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The forms R cos(theta ± a) and R sin(theta ± a)Edexcel International A Level Maths: Mind map

What this mind map covers

  • Expand the form
  • Find R and α
  • Max and min
  • Solving
  • In context

Exam questions on The forms R cos(theta ± a) and R sin(theta ± a)

  1. The expression 3sin⁡θ+4cos⁡θ3\sin\theta+4\cos\theta is written in the form Rsin⁡(θ+α)R\sin(\theta+\alpha), where R>0R>0 and 0<α<90∘0<\alpha<90^{\circ}.
    Hence state the maximum value of 3sin⁡θ+4cos⁡θ3\sin\theta+4\cos\theta and the smallest positive value of θ\theta at which it occurs, to 1 decimal place.2 marks
  2. Let f(θ)=cos⁡θ−3sin⁡θ\mathrm{f}(\theta)=\cos\theta-\sqrt3\sin\theta, with θ\theta in radians. It is written in the form Rcos⁡(θ+α)R\cos(\theta+\alpha), where R>0R>0 and 0<α<π20<\alpha<\frac{\pi}{2}.
    Hence find the minimum value of f(θ)\mathrm{f}(\theta) and the smallest positive value of θ\theta at which it occurs.2 marks
  3. Angles are measured in degrees and a calculator may be used.
    Express 5cos⁡θ−12sin⁡θ5\cos\theta-12\sin\theta in the form Rcos⁡(θ+α)R\cos(\theta+\alpha), where R>0R>0 and 0<α<90∘0<\alpha<90^{\circ}. Give α\alpha to 1 decimal place.3 marks
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Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).