YEAR 11 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND IDENTITIES

YEAR 11 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND

IDENTITIES

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WHAT IS YEAR 11 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND IDENTITIES?

In this unit, we look at solving trigonometric equations and proving trigonometric identities.

CONTENT CHECK LIST:

1. Pythagorean Identities 7. Trigonometric Equations: Boundary

2. Trigonometric Equations: Reciprocal Angles
Functions 8. Trigonometric Equations: Algebraic
3. Proving Trigonometric Identities Using Substitutions
Reciprocal Function 9. Trigonometric Equations: More Than
4. Radians: Solving Trigonometric Equations One Trigonometric Function
5. Complementary Ratios 10. Graphing Reciprocal Functions
6. Trigonometric Equations: Boundary 11. Harder Trigonometric Identities
Angles

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 YEAR 11 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND IDENTITIES

1 PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITIES

PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITIES: The following identities are called Pythagorean identities because they
depend on the circle equation 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2 , which is restatement of Pythagoras’ theorem.

• sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1 cos2 (𝜃) + sin2 (𝜃) = 1

• 1 + tan2 𝜃 = sec2 𝜃
• (cos 𝜃, sin 𝜃)
• 1 + cot2 𝜃 = csc2 𝜃

sin 𝜃
𝜃
Additional:
cos 𝜃
sin 𝑥
• tan 𝑥 = provided that cos 𝑥 ≠ 0
cos 𝑥

1.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 1.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

What is the difference between an equation and an What is the difference between:
identity?
a) sin2 𝑥

Answer b) (sin 𝑥)2

Equations are only true when the variables of the
equation are a specific value. Identities are always c) sin 𝑥2
true regardless of the variable. Answer
sin2 𝑥 is another way of writing (sin 𝑥)2 – there is no
difference between them. However, sin 𝑥2 can be
interpreted as sin(𝑥2 ), which gives a completely
different result.

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 YEAR 11 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND IDENTITIES

1 PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITIES

PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITIES: The following identities are called Pythagorean identities because they
depend on the circle equation 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2 , which is restatement of Pythagoras’ theorem.

• sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1 cos2 (𝜃) + sin2 (𝜃) = 1

• 1 + tan2 𝜃 = sec2 𝜃
• (cos 𝜃, sin 𝜃)
• 1 + cot2 𝜃 = csc2 𝜃

sin 𝜃
𝜃
Additional:
cos 𝜃
sin 𝑥
• tan 𝑥 = provided that cos 𝑥 ≠ 0
cos 𝑥

1.3 WORKED EXAMPLE 1.4 WORKED EXAMPLE

Simplify: Prove:

a) sec2 𝑥– tan2 𝑥 a) (1 − sin 𝜃)(1 + sin 𝜃) = cos2 𝜃

b) csc2 𝑥–1 b) 3 cos2 𝑥–2 = 1–3 sin2 𝑥

Answer Answer
2
1 sin 𝑥
a) sec2 𝑥– tan2 𝑥 = − a) 𝐿𝐻𝑆 =(1 − sin 𝜃)(1 + sin 𝜃)
cos2 𝑥 cos2 𝑥
1 − sin2 𝑥 =1 − sin2 𝜃
=
cos2 𝑥 = cos2 𝜃
cos2 𝑥 =𝑅𝐻𝑆
=
cos2 𝑥
=1 b) 𝐿𝐻𝑆 =3 cos2 𝑥–2

=3(1 − sin2 𝑥) − 2
1 =3 − 3 sin2 𝑥 − 2
b) csc2 𝑥–1 = −1
2
sin 𝑥 =1 − 3 sin2 𝑥
1 − sin2 𝑥
= =𝑅𝐻𝑆
sin2 𝑥
cos2 𝑥
=
sin2 𝑥
= cot2 𝑥

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2 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: RECIPROCAL

FUNCTIONS

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: RECIPROCAL FUNCTIONS: The trigonometric ratios of secant, cosecant

and cotangent are called reciprocal functions as they are reciprocals of sine, cosine and tangent
respectively.

1 1 1 As the calculator does not have specific keys for

sin 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 =
csc 𝜃 sec 𝜃 cot 𝜃 secant, cosecant and cotangent, these functions first
1 1 1 need to be converted to sine, cosine and tangent.
csc 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 tan 𝜃
This requires taking the reciprocals of both sides of
the equation.

2.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 2.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve: Solve csc 𝑥 = −3 for −180∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 180∘

a) csc 𝐴 =
Answer
b) sec 𝐴 = Take reciprocals of both sides: sin 𝑥 = −1/3.
Since sin 𝑥 is negative, 𝑥 lies in quadrant 3 or 4
c) cot 𝐴 = Sine of related angle is +1/3, so related angle is
Answer approximately 19∘
1 𝑥 = −19∘ , −161∘
a) csc 𝐴 =
sin 𝐴
1
b) sec 𝐴 =
cos 𝐴
1
c) cot 𝐴 =
tan 𝐴

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2 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: RECIPROCAL

FUNCTIONS

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: RECIPROCAL FUNCTIONS: The trigonometric ratios of secant, cosecant

and cotangent are called reciprocal functions as they are reciprocals of sine, cosine and tangent
respectively.

1 1 1 As the calculator does not have specific keys for

sin 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 =
csc 𝜃 sec 𝜃 cot 𝜃 secant, cosecant and cotangent, these functions first
1 1 1 need to be converted to sine, cosine and tangent.
csc 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 tan 𝜃
This requires taking the reciprocals of both sides of
the equation.

2.3 WORKED EXAMPLE 2.4 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve sec 𝑥 − 1 = 0.1 for −180∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 180∘ Solve 2 cot 𝑥–1 = –2 for −180∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 180∘

Answer Answer
Make sec 𝑥 the subject: sec 𝑥 = 1.1 Make cot 𝑥 the subject: cot 𝑥 = −1/2
Take reciprocals of both sides: cos 𝑥 = 10/11 Take reciprocals of both sides: tan 𝑥 = −2
Since cos 𝑥 is positive, 𝑥 lies in quadrant 1 or 4 Since tan 𝑥 is negative, 𝑥 lies in quadrant 2 or 3
Cosine of related angle is +10/11, so related angle is Tangent of related angle is +2, so related angle is 63∘
approximately 25∘ 𝑥 = −63∘ , 117∘
𝑥= −25∘ , 25∘

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3 PROVING TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES USING

RECIPROCAL FUNCTION

PROVING TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES USING RECIPROCAL FUNCTION:

PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITY RECIPROCAL FUNCTION

• sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = • tan 𝜃 = −− • csc 𝜃 =

• 1 + tan2 𝜃 = • sec 𝜃 =

• 1 + cot2 𝜃 = • cot 𝜃 =

3.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 3.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Show that: Show that:

1 + cos 𝜃 1 tan 𝜃 + cot 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 csc 𝜃

2
=
sin 𝜃 1 − cos 𝜃
Answer Answer
1 + cos 𝜃 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = tan 𝜃 + cot 𝜃
𝐿𝐻𝑆 =
sin2 𝜃 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
1 + cos 𝜃 = +
= cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
1 − cos2 𝜃 sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃
1 + cos 𝜃 =
= sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
(1 + cos 𝜃)(1 − cos 𝜃) 1
1 =
= sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
1 − cos 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 csc 𝜃
=𝑅𝐻𝑆
=𝑅𝐻𝑆

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3 PROVING TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES USING

RECIPROCAL FUNCTION

PROVING TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES USING RECIPROCAL FUNCTION:

PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITY RECIPROCAL FUNCTION

• sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = • tan 𝜃 = −− • csc 𝜃 =

• 1 + tan2 𝜃 = • sec 𝜃 =

• 1 + cot2 𝜃 = • cot 𝜃 =

3.3 WORKED EXAMPLE

1 + sin 𝑥
a) Prove: sec2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 =
cos2 𝑥
b) Hence prove that

1
sec2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 =
1 − sin 𝑥

Answer

a) 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = sec2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥

=1 + tan2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥

sin2 𝑥 sin 𝑥
=1 + +
cos2 𝑥 cos2 𝑥
sin 𝑥 + sin2 𝑥
=1 +
cos2 𝑥
cos2 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 + sin2 𝑥
=
cos2 𝑥
1 + sin 𝑥
=
cos2 𝑥
=𝑅𝐻𝑆

b) 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = sec2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥

1 + sin 𝑥
=
cos2 𝑥
1 + sin 𝑥
=
1 − sin2 𝑥
1
=
1 − sin 𝑥
=𝑅𝐻𝑆

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4 RADIANS: SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC

EQUATIONS

RADIANS: SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS:

Solving a trigonometric equation is the same

whether the solution is to be given in radians or Quadrant II Quadrant I
degrees. sin + All pos
csc +
1. Determine the quadrants in which the angle
can lie in

2. Find the related angle (using radian measure)

𝜋
To convert degrees to radians, multiply by tan + cos +
180
𝜋 cot + sec +
1∘ = radians
180 Quadrant III Quadrant IV
𝜋
𝑥∘ = 𝑥 × radians
180

4.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 4.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

1 1
Solve cos 𝑥 = − , where 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋 Solve sin 𝑥 = − , where 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋
2 3

Answer Answer
Since cos 𝑥 is negative, solutions fall in 2𝑛𝑑 and 3𝑟𝑑 Since sin 𝑥 is negative, solutions fall in 3𝑟𝑑 and 4𝑡ℎ
quadrants quadrants
2𝜋 4𝜋 𝑥 = 3.48, 5.94
𝑥= ,
3 3

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4 RADIANS: SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC

EQUATIONS

RADIANS: SOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS:

Solving a trigonometric equation is the same

whether the solution is to be given in radians or Quadrant II Quadrant I
degrees. sin + All pos
csc +
1. Determine the quadrants in which the angle
can lie in

2. Find the related angle (using radian measure)

𝜋
To convert degrees to radians, multiply by tan + cos +
180
𝜋 cot + sec +
1∘ = radians
180 Quadrant III Quadrant IV
𝜋
𝑥∘ = 𝑥 × radians
180

4.3 WORKED EXAMPLE 4.4 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve cot 𝑥 = √3, where 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋 Express 5 cot2 𝑥 − 2 csc 𝑥 + 2 in terms of csc 𝑥 and
hence, solve the equation:
Answer
cot 𝑥 = √3 5 cot2 𝑥 − 2 csc 𝑥 + 2 = 0 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋.
1
tan 𝑥 =
√3 Answer
Since tan 𝑥 is positive, solutions fall in 1𝑠𝑡 and 3𝑟𝑑 5(csc2 𝑥 − 1) − 2 csc 𝑥 + 2 = 0
quadrant 5 csc2 𝑥 − 5 − 2 csc 𝑥 + 2 = 0
𝜋 7𝜋
𝑥= , 5 csc2 𝑥 − 2 csc 𝑥 − 3 = 0
6 6
(5 csc 𝑥 + 3)(csc 𝑥 − 1) = 0
csc 𝑥 − 1 = 0
1
=1
sin 𝑥
sin 𝑥 = 1
𝜋
𝑥=
2

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5 COMPLEMENTARY RATIOS

COMPLEMENTARY RATIOS:

Complementary angles are the set of two angles sin(90∘ − 0) = cos 𝜃

such that their sum is equal to 90∘ .
cos(90∘ − 0) = sin 𝜃
In a right-angled triangle, since the measure of the
right angle is fixed, the remaining two angles are tan(90∘ − 0) = cot 𝜃
complementary.
csc(90∘ − 0) = sec 𝜃
𝐶
sec(90∘ − 0) = csc 𝜃
𝜃 cot(90∘ − 0) = tan 𝜃

90∘ − 𝜃
𝐴 𝐵

5.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 5.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Find the complementary ratio of: Without using a calculator, find the value of:

a) sin 25∘ sin 35∘ sin 55∘ − cos 35∘ cos 55∘
b) cot 60∘
Answer
c) sec 40∘ sin 35∘ sin 55∘ − cos 35∘ cos 55∘
= cos 55∘ cos 35∘ − cos 35∘ cos 55∘
Answer
=0
a) sin(90 − 25∘ ) = cos 65∘

b) cot(90 − 60∘ ) = tan 30∘

c) sec(90 − 40∘ ) = csc 50∘

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5 COMPLEMENTARY RATIOS

COMPLEMENTARY RATIOS:

Complementary angles are the set of two angles sin(90∘ − 0) = cos 𝜃

such that their sum is equal to 90∘ .
cos(90∘ − 0) = sin 𝜃
In a right-angled triangle, since the measure of the
right angle is fixed, the remaining two angles are tan(90∘ − 0) = cot 𝜃
complementary.
csc(90∘ − 0) = sec 𝜃
𝐶
sec(90∘ − 0) = csc 𝜃
𝜃 cot(90∘ − 0) = tan 𝜃

90∘ − 𝜃
𝐴 𝐵

5.3 WORKED EXAMPLE 5.4 WORKED EXAMPLE

Without using a calculator, find the value of: Without using a calculator, find the value of:

tan 65∘ csc 32∘ − sec 58∘

cot 25∘

Answer Answer
tan 65∘ tan(90 − 65∘ ) cot 25∘ csc 32∘ − sec 58∘
= = =1
cot 25∘ cot 25∘ cot 25∘ = csc(90 − 32∘ ) − sec 58∘
= sec 58∘ − sec 58∘
=0

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6 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY

ANGLES

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY ANGLES: A trigonometric equation is any equation that

contains a trigonometric function. To solve a trigonometric equation, we need to use knowledge of
commonly occurring angles, trigonometric identities and symmetries in the graphs of trigonometric
functions.

Before attempting any question, always take note of the domain in which the solution(s) can lie in.

Boundary angles are 0∘ , 90∘ , 180∘ , 270∘ and 360∘ . If the solution is a boundary angle, read the solutions off a
graph of the trigonometric function.

Angle 0∘ or 0 radian 90∘ or 𝜋/2 radians 180∘ or 𝜋 radians 270∘ or 3𝜋/2 radians 360∘ or 2𝜋 radians
sin 0 1 0 −1 0
cos 1 0 −1 0 1
tan 0 N/A 0 N/A 0

𝑦 = sin 𝑥
1 𝑦
𝑥
−360∘ −270∘ −180∘ −90∘ 90∘ 180∘ 270∘ 360∘
−1
𝑦 = cos 𝑥
1 𝑦
𝑥
−360∘ −270∘ −180∘ −90∘ 90∘ 180∘ 270∘ 360∘
−1
𝑦 = tan 𝑥
1 𝑦
𝑥
−360∘ −270∘ −180∘ −90∘ 90∘ 180∘ 270∘ 360∘
−1

6.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 6.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve sin 𝑥 = −1 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 720∘ Solve 2 cos 𝑥 = 0 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 720∘

Answer Answer
𝑥= 270∘ , 630∘ 𝑥 = 90∘ , 270∘ , 450∘ , 630∘

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6 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY

ANGLES

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY ANGLES: A trigonometric equation is any equation that

contains a trigonometric function. To solve a trigonometric equation, we need to use knowledge of
commonly occurring angles, trigonometric identities and symmetries in the graphs of trigonometric
functions.

Before attempting any question, always take note of the domain in which the solution(s) can lie in.

Boundary angles are 0∘ , 90∘ , 180∘ , 270∘ and 360∘ . If the solution is a boundary angle, read the solutions off a
graph of the trigonometric function.

Angle 0∘ or 0 radian 90∘ or 𝜋/2 radians 180∘ or 𝜋 radians 270∘ or 3𝜋/2 radians 360∘ or 2𝜋 radians
sin 0 1 0 −1 0
cos 1 0 −1 0 1
tan 0 N/A 0 N/A 0

𝑦 = sin 𝑥
1 𝑦
𝑥
−360∘ −270∘ −180∘ −90∘ 90∘ 180∘ 270∘ 360∘
−1
𝑦 = cos 𝑥
1 𝑦
𝑥
−360∘ −270∘ −180∘ −90∘ 90∘ 180∘ 270∘ 360∘
−1
𝑦 = tan 𝑥
1 𝑦
𝑥
−360∘ −270∘ −180∘ −90∘ 90∘ 180∘ 270∘ 360∘
−1

6.3 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve tan 𝑥 = 0

Answer
𝑥 = 0∘ , 180∘ , 360∘ , 540∘ , 720∘

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7 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY

ANGLES

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY ANGLES: Compound angles are angles which are the algebraic
sum or difference of two (or more) angles. In order to solve trigonometric equations with compound angles,
we need to calculate the domain for that compound angle.

1. Let 𝑢 be the compound angle

2. Find the restrictions on 𝑢 from given restrictions on 𝑥

3. Solve the trigonometric equation for 𝑢

4. Solve for 𝑥

7.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 7.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

1 1
Solve cos 2𝑥 = for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘ Solve sin(𝑥 − 210∘ ) = for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘
√3 √2
Answer Answer
Let 𝑢 = 2𝑥 Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 − 210°
Domain for 𝑢 ∶ 0∘ ≤ 𝑢 ≤ 720∘ Domain for 𝑢 ∶ −210∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 150∘
1 1
Solve cos 𝑢 = Solve sin 𝑢 =
√3 √2
𝑢 = 54∘ , 305∘ , 414∘ , 665∘ 𝑢 = 45∘ , 135∘ 𝑥 = 255∘ , 345∘
𝑥 = 27∘ , 153∘ , 207∘ , 333∘

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7 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY

ANGLES

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: BOUNDARY ANGLES: Compound angles are angles which are the algebraic
sum or difference of two (or more) angles. In order to solve trigonometric equations with compound angles,
we need to calculate the domain for that compound angle.

1. Let 𝑢 be the compound angle

2. Find the restrictions on 𝑢 from given restrictions on 𝑥

3. Solve the trigonometric equation for 𝑢

4. Solve for 𝑥

7.3 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve 2 tan(2𝑥 − 30∘ ) = 1 for −180∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 180∘

Answer
Let 𝑢 = 2𝑥 − 30∘
Domain for 𝑢 ∶ −390∘ ≤ 𝑢 ≤ 330∘
1
Solve tan 𝑢 =
2
𝑢 = −333∘ , −153∘ , 27∘ , 207∘
𝑥 = −152∘ , −62∘ , 29∘ , 119∘

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8 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: ALGEBRAIC

SUBSTITUTIONS

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: ALGEBRAIC SUBSTITUTIONS: Some trigonometric equations involve

powers or reciprocals of a trigonometric function. Using a substitution will simplify the process of solving
the equation.

1. Substitute 𝑢 to obtain an algebraic equation

2. Solve the algebraic equation, where there may be more than one solution

3. Solve each of the resulting trigonometric equations

8.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 8.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

9
Solve 3 sin2 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘ Solve – cos 𝑥 = 0 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘
cos 𝑥

Answer Answer
Let 𝑢 = sin 𝑥 Let 𝑢 = cos 𝑥
3𝑢2 = 𝑢 9/𝑢–𝑢 = 0
3𝑢2–𝑢 =0 9–𝑢2 = 0
𝑢(3𝑢 − 1) = 0 (3–𝑢)(3 + 𝑢) = 0

𝑢=0 𝑢 = 1/3 𝑢=3 𝑢 = −3

sin 𝑥 = 0 sin 𝑥 = 1/3 cos 𝑥 = 3 cos 𝑥 = −3

𝑥 = 0∘ , 180∘ , 360∘ 𝑥 = 19∘ , 161∘ No solutions as cos 𝑥 lies between -1 and 1

𝑥 = 0∘ , 19∘ , 161∘ , 180∘ , 360∘

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8 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: ALGEBRAIC

SUBSTITUTIONS

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: ALGEBRAIC SUBSTITUTIONS: Some trigonometric equations involve

powers or reciprocals of a trigonometric function. Using a substitution will simplify the process of solving
the equation.

1. Substitute 𝑢 to obtain an algebraic equation

2. Solve the algebraic equation, where there may be more than one solution

3. Solve each of the resulting trigonometric equations

8.3 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve sec2 𝑥 + 2 sec 𝑥 = 8 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘

Answer
Let 𝑢 = sec 𝑥
𝑢2 + 2𝑢–8 = 0
(𝑢 + 4)(𝑢–2) = 0

𝑢 = −4 𝑢=2

sec 𝑥 = −4 sec 𝑥 = 2

1 1
cos 𝑥 = − cos 𝑥 =
4 2

𝑥 = 104∘ , 256∘ 𝑥 = 60∘ , 300∘

𝑥 = 60∘ , 104∘ , 256∘ , 300∘

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9 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: MORE THAN

ONE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: MORE THAN ONE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION: Equations containing

more than one trigonometric equation need to be simplified to only one trigonometric function before
attempting to solve. This can be achieved by using trigonometric identities or dividing the equation by sine
or cosine.

sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1 sin(90∘ − 0) = cos 𝜃 0∘ 30∘ 45∘ 60∘ 90∘

1 1 √3
1 + tan2 𝜃 = sec2 𝜃 cos(90∘ − 0) = sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 0 1
2 √2 2
1 + cot2 𝜃 = csc2 𝜃 tan(90∘ − 0) = cot 𝜃 √3 1 1
cos 𝜃 1 0
2 √2 2
csc(90∘ − 0) = sec 𝜃 1
tan 𝜃 0 1 √3 Und.
sec(90∘ − 0) = csc 𝜃 √3

cot(90∘ − 0) = tan 𝜃

9.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 9.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve 2 sin2 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 2 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘ Solve sec2 𝑥 + tan 𝑥 = 0 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘

Answer Answer
2
Using sin 𝑥 = 1– cos2 𝑥 ∶ Using sec2 𝑥 = 1 + tan2 𝑥:

2(1– cos2 𝑥) + cos 𝑥 = 3 1 + tan2 𝑥 + tan 𝑥 = 1

2 cos2 𝑥– cos 𝑥–1 = 0 tan 𝑥(tan 𝑥 + 1) = 0
(2 cos 𝑥 + 1)(cos 𝑥–1) = 0 tan 𝑥 = 0 tan 𝑥 = −1
𝑥= 0∘ , 180∘ , 360∘ 𝑥 = 45∘ , 225∘
1
cos 𝑥 = − cos 𝑥 = 1
2
𝑥 = 0∘ , 45∘ , 180∘ , 225∘ , 360∘
𝑥 = 120∘ , 240∘ 𝑥 = 0∘ , 270∘

𝑥 = 0∘ , 120∘ , 240∘ , 270∘

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9 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: MORE THAN

ONE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS: MORE THAN ONE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION: Equations containing

more than one trigonometric equation need to be simplified to only one trigonometric function before
attempting to solve. This can be achieved by using trigonometric identities or dividing the equation by sine
or cosine.

sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1 sin(90∘ − 0) = cos 𝜃 0∘ 30∘ 45∘ 60∘ 90∘

1 1 √3
1 + tan2 𝜃 = sec2 𝜃 cos(90∘ − 0) = sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 0 1
2 √2 2
1 + cot2 𝜃 = csc2 𝜃 tan(90∘ − 0) = cot 𝜃 √3 1 1
cos 𝜃 1 0
2 √2 2
csc(90∘ − 0) = sec 𝜃 1
tan 𝜃 0 1 √3 Und.
sec(90∘ − 0) = csc 𝜃 √3

cot(90∘ − 0) = tan 𝜃

9.3 WORKED EXAMPLE

Solve sin2 𝑥–3 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥+2 cos2 𝑥 = 0 for 0∘ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 360∘

Answer
Dividing both sides by 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥:
tan2 𝑥–3 tan 𝑥 + 2 = 0
(tan 𝑥–2)(tan 𝑥–1) = 0

tan 𝑥 = 2 tan 𝑥 = 1

𝑥 = 63∘ , 243∘ 𝑥 = 45∘ , 225∘

𝑥 = 45∘ , 63∘ , 225∘ , 243∘

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10 GRAPHING RECIPROCAL FUNCTIONS

GRAPHING RECIPROCAL FUNCTIONS:

𝑦 = sec 𝑥 𝑦 = csc 𝑥 𝑦 = cot 𝑥

𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

1 1 1
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
−2𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 −2𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 −2𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋
−1 −1 −1
−2 −2 −2
−3 −3 −3

10.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 10.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Explain in words: Draw a 𝑦 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑦 = csc 𝑥 on the same graph.

a) Asymptotes
Identify:
b) Periodicity
a) Asymptotes
c) Maximum values
b) Periodicity
d) Minimum values
c) Maximum values
e) Local minimum
d) Minimum values
f) Global minimum Answer
Answer y

a) Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches

but never reaches Asymptotes
Local min
(csc x)
1 •
b) The repetition of a function’s values at regular Local max
intervals (sin x) x
−2π −π π 2π
c) The largest value of a function Local min
(sin x) • −1
Local max
d) The smallest value of a function (csc x) period
−2
e) The smallest value of a function within a
specified domain −3

f) The smallest value of a function throughout the

entire domain

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10 GRAPHING RECIPROCAL FUNCTIONS

GRAPHING RECIPROCAL FUNCTIONS:

𝑦 = sec 𝑥 𝑦 = csc 𝑥 𝑦 = cot 𝑥

𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

1 1 1
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
−2𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 −2𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 −2𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋
−1 −1 −1
−2 −2 −2
−3 −3 −3

10.3 WORKED EXAMPLE 10.4 WORKED EXAMPLE

Draw a 𝑦 = cos 𝑥 and 𝑦 = sec 𝑥 on the same graph. Draw a 𝑦 = tan 𝑥 and 𝑦 = cot 𝑥 on the same graph.

Identify: Identify:

a) Asymptotes a) Asymptotes

b) Periodicity b) Periodicity

c) Maximum values c) Maximum values

d) Minimum values d) Minimum values

Answer Answer
y y

Local min
Asymptotes Asymptotes
(sec x)
1• 1
Local max
(cos x) x x
−2π −π π 2π −2π −π π 2π
Local min
(cos x) • −1 −1
Local max
(sec x) period period
−2 −2

−3 −3

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11 HARDER TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

HARDER TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES:

11.1 WORKED EXAMPLE 11.2 WORKED EXAMPLE

Prove Prove
sec 𝜃 − 1 tan4 𝜃 + tan2 𝜃 = sec4 𝜃 − sec2 𝜃
= csc 𝜃 + cot 𝜃
� sec 𝜃 + 1
Answer Answer
sec 𝜃 − 1 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = tan4 𝜃 + tan2 𝜃
𝐿𝐻𝑆 =
� sec 𝜃 + 1 = tan2 𝜃(tan2 𝜃 + 1)
√sec 𝜃 − 1 =(sec2 𝜃 − 1) sec2 𝜃
=
√sec 𝜃 + 1 = sec4 𝜃 − sec2 𝜃
Rationalizing the denominator
=𝑅𝐻𝑆
√sec 𝜃 − 1 √sec 𝜃 − 1
𝐿𝐻𝑆 = ×
√sec 𝜃 + 1 √sec 𝜃 − 1
sec 𝜃 − 1
=
sec2 𝜃 − 1
sec 𝜃 − 1
=
tan 𝜃
sec 𝜃 1
= −
tan 𝜃 tan 𝜃
(1/ cos 𝜃)
= − cot 𝜃
(sin 𝜃/ cos 𝜃)
1
= − cot 𝜃
sin 𝜃
= csc 𝜃 − cot 𝜃
=𝑅𝐻𝑆

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11 HARDER TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

HARDER TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES:

11.3 WORKED EXAMPLE

a) List all useful identities that you have learnt

b) List strategies that you have learnt

Answer

23 YEAR 11 ADV MATHEMATICS | YEAR 11 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND IDENTITIES