Grade 12

Mathematics

Maths and Science Infinity

CAPS Syllabus
Trigonometry
Trigonometry 2D &3D

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Thulani Mjikwa

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 CONCEPT HOW TO LEARN IT? RELEVANT FORMULAE AND
KEYWORDS
Reduction formula Master the properties of all 4 quadrants. First quadrant: 𝜃

Second quadrant: 180° − 𝜃

Third quadrant: 180° + 𝜃

Fourth quadrant: 360° − 𝜃

Definition of the Trigonometry functions regarding the Simplify

4 quadrants.
Show that:
All angles must be expressed in the form of an acute
angle.

𝜃 is always regarded as an acute angle.

Reduction formula is applied when simplifying

trigonometry expressions that comprises of:

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180° ± 𝜃 or 360° − 𝜃
Classify angles according to quadrants they belong to. Practice exam type questions.

Know the reduction formulae very well and know the

correct use.
Always relate to angles to 180° ± 𝜃 or 360° − 𝜃 Practice exam type questions.

90° ± can be used but remember to change the name

(co-functions).

sin(90° − 𝜃) = + cos 𝜃

sin(90° + 𝜃) = + cos 𝜃

cos(90° − 𝜃) = + sin 𝜃

cos(90° + 𝜃) = −sin 𝜃

Note: use 90° ± only if you do not have a choice.

DO NOT TOUCH 270° ±

Negative angle (−𝜃)

sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃

cos(−𝜃) = + cos 𝜃

tan(−𝜃) = − tan 𝜃

Simplifying a trigonometry expression.

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Identities Square identity 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1

Quotient identity sin 𝜃

tan 𝜃 =
cos 𝜃
Special angles Master the properties of equilateral triangles and 45° 30°; 45°; 60° and 90°
isosceles triangles.
0°; 180°; 270° and 360°

Angles that involve: Without the use of a calculator.

30°; 45°; 60° and 90° Leave your answer in surd form.

0°; 180°; 270° and 360°

Use an equilateral triangle to construct and design Practice exam type questions.
special angles.

Use an isosceles triangle of 45° to construct and

design special angles.
Reduce any angle to be one of the following; Practice exam type questions.

30°; 45°; 60° and 90°

Solutions are always expressed as a common fraction

in surd form.

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Trigonometric equations without Master the Pythagoras’ theorem
using a calculator
Trigonometric ratios.

(𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑠𝑒)2 = (𝑂𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒)2 + (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡)2

𝑂𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
sin 𝜃 =
𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
cos 𝜃 =
𝐻𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝑂𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
tan 𝜃 =
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
Application of Pythagoras’ theorem Determine: sin 𝜃, cos 𝜃 or tan 𝜃

Ratios of Sine; Cosine and Tangent (SOH CAH TOA).

Sketching a right-angled triangle in the appropriate

quadrant.

Solutions must be always expressed as a common

fraction.
Identify appropriate quadrants where the angle lies. Practice exam type questions.
In the appropriate quadrant correctly draw the right –
angled triangle that describes the trig equation.

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 Master the Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometric Practice exam type questions.
ratios.

Sketching a right-angled triangle in the appropriate

quadrant.
Compound – angle identities Express any angle in the form of: (𝜃 + 𝛽) or (𝜃 − 𝛽) sin(𝜃 + 𝛽) = sin 𝜃 cos 𝛽 + sin 𝛽 cos 𝜃

sin(𝜃 − 𝛽) = sin 𝜃 cos 𝛽 − sin 𝛽 cos 𝜃

cos(𝜃 + 𝛽) = cos 𝜃 cos 𝛽 − sin 𝜃 sin 𝛽

cos(𝜃 − 𝛽) = cos 𝜃 cos 𝛽 + sin 𝜃 sin 𝛽

Sum and difference of angles in a given trigonometric Show that

function.
Prove that
Product of Sine and Cosine
Master simplification of compound angles. Practice exam type questions.

Try and spot the “Algebra” in the question and

relate it to the trigonometry.
Express any angle in the form of: (𝜃 + 𝛽) or (𝜃 − 𝛽) Practice exam type questions.

Simplifying the trigonometric identities.

Double – angle identities Express any angle in the form of 2𝜃 sin 2𝜃 = 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

cos 2𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

cos 2𝜃 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 1

cos 2𝜃 = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

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 Angles that are multiplied by 2. Show that

Prove that
Master simplification of compound angles. Practice exam type questions.

Express any angle in the form of 2𝜃 Practice exam type questions.

Simplifying the trigonometry identities.

Trigonometric equations and The domain is open: (−∞ ; ∞) Sine:
general solutions
Master the periods of different trigonometric functions 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 + 360°𝑘

and

𝜃 = (180° − 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) + 360°𝑘

where: 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
Cosine:
𝜃 = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 + 360°𝑘

and

𝜃 = (360° − 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) + 360°𝑘

where: 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
Tangent:

𝜃 = 𝜃𝑟𝑒𝑓 + 180°𝑘

where: 𝑘 ∈ ℤ

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 Solution of trigonometry equations without domain General solution
given.

Trigonometry equations have infinite solutions.

Periods of trigonometric functions.

Master how to solve for the reference angle. Practice exam type questions

Master the period for the trigonometry function you Know how to use your calculator to find an angle
are dealing with.
Master that +360°𝑘 is for sine and cosine. Practice exam type questions

Master that +180°𝑘 is for tangent.

Determine the reference angle.

State the periods of the trig ratio you are dealing with.
Restrictions on identities Master how to sketch the graph of original Range: 𝑦 ∈ [−1 ; 1] for sine and cosine
trigonometric functions.
Range: 𝑦 ∈ ℝ for tangent.

Domain: 𝜃 ≠ ±90° + 180°𝑘 for tangent

Domain: 𝜃 ∈ (−∞ ; ∞) for sine and cosine

Conditions of a common fraction regarding a Where is the identity not valid

denominator NOT equal to ZERO.

−1 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 1 for Sine and Cosine.

tan(90° ± 180°𝑘) is undefined where 𝑘 ∈ ℤ

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 Master the domain and range for different Practice exam type questions
trigonometry functions.

Integrate the concept of numbers in number operations

e.g.:

sin 𝜃
√tan 𝜃, tan 𝜃 ≥ 0 and , cos 𝜃 ≠ 0
cos 𝜃

Master the range and domain of trigonometric Practice exam type questions
functions.

Specify restrictions all times.

Trigonometric graphs Master how to sketch the graph of original 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 sin 𝑏(𝑐𝑥 ± 𝑝) ± 𝑞
trigonometric functions.
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎 cos 𝑏(𝑐𝑥 ± 𝑝) ± 𝑞

ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎 tan 𝑏(𝑐𝑥 ± 𝑝) ± 𝑞

Transformation of graphs, that is, translation and Period
reflection.
Amplitude

Frequency
Be always in the know of the domain and range of the Practice exam type questions.
trig graphs.
Know how to sketch a graph.

Know how to read off from a graph.

Master sketching the graphs of: Practice exam type questions.

𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥, 𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 and ℎ(𝑥) = tan 𝑥

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 Transformation of graphs.
Trigonometric formulae Know how to substitute into the correct formula and 1
when to use which one. 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 𝑎𝑏 sin 𝐶̂
2

sin 𝐴̂ sin 𝐵̂ sin 𝐶̂

= =
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴̂
Area rule is for the area of a non-right-angled triangle. Area

Cosine rule is when three sides are given or two Side

sides and the included angle.
Angle
Sine rule is for the rest of the time.
Use these formulae when it is a non-right-angled Apply your knowledge.
triangle.

In a right-angled triangle, it is theorem of Pythagoras.

Expect this question at the end of the trigonometric This is usually the real-life application.
section.

The more sums you practice the better you will

become.

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Activity 1
A, B and L are points on the same horizontal plane. HL is a vertical pole of length 3 metres.
AL = 5,2 m, the angle AL̂B = 113° and the angle of elevation of H from B is 40°.

1.1 Calculate the length of LB. (2)

1.2 Hence, or otherwise, calculate the length of AB. (4)
1.3 Determine the area of ∆ABL. (4)
[10]

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Activity 2
Thandi is standing at point P on the horizontal ground and observes two poles, AC and BD, of
different heights, P, C and D are in the same horizontal plane. From P the angles of inclination to
the top of the poles A and B are 23° and 18° respectively. Thandi is 18 m from the base of pole
AC. The height of pole BD is 7 m.

Calculate, correct to TWO decimal places:

2.1 The distance from Thandi to the top of pole BD. (2)
2.2 The distance from Thandi to the top of pole AC. (2)

2.3 ̂B = 46°.
The distance between the tops of the poles, that is the length of AB, If AP (4)
[8]

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Activity 3
A corner of a rectangular block of wood is cut off and shown in the diagram below. The inclined
̂ C = AĈD = θ.
plane, that is, ∆ACD, is and isosceles triangle having AD
1
Also, AĈB = 𝜃, AC = 𝑥 + 3 and CD = 2𝑥.
2

3.1 Determine an expression for 𝐶𝐴̂𝐷 in terms of 𝜃. (1)

𝑥
3.2 Prove that cos 𝜃 = . (4)
𝑥+3

3.3 If it is given that 𝑥 = 2, Calculate AB, the height of the piece of wood. (5)
[10]

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Activity 4
4.1 In the diagram below, ABC is a right-angled triangle. KC is the bisector of AĈB.
AC = 𝑟 units and BĈK = 𝑥.

4.1.1 Write down AB in terms of 𝑥 and 𝑟. (2)

4.1.2 ̂ C in terms of 𝑥.
Give the size of AK (1)
AK 2
4.1.3 If it is given that = , calculate the value of 𝑥. (8)
AB 3

4.2 Triangle ABC is isosceles with AB = BC.

𝑏2
Prove that cos B = 1 − (4)
2𝑎2

[16]

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Activity 5
In the diagram below A, B and C are three points in the same horizontal plane. D is vertically
above B and E is vertically above C. The angle of elevation of E from D is 𝜃. F is a point on EC
̂ C = 𝛼, AĈB = 𝛽 and AC = 𝑏 metres.
such that DF ∥ BC. BA

𝑏 sin 𝛼
5.1 Prove that DE = . (6)
sin(𝛼+𝛽).cos 𝜃

5.2 Calculate DE if 𝑏 = 2 000 metres, 𝛼 = 43°, 𝛽 = 36° and 𝜃 = 27°. (3)

[9]

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Activity 6
The sketch below shows one side of the elevation of a house. Some dimensions (in metres) are
indicated on the figure.

Calculate, rounded off to ONE decimal place:

6.1 EC (3)

6.2 DĈE (3)

6.3 Area of ∆DEC (2)
6.4 The height EF (3)
[11]

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Activity 7
̂ C = 50° and
The figure below represents a triangular right prism with BA = BC = 5 units, AB
̂ C = 25°.
FA

7.1 Determine the area of ∆ABC. (2)

7.2 Calculate the length of AC. (3)
7.3 Hence, determine the length FC of the prism. (3)
[8]

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Activity 8
In the accompanying figure, P is a balloon held in position by three stay wires PK, PL and PM.
PK = PL. LK̂ M = 68°, KL̂M = 42°, PK ̂ L = 35° and KM = 𝑥.

𝑥 sin 35°
8.1 Show that KP = (6)
sin 42°

8.2 Hence, calculate the area of ∆PKL if 𝑥 = 70 m. (4)

[10]

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Activity 9
A hot-air balloon H is directly above point B on the ground. Two ropes are used to keep the hot-
air balloon in position. The ropes are held by two people on the ground at point C and point D.
B, C and D in the same horizontal plane. The angle of elevation from C to H is 𝑥. CD̂ B = 2𝑥 and
CB̂ D = 90° − 𝑥. The distance between C and D is 𝑘 metres.

9.1 Show that CB = 2𝑘 sin 𝑥. (5)

9.2 Hence, show that the length of rope HC is 2𝑘 tan 𝑥. (3)
9.3 If 𝑘 = 40 m, 𝑥 = 23° and HD = 31,8 m, calculate 𝜃, the angle between the
two ropes. (4)
[12]

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Activity 10
The diagram below shows the side elevation of a house. The roof of the house is a scalene tringle
̂ Q = 𝛼. QT is a ladder such that UQT is a straight line. The angle of elevation QT
with PU ̂R = 𝜃.
PQ = 2𝑡 and QR = 𝑡.

10.1 ̂Q = sin(α + θ)
Prove that sin UP (2)
2𝑡 sin(𝜃+𝛼) 𝑡
10.2 Prove that 𝑈𝑇 = + (5)
sin 𝛼 sin 𝜃

10.3 Determine the length of UQ and hence the area of ∆UPQ, if 𝑡 = 3 m, 𝜃 = 42°
and 𝛼 = 83°. (4)
[11]

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Activity 11
In the diagram below, RS is the height of a vertical tower. T and Q are two points in the same
horizontal plane as the foot S of the tower. From point T the angle of elevation of the top of the
̂Q = 𝜃, RQ
tower is 60°, RT ̂ T = 60° and TQ = 𝑘 metres.

11.1 Express TR in terms of 𝜃 and 𝑘. (3)

3𝑘
11.2 Show that RS = (7)
2(√3 cos 𝜃+sin 𝜃)

[10]

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Activity 12
In the figure, the diameter PQ of the circle is produced to R. S is a point on the circumference
̂S = 𝛼.
such that QR = QS = 𝑥. P and S are joined and QP

12.1 Prove that: SR = 𝑥√2(1 + sin 𝛼) (4)

12.2 If SR = 5√3 and 𝑥 = 5, show that PQ = 10 (4)

[8]

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Activity 13
In the figure, points K, A and F lie in the same horizontal plane and TA represents a vertical
tower. AT̂K = 𝑥, KA ̂ F = 90° + 𝑥 and KF̂A = 2𝑥 where 0° < 𝑥 < 30°. TK = 2 units.

13.1 Express AK in terms of sin 𝑥. (2)

13.2 Calculate the numerical value of KF. (5)
[7]

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Activity 14
In the diagram below, C is a point on one side of the Buffalo River and is 3 m above the water. A
is a point on the other side of the river directly opposite C on the higher bank. B is a boat on the
river. A, B and C are in the same vertical plane. The angle of depression of B from A is 33,7°.
The angle of depression of C from A is 15,60° and B from C is 16,7°.

14.1 Calculate the length of BC. (3)

14.2 Calculate the length of AB. (3)
14.3 Calculate the length of AD. (3)
[9]

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Activity 15
In the diagram below, P, Q and R are points on the same horizontal plane.
WP is a vertical telephone mast. The angle of elevation of W from Q is 𝛼.
̂ R = 𝑦, PR
PQ ̂ Q = 𝑥 and QR = 5 metres

15.1 Express PW in terms of PQ and 𝛼. (2)

15 sin 𝑦
15.2 Hence, show that PR = . (4)
sin(𝑥+𝑦)
tan 𝛼
15.3 If 𝑥 = 𝑦, show that PW = 7,5 . (3)
cos 𝑦

[9]

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Activity 16
The figure shows an open birthday card. The length of the card is 145 mm and the breadth is 103
mm. the card is placed such that the angle formed between the two sides is 120°.

16.1 Calculate the length of NP. (2)

16.2 Calculate the length of PQ. (2)

16.3 ̂ Q.
Determine the size of PN (2)
[6]

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