Geometry - Trigonometry111

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YOUR NOTES
IB Maths DP 
3. Geometry & Trigonometry
CONTENTS
3.1 Geometry Toolkit
3.1.1 Coordinate Geometry
3.1.2 Radian Measure
3.1.3 Arcs & Sectors
3.2 Geometry of 3D Shapes
3.2.1 3D Coordinate Geometry
3.2.2 Volume & Surface Area
3.3 Trigonometry
3.3.1 Pythagoras & Right-Angled Trigonometry
3.3.2 Non Right-Angled Trigonometry
3.3.3 Applications of Trigonometry & Pythagoras
3.4 Further Trigonometry
3.4.1 The Unit Circle
3.4.2 Exact Values
3.5 Trigonometric Functions & Graphs
3.5.1 Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
3.5.2 Transformations of Trigonometric Functions
3.5.3 Modelling with Trigonometric Functions
3.6 Trigonometric Equations & Identities
3.6.1 Simple Identities
3.6.2 Double Angle Formulae
3.6.3 Relationship Between Trigonometric Ratios
3.6.4 Linear Trigonometric Equations
3.6.5 Quadratic Trigonometric Equations
Page 1 of 105
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3.1 Geometry Toolkit YOUR NOTES


3.1.1 Coordinate Geometry
Page 2 of 105
Basic Coordinate Geometry YOUR NOTES

What are cartesian coordinates? 
Cartesian coordinates are basically the x-y coordinate system
They allow us to label where things are in a two-dimensional plane
In the 2D cartesian system, the horizontal axis is labelled x and the vertical axis is labelled y
What can we do with coordinates?

If we have two points with coordinates (x1 , y1) and (x2 , y2) then we should be able to find
The midpoint of the two points
The distance between the two points
The gradient of the line between them
How do I find the midpoint of two points?

The midpoint is the average (middle) point
It can be found by finding the middle of the x-coordinates and the middle of the y-
coordinates
The coordinates of the midpoint will be
⎛⎜ x 1 + x 2 y 1 + y 2 ⎞⎟
⎜⎜ , ⎟⎟
⎝ 2 2 ⎠
This is given in the formula booklet under the prior learning section at the beginning
How do I find the distance between two points?

The distance between two points with coordinates (x1 , y1) and (x2 , y2) can be found using
the formula
d= (x 1 − x 2) 2 + (y 1 − y 2) 2
This is given in the formula booklet in the prior learning section at the beginning
Pythagoras’ Theorem a2 = b 2 + c2 is used to find the length of a line between two
coordinates
Page 3 of 105
If the coordinates are labelled A and B then the line segment between them is written with YOUR NOTES
the notation [AB] 
How do I find the gradient of the line between two points?

The gradient of a line between two points with coordinates (x1 , y1) and (x2 , y2) can be found
using the formula
y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1
This is given in the formula booklet under section 2.1 Gradient formula
rise
This is usually known as m =
run
Page 4 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Point A has coordinates (3, -4) and point B has coordinates (-5, 2).
i)
Calculate the distance of the line segment AB.
ii)
Find the gradient of the line connecting points A and B.
iii)
Find the midpoint of [AB ] .
Page 5 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 6 of 105
3.1.2 Radian Measure YOUR NOTES


Page 7 of 105
Radian Measure YOUR NOTES

What are radians? 
Radians are an alternative to degrees for measuring angles
1 radian is the angle in a sector of radius 1 and arc length 1
A circle with radius 1 is called a unit circle
Radians are normally quoted in terms of π
2π radians = 360°
π radians = 180°
The symbol for radians is c but it is more usual to see rad
Often, when π is involved, no symbol is given as it is obvious it is in radians
Whilst it is okay to omit the symbol for radians, you should never omit the symbol for
degrees
In the exam you should use radians unless otherwise indicated
How do I convert between radians and degrees?

Use π c = 180° to convert between radians and degrees
180
To convert from radians to degrees multiply by
π
π
To convert from degrees to radians multiply by
180
Some of the common conversions are:
2π c = 360 °
π c = 180 °
πc
= 90 °
2
πc
= 60 °
3
πc
= 45 °
4
π c
= 30 °
6
It is a good idea to remember some of these and use them to work out other conversions
Your GDC will be able to work with both radians and degrees
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YOUR NOTES

 Exam Tip
Sometimes an exam question will specify whether you should be using degrees
or radians and sometimes it will not, if it doesn't it is expected that you will work
in radians
If the question involves π then working in radians is useful as there will likely be
opportunities where you can cancel out π
Make sure that your calculator is in the correct mode for the type of angle you
are working with
Page 9 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

i)
Convert 43.8° to radians.
5π
ii) Convert to degrees.
4
Page 10 of 105
3.1.3 Arcs & Sectors YOUR NOTES


Page 11 of 105
Length of an Arc YOUR NOTES

What is an arc? 
An arc is a part of the circumference of a circle
It is easiest to think of it as the crust of a single slice of pizza
The length of an arc depends of the size of the angle at the centre of the circle
If the angle at the centre is less than 180° then the arc is known as a minor arc
This could be considered as the crust of a single slice of pizza
If the angle at the centre is more than 180° then the arc is known as a major arc
This could be considered as the crust of the remaining pizza after a slice has been
taken away
How do I find the length of an arc?

The length of an arc is simply a fraction of the circumference of a circle
The fraction can be found by dividing the angle at the centre by 360°
The formula for the length, l , of an arc is
θ
l= × 2π r
360
Where θ is the angle measured in degrees
r is the radius
This is in the formula booklet for radian measure only
Remember 2π radians = 360°
 Exam Tip
Make sure that you read the question carefully to determine if you need to
calculate the arc length of a sector, the perimeter or something else that
incorporates the arc length!
Page 12 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

A circular pizza has had a slice cut from it, the angle of the slice that was cut was 38
°. The radius of the pizza is 12 cm. Find
i)
the length of the outside crust of the slice of pizza (the minor arc),
ii)
the perimeter of the remaining pizza.
Page 13 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 14 of 105
Area of a Sector YOUR NOTES

What is a sector? 
A sector is a part of a circle enclosed by two radii (radiuses) and an arc
It is easier to think of this as the shape of a single slice of pizza
The area of a sector depends of the size of the angle at the centre of the sector
If the angle at the centre is less than 180° then the sector is known as a minor sector
This could be considered as the shape of a single slice of pizza
If the angle at the centre is more than 180° then the sector is known as a major sector
This could be considered as the shape of the remaining pizza after a slice has been
taken away
How do I find the area of a sector?

The area of a sector is simply a fraction of the area of the whole circle
The fraction can be found by dividing the angle at the centre by 360°
The formula for the area, A , of a sector is
θ
A= × πr 2
360
Where θ is the angle measured in degrees
r is the radius
This is in the formula booklet for radian measure only
Remember 2π radians = 360°
Page 15 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Jamie has divided a circle of radius 50 cm into two sectors; a minor sector of angle
100° and a major sector of angle 260°. He is going to paint the minor sector blue
and the major sector yellow. Find
i)
the area Jamie will paint blue,
ii)
the area Jamie will paint yellow.
Page 16 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 17 of 105
Arcs & Sectors Using Radians YOUR NOTES

How do I use radians to find the length of an arc? 
θ
As the radian measure for a full turn is 2π, the fraction of the circle becomes
2π
Working in radians, the formula for the length of an arc will become
θ
l= × 2π r
2π
Simplifying, the formula for the length, l , of an arc is
l = rθ
θ is the angle measured in radians
r is the radius
This is given in the formula booklet, you do not need to remember it
How do I use radians to find the area of a sector?
θ
As the radian measure for a full turn is 2π, the fraction of the circle becomes
2π
Working in radians, the formula for the area of a sector will become
θ
A= × π r2
2π
Simplifying, the formula for the area, A , of a sector is
1 2
A= r θ
2
θ is the angle measured in radians

r is the radius
Page 18 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

π
A slice of cake forms a sector of a circle with an angle of radians and radius of 7
6
cm. Find the area of the surface of the slice of cake and its perimeter.
Page 19 of 105
3.2 Geometry of 3D Shapes YOUR NOTES


3.2.1 3D Coordinate Geometry
Page 20 of 105
3D Coordinate Geometry YOUR NOTES

How does the 3D coordinate system work? 
In three-dimensional space we can label where any object is using the x-y-z coordinate
system
In the 3D cartesian system, the x- and y- axes usually represent lateral space (length and
width) and the z-axis represents vertical height
What can we do with 3D coordinates?

If we have two points with coordinates (x1 , y1 , z1) and (x2 , y2 , z2) then we should be able to
find:
The midpoint of the two points
The distance between the two points
If the coordinates are labelled A and B then the line segment between them is written with
the notation [AB]
How do I find the midpoint of two points in 3D?

The midpoint is the average (middle) point
It can be found by finding the middle of the x-coordinates and the middle of the y-
coordinates
The coordinates of the midpoint will be
⎛⎜ x 1 + x 2 y 1 + y 2 z 1 + z 2 ⎞⎟
⎜⎜ , , ⎟⎟
⎝ 2 2 2 ⎠
How do I find the distance between two points in 3D?

The distance between two points with coordinates ((x1 , y1 , z1) and (x2 , y2 , z2) can be found
using the formula
d= (x 1 − x 2) 2 + (y 1 − y 2) 2 + (z 1 − z 2) 2
Page 21 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The points A and B have coordinates (-2, 1, 5) and (4, -3, 2) respectively.
i)
Calculate the distance of the line segment AB.
ii)
Find the midpoint of [AB ].
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YOUR NOTES

Page 23 of 105
3.2.2 Volume & Surface Area YOUR NOTES


Page 24 of 105
Volume of 3D Shapes YOUR NOTES

What is volume? 
The volume of a 3D shape is a measure of how much 3D space it takes up
A 3D shape is also called a solid
You need to be able to calculate the volume of a number of common shapes
How do I find the volume of cuboids, prisms and cylinders?

A prism is a 3-D shape that has two identical base shapes connected by parallel edges
A prism has the same base shape all the way through
A prism takes its name from its base
To find the volume of any prism use the formula:
Volume of a prism = Ah
Where A is the area of the cross section and h is the base height
h could also be the length of the prism, depending on how it is oriented
This is in the formula booklet in the prior learning section at the beginning
The base could be any shape so as long as you know its area and length you can
calculate the volume of any prism
Note two special cases:

To find the volume of a cuboid use the formula:
Volume of a cuboid = length × width × height

V = lwh
The volume of a cylinder can be found in the same way as a prism using the formula:
Volume of a cylinder = π r 2 h
where r is the radius, h is the height (or length, depending on the orientation
Note that a cylinder is technically not a prism as its base is not a polygon, however the
method for finding its volume is the same
Both of these are in the formula booklet in the prior learning section
How do I find the volume of pyramids and cones?
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In a right-pyramid the apex (the joining point of the triangular faces) is vertically above the YOUR NOTES
centre of the base 
The base can be any shape but is usually a square, rectangle or triangle
To calculate the volume of a right-pyramid use the formula
1
V= Ah
3
Where A is the area of the base, h is the height
Note that the height must be vertical to the base
A right cone is a circular-based pyramid with the vertical height joining the apex to the
centre of the circular base
To calculate the volume of a right-cone use the formula
1
V= π r2 h
3
Where r is the radius, h is the height
These formulae are both given in the formula booklet
How do I find the volume of a sphere?

To calculate the volume of a sphere use the formula
4
V= π r3
3
Where r is the radius
the line segment from the centre of the sphere to the surface
This formula is given in the formula booklet
 Exam Tip
Remember to make use of the formula booklet in the exam as all the volume
formulae you need will be here
Formulae for basic 3D objects (cuboid, cylinder and prism) are in the prior
learning section
Formulae for other 3D objects (pyramid, cone and sphere) are in the Topic
3: Geometry section
Page 26 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

A dessert can be modelled as a right-cone of radius 3 cm and height 12 cm and a
scoop of ice-cream in the shape of a sphere of radius 3 cm. Find the total volume
of the ice-cream and cone.
Page 27 of 105
Surface Area of 3D Shapes YOUR NOTES

What is surface area? 
The surface area of a 3D shape is the sum of the areas of all the faces that make up a shape
A face is one of the flat or curved surfaces that make up a 3D shape
It often helps to consider a 3D shape in the form of its 2D net
How do I find the surface area of cuboids, pyramids and prisms?

Any prisms and pyramids that have polygons as their bases have only flat faces
The surface area is simply found by adding up the areas of these flat faces
Drawing a 2D net will help to see which faces the 3D shape is made up of
How do I find the surface area of cylinders, cones and spheres?
Cones, cylinders and spheres all have curved faces so it is not always as easy to see their
shape
The net of a cylinder is made up of two identical circles and a rectangle
The rectangle is the curved surface area and is harder to identify
The length of the rectangle is the same as the circumference of the circle
The area of the curved surface area is
A = 2πrh
where r is the radius, h is the height
This is given in the formula book in the prior learning section
The area of the total surface area of a cylinder is
A = 2πrh + 2πr 2
This is not given in the formula book, however it is easy to put together as both the area
of a circle and the area of the curved surface area are given
The net of a cone consists of the circular base along with the curved surface area
The area of the curved surface area is
A = πrl
Where r is the radius and l is the slant height
This is given in the formula book
Be careful not to confuse the slant height, l, with the vertical height, h
Note that r, h and l will create a right-triangle with l as the hypotenuse
The area of the total surface area of a cone is
A = πrl + πr 2
This is not given in the formula book, however it is easy to put together as both the area
of a circle and the area of the curved surface area are given
To find the surface area of a sphere use the formula
Page 28 of 105
A = 4πr2 YOUR NOTES

where r is the radius (line segment from the centre to the surface) 
This is given in the formula booklet, you do not have to remember it
 Exam Tip
Remember to make use of the formula booklet in the exam as all the area
formulae you need will be here
Formulae for basic 2D shapes (parallelogram, triangle, trapezoid, circle,
curved surface of a cylinder) are in the prior learning section
Formulae for other 2D shapes (curved surface area of a cone and surface
area of a sphere ) are in the Topic 3: Geometry section
Page 29 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

In the diagram below ABCD is the square base of a right pyramid with vertex V . The
centre of the base is M. The sides of the square base are 3.6 cm and the vertical
height is 8.2 cm.
i)
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance VN.
Page 30 of 105
YOUR NOTES

ii)
Calculate the area of the triangle ABV.
Page 31 of 105
YOUR NOTES

iii)
Find the surface area of the right pyramid.
Page 32 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 33 of 105
3.3 Trigonometry YOUR NOTES


3.3.1 Pythagoras & Right-Angled Trigonometry
Page 34 of 105
Pythagoras YOUR NOTES

What is the Pythagorean theorem? 
Pythagoras’ theorem is a formula that works for right-angled triangles only
It states that for any right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the
sum of the squares of the two shorter sides
The hypotenuse is the longest side in a right-angled triangle
It will always be opposite the right angle
If we label the hypotenuse c, and label the other two sides a and b, then Pythagoras’
theorem tells us that
a2 + b2 = c2
The formula for Pythagoras’ theorem is assumed prior knowledge and is not in the formula
booklet
You will need to remember it
How can we use Pythagoras’ theorem?
If you know two sides of any right-angled triangle you can use Pythagoras’ theorem to find
the length of the third side
Substitute the values you have into the formula and either solve or rearrange
To find the length of the hypotenuse you can use:
c= a2 + b2
To find the length of one of the other sides you can use:
a= c2 − b 2 or b = c2 − a2
Note that when finding the hypotenuse you should add inside the square root and when
finding one of the other sides you should subtract inside the square root
Always check your answer carefully to make sure that the hypotenuse is the longest side
Note that Pythagoras’ theorem questions will rarely be standalone questions and will often
be ‘hidden’ in other geometry questions
What is the converse of the Pythagorean theorem?
The converse of the Pythagorean theorem states that if a2 + b 2 = c2 is true then the
triangle must be a right-angled triangle
This is a very useful way of determining whether a triangle is right-angled
If a diagram in a question does not clearly show that something is right-angled, you may
need to use Pythagoras’ theorem to check
 Exam Tip
Pythagoras' theorem pops up in lots of exam questions so bear it in mind
whenever you see a right-angled triangle in an exam question!
Page 35 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

ABCDEF is a chocolate bar in the shape of a triangular prism. The end of the
chocolate bar is an isosceles triangle where AC = 3 cm and AB = BC = 5 cm. M is the
midpoint of AC. This information is shown in the diagram below.
Calculate the length BM.
Page 36 of 105
Right-Angled Trigonometry YOUR NOTES

What is Trigonometry? 
Trigonometry is the mathematics of angles in triangles
It looks at the relationship between side lengths and angles of triangles
It comes from the Greek words trigonon meaning ‘triangle’ and metron meaning ‘measure’
What are Sin, Cos and Tan?

The three trigonometric functions Sine, Cosine and Tangent come from ratios of side
lengths in right-angled triangles
To see how the ratios work you must first label the sides of a right-angled triangle in relation
to a chosen angle
The hypotenuse, H, is the longest side in a right-angled triangle
It will always be opposite the right angle
If we label one of the other angles θ, the side opposite θ will be labelled opposite, O,
and the side next to θ will be labelled adjacent, A
The functions Sine, Cosine and Tangent are the ratios of the lengths of these sides as
follows
opposite O
Sin θ = =
hypotenuse H
adjacent A
Cos θ = =
hypotenuse H
opposite O
Tan θ = =
adjacent A
These are not in the formula book, you must remember them
The mnemonic SOHCAHTOA is often used as a way of remembering which ratio is which
Sin is Opposite over Hypotenuse
Cos is Adjacent over Hypotenuse
Tan is Opposite over Adjacent
Page 37 of 105
YOUR NOTES

How can we use SOHCAHTOA to find missing lengths?

If you know the length of one of the sides of any right-angled triangle and one of the angles
you can use SOHCAHTOA to find the length of the other sides
Always start by labelling the sides of the triangle with H, O and A
Choose the correct ratio by looking only at the values that you have and that you want
For example if you know the angle and the side opposite it (O) and you want to
find the hypotenuse (H) you should use the sine ratio
Substitute the values into the ratio
Use your calculator to find the solution
How can we use SOHCAHTOA to find missing angles?

If you know two sides of any right-angled triangle you can use SOHCAHTOA to find the size
of one of the angles
Missing angles are found using the inverse functions:
O A O
θ = Sin−1 , θ = Cos−1 , θ = Tan −1
H H A
After choosing the correct ratio and substituting the values use the inverse trigonometric
functions on your calculator to find the correct answer
 Exam Tip
You need to remember the sides involved in the different trig ratios as they are
not given to you in the exam
Page 38 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Find the values of x and y in the following diagram. Give your answers to 3
significant figures.
Page 39 of 105
3D Problems YOUR NOTES

How does Pythagoras work in 3D? 
3D shapes can often be broken down into several 2D shapes
With Pythagoras’ Theorem you will be specifically looking for right-angled triangles
The right-angled triangles you need will have two known sides and one unknown side
Look for perpendicular lines to help you spot right-angled triangles
There is a 3D version of the Pythagorean theorem formula:
d2 = x2 + y2 + z2
However it is usually easier to see a problem by breaking it down into two or more 2D
problems
How does SOHCAHTOA work in 3D?
Again look for a combination of right-angled triangles that would lead to the missing angle
or side
The angle you are working with can be awkward in 3D
The angle between a line and a plane is not always obvious
If unsure put a point on the line and draw a new line to the plane
This should create a right-angled triangle
Page 40 of 105
Exam Tip YOUR NOTES

 Annotate diagrams that are given to you with values that you have calculated

It can be useful to make additional sketches of parts of any diagrams that are
given to you, especially if there are multiple lengths/angles that you are asked
to find
If you are not given a diagram, sketch a nice, big, clear one!
Page 41 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

A pencil is being put into a cuboid shaped box which has dimensions 3 cm by 4 cm
by 6 cm. Find:
a)
the length of the longest pencil that could fit inside the box,
b)
the angle that the pencil would make with the top of the box.
Page 42 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 43 of 105
3.3.2 Non Right-Angled Trigonometry YOUR NOTES


Page 44 of 105
Sine Rule YOUR NOTES

What is the sine rule? 
The sine rule allows us to find missing side lengths or angles in non-right-angled triangles
It states that for any triangle with angles A, B and C
a b c
= =
sin A sin B sin C
Where
a is the side opposite angle A
b is the side opposite angle B
c is the side opposite angle C
This formula is in the formula booklet, you do not need to remember it
Sin 90° = 1 so if one of the angles is 90° this becomes SOH from SOHCAHTOA
How can we use the sine rule to find missing side lengths or angles?
The sine rule can be used when you have any opposite pairs of sides and angles
Always start by labelling your triangle with the angles and sides
Remember the sides with the lower-case letters are opposite the angles with the
equivalent upper-case letters
Use the formula in the formula booklet to find the length of a side
To find a missing angle you can rearrange the formula and use the form
sin A sin B sin C
= =
a b c
This is not in the formula booklet but can easily be found by rearranging the one given
Substitute the values you have into the formula and solve
 Exam Tip
If you're using a calculator make sure that it is in the correct mode
(degrees/radians)
Remember to give your answers as exact values if you are asked too
Page 45 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The following diagram shows triangle ABC. AB = 8 . 1 cm, AC = 12. 3 cm ,
BCA = 27° .
Use the sine rule to calculate the value of:

i)
x,
ii)
Page 46 of 105
y. YOUR NOTES

Page 47 of 105
Ambiguous Sine Rule YOUR NOTES

What is the ambiguous case of the sine rule? 
If the sine rule is used in a triangle given two sides and an angle which is not the angle
between them there may be more than one possible triangle which could be drawn
The side opposite the given angle could be in two possible positions
This will create two possible values for each of the missing angles and two possible lengths
for the missing side
The two angles found opposite the given side (not the ambiguous side) will add up to 180°
In IB the question will usually tell you whether the angle you are looking for is acute or
obtuse
The sine rule will always give you the acute option but you can subtract from 180° to
find the obtuse angle
Sometimes the obtuse angle will not be valid
It could cause the sum of the three interior angles of the triangle to exceed 180°
Page 48 of 105
Exam Tip YOUR NOTES

 Make sure that you are clear which of the two answers is the one that is required

and make sure that you communicate this clearly to the examiner by writing it on
the answer line!
 Worked Example
Given triangle ABC , AB = 8 cm, BC = 5 cm , BAC = 35°. Find the two possible
options for ACB, giving both answers to 1 decimal place.
Page 49 of 105
Cosine Rule YOUR NOTES

What is the cosine rule? 
The cosine rule allows us to find missing side lengths or angles in non-right-angled
triangles
It states that for any triangle
a2 + b2 − c2
c 2 = a 2 + b 2 − 2abcosC ; cos C =
2ab
Where
c is the side opposite angle C
a and b are the other two sides
Both of these formulae are in the formula booklet, you do not need to remember them
The first version is used to find a missing side
The second version is a rearrangement of this and can be used to find a missing angle
Cos 90° = 0 so if C = 90° this becomes Pythagoras’ Theorem
How can we use the cosine rule to find missing side lengths or angles?
The cosine rule can be used when you have two sides and the angle between them or all
three sides
Always start by labelling your triangle with the angles and sides
Remember the sides with the lower-case letters are opposite the angles with the
equivalent upper-case letters
Use the formula c2 = a2 + b 2 − 2ab cosC to find an unknown side
a2 + b 2 − c2
Use the formula cos C = to find an unknown angle
2ab
C is the angle between sides a and b
Substitute the values you have into the formula and solve
 Exam Tip
(degrees/radians)
Page 50 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The following diagram shows triangle ABC . AB = 4 . 2 km , BC = 3 . 8 km ,
AC = 7 . 1 km .
Calculate the value of ABC.
Page 51 of 105
Area of a Triangle YOUR NOTES

How do I find the area of a non-right triangle? 
The area of any triangle can be found using the formula
1
A= ab sinC
2
Where C is the angle between sides a and b
This formula is in the formula booklet, you do not need to remember it
Be careful to label your triangle correctly so that C is always the angle between the two
sides
Sin 90° = 1 so if C = 90° this becomes Area = ½ × base × height
Page 52 of 105
YOUR NOTES

 Exam Tip
(degrees/radians)
Page 53 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The following diagram shows triangle ABC . AB = 32 cm , AC = 1 . 1 m ,
BA C = 74°.
Calculate the area of triangle .
Page 54 of 105
3.3.3 Applications of Trigonometry & Pythagoras YOUR NOTES


Page 55 of 105
Bearings YOUR NOTES

What are bearings? 
Bearings are a way of describing and using directions as angles
They are specifically defined for use in navigation because they give a precise location
and/or direction
How are bearings defined?

There are three rules which must be followed every time a bearing is defined
They are measured from the North direction
An arrow showing the North line should be included on the diagram
They are measured clockwise
The angle is always written in 3 figures
If the angle is less than 100° the first digit will be a zero
What are bearings used for?
Bearings questions will normally involve the use of Pythagoras or trigonometry to find
missing distances (lengths) and directions (angles) within navigation questions
You should always draw a diagram
There may be a scale given or you may need to consider using a scale
However normally in IB you will be using triangle calculations to find the distances
Some questions may also involve the use of angle facts to find the missing directions
To answer a question involving drawing bearings the following steps may help:
STEP 1: Draw a diagram adding in any points and distances you have been given
STEP 2: Draw a North line (arrow pointing vertically up) at the point you wish to measure
the bearing from
If you are given the bearing from A to B draw the North line at A
STEP 3: Measure the angle of the bearing given from the North line in the clockwise
direction
STEP 4: Draw a line and add the point B at the given distance
You will likely then need to use trigonometry to calculate the shortest distance or another
given distance
 Exam Tip
Always draw a big, clear diagram and annotate it, be especially careful to label
the angles in the correct places!
Page 56 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The point B is 7 km from A on a bearing of 105°. The distance from B to C is 5 km and
the bearing from B to C is 230°. Find the distance from A to C.
Page 57 of 105
Elevation & Depression YOUR NOTES

What are the angles of elevation and depression? 
If a person looks at an object that is not on the same horizontal line as their eye-level they
will be looking at either an angle of elevation or depression
If a person looks up at an object their line of sight will be at an angle of elevation with
the horizontal
If a person looks down at an object their line of sight will be at an angle of depression
with the horizontal
Angles of elevation and depression are measured from the horizontal
Right-angled trigonometry can be used to find an angle of elevation or depression or a
missing distance
Tan is often used in real-life scenarios with angles of elevation and depression
For example if we know the distance we are standing from a tree and the angle of
elevation of the top of the tree we can use Tan to find its height
Or if we are looking at a boat at to sea and we know our height above sea level and the
angle of depression we can find how far away the boat is
 Exam Tip
It may be useful to draw more than one diagram if the triangles that you are
interested in overlap one another
Page 58 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

A cliff is perpendicular to the sea and the top of the cliff stands 24 m above the level
of the sea. The angle of depression from the cliff to a boat at sea is 35°. At a point x
m up the cliff is a flag marker and the angle of elevation from the boat to the flag
marker is 18°.
a)
Draw and label a diagram to show the top of the cliff, T, the foot of the cliff, F, the
flag marker, M, and the boat, B, labelling all the angles and distances given above.
b)
Find the distance from the boat to the foot of the cliff.
Page 59 of 105
YOUR NOTES

c)
Find the value of x .
Page 60 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 61 of 105
Constructing Diagrams YOUR NOTES

What diagrams will I need to construct? 
In IB you will be expected to construct diagrams based on information given
The information will include compass directions, bearings, angles
Look out for the plane the diagram should be drawn in
It will either be horizontal (something occurring at sea or on the ground)
Or it will be vertical (Including height)
Work through the statements given in the instructions systematically
What do I need to know?
Your diagrams will be sketches, they do not need to be accurate or to scale
However the more accurate your diagram is the easier it is to work with
Read the full set of instructions once before beginning to draw the diagram so you have a
rough idea of where each object is
Make sure you know your compass directions
Due east means on a bearing of 090°
Draw the line directly to the right
Due south means on a bearing of 180°
Draw the line vertically downwards
Due west means on a bearing of 270°
Draw the line directly to the left
Due north means on a bearing of 360° (or 000°)
Draw the line vertically upwards
Using the above bearings for compass directions will help you to estimate angles for other
bearings on your diagram
 Exam Tip
Draw your diagrams in pencil so that you can easily erase any errors
Page 62 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

A city at B is due east of a city at A and A is due north of a city at E. A city at C is due
south of B.
The bearing from A to D is 155° and the bearing from D to C is 30°.
The distance AB = 50 km, the distances BC = CD = 30 km and the distances DE = AE
= 40 km.
Draw and label a diagram to show the cities A, B, C, D and E and clearly mark the
bearings and distances given.
Page 63 of 105
3.4 Further Trigonometry YOUR NOTES


3.4.1 The Unit Circle
Page 64 of 105
Defining Sin, Cos and Tan YOUR NOTES

What is the unit circle? 
The unit circle is a circle with radius 1 and centre (0, 0)
Angles are always measured from the positive x-axis and turn:
anticlockwise for positive angles
clockwise for negative angles
It can be used to calculate trig values as a coordinate point (x, y) on the circle
Trig values can be found by making a right triangle with the radius as the hypotenuse
Where θ is the angle measured anticlockwise from the positive x-axis
The x-axis will always be adjacent to the angle, θ
SOHCAHTOA can be used to find the values of sinθ, cosθ and tanθ easily
As the radius is 1 unit
the x coordinate gives the value of cosθ
the y coordinate gives the value of sinθ
As the origin is one of the end points - dividing the y coordinate by the x coordinate gives
the gradient
the gradient of the line gives the value of tanθ
π
It allows us to calculate sin, cos and tan for angles greater than 90° ( rad)
2
Page 65 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The coordinates of a point on a unit circle, to 3 significant figures, are (0.629, 0.777).
Find θ° to the nearest degree.
Page 66 of 105
Using The Unit Circle YOUR NOTES

What are the properties of the unit circle? 
π
The unit circle can be split into four quadrants at every 90° ( rad)
2
The first quadrant is for angles between 0 and 90°
All three of Sinθ, Cosθ and Tanθ are positive in this quadrant
π
The second quadrant is for angles between 90° and 180° ( rad and π rad)
2
Sinθ is positive in this quadrant
3π
The third quadrant is for angles between 180° and 270° (π rad and )
2
Tanθ is positive in this quadrant
3π
The fourth quadrant is for angles between 270° and 360° ( rad and 2π )
2
Cosθ is positive in this quadrant
Starting from the fourth quadrant (on the bottom right) and working anti-clockwise
the positive trig functions spell out CAST
This is why it is often thought of as the CAST diagram
You may have your own way of remembering this
A popular one starting from the first quadrant is All Students Take Calculus
To help picture this better try sketching all three trig graphs on one set of axes and look
at which graphs are positive in each 90° section
How is the unit circle used to find secondary solutions?
Trigonometric functions have more than one input to each output
For example sin 30° = sin 150° = 0.5
This means that trigonometric equations have more than one solution
For example both 30° and 150° satisfy the equation sin x = 0.5
The unit circle can be used to find all solutions to trigonometric equations in a given interval
Your calculator will only give you the first solution to a problem such as x = sin-1(0.5)
This solution is called the primary value
However, due to the periodic nature of the trig functions there could be an infinite
number of solutions
Further solutions are called the secondary values
This is why you will be given a domain in which your solutions should be found
This could either be in degrees or in radians
If you see π or some multiple of π then you must work in radians
The following steps may help you use the unit circle to find secondary values
STEP 1: Draw the angle into the first quadrant using the x or y coordinate to help you
If you are working with sin x = k, draw the line from the origin to the circumference of the
circle at the point where the y coordinate is k
If you are working with cos x = k, draw the line from the origin to the circumference of the
circle at the point where the x coordinate is k
If you are working with tan x = k, draw the line from the origin to the circumference of the
circle such that the gradient of the line is k
Page 67 of 105
This will give you the angle which should be measured from the positive x-axis… YOUR NOTES
… anticlockwise for a positive angle 
… clockwise for a negative angle
STEP 2: Draw the radius in the other quadrant which has the same...
... x-coordinate if solving cos x = k
This will be the quadrant which is vertical to the original quadrant
... y-coordinate if solving sin x = k
This will be the quadrant which is horizontal to the original quadrant
... gradient if solving tan x = k
This will be the quadrant diagonal to the original quadrant
STEP 3: Work out the size of the second angle, measuring from the positive x-axis
… anticlockwise for a positive angle
… clockwise for a negative angle
You should look at the given range of values to decide whether you need the negative
or positive angle
STEP 4: Add or subtract either 360° or 2π radians to both values until you have all solutions in the
required range
Page 68 of 105
YOUR NOTES

 Exam Tip
Being able to sketch out the unit circle and remembering CAST can help you to
find all solutions to a problem in an exam question
Page 69 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Given that one solution of cosθ = 0.8 is θ = 0.6435 radians correct to 4 decimal
places, find all other solutions in the range -2π ≤ θ ≤ 2π. Give your answers correct
to 3 significant figures.
Page 70 of 105
3.4.2 Exact Values YOUR NOTES


Trigonometry Exact Values
What are exact values in trigonometry?
For certain angles the values of sin θ, cos θ and tan θ can be written exactly
This means using fractions and surds
You should be familiar with these values and be able to derive the values using
geometry
You are expected to know the exact values of sin, cos and tan for angles of 0°, 30°, 45°,
60°, 90°, 180° and their multiples
π π π π
In radians this is 0, , , , ,π and their multiples
6 4 3 2
The exact values you are expected to know are here:
How do I find the exact values of other angles?

The exact values for sin and cos can be seen on the unit circle as the y and x coordinates
respectively
If using the coordinates on the unit circle to memorise the exact values, remember that
cos comes before sin
The unit circle can also be used to find exact values of other angles using symmetry
If you know the exact value for an angle in the first quadrant you can draw the same angle
from the x-axis in any other quadrant to find other angles
Remember that the angles are measured anticlockwise from the positive x-axis
For example if you know that the exact value for is 0.5
draw the angle 30° from the horizontal in the three other quadrants
measuring from the positive x-axis you have the angles of 150°, 210° and 330°
sin is positive in the second quadrant so sin150° = 0.5
Page 71 of 105
sin is negative in the third quadrant so sin210° = - 0.5 YOUR NOTES

sin is negative in the fourth quadrant so sin330° = - 0.5 
It is also possible to find the negative angles by measuring clockwise from the positive x-
axis
draw the angle 30° from the horizontal in the three other quadrants
measuring clockwise from the positive x-axis you have the angles of -30°, -150°,
-210° and -330°
sin is negative in the fourth quadrant so sin(-30°) = - 0.5
sin is negative in the third quadrant so sin(-150°) = - 0.5
sin is positive in the second quadrant so sin(-210°) = 0.5
sin is positive in the fourth quadrant so sin(-330°) = 0.5
How are exact values in trigonometry derived?

There are two special right-triangles that can be used to derive all of the exact values you
need to know
Consider a right-triangle with a hypotenuse of 2 units and a shorter side length of 1 unit
Using Pythagoras’ theorem the third side will be 3
π π π
The angles will be radians (90°), radians (60°) and radians (30°)
2 3 6
Using SOHCAHTOA gives…
π3 π 1
Sin = Sin =
3
2 6 2
π 1 π 3
Cos = Cos =
3 2 6 2
π π 1 3
Tan = 3 Tan = =
3 6 3 3
Consider an isosceles triangle with two equal side lengths (the opposite and adjacent) of 1
unit
Using Pythagoras’ theorem it will have a hypotenuse of 2
Page 72 of 105
The two equal angles will be

π
radians (45°) YOUR NOTES
4
Using SOHCAHTOA gives… 
π 1 2
Sin = =
4 2 2
π 1 2
Cos = =
4 2 2
π
Tan =1
4
 Exam Tip
You will be expected to be comfortable using exact trig values for certain angles
but it can be easy to muddle them up if you just try to remember them from a list,
sketch the triangles and trig graphs on your paper so that you can use them as
many times as you need to during the exam!
π π π
sketch the triangles for the key angles 45°/ , 30°/ , 60°/
4 6 3
π 3π
sketch the trig graphs for the key angles 0°, 90° / , 180°/ π, 270°/ ,
2 2
360°/2π
Page 73 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Using an equilateral triangle of side length 2 units, derive the exact values for the
π π
sine, cosine and tangent of and .
6 3
Page 74 of 105
3.5 Trigonometric Functions & Graphs YOUR NOTES


3.5.1 Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
Page 75 of 105
Graphs of Trigonometric Functions YOUR NOTES

What are the graphs of trigonometric functions? 
The trigonometric functions sin, cos and tan all have special periodic graphs
You’ll need to know their properties and how to sketch them for a given domain in either
degrees or radians
Sketching the trigonometric graphs can help to
Solve trigonometric equations and find all solutions
Understand transformations of trigonometric functions
What are the properties of the graphs of sin x and cos x?

The graphs of sin x and cos x are both periodic
They repeat every 360° (2π radians)
The angle will always be on the x-axis
Either in degrees or radians
The graphs of sin x and cos x are always in the range -1 ≤ y ≤ 1
Domain: { x | x ∈ ℝ}
Range: { y | − 1 ≤ y ≤ 1}
The graphs of sin x and cos x are identical however one is a translation of the other
sin x passes through the origin
cos x passes through (0, 1)
The amplitude of the graphs of sin x and cos x is 1
What are the properties of the graph of tan x?
The graph of tan x is periodic
It repeats every 180° (π radians)
The angle will always be on the x-axis
Either in degrees or radians
The graph of tan x is undefined at the points ± 90°, ± 270° etc
There are asymptotes at these points on the graph
π 3π
In radians this is at the points ± ,± etc
2 2
The range of the graph of tan x is
π
⎧⎪ ⎫⎮
Domain: ⎪⎨⎪ x | x ≠ + kπ , k ∈ ℤ ⎮⎬⎮
⎪
⎩ 2 ⎮ ⎭
Range: { y | y ∈ ℝ}
Page 76 of 105
YOUR NOTES

How do I sketch trigonometric graphs?

You may need to sketch a trigonometric graph so you will need to remember the key
features of each one
The following steps may help you sketch a trigonometric graph
STEP 1: Check whether you should be working in degrees or radians
You should check the domain given for this
If you see π in the given domain then you should work in radians
STEP 2: Label the x-axis in multiples of 90°
π
This will be multiples of if you are working in radians
2
Make sure you cover the whole domain on the x-axis
STEP 3: Label the y-axis
The range for the y-axis will be – 1 ≤ y ≤ 1 for sin or cos
For tan you will not need any specific points on the y-axis
STEP 4: Draw the graph
Knowing exact values will help with this, such as remembering that sin(0) = 0 and
cos(0) = 1
Mark the important points on the axis first
If you are drawing the graph of tan x put the asymptotes in first
Page 77 of 105
If you are drawing sin x or cos x mark in where the maximum and minimum points YOUR NOTES
will be 
Try to keep the symmetry and rotational symmetry as you sketch, as this will help
when using the graph to find solutions
 Exam Tip
Sketch all three trig graphs on your exam paper so you can refer to them as
many times as you need to!
 Worked Example
Sketch the graphs of y = cosθ and y = tanθ on the same set of axes in the interval -π
≤ θ ≤ 2π. Clearly mark the key features of both graphs.
Page 78 of 105
Using Trigonometric Graphs YOUR NOTES

How can I use a trigonometric graph to find extra solutions? 
Your calculator will only give you the first solution to a problem such as sin-1(0.5)
This solution is called the primary value
However, due to the periodic nature of the trig functions there could be an infinite number
of solutions
Further solutions are called the secondary values
This is why you will be given a domain (interval) in which your solutions should be found
This could either be in degrees or in radians
If you see π or some multiple of π then you must work in radians
The following steps will help you use the trigonometric graphs to find secondary values
STEP 1: Sketch the graph for the given function and interval
Check whether you should be working in degrees or radians and label the axes
with the key values
STEP 2: Draw a horizontal line going through the y-axis at the point you are trying to find
the values for
For example if you are looking for the solutions to sin-1(-0.5) then draw the
horizontal line going through the y-axis at -0.5
The number of times this line cuts the graph is the number of solutions within the
given interval
STEP 3: Find the primary value and mark it on the graph
This will either be an exact value and you should know it
Or you will be able to use your calculator to find it
STEP 4: Use the symmetry of the graph to find all the solutions in the interval by adding
or subtracting from the key values on the graph
What patterns can be seen from the graphs of trigonometric functions?
The graph of sin x has rotational symmetry about the origin
So sin(-x) = - sin(x)
sin(x) = sin(180° - x) or sin(π – x)
The graph of cos x has reflectional symmetry about the y-axis
So cos(-x) = cos(x)
cos(x) = cos(360° – x) or cos(2π – x)
The graph of tan x repeats every 180° (π radians)
So tan(x) = tan(x ± 180°) or tan(x ± π )
The graphs of sin x and cos x repeat every 360° (2π radians)
So sin(x) = sin(x ± 360°) or sin(x ± 2π)
cos(x) = cos(x ± 360°) or cos(x ± 2π)
 Exam Tip
Take care to always check what the interval for the angle is that the question is
focused on
Page 79 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

One solution to cos x = 0.5 is 60°. Find all the other solutions in the range -360° ≤ x ≤
360°.
Page 80 of 105
3.5.2 Transformations of Trigonometric Functions YOUR NOTES


Transformations of Trigonometric Functions
What transformations of trigonometric functions do I need to know?
As with other graphs of functions, trigonometric graphs can be transformed through
translations, stretches and reflections
Translations can be either horizontal (parallel to the x-axis) or vertical (parallel to the y-axis)
For the function y = sin (x)
A vertical translation of a units in the positive direction (up) is denoted by
y = sin (x) + a
A vertical translation of a units in the negative direction (down) is denoted by
y = sin (x) - a
A horizontal translation in the positive direction (right) is denoted by y = sin (x - a)
A horizontal translation in the negative direction (left) is denoted by y = sin (x + a)
Stretches can be either horizontal (parallel to the x-axis) or vertical (parallel to the y-axis)
A vertical stretch of a factor a units is denoted by y = a sin (x)
x
A horizontal stretch of a factor a units is denoted by y = sin ( )
a
Reflections can be either across the x-axis or across the y-axis
A reflection across the x-axis is denoted by y = - sin (x)
A reflection across the y-axis is denoted by y = sin (-x)
What combined transformations are there?
Stretches in the horizontal and vertical direction are often combined
The functions a sin(bx) and a cos(bx) have the following properties:
The amplitude of the graph is |a |
360 2π
The period of the graph is ° (or rad)
b b
Translations in both directions could also be combined with the stretches
The functions a sin(b(x - c )) + d and a cos(b(x - c )) + d have the following properties:
The amplitude of the graph is |a |
360 2π
The period of the graph is ° (or )
b b
The translation in the horizontal direction is c
The translation in the vertical direction is d
d represents the principal axis (the line that the function fluctuates about)
The function a tan(b(x - c )) + d has the following properties:
The amplitude of the graph does not exist
180 2π
The period of the graph is ° (or )
b b
The translation in the horizontal direction is c
The translation in the vertical direction (principal axis) is d
How do I sketch transformations of trigonometric functions?
Page 81 of 105
Sketch the graph of the original function first YOUR NOTES

Carry out each transformation separately 
The order in which you carry out the transformations is important
Given the form y = a sin(b(x - c )) + d carry out any stretches first, translations next
and reflections last
If the function is written in the form y = a sin(bx - bc ) + d factorise out the
coefficient of x before carrying out any transformations
Use a very light pencil to mark where the graph has moved for each transformation
It is a good idea to mark in the principal axis the lines corresponding to the maximum and
minimum points first
The principal axis will be the line y = d
The maximum points will be on the line y = d + a
The minimum points will be on the line y = d - a
Sketch in the new transformed graph
Check it is correct by looking at some key points from the exact values
 Exam Tip
Be sure to apply transformations in the correct order – applying them in the
wrong order can produce an incorrect transformation
When you sketch a transformed graph, indicate the new coordinates of any
points that are marked on the original graph
Try to indicate the coordinates of points where the transformed graph
intersects the coordinate axes (although if you don't have the equation of the
original function this may not be possible)
If the graph has asymptotes, don't forget to sketch the asymptotes of the
transformed graph as well
Page 82 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

π
Sketch the graph of y = 2 sin ⎛⎜3 ⎛⎜x – ⎞⎟ ⎞⎟ − 1 for the interval -2π ≤ x ≤ 2π. State the
⎝ ⎝ 4 ⎠⎠
amplitude, period and principal axis of the function.
Page 83 of 105
3.5.3 Modelling with Trigonometric Functions YOUR NOTES


Modelling with Trigonometric Functions
What can be modelled with trigonometric functions?
Anything that oscillates (fluctuates periodically) can be modelled using a trigonometric
function
Normally some transformation of the sine or cosine function
Examples include:
D (t ) is the depth of water at a shore t hours after midnight
T (d ) is the temperature of a city d days after the 1st January
H (t ) is vertical height above ground of a person t seconds after entering a Ferris
wheel
Notice that the x-axis will not always contain an angle
In the examples above time or number of days would be on the x-axis
Depth of the water, temperature or vertical height would be on the y-axis
What are the parameters of trigonometric models?

A trigonometric model could be of the form
f (x ) = a sin (b (x − c)) + d
f (x ) = a cos (b (x − c)) + d
f (x ) = a tan (b (x − c)) + d
The a represents the amplitude of the function
The bigger the value of a the bigger the range of values of the function
For the function a tan (b (x − c)) + d the amplitude is undefined
The b determines the period of the function
360° 2π
Period = =
b b
The bigger the value of b the quicker the function repeats a cycle
The c represents the horizontal shift
The d represents the vertical shift
This is the principal axis
What are possible limitations of a trigonometric model?
The amplitude is the same for each cycle
In real-life this might not be the case
The function might get closer to the value of d over time
The period is the same for each cycle
In real-life this might not be the case
The time to complete a cycle might change over time
Page 84 of 105
YOUR NOTES

 Exam Tip
The variable in these questions is often t for time.
Read the question carefully to make sure you know what you are being asked to
solve.
Page 85 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

The water depth, D, in metres, at a port can be modelled by the function
D (t ) = 3 sin ( 15°(t − 2) ) + 12, 0 ≤ t < 24
where t is the elapsed time, in hours, since midnight.
a)
Write down the depth of the water at midnight.
b)
Find the minimum water depth and the number of hours after midnight that this
depth occurs.
Page 86 of 105
YOUR NOTES

c)
Calculate how long the water depth is at least 13.5 m each day.
Page 87 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 88 of 105
3.6 Trigonometric Equations & Identities YOUR NOTES


3.6.1 Simple Identities
Simple Identities
What is a trigonometric identity?
Trigonometric identities are statements that are true for all values of x or θ
They are used to help simplify trigonometric equations before solving them
Sometimes you may see identities written with the symbol ≡
This means 'identical to'
What trigonometric identities do I need to know?
The two trigonometric identities you must know are
sin θ
tan θ =
cos θ
This is the identity for tan θ
sin2θ + cos2θ = 1
This is the Pythagorean identity
Note that the notation sin 2θ is the same as (sin θ ) 2
Both identities can be found in the formula booklet
Rearranging the second identity often makes it easier to work with
sin2θ = 1 − cos2 θ
cos2θ = 1 − sin2θ
Where do the trigonometric identities come from?

You do not need to know the proof for these identities but it is a good idea to know where
they come from
From SOHCAHTOA we know that
opposite O
sin θ = =
hypotenuse H
adjacent A
cos θ = =
hypotenuse H
opposite O
tan θ = =
adjacent A
The identity for tan θ can be seen by diving sin θ by cos θ ?
O
sin θ H O
= = = tan θ
cos θ A A
H
The Pythagorean identity can be seen by considering a right-triangle with a hypotenuse of 1
Then (opposite)2 + (adjacent)2 = 1
Therefore sin 2 θ + cos2 θ = 1
Considering the equation of the unit circle also shows the Pythagorean identity
The equation of the unit circle is x 2 + y 2 = 1
The coordinates on the unit circle are (cos θ , sin θ )
Page 89 of 105
Therefore the equation of the unit circle could be written cos2 θ + sin 2 θ = 1 YOUR NOTES
π
A third very useful identity is sin θ = cos (90° − θ ) or sin θ = cos ( − θ) 
2
This is not included in the formula booklet but is useful to remember
How are the trigonometric identities used?
Most commonly trigonometric identities are used to change an equation into a form that
allows it to be solved
They can also be used to prove further identities such as the double angle formulae
 Exam Tip
If you are asked to show that one thing is identical (≡) to another, look at what
parts are missing – for example, if tan x has gone it must have been substituted
 Worked Example
Show that the equation 2sin2 x − cos x = 0 can be written in the form
a cos2 x + b cos x + c = 0 , where a , b and c are integers to be found.
Page 90 of 105
3.6.2 Double Angle Formulae YOUR NOTES


Double Angle Formulae
What are the double angle formulae?
The double angle formulae for sine and cosine are:
sin 2θ = 2sin θ cos θ
cos 2θ = cos2 θ − sin2 θ = 2cos2 θ − 1 = 1 − 2sin2 θ
These can be found in the formula booklet
You do not need to know how to derive them
How are the double angle formulae used?
Double angle formulae will often be used with…
... trigonometry exact values
... graphs of trigonometric functions
... relationships between trigonometric ratios
To help solve trigonometric equations which contain sin θ cos θ :
1
Substitute sin θ cos θ for sin 2θ
2
Solve for 2θ , finding all values in the range for 2θ
The range will need adapting for 2θ
Find the solutions for θ
To help solve trigonometric equations which contain sin 2θ and sin θ or cos θ
Substitute sin 2θ for 2sin θ cos θ
Isolate all terms in θ
Factorise or use another identity to write the equation in a form which can be solved
To help solve trigonometric equations which contain cos 2θ and sin θ or cos θ
Substitute cos 2θ for either 2cos2 θ − 1 or 1 − 2sin2 θ
Choose the trigonometric ratio that is already in the equation
Isolate all terms in θ
Solve
The equation will most likely be in the form of a quadratic
Double angle formulae can be used in proving other trigonometric identities
 Exam Tip
All these formulae are in the Topic 3: Geometry and Trigonometry section of
the formula booklet
If you are asked to show that one thing is identical (≡) to another, look at what
parts are missing – for example, if sinθ has disappeared you may want to
choose the equivalent expression for cos2θ that does not include sinθ
Page 91 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Without using a calculator, solve the equation sin 2θ = sin θ for 0° ≤ θ ≤ 360°.
Show all working clearly.
Page 92 of 105
3.6.3 Relationship Between Trigonometric Ratios YOUR NOTES


Relationship Between Trigonometric Ratios
What relationships between trigonometric ratios should I know?
If you know a value for one trig ratio you can often use this to work out the value for the
others without needing to find θ
a
If you know that sin θ = , where a, b ∈ ℕ , you can:
b
Sketch a right-triangle with a opposite θ and b on the hypotenuse
Use Pythagoras’ theorem to find the value of the adjacent side
Use SOHCAHTOA to find the values of cos θ and tan θ
If you know a value for sin θ or cos θ you can use the Pythagorean relationship
sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1
to find the value of the other
If you know a value for sin θ or cos θ you can use the double angle formulae to find the value
of sin 2θ or cos 2θ
If you know two out of the three values for sin θ, cos θ or tan θ you can use the identity in tan
sin θ
tan θ =
cos θ
to find the value of the third ratio
How do we determine whether a trigonometric ratio will be positive or
negative?
It is possible to determine whether a trigonometric ratio will be positive or negative by
looking at the size of the angle and considering the unit circle
Angles in the range 0° < θ° < 90° will be positive for all three ratios
Angles in the range 90° < θ° < 180° will be positive for sin and negative for cos and tan
Angles in the range 180° < θ° < 270° will be positive for tan and negative for sin and cos
Angles in the range 270° < θ° < 360° will be positive for cos and negative for sin and tan
The ratios for angles of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° and 360° are either 0, 1, -1 or undefined
You should know these ratios or know how to derive them without a calculator
 Exam Tip
Being able to sketch out the unit circle and remembering CAST can help you to
find all solutions to a problem in an exam question
Page 93 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

3 π
The value of sin α = for ≤ α ≤ π. Find:
5 2
i)
cos α
ii)
tan α
Page 94 of 105
YOUR NOTES

iii)
sin 2α
iv)
cos 2α
v)
tan 2α
Page 95 of 105
YOUR NOTES

Page 96 of 105
3.6.4 Linear Trigonometric Equations YOUR NOTES


Trigonometric Equations: sinx = k
How are trigonometric equations solved?
Trigonometric equations can have an infinite number of solutions
For an equation in sin or cos you can add 360° or 2π to each solution to find more
solutions
For an equation in tan you can add 180° or π to each solution
When solving a trigonometric equation you will be given a range of values within which you
should find all the values
Solving the equation normally and using the inverse function on your calculator or your
knowledge of exact values will give you the primary value
The secondary values can be found with the help of:
The unit circle
The graphs of trigonometric functions
How are trigonometric equations of the form sin x = k solved?
It is a good idea to sketch the graph of the trigonometric function first
Use the given range of values as the domain for your graph
The intersections of the graph of the function and the line y = k will show you
The location of the solutions
The number of solutions
You will be able to use the symmetry properties of the graph to find all secondary
values within the given range of values
The method for finding secondary values are:
For the equation sin x = k the primary value is x1 = sin -1 k
A secondary value is x2 = 180° - sin -1 k
Then all values within the range can be found using x1 ± 360n and
x2 ± 360n where n ∈ ℕ
For the equation cos x = k the primary value is x1 = cos -1 k
A secondary value is x2 = - cos -1 k
Then all values within the range can be found using x1 ± 360n and
x2 ± 360n where n ∈ ℕ
For the equation tan x = k the primary value is x = tan -1 k
All secondary values within the range can be found using x ± 180n where n ∈ ℕ
 Exam Tip
If you are using your GDC it will only give you the principal value and you need to
find all other solutions for the given interval
Sketch out the CAST diagram and the trig graphs on your exam paper to refer
back to as many times as you need to
Page 97 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Solve the equation 2cos x = − 1 , finding all solutions in the range −π ≤ x ≤ π .
Page 98 of 105
Trigonometric Equations: sin(ax + b) = k YOUR NOTES

How can I solve equations with transformations of trig functions? 
Trigonometric equations in the form sin(ax + b) can be solved in more than one way
The easiest method is to consider the transformation of the angle as a substitution
For example let u = ax + b
Transform the given interval for the solutions in the same way as the angle
For example if the given interval is 0° ≤ x ≤ 360° the new interval will be
(a (0°) + b) ≤ u ≤ (a (360°) + b)
Solve the function to find the primary value for u
Use either the unit circle or sketch the graph to find all the other solutions in the range for u
Undo the substitution to convert all of the solutions back into the corresponding solutions
for x
Another method would be to sketch the transformation of the function
If you use this method then you will not need to use a substitution for the range of
values
 Exam Tip
If you transform the interval, remember to convert the found angles back to the
final values at the end!
If you are using your GDC it will only give you the principal value and you need to
find all other solutions for the given interval
Sketch out the CAST diagram and the trig graphs on your exam paper to refer
back to as many times as you need to
Page 99 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Solve the equation 2cos(2x − 30°) = − 1 , finding all solutions in the range
−360 ° ≤ x ≤ 360 °.
Page 100 of 105
3.6.5 Quadratic Trigonometric Equations YOUR NOTES


Quadratic Trigonometric Equations
How are quadratic trigonometric equations solved?
A quadratic trigonometric equation is one that includes either sin2 θ , cos2 θ or tan2 θ
Often the identity sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1 can be used to rearrange the equation into a form
that is possible to solve
If the equation involves both sine and cosine then the Pythagorean identity should be
used to write the equation in terms of just one of these functions
Solve the quadratic equation using your GDC, the quadratic equation or factorisation
This can be made easier by changing the function to a single letter
Such as changing 2cos2 θ − 3cos θ − 1 = 0 to 2c2 − 3c − 1 = 0
A quadratic can give up to two solutions
You must consider both solutions to see whether a real value exists
Remember that solutions for sin θ = k and cos θ = k only exist for -1 ≤ k ≤ 1
Solutions for tan θ = k exist for all values of k
Find all solutions within the given interval
There will often be more than two solutions for one quadratic equation
The best way to check the number of solutions is to sketch the graph of the function
 Exam Tip
Sketch the trig graphs on your exam paper to refer back to as many times as you
need to!
Be careful to make sure you have found all of the solutions in the given interval,
being super-careful if you get a negative solution but have a positive interval
Page 101 of 105
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Solve the equation 11sin x – 7 = 5cos2 x , finding all solutions in the range
0 ≤ x ≤ 2 π.
Page 102 of 105
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3. Geometry & Trigonometry

3.1 Geometry Toolkit YOUR NOTES

Basic Coordinate Geometry YOUR NOTES

What can we do with coordinates?

How do I find the midpoint of two points?

How do I find the distance between two points?

How do I find the gradient of the line between two points?

3.1.2 Radian Measure YOUR NOTES

Radian Measure YOUR NOTES

How do I convert between radians and degrees?

3.1.3 Arcs & Sectors YOUR NOTES

Length of an Arc YOUR NOTES

How do I find the length of an arc?

Area of a Sector YOUR NOTES

How do I find the area of a sector?

Arcs & Sectors Using Radians YOUR NOTES

θ is the angle measured in radians

3.2 Geometry of 3D Shapes YOUR NOTES

3D Coordinate Geometry YOUR NOTES

What can we do with 3D coordinates?

How do I find the midpoint of two points in 3D?

How do I find the distance between two points in 3D?

3.2.2 Volume & Surface Area YOUR NOTES

Volume of 3D Shapes YOUR NOTES

How do I find the volume of cuboids, prisms and cylinders?

Note two special cases:

Volume of a cuboid = length × width × height

How do I find the volume of a sphere?

Surface Area of 3D Shapes YOUR NOTES

How do I find the surface area of cuboids, pyramids and prisms?

A = 4πr2 YOUR NOTES

3.3 Trigonometry YOUR NOTES

Pythagoras YOUR NOTES

Calculate the length BM.

Right-Angled Trigonometry YOUR NOTES

What are Sin, Cos and Tan?

How can we use SOHCAHTOA to find missing lengths?

How can we use SOHCAHTOA to find missing angles?

3D Problems YOUR NOTES

Exam Tip YOUR NOTES

3.3.2 Non Right-Angled Trigonometry YOUR NOTES

Sine Rule YOUR NOTES

Use the sine rule to calculate the value of:

Ambiguous Sine Rule YOUR NOTES

Exam Tip YOUR NOTES

Cosine Rule YOUR NOTES

Calculate the value of ABC.

Area of a Triangle YOUR NOTES

Calculate the area of triangle .

3.3.3 Applications of Trigonometry & Pythagoras YOUR NOTES

Bearings YOUR NOTES

How are bearings defined?

Elevation & Depression YOUR NOTES

Constructing Diagrams YOUR NOTES

3.4 Further Trigonometry YOUR NOTES

Defining Sin, Cos and Tan YOUR NOTES

Using The Unit Circle YOUR NOTES