Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Trigonometry

Trigonometry — practice question

(a)[4]

Express $5\sin\left(x + \tfrac{\pi}{6}\right) - 4\cos x$ as $R\sin(x - \alpha)$, where $R > 0$ and $0 < \alpha < \tfrac{\pi}{2}$. State the exact value of $R$ and give $\alpha$ correct to 3 decimal places.

(b)[4]

Hence solve the equation $5\sin\left(2\theta + \frac{\pi}{6}\right) - 4\cos 2\theta = \sqrt{7}$ for $0 \leq \theta \leq \pi$, and state both answers correct to 2 decimal places.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Expanding $5\sin(x+\tfrac{\pi}{6})-4\cos x$ gives $\tfrac{5\sqrt3}{2}\sin x-\tfrac32\cos x$

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