Exam Questions - Trig Type

Exam Questions - Trig Type

Revision Points - Trig Type Questions

Understanding Trigonometric Concepts

• Ensure you have a solid grasp of the basic trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan), their properties and their relationships.

• Dig deeper into the understanding of the unit circle and how the trigonometric ratios can be derived from it.

• Remember the Pythagorean identity in trigonometry: sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1.

• Be clear on the graphs of trigonometric functions, their shapes, periodicity, and transformations.

Solving Trigonometric Equations

• Review the method of isolating the variable when working with trigonometric equations.

• Be familiar with the sin(x) = a, cos(x) = a, and tan(x) = a style equations, where ‘a’ is any real number.

• Recap the methods for finding solutions over specific intervals and for general solutions.

• Understand how to solve equations involving multiple trigonometric terms and applying trigonometric identities.

Trigonometric Identities and Proofs

• Revisit the key trigonometric identities such as double-angle, half-angle, sum and difference, product-to-sum and sum-to-product formulae.

• Know how to manipulate trigonometric expressions to simplify them or prove the required identities.

Applying Trigonometry in Problem-Solving

• Understand the concept of the Sinusoidal model and its application in modelling real-world phenomena.

• Familiarise with the role of trigonometry in vector questions. Components, magnitude and direction can be solved using trigonometry principles.

• Get comfortable with the application of trigonometry in complex numbers, particularly multiplications and divisions in polar form.

The Trig Type questions integrate the use of trigonometry in various ways and emphasise the importance of understanding these fundamental concepts. Regular practice in solving such problems will prepare you for the challenges presented in exams.