Learning Area Pre- Calculus Grade Level 11

W8 Quarter 4 Date
I. LESSON TITLE Trigonometric Equations
II. MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING 1. Solve trigonometric equations
COMPETENCIES (MELCs) 2. Solve situational problems involving inverse trigonometric functions and
trigonometric equations
III. CONTENT/CORE CONTENT Formulate and solve accurately situational problems involving appropriate
trigonometric functions
IV. LEARNING PHASES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
I. Introduction (Time Frame: 10 minutes)
In the previous topic, we have tackled the different trigonometric identities and inverse trigonometric equations. In this lesson,
we will study conditional trigonometric equations.

After this lesson, you are expected to:

a) Solve trigonometric equations
b) Solve situational problems involving inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations

Before we start with our discussion, let us try to analyze the following real-life examples.
1. Angle of ascent/descent of an airplane in order to fly/land safely
2. Angle of elevation to measure the height of a building
3. Identifying the proper slope of a roof
4. Identifying the correct height and rise of a stairway

All of the examples above are situations wherein we have to identify the appropriate angles through solving different
trigonometric equations. Let us discuss further the techniques in solving (conditional) trigonometric equations.
D. Development (Time Frame: 50 minutes)
A trigonometric equation is any equation that involves trigonometric expressions. A solution or a root of a trigonometric equation
is an element of the domain of the trigonometric equation which, when substituted to the variable, makes the equation time.

Aside from just substituting values to the variables to verify if it is indeed a solution of the trigonometric equation, we can use
other techniques in solving trigonometric equations. Let us look at the following examples.

1
Example 1. Find the solution of the trigonometric equation sin 𝑥 = 2, where 𝑥 ∈ [0.2𝜋].
Solution. Recall that the value of 𝑦 = sin 𝑥 is positive in the 1st and 2nd quadrants.
𝜋 5𝜋
Thus, the only values of 𝑥 that satisfy the trigonometric equation are 𝑥 = 6 and 𝑥 = 6 .

Example 2. Find the solution of the trigonometric equation √3| cot 𝑥| = 1, for 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋].
1 √3
From the given equation, we know that | cot 𝑥| = = 3
.
√3
√3 𝜋 2𝜋 4𝜋 5𝜋
Then, cot 𝑥 = ± 3
and the only values of 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋] that satisfies the equation are 𝑥 = {3 , 3
, 3
, 3
}.

Example 3. Find the solution of the trigonometric equation cos2 𝑥 = cos 2𝑥 + sin2 𝑥 for 𝑥 = [0,2𝜋].
Note that cos2 𝑥 = cos 2𝑥 + sin2 𝑥 is just cos 2𝑥 = cos2 𝑥 − sin2 𝑥, which is the double angle formula for cosine function. Since this
equation holds true for any real value 𝑥, the solution set for this trigonometric equation is 𝑥 = [0,2𝜋].

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
Example 4. Which numbers in the set {0, , , , , , , , 𝜋, 2𝜋} are solutions to the trigonometric equation 2 tan 𝑥 + 4 sin 𝑥 =
6 4 3 2 3 4 6
2 + sec 𝑥.
We will try to substitute each value in the given set to check which of the numbers are solutions to the given trigonometric
equation.
𝑥 = 0: 2 tan 0 + 4 sin 0 = 2 + sec 0 ⇒ 2(0) + 4(0) ≠ 2 + 1
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 √3 1 2√3 2√3
𝑥 = : 2 tan + 4 sin = 2 + sec ⇒ 2 ( ) + 4 ( ) = +2 = 2+
6 6 6 6 3 2 3 3
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 √2
𝑥 = : 2 tan + 4 sin = 2 + sec ⇒ 2(1) + 4 ( ) = 2 + 2√2 ≠ 2 + √2
4 4 4 4 2
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 √3
𝑥 = : 2 tan + 4 sin = 2 + sec ⇒ 2(√3) + 4 ( ) = 4√3 ≠ 4
3 3 3 3 2
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑥 = 2 : 2 tan 2 + 4 sin 2 = 2 + sec 2 (Note that tan 2 and sec 2 are undefined)
2𝜋 2𝜋 2𝜋 2𝜋 √3
𝑥= : 2 tan + 4 sin = 2 + sec ⇒ 2(−√3) + 4 ( ) = 0 = 2 + (−2)
3 3 3 3 2
IV. LEARNING PHASES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 √2
𝑥= : 2 tan + 4 sin = 2 + sec ⇒ 2(−1) + 4 ( ) = −2 + 2√2 ≠ 2 + (−√2)
4 4 4 4 2
5𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋 √3 1 2√3 2√3
𝑥= : 2 tan + 4 sin = 2 + sec ⇒ 2 (− ) + 4 ( ) = − + 2 = 2 + (− )
6 6 6 6 3 2 3 3
𝑥 = 𝜋: 2 tan 𝜋 + 4 sin 𝜋 = 2 + sec 𝜋 ⇒ 2(0) + 4(0) = 0 ≠ 2 + (−1)
𝑥 = 2𝜋: 2 tan 2𝜋 + 4 sin 2𝜋 = 2 + sec 2𝜋 ⇒ 2(0) + 4(0) = 0 ≠ 2 + (1)
𝜋 2𝜋 5𝜋
Thus, the only solutions of the trigonometric equation 2 tan 𝑥 + 4 sin 𝑥 = 2 + sec 𝑥 from the given set of numbers are 𝑥 = {6 , 3 , 6 }.

Equations with One Term

Based from the examples above, we have shown that there may be more than one solution for any trigonometric equation.
Our goal is always to find all valid solutions for the given equation.

Some of the techniques we may use to identify these solutions are:

1. Equivalent equations (finding equations that have the same solutions as the original equation)
1
e.g. 2 sin 𝑥 = 1 has the same solution set as sin 𝑥 = for any real value 𝑥.
2
2. Periodicity of the trigonometric function involved
𝜋 1 𝜋
e.g. We know that 𝑥 = is a solution of sin 𝑥 = . Then, another solution of the given trigonometric equation will be 𝑥 = + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈
6 2 6
ℤ since the values of 𝑦 = sin 𝑥 repeats every 2𝜋 units.
3. Inverse trigonometric function
1+√3 1+√3
e.g. We know that it is difficult to think of a solution to the trigonometric equation sin 𝑥 = since is not among the values
2√2 2√2
that the special angles will give as a result when substituted to the equation. Thus, we have to apply the inverse sine function
1+√3 5𝜋
for both sides of the equation. Hence, sin−1 (sin 𝑥) = 𝑥 = sin−1 = .
2√2 12
4. Values of the trigonometric function involved on the interval [0, 𝜋] or [0,2𝜋] (depending on the periodicity of the function)
√3 𝜋
e.g. The trigonometric equation cos 𝑥 = has only one solution on the interval [0, 𝜋]: 𝑥 = 6 ; and has two solutions on the interval
2
𝜋 7𝜋
[0,2𝜋]: 𝑥 = { , }.
6 6
5. Zero-Factor Law: 𝑎𝑏 = 0 if and only if 𝑎 = 0 or 𝑏 = 0.
e.g. In order to solve for 𝑥 in sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = 0, we have to find values of 𝑥 that satisfy sin 𝑥 = 0 or cos 𝑥 = 0. Those values of 𝑥 are
𝑘𝜋
𝑥 = {𝑘𝜋, 2 } , 𝑘 ∈ ℤ.

E. Engagement (Time Frame: 70 minutes)

Equation with Two or More Terms
The techniques in this section will incorporate discussed in the previous section along with factoring of expressions and
trigonometric identities. Our goal for trigonometric equations with two or more terms is to reduce the given equation into their
equivalent one-term equations.

Example 5. Solve 2 cos 𝑥 tan 𝑥 = 2 cos 𝑥.

2 cos 𝑥 tan 𝑥 = 2 cos 𝑥
2 cos 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − 2 cos 𝑥 = 0
2 cos 𝑥 (tan 𝑥 − 1) = 0
2 cos 𝑥 = 0 or tan 𝑥 − 1 = 0 (by the Zero-factor law)
a. 2 cos 𝑥 = 0 has a similar solution set as sin 𝑥 = 0.
We know that sin 𝑥 = 0 for 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝜋. Since the sine function has period 2𝜋, then the solution set for this specific
equation is 𝑥 = 𝑘𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 = 𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ.
b. tan 𝑥 − 1 = 0 has a similar solution set as tan 𝑥 = 1.
𝜋 3𝜋
We know that tan 𝑥 = 1 for 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑥 = 4 . Since the tangent function has period 𝜋, then the solution set for this
𝜋 3𝜋
specific equation is 𝑥 = + 2𝑘𝜋 and 𝑥 = + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ. Note that this solution set can be further simplified to
4 4
(2𝑘+1)𝜋
, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ.
4
(2𝑘+1)𝜋
Thus, the solution set for the given trigonometric equation is 𝑥 = {𝑘𝜋, 4
} , 𝑘 ∈ ℤ.

Example 6. Solve for 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋): sin 2𝑥 = sin 𝑥.

sin 2𝑥 = sin 𝑥
sin 2𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 0
2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 0 (by the double-angle identity of the sine function)
(sin 𝑥)(2 cos 𝑥 − 1) = 0
sin 𝑥 = 0 or 2 cos 𝑥 − 1 = 0 (by the Zero-factor law)
a. We know that sin 𝑥 = 0 for 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝜋.
IV. LEARNING PHASES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1
b. 2 cos 𝑥 − 1 = 0 has the same solution set as 2 cos 𝑥 = 1 and cos 𝑥 = 2.
1 𝜋 5𝜋
We know that cos 𝑥 = 2 for 𝑥 = 3
and 𝑥 = 3
.
𝜋 5𝜋
Thus, the solution set for the given trigonometric equation is 𝑥 = {0, 𝜋, , }.
3 3

Example 7. Solve for 𝑥 ∈ [0,2𝜋) in the equation 3 cos2 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 = 2.

3 cos2 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 = 2
3(1 − sin 𝑥) + 2 sin 𝑥 = 2 (from the Pythagorean identity)
2

3 − 3sin2 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 − 2 = 0
−3 sin2 𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0
3 sin2 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 − 1 = 0
(3 sin 𝑥 + 1)(sin 𝑥 − 1) = 0
3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0 or sin 𝑥 − 1 = 0
1
a. 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0 has the same solution set as 3 sin 𝑥 = −1 and sin 𝑥 = − 3 .
1
Since we cannot obtain − 3 by substituting the special angles into the sine function, we can find 𝑥 by getting 𝑥 =
1
sin−1 (− ).
3
b. sin 𝑥 − 1 = 0 has the same solution set as sin 𝑥 = 1.
𝜋 3𝜋
We know that sin 𝑥 = 1 for 𝑥 = and 𝑥 = .
2 2

1 𝜋 3𝜋
Thus, the solution set for the given equation is 𝑥 = {sin−1 (− 3) , 2 , 2
}.

To further enhance your knowledge on solving trigonometric equations, answer numbers 1-7 of More Solved Examples on pages
232-233 of the Precalculus DepEd Learner’s Material for Grade 11.
A. Assimilation (Time Frame: 60 mins)
As an exercise, answer numbers 8-13 of More Solved Examples on pages 234-235 of the Precalculus DepEd Learner’s Material
for Grade 11.

Summarize what you have learned about Trigonometric Equations by answering the following questions:
1. What are the different techniques used to solve trigonometric equations?
2. Give an example of a trigonometric equation wherein you can use equivalent equations to find the solution of the
given equation.
3. Give an example of a trigonometric equation wherein you can use periodicity of the trigonometric function involved
to find the solution of the given equation.
4. Give an example of a trigonometric equation wherein you can use inverse trigonometric function to find the solution
of the given equation.
5. Give an example of a trigonometric equation wherein you can use values of the trigonometric function involved on
the interval [0, 𝜋] or [0,2𝜋] to find the solution of the given equation
6. Give an example of a trigonometric equation wherein you can use the zero-factor law to find the solution of the given
equation.
V. ASSESSMENT (Time Frame: 60 mins)
(Learning Activity Sheets for Enrichment, Remediation, or Assessment to be given on Weeks 3 and 6)
In order to measure how much you have learned so far about graphs of circular functions, answer numbers 1-8 of
Supplementary Problems 3.3 on page 170 of the Precalculus DepEd Learner’s Material for Grade 11.

For you to fully master how to graph circular functions, do numbers 9-15 of Supplementary Problems 3.3 on page 170 of the
Precalculus DepEd Learner’s Material for Grade 11.
VI. REFLECTION (Time Frame: 10 minutes)
• Communicate your personal assessment as indicated in the Learner’s Assessment Card.
Personal Assessment on Learner’s Level of Performance
Using the symbols below, choose one which best describes your experience in working on each given task. Draw it in the column
for Level of Performance (LP). Be guided by the descriptions below:
 - I was able to do/perform the task without any difficulty. The task helped me in understanding the target content/ lesson.
✓ - I was able to do/perform the task. It was quite challenging, but it still helped me in understanding the target content/lesson.
? – I was not able to do/perform the task. It was extremely difficult. I need additional enrichment activities to be able to do/p erform this
task.
Learning Task LP Learning Task LP Learning Task LP Learning Task LP
Number 1 Number 3 Number 5 Number 7
Number 2 Number 4 Number 6 Number 8
IV. LEARNING PHASES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
VII. REFERENCES Ascaño, Olofemes, Martin Jr., & Tolentino, Precalculus Learner’s Material, Pasig City; Department
of Education, 2016

Prepared by: Raina Carlin M. Laza Checked by: Severa C. Salamat

Jasmin S. Velasco