Senior High School

Pre-Calculus
Module 16:
Solving Situational Problems Involving Trigonometric
Functions and Trigonometric Equations

AIRs - LM
LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
STEM – PRE-CALCULUS
Module 16: Solving Situational Problems Involving Inverse Trigonometric Functions and
Trigonometric Equations
Second Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without written
permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Pamela O. Gutierrez

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LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Senior High School

Pre-Calculus
Module 16:
Solving Situational Problems
Involving Inverse Trigonometric
Functions and Trigonometric
Equations

LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you
to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in

each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module
or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better
understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer
the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are
also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on
how they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on
any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises
and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher
or facilitator.

Thank you.

LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Target

Solving problems involving inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric

equations require understanding on the definition and formulas of the trigonometric
functions and steps in solving trigonometric equations.

In your previous lesson, you are done with evaluating an inverse trigonometric
expression and solving trigonometric equations.

This module will provide you with information and activities that will help you
understand how to solve problems involving inverse trigonometric functions and
trigonometric equations.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. solve situational problems involving inverse trigonometric functions and
trigonometric equations (STEM_PC11T-IIi-2).

Learning Objectives:

1. Recall inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations.

2. Apply the trigonometric functions in solving situational problems involving
inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations.
3. Construct a technique in solving situational problems involving inverse
trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations

PRETEST
Directions: Read carefully each item. Write only the letter of the correct answer for
each test item. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

For numbers 1 – 3, refer to the problem below:

A 10 foot pole casts a 30 foot shadow. What is the angle of inclination of the
sun?
1. What is the correct figure for the given problem?
A. 30 B.
10 30
θ θ
10
C. D.
30
θ 10 θ
30 10

1 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 2. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?
A. cosine B. cotangent C. sine D. tangent

3. What is the angle of inclination of the sun?

A. 71.57o B. 70.53o C. 19.47o D. 18.43o

For numbers 4 – 6, refer to the problem below:

A man walks in a northeasterly direction for 30 miles, and he ends up 5 miles
east of his starting point. In what direction was he walking?

4. What is the correct figure for the given problem?

A. B. 30
30 5
θ θ
5
C. D.
5 30
θ θ
30 5

5. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosecant B. cosine C. sine D. tangent

6. In what direction was the man walking?

A. 80.4o N of E B. 80.54o N of E C. 9.59o N of E D. 9.46o N of E

For numbers 7 – 9, refer to the problem below:

A man walks 5 miles at 60 degrees of north of east. How far east of his starting
point is he?

7. What is the correct figure for the given problem?

A 5 B. x
x
60o 60o 5

C. D.
5 x
60o 60o
x 5

8. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosine B. secant C. sine D. tangent

9. How far east of his starting point is the man?

A. 10 miles B. 8.66 miles C. 4.33 miles D. 2.89 miles

2 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
For numbers 10 – 12, refer to the problem below:
The sun’s angle of inclination is 20 degrees, and a pole casts a 40 foot shadow.
How tall is the pole?

10. What is the correct figure for the given problem?

A B. 40
40
20o 20o x
x
C. D.
40
20 o x 20o
40 x

11. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosine B. cotangent C. sine D. tangent

12. How tall is the pole?

A. 111.11 ft B. 35.59 ft C. 14.56 ft D. 13.68 ft

For numbers 13 – 15, refer to the problem below:

Three cities, A, B, and C, are positioned in a A
triangle as seen in the figure. B
It is known that City A is 150 mi from City C, while City B
Is 220 mi from City C. Cities A and B are 80 √7 mi apart.
Also, by the Cosine Law, we have
z2 = x2 + y2 – 2xy cos θ
where x, y, and z are the respective distances of ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐶 , ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 , ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵, C
and θ = m< ACB. Find θ.

13. What is the equation of the problem?

A. 48, 400 = 66, 000 + 44, 800 – 22, 500 cos θ
B. 44, 800 = 48, 400 + 22, 500 – 66, 000 cos θ
C. 48, 400 = 44, 800 + 22, 500 – 66, 000 cos θ
D. 44, 800 = 66, 000 + 48, 400 – 22, 500 cos θ

14. What is the value of cos θ?

A. 3.09 B. 2.77 C. 0.40 D. 0.29

15. What is the value of θ?

A. 100o B. 73.14o C. 66.42o D. 1o

3 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Jumpstart

Activity 1: Do You Remember Me?

Directions: The following statements are definitions of inverse trigonometric

functions and the six trigonometric functions. Write True if the statement is
correct and write False if the statement is incorrect. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. y = sin−1 𝑥 or y = arcsin x if and only if sin x = y

2. y = sec −1 𝑥 or y = arcsec x means sec y = x

𝜋
3. csc −1 𝑥 = - sec−1 𝑥
2

4. y = cos −1 𝑥 or y = arccos x means cos y = x

𝜋
5. cot −1 𝑥 = + tan−1 𝑥
2

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
6. sin β = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
7. csc 𝛼 =
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
8. tan θ = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒
9. sec β = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒
10.cos 𝛿 = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

4 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Discover

With your knowledge of the trigonometric functions, you can determine the
value of a function at a given angle. Similarly, with your knowledge of the inverse
trigonometric functions, you can determine the angle given a certain function value.
These ideas are helpful in solving word problems that involve right triangles.

Solving word problems involving trigonometric equations requires

understanding on the definition and techniques of solving a trigonometric equation.

It is essential also to give importance to the pieces of information in the

problem. In addition, drawing or illustrating these pieces of information in the
triangle gives ease in studying the scenario.

Example 1: A 20 ft ladder leans up against a wall. If the ladder is 3 ft from

the wall, what angle does the ladder make with the ground?

Illustration:
20ft

3 ft

Solution:

𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 3 𝑓𝑡
cos θ = =
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 20 𝑓𝑡

3
θ = cos −1 = cos −1 0.15
20

θ = 81.37o

Conclusion:

The ladder make an angle of 81.37o with the ground.

Example 2: A building is 555 ft tall. If you are standing 1300 ft away from the
base of the building, what is the angle of elevation to the top?

Illustration:

555 ft
θ

1300 ft

5 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
Solution:

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 555 𝑓𝑡
tan θ = =
𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 1300𝑓𝑡

555
θ =tan−1 = tan−1 0.43
1300

θ = 23.27o

Conclusion:

The angle of elevation to the top of the building is 23.27 o.

Example 3: A 500 ft wire is fixed to the top of a 378 ft tower to the ground.
What is the angle of elevation?

Illustration:
500 ft
378 ft
θ

Solution:

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 378 𝑓𝑡
sin θ = =
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 500 𝑓𝑡

378
θ =sin−1 = sin−1 0.76
500

θ = 49.46o

Conclusion:

The angle of elevation is 49.46o.

Example 4: Raul’s Heating Oil is very seasonal, with sales in the winter far
exceeding in the summer. Monthly sales can be modeled by

𝜋 𝜋
S(x) = 1600 cos (6 𝑥 − ) + 5100
12

where S(x) is the average monthly sales in the month x. What is the monthly
average sales for July?

Given: x = July = 7

6 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
Solution:
𝜋 𝜋
S(x) = 1600 cos (6 𝑥 − ) + 5100
12
𝜋 𝜋
S(7) = 1600 cos (6 (7) − ) + 5100
12
7𝜋 𝜋
S(7) = 1600 cos ( − ) + 5100
6 12
14𝜋−𝜋
S(7) = 1600 cos ( ) + 5100
12
13𝜋
S(7) = 1600 cos ( 12 ) + 5100
S(7) = 1600 cos 195𝑜 + 5100
S(7) = 1600 (−0.97) + 5100
S(7) = – 1552 + 5100
S(7) = 3,548

Conclusion: The monthly average sales for July is 3,548.

Example 5: Three cities, A, B, and C, are positioned in a triangle as seen in

the figure below. It is known that City A is 140 mi from City C, while City B
Is 210 mi from City C. Cities A and B are 70 √7 mi apart. Also, by the Cosine
Law, we have
z2 = x2 + y2 – 2xy cos θ
̅̅̅̅, ̅̅̅̅
where x, y, and z are the respective distances of BC ̅̅̅̅, and θ = m< ACB.
AC, AB
Find θ.

Illustration: A 70 √7 mi
B

140 mi 210 mi
θ
C
Solution:

z2 = x2 + y2 – 2xycosθ
(70 √7 )2 = 2102 +1402 – 2(210)(140) cos θ
34,300 = 44, 100 + 19600 – 58, 800 cos θ
34, 300 – 44, 100 – 19600 = – 58, 800 cos θ
– 29,400 = – 58, 800 cos θ
– 58, 800 – 58, 800
0.5 = cos θ
cos θ = 0.5
cos cos
θ = cos −1 0.5
θ = 60o

Conclusion: The measure of angle ACB is 60o.

7 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Explore

Activity 2: Solve Me!

Directions: Read and understand the problems below. Answer the problems
completely and write your answers on separate sheets of paper.

Problem 1: A ramp is 50 ft long, and it is set a 30 degree angle of inclination.

If you walk up the ramp, how high off the ground will you be?

Illustration:

Solution:

Conclusion:

Problem 2: A flag pole is 20 feet tall. If the sun’s angle of inclination is 50

degrees, how long is the pole’s shadow?

Illustration:

Solution:

Conclusion:

Problem 3: A lighthouse at sea level is 34 mi from a boat. It is known that the

top of the lighthouse is 42.5 mi from the boat and that x = r cos θ, where x is
the horizontal distance, r is the distance of the top of the lighthouse from the
boat, and θ is the angle of depression from the top of lighthouse. Find θ.

Given:

Solution:

Conclusion:

8 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Deepen

Activity 3: Slide the Problem!

Directions: You are expected to demonstrate your competence in solving a problem

involving inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations by showing
your step-by-step and detailed solution. Create a handmade PowerPoint Slide. The
scoring rubric on the next page will be used in assessing your performance.

Problem: 1. A tower, 28.4 feet high, must be secured with a guy wire
anchored 5 feet from the base of the tower. What angle will the
guy wire make with the ground?
𝜋 𝜋
2. The function 𝑇(𝑥) = 19 sin ( 𝑥 − ) + 53 models the average
6 2
monthly temperature of the water in a mountain stream, where
T(x) is the temperature (℉) of the water in the month x, (x = 1 is
January). What is the temperature in October?

Handmade Power Point Slide

Sample Slides:

What you need

Used folders, bond paper, colored paper, cut-outs, stickers, crayons/ markers,
scissors, pencil, paste, and recycled materials for decoration.

What you have to do

1. Draft and finalize your complete solution on a sheet of paper.
2. Prepare your materials in making your handmade PowerPoint Slide. Use
minimal design and appropriate, aesthetic decorations in your PowerPoint
Slide.

9 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 3. Rewrite or attach the problem, illustration, solutions, and conclusion in
the PowerPoint Slide.

Rubrics for Scoring the Handmade PowerPoint Slide

Indicators 5 4 3 2 1

Content is Content is Content is Content is Content is

accurate and accurate but accurate but questionable inaccurate
information some information is and and
information is information is
Content is presented not presented information is
not presented not presented
in a logical in a logical not presented
in a logical in a logical
order. order, but is order, making in a logical order, making
still generally it difficult to order, making it difficult to
easy to follow. follow. it difficult to follow.
follow.

Presentation Presentation Presentation Presentation Presentation

flows well flows well. flows well. is has no flow.
and logically. Art materials Some art unorganized. No art
Presentation used materials used Art materials materials
reflects correctly. to show are not used used.
Slide extensive use Correct acceptable in relevant Insufficient
of art number of understanding. manner. number of
Creation
materials in slides. Correct Lacking in slides.
a creative Overall number of number of
way. Correct presentation slides. slides.
number of is
slides. interesting.

Demonstrate Demonstrate Demonstrate a Demonstrate Demonstrate

an excellent a clear general a limited little or no
Process knowledge knowledge knowledge and knowledge knowledge
and and and application of and or
Strategies application of application math skills application of application
(x2) math skills of math math skills of math
skills skills

Drawing/ Drawing/ Most drawing/ Drawing/ No drawing/

Illustrations Illustrations illustrations Illustrations illustrations.
Drawing/ are are are are
Illustration appropriate appropriate. appropriate. inappropriate.
and is
pleasing to
the eye.

No spelling Few spelling Some spelling Some spelling Many

errors. No errors. Few errors. Some errors. Some spelling
grammar grammar grammar grammar errors
Mechanics errors. Text errors. Text errors. Text is errors. Most and/or text
is in author’s is in in author’s text is in is copied.
own words. author’s own own words. author’s own
words. words.

Score /30

10 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 Gauge

Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your answers. Write
only the letter of the correct answer for each test item.

For numbers 1 – 3, refer to the problem below:

A 20 foot pole casts a 40 foot shadow. What is the angle of inclination of the
sun?

1. What is the correct figure of the given problem?

A. 40 B.
20 40
θ θ
20
C. D.
40
θ 20 θ
40 20

2. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosine B. cotangent C. sine D. tangent

3. What is the angle of inclination of the sun?

A. 63.43o B. 60 o C. 30o D. 26.57o

For numbers 4 – 6, refer to the problem below:

A man walks in a northeasterly direction for 40 miles, and ends up 15 miles
east of his starting point. In what direction was he walking?

4. What is the correct figure of the given problem?

A. B. 40

θ 40 θ 15
15

C. D.
15 40
θ θ
40 15

5. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosine B. cotangent C. sine D. tangent

11 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 6. In what direction was the man walking?
A. 76.67o N of E B. 67.67o N of E C. 22.33o N of E D. 20.81o N of E

For numbers 7 – 9, refer to the problem below:

A man walks 15 miles at 70 degrees of north of east. How far east of his starting
point is he?

7. What is the correct figure of the given problem?

A 15 B. x
x
70o 70o 15
C. D.
15 x
70o 70o
x 15

8. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosine B. secant C. sine D. tangent

9. How far east of his starting point is the man?

A. 52.14 miles B. 41.25 miles C. 14.10 miles D. 5.10 miles

For numbers 10 – 12, refer to the problem below:

The sun’s angle of inclination is 30 degrees, and a pole casts a 50 foot shadow.
How tall is the pole?

10. What is the correct figure of the given problem?

A B. 50
50
30o 30o x
x
C. D.
50
30o x 30o
50 x

11. What is the trigonometric function to be used in the problem?

A. cosine B. cotangent C. sine D. tangent

12. How tall is the pole?

A. 50.34 ft B. 43.50 ft C. 29 ft D. 25 ft

For numbers 13 – 15, refer to the problem below: A

Three cities, A, B, and C, are positioned in a B
triangle as seen in the figure.
It is known that City A is 250 mi from City C, while City B
Is 320 mi from City C. Cities A and B are 180 √7 mi apart. C θ

12 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
Also, by the Cosine Law, we have
z2 = x2 + y2 – 2xycosθ
̅̅̅̅ , 𝐴𝐶
where x, y, and z are the respective distances of 𝐵𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ , 𝐴𝐵
̅̅̅̅, and θ = m< ACB.
Find θ.

13. What is the trigonometric equation of the problem?

A. 102, 400 = 160, 000 + 226, 800 – 62, 500 cos θ
B. 226, 800 = 102, 400 + 62, 500 – 160, 000 cos θ
C. 102, 400 = 226, 800 + 62, 500 – 160, 000 cos θ
D. 226, 800 = 160, 000 + 102, 400 – 62, 500 cos θ

14. What is the value of cos θ?

A. 4.55 B. 1.17 C. 0.57 D. – 0.38

15. What is the value of θ?

A. 112.33o B. 55.25o C. 25.50o D. 1o

13 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16 14
Explore
Problem 1 Problem 2 Problem 3
Illustration: Solution: Given:
𝑥 20 𝑓𝑡
Sin 30o = tan 20o = x = 34 mi
50 𝑓𝑡 𝑥
x = 25 ft x = 16.81 ft r = 42.5 mi
Conclusion: Conclusion: Solution:
I am 25 ft The pole’s shadow x = r cos θ
high off the ground. is 16.81 ft. 34 mi = 42.5 mi
34
θ = cos−1
42.5
θ = 36.87o
Conclusion:
The angle of depression
from the top of the
lighthouse is = 36.87o.
Gauge
Jumpstart Pre-test
1. C
2. D 1. False 1. C
3. D 2. D
2. True 3. D
4. D
5. A 3. True 4. D
5. B
6. B 4. True 6. A
7. A
5. False 7. A
8. C 8. C
9. C 6. False 9. C
10. C 7. False 10. C
11. D 11. D
12. C 8. True 12. C
13. B 9. True 13. B
14. D 14. C
10. False 15. C
15. A
Answer Key
References

Printed Materials:

Albay, E. M. et al. (2016) DIWA Senior High School Series: Precalculus. Makati City:
DIWA Learning Systems Inc.

Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources. (2016) Precalculus

Learner’s Material. Quezon City: Sunshine Interlinks Publishing House, Inc.

Lim, Y.F. et al. (2016) Math for Engaged Learning Grade 11. Precalculus. Quezon
City: Sibs Publishing House, Inc.

Orines, F. B. (2016) Next Century Mathematics 11. Precalculus. Quezon City:

Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

Website:

Conic Section in the Field of Architecture. Retrieved August 12, 2021 from
https://meraphotographyrci.wordpress.com

Conic Sections Real-life Examples . retrieved August 12, 2021 from

https://sites.google.com

Hyperbolas101 photo-gallery. Retrieved August 12, 2021 from

https://sites.google.com

Quadratic Function Changes in the parabola. Retrieved August 12, 2021 from
https://www.thoughtco.com

15 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16
 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SDO La Union

Curriclum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management Section
Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City La Union 2500
Telephone: (072) 607 - 8127
Telefax: (072) 205 - 0046
Email Address:
launion@deped.gov.ph
lrm.launion@deped.gov.ph

16 LU_Pre-Calculus_Module16