If A and B are acute angles such that cos A = cos B, show that A = B.
Comparing two equal cosine ratios — explanatory sketch (not to scale).
Solution
Board-exam working:
For acute angles, cosine has one distinct value for each angle and decreases from 1 to 0 as the angle increases from 0° to 90°.
cosA=cosB
Therefore A and B cannot be different acute angles.
∠A=∠B
Final answer
Hence, ∠A = ∠B.
Question
Question 7
cotangent · identity
If cot θ = 7/8, evaluate (i) [(1 + sin θ)(1 − sin θ)]/[(1 + cos θ)(1 − cos θ)] and (ii) cot²θ.
Cotangent ratio 7 to 8 — explanatory sketch (not to scale).
Solution
Board-exam working:
(i)
(1+cosθ)(1−cosθ)(1+sinθ)(1−sinθ)=1−cos2θ1−sin2θ
=sin2θcos2θ=cot2θ
=(87)2=6449
(ii)
cot2θ=(87)2=6449
Final answer
(i) 6449;(ii) 6449
Question
Question 8
verification · identity
If 3 cot A = 4, check whether (1 − tan²A)/(1 + tan²A) = cos²A − sin²A.
Cotangent ratio 4 to 3 — explanatory sketch (not to scale).
Solution
Board-exam working:
3cotA=4⇒cotA=34⇒tanA=43
Left-hand side:
LHS=1+(43)21−(43)2=257
Using sides 3, 4 and 5:
sinA=53,cosA=54
Right-hand side:
RHS=(54)2−(53)2=257
LHS=RHS
Final answer
Yes, the equality is true.
Question
Question 9
complementary angles · special angles
In triangle ABC, right-angled at B, tan A = 1/√3. Find (i) sin A cos C + cos A sin C and (ii) cos A cos C − sin A sin C.
Complementary acute angles A and C — explanatory sketch (not to scale).
Solution
Board-exam working:
tanA=31⇒A=30∘
C=90∘−A=60∘
(i)
sin30∘cos60∘+cos30∘sin60∘
=21⋅21+23⋅23=41+43=1
(ii)
cos30∘cos60∘−sin30∘sin60∘
=23⋅21−21⋅23=0
Final answer
(i) 1; (ii) 0.
Question
Question 10
right triangle · trigonometric ratios
In right triangle PQR, right-angled at Q, PR + QR = 25 cm and PQ = 5 cm. Find sin P, cos P and tan P.
Right triangle PQR for Question 10 — explanatory sketch (not to scale).
Solution
Board-exam working:
Let QR = x cm. Then PR = 25 − x cm.
PR2=PQ2+QR2
(25−x)2=52+x2
625−50x+x2=25+x2
x=12
QR=12 cm,PR=13 cm
sinP=1312
cosP=135
tanP=512
Final answer
sinP=1312,cosP=135,tanP=512
Question
Question 11
true or false · ratio definitions
State true or false and justify: (i) tan A is always less than 1; (ii) sec A = 12/5 for some angle A; (iii) cos A abbreviates cosecant A; (iv) cot A is the product of cot and A; (v) sin θ = 4/3 for some angle θ.
Ratio definitions for true-or-false statements — explanatory sketch (not to scale).
Solution
Board-exam working:
(i) False.
tan45∘=1andtan60∘=3>1
(ii) True.
secA=512⇒cosA=125
Since 0 < 5/12 < 1, such an acute angle exists.
(iii) False. cos A means cosine of A; cosecant is written cosec A.
(iv) False. cot A denotes the cotangent ratio of angle A.
(v) False.
0≤sinθ≤1,but34>1
Final answer
(i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) False; (v) False.