TEACHER NOTES

maths in focus
Mathematics and Extension 1
Year 12

CHAPTER 5 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Intersection of Graphs

AIM

For students to be able to solve trigonometric graphs with linear graphs and read off accurate
solutions.

INTRODUCTION

Ask students to solve an equation involving trigonometric and linear functions. Discuss possible
methods to use.

METHOD

• Write down an equation involving both trigonometric and linear functions and ask
students to draw two graphs to help solve it (see Example 1).

• Read off points of intersection from the graphs, noting domains required in the question.
The x values of these points will be the solutions to the equation.

• Demonstrate how these graphs can be drawn more accurately on GeoGebra and compare
solutions.

• Demonstrate with another example.

• Allow students time to practise these skills as they need to be able to draw them without
the use of a computer.

EXAMPLES

Example 1
1
Solve sin x = x for - 2r # x # 2r.
2
1
To solve this equation we will graph y = sin x and y = x on the same graph. Where the
2
graphs intersect will be the solutions to the equation. As the equation is in terms of x then
the solutions will be the x values of the points of intersection.
When demonstrating with GeoGebra make sure the grid is on (click ‘View’ to turn on) and
the algebra view will show the points of intersection if you click on the 2nd box to the right

Copyright © 2010©Cengage
Copyright Learning Australia.
2010 McGraw-Hill Permission
Australia. Permission is granted
is granted to reproduce
to reproduce for classroom
for classroom use. use. 1
TEACHER NOTES
maths in focus
Mathematics and Extension 1
Year 12

CHAPTER 5 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Intersection of Graphs (Cont.)

on the top tool bar and then click on the points of intersections. The scale on the x- and
y-axes can be changed by right clicking on the axes and going into properties.

y
2.5
2
1.5
f x) = sin(x)
f( B
1
0.5

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 A 1 2 3 4 5 x
-0.5
-1
C
-1.5
y = 0.5x
-2
-2.5

From the graphs there are 3 points of intersection, at ^ 0, 0 h, ^ 1.9, 0.95 h and ^ -1.9, - 0.95 h .
Hence the solutions to the equation are x = 0, 1.9, -1.9.

Example 2
Solve cos x - x + 1 = 0 graphically for - 2r # x # 2r.
This equation will need to be rearranged to cos x = x - 1.
The graphs to be drawn are y = cos x and y = x - 1.
Follow the same steps as before to draw the graphs on GeoGebra for demonstration purposes.
The students will need to draw these graphs on graph paper.
y
2.5
2
1.5
1
f x) = cos(x)
f(
0.5 A

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 x
-0.5
-1
.5
-1.5
a: y = x -1

From the graphs there is only 1 point of intersection at ^ 1.3, 0.3 h . So the solution to the
equation is x = 1.3.

Copyright © 2010©Cengage
Copyright Learning Australia.
2010 McGraw-Hill Permission
Australia. Permission is granted
is granted to reproduce
to reproduce for classroom
for classroom use. use. 2
TEACHER NOTES
maths in focus
Mathematics and Extension 1
Year 12

CHAPTER 5 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Intersection of Graphs (Cont.)

ASSESSMENT

Students could be given a series of equations to solve graphically as revision or as a quiz.

Note: Accuracy to one decimal place is all that is required as students will have to draw the
graphs manually.

Copyright © 2010©Cengage
Copyright Learning Australia.
2010 McGraw-Hill Permission
Australia. Permission is granted
is granted to reproduce
to reproduce for classroom
for classroom use. use. 3