Trigonometric

Equations

1.

 Trigonometric Equations

General Solutions of Trigonometric Equation:

(i) If sin θ = sin α
⇒ θ = n π + (-1)n α
 −π π 
Where α ∈  ,  , n ∈ I
 2 2
(ii) If cos θ = cos α
⇒ θ = 2n π ± α
Where α ∈ [0, π], n ∈ I
(iii) If tan θ = tan α
⇒ θ = nπ + α
 π π
Where α ∈  − ,  , n ∈ I
 2 2
(iv) If sin2 θ = sin2 α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α
 π
Where α ∈ 0,  , n ∈ I
 2
(v) If cos2 θ = cos2 α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α
 π
Where α ∈ 0,  , n ∈ I
 2
(vi) If tan2 θ = tan2 α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α
 π
Where α ∈ 0,  , n ∈ I
Trigonometric Equations

 2

2.
Q.1 What is the most general values which satisfy both the equations.
1 1
sin θ = − and tan θ =
2 3
Sol. Clearly θ lies in III Quadrant.
Hence common values for both equations are
π
θ = (2n +1) π +
6
7π
or θ = 2n π + ,n ∈ I
6
2
1

( )
2
Q.2 Principle solutions of equation :  sinx +  + tanx + 1 / 3 =0
 2 
1 1
Sol. Clearly sinx = − and tanx = −
2 3
⇒ θ ∈ IV Quadrant
π
Hence θ = 2n π -
6
Types of Trigonometric Equations
(i) Type – 1

Solution of trigonometric equation by factorization or equation which are

expressed in quadratic form.

Q.1 2 cosx. cos2x = cosx

Sol. 2cosx. cos2x – cosx = 0
cosx(2cos2x – 1) = 0
1
cosx = 0 or cos2x =
2
π π
x = ( 2n + 1) (n ∈ I) cos2x = cos
3 2
π
2x = 2n π ±
3
Trigonometric Equations

π
x = n π ± (n ∈ I)
6

3.
 Q.2 cotx – cosx = 1 – cotx.cosx
Sol. cotx – 1 – cosx + cotx.cosx = 0
(cotx – 1) + cosx(-1 + cotx) = 0
(cotx – 1)(cosx + 1) = 0
cotx = 1 or cosx = – 1
π
tanx = tan x = (2n + 1)π (cot x is not defined)
4
so, rejected (n ∈ I)
π
x = nπ + (n ∈ I)
4

Q.3 3cos2x – 10cosx + 3 = 0

Sol. 3cos2x – 9 cosx – cosx + 3 = 0
3cosx(cosx – 3) – (cosx – 3) = 0
(3cosx – 1)(cosx – 3) = 0
cosx = 1/3 or cosx = 3
cosx = cos α x ∈ φ
x = 2n π ± α
1
(n ∈ I, cos α = )
3

Q.4 3sin2x – sinx cosx – 4cos2x = 0

Sol. 3sin2x – 4sinx cosx + 3sinx cosx – 4cos2x = 0
sinx(3 sinx – 4cosx) + cosx(3sinx – 4cosx) = 0
(sinx + cosx)(3sinx – 4cosx) = 0
sinx = – cosx or 3sinx = 4cosx
tanx = -1 tanx = 4/3
tanx = tan(- π /4) tanx = tan α
x = nπ + (- π /4) x = nπ + α
4
(n ∈ I) (n ∈ I, tan α = )
3
Q.5 2sin22x + 6 sin2x = 5
Sol. 2(1-cos22x) + 6 sin2x = 5
2 – 2cos22x + 6 sin2x = 5
2 – 2(1 – 2sin2x)2 + 6 sin2x = 5
Trigonometric Equations

Let sin2x = a then

2 – 2(1 – 2a)2 + 6a = 5
2 – 2(1 – 4a + 4a2) + 6a = 5
8a2 – 14a + 5 = 0
8a2 – 10a – 4a + 5 = 0

4.
 2a(4a – 5) – (4a – 5) = 0
(2a – 1)(4a – 5) = 0
⇒ a = ½ or a = 5/4
sin x = ½
2
sin2x = 5/4 (not possible)
sin2x = sin2 π /4
x = n π ± π /4
(n ∈ I)

Q.6 (1 – tan θ )(1 + sin2 θ ) = (1 + tan θ )

 2tanθ 
Sol. (1 – tan θ )  1 +  = (1 + tan θ )
 1 + tan2 θ 
2
( 1 + tanθ )
(1 – tan θ ) = (1+tan θ )
1 + tan2 θ
(1 – tan θ )(1 + tan θ )2 – (1 + tan θ )(1 + tan2 θ ) = 0
(1 + tan θ ){(1 – tan θ )(1+tan θ ) – (1 + tan2 θ )} = 0
(1 + tan θ ){(1 – tan2 θ ) – (1 + tan2θ)} = 0
tan θ = – 1 or tan θ = 0
tan θ = tan(– π /4) θ = nπ (n ∈ I)
π
θ = n π – , (n ∈ I)
4

Q.7 Find the general solution of the trigonometric equation

cos4x + 6 = 7 cos2x and also find sum of all the solution in [0, 100 π ]
Sol. cos4x + 6 = 7 cos2x
(2cos22x – 1) + 6 = 7 cos2x
2cos22x – 7 cos2x + 5 = 0
2cos22x – 2cos2x – 5 cos2x + 5 = 0
2cos2x(cos2x – 1) – 5(cos2x – 1) = 0
cos2x = 5/2 or cos2x = 1
(not possible) 2x = 2n π
x = n π , (n ∈ I)
Sum of all solutions = 0 + π + 2p + … + 100p
 100.101
Trigonometric Equations

= π  =5050 π
 2 

5.
 Q.8 5tan4x – (sec2x)2 = 29
Sol. 5(tan2x)2 – (1 + tan2x)2 = 29
let tan2x = a then
5a2 – (1 + a)2 = 29
5a2 – (1 + a2 + 2a) = 29
4a2 – 2a – 30 = 0
2a2 – a – 15 = 0 ⇒ 2a2 – 6a + 5a – 15 = 0
2a(a – 3) + 5(a – 3) = 0
(2a + 5)(a – 3) = 0
5
a = - or a=3
2
5 π
tan2x = − tan2x = tan2
2 3
π
(Not possible) x = nπ ±
3

Q.9 sin2x(1 + tanx) = 3sinx(cosx – sinx) + 3

Sol. sin2x(1 + tanx) = 3sinx cosx(1 – tanx) + 3
divide by cos2x
tan2x(1 + tanx) = 3tanx(1 – tanx) + 3sec2x
tan2x + tan3x = 3tanx – 3tan2x + 3 + 3tan2x
tan3x + tan2x – 3tanx – 3 = 0
tan2x(tanx + 1) – 3(tanx + 1) = 0
(tan2x – 3) (tanx + 1) = 0
tan2x = 3 or tanx = - 1
π  π
tan2x = tan2 tanx = tan  − 
3  4
π π
x = n π ± x = n –
3 4
(n ∈ I) (n ∈ I)

Q.10 Find the solutions set of the equation

log − x2 −6x ( sin3x + sinx ) = log − x2 −6x ( sin2x )
10 10
Trigonometric Equations

Sol. For log to be defined

(i) sin3x + sin x > 0
(ii) sin2x > 0
−x2 − 6x
(iii) > 0 ⇒ x(x + 6) < 0
10

6.
 x2 − 6x
(iv) −
10
 ≠ 1 ⇒ x2 + 6x + 10 ≠ 0

Now from given equation

⇒ sin3x + sinx = sin2x
⇒ 2sin2x cosx – sin2x = 0
⇒ sin2x(2cosx – 1) = 0
⇒ sin2x = 0 or cosx = ½
(  sin2x > 0) x = 2n π ± π /3
rejected (n ∈ I)
π π
⇒ x = -2 π + , − {  x ∈ (-6, 0)}
3 3
5π
x= − is only a solution.
3
Q.11 tan2θ + sec2θ = 1
1
Sol. tan2θ + =1
cos2θ
1 + tan2 θ
tan2θ + =1
1 − tan2 θ
Let tan2θ = a then
1+a
a+ = 1 ⇒ a(1 – a) + (1 + a) = (1 – a)
1−a
⇒ a – a2 + 1 + a = 1 – a
⇒ a2 – 3a = 0
⇒ a(a – 3) = 0
a = 0 or a=3
tan2θ = 0 or tan2θ = tan2 π /3
θ = nπ, (n ∈ I) θ = nπ ± π/3
(n ∈ I)
(ii) Type – 2

Solving trigonometric equation by introducing an Auxiliary argument

equation of the form
⇒ a cos + bsin θ = c
Trigonometric Equations

divide by a2 + b2
Note:
a b c
⇒ cos θ + sin θ = (i) First check for real solution
a2 + b2
 a2 + b2
 a2 + b2
sin α cos α
(ii) Avoid squaring
c
⇒ sin( θ + α ) =
a + b2
2

7.
 Q.1 sinx + cosx = 2
Sol. Divide by 1 + 1 = 2
1 1 2
⇒ sinx + cosx =
2 2 2
π π
⇒ cos sinx + sin cosx = 1
4 4
⇒ sin(x + π/4) = 1
π π
⇒ x+ = 2n π +
4 2
π
⇒ x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
4

Q.2 3cosx + sinx = 2

Sol. Divide by 3+1 = 2
3 1 2
⇒ cosx + sinx =
2 2 2
π π
⇒ sin cosx + cos sinx = 1
3 3
⇒ sin(x + π /3) = 1
π π
⇒ x+ = 2n π +
3 2
π
⇒ x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
6
Q.3 sinx + cosx = 1.5
Sol. Divide by 1 + 1 = 2
1 1 3
⇒ sinx + cosx =
2 2 2 2
π 3
⇒ sin(x + ) =
4 2 2
3
⇒ No solution (  > 1)
2 2

Q.4 (secx – 1) = ( 2 − 1 ) tanx

Trigonometric Equations

 1 sinx
Sol. 
 cosx

− 1 =

(2−1 )
cosx
⇒ 1 – cosx = ( 2 − 1 ) sinx; cosx ≠ 0
x x x
⇒ 2sin2 = ( 2 − 1 ) 2sin . cos
2 2 2

8.
 x x x
⇒ 2sin = 0 or sin
= ( 2 − 1 )cos
2 2 2
x x π
⇒ = n π (n ∈ I) tan = 2 − 1 = tan
2 2 8
x π
⇒ x = 2n π (n ∈ I) ⇒ = n π + (n ∈ I)
2 8
π
⇒ x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
4

Q.5 sinx + cosx = 2 sin5x

Sol. Divide by 1+1 = 2
π
⇒ sin(x + ) = sin5x
4
π
⇒ x+ = n π + (-1)n5x (n ∈ I)
4
for n → even let n = 2m
π
⇒ x+ = 2m π + 5x
4
π
⇒ 4x = – 2m π +
4
−mπ π
⇒ x= +
2 16
π π
or x= k +
2 16
(
k ∈I )
for n → odd, let n = (2m + 1)
π
x+ = (2m + 1) π – 5x
4
3π
⇒ 6x = 2m π +
4
mπ π
⇒ x= + (m ∈ I)
3 8
Q.6 Solve the equality: 2sin11x + cos3x + 3 sin3x = 0
Sol. cos3x + 3 sin3x = –2sin11x
Trigonometric Equations

Divide by 1+3 = 2
1 3
⇒ cos3x + sin3x = – sin11x
2 2
 π
⇒ sin  3x +  = –sin11x
 6

9.
  π
( ) ( )
n
⇒  3x + 6  = nπ + −1   −11x
If n → even ⇒ n = 2m
π
⇒ 3x + = 2m π – 11x
6
π
⇒ 14x  =  2mπ –
6
mπ π
⇒ x  =   − (m ∈ I)
7 84
If n → odd ⇒ n = 2m + 1
π
⇒ 3x + = (2m + 1) π + 11x
6
5π
⇒ 8x  =  − 2mπ −
6
2mπ 5π
⇒ x=−  −  
8 48
5π
or x = kπ – (k ∈ I)
4 48

Q.7 If α and β are the roots of the equation acos θ + bsin θ = c then match
the entries of column -I with the entries of column – II
Column – I Column – II
(A) sin + sin β (P)  2b/(a + c)
(B) sin α . sin β (Q) (c-a)/(c+a)
α β
(C) tan + tan (R) 2bc/(a2 + b2)
2 2
α β
(D) tan . tan (S) (c2 -a2)/(a2 +b2)
2 2
Sol. A → R, B → S, C → P, D → Q
a cos θ = c – bsin θ
on squaring
⇒ a2cos2 θ = c2 + b2sin2 θ – 2bc sin θ
⇒ a2(1 – sin2 θ ) = c2 + b2 sin2 θ – 2bc sin θ
Trigonometric Equations

Let sin θ = x
⇒ (a2 + b2)x2 – 2bc. x + (c2 – a2) = 0
above equation have roots sin α , sin β ,
2bc
⇒ sin α + sin β = 2
a + b2

10.
 c2 − a 2
⇒ sin α . sin β =
a2 + b2
Now from given equation
 2  θ
   θ 
 1 − tan  2    2tan  2  
a  + b  =c
 2  θ   2  θ 
 1 + tan  2    1 + tan  2  
     
⇒ a(1 – tan2 θ /2) + 2btan θ /2 = c(1 + tan2 θ /2)
Let tan θ /2 = x
⇒ (a + c)x2 – 2bx + (c – a) = 0
above equation have roots tan α /2, tan β /2
⇒ tan α /2 + tan β /2 = 2b/(a+c)
α β
⇒ tan . tan = (c – a)/(c + a)
2 2

Q.8 4cosx + 3sinx = 5

Sol. Divide by 42 + 32 = 5
4 3
⇒ cosx + sinx = 1
5 5
4
⇒ sin(x + α ) = 1 where sin α =
5
π
⇒ x + α = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
2
π 4
⇒ x = 2n π + - α (n ∈ I, sin α = )
2 5
 x  x
Q.9 Solve: sin   + cos   = 2 sin x
 2   2 
Sol. Divide by 2
 x π
sin  +  = sin( x )
 2 4
x π
Trigonometric Equations

⇒ + = n π + (-1)n x (n ∈ I, x ≥ 0)
2 4
If n = - 2m (even) then
x π
+ = - 2m π + x
2 4
x π
⇒ = 2m π +
2 4

11.
 2
 π
⇒ x =  4mπ +  (m ∈ I)
 2
If n = 2m + 1 (odd) then
x π
+ = (2m + 1) π - x
2 4
3 x 3π
⇒   = 2m π +
2 4
2

x = 4mπ + π
 
⇒ (m ∈ I)
 3 2

3
Q.10 1 + sin3x + cos3x = sin2x
2
Sol. Given equation is
13 + (sinx)3 + (cosx)3 = 3(1)(sinx)(cosx)
⇒ 1 + sinx + cosx = 0 or 1 = sinx = cosx (Not possible)
⇒ sinx + cosx = – 1
 π 1  π
⇒ sin  x +    = − = sin  − 
 4 2  4
π π
⇒ x+ = n π + (-1)n ( − )
4 4
If n = 2m (even)
π π
⇒ x +   =  2mπ –  
4 4
π
⇒  x  =  2mπ – (m ∈ I)
2
If n = 2m + 1 (odd)
⇒ x + π /4 = (2m + 1) π + π /4
⇒ x = (2m + 1) π (m ∈ I)

Q.11 Number of integral values of k for which the equation

3sinx + 4 cos x = k has real solutions.
Sol.  − 32 + 42   ≤ 3sinx + 4cosx ≤ 32 + 42
\ –5 ≤ k ≤ 5
Trigonometric Equations

Integral values of k are

{0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±5}
Number of values of k = 11

12.
Q.12 The number of integral values of k for which the equation
7cosx + 5sinx = 2k + 1 has a solution
(A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 10 (D) 12
Sol. B
We know that
− 72 + 52 ≤ 7cosx + 5 sinx ≤ 72 + 52
− 74   ≤ 2k + 1 ≤ 74
Integral values of k are
{0, ±1, ±2, ±3, -4}
Number of values = 8

Q.13 Find the general solution of the trigonometric equation

1 
 +log 3 ( cosx + sinx ) 
3 2 
− 2log2 (cosx −sinx ) = 2
Sol. Given equation is
3·3log3 (cosx + sinx ) − 2log2 (cosx −sinx ) = 2
⇒ 3 (cosx+sinx) – (cosx-sinx) = 2
Divide by 2
 π  π
⇒ 3sin  x +  − cos  x +  = 1
 4   4 
Divide by 2
3  π 1  π 1
sin  x +  − cos  x +  =
2  4  2  4  2
π π π
⇒ sin(x + - ) = sin
4 6 6
π π
⇒ x+ = n π +(-1)n (n ∈ I)
12 6
If n = 2m (even) then
π
⇒ x = 2m π + (m ∈ I)
12
If n = 2m + 1 (odd) then
π
⇒ x = (2m + 1) π – (m ∈ I) (rejected)
4
Trigonometric Equations

(as sinx + cosx = 0)

Q.14 Solve: 3 3 sin3x + cos3x + 3 3 sinx cosx = 1

Sol. Given equation is
( 3 sinx)3 + (cosx)3 + (–1)3 = 3( 3 sinx)cosx.(–1)

13.
 ⇒ 3 sinx + cosx – 1 = 0 or 3 sinx = cosx = – 1
3 1 1
sinx + cosx =
2 2 2
 π π
cos  x −  = cos
 3 3
π π
⇒ x– = 2n π ± (n ∈ I)
3 3
2π
⇒ x = 2n π + or x = 2n π (n ∈ I)
3

(iii) Type – 3

Solving equations by transforming a sum of Trigonometric functions into

a product.

Q.1 General solution of the trigonometric equations

sin x + sin5x = sin2x + sin4x is
nπ 2nπ
(A) (B) (C) 2n π (D) n π
3 3
Sol. A
2sin3x. cos2x = 2sin3x. cos x
⇒ sin3x = 0 or cos2x = cos x
3x = n π 2x = 2n π ± x
nπ 2nπ
x= (n ∈ I) x = 2n π , (n ∈ I)
3 3
nπ
Combinedly x =
3
(iv) Type – 4

Solving equations by transforming a product of trigonometric functions

into a sum.
Trigonometric Equations

Q.1 Number of solutions of the trigonometric equation in [0, π ],

 sin3θ = 4sinθ sin2θ sin4θ
(A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 7 (D) 10
Sol. C
sin3θ = 4sinθ sin2θ sin4θ

14.
 ⇒ (
sin3θ = 2 cosθ − cos3θ sin4θ )
⇒ sin3θ = 2sin4θ.cosθ − 2sin4θcos3θ
⇒ ( ) (
sin3θ = sin5θ + sin3θ − sin7θ + sinθ )
⇒ (sin7 θ – sin5 θ ) + sin θ = 0
⇒ 2cos6 θ .sin θ + sin θ = 0
⇒ sin θ (2 cos6θ + 1) = 0
1
sin θ = 0 or cos 6θ = −
2
2π
θ = n π (n ∈ I) 6θ =  2nπ ±
3
8π 4π 14π 10π 16π
Values in [0, π] ⇒ 0, π, , , , ,
18 18 18 18 18

Q.2 Find all value of , between 0 and π , which satisfy the equation
1
cosθ.cos2θ.cos3θ =
4
1
( )
Sol. 2 cosθ.cos3θ .cos2θ =
2
1
⇒ (cos4θ + cos2θ ) .cos2θ =
2
1
⇒ (2 cos2 2θ − 1 + cos2θ).cos2θ   =
2
let cos2θ = x Hence
1
⇒ (2x2 + x – 1).x =
2
⇒ 4x + 2x – 2x – 1 = 0
3 2

⇒ 2x2(2x + 1) – (2x + 1) = 0
⇒ (2x2 – 1)(2x + 1) = 0
⇒ x2 = ½ or x = –1/2
π 2π
cos22θ = cos2   cos 2θ = cos
4 3
nπ π π
θ= ± (n ∈ I) θ = nπ ± (n ∈ I)
2 8 3
Trigonometric Equations

π π 3π 5π 7 π 2π
In [0, ] values are θ = , , , , ,
8 3 8 8 8 3

15.
 Q.3 Number of solution(s) of the equation sinx + 2sin2x = 3 + sin3x in [0, π]
(A) no solution (B) infinite solution
(C) exactly one solution (D) exactly two solution
Sol. A
sin3x – 2sin2x – sinx = – 3
3sinx – 4sin3 x– 4sinx cosx – sinx = – 3
2sinx – 4sin3x – 4sinx cosx = – 3
2sinx(1–2sin2x – 2cosx) = – 3
3
2cos2x – 2cosx – 1 = − cosecx
2
 1  3
2  cos2 x − cos x −  = − cosecx
 2 2
2
 1 3  3
2  cosx −  −  = − cosecx 
 2 4  2
3
for x ∈ [0, π] LHSmin = −
2
3
RHSmax = −
2
3
Hence LHS = RHS = −
2
1
⇒ cosx = − and cosecx = 1
2
1
cosx = − and sinx = 1 (Not possible simultaneously)
2
⇒ No Solutions
Alternate method:
(sin3x – sinx) – 2sin2x = 3
2cos2x sinx – 2sin2x = 3
3
(sinx) cos2x – sin2x = −
2
LHS ∈  − 1 + sin2 x ,   1 + sin2 x 
 
3
which cannot be hence no solutions.
2
Trigonometric Equations

Q.4 cos2x + cos22x + cos33x + cos24x = 2

 1 − cos2x   1 − cos4x   1 − cos6x   1 − cos8x 
Sol.  + + + =2
 2   2   2   2 
1
⇒ (cos2x + cos4x + cos6x + cos8x) = 0
2

16.
 ⇒ (cos2x + cos8x) + (cos4x + cos6x) = 0
⇒ 2cos5x cos3x + 2cos5x. cosx = 0
⇒ 2cos5x(cos3x + cosx) = 0
⇒ 2cos5x (2cos2x. cosx) = 0
cos5x = 0 or cos2x = 0 or cosx = 0
π π
5x = (2n + 1) 2x = (2n+1)
2 2
π π π
x = (2n + 1) x = (2n + 1) x = (2n + 1)
10 4 2
(n ∈ I) (n ∈ I) (n ∈ I)

Q.5 cosec x – cosec 2x = cosec 4x

1 1 1
Sol. − =
sinx sin2x sin4x
1 1 1 sin2x + sin4x
⇒ = + =
sinx sin2x sin4x sin2x.sin4x
1 2sin3x.cosx
⇒ =
sinx sin2x.sin4x
⇒ sin2x.sin4x = sin3x (2sinx cosx)
⇒ sin4x – sin3x = 0
7x x x
⇒ 2cos sin = 0 or sin = 0
2 2 2
7x π
⇒ cos = (2nπ + 1) or ⇒ x/2 = n π
2 2
π
⇒ x = (2n + 1) ⇒ x = 2nπ [Rejected]
7
(n, m ∈ I, n ≠ 7m – 4) (as sinx = 0)

sin6x
Q.6 = 8cosx. cos2x. cos4x
sinx
sin6x sin8x
Sol. = 8.
sinx 8sinx
⇒ sin6x = sin8x
⇒ sin8x – sin6x = 0
2cos7x. sinx = 0
Trigonometric Equations

⇒
⇒ cos7x = 0 (as sinx cannot be zero)
π
x = (2n + 1) ; n ∈I
14

17.
 (v) Type – 5

Solving equations by change of variable or by substitution method.

Q.1 sin42x + cos42x = sin2x. cos2x

1
Sol. (sin22x + cos22x)2 – 2sin22x. cos22x = sin4x
2
1 2 1
⇒ 1- ( 2sin2xcos2x ) = sin4x
2 2
⇒ 2 – sin24x = sin4x
⇒ sin24x + sin4x – 2 = 0
⇒ (sin4x – 1)(sin4x + 2) = 0
⇒ sin4x = 1 or sin4x = – 2 (Not possible)
π
4x = 2n π +
2
nπ π
x= + (n ∈ I)
2 8
(vi) Type – 6

Solving equations with the use of the boundness of the function sinx,
cosx

Q.1 sin3x – cos3x = 1 + sinx.cosx

Sol. (sinx – cosx)(1 + sinx cosx) = 1 + sinx. cosx
⇒ 1 + sinx cosx = 0 or sinx – cosx = 1
 π 3π
⇒ 2sinxcosx = - 2 cos  x +  = cos
 4  4
π 3π
⇒ sin2x = - 2 x+ = 2n π ±
4 4
π
Not possible x = 2n π + , (2n – 1) π (n ∈ I) 
2
Q.2 cosx + cos2x + cos3x = 3
Trigonometric Equations

Sol. (cosx + cos3x) + cos2x = 3

⇒ (2cos2x. cosx) + cos2x = 3
⇒ (cos2x)(2cosx + 1) = 3
⇒ 2cosx + 1 = 3sec2x
Now LHS ∈ [-1,3]
RHS ∈ ( −∞, −3] ∪ [3, ∞ )

18.
 ⇒ LHS = RHS = 3
⇒ cosx = 1 & sec2x = 1
x = 2n π cos2x = 1
(n ∈ I) x = mπ m ∈ I( )

(x = 2n π) (n ∈ I)

Alternate method:
Given equation only possible if
cosx = 1 and cos2x = 1 and cos3x = 1
2nπ
x = 2n and x = n π and x =
3
common values x = 2n π,  (n ∈ I)

Q.1 If 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π , then the number of real values of x, which satsify the

equation cosx + cos2x + cos3x + cos4x = 0
(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 7 (D) 9
Sol. (cosx + cos4x) + (cos2x + cos3x) = 0
5x 3x 5x x
⇒ 2cos .cos + 2cos .cos = 0
2 2 2 2
5x  3x x
⇒ 2cos cos + cos  = 0
2  2 2
5x x
⇒ cos = 0 , cosx = 0, cos = 0
2 2
π π
⇒ x = ( 2n + 1) , x = ( 2n + 1) , x = ( 2n + 1) π (n ∈ I)
5 2
Values in (0, 2π ]  are
π 3π 7 π 9π π 3π
x= , , π, , , ,
5 5 5 5 2 2
x x
Q.2 sinx(cos – 2sinx) + (sin – 2cosx) cosx + 1 = 0
4 4
Trigonometric Equations

x x
Sol. (sinx cos
+ cosx sin ) – 2(sin2x + cos2x) + 1 = 0
4 4
5x
⇒ sin –2+1=0
4
 5x 
⇒ sin   = 1
 4

19.
 5x
⇒ = 2n π + π / 2
4
8 2π
⇒ x = nπ + (n ∈ I)
5 5

Q.3 Solve for x and y: x2 + 2x + 3 = 3 siny + cosy

 3 1 
Sol. (x2 + 2x + 1) + 2 = 2  siny + cosy 
 2 2 
 π
⇒ (x+1)2 + 2 = 2sin  y + 
 6 
Now LHS ∈ [2, ∞ )
RHS ∈ [-2,2]
Hence LHS = RHS = 2
 π
x = – 1 and sin  y +  = 1
 6

y + π = 2nπ + π
6 2
π
y = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
3

Q.4 Solve x and y : 1 – 2x – x2 = tan2(x + y) + cot2(x + y)

1
Sol. –(x + 1)2 + 2 = tan2(x + y) +
tan ( x + y )
2

Now LHS ∈ ( −∞, 2]

RHS ∈ [2, ∞ )
Hence LHS = RHS = 2
π
x = - 1 and tan2(x + y) = 1 = tan2  
4
π
⇒ x + y = nπ ±
4
π
Trigonometric Equations

–1 + y = n π ±
4
π
x = – 1 and y =  nπ ± + 1 (n ∈ I )
4

20.
 2
Q.5 Number of ordered pair satisfying the inequality 2cosec x y 2 − 2y + 2 ≤ 2

Sol.  2cosec x ∈ [2, ∞ )

2

+ 1 ∈ [ 1, ∞ )
2
and y 2 − 2y + 2 = ( y − 1)
Hence 2cosec x y 2 − 2y + 2 ∈ [2, ∞ )
2

\ given inequality will only be satisfy if

2
2cosec x y 2 − 2y + 2 = 2
⇒ cosec2x = 1 and y2 – 2y + 2 = 1
π
sin2x = sin2 and (y – 1)2 = 0
2
π
x = nπ ± (n ∈ I) and y=1
2
Q.6 (cosx)100 – (sinx)100 = 1
Sol. We know sin100x, cos100x ∈ [0,1]
Hence for above equation to satisfy.
(cosx)100 = 1 and (sinx)100 = 0
cosx = ± 1 and sinx = 0
x = n π (n ∈ I) and x = nπ (n ∈ I)

x = nπ (n ∈ I)
(vii) Type – 7

Solution of trigonometric equations of the form of f(x) = φ (x)

Q.1 1 − cosx = sinx

Sol. On squaring
(1 – cosx) = sin2x
⇒ (1 – cosx) = (1 – cosx) (1 + cosx)
⇒ cos x = 1 or 1 + cos x = 1
x = 2n π cosx = 0
Trigonometric Equations

π
(n ∈ I) x = 2n π + (n ∈ I)
2
(as sin x ≥ 0)

21.
  π
Q.2 2sin  3x +  = 1 + 8sin2x.cos2 2x
 4
 1 1 
Sol. 2  sin3x + cos3x  = 1 + 4sin4x.cos2x
 2 2 
On squaring
2(sin3x + cos3x)2 = 1 + 2(2sin4x cos2x)
2(1 + sin6x) = 1 + 2(sin6x + sin2x)
2 + 2 sin6x = 1 + 2 sin6x + 2 sin2x
1 π
sin 2x = = sin
2 6
n π
2x = n π + ( −1)   ; n ∈ I
6
nπ n π
x= + ( −1)  ;n ∈ I …(1)
2 12
 π
Now we must keep in mind that sin  3x +  > 0 hence
 4
let us check in (1) for
π  π
n=0,x= ⇒ sin  3x +  > 0
12  4 
5π  π
n = 1, x = ⇒ sin  3x +  < 0
12  4
13π  π
n = 2, ⇒ sin  3x +  < 0
12  4
17 π  π
n = 3, ⇒ sin  3x +  > 0
12  4
 π
n = 4, 25π ⇒ sin  3x +  > 0
12  4

Hence possible values of n
n = 0, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, …
for 0, 4, 8, … n = 4m
3, 7, 11, … n = 4m + 3
Trigonometric Equations

hence in (1)
(i) Put x = 4m then solution
π
x = 2m π + (m ∈ I)
12

22.
 (ii) Put x = 4m + 3 then solution

= 2mπ + 3π − π
π π
x = (4m + 3) −
2 12 2 12
x = 2mπ + 17 π m ∈ I
( )
12
Q.3 Find smallest positive x satisfying 1 − sin2x − 2sin3x = 0
Sol. 1 − sin2x − 2sin3x = 0
On squaring
(1 – sin2x) = 2sin23x = 1 – cos6x
⇒ sin2x = cos6x
π 
⇒ cos6x = cos  − 2x 
 2 
π 
⇒ 6x = 2nπ ±  − 2x 
2 
π π
⇒ 8x = 2nπ + , 4x = 2nπ −
2 2
nπ π nπ π
x  =  
4
+
16
,  x =
2
− (
8
)
n ∈I

π
Smallest positive value is
16
(viii) Type – 8

Q.1 Find the least positive angle measure in degree satisfying the equation
sin3x + sin32x + sin33x = (sinx + sin2x + sin3x)3
Sol. Let sinx = a, sin2x = b, sin3x = c
Hence given equation is
a3 + b3 + c3 = (a + b + c)3
⇒ a3 + b3 + c3 = a3 + b3 + c3 + 3(a + b)(b + c)(c + a)
⇒ a+b=0,b+c=0,c+a=0
3x x 5x x
2sin cos = 0,   2sin cos = 0 , 2sin2x cosx = 0
2 2 2 2
Least positive angle is x = 72°
Trigonometric Equations

Q.2 Let S be the set of all α ∈ R such that the equation,

cos2x + αsinx = 2α − 7 has a solution. Then S is equal to
(A) [2,6] (B) [3,7] (C) R (D) [1,4]
Sol. Given equation is
1 – 2sin2x + αsinx = 2α − 7

23.
 ⇒ 2sin2x – αsinx + 2 ( α − 4 ) = 0

α ± α2 − 4.2.2 ( α − 4 )
sinx =
4
α ± α2 − 16α + 64
sinx =
4
α ± ( α − 8) α−4
sinx = = ,2
4 2
α−4
Equation have a solutions if −1 ≤ ≤ 1 ⇒ α ∈ [2, 6]
2

( ) ( )
Q.3 If tan 5πcosα = cot 5πsinα number of solutions in [0, 2π]
π 
( )
Sol. tan 5πcosα = tan  − 5πsinα
2 
π
⇒ 5πcosα = nπ +
2
− 5πsinα n ∈ I ( )
π
⇒ (
5π sinα + cosα = nπ +) 2
n 1 2n + 1
⇒ sinα + cosα = + = … (1)
5 10 10
⸪ − 2 ≤ sinα + cosα ≤ 2
2n + 1
− 2≤ ≤ 2
10
10 2 − 1 10 2 − 1
⇒ − ≤n≤
2 2
⇒ n = – 7, –6, –5, …, 6
for each n equation (1) have two values of α in [0,2π] hence
total solutions.
= 14 × 2 = 28

Q.4 cos3x – cos2x = sin3x

Sol. cos3x – sin3x = cos2x
(4cos3x – 3cosx) – (3sinx – 4sin3x) = cos2x – sin2x
Trigonometric Equations

⇒ 4(sin3x + cos3x) – 3(sinx + cosx) = (cosx + sinx) (cosx – sinx)

⇒ (sinx + cosx) {4(1 – sinxcosx) –3 - (cosx – sinx)} = 0
⇒ (sinx + cosx) {1 – 4sinx cosx – cosx + sinx} = 0
⇒ sinx + cosx = 0 ⇒ tanx = -1
π
x = nπ − (n ∈ I)
4

24.
 or 2(1 – 2sinx cosx) + (sinx – cosx) – 1 = 0
2(sinx – cosx)2 + (sinx – cosx) – 1 = 0
Let sin x – cos x = α, then
⇒ 2α2 + α − 1 = 0
⇒ (α + 1) (2α − 1) = 0
1
⇒ α = −1 or α=
2
1
sinx – cosx = – 1 sinx – cosx =
2
 π −1  π 1
sin  x −  = sin  x −  =
 4 2  4 2 2
π π
n π
( ) ( )
n
x− = nπ − −1
= nπ + −1 α x−
4 4 4
1
(n ∈ I) n ∈ I , sinα = ( )
2 2

Trigonometric Equations

25.
 TRIGONOMETRIC INEQUALITIES AND SYSTEM OF INEQUALITIES
Q.1 sinx > 0
Sol.

( ) ( ) (
x ∈ … −2π, −π ∪ 0, π ∪ 2π, 3π )
General solution
( (
x ∈ ∪ 2nπ, 2n + 1 π
n∈I
) )

 x
Q.2 log 2  sin  < −1
 2 
x 1
Sol. 0 < sin < 
2 2

General solution
Trigonometric Equations

x  π  5π 
∈ ∪  2nπ, 2nπ +  ∪  2nπ +
2 n∈I  6  6
(
, 2n + 1 π

)
 π  5π 
x ∈ ∪  4nπ, 4nπ +  ∪  4nπ +
3  3
( )
, 4n + 2 π
n∈I  

26.
 Q.3 log2(sinx) < – 1
1
Sol. 0 < sinx <
2

General solution
 π  5π 
x ∈ ∪  2nπ, 2nπ +  ∪  2nπ +
6  6
( )
, 2n + 1 π
n∈I  

1
Q.4 cosx < −
2
Sol.

Trigonometric Equations

 2π 4π 
General solution: x ∈ ∪  2nπ + , 2nπ +
n∈I  3 3 

27.
 Q.5 tan x > 0
 π   π   3π 
Sol. x ∈ ... −π, − ∪ 0, ∪ π,
  2   2   2 

 π
General solutions: x ∈ ∪  nπ, nπ + 
n∈I  2

Q.6 tan2x - ( )
3 + 1 tanx + 3 < 0

(
Sol. ( tanx − 1) tanx − 3 < 0 )
⇒ 1 < tanx < 3
 π π
General solution: x ∈ ∪  nπ + , nπ + 
n∈I  4 3
Trigonometric Equations

28.
 (
Q.7 Solve the inequality sin2x > 2sin2 x + 2 − 2 cos2 x )
Sol. Divide by cos2x
2sinxcosx sin2 x

cos2 x
> 2
cos2 x
(
+ 2− 2 )
⇒ 2tanx > 2tan2 x + 2 − 2 ( )
⇒ 2tan x − 2 + 2 − 2tanx < 0
2

⇒ 2 ( tan2 x − 1) + 2 ( 1 − tanx ) < 0

⇒ {
2 ( tanx − 1) tanx + 1 − 2 < 0 }
⇒ 2 − 1 < tanx < 1
General solutions
 π π
x ∈ ∪  nπ + , nπ +   
n∈I  8 4

Q.8 Solve the inequality sinx ≥ cos2x.

Trigonometric Equations

Sol. sinx ≥ 1 − 2sin2 x

⇒ 2sin2 x + sinx − 1 ≥ 0
(2sinx – 1) (sinx + 1) ≥ 0
1 
⇒ sinx ∈  , 1 ∪ {−1}
2 

29.

General Solution:
 π 5π   3π 
x ∈ ∪ 2nπ + , 2nπ +  ∪ 2nπ + 
n∈I  6 6  2

Q.9 5 − 2sinx ≥ 6sinx − 1

Sol. Let sinx = t then
5 − 2t ≥ 6t – 1
1
I – case: 6t – 1 ≥ 0 ⇒ t ≥
6
On squaring
⇒ 5 – 2t ≥ (6t – 1)2
⇒ 5 – 2t ≥ 36t2 – 12t + 1
⇒ 36t2 – 10t – 4 ≤ 0
⇒ 18t2 – 5t – 2 ≤ 0
⇒ 18t2 – 9t + 4t - 2 ≤ 0
⇒ 9t(2t -1 ) + 2(2t – 1) ≤ 0
⇒ (9t + 2)(2t – 1) ≤ 0
 −2 1 
t∈ , 
 9 2
1 1
by intersection of all these we get t ∈  ,  … (1)
Trigonometric Equations

6 2 
1
II – Case: 6t – 1 < 0 ⇒ t <
6
⇒ positive ≥ negative
always true
t ∈R

30.
 1
By Intersection of all case II we get t <
6
(1) ∪ (2)
1 1
t≤ ⇒ sinx ≤
2 2

 7π π
x ∈ ∪ 2nπ − , 2nπ +   
n∈I  6 6
3 1
Q.1 cosx · cosy = and sinx siny = . Find general solution of x and y
4 4
Sol. On adding cosx cosy + sinx siny = 1
cos(x – y) = 1 ⇒ x – y = 2nπ (n ∈ I) …(1)
On subtracting
1
cosx cosy – sinx siny =
2
1
cos ( x + y ) =
2
π
x + y = 2mπ ± …(2)
3
π π
(1) + (2) ⇒ x = nπ + mπ ± ⇒ x = kπ ± (k ∈ I)
6 6
Trigonometric Equations

(2) – (1) ⇒ y = mπ − nπ ± π
6
π
⇒ y = pπ ±
6
(
p ∈I)

31.
 1
Q.2 cos (x + y) = 1 and cos (x – y) = . Find general solution of x and y
2
Sol. cos (x + y) = 1
⇒ x + y = 2mπ (m ∈ I) … (1)
1
cos(x – y) =  
2

⇒ x – y = 2nπ ± π n ∈ I … (2)
( )
3
(1) + (2)
π π
⇒ x = mπ + nπ ± ⇒ x = kπ ± (k ∈ I)
6 6
(1) – (2)
π π
⇒ y = mπ − nπ  ⇒ y = pπ ± (p ∈ I)
6 6

Q.3 Find real values of x for which 27cos2x.81sin2x is minimum, also find this
minimum value.
Sol. Given expression becomes,
⇒ 33cos2x. 34sin2x = 33cos2x + 4sin2x
For minimum value
3cos2x + 4sin2x = - 5
divide by 5
3 4
⇒ cos2x + sin2x = −1
5 5
 3
⇒ sin ( 2x + α ) = −1 ; α = sin−1  
 5
π π 1  3
⇒ 2x + α = 2nπ + ⇒ x = nπ + − sin−1   (n ∈ I )
2 4 2  5

1 1
Minimum Value = 3-5 = =
35 243

Q.4 cos ( α − β ) = 1 and cos ( α + β ) = 1/e, where α, β ∈ [ −π, π] , numbers of

pairs of α, β which satisfy both the equation is
Trigonometric Equations

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 4

Sol.  α, β ∈ [ −π, π]
\ α + β ∈  −2π, 2π ], α − β ∈[ − 2π, 2π 

Now cos ( α − β ) = 1 ⇒ α − β = −2π, 0, 2π

32.
 for α − β = −2π ⇒ α = −π, β = π 
  ⇒ cos ( α + β ) = 1 So, rejected
 α − β = 2π ⇒ α = π, β = −π 
for α − β = 0 ⇒ α = β
1
and cos ( α + β ) = cos2α = → 4 solutions
e

Q.5 If 0 < θ < 2π , then the intervals of values of θ for which

2sin2 θ − 5sinθ + 2 > 0  is

 π   5π   π 5π 
(A)  0,  ∪  .2π  (B)  , 
 6  6  8 6 
 π   π 5π   41π 
(C)  0,  ∪  ,  (D)  , π
 8 6 6   48 

Sol. A
Given inequality is 2sin2 θ – 4sin θ - sin θ + 2 > 0
⇒ 2sinθ ( sinθ − 2) − ( sinθ − 2) > 0
⇒ ( 2sinθ − 1) ( sinθ − 2) > 0
⇒ ( 2sinθ − 1) < 0{as ( sinθ − 2) < 0}
1
⇒ sinθ <
2
 π   5π 
x ∈  0,  ∪  , 2π 
 6  6 
Q.6 Let
{
P = θ : sinθ − cosθ = 2cosθ and }
Q = {θ : sinθ + cosθ = 2sinθ} be two sets. then

(A) P ⊂ Q  and Q – P ≠ Q (B) Q ⊄ P

(C) P ⊂ Q (D) P = Q
Sol. D
For P : sinθ = ( )
2 + 1 cosθ
Trigonometric Equations

⇒ tanθ = 2 + 1 … (1)
For Q : cosθ = ( )
2 − 1 sinθ

1
⇒ tanθ = = 2 + 1 … (2)
2−1
From (1) & (2) it is clear that P = Q

33.