Website: contoureducation.com.

au | Phone: 1800 888 300

Email: [email protected]

VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Circular Functions [1.1]
Workbook

Outline:

Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions Pg 2-18

Introduction of Reciprocal Compound and Double Angle Formula Pg 19-22
Trigonometric Functions
Graphs of Reciprocal Trigonometric Inverse Trigonometric Functions Pg 23-33
Functions

1
 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Section A: Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

Sub-Section: Introduction of Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

What are reciprocal trigonometric functions?

Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

The reciprocal of sine is cosecant:

𝟏
𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝒙) =
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙)
The reciprocal of cosine is secant:

𝟏
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝒙) =
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒙)
The reciprocal of tangent is cotangent:

𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒙)
𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝒙) = =
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝒙) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙)

Question 1

Evaluate the following.

𝜋
a. sec ( 6 )

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 2

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

−3𝜋
b. cosec ( )
4

2𝜋
c. cot ( )
3

TIP: Look at their third alphabet!

Reminder: Pythagorean Identity

Pythagorean Identity:

𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐 (𝜽) + 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟐 (𝜽) = _______

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 3

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

What happens when we divide both sides by 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐 (𝜽) and 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐 (𝜽)?

Exploration: Other Trigonometric Identities.

𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐 (𝜽) + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐 (𝜽) = 𝟏

What happens if we divide each term by 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐 (𝜽)?

______________________________ = ______________________________
What happens if we divide each term by 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐 (𝜽)?

______________________________ = ______________________________

Trigonometric Identities

𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐 (𝜽) + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐 (𝜽) = 𝟏

𝟏 + 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟐 (𝜽) = 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟐 (𝜽)

𝟏 + 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝟐 (𝜽) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟐 (𝜽)

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 4

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 2

3𝜋
Given that cosec(𝑥) = −7 and 𝑥 ∈ [ 2 , 2𝜋], find sin(𝑥) and cot(𝑥). Show your working.

Question 3 Additional.

π
Given that cosec = 5 and 𝑥 ∈ [ 2 , π], find sin(𝑥) and sec(𝑥).

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 5

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Let’s explore further!

Exploration: Visualisation of 𝟏 + 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟐 (𝜽) = 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟐 (𝜽)

Consider the triangle:

What trigonometric identity can you make from this triangle?

What happens if we divide all the sides by cos(𝜃)? [Label Below]

What trigonometric identity can you make from this new triangle?

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 6

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

How can we fit this triangle in the first quadrant of the unit circle? [Label Below]

Hint: Focus on the length 1.

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 7

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Try the next exploration yourself!

Exploration: Visualisation of 𝟏 + 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝟐 (𝜽) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟐 (𝜽)

Following the same steps as above, label 1, cot(𝜃) ,cosec(𝜃) on the triangle below. [label below]

Hence, fit the triangle on the unit circle above.

Key Takeaways

To figure out the reciprocal, we look at the third letter.

cosec, sec and cot are the reciprocals of sin, cos and tan respectively.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 8

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Sub-Section: Graphs of Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

Let’s try sketching the reciprocal trigonometric functions!

Exploration: Sketching reciprocal functions

1
What happens to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) is:

Increasing? (TI)

Decreasing? (SI)

0? (TI)

Very big? (SI)

Negative? (SI)

Positive? (SI)

Local Min? (TI)

Local Max? (SI)

1? (SI)

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 9

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Properties of Reciprocal Functions

𝒇(𝒙) 𝟏/𝒇(𝒙)

Increasing Decreasing

Decreasing Increasing

0 ±∞

±∞ 0

Negative Negative

Positive Positive

Local Min Local Max

Local Max Local Min

1 1

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 10

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 4 Walkthrough.

a. On the same axes below, sketch sec(𝑥) for 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋]. Label all your asymptotes and turning points.

b. State the range of sec (𝑥).

Question 5

a. On the same axes below, sketch cosec(𝑥) for 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋].

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 11

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

b. State the range of cosec(𝑥).

Question 6 Walkthrough.

a. On the same axes below, sketch cot(𝑥) for 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋].

b. State the range of cot(𝑥).

𝟏
Discussion: What does 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝒙) graph look like?

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 12

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

In Summary!

Graphing Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

𝒚 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝒙)

Maximal Domain: 𝑅\{𝑥: sin(𝑥) = 0}

Range: (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞)

𝒚 = 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝒙)

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 13

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Maximal Domain: 𝑅\{𝑥: cos(𝑥) = 0}

Range: (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞)

𝒚 = 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝒙)

Maximal Domain: 𝑅\{𝑥: tan(𝑥) = 0}

Range: 𝑅

Discussion: How often do the asymptotes occur for 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜 and 𝐬𝐞𝐜?

Discussion: How often do the asymptotes occur for 𝐜𝐨𝐭?

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 14

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

How do we sketch harder ones with transformations?

Steps for Sketching Reciprocal Trig Graphs

1. Find an asymptote.

𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 = 𝟎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 cosec 𝑎𝑛𝑑 cot 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑠.

𝝅
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 = 𝑓𝑜𝑟 sec 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑠.
𝟐

2. Find and mark all other asymptotes in the domain.

𝝅
𝑨𝒅𝒅/𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠.
𝒏

3. Plot a point in between the two asymptotes.

𝑀𝑖𝑑𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑓𝑜𝑟 cosec 𝑎𝑛𝑑 sec 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑠.

𝑀𝑖𝑑𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑓𝑜𝑟 cot 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑠.

4. Solve for axes intercept (if applicable).

5. Repeat the shape over the entire domain.

For cosec and sec graphs, the “U” shapes alternate between asymptotes, while cot graphs look
the same between asymptotes.

NOTE: Don’t forget to label endpoints, and/or axes intercept(s), turning point(s) and point(s) as
required!

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 15

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 7 Walkthrough.

Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 2 sec(𝑥) + 1 for −2𝜋 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋, labelling all stationary points, axes intercepts and
asymptotes.

Try the two questions below!

Active Recall: Steps in sketching a reciprocal trigonometric function

1. Find an asymptote.

𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 = ______ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒔.

𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 = _________ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒔.

2. Find and mark all other asymptotes in the domain.

𝑨𝒅𝒅/𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 _________ 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 16

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

3. Plot a point in between the two asymptotes.

𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 = __________________ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒔.

𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 = _______________________ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒔.

4. Solve for axes intercept (if applicable).

5. _________ the shape over the entire domain

For cosec and sec graphs, the “U” shapes alternate between asymptotes, while cot graphs look
the same between asymptotes.

Question 8

𝑥 𝜋
Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 5 sec (𝜋 2 + 2 ) for −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3, labelling all stationary points, axes intercepts and
asymptotes.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 17

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Now COT! Remember they have an inflection instead of turning points!

Question 9

𝜋
Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = cot (𝜋𝑥 + 2 ) − 1 for −1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2, labelling all inflection points, axes intercepts and
asymptotes.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 18

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Section B: Compound and Double Angle Formula

Hands up if you remember compound angle formulae!

Compound Angle Formulae

Sin compound angle formulae.

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙 + 𝒚) = __________________________

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙 − 𝒚) = ________________________________
Cos compound angle formulae.

𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒙 + 𝒚) = __________________________________

𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒙 − 𝒚) = __________________________________
Tan compound angle formulae.

𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝒙 + 𝒚) = __________________________________

𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝒙 − 𝒚) = __________________________________

Question 10

𝜋
Using the compound angle formula, evaluate sin (12).

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 19

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Extension: Proving one compound angle formula!

First look for the length 𝑂𝐴.

Look at triangle 𝑶𝑷𝑸 then label 𝑶𝑸.

Find the length 𝑶𝑨 in terms of 𝜶 and 𝜷.

Next look for 𝐴𝐵.

Find the length 𝑄𝑅 in terms of 𝛼 and 𝛽.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 20

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Hence, find the length 𝑂𝐵.

What do you notice?

What do we get if 𝒙 and 𝒚 were the same for compound angle formula?

Double Angle Formulae

𝐒𝐢𝐧 double angle formula:

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝒙) = 𝟐_______________
𝐂𝐨𝐬 double angle formula:

𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟐𝒙) = _______________
= _______________
= _______________
𝐓𝐚𝐧 double angle formula:

𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝟐𝒙) = _______________

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 21

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 11

2
Find cos(2𝑡), where cos(𝑡) = − 3 .

Calculator Commands

Mathematica TI-Nspire Casio Classpad

"TrigExpand" "texpand" "texpand"

Question 12 Tech-Active.

Expand cos(2𝑎 + 𝑏) in terms of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

Key Takeaways

Remember the sin town analogy for compound angle formulas.

We can use double-angle formulas to solve indirectly for half-angles.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 22

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Section C: Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Discussion: What does the original function need to be for the inverse function to exist?

Exploration: The 𝐬𝐢𝐧−𝟏 function

Consider the function sin(𝑥) sketched on the axes below.

Shade the largest part of the graph which includes 𝑥 = 0 such that sin(𝑥) is 1: 1.

State the domain and range over this interval.

Hence, state the domain and range of sin−1 (𝑥).

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 23

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Exploration: The 𝐜𝐨𝐬 −𝟏 function

Consider the function cos(𝑥) sketched on the axes below.

Shade the largest positive part of the graph that includes 𝑥 = 0 such that cos(𝑥) is 1: 1.

State the domain and range over this interval.

Hence, state the domain and range of cos−1(𝑥).

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 24

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Exploration: The 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 function

Consider the function tan(𝑥) sketched on the axes below.

Shade the largest interval including 𝑥 = 0 where the function is 1: 1.

State the domain and range over this interval.

Hence, state the domain and range of tan−1(𝑥).

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 25

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

In summary!

Inverse Trig Functions

sin−1 (𝑥)

Domain of arcsin function = Range of sin = [−1,1].

𝜋 𝜋
Range = Domain of restricted sin = [− 2 , 2 ].

cos −1 (𝑥)

Domain of arccos function = Range of cos = [−1,1].

Range = Domain of restricted cos = [0, 𝜋].

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 26

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

tan−1 (𝑥)

Domain of arctan function = Range of tan = 𝑅.

𝜋 𝜋
Range = Domain of restricted tan = (− 2 , 2 ).

What do inverse trigonometric functions do?

Discussion: Understanding Inverse Trig Functions

We can consider the normal trigonometric function to be the following:

Hence, inverse trigonometric function can be visualised to perform the following:

In summary, inverse trig functions have:

𝑥-value: _______________ = 𝑦-value original trig functions.

𝑦-value: _______________ = 𝑥-value of original trig functions.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 27

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 13

Evaluate the following, or explain why they are undefined.

√3
a. sin−1 (− )
2

b. tan−1 (1)

2
c. cos−1 ( )
√3

NOTE: Inverse functions ‘output’ angles.

ALSO NOTE: Consider the range of the inverse trig functions!

How do we sketch inverse trig functions with transformations?

Steps for Graphing General 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐬𝐢𝐧 and 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐬

1. Find the _______________________________ of the function.

Restrict inside to be within _____________________.

2. Find and plot the _____________________________ of the graph by substituting the ends of the
domain.

3. Find and plot the ______________________ of the ends. (It is an inflection point.)

4. Find and plot the _____________________________ if required.

5. Using the previously plotted points as a guide, sketch a _______________________.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 28

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 14 Walkthrough.

Following the steps above, sketch:

𝑦 = 𝜋 − 2 sin−1 (1 − 2x)

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 29

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 15

Following the steps above, sketch:

𝜋
𝑦= − 2 cos −1(−𝑥)
2

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 30

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Now 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 functions!

Steps for Graphing General Graphs of 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧

1. Find the _______________________________ of the graph and plot them.

You can find the asymptotes by finding the range of the \tan−1 function.

𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
E.g., the range of tan−1 (𝑥) + 𝜋 is ( 2 ,2
), so the asymptotes are 𝑦 = 2
and 𝑦 = 2
.

2. Inflection point is given by (ℎ, 𝑘).

The 𝑥-value can be found by _______________________________.

The 𝑦-value can be found by ______________________________________________________.

3. Find and plot the _______________________________ if required.

4. Using the previously plotted points and asymptotes as a guide, sketch the function.

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 31

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 16 Walkthrough.

Following the steps above, sketch:

𝜋
𝑦= + tan−1 (𝑥 + 2)
4

𝜋
NOTE: tan−1 (2) > tan−1 (1) =
4

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 32

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Question 17 (3 marks)

Consider the function 𝑦 = tan−1 (2x − 1) + 𝜋. Sketch its graph.

Space for Personal Notes

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 33

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Contour Check
Fill in the blank or select the right option where appropriate.

Learning Objective: [1.1.1] – Solve Exact Values of Reciprocal Functions and

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Key Takeaways

To figure out a sec or cosec’s reciprocal, we look at the _________________ letter.

Learning Objective: [1.1.2] – Graph Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

Key Takeaways

If the inside of a reciprocal trig function is 𝑛𝑥, it has asymptotes every ___________ units.

cosec and sec have the same shape/flip after every asymptote

cot has the same shape/flips after every asymptote.

Learning Objective: [1.1.3] – Apply compound and Double Angle Formula to

Solve Exact Values

Key Takeaways

𝜋
To find cos ( ), it is more appropriate to use the double/compound angle formula.
8

7𝜋
To find sin ( 12 ), it is more appropriate to use the double/compound angle formula.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 34

 VCE Specialist Mathematics ¾

Learning Objective: [1.1.4] – Find Domain, Range and Rule of the Inverse
Trigonometric Function

Key Takeaways

cos−1 (𝑥) and sin−1(𝑥) have the domain ______________.

tan−1 (𝑥) has the domain _______________________________.

tan−1 (𝑥) has an inflection point at ______________.

Inverse trig functions output an _________________.

To get the inverse of a trig function, we restrict the function’s domain so that it is
_____________________.

Learning Objective: [1.1.5] – Graphing the Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Key Takeaways

π π
𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 (𝒙) has horizontal/vertical asymptotes at − 2 and 2 .

An untransformed sin−1 graph has a point of inflection at ____________.

SM34 [1.1] - Circular Functions - Workbook Solutions 35