Solving Trigonometric Equations
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Search | Updated February 21st, 2019
Introduction

    Learning how to solve trigonometric equations requires a lot of prerequisite knowledge. It is strongly suggested that you first be knowledgeable with these lessons before progressing to the lessons in the next sections:

    esson: Factoring Polynomials
    esson: Trigonometry Basics
    esson: Right Triangle Trigonometry
    esson: Trigonometric Angles



    This video will explain how to solve basic trigonometric equations.

    ideo: Solving Trigonometric Equations


    This video will explain how to solve more involved trigonometric equations that require more algebra.

    ideo: Solving Trigonometric Equations with Factoring


    This video will explain how to solve trigonometric equations using a graphing calculator.

    As aside note, the method used within this lesson is not unique to trigonometric equations. This method can be used on any equation that can be graphed on a graphing calculator, which can include non-functions (see polar equations).

    To demonstrate how to use a graphing calculator as a strategy, let's look at a problem.

    Example: Solve the trigonometric equation sin2 x + 0.5 = 3cosx on the interval [0, 2π).

    For the purposes of this problem, a TI-Nspire is being used.

    First, make sure the calculator is set in radians. We have to use radians because the interval is set in radians. We then graph each side of the equation separately.

    Looking at the picture below, you will see the left side of the equation is in blue and the right side is in red.

graphs of two sinusoids TI-Nspire

    Next, find the intersections between [0, 2π), which means [0, 6.28) approximately. For the TI-Nspire, use this:

    Menu :: Windows :: Analyze Graph :: Intersection.

menu TI-Nspire intersection

    Here is the result on the graph.

TI-Nspire intersection sinusoids

    Since the original equation contained x-values, the solutions to the equation are x-values only. So, the solution set is {1.119, 5.164}.

    You may be wondering, “Why aren’t the other intersections solutions of this equation?”

    If there was no interval to which we were bound, we could provide an infinite number of solutions. However, we are only allowed to report the intersections that occur between x > 0 and x < 2π (which is approximately 6.28).


    Try our instructional videos to help learn this material.

    ideo: Solving Trigonometric Equations
    ideo: Solving Trigonometric Equations with Factoring


    Try these lessons, which are closely related to the lessons above.

    esson: Graphing Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions
    esson: Simplifying/Verifying Trigonometric Expressions/Identities
    esson: The Law of Sines
    esson: The Law of Cosines
    esson: Sum & Difference Angle Formulas (Sine, Cosine)