MATHEMATICS ADVANCED

(INCORPORATING EXTENSION 1)
YEAR 11 COURSE

 Topic summary and exercises:

With references to

A Trigonometry

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Initial version by H. Lam, February 2015. Last updated March 8, 2021
Various corrections by students and members of the Department of Mathematics at North Sydney Boys High School and
Normanhurst Boys High School.

Acknowledgements Pictograms in this document are a derivative of the work originally by Freepik at
http://www.flaticon.com, used under CC BY 2.0.

Parts of this document are also sourced from:

• Exercises on page 6: Jones and Couchman (1981, Ex 8.1)

• Exercises on pages 18, 11 and 15: Grove (2010, Ex 6.7)

Symbols used: Syllabus outcomes addressed

N the set of natural numbers
Z the set of integers MA11-3 uses the concepts and techniques of
trigonometry in the solution of equations and
Q the set of rational numbers problems involving geometric shapes
R the set of real numbers
∀ for all
MA11-4 uses the concepts and techniques
2 Mathematics (2 Unit) legacy course
of periodic functions in the solutions
content/textbook
of trigonometric equations or proof of
A Mathematics Advanced content/textbook trigonometric identities
X1 Mathematics Extension 1 content/textbook

 Extension work.
ú Memorisation required.
º Enrichment & problem solving. Syllabus subtopics
­ Understanding (as opposed to blatant
memorisation) is required. MA-T1 Trigonometry and Measure of Angles
o Warning. Beware!
6 Available on NESA Reference Sheet MA-T2 Trigonometric Functions and Identities

V Gentle reminder
• For a thorough understanding of the topic, every question in this handout is to
be completed!
• Additional questions from 2 Cambridge Year 11 2 Unit or X1 Cambridge Year
11 3 Unit will be completed at the discretion of your teacher.
• Remember to copy the question into your exercise book, unless it is a worded
problem!
Contents

1 Trigonometric Ratios 4
1.1 è Relationship for sine/cosine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 The reciprocal ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Problem solving with right angled trigonometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 è Exact values and angles of any magnitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.5 Other ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.6 Given one ratio, find another . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.7 è Trigonometric Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2 Trigonometric identities and equations 23

2.1 Pythagorean identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.1.1 Elimination of θ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.2 Trigonometric equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3 Non right-angled trigonometry 32

3.1 Sine rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
3.1.1 Ambiguous case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3.2 Area via sine rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
3.3 Cosine rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3.4 General problem solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

4 3D Trigonometry 51
4.1 Techniques required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.2 Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

References 68

3
Section 1

Trigonometric Ratios

 Learning Goal(s)
² Knowledge 3 Skills ­ Understanding
Three trigonometric ratios in Solve simple problems involving How sine, cosine and tangent are
right angled triangles right angled triangles interrelated
 By the end of this section am I able to:
4.1 Use the sine, cosine and tangent ratios to solve problems involving right-angled triangles where angles
are measured in degrees, or degrees and minutes
4.2 Define the reciprocal trigonometric functions
sin x
4.12 Use tan x = provided that cos x 6= 0
cos x
4.13 Evaluate trigonometric expressions using angles of any magnitude and complementary angle results

 Definition 1
In relation to the angle marked θ,

sin θ = cos (90◦ − θ) =

c
a
cos θ = sin (90◦ − θ) =
θ
tan θ = = b

1.1 è Relationship for sine/cosine

V Important note
“Co” in the cosine indicates the .................................
complement of sine.

 Example 1
Find the value of x:

(a) cos x◦ = sin 70◦ . (b) sin x◦ = cos 55◦ .

4
The reciprocal ratios 5

 Example 2
Find the value of x:

(a) cos(x − 20)◦ = sin 40◦ . (b) sin 2x◦ = cos 10◦ .

 Example 3
3 sin 75◦
Fully simplify without using a calculator.
cos 15◦

1.2 The reciprocal ratios

 Definition 2
In relation to the angle marked θ,

1
cosec θ = c
sin θ a
1
sec θ =
cos θ
1 θ
cot θ =
tan θ b

V Important note
“Co” in the cosecant/cotangent indicates the complement
................................. of
secant/tangent.

 Example 4
From the triangle above, express in terms of a, b and c:

(a) cosec θ = (d) sec (90◦ − θ) =

(b) cosec (90◦ − θ) = (e) sec θ =

(c) cot θ = (f) cot (90◦ − θ) =

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

6 The reciprocal ratios

Exercises
Source: Jones and Couchman (1981, Ex 8.1)
1. Find the value of x if

(a) cosec x◦ = sec 60◦ (c) sec x = cosec 35◦

(b) cot x = tan 40◦ (d) tan x = cot 65◦

2. Without using a calculator, evaluate:

sin 70◦ cosec 40◦ tan 80◦
(a) . (b) . (c) .
cos 20◦ sec 50◦ cot 10◦

3. Find the value of x if

(a) tan 20◦ = cot(x + 30)◦ (b) sin x◦ = cos(x + 50◦ )

Answers
1. (a) 30 (b) 50 (c) 55 (d) 25 2. (a) 1 (b) 1 (c) 1 3. (a) 40 (b) 20

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5A X1 Ex 6A
• Q1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13
• Q1-5 last row
• Q15-18 • Q11-13 last column

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Problem solving with right angled trigonometry 7

1.3 Problem solving with right angled trigonometry

V Important note
o Draw picture!

 Example 5
A plane flying at 400 km/h flies from A to B in a direction S30◦ E for 15 minutes,
then turns sharply to fly due east for 30 minutes to C.
(a) Find how far south and east of A the point B is.
(b) Find the true bearing of C from A, to the nearest degree.
√
Answer: (a) 50 3 km south, 50 km east (b) 109◦ T

 Example 6
A walker walks on a flat plane directly towards a distant high rocky outcrop R. At
point A the angle of elevation of the outcrop is 24◦ , and a kilometre closer at B the
angle of elevation is 32◦ .
(a) Find the horizontal distance from B to the outcrop, to the nearest metre.
(b) Find the height of the outcrop above the plane, to the nearest metre.
Answer: (a) 2.478 (b) 1.549

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

8 Problem solving with right angled trigonometry

 Example 7 R
[Ex 4B Q9] (Pender, Sadler, Shea, & Ward,
1999)
o AP , P Q and QR are three equal
intervals inclined at angles α, 2α and 3α Q
respectively to interval AB. Show that
sin α + sin 2α + sin 3α
tan ∠BAR = P
cos α + cos 2α + cos 3α
α 2α 3α
A B

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5A X1 Ex 6A
• Q7, 11-13 last 2 columns
A Ex 5B
• Q18-21
X1 Ex 6B
• Q1-17
• Q1-20

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

è Exact values and angles of any magnitude 9

 Learning Goal(s)
² Knowledge 3 Skills ­ Understanding
Exact ratios for particular Perform calculations based on Unit circle definitions of
special angles exact ratios and values trigonometric ratios
 By the end of this section am I able to:
4.3 Understand the unit circle definition of sin θ, cos θ and tan θ and periodicity using degrees.
4.4 Evaluate trigonometric expressions using angles of any magnitude
4.5 Given one trigonometric function, find another

1.4 è Exact values and angles of any magnitude

This exact values table is second only to the multiplication tables!

θ 0◦ 30◦ 45◦ 60◦ 90◦

√
1 √1 3
sin θ 0 1
√2 2 2
3 √1 1
cos θ 1 2 2 2
0

 Example 8
Find sin α, cos α and tan α if α =

1. 30◦ 3. 45◦ 5. 150◦ 7. 240◦ 9. 330◦

2. 60◦ 4. 90◦ 6. 225◦ 8. 315◦ 10. 300◦

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

10 è Exact values and angles of any magnitude

 Example 9
Evaluate, without using a calculator:

(a) tan 30◦ sin 60◦ (b) tan2 60◦ − sin2 60◦

 Example 10
Find the exact value, giving answers in simplest surd form with a rational
denominator.

(a) cosec 30◦ + cot 45◦ sin 45◦

(b)
sec2 60◦

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

è Exact values and angles of any magnitude 11

Exercises
1. Find all quadrants where

(a) cos θ > 0 (e) sin θ < 0 (i) cos θ < 0 & tan θ > 0
(b) tan θ > 0 (f) cos θ < 0 (j) sin θ > 0 & tan θ > 0
(c) sin θ > 0 (g) sin θ < 0 & cos θ < 0
(d) tan θ < 0 (h) sin θ < 0 & tan θ > 0

2. (a) Which quadrant is the angle 240◦ in? (b) Find the exact value of cos 240◦ .

3. (a) Which quadrant is the angle 315◦ in? (b) Find the exact value of sin 315◦ .

4. (a) Which quadrant is the angle 120◦ in? (b) Find the exact value of tan 120◦ .

5. (a) Which quadrant is the angle −225◦ in?

(b) Find the exact value of sin −225◦ .
6. (a) Which quadrant is the angle −330◦ in?
(b) Find the exact value of cos −330◦ .
7. Find the exact value of each ratio:

(a) tan 225◦ (c) tan 300◦ (e) cos 120◦ (g) cos 330◦ (i) sin 300◦
(b) cos 315◦ (d) sin 150◦ (f) sin 210◦ (h) tan 150◦ (j) cos 135◦

8. Find the exact value of each ratio:

(a) cos (−225◦ ) (d) cos (−150◦ ) (g) cos (−300◦ ) (j) sin (−135◦ )
(b) cos (−210◦ ) (e) sin (−60◦ ) (h) tan (−30◦ )
(c) tan (−300◦ ) (f) tan (−240◦ ) (i) cos (−45◦ )

9. Find the exact value of each ratio:

(a) cos 570◦ (c) sin 480◦ (e) sin 690◦ (g) sin 495◦ (i) tan 675◦
(b) tan 420◦ (d) cos 660◦ (f) tan 600◦ (h) cos 405◦ (j) sin 390◦

Source: Grove (2010, Ex 6.7)

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12 è Exact values and angles of any magnitude

Answers
√
1. (a) 1, 4 (b) 1, 3 (c) 1, 2 (d) 2, 4 (e) 3, 4 (f) 2, 3 (g) 3 (h) 3 (i) 3 (j) 1 2. (a) 3 (b) − 12 3. (a) 4 (b) − √1 4. (a) 2 (b) − 3
√ √ √ 2
√
5. (a) 2 (b) √1 6. (a) 1 (b) 23 7. (a) 1 (b) √1 (c) − 3 (d) 21 (e) − 12 (f) − 12 (g) 23 (h) − √1 (i) − 23 (j) − √1 8. (a) − √1
2 2 3 2
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √2
(b) − 23 (c) 3 (d) − 23 (e) − 23 (f) − 3 (g) 21 (h) − √1 (i) √1 (j) − √1 9. (a) − 23 (b) 3 (c) 23 (d) 21 (e) − 12 (f) 3
3 2 2
1 1 1
(g) √ (h) √ (i) −1 (j) 2
2 2

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5D X1 Ex 6D
• Q1-2, 6
A Ex 5E
• Q1-2, 6
X1 Ex 6E
• All questions
• All questions

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Other ratios 13

1.5 Other ratios

© Laws/Results

sin(360◦ + θ) = .........
sin θ cos(360◦ + θ) = ..........
cos θ
­
tan(360◦ + θ) = ...........
tan θ

y • Adding one ............................

revolution
1 will not alter the ratios.
P (cos θ, sin θ)
b

−1 θ x
1

−1

© Laws/Results

sin(180◦ + θ) = ...............
− sin θ cos(180◦ + θ) = ...............
− cos θ
­
tan(180◦ + θ) = ...........
tan θ

y • Adding 180◦ places P into the

1 opposite
....................... quadrant.
P (cos θ, sin θ)
tan changes signs.
• All ratios except .......
b

180 + θ
◦

−1 θ x
1

P′
−1

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

14 Other ratios

© Laws/Results

sin(180◦ − θ) = .........
sin θ cos(180◦ − θ) = ...............
− cos θ
­
tan(180◦ − θ) = ................
− tan θ

y • Subtracting from 180◦ places P

1 into the .................................
horizontally
P′ P (cos θ, sin θ)
b b ....................... quadrant.
adjacent
180 − θ ◦
sin does not changes signs.
• Only .......
−1 θ x
1

−1

© Laws/Results

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

y • Negating θ places P into the

1 vertically
.......................... adjacent
.......................
P (cos θ, sin θ) quadrant.
b

• Only ................
cosine does not change
−1 signs.
θ x
1
−θ

P′
−1

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Other ratios 15

Exercises
Simplify fully:

1. sin (180◦ − θ) 4. sin (180◦ + α) 7. cos (−α)

2. cos (360◦ − x) 5. tan (360◦ − θ) 8. tan (−x)
3. tan (180◦ + α) 6. sin (−θ)

Source: Grove (2010, Ex 6.7) .

Answers
1. sin θ 2. cos x 3. tan α 4. − sin α 5. − tan θ 6. − sin θ 7. cos α 8. − tan x

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

16 Given one ratio, find another

1.6 Given one ratio, find another

V Important note
o Draw correct diagram depicting angle in the appropriate quadrant.
o Do NOT use the calculator to evaluate the pronumeral!

 Example 11
Given sec θ = 3 and θ is acute, find the value of cos θ, tan θ and sin θ.

³ Steps
1. Draw correct diagram depicting sec θ = 3 and acute θ in the correct quadrant:

2. Find missing side length (label on diagram).

3. Evaluate the other ratios:

 Example 12
Find sin x and tan x in exact surd form when cos x = − 23 and 90◦ < x < 180◦ .

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Given one ratio, find another 17

 Example 13
3
Given sin θ = 7
and cos θ < 0, evaluate cos θ and tan θ.

 Example 14
Given sin θ = − 83 and tan θ > 0, find the value of cos θ and cot θ.

 Example 15
3
If tan x = 2
and 180◦ < x < 270◦ , find the value of cosec x and cos x.

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

18 Given one ratio, find another

Exercises
4
1. If sin θ = 7
and tan θ < 0, find the exact value of cos θ and tan θ.
2. If sin x < 0 and tan x = − 58 , find the exact value of cos x and cosec x.
2
3. Given cos x = 5
and tan x < 0, find the exact value of cosec x, cot x and tan x.
4. If cos x < 0 and sin x < 0, find cos x and sin x in surd form with a rational denominator
if tan x = 57 .
5. If sin θ = − 49 and 270◦ < θ < 360◦ , find the exact value of tan θ and sec θ.
6. If cos θ = − 83 and 180◦ < θ < 270◦ , find exact values of tan x, sec x and cosec x.
7. Given sin x = 0.3 and tan x < 0,
(a) Express sin x as a fraction.
(b) Find the exact value of cos x and tan x.
8. If tan α = −1.2 and 270◦ < θ < 360◦ , find the exact values of cot α, sec α and cosec α.
9. Given that cos θ = −0.7, and 90◦ < θ < 180◦ , find the exact value of sin θ and cot θ.

Source: Grove (2010, Ex 6.7)

Answers
√ √ √
33
1. cos θ = − , tan θ = − √4 2. cos x = √8 , cosec x = − 89 3. cosec x = − √5 , cot x = − √2 , tan x = − 21
√7 √ 33 89 5 √ 21 21 2
4. cos x = − 7 7474 , sin x = − 5 7474 5. tan θ = − √4 , sec θ = √9 6. tan x = 355 , sec x = − 83 , cosec x = − √8 7. (a) sin x 3
= 10
√ 65 √ 65 √ √ 55
91
(b) cos x = − 10 , tan x = − √3 8. cos α = − 56 , sec α = 561 , cosec α = − 661 9. sin θ = 1051
, cot θ = − √7 .
91 51

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5F X1 Ex 6F
• All questions
• All questions

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

è Trigonometric Graphs 19

1.7 è Trigonometric Graphs

 Definition 3
For y = a sin nx and y = a cos nx:
Amplitude
• ............................. : distance between mean (equilibrium) position &
peak/trough.
Symbol: ... a .
Frequency
• ............................ : number of complete appearances between 0◦ and
360◦ .
Symbol: ... n .
Period
• .................. : the number of degrees before the graph repeats itself.
360◦
Relationship: .....................
T = .
n

x
−360 −270 −180 −90 0 90 180 270 360

−a
y y = ..............
a sin x

x
−360 −270 −180 −90 0 90 180 270 360

−a
y = ...............
a cos x

GeoGebra
§ frequency - amplitude.ggb

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

20 è Trigonometric Graphs

 Definition 4
For y = a tan nx:
Vertical
• ...................... stretch
................... factor
................ .
Symbol: ... a
Frequency
• ............................ : number of complete appearances between −90◦ and
90◦ .
Symbol: ... n .
Period
• .................. : the number of degrees before the graph repeats itself.
180◦
Relationship: .....................
T = .
n

x
−360◦ −270◦ −180◦ −90◦ 90◦ 180◦ 270◦ 360◦

y = ...............
a tan x

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

è Trigonometric Graphs 21

 Example 16
Sketch y = 5 cos 4x, −180◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦ .

 Example 17
Sketch y = 3 tan 2x, −180◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦ .

 Example 18
Sketch y = 14 sin 31 x, −540◦ ≤ x ≤ 540◦ .

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

22 è Trigonometric Graphs

Exercises
1. Draw the graph of y = 2 sin x, −360◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ . State the amplitude and period.
2. Draw the graph of y = 4 cos x, −180◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦ . State the amplitude and period.
3. Draw the graph of y = tan x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ .
4. Find the periods and amplitude (where necessary) of the following:

(a) y = 3 sin 4x (b) y = 5 cos 3x (c) y = tan 4x (d) y = tan 2x

5. Sketch the following graphs:

(a) y = sin 2x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦ 1

(h) y = cos x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 540◦
3
(b) y = cos 3x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 120◦
2
(c) y = sin 3x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ (i) y = tan x, −135◦ ≤ x ≤ 135◦
3
(d) y = cos 4x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦ (j) y = 3 cos x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦
1
(e) y = sin x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ (k) y = 5 cos x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦
2
1 (l) y = − cos x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦
(f) y = tan x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦
2 (m) y = −3 cos x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦
1
(g) y = sin x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 270◦ (n) y = −2 sin x, 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦
3

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Section 2

Trigonometric identities and equations

 Learning Goal(s)
² Knowledge 3 Skills ­ Understanding
Transformations between sin2 θ Manipulate expressions/solve Difference between simplifying a
to cos2 θ and sec2 θ to tan2 θ equations involving these trigonometric expression versus
Pythagorean identities solving a trigonometric equation
 By the end of this section am I able to:
4.10 Know the difference between an equation and an identity
4.11 Prove and apply the Pythagorean identities
4.14 Prove trigonometric identities
4.15 Simplify trigonometric expressions and solve trigonometric equations, including those that reduce to
quadratic equations

2.1 Pythagorean identity

 Definition 5
The Pythagorean identity: ú6
sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1
.........................................
24 Pythagorean identity

³ Steps
Derivation: draw circle of radius r, centred at origin.
y 1. Find the lengths of OA, OP and
AP :
P (x, y) • OA = ...
x • OP = ..r
b

• AP = ...
y

b
θ x 2. Relate OA, AP and OP :
2 2 2
O A x + y = r
.............................
3. Relate OP , AP and θ:
AP
= sin θ
..........................
OP
4. Relate OP , OA and θ:
OA
= cos θ
...........................
OP
2. Write in terms of θ only:

r2 sin2 θ + r2 cos2 θ = r2
.......................................................

sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1
......................................... (‡)

3. Divide (‡) by cos2 θ:

1 + tan2 θ = sec2 θ
..........................................

4. Divide (‡) by sin2 θ:

1 + cot2 θ = cosec2 θ
..............................................

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Pythagorean identity 25

 Example 19
Fully simplify: 1 − cot2 θ + cosec2 θ.

 Example 20
1
Fully simplify: cot2 θ − .
sin2 θ

 Example 21
Prove that sin2 θ + tan2 θ = sec2 θ − cos2 θ.

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

26 Pythagorean identity

 Example 22
1 − tan2 θ
Prove that = cos2 θ − sin2 θ.
1 + tan2 θ

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5G X1 Ex 6G
• Q3-8 last 2 columns
• Q4-13
• Q11-13 • Q15-16

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Pythagorean identity 27

2.1.1 Elimination of θ

³ Steps
1. Change subject to sin θ or cos θ, whichever is appropriate.
2. Use Pythagorean Identity to remove θ.

 Example 23
Eliminate θ from the following pair of equation, and describe the graph:
(
x = 4 + 5 cos θ
y = 3 − 5 sin θ

Î Further exercises
X1 Ex 6G
• Q14, 17-18

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

28 Trigonometric equations

2.2 Trigonometric equations

 Example 24
1
Solve tan θ = √ , where 0◦ ≤ θ ≤ 360◦ .
3

 Example 25
Solve tan x = −3 for 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ .

V Important note
o Find the equivalent acute angle first!
o Draw picture!

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Trigonometric equations 29

 Example 26
Solve the following for 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ :
√
(a) tan 2x = 3 (b) 2 sin 3x = −1 (c) 2 cos 2x − 1 = 0

V Important note
o Check the domain!

 Example 27 √
3 ◦
Solve sin (x − 250◦ ) = , 0 ≤ x ≤ 360◦ . Answer: x = 10◦ , 310◦ .
2

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30 Trigonometric equations

 Example 28
Solve 5 sin2 x = sin x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 360◦ . Answer: 0◦ , 180◦ , 360◦ , 11◦ 32′ , 168◦ 28′

 Example 29
4
Solve − cos x = 0, −180◦ ≤ x ≤ 180◦ .
cos x

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Trigonometric equations 31

 Example 30
Solve sec2 x + tan x = 1, 180◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ . Answer: 180◦ , 315◦ , 360◦

 Example 31
Solve sin2 x − 3 sin x cos x + 2 cos2 x = 0 for 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ .
Answer: x = 45◦ , 63◦ 26′ , 225◦ , 234◦ 26′

 Example 32
If tan2 θ + 2 sec2 θ = 5, find the exact value of sin2 θ.

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5H X1 Ex 6H
• All questions
• All questions

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Section 3

Non right-angled trigonometry

 Learning Goal(s)
² Knowledge 3 Skills ­ Understanding
What are the sine and cosine Using the sine and cosine rules sin θ > 0 for 0◦ < θ < 180◦
rules and hence a possible ambiguity
with the sine rule when finding
an unknown side that is opposite
to the largest known angle
 By the end of this section am I able to:
4.6 Establish and use the sine rule, cosine rule and the area of a triangle formula for solving problems
where angles are measured in degrees, or degrees and minutes
4.7 Find angles and sides involving the ambiguous case of the sine rule. Use technology and/or geometric
construction to investigate the ambiguous case of the sine rule when finding an angle, and the condition
for it to arise

3.1 Sine rule

 Definition 6
ú 6 The sine rule (as opposed to sine
ratio): C

a b c a
= = b
sin A sin B sin C
B
where a is opposite to angle A etc. A c

V Important note
o Works on all triangles, not just right angled triangles.
o Use pairs of the equality.
o Use the ...........................
reciprocal to find the size of the angle.

32
Sine rule 33

Proof for acute angled triangles:

³ Steps
1. △ABC is any acute angled triangle. Construct perpendicular from C to AB,
which will have height h:

a
b h
B
A D
2. Using the sine ratio, write the relationship between the angle A and the other
two sides:

h
= sin A
b
......................

h = b sin A
........................ (3.1)

3. Repeat for angle B:

h
= sin B
a
......................

h = a sin B
......................... (3.2)

4. Equate (3.1) with (3.2), and rearrange:

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34 Sine rule

Proof for obtuse angled triangles:

³ Steps
1. △ABC is any obtuse angled triangle, obtuse at A. Construct perpendicular
from C to AB (extended to D), which will have height h:

a
b
h
B

D A

2. Using the sine ratio, write the relationship between the angle (180◦ − A) and
the other two sides:

h
= sin(180◦ − A)
b
..........................................

h = b sin A
........................ (3.3)

3. Repeat for angle B:

h
= sin B
a
......................

h = a sin B
......................... (3.4)

4. Equate (3.3) with (3.4), and rearrange:

© Laws/Results
• The ....................
longest side will be opposite to the ..................
largest angle.
shortest
• The ...................... side will be opposite to the ......................
smallest angle.

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Sine rule 35

 Example 33
Find the value of a, correct to 1 decimal place. Answer: 21.9
C

15 cm a cm

73◦ 41◦
A B

 Example 34
o Find the value of θ, correct to the nearest
Q
minute. Answer: 75◦ 30′

θ
17 cm

36◦
P R
28 cm
Is there a second possible solution?

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36 Sine rule

 Example 35
A plane flew 160 km from P to Q on a bearing of 200◦ . It then turned and flew
225 km to R, which is due west of P . Find, correct to the nearest degree, the bearing
of Q from R. Answer: 132◦

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Sine rule 37

 Example 36
In the diagram, ∠ADB = 55◦ , ∠ACD = 23◦ ,
A
DC = 200 m. Let AB = h.
(a) Use the sine rule in △ADC to show that
200 sin 23◦
AD = h
sin 32◦

200 sin 23◦ sin 55◦

(b) Hence show that h = , and 55◦ 23◦
sin 32◦
evaluate h. 200 m
B D C

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38 Sine rule

3.1.1 Ambiguous case

• Occurs when an unknown angle is .......................
opposite to the .................
longer side,
with the sum of angles being less than 180 .
◦

 Example 37
Find the value of θ. Q

√
7 6 14

45◦ θ
P R

 Example 38
In △ABC, ∠A = 25◦ , BC = 9 cm and AB = 20 cm. Find the possible value(s) of
∠C, correct to the nearest degree and hence show there are two possible triangles.
Answer: 70◦ , 110◦

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Area via sine rule 39

3.2 Area via sine rule

 Definition 7
ú 6 The area of a triangle via sine rule:
C

A = 12 ab sin C (3.5)
............................... a
b
included
where ∠C is the ........................
angle between side lengths a and B
..............
b. A c

Proof (valid for acute or obtuse-angled triangles)

³ Steps
1. △ABC is any triangle. Construct perpendicular from A to BC, which will
have height h:

C
D a

b
h B
A c

2. In △ADC, use the sine ratio to write the relationship between the angle C and
the other two sides:

h
= sin C
b
......................

h = b sin C
∴ ......................... (3.6)

1
3. In △ABC, A = × base × height :
2

1
A= ×a×h
2
1
= × a × ..............
b sin C [substitute (3.6)] (3.7)
2
1
= 2
ab sin C
....................

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40 Area via sine rule

 Example 39 √
Find the exact area of the following triangle. Answer: 3 2

3 cm 135◦

4 cm

 Example 40
Given an area of 72 cm2 , find the value of x correct to 4 significant figures.
Answer: 6.518

x
67◦
24 cm

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Area via sine rule 41

 Example 41
Find the value of θ, correct to the nearest minute given the area of the triangle has
area 60 cm2 .

13 cm

θ
12 cm

V Important note
o Beware of the ambiguous case!

 Example 42
U 2U HSC]
[2018 In △KLM , KL has length 3, LM has length 6 and ∠KLM is 60◦ .
The point N is chosen on side KM so that LN bisects ∠KLM . The length LN is
x.
K NOT TO
SCALE
N
3
x
30°
30°
L 6 M

i. Find the exact value of the area of U

△KLM . 1
ii. Hence, or otherwise, find the exact value of x. 2

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5I X1 Ex 6I
• Q1-4 last 2 columns
• Q1-4 last column
• Q5-17 • Q9-17, 21-22

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42 Cosine rule

3.3 Cosine rule

 Definition 8
ú 6 The cosine rule (as opposed to
cosine ratio): C

a2 = b2 + c2 − 2bc cos A
...................................................... a
b
(3.8)
B
2 2 2
b +c −a A c
cos A =
2bc
...............................................

(3.9)
where a is opposite to angle A etc.

V Important note
• Works on all triangles, not just right angled triangles.
• Used to find
angle
– an .............. when all side
.......... lengths
................... are known
(Equation (3.9)), or
– a ..........
side length
................. , when two other ...........
side lengths
....................
and the included ...............
angle are known (Equation (3.8)).

 Example 43
Without using a calculator, find the value of
(a) z if in △XY Z, x = 2, y = 5 and cos Z = 45 .
(b) cos B if in △BCD, b = 5, c = 6 and d = 7.
√ 5
Answer: (a) 13 (b) 7

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Cosine rule 43

Proof for acute angled triangles:

³ Steps
1. △ABC is any acute angled triangle. Construct perpendicular from C to AB,
which will have height h, and let AD = x.

a
b h
B
A D
c
2. Write a relationship between BD, CD and BC:

a2 = h2 + (c − x)2 (3.10)
..........................................

3. Write a relationship between CD, CA and AD:

b2 = h 2 + x2
............................. (3.11)

4. Substitute (3.11) into (3.10), then expand and simplify:

5. Write a relationship between ∠A, AD and AC:

x
= cos A (3.12)
......................
b

6. Substitute (3.12) into previous result:

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44 Cosine rule

Proof for obtuse angled triangles:

³ Steps
1. △ABC is any obtuse angled triangle. Construct perpendicular from C to AB
(AB requires extension), which will have height h, and let AD = x.

a
b
h
B

D A
c
2. Write a relationship between BD, CD and BC:

a2 = h2 + (c + x)2 (3.13)
..........................................

3. Write a relationship between CD, CA and AD:

b2 = h 2 + x2
............................. (3.14)

4. Substitute (3.14) into (3.13), then expand and simplify:

5. Write a relationship between ∠DAC, AD and AC:

x
= cos(180◦ − A) (3.15)
..........................................
b

6. Substitute (3.15) into previous result:

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Cosine rule 45

 Example 44
Find the value of x, correct to 1 decimal place.. Answer: 4.6
X
41◦
7 cm 5 cm

Y Z
x cm

 Example 45
Find the value of x, correct to 1 decimal place.. Answer: 16.1
X

x cm
11 cm

115◦
Y Z
8 cm

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

46 Cosine rule

 Example 46
Find the value of θ, correct to the nearest minute. Answer: 32◦ 5′
X
θ
4 cm 9 cm

Y Z
6 cm

 Example 47
Find the size of the smallest angle in a triangle with side lengths 15 cm, 11 cm and
8 cm. Answer: 31◦ 17′

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Cosine rule 47

 Example 48
Alana drove 42 km from E to F on a bearing of 345◦ . She then turned and drove
73 km on a bearing of 240◦ to G. Find the distance EG, correct to 1 decimal place.
Answer: 74.2 km

V Important note
o Draw picture!

 Example 49
5
(a) If cos α = 16
, find the exact value of sin α, given 0◦ < α < 90◦ .
(b) The sides of a triangular field have lengths 80 m, 90 m, 100 m. Calculate the
exact area of the field.
√
Answer: 225 231

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

48 Cosine rule

 Example 50
[2015 HSC Q13] The diagram shows △ABC with sides AB = 6 cm, BC = 4 cm
and AC = 8 cm. C

8 cm
4 cm

A B
6 cm
7
(i) Show that cos A = . 1
8
(ii) By finding the exact value of sin A, determine the exact value of the 2
area of △ABC.
√
Answer: 3 15

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5J X1 Ex 6J
• Q1-2 last 2 columns
• Q1-2 last column
• Q3-14 • Q3-12, 14-17

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General problem solving 49

3.4 General problem solving

 Example 51
The surface of the water in a horizontal pipe is 16 cm wide and subtends an angle of
120◦ at the centre of the pipe, as shown.

Find, as an exact value:

(a) The distance from the centre of the

O pipe to the water surface.

120◦ (b) The diameter of the pipe.

(c) The maximum depth of the water.

8 32 8
Answer: (a) √ (b) √ (c) √
16 cm 3 3 3

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

50 General problem solving

 Example 52
[Ex 4J Q17] A ladder of length x cm is inclined at an angle α to the ground. The
foot of the ladder is fixed. If the ladder were y cm longer, the inclination to the
horizontal would be β.

y
+
x
x
β
α
d ladder to the wall is given by
Show that the distance from the foot of the
y cos α cos β
cm
cos α − cos β

Î Further exercises
A Ex 5K X1 Ex 6K
• Q1-12, 15-18
• Q4-12, 15-19

Note: Do not do all of this set in one sitting! Spread it out over a week!

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Section 4

3D Trigonometry

 Learning Goal(s)
² Knowledge 3 Skills ­ Understanding
Using right angled triangles, Splitting particular planes into Some right angles may look
non right angled triangles and triangles for ease of calculation awkward when drawn on a 2D
bearings to assist with problem sheet of ‘paper’
solving
 By the end of this section am I able to:
4.9 Solve problems involving the use of trigonometry in two and three dimensions

4.1 Techniques required

• Reproduce diagram on to working paper.
• Mark on your own diagram, the measurements provided.
• Where necessary, draw NSEW axes for bearings.
• Use sine/cosine rules sparingly and only when necessary. (Right angled trigonometry)
• Look for
– Right angles
– Complementary/supplementary angles
– Isosceles/equilateral triangles

51
52 Examples

4.2 Examples
 Example 53
[2009 NSBHS Ext 1 Assessment Task 2] The points A and B are 500 m
apart on the ground and D is the top of a tower. ∠BAD and ∠DBA are
59◦ and 54◦ respectively. The elevation of D from A is 5◦ .

Copy the diagram into your writing booklet and mark on the figure all the
angles stated above.
(a) Show that the height h metres of the tower is given by 3
500 sin 5◦ sin 54◦
h=
sin 67◦
(b) Find h to the nearest metre. 1

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Examples 53

 Example 54
[2011 NSBHS Ext 1 Assessment Task 2] The angle of elevation of a
tower P Q of height h metres from a point A due east of Q is 12◦ . From
another point B, the bearing of the tower is 051◦ T and the angle of elevation
is 11◦ .

AB = 1 000 m and AB is on the same level as the base Q.

P

Q
11◦ 12◦
B A
1 000 m
(a) Show that ∠AQB = 141◦ . 1
(b) Show that 3
1 000 000
h2 = 2 2
tan 78◦ + tan 79◦− 2 tan 78◦ tan 79◦ cos 141◦
(c) Find h, correct to the nearest metre. 1

V Important note
o The picture may need to be redrawn!

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54 Examples

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฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
Examples 55

฀ 
฀
Example 55
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
[2015 Ext
฀ 1฀ HSC
฀ ฀ Q12]
฀ ฀ A฀ person
฀ walks
฀ 2฀000 metres
฀ ฀ ฀ due฀ north
฀ ฀ along
฀ a road฀ from
point A฀ to point
฀ ฀ ฀ B. The ฀ point
฀ A is฀ due
฀ east
฀ ฀ of
฀ a฀ mountain
฀ OM฀, where฀ ฀M ฀is the
top of the
฀ mountain.
฀ ฀ ฀ The฀ point O
฀ is directly
฀ ฀ below
฀ ฀ ฀ point M and is on the same
horizontal plane as the road. The height of the mountain above point O is h metres.
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
From point A, the angle of elevation to the top of the mountain is 15◦ .
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
From point B, the angle of elevation to the top of the mountain is 13◦ .
M

hm 13° B
NOT TO
O SCALE

m
00
20
15°
N
A

i. Show that OA = h cot 15◦ . 1

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
ii. Hence, find the value of h. 2
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Î Further exercises (Legacy Textbooks)

Ex 2G/2H (Pender, Sadler, Shea, & Ward, 2000) (see next page)
• All questions

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56 Examples

Exercise 2G
1. The diagram shows a box in the shape of a rectangular
prism. H G
(a) Find, correct to the nearest minute, the angle that the D C 4 cm
diagonal plane AEGC makes with the face BCGF . E F
(b) Find the length of the diagonal AG of the box, correct 5 cm
A 6 cm B
to the nearest millimetre.
(c) Find, correct to the nearest minute, the angle that the
diagonal AG makes with the base AEF B. H
100 m
2. A helicopter H is hovering 100 metres above the level ground

172
below. Two observers P and Q on the ground are 156 metres

156
and 172 metres respectively from H. The helicopter is due

m
F
north of P , while Q is due east of P .
(a) Find the angles of elevation of the helicopter from P
P Q
and Q, correct to the nearest minute,
(b) Find the distance between the two observers P and Q,
correct to the nearest metre.
3. The points A and B are 400 metres apart in a horizontal plane. The angle of depression
of A from the top T of a vertical tower standing on the plane is 18◦ . Also, 6 T AB = 75◦
and 6 T BA = 48◦ . 18º T
400 sin 48◦
(a) Show that T A = .
sin 57◦ h
(b) Hence find the height h of the tower, correct to the
nearest metre. F
(c) Find, correct to the nearest degree, the angle of depres- 75º 48º
sion of B from T . A 400 m B
4. The diagram shows a cube ABCDEF GH. The diagonals AG and CE meet at P . Q is
the midpoint of the diagonal EG of the top face. Suppose that 2x is the side length of the
cube and α is the acute angle between the diagonals AG and CE.
(a) State the length of P Q. H G
√ Q
(b) Show that EQ = 2 x. F
E
√
(c) Hence show that EP = 3 x. α
√ 2x P
(d) Hence show that cos 6 EP Q = 31 3 .
D C
(e) By using an appropriate double-angle formula, deduce 2x
that cos 6 EP G = − 13 , and hence that cos α = 31 . A 2x B
1
(f) Confirm the fact that cos α = 3 by using the cosine rule in △AP E.
(g) Find, correct to the nearest minute, the angle that the diagonal AG makes with the
base ABCD of the cube.

2012 University Pre

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Examples
r 57 r
5. The prism in the diagram has a square base of side 4 cm and A
its height is 2 cm. ABC is a diagonal plane of the prism.
Let θ be the acute angle between the diagonal plane and the 2 cm
D
base of the prism. θ C
√ M 4 cm
(a) Show that M D = 2 2 cm. B 4 cm
(b) Hence find θ, correct to the nearest minute.
DEVELOPMENT

6. The diagram shows a square pyramid whose perpendicular

height is equal to the side of the base. Find, correct to the
nearest minute: x
(a) the angle between an oblique face and the base,
x
(b) the angle between a slant edge and the base, x
(c) the angle between an opposite pair of oblique faces. A
7. The diagram shows a cube of side 2x in which a diagonal
plane ABC is drawn. Find, correct to the nearest minute,
the angle between this diagonal plane and the base of the 2x
cube. C
2x
8. Two boats P and Q are observed from the top T of a vertical B 2x
cliff CT of height 120 metres. P is on a bearing of 195◦ from
the cliff and its angle of depression from T is 22◦ . Q is on
T
a bearing of 161◦ from the cliff and its angle of depression
from T is 27◦ . 120 m

(a) Show that 6 P CQ = 34◦ .

(b) Use the cosine rule to show that the boats are approxi- C
mately 166 metres apart. P Q
9. A plane is flying along the path P R. Its constant speed is 300 km/h. It flies directly over
landmarks A and B, where B is due east of A. An observer at O first sights the plane
when it is over A at a bearing of 290◦ T, and then, ten minutes later, he sights the plane
when it is over B at a bearing of 50◦ T and with an angle of elevation of 2◦ .
(a) Show that the plane has travelled 50 km in the ten min-
utes between observations. P 5º Q N
(b) Show that 6 AOB = 120◦ .
R
(c) Prove that the observer is 19 670 metres, correct to the 290ºT 050ºT
nearest ten metres, from landmark B.
A B E
(d) Find the height h of the plane, correct to the nearest 2º
10 metres, when it was directly above A. O

10. Two towers of height 2h and h stand on a horizontal plane.

The shorter tower is due south of the taller tower. From a 2h
point P due west of the taller tower, the angles of elevation P α
of the tops of the taller and shorter towers are α and β W γ
β
respectively. The angle of elevation of the top of the taller h
tower from the top of the shorter tower is γ. Show that
S
4 cot2 α = cot2 β − cot2 γ.

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58
r Examples r
11. A, B, C and D are four of the vertices of a horizontal regular hexagon of side length x.
DE is vertical and subtends angles of α, β and γ at A, B and C respectively.
(a) Show that each interior angle of a regular hexagon is 120◦ . E
◦ ◦
(b) Show that BAD = 60 and ABD = 90 .
6 6
√ x
(c) Show that BD = 3 x and AD = 2x. α
D β A
(d) Hence show that cot2 α = cot2 β + cot2 γ. γ
C B
12. The diagram shows a rectangular pyramid. X and Y are
T
the midpoints of AD and BC respectively and T is directly
above Z. T X = 15 cm, T Y = 20 cm, AB = 25 cm and
BC = 10 cm.
(a) Show that 6 XT Y = 90◦ . A B
(b) Hence show that T is 12 cm above the base. X Z Y
D C
(c) Hence find, correct to the nearest minute, the angle that
the front face DCT makes with the base.
13. A plane is flying due east at 600 km/h at a constant altitude. From an observation point P
on the ground, the plane is sighted on a bearing of 320◦ . One minute later, the bearing
of the plane is 75◦ and its angle of elevation is 25◦ .
(a) How far has the plane travelled between the two sightings?
(b) Draw a diagram to represent the given information.
10 000 sin 50◦ tan 25◦
(c) Show that the altitude h metres of the plane is given by h = ,
sin 65◦
and hence find the altitude, correct to the nearest metre.
(d) Find, correct to the nearest degree, the angle of elevation of the plane from P when
it was first sighted.
14. (a) The diagonal P Q of the rectangular prism in the dia-
gram makes angles of α, β and γ respectively with the Q
edges P A, P B and P C. C
(i) Prove that cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ = 1.
B
(ii) What is the two-dimensional version of this result?
(b) Suppose that the diagonal P Q makes angles of θ, φ A P
and ψ with the three faces of the prism that meet at P .
(i) Prove that sin2 θ + sin2 φ + sin2 ψ = 1.
(ii) What is the two-dimensional version of this result? E F
15. The diagram shows a hill inclined at 20◦ to the horizontal. 35º D
A straight road AF on the hill makes an angle of 35◦ with C
a line of greatest slope. Find, correct to the nearest minute, 20º
A B
the inclination of the road to the horizontal. R
φ
16. The plane surface AP RC is inclined at an angle θ to the P Q
horizontal plane AP QB. Both AP RC and AP QB are rect- C
angles. P R is a line of greatest slope on the inclined plane. α
6 BP Q = φ and 6 BP C = α. Show that tan α = tan θ cos φ.
A θ B
17. The diagram shows a triangular pyramid, all of whose faces
are equilateral triangles — such a solid is called a regular
tetrahedron. Suppose that the slant edges√are inclined at an
angle θ to the base. Show that cos θ = 13 3 .

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r
Examples 59 r
18. A square pyramid has perpendicular height equal to the side length of its base. √
(a) Show that the angle between a slant edge and a base edge it meets is cos−1 16 6 .
(b) Show that the angle between adjacent oblique faces is cos−1 (− 51 ).
EXTENSION

19. A cube has one edge AB of its base inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal and another
edge AC of its base horizontal. The diagonal AP of the cube is inclined at angle φ to the
horizontal.
(a) Show that the height h of the point P above the horizontal plane containing the
edge AC is given by h = x cos θ(1 + tan θ), where x is the side length of the cube.
(b) Hence show that cos2 φ = 23 (1 − sin θ cos θ).
20. The diagram shows a triangular pyramid ABCD. The hor- A
izontal base BCD is an isosceles triangle whose equal sides
BD and CD are at right angles and have length x units. 2x
The edge AD has length 2x units and is vertical.
B D
(a) Let α be the acute angle between the front face ABC
x
and the base BCD. Show that α = cos−1 13 .
(b) Let θ be the acute angle between the front face ABC C
and a side face (that is, either ABD or ACD). Show
that θ = cos−1 23 .

Exercise 2H
1. A balloon B is due north of an observer P and its angle of elevation is 62◦ . From another
observer Q 100 metres from P , the balloon is due west and its angle of elevation is 55◦ .
Let the height of the balloon be h metres and let C be the point on the level ground
vertically below B.
(a) Show that P C = h cot 62◦ , and write down a similar
expression for QC. B
(b) Explain why 6 P CQ = 90◦ .
h
(c) Use Pythagoras’ theorem in △CP Q to show that
1002 C
h2 = . 62º 55º
cot2 62◦ + cot2 55◦
P 100 m Q
(d) Hence find h, correct to the nearest metre.
2. From a point P due south of a vertical tower, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower
is 20◦ . From a point Q situated 40 metres from P and due east of the tower, the angle of
elevation is 35◦ . Let h metres be the height of the tower.
(a) Draw a diagram to represent the situation.
40
(b) Show that h = √ 2 , and evaluate h, correct to the nearest metre.
tan 70 + tan2 55◦
◦
T

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NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

60 Examples

√
tan 70◦ + tan 55◦
T
3. In the diagram, T F represents a vertical tower of height xm
x metres standing on level ground. From P and Q at ground
level, the angles of elevation of T are 22◦ and 27◦ respec- F
tively. P Q = 63 metres and 6 P F Q = 51◦ .
51º
(a) Show that P F = x cot 22◦ and write down a similar 22º 27º
expression for QF . P 63 m Q
2 632
(b) Use the cosine rule to show that x = 2 2 .
cot 22◦ + cot 27◦ − 2 cot 22◦ cot 27◦ cos 51◦
.
(c) Use a calculator to show that x =. 32.

4. The points P , Q and B lie in a horizontal plane. From P , A

which is due west of B, the angle of elevation of the top of
a tower AB of height h metres is 42◦ . From Q, which is on h
a bearing of 196◦ from the tower, the angle of elevation of 42º
P B
r the top of the tower is 35◦ . The distance P Q is 200 metres. r
200 m 35º
Q

(a) Explain why 6 P BQ = 74◦ .

2012 Press
2002
(b) Show that h2 = .
cot2 42◦ + cot2 35◦ − 2 cot 35◦ cot 42◦ cos 74◦
(c) Hence find the height of the tower, correct to the nearest metre.
DEVELOPMENT

5. The diagram shows a tower of height h metres standing on

T
level ground. The angles of elevation of the top T of the
tower from two points A and B on the ground nearby are 55º
h
55◦ and 40◦ respectively. The distance AB is 50 metres and
A F
the interval AB is perpendicular to the interval AF , where 50 m 40º
F is the foot of the tower. B
(a) Find AT and BT in terms of h.
(b) What is the size of 6 BAT ?
50 sin 55◦ sin 40◦
(c) Use Pythagoras’ theorem in △BAT to show that h = p .
sin2 55◦ − sin2 40◦
(d) Hence find the height of the tower, correct to the nearest metre.
6. The diagram shows two observers P and Q 600 metres apart T
on level ground. The angles of elevation of the top T of a
landmark T L from P and Q are 9◦ and 12◦ respectively. The
bearings of the landmark from P and Q are 32◦ and 306◦
respectively. Let h = T L be the height of the landmark. L
(a) Show that 6 P LQ = 86◦ . P Q
(b) Find expressions for P L and QL in terms of h.
.
(c) Hence show that h = . 79 metres.

7. P Q is a straight level road. Q is x metres due east of P . A vertical tower of height

h metres is situated due north of P . The angles of elevation of the top of the tower from
P and Q are α and β respectively.
(a) Draw a diagram representing the situation.
(b) Show that x2 + h2 cot2 α = h2 cot2 β.
x sin α sin β
(c) Hence show that h = p .
sin(α + β) sin(α − β)

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Examples 61
p
−
8. In the diagram of a triangular pyramid, AQ = x, BQ = y, P Q = h, 6 AP B = θ,
6 P AQ = α and 6 P BQ = β. Also, there are three right angles at Q.
P θ
(a) Show that x = h cot α and write down a similar expres-
sion for y. h
(b) Use Pythagoras’ theorem and the cosine rule to show Q α
h2 x A
β
that cos θ = p . y
(x2 + h2 )(y 2 + h2 )
(c) Hence show that sin α sin β = cos θ. B
9. A man walking along a straight, flat road passes by three observation points P , Q and R
at intervals of 200 metres. From these three points, the respective angles of elevation of
the top of a vertical tower are 30◦ , 45◦ and 45◦ . Let h metres be the height of the tower.
(a) Draw a diagram representing the situation.
(b) (i) Find, in terms of h, the distances from P , Q and R to the foot F of the tower.
r (ii) Let 6 F RQ = α. Find two different expressions for cos α in terms of h, and hence
r
find the height of the tower.
10. ABCD is a triangular pyramid with base BCD and perpendicular height AD.
(a) Find BD and CD in terms of h. A
√
(b) Use the cosine rule to show that 2h2 = x2 − 3 hx. 2012
h
University Pre
h 45º
(c) Let u = . Write the result of the previous part as a C
x D
30º
quadratic equation in u, and hence show that x
√ √ 30º
h 11 − 3 B
= .
x 4
11. The diagram shows a rectangular pyramid. The base ABCD has sides 2a and 2b and its
diagonals meet at M . The perpendicular height T M is h. Let 6 AT B = α, 6 BT C = β
and 6 AT C = θ.
α T β
(a) Use Pythagoras’ theorem to find AC, AM and AT in
terms of a, b and h. θ
(b) Use the cosine rule to find cos α, cos β and cos θ in terms h
of a, b and h. D
C
M
(c) Show that cos α + cos β = 1 + cos θ. 2b
A 2a B
12. The diagram shows three telegraph poles of equal height h metres standing equally spaced
on the same side of a straight road 20 metres wide. From an observer at P on the other
side of the road directly opposite the first pole, the angles of elevation of the tops of the
other two poles are 12◦ and 8◦ respectively. Let x metres be the distance between two
adjacent poles.
x2 + 202
(a) Show that h2 = . h h h
cot2 12◦
202 (cot2 8◦ − cot2 12◦ )
(b) Hence show that x2 = . 12º 20 m
4 cot2 12◦ − cot2 8◦ 8º
P
(c) Hence calculate the distance between adjacent poles,
correct to the nearest metre.

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

 62 Examples

13. A building is in the shape of a square prism with base edge H G

ℓ metres and height h metres. It stands on level ground. The
diagonal AC of the base is extended to K, and from K, the F 45º
E
K
respective angles of elevation of F and G are 30◦ and 45◦ . D C
√ h l 30º
(a) Show that BK 2 = h2 + ℓ2 + 2 hℓ.
√
(b) Hence show that 2h2 − ℓ2 = 2 hℓ. A l B
√ √
h 2 + 10
(c) Deduce that = .
ℓ 4
14. From a point P on level ground, a man observes the angle of elevation of the summit of
a mountain due north of him to be 18◦ . After walking 3 km in a direction N50◦ E to a
point Q, the man finds that the angle of elevation of the summit is now 13◦ .
(a) Show that (cot2 13◦ −cot2 18◦ )h2 +(6000 cot 18◦ cos 50◦ )h−30002 = 0, where h metres
r is the height of the mountain.
B A
(b) Hence find the height, correct to the nearest metre.
15. A plane is flying at a constant height h, and with constant h
NE E
speed. An observer at P sighted the plane due east at an
r angle of elevation of 45◦ . Soon after it was sighted again in
◦
D C
r
University Pre a north-easterly direction at an angle of elevation of 60 . 60º 45º
P
(a) Write down expressions for P C and P D in terms of h.
30º
√
(b) Show that CD2 = 13 h2 (4 − 6 ).
2012
(c) Find, as a bearing correct to the nearest degree, the direction Press
in which the plane is
flying.
16. Three tourists T1 , T2 and T3 at ground level are observing a landmark L. T1 is due north
and its of L, T3 is due east of L, and T2 is on the line of sight from T1 to T3 and between them.
The angles of elevation to the top of L from T1 , T2 and T3 are 25◦ , 32◦ and 36◦ respectively.
cot 36◦
(a) Show that tan 6 LT1 T2 = .
cot 25◦
(b) Use the sine rule in △LT1 T2 to find, correct to the nearest minute, the bearing of T2
from L.
EXTENSION

17. (a) Use the diagram on the right to show that the diame- B
he other a
ps of the ter BP of the circumcircle of △ABC is .
sin A a
een two
(b) A vertical tower stands on level ground. From three
observation points P , Q and R on the ground, the top O
of the tower has the same angle of elevation of 30◦ . The C
distances P Q, P R and QR are 60 metres, 50 metres and
40 metres respectively. A
(i) Explain why the foot of the tower is the centre of P
the circumcircle of △P QR.
(ii) Use the result in
√ part (a) to show that the height of
80
the tower is 21 21 metres.

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Examples 63

Exercise 2G (Page 70)

1(a) 56◦ 19′ (b) 8·8 cm (c) 27◦ 7′
◦ ′ ◦ ′
2(a) 39 52 , 35 33 (b) 72 metres
◦
3(b) 110 metres (c) 14
◦ ′
4(a) x (g) 35 16
◦ ′
5(b) 35 16
◦ ′ ◦ ′ ◦ ′
6(a) 63 26 (b) 54 44 (c) 53 8
◦ ′
7 54 44
9(d) 5040 metres
◦ ′
12(c) 67 23
13 (a) 10 000 metres
10 000 m
(c) 3941 metres
◦
(d) 54
320º
75º
25º

14(a)(ii) cos2 α + cos2 β = 1, where α + β = 90◦ .

2 2 ◦
(b)(ii) sin θ + sin φ = 1, where θ + φ = 90 .
◦ ′
15 16 16

Exercise 2H (Page 75)

1(a) h cot 55◦
(b) It is the angle between south and east.
(d) 114 metres
2(b) 13 metres
◦
3(a) x cot 27
4(c) 129 metres
◦ ◦ ◦
5(a) AT = h cosec 55 , BT = h cosec 40 (b) 90
(d) 52 metres
◦ ◦
6(b) P L = h cot 9 , QL = h cot 12
8(a) y = h cot β
√
9(b)(i) 3 h, h, h
80 000−h 2
(ii) cos α = 100h or , h = 200 metres
√ 400h
10(a) BD = 3 h, CD = h
p p
11(a) AC = 2 a2 + b2 , AM = a2 + b2 ,
2
+b 2 +h 2
p
AT = a + b + h (b) cos α = −a
2 2 2
a 2 +b 2 +h 2 ,
a 2 −b 2 +h 2 −a 2 −b 2 + h 2
cos β = a2 + b2 + h2 , cos θ = a2 + b2 + h2

12(c) 17 metres
14(b) 535 metres
√ ◦
15(a) P C = h, P D = 31 h 3 (c) 305 Sadler, Julia
◦ ′
16(b) 13 41
17(b)(i) The foot of the tower is equidistant from P ,
Q and R, the distance being h cot 30◦ .

NORMANHURST BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

NESA Reference Sheet – calculus based courses

NSW Education Standards Authority

2020 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Mathematics Advanced
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Extension 2

–1–
–2–
–3–
–4– © 2018 NSW Education Standards Authority
References

Grove, M. (2010). Maths in focus: mathematics extension preliminary course (E. Bron, Ed.).
McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd.
Jones, S. B., & Couchman, K. E. (1981). 3 Unit Mathematics (Vol. 1). Addison Wesley Longman
Australia.
Pender, W., Sadler, D., Shea, J., & Ward, D. (1999). Cambridge Mathematics 3 Unit Year 11 (1st
ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Pender, W., Sadler, D., Shea, J., & Ward, D. (2000). Cambridge Mathematics 3 Unit Year 12 (1st
ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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