§-Quick questions
NSWMaths Extension 1Trigonometric Functions (ME-T1, T2, T3)
Quick questions on General solutions of trigonometric equations: , and
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is general solution for (with )?Show answer
has period and the reflection symmetry , which is exactly the two-points-per-line picture above. So
What is general solution for (with )?Show answer
has period and is even: . On the unit circle, is the horizontal coordinate, so a vertical line at meets the circle at an angle and its negative. So
What is general solution for ?Show answer
has period , not , because (diametrically opposite points on the circle give the same tangent). So there is only one branch:
What is equations with a composite argument?Show answer
If the equation involves rather than , treat the whole bracket as one variable. Solve the general solution for that bracket first, then unwind to at the very end, dividing every term (including the ) by .
What is restricting to a given interval?Show answer
After writing the general solution, substitute and keep only the that fall in the required interval. A number line or quick mental check of each avoids both missing a solution and including one just outside. Endpoints matter: includes , but does not.
What is off-by-one on the interval?Show answer
Endpoints matter: excludes while includes it. Check the question wording.
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