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Equations and Identities

Quadratics
  • It is possible to have a quadratic trigonometric equation.
  • When this happens, you need to substitute in \(x\) into the equation instead of the sin/cos/tan value.
    \(\tan^2\theta=4\) in the interval \(0 \leq x\leq 360^\circ\)
    • \(x^2=4\)
    • \(x=2\)
    • \(\tan\theta=2\)
    • \(\tan^{-1}(2)=63.43^\circ\)
    • \(x_{1}=63.43^\circ\)
    • \(x_{2}=243.4^\circ\)
    • \(x_{3}=116.6^\circ\)
    • \(x_{4}=296.6^\circ\)
    \(2\sin^2x+5\sin x-3=0\)
    • Sub in x
    • \(2x^2+5x-3=0\)
    • Solutions are \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(-3\)
    • \(\sin x=\frac{1}{2}\) and \(\sin x=-3\)
    • \(\sin^{-1} \frac{1}{2} = 30\) and \(\sin^{-1} -3\) has no solutions.
    • Using cast diagram, solutions are \(30^\circ\) and \(150^\circ\)
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