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IAL · WMA13 · Topic

Trig Identities: past paper questions & worked solutions

Every Trig Identities question from the WMA13 papers in our bank, 2020–2026, sorted from easiest to hardest. Try each one first, then open the worked solution.

57questions
439marks in total
100%of papers (19 of 19) include it
13/22/22easy / medium / hard

Questions, easiest first

Level is estimated from marks: 1–6 easy, 7–8 medium, 9+ hard.

1. WMA13/01 January 2026 · Q8

Easy4 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 January 2026 Question 8 (4 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Solution

    \paragraph{Solution} Differentiate $x=e^{2\tan y}$ with respect to $y$:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=2\sec^2 y\,e^{2\tan y}=2x\sec^2y.\]

    This is positive on the stated interval, so

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{2x\sec^2y}.\]

    Taking logarithms of the original relation gives $\ln x=2\tan y$. Using $\sec^2y=1+\tan^2y$,

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{2x\left(1+\frac{(\ln x)^2}{4}\right)} =\frac2{x\bigl(4+(\ln x)^2\bigr)}.\]

    Hence $a=2$, $b=4$ and $n=2$.

Final answer

(main) $a=2,\ b=4,\ n=2$

2. WMA13/01 May/June 2025 · Q5

Easy4 marks · main topic: Integration
WMA13/01 May/June 2025 Question 5 (4 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Part (i)

    Use $\sin^2(3x)=(1-\cos6x)/2$:

    \[\int\sin^2(3x)\,dx=\frac12\int(1-\cos6x)\,dx =\boxed{\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\sin6x}{12}+C}.\]
  2. Part (ii)

    The derivative of $(x^2+4)^{5/2}$ is $5x(x^2+4)^{3/2}$. Therefore

    \[\int x(x^2+4)^{3/2}\,dx=\boxed{\frac15(x^2+4)^{5/2}+C}.\]

    For example, differentiating this answer gives

    \[\frac15\cdot\frac52(x^2+4)^{3/2}\cdot2x=x(x^2+4)^{3/2},\]

    which recovers the integrand. Each indefinite integral has its own arbitrary constant.

Final answer

(i) $\frac{x}{2}-\frac{\sin6x}{12}+C$ (ii) $\frac15(x^2+4)^{5/2}+C$

3. WMA13/01 May/June 2026 · Q4

Easy5 marks · main topic: Integration
WMA13/01 May/June 2026 Question 4 (5 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Solution

    First expand and use the double-angle identity:

    \[(\sin3x+\cos3x)^2=\sin^2 3x+\cos^2 3x+2\sin3x\cos3x=1+\sin6x.\]

    Hence

    \[\begin{aligned} \int_{\pi/18}^{\pi/12}(\sin3x+\cos3x)^2\,dx &=\left[x-\frac16\cos6x\right]_{\pi/18}^{\pi/12}\\ &=\left(\frac\pi{12}-\frac16\cos\frac\pi2\right) -\left(\frac\pi{18}-\frac16\cos\frac\pi3\right)\\ &=\frac\pi{12}-\frac\pi{18}+\frac1{12} =\boxed{\frac\pi{36}+\frac1{12}}. \end{aligned}\]
Final answer

$\frac\pi{36}+\frac1{12}$

4. WMA13/01 October 2024 · Q1

Easy5 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 October 2024 Question 1 (5 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (main)

    Using $\tan^2\theta=\sec^2\theta-1$ gives

    \[3\sec^2\theta+7\sec\theta-6=0 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad(3\sec\theta-2)(\sec\theta+3)=0.\]

    The value $\sec\theta=2/3$ would give $\cos\theta=3/2$, impossible for a real angle. Thus $\cos\theta=-1/3$. In $0\lt \theta\le360^\circ$, the two angles are $\arccos(-1/3)=109.4712\ldots^\circ$ and $360^\circ-109.4712\ldots^\circ$.

    \[\boxed{\theta=109.5^\circ,\ 250.5^\circ}\]
Final answer

(main) $\theta=109.5^\circ,\ 250.5^\circ$

5. WMA13/01 January 2023 · Q8

Easy5 marks · main topic: Integration
WMA13/01 January 2023 Question 8 (5 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (main)

    Expand the square first:

    \[(2\cos x-\sin x)^2=4\cos^2x-4\sin x\cos x+\sin^2x.\]

    Use $\cos^2x=(1+\cos2x)/2$, $\sin^2x=(1-\cos2x)/2$, and $2\sin x\cos x=\sin2x$. The integrand becomes

    \[\frac52+\frac32\cos2x-2\sin2x.\]

    Integrating with the angle-2 chain factors gives $5x/2+3\sin2x/4+\cos2x+K$.

    \[\boxed{\int(2\cos x-\sin x)^2\,dx=\frac52x+\frac34\sin2x+\cos2x+K}\]
Final answer

(main) $\int(2\cos x-\sin x)^2\,dx=\frac52x+\frac34\sin2x+\cos2x+K$

6. WMA13/01 January 2022 · Q2

Easy5 marks
WMA13/01 January 2022 Question 2 (5 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    The original equation requires $\sin\theta\ne0$. Using $\csc\theta=1/\sin\theta$, multiply by $\sin\theta$ to obtain $8\sin\theta\cos\theta=3$. Since $2\sin\theta\cos\theta=\sin2\theta$, this becomes $4\sin2\theta=3$.

    \[\boxed{\sin2\theta=\frac34,\qquad k=\frac34}\]
  2. Part (b)

    For the smallest positive solution take the first positive sine branch: $2\theta=\arcsin(3/4)=48.59037789\ldots{}^{\circ}$. Divide by two to obtain $\theta=24.29518895\ldots{}^{\circ}$. The supplementary branch gives a larger positive angle.

    \[\boxed{\theta=24.3^{\circ}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\sin2\theta=\frac34,\qquad k=\frac34$ (b) $\theta=24.3^{\circ}$

7. WMA13/01 May/June 2021 · Q7

Easy5 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 May/June 2021 Question 7 (5 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (main)

    Differentiate x with respect to y:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=6\cdot2\sin2y\cos2y\cdot2=24\sin2y\cos2y.\]

    Since $0\lt 2y\lt \pi/2$, both sine and cosine are positive. Using $\sin^22y=x/6$ and $\cos^22y=1-x/6$,

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=24\sqrt{x/6}\sqrt{1-x/6} =4\sqrt{6x-x^2}.\]

    On $0\lt x\lt 6$ this is nonzero, so take its reciprocal.

    \[\boxed{\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{4\sqrt{6x-x^2}},\qquad A=4,\ B=6}\]
Final answer

(main) $\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{4\sqrt{6x-x^2}},\qquad A=4,\ B=6$

8. WMA13/01 October 2020 · Q1

Easy5 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 October 2020 Question 1 (5 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (main)

    Use $\cos2x=2\cos^2x-1$ and put $u=\cos x$:

    \[2(2u^2-1)=7u\quad\Longrightarrow\quad4u^2-7u-2=(4u+1)(u-2)=0.\]

    The value $u=2$ is impossible since $-1\le\cos x\le1$. Thus $\cos x=-1/4$. In $0\le x\lt 360^\circ$, the solutions lie in quadrants II and III:

    \[x=\arccos(-1/4)=104.477512\ldots^\circ,\qquad x=360^\circ-104.477512\ldots^\circ=255.522487\ldots^\circ.\]
    \[\boxed{x=104.5^\circ,\quad255.5^\circ}\]
Final answer

(main) $x=104.5^\circ,\quad255.5^\circ$

9. WMA13/01 October 2025 · Q4

Easy6 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 October 2025 Question 4 (6 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $R\sin(2x-\alpha)=R\cos\alpha\sin2x-R\sin\alpha\cos2x$. Comparison gives $R\cos\alpha=\sqrt3$ and $R\sin\alpha=3$. Thus $R=\sqrt{3+9}=2\sqrt3$ and $\tan\alpha=\sqrt3$. As $0\lt \alpha\lt \pi/2$, $\alpha=\pi/3$ and

    \[f(x)=2\sqrt3\sin(2x-\pi/3).\]
  2. Part (b)(i)
    \[g(x)=\frac{18}{2\sqrt3\sin(6x-\pi/3)+4\sqrt3}.\]

    The denominator is always positive, between $2\sqrt3$ and $6\sqrt3$. The fraction is smallest when the denominator is largest:

    \[\min g=\frac{18}{6\sqrt3}=\sqrt3.\]
  3. Part (b)(ii)

    The maximum denominator occurs when $\sin(6x-\pi/3)=1$:

    \[6x-\frac{\pi}{3}=\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n \Longrightarrow x=\frac{5\pi}{36}+\frac{\pi n}{3}.\]

    The smallest positive value is $x=5\pi/36$, since $n=-1$ gives a negative value.

Final answer

(a) $2*sqrt(3)*sin(2*x-pi/3)$ (b)(i) $sqrt(3)$ (b)(ii) $5*pi/36$

10. WMA13/01 January 2025 · Q1

Easy6 marks · main topic: Numerical Methods
WMA13/01 January 2025 Question 1 (6 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Work in radians. Substituting the endpoints into $f(x)=2\sec x+6x-3$ gives

    \[f(0.1)=-0.3899581632\ldots\lt 0,\qquad f(0.2)=0.2406776899\ldots\gt 0.\]

    The function is continuous on $[0.1,0.2]$ since $\cos x\ne0$ there. The sign change therefore places a root between the endpoints. Since the given root is unique, this root is $\alpha$.

    \[\boxed{0.1\lt \alpha\lt 0.2}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Set $f(x)=0$ and use $\sec x=1/\cos x$:

    \[\frac{2}{\cos x}+6x-3=0 \ \Longrightarrow\ 6x=3-\frac{2}{\cos x} \ \Longrightarrow\ x=\frac12-\frac{1}{3\cos x}.\]

    Thus $\alpha$, which satisfies $f(\alpha)=0$, satisfies this rearranged equation.

    \[\boxed{x=\frac12-\frac{1}{3\cos x}}\]
  3. Part (c)(i)

    With $x_1=0.15$ and angles in radians,

    \[x_2=\frac12-\frac{1}{3\cos(0.15)}=0.1628811858\ldots.\]

    Round only the displayed result to four decimal places.

    \[\boxed{x_2=0.1629}\]
  4. Part (c)(ii)

    Continuing the iteration with unrounded internal values gives

    \[x_3=0.1621955413\ldots,\quad x_4=0.1622335203\ldots,\quad x_5=0.1622314210\ldots,\quad x_6=0.1622315370\ldots.\]

    The iterates settle at $0.16223153\ldots$, giving the root to four decimal places.

    \[\boxed{\alpha=0.1622}\]
Final answer

(a) $0.1\lt \alpha\lt 0.2$ (b) $x=\frac12-\frac{1}{3\cos x}$ (c)(i) $x_2=0.1629$ (c)(ii) $\alpha=0.1622$

11. WMA13/01 October 2023 · Q3

Easy6 marks
WMA13/01 October 2023 Question 3 (6 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Apply the cosine addition formula:

    \[\cos2A=\cos(A+A)=\cos A\cos A-\sin A\sin A =\cos^2 A-\sin^2 A.\]

    Using $\sin^2 A=1-\cos^2 A$ gives the required identity.

    \[\boxed{\cos2A=2\cos^2 A-1}\]
  2. Part (b)

    From part (a), $\cos^2 3x=(1+\cos6x)/2$. Therefore

    \[\int_{\pi/12}^{\pi/8}(5-4\cos^2 3x)\,dx =\int_{\pi/12}^{\pi/8}(3-2\cos6x)\,dx =\left[3x-\frac13\sin6x\right]_{\pi/12}^{\pi/8}.\]

    Since $\sin(3\pi/4)=\sqrt2/2$ and $\sin(\pi/2)=1$, the result is

    \[\frac{3\pi}{8}-\frac{\sqrt2}{6}-\left(\frac\pi4-\frac13\right).\]
    \[\boxed{\frac\pi8+\frac13-\frac{\sqrt2}{6}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\cos2A=2\cos^2 A-1$ (b) $\frac\pi8+\frac13-\frac{\sqrt2}{6}$

12. WMA13/01 January 2023 · Q2

Easy6 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 January 2023 Question 2 (6 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $R\cos(x-\alpha)=R\cos\alpha\cos x+R\sin\alpha\sin x$. Comparing coefficients gives $R\cos\alpha=1$ and $R\sin\alpha=2$. Thus $R^2=1^2+2^2=5$ and $\tan\alpha=2$. The specified first-quadrant phase is $\alpha=\arctan2=1.1071487\ldots$ radians.

    \[\boxed{R=\sqrt5,\qquad\alpha=1.107\ \text{radians}}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Using the exact phase $\alpha=\arctan2$, write $g(x)=3-7\sqrt5\cos(2x-\alpha)$. (i) The negative cosine coefficient means the maximum occurs when the cosine is $-1$; the maximum is $3+7\sqrt5$. (ii) $2x-\alpha=\pi+2n\pi$, so $x=(\pi+\alpha)/2+n\pi$. The $n=-1$ value is negative; $n=0$ is the smallest positive one, $x=2.1243706857\ldots$, or 2.12 to two decimal places.

    \[\boxed{\max g=3+7\sqrt5,\qquad x=2.12}\]
Final answer

(a) $R=\sqrt5,\qquad\alpha=1.107\ \text{radians}$ (b) $\max g=3+7\sqrt5,\qquad x=2.12$

13. WMA13/01 October 2022 · Q6

Easy6 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 October 2022 Question 6 (6 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Part (main)

    With $y=(2+3\sin x)/(\cos x+\sin x)$, the quotient rule gives

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{3\cos x(\cos x+\sin x)-(2+3\sin x)(\cos x-\sin x)}{(\cos x+\sin x)^2}.\]

    Expand the numerator and cancel the opposite mixed terms:

    \[3\cos^2x+3\sin^2x-2\cos x+2\sin x=3-2\cos x+2\sin x.\]

    The denominator is $1+2\sin x\cos x$. Divide numerator and denominator by $\cos x$ to obtain

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2\tan x+3\sec x-2}{\sec x+2\sin x}.\]

    This displayed form is used where its trigonometric terms are defined; the preceding quotient form also covers points with $\cos x=0$ when the original denominator is nonzero.

    \[\boxed{a=2,\quad b=3,\quad c=-2}\]
Final answer

(main) $a=2,\quad b=3,\quad c=-2$

14. WMA13/01 January 2026 · Q6

Medium7 marks
WMA13/01 January 2026 Question 6 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expanding the compound angle,

    \[2\bigl(\cos\theta\cos60^\circ+\sin\theta\sin60^\circ\bigr)=3\sin\theta,\]

    so $\cos\theta+\sqrt3\sin\theta=3\sin\theta$ and $\cos\theta=(3-\sqrt3)\sin\theta$. If $\cos\theta=0$, this equation would require $\sin\theta=0$, which is impossible. We may therefore divide by $\cos\theta$:

    \[\tan\theta=\frac1{3-\sqrt3} =\frac{3+\sqrt3}{9-3}=\frac{3+\sqrt3}{6}.\]
  2. Part (b)

    Set $\theta=2x-10^\circ$, so $2x-70^\circ=\theta-60^\circ$ and $-10^\circ\le\theta\lt 350^\circ$.

    \[\theta=\arctan\!\left(\frac{3+\sqrt3}{6}\right)+180^\circ n =38.2619662\ldots^\circ+180^\circ n.\]

    The admissible values are $38.2619662\ldots^\circ$ and $218.2619662\ldots^\circ$. Hence $x=(\theta+10^\circ)/2$, giving $x=24.1^\circ$ or $114.1^\circ$ (1 decimal place).

Final answer

(a) $\frac{3+\sqrt3}{6}$ (b) $x=24.1^\circ\text{ or }114.1^\circ$

15. WMA13/01 May/June 2025 · Q2

Medium7 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 May/June 2025 Question 2 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $R\cos(x+\alpha)=R\cos\alpha\cos x-R\sin\alpha\sin x$. Comparing coefficients gives

    \[R\cos\alpha=7,\qquad R\sin\alpha=24.\]

    Hence

    \[R=\sqrt{7^2+24^2}=\boxed{25},\qquad \alpha=\arctan\frac{24}{7}=1.287002\ldots=\boxed{1.287\text{ radians}}.\]

    Thus $f(x)=25\cos(x+\alpha)$, using the unrounded $\alpha$ in subsequent calculations.

  2. Part (i)

    Since $-25\leq f(2x)\leq25$, the positive denominator $90-3f(2x)$ lies between $15$ and $165$. The smallest reciprocal occurs at the largest denominator:

    \[\boxed{g_{\min}=\frac5{165}=\frac1{33}}.\]
  3. Part (ii)

    The minimum requires $f(2x)=-25$, so

    \[\cos(2x+\alpha)=-1,\qquad 2x+\alpha=\pi+2n\pi.\]

    Since $0\lt \alpha\lt \pi/2$, the first positive solution uses $n=0$:

    \[x=\frac{\pi-\arctan(24/7)}2=0.927295\ldots=\boxed{0.927}.\]
Final answer

(a) $25$, $1.287\text{ radians}$ (i) $g_{\min}=\frac5{165}=\frac1{33}$ (ii) $0.927$ (b)(i) $g_{\min}=\frac5{165}=\frac1{33}$ (b)(ii) $\boxed{0.927}$

16. WMA13/01 January 2024 · Q6

Medium7 marks · main topic: Applications of Differentiation
WMA13/01 January 2024 Question 6 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Since $2e^{3\sin x}\gt 0$, zeros occur when $\cos x=0$. The labelled point R is the right-hand crossing, at $x=3\pi/2$.

    \[\boxed{R=\left(\frac{3\pi}{2},0\right)}\]
  2. Part (b)

    For $f(x)=2e^{3\sin x}\cos x$, the product and chain rules give

    \[f'(x)=2\left(3e^{3\sin x}\cos^2x-e^{3\sin x}\sin x\right) =2e^{3\sin x}(3\cos^2x-\sin x).\]

    At a turning point the derivative is zero. The exponential factor is nonzero, so $3\cos^2x-\sin x=0$. Substitute $\cos^2x=1-\sin^2x$ and rearrange: $3-3\sin^2x-\sin x=0$.

    \[\boxed{3\sin^2x+\sin x-3=0,\quad a=3,\ b=1,\ c=-3}\]
  3. Part (c)

    Solving $3s^2+s-3=0$ for $s=\sin x$ gives

    \[s=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{37}}6.\]

    The negative root is less than $-1$, so it is impossible for a real sine. Let $\beta=\arcsin((\sqrt{37}-1)/6)$ in the first quadrant. The labelled minimum Q lies in the second quadrant, hence $x_Q=\pi-\beta=2.131037293\ldots$.

    \[\boxed{x_Q=2.131}\]
Final answer

(a) $R=\left(\frac{3\pi}{2},0\right)$ (b) $3\sin^2x+\sin x-3=0,\quad a=3,\ b=1,\ c=-3$ (c) $x_Q=2.131$

17. WMA13/01 May/June 2023 · Q3

Medium7 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 May/June 2023 Question 3 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (i)

    Differentiate the logarithm directly on its domain $\sin3x\ne0$:

    \[\frac{d}{dx}\ln(\sin^2 3x) =\frac{2\sin3x\cos3x\cdot3}{\sin^2 3x}=6\cot3x.\]

    This does not assume $\sin3x\gt 0$; the logarithm's argument is its square.

    \[\boxed{6\cot3x}\]
  2. Part (ii)(a)

    Apply the power and chain rules:

    \[\frac{d}{dx}(3x^2-4)^6=6(3x^2-4)^5(6x)=36x(3x^2-4)^5.\]
    \[\boxed{36x(3x^2-4)^5}\]
  3. Part (ii)(b)

    From part (ii)(a), an antiderivative of $x(3x^2-4)^5$ is $(3x^2-4)^6/36$.

    \[R=\left[\frac{(3x^2-4)^6}{36}\right]_0^{\sqrt2} =\frac{2^6-(-4)^6}{36}=\frac{64-4096}{36}=-112.\]
    \[\boxed{R=-112}\]
Final answer

(i) $6\cot3x$ (ii)(a) $36x(3x^2-4)^5$ (ii)(b) $R=-112$

18. WMA13/01 May/June 2023 · Q5

Medium7 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 May/June 2023 Question 5 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (i)

    The zero-product rule gives $x-2=0$ or $\sqrt3\sec x+2=0$. The first gives $x=2$, which lies in $(0,\pi)$ and has $\cos x\ne0$. The second gives $\cos x=-\sqrt3/2$; the only angle in the interval is $5\pi/6$.

    \[\boxed{x=2,\quad x=\frac{5\pi}{6}}\]
  2. Part (ii)

    Use $\cos2\theta=1-2\sin^2\theta$ and set $s=\sin\theta$:

    \[10s=3-6s^2\quad\Longrightarrow\quad6s^2+10s-3=0 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad s=\frac{-5\pm\sqrt{43}}6.\]

    The negative root is less than $-1$, so reject it. The positive root is $0.2595730874\ldots$. Its principal angle is $15.04473218\ldots^\circ$; the other solution is $180^\circ-15.04473218\ldots^\circ$. Both are in the given interval. To three significant figures:

    \[\boxed{\theta=15.0^\circ,\quad165^\circ}\]
Final answer

(i) $x=2,\quad x=\frac{5\pi}{6}$ (ii) $\theta=15.0^\circ,\quad165^\circ$

19. WMA13/01 October 2021 · Q4

Medium7 marks
WMA13/01 October 2021 Question 4 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand the compound angle using exact values:

    \[2(\sin\theta\cos30^{\circ}-\cos\theta\sin30^{\circ})=5\cos\theta \Longrightarrow\sqrt3\sin\theta-\cos\theta=5\cos\theta.\]

    Thus $\sqrt3\sin\theta=6\cos\theta$. If $\cos\theta=0$, this equation is impossible, so divide by $\sqrt3\cos\theta$: $\tan\theta=6/\sqrt3=2\sqrt3$.

    \[\boxed{\tan\theta=2\sqrt3}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Put $\theta=x+20^{\circ}$, so $x-10^{\circ}=\theta-30^{\circ}$. Part (a) gives $\tan(x+20^{\circ})=2\sqrt3$. Since $20^{\circ}\le\theta\le380^{\circ}$, the two permitted values are $\theta=73.89788625\ldots{}^{\circ}$ and $253.89788625\ldots{}^{\circ}$. Subtract $20^{\circ}$ from both and round last.

    \[\boxed{x=53.9^{\circ},\quad233.9^{\circ}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\tan\theta=2\sqrt3$ (b) $x=53.9^{\circ},\quad233.9^{\circ}$

20. WMA13/01 October 2021 · Q8

Medium7 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 October 2021 Question 8 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    The principal arcsine curve increases from $(-2,-\pi/2)$ through $(0,0)$ to $(2,\pi/2)$. It is concave down on the negative-x half, concave up on the positive-x half, and vertical at both ends.

    \[\boxed{y=\arcsin(x/2),\quad -2\le x\le2}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Differentiate the supplied inverse relation: $dx/dy=2\cos y$. For $-\pi/2\lt y\lt \pi/2$, cosine is positive, so $\cos y=\sqrt{1-\sin^2y}=\sqrt{1-x^2/4}$. Taking the reciprocal gives

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{2\cos y}=\frac1{\sqrt{4-x^2}},\qquad -2\lt x\lt 2.\]

    Thus $A=4$; the endpoints have vertical tangents, not finite derivatives.

    \[\boxed{A=4,\qquad\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{\sqrt{4-x^2}}}\]
  3. Part (c)

    At $y=\pi/4$, $x=2\sin(\pi/4)=\sqrt2$. The gradient is $1/\sqrt{4-2}=1/\sqrt2$. Hence $y-\pi/4=(x-\sqrt2)/\sqrt2$, so $y=x/\sqrt2+\pi/4-1$.

    \[\boxed{y=\frac{x}{\sqrt2}+\frac\pi4-1}\]
Final answer

(a) $y=\arcsin(x/2),\quad -2\le x\le2$ (b) $A=4,\qquad\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{\sqrt{4-x^2}}$ (c) $y=\frac{x}{\sqrt2}+\frac\pi4-1$

21. WMA13/01 October 2021 · Q10

Medium7 marks · main topic: Integration
WMA13/01 October 2021 Question 10 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand and use $\cos^22x=(1+\cos4x)/2$:

    \[(1+2\cos2x)^2=1+4\cos2x+4\cos^22x =3+4\cos2x+2\cos4x.\]
    \[\boxed{p=3,\quad q=4,\quad r=2}\]
  2. Part (b)

    The zeros satisfy $\cos2x=-1/2$. The first two positive values are $x=\pi/3$ and $x=2\pi/3$, so $a=2\pi/3$. The squared curve is nonnegative, so integrate directly for the total shaded area:

    \[\mathcal A=\int_0^{2\pi/3}(3+4\cos2x+2\cos4x)\,dx =\left[3x+2\sin2x+\tfrac12\sin4x\right]_0^{2\pi/3}.\]

    Use $\sin(4\pi/3)=-\sqrt3/2$ and $\sin(8\pi/3)=\sqrt3/2$ to obtain $\mathcal A=2\pi-\sqrt3+\sqrt3/4=2\pi-3\sqrt3/4$.

    \[\boxed{2\pi-\frac{3\sqrt3}{4}}\]
Final answer

(a) $p=3,\quad q=4,\quad r=2$ (b) $2\pi-\frac{3\sqrt3}{4}$

22. WMA13/01 May/June 2021 · Q1

Medium7 marks · main topic: Numerical Methods
WMA13/01 May/June 2021 Question 1 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Using the product and chain rules,

    \[y'=2x\cos(x/2)-\frac{x^2}{2}\sin(x/2).\]

    At a stationary point, divide by $x/2$, since $x\gt 0$, to obtain $4\cos(x/2)=x\sin(x/2)$. The endpoint $x=\pi$ does not satisfy this equation, so at P we have $0\lt x\lt \pi$ and $\cos(x/2)\gt 0$. Hence $\tan(x/2)=4/x$. The principal arctangent is valid because $0\lt x/2\lt \pi/2$:

    \[x=2\arctan(4/x).\]
    \[\boxed{x=2\arctan(4/x)}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Use radian mode and retain full calculator precision between iterations:

    \[\begin{array}{c|rrrrrr}n&1&2&3&4&5&6\\\hline x_n&2&2.214297436&2.130426058&2.162810067&2.150238622&2.155108774 \end{array}\]

    Thus the requested second and sixth terms, not the limiting value, are as below.

    \[\boxed{x_2=2.214,\qquad x_6=2.155}\]
Final answer

(a) $x=2\arctan(4/x)$ (b) $x_2=2.214,\qquad x_6=2.155$

23. WMA13/01 January 2020 · Q9

Medium7 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 January 2020 Question 9 (7 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expanding the required form gives

    \[R\cos(\theta+\alpha) =R\cos\alpha\cos\theta-R\sin\alpha\sin\theta.\]

    Comparing coefficients with \(5\cos\theta-4\sin\theta\),

    \[R\cos\alpha=5,\qquad R\sin\alpha=4.\]

    Squaring and adding, using \(R\gt 0\), gives

    \[R^2=5^2+4^2=41\quad\Longrightarrow\quad\boxed{R=\sqrt{41}}.\]

    Also, since \(0\lt \alpha\lt \frac\pi2\),

    \[\tan\alpha=\frac45,\qquad \alpha=\arctan\!\left(\frac45\right)=0.6747409\ldots \quad\Longrightarrow\quad\boxed{\alpha=0.675\text{ radians (3 d.p.)}}.\]

    Thus the exact form is

    \[\boxed{f(\theta)=\sqrt{41}\cos\!\left(\theta+\arctan\!\frac45\right)}.\]
  2. Part (b)(i)

    A stretch parallel to the \(y\)-axis with scale factor \(\boxed{\sqrt{41}}\), taking \(y=\cos\theta\) to \(y=\sqrt{41}\cos\theta\).

  3. Part (b)(ii)

    A translation by the vector

    \[\boxed{\begin{pmatrix}-\alpha\\0\end{pmatrix}} =\begin{pmatrix}-\arctan(4/5)\\0\end{pmatrix} \approx\begin{pmatrix}-0.675\\0\end{pmatrix}.\]

    This moves the curve \(\alpha\) units to the left, giving \(y=\sqrt{41}\cos(\theta+\alpha)\).

  4. Part (c)

    Since \(\theta\) can be any real number,

    \[-\sqrt{41}\leq f(\theta)\leq\sqrt{41} \quad\Longrightarrow\quad 0\leq(f(\theta))^2\leq41.\]

    Hence \(4\leq4+(f(\theta))^2\leq45\). Taking reciprocals of these positive bounds and multiplying by \(90\) gives

    \[\boxed{2\leq g(\theta)\leq\frac{45}{2}}.\]

    Both endpoints are attained: the minimum occurs when \(f(\theta)=\pm\sqrt{41}\), and the maximum when \(f(\theta)=0\).

Final answer

(a) $R=\sqrt{41}$, $\alpha=0.675\text{ radians (3 d.p.)}$, $f(\theta)=\sqrt{41}\cos\!\left(\theta+\arctan\!\frac45\right)$ (b)(i) $\sqrt{41}$ (b)(ii) $\begin{pmatrix}-\alpha\\0\end{pmatrix}$ (c) $2\leq g(\theta)\leq\frac{45}{2}$

24. WMA13/01 May/June 2025 · Q8

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2025 Question 8 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Put $s=\sin x$ and $c=\cos x$. Using the addition and double-angle formulae,

    \[\sin3x=\sin2x\cos x+\cos2x\sin x=3sc^2-s^3,\]
    \[\cos3x=\cos2x\cos x-\sin2x\sin x=c^3-3s^2c.\]

    Where the stated expressions are defined, $c\ne0$ and $\cos3x\ne0$. Dividing numerator and denominator by $c^3$ gives

    \[\tan3x=\frac{3sc^2-s^3}{c^3-3s^2c} =\boxed{\frac{3\tan x-\tan^3x}{1-3\tan^2x}}.\]
  2. Part (b)

    By part (a), the equation is $\tan3\theta=2\sec^2 3\theta-8$. Set $u=\tan3\theta$ and use $\sec^2 3\theta=1+u^2$:

    \[u=2(1+u^2)-8\ \Longrightarrow\ 2u^2-u-6=0 \ \Longrightarrow\ (2u+3)(u-2)=0.\]

    Thus $\tan3\theta=2$ or $\tan3\theta=-3/2$. The transformed interval is $0\lt 3\theta\lt 3\pi/2$. Its three allowed angles are

    \[3\theta=\arctan2,\quad \pi-\arctan\frac32,\quad \pi+\arctan2.\]

    Consequently

    \[\theta=0.36904957\ldots,\quad0.71959964\ldots,\quad1.41624712\ldots,\]
    \[\boxed{\theta=0.37,\ 0.72,\ 1.42\text{ radians}}.\]

    None lies at an excluded pole of either side.

Final answer

(a) $\frac{3\tan x-\tan^3x}{1-3\tan^2x}$ (b) $\theta=0.37,\ 0.72,\ 1.42\text{ radians}$

25. WMA13/01 October 2024 · Q5

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 October 2024 Question 5 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $\sin(2x+x)$ using the addition formula:

    \[\sin3x=\sin2x\cos x+\cos2x\sin x =2\sin x\cos^2x+(1-2\sin^2x)\sin x.\]

    Now use $\cos^2x=1-\sin^2x$:

    \[\sin3x=2\sin x(1-\sin^2x)+\sin x-2\sin^3x =3\sin x-4\sin^3x.\]
    \[\boxed{P=3,\quad Q=-4}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Substitute the identity and $\sin2\theta=2\sin\theta\cos\theta$:

    \[6\sin\theta-8\sin^3\theta=10\sin\theta\cos\theta.\]

    Factor without dividing by $\sin\theta$:

    \[2\sin\theta(4\cos^2\theta-5\cos\theta-1)=0.\]

    If $\sin\theta=0$, the permitted solutions are $180^\circ$ and $360^\circ$ (not $0^\circ$). Otherwise $\cos\theta=(5\pm\sqrt{41})/8$. The plus value exceeds 1 and is rejected. The minus value gives $\theta=100.1013\ldots^\circ$ or $259.8986\ldots^\circ$.

    \[\boxed{\theta=100.1^\circ,\ 180^\circ,\ 259.9^\circ,\ 360^\circ}\]
Final answer

(a) $P=3,\quad Q=-4$ (b) $\theta=100.1^\circ,\ 180^\circ,\ 259.9^\circ,\ 360^\circ$

26. WMA13/01 May/June 2024 · Q7

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2024 Question 7 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand both compound angles:

    \[\sin x+\cos x=\frac12\cos x+\frac{\sqrt3}{2}\sin x.\]

    Thus $(2-\sqrt3)\sin x=-\cos x$. Here $\cos x\ne0$: otherwise this equation would require $\sin x=0$ as well, which is impossible. Dividing by $(2-\sqrt3)\cos x$ gives

    \[\tan x=-\frac1{2-\sqrt3} =-\frac{2+\sqrt3}{(2-\sqrt3)(2+\sqrt3)}.\]
    \[\boxed{\tan x=-2-\sqrt3}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Set $x=2\theta-45^\circ$. Then $x+45^\circ=2\theta$ and $x-60^\circ=2\theta-105^\circ$, so part (a) gives $\tan(2\theta-45^\circ)=-2-\sqrt3$. Since $\tan75^\circ=2+\sqrt3$,

    \[2\theta-45^\circ=-75^\circ+180^\circ k, \qquad\theta=-15^\circ+90^\circ k.\]

    In $0\le\theta\lt 180^\circ$, only $k=1,2$ are allowed. Substitution in the original equation confirms both values.

    \[\boxed{\theta=75^\circ,\ 165^\circ}\]
Final answer

(a) $\tan x=-2-\sqrt3$ (b) $\theta=75^\circ,\ 165^\circ$

27. WMA13/01 January 2024 · Q9

Medium8 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 January 2024 Question 9 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    The original equation is defined only when $\cos\theta+\sin\theta\ne0$ and $\cos2\theta\ne0$. Multiplying by $\cos\theta+\sin\theta$ gives

    \[3\sin\theta\cos\theta=(2+\sec2\theta)(\cos^2\theta-\sin^2\theta) =(2+\sec2\theta)\cos2\theta=2\cos2\theta+1.\]

    Using $2\sin\theta\cos\theta=\sin2\theta$, multiply through by 2: $3\sin2\theta=4\cos2\theta+2$.

    \[\boxed{3\sin2\theta-4\cos2\theta=2}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Write $3\sin2x-4\cos2x=5\sin(2x-\phi)$, where $\cos\phi=3/5$, $\sin\phi=4/5$ and $\phi=\arctan(4/3)$. Then $\sin(2x-\phi)=2/5$. Because $\pi\lt x\lt 3\pi/2$, $2\pi-\phi\lt 2x-\phi\lt 3\pi-\phi$, approximately $(5.356,8.497)$. With $\gamma=\arcsin(2/5)$, the only angle in this interval is $2\pi+\gamma$; $3\pi-\gamma\approx9.013$ is outside it. Thus

    \[x=\frac{2\pi+\arcsin(2/5)+\arctan(4/3)}2=3.810998686\ldots.\]

    At this value $\cos x+\sin x\ne0$ and $\cos2x\ne0$; direct substitution satisfies the original equation.

    \[\boxed{x=3.81}\]
Final answer

(a) $3\sin2\theta-4\cos2\theta=2$ (b) $x=3.81$

28. WMA13/01 October 2023 · Q8

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 October 2023 Question 8 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Starting from the left side and using double-angle identities,

    \[2\csc^2 2\theta(1-\cos2\theta) =\frac{2(2\sin^2\theta)}{(2\sin\theta\cos\theta)^2} =\frac1{\cos^2\theta}=\sec^2\theta=1+\tan^2\theta.\]

    These steps hold wherever the original expression is defined, so $\sin2\theta\ne0$; no claim is made at the excluded angles.

    \[\boxed{2\csc^2 2\theta(1-\cos2\theta)=1+\tan^2\theta}\]
  2. Part (b)

    By part (a), the equation becomes

    \[\sec^2x=4+3\sec x\quad\Longrightarrow\quad (\sec x-4)(\sec x+1)=0.\]

    The branch $\sec x=4$ gives $\cos x=1/4$ and hence $x=75.5225\ldots^\circ$ or $284.4775\ldots^\circ$. The other branch gives $\cos x=-1$, hence $x=180^\circ$ in the stated interval. Reject $180^\circ$: it is a multiple of $90^\circ$ and the original $\csc2x$ is undefined there. The two remaining angles satisfy the exclusions.

    \[\boxed{x=75.5^\circ,\qquad284.5^\circ}\]
Final answer

(a) $2\csc^2 2\theta(1-\cos2\theta)=1+\tan^2\theta$ (b) $x=75.5^\circ,\qquad284.5^\circ$

29. WMA13/01 May/June 2022 · Q7

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2022 Question 7 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    On the domain of the original equation, multiply by $\cos\theta$:

    \[2\sin\theta\cos\theta(3\cot^22\theta-7)=13 \ \Longrightarrow\ \sin2\theta(3\cot^22\theta-7)=13.\]

    Divide by the nonzero $\sin2\theta$ and use $\cot^2u=\csc^2u-1$:

    \[3(\csc^22\theta-1)-7=13\csc2\theta.\]

    Collect the terms to obtain the displayed equation.

    \[\boxed{3\csc^22\theta-13\csc2\theta-10=0}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Put $u=\csc2\theta$. Then $(3u+2)(u-5)=0$, so $u=5$ or $-2/3$. The second would give $\sin2\theta=-3/2$, which is impossible. For $0\lt \theta\lt \pi/2$, we have $0\lt 2\theta\lt \pi$. Thus

    \[2\theta=\arcsin(1/5)\quad\text{or}\quad\pi-\arcsin(1/5).\]

    Hence $\theta=0.1006789604\ldots$ or $1.4701173664\ldots$ radians. Both satisfy the original denominator restrictions.

    \[\boxed{\theta=0.101,\quad1.47\ \text{radians}}\]
Final answer

(a) $3\csc^22\theta-13\csc2\theta-10=0$ (b) $\theta=0.101,\quad1.47\ \text{radians}$

30. WMA13/01 January 2022 · Q9

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 January 2022 Question 9 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (i)

    Using $\sec^2x=1+\tan^2x$, the equation becomes $2\tan^2x-3\tan x=0$, or $\tan x(2\tan x-3)=0$. If $\tan x=0$, the given interval $0\lt x\le\pi$ contains only $x=\pi$. If $\tan x=3/2$, the sole root in this interval is $x=\arctan(3/2)=0.982793723\ldots$ radians. The excluded pole $x=\pi/2$ supplies no solution.

    \[\boxed{x=0.983\ \text{radians},\quad\pi}\]
  2. Part (ii)

    Use angle addition to expand:

    \[\sin3\theta=\sin2\theta\cos\theta+\cos2\theta\sin\theta =2\sin\theta\cos^2\theta+(1-2\sin^2\theta)\sin\theta =3\sin\theta-4\sin^3\theta,\]
    \[\cos3\theta=\cos2\theta\cos\theta-\sin2\theta\sin\theta =(2\cos^2\theta-1)\cos\theta-2\sin^2\theta\cos\theta =4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta.\]

    Where $\sin\theta\cos\theta\ne0$, divide by the stated denominators:

    \[\frac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}-\frac{\cos3\theta}{\cos\theta} =3-4\sin^2\theta-(4\cos^2\theta-3) =6-4(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta)=2.\]
    \[\boxed{\frac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}-\frac{\cos3\theta}{\cos\theta}=2}\]
Final answer

(i) $x=0.983\ \text{radians},\quad\pi$ (ii) $\frac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}-\frac{\cos3\theta}{\cos\theta}=2$

31. WMA13/01 October 2021 · Q6

Medium8 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 October 2021 Question 6 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (i)

    Differentiate to obtain $y'=6x/(x^2-5)-8x$. At a stationary point in $x\gt \sqrt5$, x is nonzero, so $6/(x^2-5)=8$, giving $6=8x^2-40$ and $x^2=23/4$. The original positive domain selects $x=\sqrt{23}/2$, which exceeds $\sqrt5$. Hence $p=23$.

    \[\boxed{p=23,\qquad x=\frac{\sqrt{23}}2}\]
  2. Part (ii)

    (a) Differentiate the squared sine with the chain rule: $y'=4-24\sin x\cos x=4-12\sin2x$. Thus $A=4$, $B=-12$. (b) Since $-1\le\sin2x\le1$, the largest derivative is attained when $\sin2x=-1$: $4-12(-1)=16$.

    \[\boxed{A=4,\quad B=-12;\qquad\text{maximum gradient}=16}\]
Final answer

(i) $p=23,\qquad x=\frac{\sqrt{23}}2$ (ii) $A=4,\quad B=-12;\qquad\text{maximum gradient}=16$

32. WMA13/01 May/June 2021 · Q9

Medium8 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 May/June 2021 Question 9 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $R\sin(x-\alpha)=R\cos\alpha\sin x-R\sin\alpha\cos x$. Therefore $R\cos\alpha=12$, $R\sin\alpha=5$. Thus $R=\sqrt{12^2+5^2}=13$ and $\alpha=\arctan(5/12)=0.3947911197\ldots$ radians, in the required first quadrant.

    \[\boxed{13\sin(x-0.395)\quad(R=13,\ \alpha=0.395\text{ rad})}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Write $g(\theta)=10+13\sin(2\theta-\pi/6-\alpha)$. (i) The minimum is $10-13=-3$. (ii) For sine to equal $-1$, $2\theta-\pi/6-\alpha=-\pi/2+2\pi n$. Hence $\theta=-\pi/6+\alpha/2+\pi n$. For $n=0$ this is negative, so the smallest permitted value uses $n=1$:

    \[\theta=\frac{5\pi}{6}+\frac12\arctan(5/12)=2.815389438\ldots\text{ radians}.\]

    Use the unrounded phase angle for the calculation.

    \[\boxed{\min g=-3;\qquad\theta_{\min}=\frac{5\pi}{6}+\frac12\arctan(5/12)}\]
  3. Part (c)

    As $\beta$ varies over the reals, $12\sin\beta-5\cos\beta$ covers $[-13,13]$. Its square therefore covers $[0,169]$, not $[169,169]$. Subtracting from 10 reverses the bounds, giving $[-159,10]$; both endpoints are attained.

    \[\boxed{-159\le h(\beta)\le10}\]
Final answer

(a) $13\sin(x-0.395)\quad(R=13,\ \alpha=0.395\text{ rad})$ (b) $\min g=-3;\qquad\theta_{\min}=\frac{5\pi}{6}+\frac12\arctan(5/12)$ (c) $-159\le h(\beta)\le10$

33. WMA13/01 January 2021 · Q6

Medium8 marks · main topic: Numerical Methods
WMA13/01 January 2021 Question 6 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    By the product and chain rules, $f'(x)=\cos(x/3)-(x/3)\sin(x/3)$.

    \[\boxed{f^{\prime}(x)=\cos(x/3)-\frac{x}{3}\sin(x/3)}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Set $f'(x)=0$: $\cos(x/3)=(x/3)\sin(x/3)$. At a solution, cosine cannot vanish (that would leave a nonzero right side), so $\tan(x/3)=3/x$. On the principal positive branch $0\lt x/3\lt \pi/2$, this gives

    \[x=3\arctan(3/x),\qquad k=3.\]

    This is the branch used by the supplied iteration for the root near 2.581. The original domain $x\gt 0$ also admits later tangent branches: in general $x=3\arctan(3/x)+3n\pi$. The principal-branch rearrangement must not be interpreted as listing every positive stationary point.

    \[\boxed{k=3;\quad x=3\arctan(3/x)\text{ on the selected branch}}\]
  3. Part (c)

    Using radians and $x_1=2.5$, the successive values are

    \[\begin{array}{c|rrrrrr}n&1&2&3&4&5&6\\\hline x_n&2.5&2.628174152&2.554102174&2.596526871&2.572101407&2.586122337 \end{array}\]

    Keep full precision between steps and round the requested terms only.

    \[\boxed{x_2=2.628,\qquad x_6=2.586}\]
  4. Part (d)

    Define $F(x)=\cos(x/3)-(x/3)\sin(x/3)$, which is continuous near 2.581. The rounding interval endpoints give

    \[F(2.5805)=0.0003467157\ldots\gt 0,\qquad F(2.5815)=-0.0003456897\ldots\lt 0.\]

    By continuity a root lies strictly between these endpoints; every number in this open interval rounds to 2.581 to three decimal places.

    \[\boxed{x=2.581\text{ correct to 3 d.p.}}\]
Final answer

(a) $f^{\prime}(x)=\cos(x/3)-\frac{x}{3}\sin(x/3)$ (b) $k=3;\quad x=3\arctan(3/x)\text{ on the selected branch}$ (c) $x_2=2.628,\qquad x_6=2.586$ (d) $x=2.581\text{ correct to 3 d.p.}$

34. WMA13/01 October 2020 · Q5

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 October 2020 Question 5 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Start with the angle-addition identity:

    \[\sin3x=\sin(2x+x)=\sin2x\cos x+\cos2x\sin x.\]

    Using $\sin2x=2\sin x\cos x$ and $\cos2x=1-2\sin^2x$,

    \[\sin3x=2\sin x\cos^2x+(1-2\sin^2x)\sin x =2\sin x(1-\sin^2x)+\sin x-2\sin^3x =3\sin x-4\sin^3x.\]
    \[\boxed{\sin3x\equiv3\sin x-4\sin^3x}\]
  2. Part (b)

    From (a), $\sin^3x=(3\sin x-\sin3x)/4$. Therefore, using algebraic integration,

    \[\int_0^{\pi/3}\sin^3x\,dx =\left[-\frac34\cos x+\frac1{12}\cos3x\right]_0^{\pi/3} =\left(-\frac38-\frac1{12}\right)-\left(-\frac34+\frac1{12}\right) =\frac5{24}.\]
    \[\boxed{\frac5{24}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\sin3x\equiv3\sin x-4\sin^3x$ (b) $\frac5{24}$

35. WMA13/01 January 2020 · Q5

Medium8 marks
WMA13/01 January 2020 Question 5 (8 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Let $t=\tan x$. For the original equation to be defined, $\sin x\ne0$, $\cos x\ne0$ and $\cos 2x\ne0$; hence $t\ne0$ and $t^2\ne1$. Using the double-angle and reciprocal identities,

    \[\tan 2x=\frac{2\tan x}{1-\tan^2x}=\frac{2t}{1-t^2}, \qquad \cot x=\frac1t, \qquad \sec^2x=1+t^2.\]

    Substituting into the equation gives

    \[\frac{24t}{1-t^2}+\frac{5(1+t^2)}{t}=0.\]

    Multiply by the nonzero quantity $t(1-t^2)$ and expand:

    \[\begin{aligned} 24t^2+5(1+t^2)(1-t^2)&=0,\\ 24t^2+5-5t^4&=0. \end{aligned}\]

    Therefore

    \[\boxed{5t^4-24t^2-5=0.}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Factor the quadratic in $t^2$:

    \[(5t^2+1)(t^2-5)=0 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad t^2=-\frac15\quad\hbox{or}\quad t^2=5.\]

    Since $t$ is real, $t^2\ge0$, so discard $t^2=-1/5$. Thus

    \[\tan x=t=\pm\sqrt5.\]

    In degrees, let

    \[\alpha=\tan^{-1}(\sqrt5)=65.905157\ldots{}^\circ.\]

    Tangent is positive in quadrants I and III and negative in quadrants II and IV. The four solutions in $0\le x\lt 360^\circ$ are therefore

    \[x=\alpha,\quad180^\circ-\alpha,\quad180^\circ+\alpha,\quad360^\circ-\alpha.\]

    These have finite, nonzero tangent with $t^2=5\ne1$, so every transformation in part (a) is reversible and all four satisfy the original equation. To one decimal place,

    \[\boxed{x=65.9^\circ,\quad114.1^\circ,\quad245.9^\circ,\quad294.1^\circ.}\]
Final answer

(a) $5t^4-24t^2-5=0$ (b) $x=65.9^\circ,\quad114.1^\circ,\quad245.9^\circ,\quad294.1^\circ$

36. WMA13/01 May/June 2026 · Q8

Hard9 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2026 Question 8 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    For angles where the original expression is defined,

    \[\frac{\sec\theta\,\operatorname{cosec}\theta}{4\operatorname{cosec}4\theta} =\frac{\sin4\theta}{4\sin\theta\cos\theta} =\frac{2\sin2\theta\cos2\theta}{2\sin2\theta} =\boxed{\cos2\theta}.\]
  2. Part (b)

    Divide the given equation by $4\operatorname{cosec}4\theta$ and use (a):

    \[5\cos^2\theta-9=3(1+\tan^2 2\theta)\cos2\theta =\frac3{\cos2\theta}.\]

    Use $\cos^2\theta=(1+\cos2\theta)/2$ and multiply by $2\cos2\theta$:

    \[(5\cos2\theta-13)\cos2\theta=6.\]

    Therefore

    \[\boxed{5\cos^2 2\theta-13\cos2\theta-6=0}, \qquad a=5,\ b=-13,\ c=-6.\]

    The divisions are valid on the domain of the original equation.

  3. Part (c)

    Set $u=\cos2x$:

    \[5u^2-13u-6=(5u+2)(u-3)=0.\]

    Reject $u=3$ because cosine lies between $-1$ and $1$. Thus $\cos2x=-2/5$. Since $0\lt 2x\lt 360^\circ$,

    \[2x=113.5781785\ldots^\circ\quad\hbox{or}\quad246.4218215\ldots^\circ.\]

    Hence $\boxed{x=56.8^\circ\text{ or }123.2^\circ}$ to one decimal place. Neither is an excluded multiple of $45^\circ$; these are all the solutions in the interval.

Final answer

(a) $\cos2\theta$ (b) $5\cos^2 2\theta-13\cos2\theta-6=0$ (c) $x=56.8^\circ\text{ or }123.2^\circ$

37. WMA13/01 January 2026 · Q9

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 January 2026 Question 9 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Use $2\sin x\cos x=\sin2x$ and $2\sin^2x=1-\cos2x$:

    \[h(x)=8+3\sin x\cos x-6\sin^2x =5+\frac32\sin2x+3\cos2x.\]

    Expanding $R\sin(2x+\alpha)$ and comparing coefficients gives

    \[R\cos\alpha=\frac32,\qquad R\sin\alpha=3.\]

    Therefore

    \[P=5,\qquad R=\sqrt{\frac94+9}=\frac{3\sqrt5}{2}, \qquad\alpha=\arctan(2)=1.107\ \text{radians (3 d.p.)}.\]

    Thus $h(x)=5+\frac{3\sqrt5}{2}\sin(2x+\alpha)$ with the exact angle $\alpha=\arctan(2)$.

  2. Part (b)

    The given interval includes two complete periods. The range is

    \[\left[5-\frac{3\sqrt5}{2},\ 5+\frac{3\sqrt5}{2}\right].\]
  3. Part (c)

    At a minimum, $\sin(2x+\alpha)=-1$, so

    \[2x+\alpha=\frac{3\pi}{2}+2\pi n, \qquad x=\frac{3\pi}{4}-\frac\alpha2+\pi n.\]

    On $0\le x\le2\pi$, $n=0$ and $n=1$ give the two minima. The larger coordinate is

    \[x_M=\frac{7\pi}{4}-\frac12\arctan(2)=4.944212785\ldots.\]
    \[x_M=4.94\quad\text{(3 significant figures)}.\]
Final answer

(a) $P=5,\ R=\frac{3\sqrt5}{2},\ \alpha=\arctan2$ (b) $\left[5-\frac{3\sqrt5}{2},\ 5+\frac{3\sqrt5}{2}\right]$ (c) $x_M=4.94$

38. WMA13/01 October 2025 · Q9

Hard9 marks
WMA13/01 October 2025 Question 9 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Use $2\sin^2\theta=1-\cos2\theta$, $\cot2\theta=\cos2\theta/\sin2\theta$, and $2\sin\theta\cos\theta=\sin2\theta$:

    \[6\sin^2\theta\cot2\theta+4\sin\theta\cos\theta =\frac{3(1-\cos2\theta)\cos2\theta}{\sin2\theta}+2\sin2\theta.\]

    This is in terms of $\sin2\theta$ and $\cos2\theta$ only, on the original domain $\sin2\theta\ne0$.

  2. Part (b)

    Substitute the preceding expression and multiply by $\sin2\theta$:

    \[3\cos2\theta-14\sin2\theta =3\cos2\theta-3\cos^22\theta+2\sin^22\theta.\]

    Cancel $3\cos2\theta$ and use $\cos^22\theta=1-\sin^22\theta$:

    \[-14\sin2\theta=-3+5\sin^22\theta.\]

    Hence $5\sin^22\theta+14\sin2\theta-3=0$.

  3. Part (c)

    Let $s=\sin2x$. Then $(5s-1)(s+3)=0$, so $s=1/5$ or $s=-3$. The latter is impossible. As $0\lt 2x\lt 180^\circ$,

    \[2x=\arcsin(1/5)=11.53695903\ldots^\circ \quad\hbox{or}\quad 180^\circ-11.53695903\ldots^\circ.\]

    Therefore $x=5.8^\circ$ or $84.2^\circ$ to one decimal place. Both have nonzero $\sin2x$, so the original cotangent is defined.

Final answer

(a) $3*(1-cos(2*theta))*cos(2*theta)/sin(2*theta)+2*sin(2*theta)$ (b) Shown, as required. (c) $5.8 degrees$; $84.2 degrees$

39. WMA13/01 May/June 2025 · Q7

Hard9 marks · main topic: Numerical Methods
WMA13/01 May/June 2025 Question 7 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Apply the product and chain rules:

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=e^{-x^2}\bigl(3\cos3x-2x\sin3x\bigr).\]

    Since $e^{-x^2}\gt 0$, a stationary point satisfies

    \[3\cos3x=2x\sin3x.\]

    Neither endpoint $x=0,\pi/3$ is stationary. In the interior $\sin3x\gt 0$ and $x\gt 0$, so $\cos3x\gt 0$ at a stationary point and $0\lt 3x\lt \pi/2$. Therefore division and the principal inverse tangent are valid:

    \[\tan3x=\frac3{2x}\quad\Longrightarrow\quad \boxed{x=\frac13\arctan\left(\frac3{2x}\right)}.\]
  2. Part (b)

    Work in radians and retain calculator precision between iterations:

    \[x_2=\frac13\arctan\frac3{0.8}=0.4367313117\ldots,\]
    \[x_3=0.4291581882\ldots,\qquad x_4=0.4307116849\ldots.\]

    Thus (i) $\boxed{x_2=0.4367}$ and (ii) $\boxed{x_4=0.4307}$.

  3. Part (c)

    Let $h(x)=3\cos3x-2x\sin3x$, which is continuous. At the rounding boundaries,

    \[h(0.4295)=0.0106861\ldots\gt 0,\qquad h(0.4305)=-0.000598027\ldots\lt 0.\]

    The sign change places a root strictly between $0.4295$ and $0.4305$. On $0\lt x\lt \pi/6$, $h'(x)=-11\sin3x-6x\cos3x\lt 0$, so the stationary root is unique; for $\pi/6\leq x\leq\pi/3$, $h(x)\lt 0$. Hence the $x$ coordinate of $P$ is $\boxed{0.430\text{ to 3 decimal places}}$.

Final answer

(a) $x=\frac13\arctan\left(\frac3{2x}\right)$ (b) $x_2=0.4367$, $x_4=0.4307$ (c) $0.430\text{ to 3 decimal places}$

40. WMA13/01 January 2025 · Q8

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 January 2025 Question 8 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (i)

    Use $\csc\theta=1/\sin\theta$. Since $0\lt \theta\lt \pi$, $\sin\theta\ne0$ and

    \[\frac3{\sin\theta}=8\cos\theta\quad\Longrightarrow\quad 3=8\sin\theta\cos\theta=4\sin2\theta.\]

    Thus $\sin2\theta=3/4$. Since $0\lt 2\theta\lt 2\pi$, the two possibilities are

    \[2\theta=\arcsin(3/4)\quad\text{or}\quad2\theta=\pi-\arcsin(3/4).\]

    They give $\theta=0.4240310395\ldots$ and $1.1467652873\ldots$ radians.

    \[\boxed{\theta=0.424,\ 1.15\text{ radians}}\]
  2. Part (ii)

    Apply the tangent subtraction identity:

    \[\frac{\tan2x-\tan70^\circ}{1+\tan2x\tan70^\circ} =\tan(2x-70^\circ)=-\frac38.\]

    Set $u=2x-70^\circ$. The interval becomes $-70^\circ\lt u\lt 290^\circ$. With $\arctan(-3/8)=-20.5560452196\ldots^\circ$, the permitted values are $u=-20.5560452196\ldots^\circ$ and $159.4439547804\ldots^\circ$. Adding $70^\circ$ and halving gives $x=24.7219773902\ldots^\circ$ and $114.7219773902\ldots^\circ$. Both keep the original tangents and denominator defined.

    \[\boxed{x=24.7^\circ,\ 114.7^\circ}\]
Final answer

(i) $\theta=0.424,\ 1.15\text{ radians}$ (ii) $x=24.7^\circ,\ 114.7^\circ$

41. WMA13/01 January 2025 · Q10

Hard9 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 January 2025 Question 10 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Differentiate $x=3\cos2y$ with respect to $y$ using the chain rule:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=3(-\sin2y)\cdot2=-6\sin2y.\]
    \[\boxed{\frac{dx}{dy}=-6\sin2y}\]
  2. Part (b)

    For $0\lt y\lt \pi/2$, $\sin2y\gt 0$ and

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{dx/dy}=-\frac1{6\sin2y}.\]

    Since $\cos2y=x/3$ and the sine is positive on this interval,

    \[\sin2y=\sqrt{1-\cos^22y}=\sqrt{1-x^2/9}=\frac{\sqrt{9-x^2}}3.\]

    Consequently $dy/dx=-1/(2\sqrt{9-x^2})$, valid for $-3\lt x\lt 3$. The endpoint tangents are vertical; there is no finite derivative there.

    \[\boxed{\frac{dy}{dx}=-\frac1{2\sqrt{9-x^2}},\qquad k=-\frac12}\]
  3. Part (c)

    Set the gradient equal to $-1/4$:

    \[-\frac1{2\sqrt{9-a^2}}=-\frac14 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad \sqrt{9-a^2}=2 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad a^2=5.\]

    Because $a\gt 0$, take $a=\sqrt5$. Substitute into $a=3\cos2b$:

    \[\cos2b=\frac{\sqrt5}{3}\quad\Longrightarrow\quad b=\frac12\arccos\!\left(\frac{\sqrt5}{3}\right).\]

    Here $0\lt 2b\lt \pi/2$ since both coordinates are positive, so the principal arccos value is the required one.

    \[\boxed{a=\sqrt5,\qquad b=\frac12\arccos\!\left(\frac{\sqrt5}{3}\right)}\]
Final answer

(a) $\frac{dx}{dy}=-6\sin2y$ (b) $\frac{dy}{dx}=-\frac1{2\sqrt{9-x^2}},\qquad k=-\frac12$ (c) $a=\sqrt5,\qquad b=\frac12\arccos\!\left(\frac{\sqrt5}{3}\right)$

42. WMA13/01 May/June 2024 · Q4

Hard9 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2024 Question 4 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Use $\sin2x=2\sin x\cos x$ and $2\cos^2x=1+\cos2x$:

    \[f(x)=4\sin2x+2(1+\cos2x)-3=4\sin2x+2\cos2x-1.\]
    \[\boxed{a=4,\quad b=2,\quad c=-1}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Expanding $R\sin(2x+\alpha)$ and matching coefficients gives

    \[R\cos\alpha=4,\qquad R\sin\alpha=2.\]

    Squaring and adding, $R^2=20$, so $R=2\sqrt5$ since $R\gt 0$. Also $\tan\alpha=1/2$, and $0\lt \alpha\lt \pi/2$ selects $\alpha=\arctan(1/2)=0.463647609\ldots$ radians. Thus $f(x)=2\sqrt5\sin(2x+\arctan(1/2))-1$. With the phase displayed to 3 significant figures, $f(x)\approx2\sqrt5\sin(2x+0.464)-1$.

    \[\boxed{R=2\sqrt5,\quad\alpha=0.464\ \text{radians},\quad c=-1}\]
  3. Part (c)

    (i) The sine term has maximum 1, hence the maximum of $f$ is $2\sqrt5-1$. (ii) Maxima occur when

    \[2x+\alpha=\frac\pi2+2k\pi, \qquad x=\frac\pi4-\frac\alpha2+k\pi.\]

    The value for $k=0$ is $0.553574\ldots\gt 0$, while $k=-1$ is negative. The second positive value therefore has $k=1$:

    \[x=\frac{5\pi}{4}-\frac12\arctan(1/2)=3.695167\ldots.\]
    \[\boxed{\max f=2\sqrt5-1,\quad x=3.70\ \text{radians}}\]
Final answer

(a) $a=4,\quad b=2,\quad c=-1$ (b) $R=2\sqrt5,\quad\alpha=0.464\ \text{radians},\quad c=-1$ (c) $\max f=2\sqrt5-1,\quad x=3.70\ \text{radians}$

43. WMA13/01 October 2023 · Q10

Hard9 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 October 2023 Question 10 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    At $x=1/4$, $\sin^2 4y=1/4$. Since $0\le4y\le\pi/2$,

    \[\sin4y=\frac12\quad\Longrightarrow\quad4y=\frac\pi6.\]

    Only this branch lies in the given range of $y$.

    \[\boxed{y=\frac\pi{24}}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Differentiate $x=(\sin4y)^2$ with respect to $y$:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=2\sin4y\,(4\cos4y).\]
    \[\boxed{\frac{dx}{dy}=8\sin4y\cos4y}\]
  3. Part (c)

    On the interior of the given interval, $\sin4y=\sqrt{x}$ and $\cos4y=\sqrt{1-x}$ are positive. Taking the reciprocal,

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{8\sqrt{x}\sqrt{1-x}} =\frac1{\sqrt{64x-64x^2}}.\]

    Complete the square:

    \[64x-64x^2=16-64\left(x-\frac12\right)^2.\]

    Thus $dy/dx=(q+r(x+s)^2)^{-1/2}$ has the constants below, with $0\lt x\lt 1$ for a finite derivative; the endpoints have vertical tangents.

    \[\boxed{q=16,\qquad r=-64,\qquad s=-\frac12}\]
  4. Part (d)

    The derivative is positive. Its minimum occurs when the square root in the denominator is largest. Since $(x-1/2)^2\ge0$, the largest radicand is 16, attained at $x=1/2$. Hence the smallest gradient is $1/\sqrt{16}$.

    \[\boxed{\text{(i) }x=\frac12,\qquad\text{(ii) }\min\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac14}\]
Final answer

(a) $y=\frac\pi{24}$ (b) $\frac{dx}{dy}=8\sin4y\cos4y$ (c) $q=16,\qquad r=-64,\qquad s=-\frac12$ (d) $\text{(i) }x=\frac12,\qquad\text{(ii) }\min\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac14$

44. WMA13/01 January 2023 · Q5

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 January 2023 Question 5 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    For $x\ne n\pi/2$, both sine and cosine are nonzero. Then

    \[\cot^2x-\tan^2x=\frac{\cos^4x-\sin^4x}{\sin^2x\cos^2x} =\frac{(\cos^2x-\sin^2x)(\cos^2x+\sin^2x)}{\sin^2x\cos^2x} =\frac{\cos2x}{\tfrac14\sin^22x} =4\frac{\cos2x}{\sin2x}\frac1{\sin2x} =4\cot2x\csc2x.\]
    \[\boxed{\cot^2x-\tan^2x=4\cot2x\csc2x}\]
  2. Part (b)

    By part (a), the equation is $\cot^2\theta-\tan^2\theta=2\tan^2\theta$, so $\cot^2\theta=3\tan^2\theta$. The original expression excludes $\theta=0$ in the stated interval, so $\tan\theta\ne0$ and multiplication by $\tan^2\theta$ gives

    \[1=3\tan^4\theta\quad\Longrightarrow\quad \tan\theta=\pm3^{-1/4}.\]

    Tangent is one-to-one on $(-\pi/2,\pi/2)$; the two angles are $\pm\arctan(3^{-1/4})=\pm0.6497662865\ldots$ radians. Both are valid and nonzero. To two decimal places:

    \[\boxed{\theta=-0.65,\quad0.65\ \text{radians}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\cot^2x-\tan^2x=4\cot2x\csc2x$ (b) $\theta=-0.65,\quad0.65\ \text{radians}$

45. WMA13/01 January 2023 · Q7

Hard9 marks · main topic: Applications of Differentiation
WMA13/01 January 2023 Question 7 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Put $u=y-\pi/6$. Since $x=3\tan u$,

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=3\sec^2u=3(1+\tan^2u) =3\left(1+\frac{x^2}{9}\right)=\frac{x^2+9}{3}.\]

    This is positive for all real $x$, so we may take the reciprocal: $dy/dx=3/(x^2+9)$. Thus the required integers are $a=3$, $b=9$.

    \[\boxed{\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac3{x^2+9},\qquad a=3,\quad b=9}\]
  2. Part (b)

    At $y=\pi/3$, $x=3\tan(\pi/3-\pi/6)=3\tan(\pi/6)=\sqrt3$. The tangent gradient is $3/((\sqrt3)^2+9)=1/4$. Its point-gradient equation is

    \[y-\frac\pi3=\frac14(x-\sqrt3).\]

    At its x-axis crossing $y=0$, $-4\pi/3=x-\sqrt3$.

    \[\boxed{x_Q=\sqrt3-\frac{4\pi}{3}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac3{x^2+9},\qquad a=3,\quad b=9$ (b) $x_Q=\sqrt3-\frac{4\pi}{3}$

46. WMA13/01 October 2022 · Q8

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 October 2022 Question 8 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $R\sin(x-\alpha)=R\cos\alpha\sin x-R\sin\alpha\cos x$. Thus $R\cos\alpha=8$, $R\sin\alpha=15$, so $R=\sqrt{64+225}=17$ and $\alpha=\arctan(15/8)=1.0808390005\ldots$ radians, in the required quadrant.

    \[\boxed{R=17,\qquad\alpha=1.081\ \text{radians}}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Using the exact phase from (a),

    \[f(x)=\frac{15}{41+34\sin(x-\alpha)}.\]

    The denominator lies between 7 and 75, so it is always positive. (i) The smallest fraction occurs at its largest denominator: $f_{\min}=15/75=1/5$. (ii) This occurs when $x-\alpha=\pi/2+2n\pi$. The smallest positive value is $x=\alpha+\pi/2=2.6516353273\ldots$, or 2.65 to three significant figures.

    \[\boxed{f_{\min}=\frac15,\qquad x=2.65}\]
  3. Part (c)

    The transformation $2f(x)-5$ preserves the locations of minima and maps their y coordinate to $2(1/5)-5=-23/5$.

    \[\boxed{y=-\frac{23}{5}}\]
  4. Part (d)

    Reflection in the x-axis changes minima of f into maxima of $-f$. The argument $2x$ halves their x coordinates, so the first positive maximum is at

    \[x=\frac{\alpha+\pi/2}{2}=1.3258176637\ldots\approx1.33.\]
    \[\boxed{x=1.33}\]
Final answer

(a) $R=17,\qquad\alpha=1.081\ \text{radians}$ (b) $f_{\min}=\frac15,\qquad x=2.65$ (c) $y=-\frac{23}{5}$ (d) $x=1.33$

47. WMA13/01 October 2022 · Q9

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 October 2022 Question 9 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Write $s=\sin\theta$. The compound-angle formula gives

    \[\sin3\theta=\sin(2\theta+\theta) =2\sin\theta\cos^2\theta+(1-2\sin^2\theta)\sin\theta=3s-4s^3.\]

    Hence

    \[\cos2\theta-\sin3\theta=1-2s^2-3s+4s^3 =(1-s)(1-2s-4s^2),\quad\cos^2\theta=(1-s)(1+s).\]

    The given nonzero denominator ensures that $1-s\ne0$ and the other factor is nonzero. Cancel the common factor to obtain the required identity.

    \[\boxed{\frac{\cos^2\theta}{\cos2\theta-\sin3\theta}=\frac{1+\sin\theta}{1-2\sin\theta-4\sin^2\theta}}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Use (a) and $\csc\theta=1/\sin\theta$. With $s=\sin\theta\ne0$,

    \[\frac{1+s}{1-2s-4s^2}=\frac2s \ \Longrightarrow\ s+s^2=2-4s-8s^2 \ \Longrightarrow\ 9s^2+5s-2=0.\]

    Thus $s=(-5\pm\sqrt{97})/18$, approximately $0.269380989$ and $-0.824936545$. Both lie in $[-1,1]$, are nonzero, and satisfy the original nonzero-denominator condition. The positive value gives $15.6274\ldots^\circ$ and $164.3726\ldots^\circ$; the negative value gives $235.5821\ldots^\circ$ and $304.4179\ldots^\circ$. All four angles lie in $0\lt \theta\le360^\circ$.

    \[\boxed{\theta=15.6^\circ,\ 164.4^\circ,\ 235.6^\circ,\ 304.4^\circ}\]
Final answer

(a) $\frac{\cos^2\theta}{\cos2\theta-\sin3\theta}=\frac{1+\sin\theta}{1-2\sin\theta-4\sin^2\theta}$ (b) $\theta=15.6^\circ,\ 164.4^\circ,\ 235.6^\circ,\ 304.4^\circ$

48. WMA13/01 May/June 2022 · Q9

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 May/June 2022 Question 9 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Differentiate by the quotient rule:

    \[y'=\frac{-2\sin x(1+\sin x)-(1+2\cos x)\cos x}{(1+\sin x)^2} =\frac{-2\sin x-\cos x-2(\sin^2x+\cos^2x)}{(1+\sin x)^2} =\frac{-2\sin x-\cos x-2}{(1+\sin x)^2}.\]

    Inside the stated interval, $1+\sin x\gt 0$. At the interior minimum M, $y'=0$, so its numerator is zero, giving the required equation.

    \[\boxed{2\sin x+\cos x=-2}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Write $2\sin x+\cos x=\sqrt5\sin(x+\beta)$, where $\cos\beta=2/\sqrt5$, $\sin\beta=1/\sqrt5$ and $\beta=\arctan(1/2)$. The equation becomes $\sin(x+\beta)=-2/\sqrt5$. Let $\gamma=\arcsin(2/\sqrt5)$, so $\gamma+\beta=\pi/2$. The solutions in the closed boundary range include $x=-\pi/2$, $3\pi/2$, and

    \[x=\pi+\gamma-\beta=3.7850937624\ldots.\]

    Both boundary values are outside the original open domain (and make its denominator zero). The sole interior stationary point is M; the derivative changes from negative to positive there.

    \[\boxed{x_M=3.79}\]
Final answer

(a) $2\sin x+\cos x=-2$ (b) $x_M=3.79$

49. WMA13/01 May/June 2021 · Q2

Hard9 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2021 Question 2 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Use $1-\cos2x=2\sin^2x$ and $\sin2x=2\sin x\cos x$:

    \[\frac{1-\cos2x}{2\sin2x} =\frac{2\sin^2x}{4\sin x\cos x}=\frac12\tan x.\]

    The source excludes multiples of $90^\circ$, so the cancelled sine and denominator cosine are nonzero.

    \[\boxed{k=\frac12}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Part (a) reduces the equation to $(9/2)\tan\theta=2\sec^2\theta$. Set $u=\tan\theta$ and use $\sec^2\theta=1+\tan^2\theta$:

    \[4u^2-9u+4=0,\qquad u=\frac{9\pm\sqrt{17}}8.\]

    Both roots are positive. On $0\lt \theta\lt 90^\circ$, tangent is one-to-one, so each gives exactly one angle: $31.36697777\ldots{}^\circ$ and $58.63302223\ldots{}^\circ$.

    \[\boxed{\theta=31.4^\circ,\quad58.6^\circ}\]
Final answer

(a) $k=\frac12$ (b) $\theta=31.4^\circ,\quad58.6^\circ$

50. WMA13/01 January 2021 · Q7

Hard9 marks
WMA13/01 January 2021 Question 7 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Apply the double-angle identities to the left side:

    \[\frac{2\sin x\cos x}{\cos x}+\frac{1-2\sin^2x}{\sin x} =2\sin x+\frac1{\sin x}-2\sin x=\csc x.\]

    All divisions and cancellations are valid under the given exclusion $x\ne n\pi/2$.

    \[\boxed{\frac{\sin2x}{\cos x}+\frac{\cos2x}{\sin x}=\csc x}\]
  2. Part (b)

    Using (a) with $x=2\theta$ gives $7+\csc2\theta=3\cot^22\theta$. Set $u=\csc2\theta$ and use $\cot^22\theta=u^2-1$: $3u^2-u-10=(3u+5)(u-2)=0$. Thus $\sin2\theta=1/2$ or $\sin2\theta=-3/5$. As $-\pi\lt 2\theta\lt \pi$, the first gives $2\theta=\pi/6,5\pi/6$. Write $\gamma=\arcsin(3/5)$; the second gives $2\theta=-\gamma,-\pi+\gamma$. Therefore the four values are $\pi/12,5\pi/12,-0.3217505544\ldots,-1.249045772\ldots$. None makes an original sine or cosine denominator zero.

    \[\boxed{\theta=\frac\pi{12},\ \frac{5\pi}{12},\ -0.322,\ -1.25}\]
Final answer

(a) $\frac{\sin2x}{\cos x}+\frac{\cos2x}{\sin x}=\csc x$ (b) $\theta=\frac\pi{12},\ \frac{5\pi}{12},\ -0.322,\ -1.25$

51. WMA13/01 October 2020 · Q7

Hard9 marks · main topic: Trig Equations & R-Form
WMA13/01 October 2020 Question 7 (9 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    Expand $R\cos(x-\alpha)=R\cos\alpha\cos x+R\sin\alpha\sin x$. Matching coefficients gives $R\cos\alpha=1$, $R\sin\alpha=4$. Thus $R=\sqrt{1^2+4^2}=\sqrt{17}$ and $\tan\alpha=4$. Since $0\lt \alpha\lt \pi/2$, $\alpha=\arctan4=1.32581766\ldots$ radians.

    \[\boxed{R=\sqrt{17},\qquad\alpha=1.326\text{ radians}}\]
  2. Part (b)

    The model becomes $H=24/[3+\sqrt{17}\cos(t/2-\alpha)]$. For $0\le t\le6.5$, the phase lies between $-\alpha$ and $3.25-\alpha$; throughout this interval the denominator remains positive. Its maximum $3+\sqrt{17}$ is attained at $t=2\alpha=2.651635\ldots$, inside the time interval. The height is then smallest:

    \[H_{\min}=\frac{24}{3+\sqrt{17}}=3.369316876\ldots\ \mathrm m.\]

    To the nearest centimetre this is $3.37\ \mathrm m$ (337 cm).

    \[\boxed{H_{\min}=3.37\ \mathrm m}\]
  3. Part (c)

    For $H=10$, $3+\sqrt{17}\cos(t/2-\alpha)=24/10$, so

    \[\cos(t/2-\alpha)=-\frac{3}{5\sqrt{17}}.\]

    Let $\gamma=\arccos[-3/(5\sqrt{17})]$. In the permitted phase interval $[-\alpha,3.25-\alpha]$, only $+\gamma$ occurs: $-\gamma\lt -\alpha$, and shifts by $2\pi$ are outside it. Using the unrounded $\alpha=\arctan4$,

    \[t=2(\alpha+\gamma)=6.085307854\ldots\ \mathrm s.\]
    \[\boxed{t=6.09\ \mathrm s}\]
Final answer

(a) $R=\sqrt{17},\qquad\alpha=1.326\text{ radians}$ (b) $H_{\min}=3.37\ \mathrm m$ (c) $t=6.09\ \mathrm s$

52. WMA13/01 October 2020 · Q8

Hard9 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 October 2020 Question 8 (9 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Part (i)(a)

    By the product and chain rules,

    \[g'(x)=3e^{3x}\sec2x+2e^{3x}\sec2x\tan2x =e^{3x}\sec2x(3+2\tan2x).\]
    \[\boxed{g'(x)=e^{3x}\sec2x(3+2\tan2x)}\]
  2. Part (i)(b)

    For $-\pi/4\lt x\lt \pi/4$, $e^{3x}\sec2x$ is positive and nonzero. Hence $g'(x)=0$ precisely when $3+2\tan2x=0$, or $\tan2x=-3/2$. Since $-\pi/2\lt 2x\lt \pi/2$, tangent is one-to-one there:

    \[x=-\frac12\arctan\frac32=-0.4913968616\ldots.\]
    \[\boxed{x=-\frac12\arctan\frac32\approx-0.491}\]
  3. Part (ii)

    Differentiate $x=\ln(\sin y)$ with respect to y:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{\cos y}{\sin y},\qquad \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\sin y}{\cos y}.\]

    The original equation gives $\sin y=e^x$. Since $0\lt y\lt \pi/2$, cosine is positive, so $\cos y=\sqrt{1-\sin^2y}=\sqrt{1-e^{2x}}$. Therefore

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{e^x}{\sqrt{1-e^{2x}}},\qquad f(x)=\sqrt{1-e^{2x}}.\]

    Here $x\lt 0$ from the original interval, so the square root is real and nonzero.

    \[\boxed{f(x)=\sqrt{1-e^{2x}},\qquad x\lt 0}\]
Final answer

(i)(a) $g'(x)=e^{3x}\sec2x(3+2\tan2x)$ (i)(b) $x=-\frac12\arctan\frac32\approx-0.491$ (ii) $f(x)=\sqrt{1-e^{2x}},\qquad x\lt 0$

53. WMA13/01 May/June 2024 · Q9

Hard10 marks · main topic: Applications of Differentiation
WMA13/01 May/June 2024 Question 9 (10 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Part (a)

    At $y=\pi/3$, $x=4(\sqrt3/2)^2-1=3-1=2$.

    \[\boxed{k=2}\]
  2. Part (b)

    (i) Differentiating with respect to $y$ gives

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=8\sin y\cos y.\]

    (ii) For $0\lt y\lt \pi/2$, both sine and cosine are positive, and $-1\lt x\lt 3$. From $x+1=4\sin^2y$,

    \[\sin y=\frac{\sqrt{x+1}}2,\qquad \cos y=\sqrt{1-\frac{x+1}{4}}=\frac{\sqrt{3-x}}2.\]

    Consequently $dx/dy=2\sqrt{x+1}\sqrt{3-x}$. Taking the reciprocal proves the required formula on $-1\lt x\lt 3$. At $x=-1$ and $x=3$ the denominator is zero: these are endpoint vertical tangents, not finite derivatives.

    \[\boxed{\frac{dx}{dy}=8\sin y\cos y,\qquad\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{2\sqrt{x+1}\sqrt{3-x}}}\]
  3. Part (c)

    At $P=(2,\pi/3)$ the tangent gradient is $1/(2\sqrt3)$, so the normal gradient is $-2\sqrt3$. Thus the normal is $y-\pi/3=-2\sqrt3(x-2)$. Setting $y=0$ gives $N=(2+\pi/(6\sqrt3),0)$. Triangle OPN has horizontal base $ON=2+\pi/(6\sqrt3)$ and perpendicular height $\pi/3$:

    \[\operatorname{Area}(OPN)=\frac12\left(2+\frac\pi{6\sqrt3}\right)\frac\pi3 =\frac\pi3+\frac{\pi^2}{36\sqrt3}.\]
    \[\boxed{\operatorname{Area}(OPN)=\frac13\pi+\frac{\sqrt3}{108}\pi^2}\]
Final answer

(a) $k=2$ (b) $\frac{dx}{dy}=8\sin y\cos y,\qquad\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{2\sqrt{x+1}\sqrt{3-x}}$ (c) $\operatorname{Area}(OPN)=\frac13\pi+\frac{\sqrt3}{108}\pi^2$

54. WMA13/01 May/June 2023 · Q9

Hard10 marks
WMA13/01 May/June 2023 Question 9 (10 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Part (a)

    Using a common denominator,

    \[\frac{\cos2x}{\sin x}+\frac{\sin2x}{\cos x} =\frac{\cos2x\cos x+\sin2x\sin x}{\sin x\cos x} =\frac{\cos(2x-x)}{\sin x\cos x} =\frac1{\sin x}=\csc x.\]

    The stated exclusion $x\ne n\pi/2$ ensures both denominators are nonzero.

    \[\boxed{\frac{\cos2x}{\sin x}+\frac{\sin2x}{\cos x}=\csc x}\]
  2. Part (b)

    By part (a), the squared bracket is $\csc^2\theta$. Using $\csc^2\theta=1+\cot^2\theta$ and setting $u=\cot\theta$ gives

    \[1+u^2=6u-4\quad\Longrightarrow\quad u^2-6u+5=(u-1)(u-5)=0.\]

    On $0\lt \theta\lt \pi/2$, both positive cotangents are permitted: $u=1$ gives $\theta=\pi/4$, while $u=5$ gives $\tan\theta=1/5$, $\theta=0.1973955598\ldots$ radians.

    \[\boxed{\theta=\frac\pi4,\quad0.197\ \text{radians}}\]
  3. Part (c)

    The bracket in part (a) equals $\csc x$. Therefore

    \[\int_{\pi/6}^{\pi/4}\csc x\cot x\,dx =[-\csc x]_{\pi/6}^{\pi/4}=-\sqrt2-(-2)=2-\sqrt2.\]
    \[\boxed{2-\sqrt2}\]
Final answer

(a) $\frac{\cos2x}{\sin x}+\frac{\sin2x}{\cos x}=\csc x$ (b) $\theta=\frac\pi4,\quad0.197\ \text{radians}$ (c) $2-\sqrt2$

55. WMA13/01 January 2021 · Q10

Hard10 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 January 2021 Question 10 (10 marks): Trig Identities
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  1. Part (a)

    Apply the chain rule twice:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=3\cdot2\sec2y\,(2\sec2y\tan2y)=12\sec^22y\tan2y.\]
    \[\boxed{\frac{dx}{dy}=12\sec^22y\tan2y}\]
  2. Part (b)

    From $x=3\sec^22y$, $\sec^22y=x/3$ and $\tan^22y=x/3-1$. Since $0\lt 2y\lt \pi/2$, tangent is positive, so $\tan2y=\sqrt{(x-3)/3}$. Thus $dx/dy=4x\sqrt{(x-3)/3}\gt 0$. Taking the reciprocal gives

    \[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\sqrt3}{4x\sqrt{x-3}},\qquad p=\sqrt3,\quad q=4.\]
    \[\boxed{p=\sqrt3,\quad q=4}\]
  3. Part (c)

    At $y=\pi/12$, $2y=\pi/6$ and $x=3(4/3)=4$. The tangent gradient is $\sqrt3/(4\cdot4\sqrt1)=\sqrt3/16$. Therefore the normal gradient is $-16/\sqrt3=-16\sqrt3/3$. Using the point $(4,\pi/12)$,

    \[y-\frac\pi{12}=-\frac{16\sqrt3}{3}(x-4) \Longrightarrow y=-\frac{16\sqrt3}{3}x+\frac{64\sqrt3}{3}+\frac\pi{12}.\]
    \[\boxed{y=-\frac{16\sqrt3}{3}x+\frac{64\sqrt3}{3}+\frac\pi{12}}\]
Final answer

(a) $\frac{dx}{dy}=12\sec^22y\tan2y$ (b) $p=\sqrt3,\quad q=4$ (c) $y=-\frac{16\sqrt3}{3}x+\frac{64\sqrt3}{3}+\frac\pi{12}$

56. WMA13/01 May/June 2025 · Q9

Hard11 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 May/June 2025 Question 9 (11 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (a)

    On the $y$ axis, $x=0$, so $\sin(3y+\pi/4)=0$. Since $\pi/12\lt y\lt 3\pi/4$, we have $\pi/2\lt 3y+\pi/4\lt 5\pi/2$. Therefore the possible angles are $\pi$ and $2\pi$, giving

    \[\boxed{y_A=\frac\pi4,\qquad y_B=\frac{7\pi}{12}}.\]
  2. Part (b)

    Differentiate $x$ with respect to $y$, then take the reciprocal:

    \[\frac{dx}{dy}=2\cos(3y+\pi/4),\qquad \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac1{2\cos(3y+\pi/4)}.\]

    Using $\sin(3y+\pi/4)=3x/2$,

    \[\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 =\frac1{4(1-\sin^2(3y+\pi/4))} =\boxed{\frac1{4-9x^2}}.\]

    Thus $\boxed{p=4,\ q=9}$. The derivative formula applies where the tangent is not vertical.

  3. Part (c)

    At $x=0$, part (b) gives $|dy/dx|=1/2$. The sketch shows a negative tangent gradient at $A$ and a positive one at $B$. The normal at $A$ therefore has gradient $2$, while the tangent at $B$ has gradient $1/2$:

    \[y=2x+\frac\pi4,\qquad y=\frac{x}{2}+\frac{7\pi}{12}.\]

    At their intersection,

    \[\frac32x=\frac{7\pi}{12}-\frac\pi4=\frac\pi3 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad\boxed{x_D=\frac{2\pi}{9}}.\]
Final answer

(a) $y_A=\frac\pi4,\qquad y_B=\frac{7\pi}{12}$ (b) $\frac1{4-9x^2}$, $p=4,\ q=9$ (c) $x_D=\frac{2\pi}{9}$

57. WMA13/01 January 2020 · Q4

Hard11 marks · main topic: Differentiation Techniques
WMA13/01 January 2020 Question 4 (11 marks): Trig Identities
Show worked solution
  1. Part (i)(a)

    Using the quotient rule and the chain rule,

    \[\begin{aligned} f'(x)&=\frac{(x-3)\,4(2x+5)-(2x+5)^2}{(x-3)^2}\\ &=\frac{(2x+5)\{4(x-3)-(2x+5)\}}{(x-3)^2}\\ &=\boxed{\frac{(2x+5)(2x-17)}{(x-3)^2}},\qquad x\ne3. \end{aligned}\]

    Thus $P(x)=(2x+5)(2x-17)$ and $Q(x)=(x-3)^2$ are fully factorised quadratics.

  2. Part (i)(b)

    For $x\ne3$, the denominator $(x-3)^2$ is positive, so the sign of $f'(x)$ is the sign of $(2x+5)(2x-17)$. For an increasing function we require

    \[(2x+5)(2x-17)\gt 0.\]

    Both factors are negative when $x\lt -\frac52$, and both are positive when $x\gt \frac{17}{2}$. Therefore the required values are

    \[\boxed{x\lt -\frac52\quad\text{or}\quad x\gt \frac{17}{2}}.\]
  3. Part (ii)

    For $0\lt x\lt \frac{\pi}{4}$, we have $\sin4x\gt 0$. Applying the product rule and the chain rule gives

    \[\begin{aligned} g'(x)&=\sqrt{\sin4x} +x\left(\frac{1}{2\sqrt{\sin4x}}\right)4\cos4x\\ &=\frac{\sin4x+2x\cos4x}{\sqrt{\sin4x}}. \end{aligned}\]

    Since $g(0)=0$ while $g(x)\gt 0$ in the interior, the stated maximum $M$ does not occur at $x=0$. Its coordinate therefore lies in $0\lt x\lt \frac{\pi}{4}$, where $g$ is differentiable, so $g'(x)=0$ at $M$. Consequently,

    \[\sin4x+2x\cos4x=0.\]

    At such a point $\cos4x\ne0$: the only interior zero of $\cos4x$ is $x=\frac{\pi}{8}$, where the left-hand side above is $1$, not $0$. Dividing by $\cos4x$ therefore gives

    \[\boxed{\tan4x+2x=0},\qquad\boxed{k=2}.\]
Final answer

(i)(a) $\frac{(2x+5)(2x-17)}{(x-3)^2}$ (i)(b) $x\lt -\frac52\quad\text{or}\quad x\gt \frac{17}{2}$ (ii) $\tan4x+2x=0$, $k=2$

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