three sites are triangular in shape.
a. The first site is in the shape of an equilateral triangle of side length

12 km. Calculate the exact area of this site.
b. The second site is a triangle ABC where A = 40°, a = 50 m, B = 25°
and b = 78 m using the naming convention. Calculate the area of this
site, correct to the nearest square metre.
c. The third site is known to be in the shape of an isosceles triangle.
The unequal√ side is 4 km in length and the equal angles are 𝛽 where
5
cos(𝛽) = .
3
i. Calculate the exact value of tan(𝛽).
ii. Hence, calculate the exact area of this site.
iii. Express the third angle of the triangle in terms of 𝛽.
iv. Use the area measure to calculate the exact value of sin(2𝛽).
v. Use your results to verify that sin (2𝛽) = 2 sin (𝛽) cos (𝛽).

510 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
20. The diagram shows a sketch of the function for which y = 2 sin(x) + x − 2.
The graph intersects the x-axis exactly once.
a. Show that the x-intercept of the graph does not lie in the interval [0, 0.7]. y
b. Determine the value of a, 0 < a < 1 for which the graph will cross
the x-axis in the interval [a, a + 0.1] and state this interval.
y = 2 sin(x) + x – 2
c. Given x = 𝜙 is the root of the equation 2 sin(x) + x − 2 = 0, explain
why 𝜙 lies in the interval [a, a + 0.1].
d. Apply three iterations of the method of bisection to estimate the
value of 𝜙.
e. Compare the accuracy of the estimated value of 𝜙 using the method 0 x
of bisection with that obtained using the linear approximation for
sin(x).
f. The equation 2 sin(x) + x − 2 = 0 can be solved by obtaining the
point of intersection of two graphs, one of which is y = sin(x).
i. Determine the equation of the other graph.
ii. Express the coordinates of the point of intersection of the two
graphs as algebraic expressions in terms of 𝜙.

8.7 Exam questions

Question 1 (4 marks) TECH-FREE

tan(30°) sin(60°) sin(45°) cos(45°)


Evaluate + .
cos(60°) sin(30°) − tan(45°) tan(45°)
Question 2 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC Identify which of the following statements is false.


sin(60°) 2
A. tan(60o ) = B. sin (45°) + cos2 (45°) = 1
cos(60°)
2 2
C. cos (60°) = 1 − sin (60°) D. tan(90°) = tan(45°) + tan(45°)
E. sin(60°) = cos(30°)

Question 3 (1 mark) TECH-ACTIVE

MC sin(𝜋 + 𝜃) is equal to
A. sin(𝜃) B. − sin(𝜃) C. cos(𝜃) D. tan(𝜃) E. cos(𝜋 + 𝜃)

Question 4 (4 marks) TECH-FREE

Given sin(𝜃) = 0.61, cos(t) = 0.48, tan(x) = 1.6 and 𝜃, x, t are all acute, use the symmetry properties to obtain
the values of sin(𝜋 + 𝜃), cos(𝜋 − t), tan(2𝜋 + x) and cos(−t).
Question 5 (4 marks) TECH-ACTIVE

Sketch the graphs of y = cos(x) and y = 3 − x on the same set of axes. Explain why the equation
cos(x) = 3 − x has only one root, and give an interval in which the root lies.
More exam questions are available online.

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TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 511


Answers 8.3 Circular measure
8.3 Exercise
Topic 8 Trigonometric functions 1. a.
Degrees 30° 45° 60°
8.2 Trigonometric ratios
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Radians
8.2 Exercise 6 4 3
1. a. h = 7.66 b. a ≈ 68.20 b.
Degrees 0° 90° 180° 270° 360°
2. a. x = 7.13, y = 3.63 b. x = 13.27, h = 16.62
𝜋 3𝜋
3. 3.86 m Radians 0 𝜋 2𝜋
2 2
4. 340 m
5. a. 66.42° b. 51.34° 2. a. 36° b. 120° c. 75°
d. 330° e. 140° f. 810°
6. 22°√ √ 2𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋
2 3 1 3. a. b. c.
7. a. b. c. d. 1 9 6 4
2 3 2
√ 5𝜋 7𝜋
d. e. f. 4𝜋
3 3 3 4
8. m √
2
√ 𝜋 3
3 4. a. b. 135° c. 30°;
9. m 3 3
2 5. 10 cm

10. 2 2 metres 6. 12 mm
√ √ 𝜋c 7𝜋
3 2− 6 7. a. b. cm
11. 5 5
8 𝜋
√ 8. a. b. 22.5°
6 8
12.
12 10𝜋 cm 5𝜋 cm
√ √ 9. a. b.
21 11 2 10. a. i. 0.052 ii. 1.959 iii. 3.759
13. a. b. c.
7 5 3 b. i. 171.887° ii. 414°

2 2 5 𝜋c
14. sin(𝜃) = ; tan(𝜃) = c. , 50°, 1.5c }
{
7 15 7
3 √ 11. 2.53
15. a. cos(a) = √ b. 6 13 cm 12. a. 103.1°
13
b. y
16. 36 cm 1.8
2
17. 12.25 m

18. a. 22 3 sq units b. 10 sq units
2 1.8c 0
19. 30 cm
0 x
20. a. 6.18 metres b. 59.5°; 5.3 metres
21. 21.6°
22. CA = CB = 16.18 cm; ∠CBA = ∠CAB = 72°;
∠ACB =√ 36° √ √
23. AC = 12 3 cm; BC = 18 2 cm; AB = 18 + 6 3 cm 13. a. y
2
24. a. 4.275 cm
b. 1.736 cm
√ 2
√ 100 3
25. 20 3 cm; cm2
3
2c
8.2 Exam questions 0 (1, 0) x
Note: Mark allocations are available with the fully worked
solutions online. √
9 2 2
1. a. 3.92 cm b. cm
2
2. C
3. B

512 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
b.
𝜋 11𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
y 2. a. ,− b. ,−
3 6 4 4
7𝜋 𝜋
c. d. −
6 3
3. a. i. (0, 1) ii. sin(𝜃) = 1
b. i. (−1, 0) ii. cos(𝛼) = −1
(1, 0)
x c. i. (0, −1) ii. tan(𝛽) is undefined.
0 c
2
d. i. (1, 0)
ii. sin(𝜈) = 0, cos(𝜈) = 1, tan(𝜈) = 0
2
4. a. Quadrant 3
b. Quadrant 2
c. Boundary of quadrants 1 and 4
c. y d. Quadrant 4
[ ]
𝜋
5. a. P
2
b.
−400° 4𝜋 1 𝜋
(1, 0) 120° =𝜋+ 𝜋
= −360° − 40° 3 3 4
0 c x
–π Quadrant 2 Quadrant 4 Quadrant 3 Quadrant 1
2
π
– c. Q [−240°]; R [480°]
2 [ ] [ ]
3𝜋 𝜋
6. P or P −
2 2
(√ )
14. a. 10.47 cm b. 216° 3 1
7. a. ,
15. 17.2° 2 2
10c y
16. 191° or
3
17. 5.76 mm
18. a. 2.572 b. 0.021 (0, 1) [] (
6
3,–
π or P –––
P –
2 2
1
)
19. a. i. 1.557 ii. 0.623 iii. 0.025
b. P
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝜃 (–1, 0) O
6 4 3 x
√ √ 0 N (1, 0)
1 2 3
sin(𝜃)
2 2 2
√ √ (0, –1)
3 2 1
cos(𝜃)
2 2 2

3 √
tan(𝜃) 1 3 b. y
3

20. 6 3 − 2

Q [1]
8.3 Exam questions 1
Note: Mark allocations are available with the fully worked OM = cos(1)
solutions online. N O
1. E 0 x
–1 M 1
2. B
NP = sin(225°)
3. D
P [225°] –1

8.4 Unit circle definitions


8.4 Exercise
1. a. Quadrant 1 b. Quadrant 3
c. Quadrant 2 d. Quadrant 1
e. Quadrant 4 f. Quadrant 3

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 513


( ) ( )
𝜋 𝜋 13. y
c. cos − = 0; sin − = −1
2 2
[‒300°]
f (0) = 0
d.
( ) ( )
8. a. f
3𝜋
= sin
3𝜋
= −1

3( )
tan –– , tan(‒300°)

2 2
b. g(4𝜋) = cos(4𝜋) = 1 [ 5π––6 [
c. h(−𝜋) = tan(−𝜋) = 0 [0°]
tan(315°)
( ) ( ) x
13𝜋 13𝜋 (1, 0)
d. k(6.5𝜋) = sin + cos =1
2 2

tan ––
6( )
9. a. First and second quadrants
b. First and fourth quadrants
(√ √ )
[ 4π––3 [ [315°]
tan(315°)
[ ] [ ]
2 2 3𝜋 𝜋
10. a. , b. or −
2 2 2 2
11. y
14. a. Quadrant 2; sin(𝜃) = 0.6, cos(𝜃) = −0.8,
tan(𝜃) = −0.75
√ √
2 2
[165°] b. Quadrant 4; sin(𝜃) = − , cos(𝜃) = , tan(𝜃) = −1
[40°]
2 2
cos(40°)
1 2 1
sin(165°) c. Quadrant 1; sin(𝜃) = √ , cos(𝜃) = √ , tan(𝜃) =
5 5 2
0 x
(1, 0) Boundary between quadrants 1 and 2;
d.
sin(‒90°) cos(‒60°) sin(𝜃) = 1, cos(𝜃) = 0, tan(𝜃) undefined
[‒90°] [‒60°] 15. a. 1 b. 1 c. 0
d. 0 e. 0 f. 0
16. a. tan(230°) ≈ 1.192
y
12. y

T
1
[ 3π––5 [ AT = tan(230°)
cos 3π
––
5 ( )
cos(5π) O A
–1 0 1 x
x
[5π]
(1, 0)
P [230°]
sin ‒ 2π
( )––
3 ( )
sin 5π
––
3
–1

[‒ 2π––3 [ [ 5π––3 [ Tangent

tan(2𝜋) = 0
b.
( ) ( )
5𝜋 3𝜋
17. a. tan ; tan(−90°) b. tan
2 4

514 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
18. a. y 8.5 Symmetry properties
8.5 Exercise
√ √ √
[ ]

Q ––
5 1. a.
3
b.
3
c. −
2
2 3 2

P ––[ ] √ √
10 1 3 2
d. e. − f. −
2 3 2
√ √ √
0 (1, 0) x 3 3 3
2. a. − b. − c. −
2 2 3
1 1
d. −1 e. − f.
2 2

√ 2 1
3. a. 3 b. c. −
2 2
√ √
2 3
𝜋 d. e. − f. −1
b. 2 2
10
[ ] [ ] 1 1
17𝜋 8𝜋 4. a. − b. 1 c. −
c. P − ;Q − (other answers are possible) 2 2
10 5 √
[ ] [ ] √ 2 1
23𝜋 12𝜋 d. − 3 e. f.
d. P ;Q (other answers are possible) 2 2
10 5
19. a. √ √ 1
y 5. a. 3 b. − 3 c.
2
√ √
0.91 1 2 2
d. e. f. −
P [2] 2 2 2
√ √
sin(2) 3 3
[0] 6. a. − b. c. 1
0.91 2 2
x √ √
‒0.42 (1, 0)
3 2 1
cos(2) d. e. f. −
3 2 2
tan(2) √ √
2 √ 3
‒2.19 7. a. b. − 3 c. −
2 2

1 3 1
d. − e. f. −
b. (−0.42, 0.91) 2 3 2
√ √ √
20. a. 1 2 3 3
√ 8. a. b. − c.
3 1 2 2 3
b. − − √ √ √
2 2 3 2 3
d. e. f. −
c. 1 2 2 3
d. 1 9. a. 1 b. 0 c. 0
e. 1; sample responses can be found in the worked solutions d. 1 e. 0 f. 0
in the online resources.
10. a. Fourth
8.4 Exam questions b. First
c. Second
Note: Mark allocations are available with the fully worked
solutions online. d. Boundary between quadrants 1 and 2, and boundary
1. C between quadrants 3 and 4
2. A e. Boundary between quadrants 1 and 2
3. C f. Boundary between quadrants 2 and 3
11. a. Third quadrant
b. 0 √ √ √
3 3 3
12. a. − b. − c.
2 3 2

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 515


( ) √ ( ) √
5𝜋 2 5𝜋 2 2. a. Domain [−2𝜋, 2𝜋], range [−1, 1]
13. sin − = ; cos − =− ;
4 2 4 2 b. y = cos(x)
( )
5𝜋 c. (−𝜋, −1) , (𝜋, −1)
tan − = −1
4 d. Period 2𝜋, amplitude 1, mean position y = 0 (the x-axis)
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
14. a. −0.2 b. −0.2 c. 0.2 d. 0.2 3𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
e. − ,0 , − ,0 , ,0 , ,0
15. a. −4 b. 0.9 c. −4 d. 3.1 2 2 2 2
( ) ( )
16. a. −0.91 b. 0.43 c. −0.47 3𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
f. x∈ − ,− ∪ , .
d. 0.91 e. −0.43 f. 0.47 2 2 2 2
3. a. y
17. a. −p b. p c. −p d. p
2
18. a. [105°] ; [255°] ; [285°] ; y = sin(x)
cos (285°) = cos (75°) ; [285°] 1
( )
𝜋 0 x
b. − tan π
– 3π
– 2π 5π
– 3π 7π
– 4π 9π 5π 11π
π – – 6π
7 –1 2 2 2 2 2 2
c. sin(𝜋 − 𝜃) = 0.8, sin(2𝜋 − 𝜃) = −0.8 –2
( ) √
5𝜋 2
d. i. cos =− b. y
4 2 2
( )
25𝜋 1 (–4π, 1) y = cos(x) (2π, 1)
ii. sin = 1
6 2
19. a. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions x
– –3π –5π
–4π –7π – –2π – 3π π 0
– –π – – π
– 3π
– 2π 5π

π
in the online resources. 2 2 2 2–1 2 2 2
b. Same x-coordinates –2
c. sin(𝜋 + 𝜙) = −0.87, cos(𝜋 + 𝜙) = −0.5,
c. y
tan(𝜋 + 𝜙) = −1.74
2
d. sin(t)
e. A = 36° or − 216° (other answers are possible) 1 y = cos(x)
20. a. Quadrants 1 or 3
b. Quadrant 1, 𝜃 = 1.3734; quadrant 3, 𝜃 = 4.5150 0 x
π
–– π
– 3π
–– 2π
√ √ 2 –1 2
π
2
26 5 26
c. Quadrant 1, cos(𝜃) = , sin(𝜃) = ,
(√ √ ) 26 26 √ –2
26 5 26 26
, ; or quadrant 3, cos(𝜃) = − , y
26 26 26 d.
√ ( √ √ ) 2

sin(𝜃) = −
5 26
, −
26
,−
5 26 (– –3π2–, 1) 1
( –π2 , 1)
26 26 26
y = sin(x)
8.5 Exam questions 0 x

––– –π π
–– π
– 3π
––
π
Note: Mark allocations are available with the fully worked 2 2 –1 2 2
solutions online.
1. B –2

2. D 4. Three cycles
√ y
4+ 3 (–2π, 1) (0, 1) (2π, 1) (4π, 1)
3. 1
2 y = cos(x)
8.6 Graphs of the sine and cosine functions x

–2π – –– –π – – π 0 π
– 3π
–– 5π
–– 7π
––
2 2 2
π 2 2π 2 3π 2 4π
8.6 Exercise –1
(–π, –1) (π, –1) (3π, –1)
1. a. Domain [0, 4𝜋], range [−1, 1]
b. y = sin(x) 5. a. 2 maximum turning points
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 7 minimum turning points
b.
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋
c. ,1 , , −1 , ,1 , , −1 . 6. a. 4 b. 7 c. 21
2 2 2 2
d. 3
d. Period 2𝜋, amplitude 1
e. y = 0 (the x-axis)
f. x ∈ (0, 𝜋) ∪ (2𝜋, 3𝜋).

516 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
7. y y
2 y = x2
2

y = sin(x) y = cos(x) 1
1 (–0.82, 0.68) (0.82, 0.68)
A
0 x
–2 π
–– –π
0 x –1 1 2
π π 3π 5π 2 –1 2
–– – π –– 2π ––
2 2 2 2 y = cos(x)
–1 B
–2

–2
c. k=1
The region required lies below the sine graph and above the 16. a. sin(1.8°) ≈ 0.01𝜋, accurate to 4 decimal places.
cosine graph between their points of intersection. b. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions
𝜋 3𝜋 in the online resources.
8. a. <x<
2 2 17. a. cos(0.05) ≈ 1; calculator gives 0.9987.
y
b. The approximation is only applicable for small numbers
2 close to zero.
(–1, 0) (2π, 1)
1 18. a. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions
y = cos(x) in the online resources; x = 0.5.
0 x 1
–π π
–– π
– π

–– 2π

–– b. y = ; sample responses can be found in the worked
2 –1 2 2 2 4x
solutions in the online resources.
–2 c.They did not have small solution values for x.
d. 8
Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions
b.
in the online resources. 19. a. i. x = −1.4096 or x = 0.6367
19𝜋 ii. x = 0.618
9. a =
2 b. −0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.6
𝜋 𝜋 20. 𝜋
10. a. b.
12 72 y
11. a. y = 11x − 4 b. One solution c. x ≈ 0.4 (π, 1) (2π, 1) (3π, 1) (4π, 1)
1
𝜋
12. a. y = cos2(x)
180
𝜋
b. 0 x
9 π 2π 3π 4π
𝜋
c. − –1
90
𝜋
d. ; the approximation becomes less accurate as the size
6
of x increases. 8.6 Exam questions
13. a. x = 0.2 Note: Mark allocations are available with the fully worked
14. a. solutions online.
y
1. D 2. A 3. E
2
( –π2– , 1) y=x–2 8.7 Review
1

8.7 Exercise
0 x
–π– π Technology free: short answer
–1 2
y = sin(x) 1. a. 220° b. −630°
√ √
–2 3 3− 2
2.
2
Only one point of intersection of the graphs
3. a. 0.6 b. −0.6 c. −0.6 d. 0.6
b. Between x = 2 and x = 3
[ ] [ ]
c. 2.5, 3 ; 2.5, 2.75 ; x = 2.625
15. a. y = cos(x) and y = x2
b. Two solutions

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 517


( √ √ )
4. a. y 2 2
2 b. − ,
2 2
1 c.(−0.42, −0.91)
y = sin(x)
𝜋
x d. 𝜃 =
0 π 3π 5π 7π 4

2
π ––
2
2π ––
2
3π ––
2 ( )
–1 5𝜋
− 2 radians
–2
( –7π2– , –1) e. i.
4
ii. 110.41°
b. y 11𝜋
2 f. −2𝜋 − 2, (other answers are possible)
√ 4
2
1 y = cos(x) 19. a. 3 3 km
2
b. 1767 m
x √
3π 0 3π 5π 7π
––– –π – – π π
– π –– 2π –– 3π –– 2 5
2 2 –1 2 2 2 2 c. i. tan(𝛽) =
(–π, –1) (3π, –1) 5
–2 √
8 5
5. a. y ii. km2
2 y=x 5
( )
y = cos(x) iii.180o − 2𝛽 or 𝜋 − 2𝛽 radians
1 (1, 1)

4 5
0 x iv. sin(2𝛽) =

––– –π – – π π
– 3π
–– 9
π 2π
2 2 2 2
(–1, –1) –1 v. Referring to the triangle drawn in part i:
–2

One solution 3
b. y x=2
3
y = √1 – x β
2
√5
1 y = sin(x) √
(1, 0) 5 2
0 x cos(𝛽) = and sin(𝛽) =

–2π – –– –π ––
π π
– 3π
–– 2π 3 √3
π
2 2 –1 2 2 4 5
From part iv, sin(2𝛽) = .
–2 9
Substitute these values in each side of
One solution sin(2𝛽) = 2 sin(𝛽) √cos(𝛽).
6. a. 0.4 b. 5.5 metres 2 5
RHS = 2 × ×
Technology active: multiple choice 3 3

7. C 8. C 9. A 10. A 11. B 4 5
=
12. D 13. D 14. E 15. B 16. C 9
Technology active: extended response = LHS
The result is verified.
17. a. 12 cm
c 20. a. Let f(x) = 2 sin(x) + x − 2.
b. 1.176
f(0) = 2 sin(0) + (0) − 2
c
c. 1.966 = −2
c
d. 1.176 <0
e. 62.5 cm f(0.7) = 2 sin(0.7) + (0.7) − 2
18. a. y π = −0.01156
– <0
2

–– π f(x) has not changed its sign. Since the sign is negative,
4 –
c
4 the graph is still below the x-axis between x = 0 and

–– x = 0.7.
4 0
x b. a = 0.7, [0.7, 0.8]
(1, 0)
c
2

–2 –1

518 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Mathematical Methods VCE Units 1 & 2 Third Edition
c. When the graph crosses the x-axis, its y-coordinate
is zero.
Also, when y = 0, 0 = 2 sin(x) + x − 2.
Given x = 𝜙 is the root of this equation, x = 𝜙 is where
the graph crosses the x-axis.
Therefore, 𝜙 lies in the interval [0.7, 0.8].
d. 𝜙 = 0.7125
2
e. 𝜙 = , which does not lie in [0.7, 0.8].
3
1
f. i. y = − x + 1
2
( )
1
ii. 𝜙, − 𝜙 + 1
2

8.7 Exam questions


Note: Mark allocations are available with the fully worked
solutions online.
1
1. −
6
2. D
3. B
4. sin(𝜋 + 𝜃) = −0.61
cos(𝜋 − t) = −0.48
tan(2𝜋 + x) = 1.6
cos(−t) = 0.48
5. y
3

1
y = cos(x)

0 π 3π 5π
– π — 2π — 3π x
2 2 2
–1
y=3–x
–2 Root
[ ]
3𝜋
𝜋,
2

TOPIC 8 Trigonometric functions 519

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