TRIGONOMETRY

TRIGONOMETRY

REDUCTION FORMULA

Reduction formulas are used to simplify trigonometric expressions. They are used on angles
greater than 900 . All Students Take Chemistry is a mnemonic that can be used to remember which
functions are positive in different quadrants.

900
𝑨𝒍𝒍 + 𝒗𝒆
𝒔𝒊𝒏 + 𝒗𝒆
𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑣𝑒
𝟐𝒏𝒅 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒅 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝑣𝑒 𝟏𝒔𝒕 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒅
𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑣𝑒
tan −𝑣𝑒
tan +𝑣𝑒
1800 00 ; 3600
𝐭𝐚𝐧 +𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔 + 𝒗𝒆
𝒓𝒅
𝟑 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒅 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑣𝑒 tan −𝑣𝑒 𝟒𝒕𝒉 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒅
𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − 𝑣𝑒
1
2700

Quadrant 2
sin(1800 − ) = + sin 
cos(1800 − ) = − cos 
tan(1800 − ) = − tan 
Quadrant 3
tan(1800 + ) = + tan 
sin(1800 + ) = − sin 
cos(1800 + ) = − cos 
Quadrant 4
cos(3600 − ) = + cos 
sin(3600 − ) = − sin 
tan(3600 − ) = − tan 

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

NOTE:
1 Do not use the reduction formula on angles less than 900 (Angles in the 1𝑠𝑡 quadrant).
2 In all the above cases,  has to be an acute angle (00 ≤  ≤ 900 )
TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES
1 𝑠𝑖𝑛2  + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2  = 1
𝑠𝑖𝑛2  = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2  = 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 
sin 
2 tan  = cos 

SPECIAL ANGLES IN THE FIRST QUADRANT

00 300 450 600 900
𝑠𝑖𝑛 0 1 1 √2 √3 1
2 𝑜𝑟
√2 2 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 1 √3 1 √2 1 0
𝑜𝑟 2
2 √2 2
𝑡𝑎𝑛 0 1  2
1 √3 √3
𝑜𝑟
√3 3
NOTE:

1 Special angles in the other quadrants can be written in terms of special angles in the first
quadrant by using the reduction formula.

2 Adding or subtracting 3600 does not change the value of a trigonometric ratio.

𝑠𝑖𝑛(  3600 ) = sin 

𝑐𝑜𝑠(  3600 ) = cos 

𝑡𝑎𝑛(  3600 ) = tan 

3 sin(−) = − sin 

cos(−) = cos 

tan(−) = − tan 

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

CO-RATIOS

cos(900 − ) = sin  ; cos(900 + ) = − sin 

sin(900 − ) = cos  ; sin(900 + ) = cos 

Example 1

1.1 In the diagram below, 𝑇(𝑥 ; 15) is a point in the cartesian plane such that 𝑂𝑇 = 17
units. 𝑃(−2 ; 𝑎) lies on 𝑂𝑇. 𝐾 is a point on the 𝑥-axis and 𝑇𝑂̂𝐾 = .

Determine, with the aid of the diagram, the following:

1.1.1 the value of 𝑥. (2)

1.1.2 tan  (1)

1.1.3 cos(1800 − ) (2)

1.1.4 𝑠𝑖𝑛2  (2)

1.1.5 the value of 𝑎. (3)

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

1.2 Simplify WITHOUT using a calculator:

(7)

1.3 Prove the identity:

(5)

[22]

Example 2

2.1 Simplify fully:

(6)

2.2 Prove, WITHOUT using a calculator, that:

4

(6)

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

2.3 In the diagram below, 𝑅 is a point in the first quadrant such that 𝑇𝑂̂𝑅 = 𝛼. 𝑅𝑂 is
3
extended to 𝑃 such that 𝑂𝑃 = 2𝑅𝑂 and 𝑇𝑂̂𝑃 = 𝛽. It is given that sin 𝛼 = 5 .

5
WITHOUT using a calculator, determine:

2.3.1 the value of tan 𝛼 (3)

2.3.2 the value of sin 𝛽 (3)

2.3.3 the coordinates of 𝑃 (4)

2.4 Prove the identity:

(4)

[26]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 3

3.1 In the diagram below, 𝑃(−8 ; 𝑡) is a point in the cartesian plane such that 𝑂𝑃 = 17
units and reflex angle 𝑋𝑂̂𝑃 =  .

3.1.1 Calculate the value of 𝑡. (2)

3.1.2 Determine the value of each of the following WITHOUT using a calculator:
6
(a) cos(−) (2)

(b) 1 − sin  (2)

3.2 If sin 170 = 𝑎, WITHOUT using a calculator, express the following in terms of 𝑎:

3.2.1 tan 170 (3)

3.2.2 sin 1070 (2)

3.2.3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 2530 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 5570 (4)

3.3 Simplify fully, WITHOUT the use of a calculator:

(6)

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

3.4 Prove the identity:

(4)

[25]

QUESTION 4

4.1 In the diagram below, 𝑃(𝑥 ; 24) is a point such that 𝑂𝑃 = 25 and 𝑅𝑂̂𝑃 = 𝛽, where 𝛽
is an obtuse angle.

4.1.1 Calculate the value of 𝑥. (2)

4.1.2 Determine the value of each of the following WITHOUT using a calculator:

(a) sin 𝛽 (1)

(b) cos(1800 − 𝛽) (2)

(c) tan(−𝛽) (2)

4.1.3 𝑇 is a point on 𝑂𝑃 such that 𝑂𝑇 = 15. Determine the coordinates of 𝑇

WITHOUT using a calculator. (4)

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

4.2 Determine the value of the following expression:

(4)

4.3 Consider:

Simplify the expression to a single trigonometric term. (3)

[18]

Example 5

5.1 Without using a calculator, simplify the following expression to ONE trigonometric
ratio.

8
(6)

5.2 Prove the identity:

(4)

5.3 Given: sin 360 = √1 − 𝑝2

Without using a calculator, determine EACH of the following in terms of 𝑝.

5.3.1 tan 360 (3)

5.3.2 cos 1080 (4)

[17]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

COMPOUND ANGLES (ADDITION FORMULAE)

Compound angle identities:

1 cos( − ) = cos  cos  + sin  sin 

2 cos( + ) = cos  cos  − sin  sin 

3 sin( + ) = sin  cos  + cos  sin 

4 sin( − ) = sin  cos  − cos  sin 

NOTE:

1 When dealing with compound angles, the above identities must be used in order to
expand compound angles.

2 cos(  )  cos   cos 

sin(  )  sin   sin 

DOUBLE ANGLE IDENTITIES 9

1 sin 2 = 2 sin  cos 

2 cos 2 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2  − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 

3 cos 2 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2  − 1

4 cos 2 = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 

NOTE: These identities are derived from the compound angle identities.

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 1

1.1 In the diagram, 𝑃(−5 ; 12) and 𝑇 lies on the positive 𝑥-axis. 𝑃𝑂̂𝑇 =  .

10

Answer the following without using a calculator:

1.1.1 Write down the value of tan  (1)

1.1.2 Calculate the value of cos  (3)

1.1.3 𝑆(𝑎 ; 𝑏) is a point in the third quadrant such that 𝑇𝑂̂ 𝑆 =  + 900 and 𝑂𝑆 = 6,5
units. Calculate the value of 𝑏. (4)

1.2 Determine, without using a calculator, the value of the following trigonometric

expression.

(5)

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

1.3 Given:

Determine the value of cos 2𝐴 without using a calculator. (5)

[18]

Example 2

Given: cos(𝛼 − 𝛽) = cos 𝛼 cos 𝛽 + sin 𝛼 sin 𝛽

2.1 Use the given identity to derive a formula for cos(𝛼 + 𝛽) (3)

2.2 Simplify completely: 2 cos 6𝑥 cos 4𝑥 − cos 10𝑥 + 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 (5)

[8]

Example 3

3.1 Simplify the following to ONE trigonometric term: 11

(5)

3.2 Without using a calculator, determine the value of:

(4)

3.3 Given: cos 260 = 𝑚

Without using a calculator, determine 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 772 in terms of 𝑚. (4)

[13]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 4

4.1 Without using a calculator, write the following expressions in terms of sin 110 .

4.1.1 sin 1910 (1)

4.1.2 cos 220 (1)

4.2 Simplify cos(𝑥 − 1800 ) + √2 sin(𝑥 + 450 ) to a single trigonometric ratio. (5)

7
4.3 Given: sin 𝑃 + sin 𝑄 = 5 and 𝑃̂ + 𝑄̂ = 900 .

Without using a calculator, determine the value of sin 2𝑃 . (5)

[12]

Example 5

5.1 Given:

12

Simplify the expression to a single trigonometric ratio. (6)

5.2 In the diagram, 𝑃(3 ; 𝑡) is a point in the Cartesian plane. 𝑂𝑃 = √34 and 𝐻𝑂̂𝑃 = 𝛽 is
a reflex angle.

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Without using a calculator, determine the value of:

5.2.1 𝑡 (2)

5.2.2 tan 𝛽 (1)

5.2.3 cos 2𝛽 (4)

5.3 Prove:

5.3.1 sin(𝐴 + 𝐵) − sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 2 cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 (2)

5.3.2 Without using a calculator, show that sin 770 − sin 430 = sin 170 (4)

[19]

Example 6

6.1 Simplify to one trigonometric ratio:

sin(𝐴−1800 ).tan(1800 −𝐴).cos 𝐴

(5)
cos(900 +𝐴)
13
6.2 If sin 280 = 𝑎 and cos 320 = 𝑏, determine the following in terms 𝑎 and 𝑏.

6.2.1 cos 280 (2)

6.2.2 cos 640 (2)

6.2.3 sin 40 (4)

6.3 Prove the identity:

1 1 2 tan 𝑥
− = (5)
1 − sin 𝑥 1 + sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥

1
6.4 Given that sin  = 3 , calculate the numerical value of sin 3 , WITHOUT using a

calculator. (5)

[23]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

When solving trigonometric equations, always find the general solution first and solve for
specific solutions in a given interval only when required. You have to find a reference angle
(RA) and remember that; sin  and cos  functions have a period of 3600 ; tan  has a period of
1800 . Period refers to number of degrees to complete a wave or a cycle for a trigonometric
function.

GENERAL SOLUTIONS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

1 If sin  = 𝑚 and −1  𝑚  1, the quadrants where the general solution is will depend on
the sign of 𝑚.

If 𝒎 > 𝟎 (positive)

First quadrant

 = 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ OR

Second quadrant
14

 = 1800 − 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ

If 𝒎 < 𝟎 (Negative)

Third quadrant

 = 1800 + 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ OR

Fourth quadrant

 = 3600 − 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ

2 If cos  = 𝑚 and −1  𝑚  1; the quadrants where the general solution is will depend on
the sign of 𝑚.

If 𝒎 > 𝟎 (positive)

First quadrant

 = 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ OR

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Fourth quadrant

 = 3600 − 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ

If 𝒎 < 𝟎 (Negative)

Second quadrant

 = 1800 − 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ OR

Third quadrant

 = 1800 + 𝑅𝐴 + 3600 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ

3 If tan  = 𝑚 and 𝑚ℝ; the quadrants where the general solution is will depend on the
sign of 𝑚.

If 𝒎 > 𝟎 (positive)

First quadrant

 = 𝑅𝐴 + 1800 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ OR 15

Third quadrant

 = 1800 + 𝑅𝐴 + 1800 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ

If 𝒎 < 𝟎 (Negative)

Second quadrant

 = 1800 − 𝑅𝐴 + 1800 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ OR

Fourth quadrant

 = 3600 − 𝑅𝐴 + 1800 . 𝑘; 𝑘 ℤ

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 1

Determine the general solutions of the following equations:

1.1 3 sin 𝑥 = 2 tan 𝑥 (6)

1.2 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥 + 2 = 0 (6)

1.3 6𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + 7 cos 𝑥 − 3 = 0 (6)

1.4 cos 2𝑥 − 7 cos 𝑥 − 3 = 0 (6)

1.5 cos(𝑥 − 300 ) = 2 sin 𝑥 (6)

1.6 sin(𝑥 − 300 ) = cos 2𝑥 (5)

[35]

Example 2

2.1 Consider: 𝑓(𝑥) = sin(𝑥 + 250 ) cos 150 − cos(𝑥 + 250 ) sin 150
16
2.1.1 Determine the general solution of 𝑓(𝑥) = tan 1650 (6)

2.1.2 Determine the value(s) of 𝑥 in the interval 𝑥𝜖[00 ; 3600 ] for which 𝑓(𝑥) will
have a minimum value. (3)

2.2 Consider: sin(2𝑥 + 400 ) cos(𝑥 + 300 ) − cos(2𝑥 + 400 ) sin(𝑥 + 300 )

2.2.1 Write the above expression as a single trigonometric term in its simplest form.

(2)

2.2.2 Determine the general solution of the following equation:

sin(2𝑥 + 400 ) cos(𝑥 + 300 ) − cos(2𝑥 + 400 ) sin(𝑥 + 300 ) = cos(2𝑥 − 200 )

(7)

[18]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

NOTE: Conditions for range of values can be given so that to obtain a particular solution for a

trigonometric equation.

Example 3

Solve for 𝑥 if:

3.1 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + sin 2𝑥 = 0 and −3600 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3600 (6)

3.2 cos 𝑥 cos 3300 + sin 𝑥 cos 1200 = cos 2𝑥 and 𝑥[00 ; 3600 ] (6)

[12]

Example 4

sin 2𝑥 + sin 𝑥
Consider: = tan 𝑥
cos 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 + 1

4.1 Prove the identity. (5)

4.2 Determine the values of 𝑥, where 𝑥𝜖[1800 ; 3600 ], for which the above identity will be
17
invalid/undefined. (2)

[7]

Example 5

sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥
5.1 Prove that: 1 1 = tan 2𝑥 (3)
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥− 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
2 2

5.2 Determine for which values of 𝑥, 𝑥𝜖[00 ; 3600 ], is the identity in 5.1 undefined. (3)

[6]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

TWO AND THREE DIMENTIONAL TRIGONOMETRY

This involves problems in two and three dimensions using the sine, cosine and area rules. The
knowledge of trigonometry, including trigonometric equations is also necessary.

The right-angled triangle

𝐴 𝐵

The three trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine and tangent) are defined as follows.

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
𝑠𝑖𝑛 = 𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑐𝑜𝑠 = 𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒
18
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
𝑡𝑎𝑛 =
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

NOTE: The opposite and the adjacent of the triangle depends on the position of the angle.

Consider the triangle below.

𝐶

𝑎
𝑏


𝐴 𝑐 𝐵

𝑏 𝑐 𝑏
sin  = 𝑎 cos  = 𝑎 tan  = 𝑐

𝑐 𝑏 𝑐
sin 𝛽 = 𝑎 cos  = 𝑎 tan 𝛽 = 𝑏

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

THE SINE RULE

The sine rule is used, when you have Side Side Angle (SSA) or Angle Side Angle. Two sides
and an angle or two angles and a side have to be given to be able to use the sine rule.

Consider the triangle below:

𝑐 𝑏

𝐵 𝐶
𝑎

The sine rule states that:

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶

= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐶 OR = =
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

THE COSINE RULE 19

The cosine rule is used, when you have Side Angle Side (SAS) OR Side Side Side (SSS). Two
sides and an angle or three sides have to be given to be able to use the cosine rule.

Consider the triangle below:

𝑐 𝑏

𝐵 𝐶
𝑎

The cosine rule states that:

𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐. cos 𝐴 OR 𝑏 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑎𝑐. cos 𝐵 OR

𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑏. cos 𝐶

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

THE AREA RULE

The area rule is used, when you have Side Angle Side (SAS). Two sides and the angle between
them have to be given to be able to use the area rule.

Consider the triangle below:

𝑐 𝑏

𝐵 𝐶
𝑎

1 1 1
Area of ∆ ABC= 2 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐶 = 2 𝑏𝑐𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 = 2 𝑎𝑐𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵

Example 1

20

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

1.1 Prove that 𝑄𝑆 = 5 tan 𝑥 (3)

1.2 Prove that the length of 𝑄𝑇 = 10 sin 𝑥 (5)

1.3 Calculate the area of ∆𝑇𝑄𝑅 if 𝑇𝑄̂ 𝑅 = 700 and 𝑥 = 250 (2)

[10]

Example 2

21

2.1 Show that 𝑄𝑆 = 3𝑟 (3)

2.2 Determine, in terms of 𝑟, the area of the flower garden. (2)

2.3 Show that 𝑅𝑆 = 𝑟√10 − 6 cos 2𝑥 (3)

2.4 If 𝑟 = 10 metres and 𝑥 = 560 , calculate 𝑅𝑆. (2)

[10]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 3

22

3.1 Determine 𝐴𝐾 in terms of 𝑥. (2)

3.2 Write down the size of 𝐾𝐶̂ 𝐹 . (1)

3.3 ̂ 𝐹, the angle between the solar panel and the concrete slab, is
It is further given that 𝐴𝐾
𝑦. Determine the area of ∆𝐴𝐾𝐹 in terms of 𝑥 and 𝑦. (7)

[10]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 4

23

4.1 Calculate the length of:

4.1.1 𝐴𝐶 in terms of 𝑥 and  (2)

4.1.2 𝐶𝐸 in terms of 𝑥. (2)

4.2 Show that the area of the roof ∆𝐴𝐶𝐸 is given by 2𝑥(𝑥 + 2) cos  . (3)

4.3 If  = 550 and 𝐵𝐶 = 12 metres, calculate the length 𝐴𝐸. (4)

[11]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)
 TRIGONOMETRY

Example 5

24

5.1 Write 𝑄𝑀 in terms of 𝑥 and  . (2)

cos 𝛽
5.2 Prove that tan  = (4)
6

5.3 If 𝛽 = 400 and 𝑄𝑀 = 60 metres, calculate the height of the lighthouse to the nearest
metre. (3)

[9]

Compiled by Douglas Kalule 061 440 9694 OR 078 159 4864 (WhatsApp)