1

PRE CALCULUS
nd
2 Quarter
SELF LEARNING
MATERIALS
 2

WEEK 1 & 2

Angles in a Unit Circle

I
Angles are being used in several fields like engineering, medical imaging, electronics, astronomy,
geography and many more. Added to that, surveyors, pilots, landscapers, designers, soldiers, and people
in many other professions heavily use angles and trigonometry to accomplish a variety of practical tasks.
In this lesson, we will deal with the basics of angle measures together with arc length and sectors.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. illustrate the unit circle

2. determine the relationship between the linear and angular measures of arcs in a unit circle.
3. convert degree to radian, and vice versa
4. find arc length and area of the sector
5. determine angle in standard position and co-terminal angles

Learning Task 1

Sketch angles in standard position with the following measurement.

30 ֯ -90 ֯
55 ֯ 110 ֯

D
Learning Task 2
In the following figure, identify the terminal side of an angle in standard position with given measure.

(1) degree measure: 135◦ , −135◦ , −90◦ , 405◦

𝜋 −3𝜋 3𝜋 −𝜋
(2) radian measure: rad, rad, rad, rad
4 4 2 2

Key Points
 An angle is formed by rotating a ray about its endpoint. In the figure shown below, the initial
side of ∠AOB is OA, while its terminal side is OB. An angle is said to be positive if the ray rotates
in a counterclockwise direction, and the angle is negative if it rotates in a clockwise direction.
 3

An angle is in standard position if it is drawn in the xy-plane with its vertex at the origin and its
initial side on the positive x-axis. The angles α, β, and θ in the following figure are angles in standard
position.

To measure angles, we use degrees, minutes, seconds, and radians.

1
 A central angle of a circle measures one degree, written 1◦ , if it intercepts of the
360
1
circumference of the circle. One minute, written 1’ , is of 1◦ , while one second, written 1’’, is
60
1
of 1’ .
60

For example, in degrees, minutes, and seconds,

18
10◦ 30’ 18’’ = 10◦ (30 + )′
60

= 10◦ 30.3’
30.3
= (10 + )°
60

= 10.505◦

And

79.251◦ = 79◦ (0.251 × 60)’

= 79◦ 15.06’

= 79◦ 150 (0.06 × 60)’’

= 79◦ 15’ 3.6’’

 Unit circle is the circle with center at the origin and radius 1 unit.
 A central angle of the unit circle that intercepts an arc of the circle with length 1 unit is said to
have a measure of one radian, written 1 rad. See Figure
 4

In trigonometry, as it was studied in Grade 9, the degree measure is often used. On the other
hand, in some fields of mathematics like calculus, radian measure of angles is preferred. Radian measure
allows us to treat the trigonometric functions as functions with the set of real numbers as domains,
rather than angles.

Since a unit circle has circumference 2π, a central angle that measures 360◦ has measure
equivalent to 2π radians. Thus, we obtain the following conversion rules.

Converting degree to radian, and vice versa

𝜋
1. To convert a degree measure to radian, multiply it by .
180
180
2. To convert a radian measure to degree, multiply .
𝜋

Figure below shows some special angles in standard position with the indicated terminal sides.
The degree and radian measures are also given.

Examples

Express 75◦ and 240◦ in radians.

Solution.
𝜋 5𝜋 5𝜋
75 ( )= =⇒ 75◦ = rad
180 12 12

𝜋 4𝜋 4𝜋
240 ( ) = =⇒ 240◦ = rad
180 3 3

𝜋 11𝜋
Express rad and rad in degrees.
8 6

Solution.
𝜋 180 𝜋
( )= 22.5 =⇒ rad = 22.5 ◦
8 𝜋 8
 5

11𝜋 180 11𝜋

( ) = 330 =⇒ rad = 330◦
6 𝜋 6

Coterminal Angles

 Two angles in standard position that have a common terminal side are called coterminal angles.
Observe that the degree measures of coterminal angles differ by multiples of 360◦.
 Two angles are coterminal if and only if their degree measures differ by 360k, where k ∈ Z.
Similarly, two angles are coterminal if and only if their radian measures differ by 2πk, where k ∈
Z.

As a quick illustration, to find one coterminal angle with an angle that measures 410◦ , just
subtract 360◦ , resulting in 50◦ .

Example

Find the angle coterminal with −380◦ that has measure

(1) between 0◦ and 360◦ , and

(2) between −360◦ and 0◦ .

Solution

A negative angle moves in a clockwise direction, and the angle −380◦ lies in Quadrant IV.

(1) −380◦ + 2 · 360◦ = 340◦

(2) −380◦ + 360◦ = −20◦

Arc Length and Area of a Sector

θ
In a circle, a central angle whose radian measure is θ subtends an arc that is the fraction of the
2𝜋
circumference of the circle. Thus, in a circle of radius r, the length s of an arc that subtends the angle θ is
θ θ
𝑠= 𝑥 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 = (2𝜋𝑟) = 𝑟𝜃
2𝜋 2𝜋
 6

In a circle of radius r, the length s of an arc intercepted by a central angle with measure θ
radians is given by s = rθ.

Example. Find the length of an arc of a circle with radius 10 m that subtends a central angle of 30◦ .

Solution.

Since the given central angle is in degrees, we have to convert it into radian measure. Then apply the
formula for an arc length.
𝜋 𝜋
30( ) = rad
180 6

𝜋 5𝜋
𝑠 = 10 ( ) = 𝑚
6 3
1
In a circle of radius r, the area A of a sector with a central angle measuring θ radians is A = 𝑟 2 𝜃.
2

E
Learning Task 3

Let’s Do It!
5
1. Find the equivalent degree measure of radians.
48
2. Find the smallest positive angle coterminal with -2016 degrees.
3. Find the length of the arc of a circle with radius 15 cm that subtends a central angle of 84◦
4. A central angle θ in a circle of radius 12 inches is subtended by an arc of length 27 inches. Find
the measure of θ in degrees.
5. Find the area of a sector of a circle with central angle of 108◦ if the radius of the circle is 15 cm.

A
Learning Task 4

You Can!

Given isosceles right triangle ABC with AC as the hypotenuse (as shown below), a circle with
center at A and radius AB intersects AC at D. What is the ratio of the area of sector BAD to the area of
the region BCD?

ANSWER KEY

Learning Task 2

1. OC, OD, OE, OB

2. OB, OD, OC, OE
 7

WEEK 3

Circular Functions
I
We define the six trigonometric function in such a way that the domain of each function is the set of
angles in standard position. The angles are measured either in degrees or radians. In this lesson, we will
modify these trigonometric functions so that the domain will be real numbers rather than set of angles.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. illustrate the different circular functions

2. use reference angles to find exact values of circular functions

Learning Task 1

Recall the standard special values of the following trigonometric functions using the 45-45-90
degrees and 30-60-90 degrees’ triangle.

1. sin 𝜃 3. sec 𝜃 5. cot 𝜃

2. tan 𝜃 4. cos 𝜃 6. csc 𝜃

D
Learning Task 2
Find It!
Find the values of cos 135◦, tan 135◦ , sin(−60◦ ), and sec(−60◦ ). Refer to the figure below.

Circular Functions on Real Numbers

Recall that the sine and cosine functions (and four others: tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent) of
angles measuring between 0◦ and 90◦ were defined in the last quarter of Grade 9 as ratios of sides of a
right triangle. It can be verified that these definitions are special cases of the following definition.
 8

3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋
Example. Find the exact values of sin , cos , and tan .
2 2 2

Solution
3𝜋
Let P ( ) be the point on the unit circle and on the terminal side of the angle in the standard
2
3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋
position with measure rad. Then P ( ) = (0, −1), and so sin = −1, cos = 0, but tan is undefined
2 2 2 2 2
−1
( ).
0

Example. Suppose s is a real number such that sin s = − 3/4 and cos s > 0. Find cos s.

Solution

We may consider s as the angle with measure s rad. Let P(s) = (x, y) be the point on the unit
circle and on the terminal side of angle s. Since P(s) is on the unit circle, we know that x2 + y2 = 1. Since
sin s = y = − 3/4 , we get

Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x, y) be points on the terminal side of an angle θ in standard position, where P
is on the unit circle and Q on the circle of radius r (not necessarily 1) with center also at the origin, as
shown above. Observe that we can use similar triangles to obtain
 9

We may then further generalize the definitions of the six circular functions.

Reference Angle

We observe that if θ1 and θ2 are coterminal angles, the values of the six circular or trigonometric
functions at θ1 agree with the values at θ2. Therefore, in finding the value of a circular function at a
14π 14π
number θ, we can always reduce θ to a number between 0 and 2π. For example, sin = sin ( − 4π)
3 3
2π 2π π
= sin . Also, observe from figure below that sin = sin .
3 3 3

In general, if θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 are as shown in figure above with P(θ1) = (x1, y1), then each of the x-
coordinates of P(θ2), P(θ3), and P(θ4) is ±x1, while the y-coordinate is ±y1. The correct sign is determined
by the location of the angle. Therefore, together with the correct sign, the value of a particular circular
function at an angle θ can be determined by its value at an angle θ 1 with radian measure between 0 and
π
. The angle θ1 is called the reference angle of θ.
2

The signs of the coordinates of P(θ) depends on the quadrant or axis where it terminates. It is important
to know the sign of each circular function in each quadrant. See figure below. It is not necessary to
memorize the table, since the sign of each function for each quadrant is easily determined from its
definition. We note that the signs of cosecant, secant, and cotangent are the same as sine, cosine, and
tangent respectively.
 10

Using the fact that the unit circle is symmetric with respect to the x-axis, the y-axis, and the origin, we
can identify the coordinates of all the points using the coordinates of corresponding points in the
Quadrant I, as shown in figure below for the special angles.

Example. Use reference angle and appropriate sign to find the exact value of each expression.

E
Learning Task 4

Find Me!
 11

1. Find the six trigonometric functions of the angle θ if the terminal side of θ in standard position
passes through the point (5, −12).
29π 29π
2. What is the reference angle of − ? Find the value of tan − .
6 6

A
Learning Task 5

Solve It!

Robert the Greek rides in a Ferris Wheel with a 100-meter diameter. Robert the Greek computes
that the wheel revolves at a uniform rate of one revolution per minute. Assuming that Robert the
Greek’s ride started with his seat at the lowest point of the wheel which is 5 meter above the ground,
how high already is he above the ground after 20 seconds?

ANSWER KEY

Learning Task 1

Learning Task 2
 12

WEEK 4

Graphs of Circular Functions

I
There are many things that occur periodically. Phenomena like rotation of the planets and comets, high
and low tides, and yearly change of the seasons follow a periodic pattern. In this lesson, we will graph the
six circular functions and we will see that they are periodic in nature.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

(1) determine the domain and range of the different circular functions;
(2) graph the six circular functions with its amplitude, period, and phase shi

Learning Task 1

Start Doing!

Identify the quadrant where the terminal point of each arc length is located.
4𝜋 𝜋 6𝜋
1. 3. 5.
3 3 5
3𝜋 3𝜋
2. − 4. −
7 4

D
Learning Task 2
Complete the table with the equivalent angle measures

Revolutions Degrees Radians

5/8 rev
240 degrees
7𝜋
rad
8
-270 degrees

Graphs of y = sin x and y = cos x

Recall that, for a real number x, sin x = sin θ for an angle θ with measure x radians, and that sin θ
is the second coordinate of the point P(θ) on the unit circle. Since each x corresponds to an angle θ, we
can conclude that

(1) sin x is defined for any real number x or the domain of the sine function is R, and

(2) the range of sine is the set of all real numbers between -1 and 1 (inclusive)

From the definition, it also follows that sin(x+2π) = sin x for any real number x. This means that
the values of the sine function repeat every 2π units. In this case, we say that the sine function is a
periodic function with period 2π.
 13

Table 1 below shows the values of y = sin x, where x is the equivalent radian measure of the
special angles and their multiples from 0 to 2π. As commented above, these values determine the
behavior of the function on Ɽ.

Table 1
π
From the table, we can observe that as x increases from 0 to , sin x also increases from 0 to 1.
2
3π
Similarly, as x increases from to 2π, sin x also increases from −1 to 0. On the other hand, notice that
2
π 3π
as x increases from to π, sin x decreases from 1 to 0. Similarly, as x increases from π to , sin x
2 2
decreases from 0 to −1.

To sketch the graph of y = sin x, we plot the points presented in Table 1, and join them with a
smooth curve. See Figure 11. Since the graph repeats every 2π units, Figure 2 shows periodic graph over
a longer interval.

Figure 1

Figure 2

We can make observations about the cosine function that are similar to the sine function.

• y = cos x has domain R and range [−1, 1].

• y = cos x is periodic with period 2π. The graph of y = cos x is shown in Figure 3.
 14

Figure 3

From the graphs of y = sin x and y = cos x in Figures 2 and 3, respectively, we observe that sin(−x)
= − sin x and cos(−x) = cos x for any real number x. In other words, the graphs of y = cos(−x) and y = cos x
are the same, while the graph of y = sin(−x) is the same as that of y = − sin x. In general, if a function f
satisfies the property that f(−x) = f(x) for all x in its domain, we say that such function is even. On the
other hand, we say that a function f is odd if f(−x) = −f(x) for all x in its domain. For example, the
functions x 2 and cos x are even, while the functions x 3 − 3x and sin x are odd.

Graphs of y = a sin bx and y = a cos bx

Using a table of values from 0 to 2π, we can sketch the graph of y = 3 sin x, and compare it to
the graph of y = sin x. See Figure 4 wherein the solid curve belongs to y = 3 sin x, while the dashed curve
𝜋
to y = sin x. For instance, if x = , then y = 1 when y = sin x, and y = 3 when y = 3 sin x. The period, x-
2
intercepts, and domains are the same for both graphs, while they differ in the range. The range of y = 3
sin x is [−3, 3].

Figure 4
 15

Now, in Table 2, we consider the values of y = sin 2x on [0, 2π].

Table 2

Figure 5

Figure 5 shows the graphs of y = sin 2x (solid curve) and y = sin x (dashed curve) over the interval
[0, 2π]. Notice that, for sin 2x to generate periodic values similar to [0, 2π] for y = sin x, we just need
values of x from 0 to π. We then expect the values of sin 2x to repeat every π units thereafter. The
period of y = sin 2x is π.

To sketch the graphs of y = a sin bx and y = a cos bx, a, b ≠ 0, we may proceed with the following
steps:
2𝜋
(1) Determine the amplitude |a|, and find the period |𝑏|. To draw one cycle of the graph (that is,
2𝜋
one complete graph for one period), we just need to complete the graph from 0 to |𝑏|.

(2) Divide the interval into four equal parts, and get five division points: x 1 = 0, x2, x3, x4, and x5 =
2𝜋
|𝑏|
, where x3 is the midpoint between x1 and x5 (that is, ½ (x1 + x5) = x3), x2 is the midpoint
between x1 and x3, and x4 is the midpoint between x3 and x5.

(3) Evaluate the function at each of the five x-values identified in Step 2. The points will
correspond to the highest point, lowest point, and x-intercepts of the graph.

(4) Plot the points found in Step 3, and join them with a smooth curve similar to the graph of the
basic sine curve.
 16

(5) Extend the graph to the right and to the left, as needed.

Example. Sketch the graph of one cycle of y = 2 sin 4x.

Solution.
2𝜋 𝜋
(1) The period is = , and the amplitude is 2.
4 2
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋
(2) Dividing the interval [0, ] into 4 equal parts, we get the following x-coordinates: 0, , , , and .
2 8 4 8 2
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
(3) When x = 0, , and , we get y = 0. On the other hand, when x = , we have y = 2 (the amplitude),
4 2 8
3𝜋
and y = −2 when x = .
8

(4) Draw a smooth curve by connecting the points. There is no need to proceed to Step 5 because the
problem only asks for one cycle.

Graphs of y = a sin b(x − c) + d and y = a cos b(x − c) + d

Example. Sketch the graph of

𝜋
𝑦 = −2 cos 2 (𝑥 − ) − 3
6
Solution.
 17

π π
Here, a = −2, b = 2, c = , and d = −3. We first sketch one cycle of the graph of y = −2 cos 2(x − ),
6 6
and then extend this graph to the left and to the right, and then move the resulting graph 3 units
downward.
π π
The graph of y = −2 cos 2 x( − ) has amplitude 2, period π, and phase shift .
6 6
π
Start of one cycle:
6
π 7π
End of the cycle: + π =
6 6
 18

Graphs of Cosecant and Secant Functions

1
We know that csc x = if sin x ≠ 0. Using this relationship, we can sketch the graph of y=
sin 𝑥
csc x.

First, we observe that the domain of the cosecant function is

Table 3 shows the key numbers (that is, numbers where y = sin x crosses the x-axis, attain its
maximum and minimum values) and some neighboring points, where “und” stands for “undefined,” while
Figure 6 shows one cycle of the graphs of y = sin x (dashed curve) and y = csc x (solid curve). Notice the
asymptotes of the graph y = csc x.

Table 3
 19

Figure 6

We could also sketch the graph of csc x directly from the graph of y = sin x by observing the
following facts:

(1) If sin x = 1 (or −1), then csc x = 1 (or −1).

(2) At each x-intercept of y = sin x, y = csc x is undefined; but a vertical asymptote is formed
because, when sin x is close to 0, the value of csc x will have a big magnitude with the same
sign as sin x.

Refer to Figure 7 for the graphs of y = sin x (dashed curve) and y = csc x (solid curve) over a larger
interval.

Figure 7

Like the sine and cosecant functions, the cosine and secant functions are also reciprocals of each
other. Therefore, y = sec x has domain

Similarly, the
graph of y = sec x can be obtained from the graph of y = cos x. These graphs are shown in Figure 8.
 20

𝑥
Example. Sketch the graph of y = 2 csc .
2
𝑥
Solution. First, we sketch the graph of y = 2 sin , and use the technique discussed above to sketch the
2
𝑥
graph of y = 2 csc .
2

The

𝑥 𝑥
vertical asymptotes of y = 2 csc are the x-intercepts of y = 2 sin : x = 0, ±2π, ±4π, . . .. After setting up
2 2
𝑥
the asymptotes, we now sketch the graph of y = 2 csc as shown below.
2

Graphs of Tangent and Cotangent Functions

sin 𝑥
We know that tan x = , where cos x ≠ 0. From this definition of the tangent function, it
cos 𝑥
follows that its domain is the same as that of the secant function, which is
 21

We note that tan x = 0 when sin x = 0 (that is, when x = kπ, k any integer), and that the graph of
𝑘𝜋
y = tan x has asymptotes x = , k odd integer. Furthermore, by recalling the signs of tangent from
2
Quadrant I to Quadrant IV and its values, we observe that the tangent function is periodic with period 𝜋.

To sketch the graph of y = tan x, it will be enough to know its one-cycle graph on the open
𝜋 𝜋
interval(− , ). See Table 4 and Figure 8
2 2

Table 4

Figure 8

Figure 9
 22

In general, to sketch the graphs of y = a tan bx and y = a cot bx, a ≠ 0 and b > 0, we may proceed
with the following steps:

Example. Sketch the graph of y = ½ tan 2x.

𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
Solution. The period of the function is , and the adjacent asymptotes are x = ± , ± , . . .. Dividing the
2 4 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
interval (− , ) into four equal parts, the key x-values are − , 0, and .
4 4 8 8
 23

E
Learning Task 4

Sketch Me!
𝜋
Sketch the graph of function y = ½ sin ½ (x + ) +2 over one period. Determine the domain and
6
range of the function.

A
Learning Task 5

In the function y = 3 tan(2kx − π), the period is 4π. Find the value of k and the phase shift of the
graph of the function.

ANSWER KEY

Learning Task 1

1. Q3 3. Q1 5. Q3
2. Q4 4. Q3

Learning Task 2

Revolutions Degrees Radians

5/8 rev 225 degrees 5𝜋
rad
4
2/3 rev 240 degrees 4𝜋
rad
3
7𝜋
7/16 rev 157.5 degrees rad
8
-3/4 rev -270 degrees 3𝜋
- rad
2
 24

PRECALCULUS 2nd Quarter WEEK 5

Solve Situational Problems Involving Circular

Functions
I
Let us consider the definition of a circular function prior to real life application.
On a unit circle each length of arc starting at the x-axis corresponds to a point (x,y) on the circle.
Let s be the arc length to locate a point (x,y), we denote the following functions.
𝑦
sin 𝑠 = 𝑦 cos 𝑠 = 𝑥 tan 𝑠 = , 𝑥 ≠ 0
𝑥
1 1 𝑥
csc 𝑠 = , 𝑦 ≠ 0 sec 𝑠 = , 𝑥 ≠ 0 cot 𝑠 = , 𝑦 ≠ 0
𝑦 𝑥 𝑦

After going through this module, you are expected to:

Solves situational problems involving circular functions

Learning Task 1

Let’s have some word problems involving circular function:

How long is an arc of a unit circle which is subtended by an angle of 120°?

D
Learning Task 2
Solve the problem below.

An ant P moves counter clockwise along the circumference of a radius 3 cm. one and
one-half times. Find the directed distance travelled by the ant along the circle.

Since the elements in the domain of these new functions are measures of angles in radians and
since the radius measures of angles are determined by the length of the arcs on a circle, these functions
are referred as circular functions.

Let’s have some word problems involving circular function:

1. On a circle of radius 108 centimeters, find the length of an arc subtend by a central angle of 150°.

Solution:

Given a radius r=108 centimeters and 𝜃 = 150°, we need to express 𝜃 in terms of radians

𝜋 5𝜋
𝜃 = 150° = 150 × = radians
180° 6

Then, we obtain the arc length s, we get

5𝜋
𝑠 = 𝑟𝜃 = 108 × = 282.74 centimeters
6
 25

Thus, the length of the arc is 282.74 centimeters.

2. Suppose a planet’s radius is 5000 miles and its complete revolution is 36 hours. Determine the linear
speed of a point on the equator in miles per hour (mph) and also in feet per second (ft/sec). What is the
angular speed in radians per hour (rad/hr)?

Solution:

The given information are r=5000 miles, 𝜃 = 2𝜋, t=36 hours. To determine the linear speed, we get

𝑠 𝑟𝜃 5000(2𝜋)
𝑣= = = = 872.66 mph
𝑡 𝑡 36

Since 1 mile=5280 feet and 1 hour=3600 seconds, to solve for 𝑣 in terms of feet per second, we get

𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 5280 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡 1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟

𝑣 = 872.66 × ×
ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 1 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒 3600𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠

𝑣 = 1279.90 feet per second (ft/sec)

The angular speed is given by:

𝜃 2𝜋 𝜋
𝜔= = =
𝑡 36 18

3. A motorcycle is travelling at 60 miles per hour. If its tires have radius of 15 inches, how many
revolutions per second do the tires make?

Solutions:

First, we need to convert the speed of the motorcycle in terms of revolutions per second. Note that 1
mile=63,360 inches.

𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 63,360 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠

𝑣 = 60 × × = 1056 inches per second
ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 3600 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 1 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒

Then, we solve for the angular speed 𝜔,

𝑣 1056
𝜔= = = 70.4 revolutions per second
𝑟 15

Thus, the tires make 70.4 revolutions per second

4. A weight is suspended from a spring, and is moving up and down in a simple harmonic motion. At start,
the weight is pulled down 5 cm below the resting position, and then released. After 8 seconds, the weight
reaches its highest location for the first time. Find the equation of the motion.

Solution:

We are given that the weight is located at its lowest position t=0; that is, y=-5 when t=0. Therefore, the
equation is 𝑦 = −5 cos 𝑏𝑡.

Because it took the weight 8 seconds from the lowest point to its immediate point, half period is 8
seconds.
 26

1 2𝜋 𝜋 𝜋𝑡
× =8 →𝑏= → 𝑦 = −5 cos .
2 𝑏 8 8

5. Suppose you ride a Ferris wheel. The lowest point of the wheel is 3 meters off the ground, and its
diameter is 20 m. After it started, the Ferris wheel revolves at a constant speed, and it takes 32 seconds
to bring you back again to the riding point. After riding for 150 seconds, find your approximate height
above the ground.

Solution:

We ignore first the fixed value of 3 m off the ground, and assume that the central passes through
the center of the wheel and is parallel to the ground.

Let t be the time (in seconds) elapsed that you have been riding the Ferris wheel, and y is the
directed distance of your location with respect to the assumed central position at time t. Because 𝑦 =
−10 when t=0, the appropriate model is 𝑦 = −10 cos 𝑏𝑡 for t ≥ 0.

Given that the Ferris wheel takes 32 seconds to move from the lowest point to the next, the
period is 32.

2𝜋 𝜋 𝜋𝑡
= 32 → 𝑏 = → 𝑦 = −10𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑏 16 16
150𝜋
When t=150, we get 𝑦 = 10 cos = 3.83.
16

Bringing back to the original condition given in the problem that the riding point is 3 m off the ground,
after riding for 150 seconds, you are approximately located 3.83 +3= 6.83 m off the ground.

E
Learning Task 3

Solve the following situational problems involving circular functions.

1. The minute hand of a clock is 4.5 inches long. What distance does the tip move in 25 minutes?
2. The radius of the wheel of a car is 15 inches. If the wheel is turning at the rate of 3 revolutions per
second, how fast is the car moving? Express your answer in miles per hour.
3. The diameter of a bicycle is 26 inches. If you are travelling at a speed of 35 miles per hour on the
bicycle, through how many revolutions per minute are the wheel turning?

A
Learning Task 4

1. In the classic novel Don Quixote, the character famously battles a windmill. Suppose the center
of the windmill is 20 feet off the ground, and the sails are 15 feet long. Don Quixote is at the tip
of one of the sails. The sails are turning at the rate of one counterclockwise rotation every 60
 27

seconds. After 1 minute and 40 seconds, Don Quixote fell off the sail and straight down to the
ground. How far did he fall?
2. A Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas, Nevada, opened in March 2014. The 550 ft tall wheel has a diameter
of 5290 ft. A ride on its one of its 28 passenger cars last 30 minutes, the time it takes the wheel
to complete one full rotation. Riders board the passenger cars at the bottom of the wheel. Assume
that once the wheel is in motion it maintains a constant speed for the 30-minutes ride and is
rotating in a counter clockwise direction. If you were on this ride, how high would you be above
the ground after 20 minutes?

ANSWER KEY

Learning Task 1
2𝜋
Solution: Changing 120° in radian: 120° = radians. So, the length of the corresponding arc is 𝑠 = 𝑟 ∗
3
2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑎 = (1) ( ) = units.
3 3

(Note: The unit of the arc length is the same as the unit of the radius.

Learning Task 2

Solution: The length of the arc traversed by the ant is

𝑠 = 𝑎 ∗ 𝑟 = 3(1.5)(2𝜋) = 9𝜋 𝑐𝑚.
 28

PRECALCULUS 2nd Quarter WEEK 6-7

Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

I
In previous lessons, we have defined trigonometric functions using the unit circle and also
investigated the graphs of the six trigonometric functions. This lesson builds on the understanding of the
different trigonometric functions by discovery, deriving, and working with trigonometric identities.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. determine whether an equation is an identity or a conditional equation; and
2. apply trigonometric identities to find other trigonometric values;
3. solve situational problems involving trigonometric identities.

Learning Task 1

Let us recall the domain topic considering the following expressions:

1. 2𝑥 + 1

2. √𝑥 2 − 1

D
Learning Task 2
Determine the equation as identity or conditional. Write your answer at the right column.

1.) 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0
2.) (𝑥 + 7)2 = 𝑥 2 + 49
3.) 𝑥 2 − 1 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)
4.) (𝑥 + 7)2 = 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49
𝑥 2 −4
5.) 𝑥−2
= 2𝑥 − 1
𝑥 2 −4
6.) =𝑥+2
𝑥−2

A. IDENTITY AND CONDITIONAL EQUATIONS

An identity is an equation that is true for all valid replacements of the

variable.

Example:

1. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 (Pythagorean Theorem)

2. 𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 4𝑥 true for all x

𝑥
3. 𝑥 = 1 true for all x, x≠ 0

Conditional equation is a statement that is true on condition that the

variable is replaced with the correct value.
 29

Example:

1. x + 5= 11 true if x=6

2. 3x = 15 true if x=5

3. 𝑥 2 = 4𝑥 true if x=0 and x=4

B. FUNDAMENTAL TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

A trigonometric identity is an identity that involves trigonometric

functions of one or more variables. The equation in reciprocal,
quotient, and Pythagorean identities which follow each solution is true
for all values of 𝜃 for which both sides are defined.

Reciprocal Identities
1 1
sin 𝜃 = csc 𝜃 =
csc 𝜃 sin 𝜃
1 1
cos 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 =
sec 𝜃 cos 𝜃
1 1
tan 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
cot 𝜃 tan 𝜃

Quotient Identities
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
tan 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

Pythagorean Identities

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 + 1 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃 = csc 𝜃

Even-Odd Identities
sin(−x) = − sin 𝑥 cos(−𝑥 ) = cos 𝑥 tan(−𝑥 ) = − tan 𝑥
Simplify the following:
tan 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1.)
sin 𝜃
Solution:
sin 𝜃
tan 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 cos 𝜃
cos 𝜃
= =1 by quotient identity
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
2.) cot 𝜃
Solution:
 30

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = sin 𝜃 by quotient identity
cot 𝜃
sin 𝜃

3. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃

Solution:

𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 (1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃) Apply factoring

= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 by Pythagorean Theorem

1
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 by reciprocal identity

=1
1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
4.
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
Solution:
1+tan2 θ sec2 θ
= csc2 θ by Pythagorean Theorem
1+cot2 θ
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
1 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 by reciprocal identities
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

= tan2 θ by quotient identity

The reciprocal, quotient, Pythagorean, and even-odd identities constitute what we call
the fundamental trigonometric identities.
3
5. If sin 𝜃 = − 4 and cos 𝜃 > 0. Find cos 𝜃.

Solution: Using the identity 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 with cos>0, we have

cos 𝜃 = √1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
3 2
= √(1 − (− 4) )

√7
= 4
5
6. If sec 𝜃 = 2 and tan 𝜃 < 0, use the identities to find the values of the remaining
trigonometric functions of 𝜃.
Solution: Note that 𝜃 lies in QIV.
1 1 2
cos 𝜃 = = =
sec 𝜃 5 5
2

1 1 −√21
sin 𝜃 = −√1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜃 = −√1 − = − 1− =
2
𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝜃 √ 5 2
5
(2)

1 −5√21
csc 𝜃 = =−
sin 𝜃 21
−√21
sin 𝜃 5 = −√21
tan 𝜃 = =
cos 𝜃 2 2
5
 31

1 1 2√21
cot 𝜃 = = =−
tan 𝜃 −√21 21
2

C. SUM AND DIFFERENCE IDENTITIES

In previous lesson, we introduced the concept of trigonometric identity, presented the
fundamental identities. In this lesson, we apply or evaluate the sum and difference identities for
cosine, sine, and tangent functions, establish the cofunction identities.
.

Examples:
1. Find the exact values of each expression.
𝜋
a. cos 75° b. cos c. sin 105° d. cos 15° e. tan 75°
12
Solutions:
a. Notice that 75° = 45° + 30°. Since we know the exact value of sine and cosine at
45° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 30°, we use the Addition Formula for Cosine to get
 32

cos 75° = cos(45° + 30°)

= cos 45° cos 30° − sin 45° sin 30°
√2 √3 √2 1
= 2 ∗ 2 − 2 ∗2

√2∗√3−√2
=
4
√6−√2
= 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
b. Since = 4 − 6 , the Subtraction Formula for Cosine to get
12
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
cos = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( − )
12 4 6
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
= cos 4 ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 6 + sin 4 ∗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 6
√2 √3 √2 1
= ∗ + ∗2
2 2 2
√2∗√3+√2
= 4
√6+√2
=
4
c. Since 105° is the sum of 60° and 45° which are two of the special angles, we can apply the
sum identity for the sin 105°.
sin 105° = sin(60° + 45°)
= sin 60° cos 45° + cos 60° sin 45°
√3 √2 1 √2
= ( 2 ) ( 2 ) + ( 2) ( 2 )

√6 √2
= +
4 4

√6+√2
=
4
d. We can utilized the special angle 60° and 45° for cos 15°.
cos 15° = cos(60° − 45°)
= cos 60° cos 45° + sin 60° sin 45°
1 √2 √3 √2
= ( 2) ( 2 ) + ( 2 ) ( 2 )

√2 √6
= +
4 4
√2+√6
= 4
e. We will represent 75° = 45 + 30° to evaluate tan 75°, since 45° and 30° are special angles.
tan 75° = tan(45° + 30°)
tan 45°+tan 30°
=
1−tan 45° tan 30
 33

3
(1+√3 )
=
3
(1−(1)(√3 ))

3+√3
( )
3
= 3−√3
( )
3

3+√3
= 3−
√3
3+√3 3+√3
= 3− ∙
√3 3+√3
9+6√3+3
= 9−3

= 2 + √3
tan 50°+tan 130°
2. Find the exact value of .
1−tan 50° tan 130°
Solution:
Let 𝛼 = 50° and 𝛽 = 130°.
tan 𝛼+tan 𝛽
Applying the formula tan(𝛼 + 𝛽) = 1−tan 𝛼 tan 𝛽, we get

tan 50° + tan 130°

= tan(50° + 130)
1 − tan 50° tan 130°
= tan 180°
=0
tan 50°+tan 130°
Thus, =0
1−tan 50° tan 130°

3. Evaluate sin 110° cos 80° − cos 110° sin 80°.

Let 𝛼 = 110° and 𝛽 = 80°. Applying the formula sin(𝛼 − 𝛽) = sin 𝛼 cos 𝛽 − cos 𝛼 sin 𝛽, we
get
sin 110° cos 80° − cos 110° sin 80° = sin(110° − 80°)
= sin 30°
1
=2
1
Thus, sin 110° cos 80° − cos 110° sin 80° = 2.

D. DOUBLE-ANGLE AND HALF-ANGLE IDENTITIES

Trigonometric identities simplify the computations of trigonometric expressions. In this
lesson, we continue on establishing more trigonometric identities. In particular, we derive the
1
formulas for 𝑓 (2𝜃 )and 𝑓( 𝜃) where f is the sine, cosine, or tangent function.
2

Recall the sum identities for sine and cosine.

 34

When A=B. these identities become

sin 2𝐴 = sin 𝐴 cos 𝐴 + cos 𝐴 sin 𝐴 = 2 sin 𝐴 cos 𝐴 and
cos 2𝐴 = cos 𝐴 cos 𝐴 − sin 𝐴 sin 𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝐴 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴

The other double-identity for cosine has other forms. We use Pythagorean identity
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1
2

When 𝐴 = 𝐵, we obtain
tan 𝐴+𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐴 2 tan 𝐴
tan(𝐴 + 𝐴) = 1−tan 𝐴 𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐴 = 1−𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝐴
 35

Examples:
3 𝜋
1. Given sin 𝑡 = 5 and 2 < 𝑡 < 𝜋, find sin 2𝑡 and cos 2𝑡.

Solution: We first find c𝑜𝑠 𝑡 using the Pythagorean identity. Since t lies in QII, we have

3 2 4
cos 𝑡 = −√1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 = −√1 − (5) = − 5.

sin 2𝑡 = 2 sin 𝑡 cos 𝑡 cos 2𝑡 = 1 − 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡

3 4 3 2
= 2 (5) (− 5) = 1 − 2 ( 5)
24 7
= − 25 = 25

2. If 𝑥 = tan 𝐴, express sin 2A, cos 2A, and tan 2A in terms of x.

Solutions:
a. Let us find first sin A and cos A in terms of x. Since sec 𝐴 = ± √1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝐴, then, replacing
tan A by x, and using the reciprocal relation,
1 𝑥
cos 𝐴 = ± . Also, sin 𝐴 = ± √1+𝑥2 = tan 𝐴 cos 𝐴
√1+𝑥 2

Therefore,
1 1 2𝑥
sin 2𝐴 = 2 sin 𝐴 cos 𝐴 = 2(± )( )=
√1 + 𝑥 2 √1 + 𝑥 2 1 + 𝑥2
1 𝑥2 1−𝑥 2
b. cos 2𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝐴 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴 = − =
1+𝑥 2 1+𝑥 2 1+𝑥 2
2 tan 𝐴 2𝑥
c. tan 2𝐴 = 1−𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝐴 = 1−𝑥2
𝜋 𝜋
3. Find the value of sin 12 and cos 12.

Solution:
𝐴 1−cos 𝐴 𝜋
a. Use the half-angle identity for sine, that is, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 = √ , substituting the given: sin 12 =
2

𝜋 √3
1 𝜋 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 1− 2−√3
𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 ∙ 6 = √ 6
= √ 22 = √ 2
2

𝜋 √3
𝜋 1 𝜋 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠 1+ 2+√3
b. cos 12 = 𝑐0𝑠 2 ∙ 6 = √ 2
6
=√ 2
2
=√ 2

E. SITUATIONAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITITES

 36

1. A baseball player hit the ball at an angle 𝜃 to the horizontal with an initial veocity of 𝑣0 feet
per second. If air resistance is ignored, the horizontal distance 𝑑 travelled by the ball, the range,
1
is given by 𝑅 = 16 𝑣0 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 .
1
a. Show that 𝑅 = 32 𝑣0 2 sin 2𝜃.

b. Find the angle 𝜃 for which R is a maximum.

Soutions:
a. Use the double angle formula to rewrite the given:
1 2 1 2sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 1 2
𝑅= 𝑣0 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 = 𝑣0 2 = 𝑣 sin 2𝜃.
16 16 2 32 0
b. Since the largest value for sine function is 1, occuring when 𝜃 = 90°, then for maximum R,
we must have 2 𝜃 = 90°, or 𝜃 = 45°.
2. You are kicking a football from gorund level with an initial speed of 80 feet per second. Can
you make the ball travel 200 feet?
Solution:
1 2
𝑥= 𝑣 sin 2𝜃
32
1
200 = (80)2 sin 2𝜃
32
1 = sin 2𝜃
90° = 2𝜃
45° = 𝜃
Therefore, you can make the football travel 200 feet if you kick it at an ange of 45°.

E
Learning Task 3

Activity 2.1: Let Me try!

Let us find out if you really understand the discussed concept by answering these exercises.
5
1. Given sin 𝛽 = 13 in QII, and (6, -8) is on the terminal side of 𝛼, find the exact value of
sin(𝛼 + 𝛽).
5
2. Given sin 𝛽 = 13 in QII, find the exact value of the following:

a. sin(2𝛽) b. cos (2𝛽) c. tan (2𝛽)

3. Simplify the following expresssion:
𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃−𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃−𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+cot 𝜃 sin 𝜃
a. b. c.
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃

4. Apply half-angle formula to find

5𝜋
a. cos 15° b. sin 15° c. cos 8
 37
A
Learning Task 4

Solve the problem below

A ball is thrown following a projectile motion. It is known that the horizontal distance (range) the ball
𝑣0 2
can travel is given by 𝑅 = sin 2𝜃, where r is the range (in feet), 𝑣0 is the initial speed (in ft/s), 𝜃 is the
𝑔
angle of elevation the ball is thrown, and g=32 ft/s 2 is the acceleration due to gravity.
a. Express the new range in terms of the original range when an angle 𝜃 (0< 𝜃 < 45°) is doubled.

b. If a ball travels a horizontal distance of 20 ft when kicked at an angle of 𝛼 with initial speed of 20√2
ft/s, find the horizontal distance it can travel when you double 𝛼. Hint: use result of item (a).

Answer Key:

Learning Task 1

In the first expression, every real value of x when substituted to the expression makes it defined in the set
of real numbers, that is, the value of the expression is real when x is real.

In the second expression, not every real value of x makes the expression defined in ℝ. For
example, when x=0, the expression becomes √−1, which is not a real number.

√𝑥 2 − 1 ∈ ℝ ⇔ 𝑥 2 − 1 ≥ 0 ⇔ 𝑥 ≤ −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 1

Learning Task 2

1. Conditional
2. Conditional
3. Identity
4. Identity
5. Conditional
6. Identity
 38

PRECALCULUS 2nd Quarter WEEK 8

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

I
The Module is divided into two lessons: Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Trigonometric
Equations (Lesson1), and Solving Situational Problems Involving Inverse Trigonometric Functions and
Trigonometric Equations (Lesson 2). Each lesson brings together related learning competencies.

Lesson 1 discusses about the six inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations in
which several solved examples are presented and additional exercises for students to work on. At the end
of the lesson, a video link is attached for students to watch for further understanding the concept.

Lesson 2 presents different situational problems about the inverse trigonometric functions and
trigonometric equations. After What Is it, several examples are given to students to work independently.
This lesson also is supported by video link for students to watch for further understanding the lesson.
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. illustrate the domain and range of the inverse trigonometric function;

2. evaluate an inverse trigonometric expression
3. solves trigonometric equations;
4. solve situational problems involving inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric
equations.

Learning Task 1

Find the inverse of the following function

𝑥 5 −3
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2
2𝑥+3
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1

D
Recall from the topic of inverse of a function 𝑓 which states that an inverse of a function 𝑓 is a function
𝑓 −1 that reverses the rule of 𝑓. For a function to have an inverse, it must be one-to-one.

Let’s compare the functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 whose arrow diagrams are shown in Figure 1. Note that 𝑓
never takes on the same value twice (any two numbers in A have different images), whereas 𝑔 does take
on the same value twice (both 2 and 3 have the same image, 4). In symbols, 𝑔(2) = 𝑔(3) but 𝑓(𝑥1 ) ≠
𝑓(𝑥2 ) whenever 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 . Functions that have this latter property are called one-to-one
 39

𝑓 is one-to-one 𝑔 is not one-to-one

Figure 1

DEFINITION OF A ONE-TO-ONE FUNCTION

A function with domain A is called a one-to-one function if no two elements of A have the same
image, that is, 𝑓(𝑥1 ) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥2 ) whenever 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 .

Example 1: Show that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 4 is one –to-one.

Solution: Suppose there are numbers 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 such that 𝑓(𝑥1 ) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥2 ). Then,

3𝑥1 + 4 = 3𝑥2 + 4 Suppose 𝑓(𝑥1 ) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥2 ).

3𝑥1 = 3𝑥2 Subtract 4

3𝑥1 = 3𝑥2 Divide by 3

Therefore, f is one-to-one.

DEFINITION OF THE INVERSE OF A FUNCTION

Let 𝑓 be a one-to-one function with domain A and range B. Then its inverse function 𝑓 −1 .has
domain B and range A and is defined by 𝑓 −1 (𝑦) = 𝑥 ↔ 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 for any y in B.

This definition says that if 𝑓 takes x to y, then 𝑓 −1 takes y back to x. The arrow diagram in Figure
2 indicates that 𝑓 −1 reverses the effect of 𝑓. From the definition we have

Domain of 𝑓 −1 = range of 𝑓

Range of 𝑓 −1 = domain of 𝑓

Figure 2
Example 2: Finding 𝑓 −1 for specific values.

If 𝑓(1) = 5, 𝑓(3) = 7, 𝑓(8) = −10, find 𝑓 −1 (5), 𝑓 −1 (7), and 𝑓 −1 (−10).

Solution: From the definition of 𝑓 −1 we have

𝑓 −1 (5) = 1 because 𝑓(1) = 5

𝑓 −1 (7) = 3 because 𝑓(3) = 7

𝑓 −1 (−10) = 8 because 𝑓(8) = −10

 40

Figure 3 shows how 𝑓 −1 reverses the effect of 𝑓 in this case.

Figure 3
HOW TO FIND THE INVERSE OF A ONE-TO-ONE FUNCTION

1. Write 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
2. Solve this equation for x in terms of y (if Possible).
3. Interchange x and y. The resulting equation is 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥).

Example 3: Find the inverse of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 2.

Solution: First we write 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), → 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 2

Then we solve this equation for x.

3𝑥 = 𝑦 + 2 Add 2

𝑦+2
𝑥= Divide by 3
3

Finally, we interchange x and y.

𝑥+2
𝑦=
3
𝑥+2
Therefore, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) =
3

The six trigonometric functions 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥, 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥, 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑥, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑥 are periodic and hence not
one-to-one, and they do not have inverses. It is possible, however, to restrict the domains of the
trigonometric functions in such a way that the resulting functions are one-to-one.

Trigonometric functions can all be defined as ratios of the sides of a right triangle. Since all right
triangles conform to the Pythagorean Theorem, as long as the angles of two right triangles are the same,
their sides will be proportional. Because of this, the ratios of one side to another will always be the same.

In this lesson, we first restrict the domain of each trigonometric function because each of them is not
one-to-one. We then define each respective inverse function and evaluate the values of each inverse
trigonometric function.

A. The Six Inverse Trigonometric Functions

1. The Inverse Sine Function
The domain of the sine function is the set R of real numbers, and its range is the closed interval
[−1,1]. As observed in the−previous lessons, the sine function is not one-to-one, and the first step is to
 41

restrict its domain (by agreeing what the convention is) with the following conditions: (1) the sine function
is one-to-one in that restricted domain, and (2) the range remains the same.
The inverse of the (restricted) sine function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥,where the domain is restricted to the
−𝜋 𝜋
close interval [ , ], is called the inverse sine function or arcsine function, denoted by 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥 or
2 2
−𝜋 𝜋
𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥. Here, the domain of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 is [−1,1], and the range is [ , ]. Thus, 𝑦 =
2 2
1 1
𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥 or 𝑦 = arcsin 𝑥, If and only if sin 𝑦 = 𝑥, where −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and − ≤ y≤ .
2 2

Example 1. Find the exact value of each expression:

1 3 1
a. 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 b. arcsin(−1) c. 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 d. arcsin(− )
2 2 2

Solutions:
−𝜋 𝜋 1 𝜋 1 𝜋
a. The number in the interval [ , ] whose sine is is .Thus, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 −1 =
2 2 2 6 2 6
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋
b. arcsin(−1) = − because sin (− ) = −1 and − ∈ [ , ].
2 2 2 2 2
3 −1 −1 3
c. Since > 1, it is not the domain of 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥, so 𝑠𝑖𝑛 is not defined.
2 2
1 𝜋
d. arcsin(− ) = −
2 6
−𝜋 𝜋
As emphasized in the last example, as long as −1 ≤ x ≤ 1, sin −1 x is that number 𝑦 ∈ [ , ] such
2 2

that 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 = 𝑥. If /𝑥/>1, then sin−1 x is not defined in ℝ.

We can sometimes find the exact value of sin−1 x (that is, we can find a value in terms of 𝜋), but
if such special value exists, then we leave it in the form sin−1 x.

Example 2. Find the exact vaue of each expression.

1
a. sin(𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 ) c. arcsin(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜋)
2
𝜋 1
b. arcsin(𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) d. sin(𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− ))
3 2

Solutions:
1 𝜋 1
𝑎. sin (𝑠𝑖𝑛 −1 ) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 = c. arcsin(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜋) = arcsin 0 = 0
2 6 2

𝜋 √3 𝜋 1 𝜋 1
b. arcsin (𝑠𝑖𝑛 ) = arcsin = d. sin(𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− ))=𝑠𝑖𝑛 − = −
3 2 3 2 6 2

From the last example, we have the following observations:

1. sin(𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥) = 𝑥 for any 𝑥 ∈ [−1,1]; and
−𝜋 𝜋 −𝜋 𝜋
2. arcsin(𝑠𝑖𝑛0) = 0 if and ony if 0 ∈ [ , ], and if 0 is not element of [ , ], then arcsin(𝑠𝑖𝑛0) =
2 2 2 2
−𝜋 𝜋
𝜑, where 𝜑 ∈ [ , ] such that 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛0.
2 2

2. The Inverse Cosine Function

The development of the other inverse trigonometric functions is similar to that of the
inverse sine function.
The inverse of cosine function is defined by 𝑦 = cos −1 𝑥 or 𝑦 = arccos 𝑥 which means,
cos 𝑦 = 𝑥, where −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 𝜋.

Example 3. Find the exact value of each expression.

 42

√3 √3 3𝜋
a. cos −1 0 b. arccos(− ) c. cos(cos −1 ( − )) d. cos −1 ( cos )
2 2 4

Solutions:
𝜋 𝜋
a. cos −1 0 = 0 because cos = 0 and ∈ [0, 𝜋]
2 2
√3 5𝜋
b. arccos (− )=
2 6
−1 √3 3𝜋 3𝜋
c. cos(cos (− )) = − because − ∈ [−1, 1]
2 2 2
−1 3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋
d. cos ( cos ) = because ∈ 𝜋][0,
4 4 4
4
Example 4. Simplify: sin(2 cos −1 (− )).
5
4 4
Solution. Let 𝜃 = cos −1 (− ). Then cos 𝜃 = − . Because cos 𝜃 < 0 and range of inverse cosine function is
5 5
𝜋 3
[0, 𝜋], we know that 𝜃 must be within the interval ( , 𝜋]. Using the Pythagorean Identity, we get sin 𝜃 = .
2 5
Using Double- Angle Identity, we have
4
sin(2 cos −1 (− )) = sin 2𝜃
5
= 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
3 4
= 2∙ (− )
5 5
24
=−
25

3. The Inverse Tangent Function

The inverse tangent function is similarly defined as inverse sine and inverse cosine functions. In
𝜋 𝜋
symbols, 𝑦 = tan−1 𝑥 or 𝑦 = arctan 𝑥 which means, tan 𝑦 = 𝑥, where 𝑥 ∈ ℝ and − < 𝑦 < .
2 2

Example 5: Find the exact value of each expression.

5 𝜋
a. tan−1 1 b. arctan(−√3)c. tan(tan−1(− )) d. tan−1 (tan(− ))
2 6

Solutions:
𝜋
a. tan−1 1 =
4
𝜋
b. arctan(−√3) = −
3
5 5
c. tan(tan−1 (− )) = −
2 2
−1 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
d. tan (tan(− )) = − because − ∈ (− , ) .
6 6 6 2 2

We now define the remaining inverse trigonometric functions as follows:

4. Inverse Cotangent Function

𝜋
cot −1 𝑥 = − tan−1 𝑥.
2

It follows that the domain of 𝑦 = cot −1 𝑥 is ℝ and its range is (0, 𝜋).

5. Inverse Secant Function

𝑦 = sec −1 𝑥 or 𝑦 = arcsec 𝑥
sec 𝑦 = 𝑥
𝜋 3𝜋
where /𝑥/≥ 1 and 𝑦 ∈ [0, ) ∪ [𝜋, ).
2 2
 43

6. The Inverse Cosecant Function

𝜋
csc −1 𝑥 = − sec −1 𝑥
2
𝜋 𝜋
This means that the domain of 𝑦 = csc −1 𝑥 is (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞) and its range is (−𝜋, − ] ∪ (0, ].
2 2

Example 6. Find the exact value of each expression.

a. sec −1 (−2) c. cot −1 −√3
2√3 3 2√3
b. csc −1 (− ) d. sin (sec −1 −( ) − csc −1 −
3 2 3

Solutions:
4𝜋 4𝜋 4𝜋 3𝜋
a. sec −1 (−2) = because 𝑠𝑒𝑐 = −2 and ∈ [𝜋, )
3 3 3 2
2√3 2𝜋
b. csc −1 (− ) =−
3 3
5𝜋
c. cot −1 −√3 =
6
2√3 2𝜋 3 3
d. From (b), we know that csc −1 (− ) =− . Let 𝜃 = sec −1 − . Then sec 𝜃 = − . From
3 3 2 2
defined range of inverse secant function, 𝜃 lies in QIII, and 𝑟 = 3 and 𝑥 = −2. Solving for y, we
√5 2
get 𝑦 = −√32 − (−2)2 = −√5. It follows that 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = − and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = − . We now use the
3 3
Sine Sum Identity.
3 2√3
sin(sec −1 (− ) − csc −1 (− ))
2 3
2𝜋
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (θ −(− ))
3

2𝜋
= sin(𝜃 + )
3
2𝜋 2𝜋
= sin 𝜃 cos + cos 𝜃 sin
3 3
√5 1 2 √3
= (− ) (− ) + (− ) ( )
3 2 3 2

√5 − 2√3
=
6

B. The Trigonometric Equations

A trigonometric equation is any equation that contains a trigonometric function. Trigonometric
identity is trigonometric functions that holds true for any angle.
We will focus on solving conditional equations that involves trigonometric functions. Such
equations are referred to as trigonometric equations. Generally its solutions are infinite due to the
periodicity of the trigonometric functions. To simplify the determination of the possible solutions of x
we first introduce a limit 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋 or [0, 2𝜋], then for every n integer, 𝑥 + 2𝑛𝜋 is also a solution.

Steps in Solving Trigonometric Equations

1. If the equation is linear in one trigonometric function:
a. Directly solve for the trigonometric function.
b. Then solve for the angle by determining the function values of the
quadrantal or special angle by applying the trigonometric tables.
2. If there are more trigonometric functions, apply the Fundamental Identities to
represent the equation in terms of one trigonometric function.
3. If the equation is not linear, represent it by isolating the left side of the equation.
Then apply factoring (if factorable), otherwise use the quadratic formula.
4. Use the algebraic techniques for solving the trigonometric equations.
 44

Example 7: Find all solutions of the equation sin 𝑥 = 0.

Solution: The values in the interval [0, 2𝜋] for which sin 𝑥 = 0 are 0 and 𝜋. Then every situation of x is
𝑥 = 0 + 2𝑛𝜋 or 𝑥 = 𝜋 + 2𝑛𝜋
The solution can be reduced to 𝑥 = 𝜋 + 2𝑛𝜋, n an integer (n∈ ℤ)

𝜋 1
Example 8: Determine whether 𝜃 = is a solution of the trigonometric equation cos 𝜃 = .
3 2

𝜋 1 √3
Solution: On the unit circle, the terminal point 𝜃 = is in Q1, with coordinates T( , ) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃.
3 2 2
𝜋 1
Therefore, substituting the given in the trigonometric equation, gives cos = , which is true. So, we
3 2
𝜋 5𝜋
conclude that 𝜃 = is a solution. Another solution to the equation is 𝜃 = , which is in Q4.
3 3

Example 9. Solve the quadratic equation 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 = 1 + 2 cos 𝑥.

Solution: 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 = 1 + 2 cos 𝑥, replacing 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 𝑏𝑦 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 by the first fundamental identity,
1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 = 1 + 2 cos 𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 + 2 cos 𝑥 = 0
cos 𝑥 (cos 𝑥 + 2) = 0
𝑥 𝑥
Hence, the solution set is { = 0} ∪ { + 2 = 0}. But, −1 ≤ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 ≤ 1 for every x, so, the
cos 𝑥 cos 𝑥
𝑥
equation cos 𝑥 + 2 = 0 has an empty solution. Thus, the solution set is { = 0}.If 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋, then
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝜋 3𝜋
the solution set is { , }.
2 2

Example 10.Find all solutions of the equation 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0 in the interval [0,2𝜋).
Solution:
Since we can represent 2 sin 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0 in the form 𝑃(𝑥)𝑄(𝑥) = 0, we can determine the
solution by letting 𝑃(𝑥) = 0 and 𝑄(𝑥) = 0. Buy factoring the left side of the equation, we get
2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0
2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1) = 0
2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1 = 0
2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 1
1
sin 𝑥 =
2
To determine the solution set of the original equation 2 sin 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0 in the interval
1 𝜋
[0, 2𝜋) we will find the values of sin 𝑥 = and sin 𝑥 = 1. In this interval, the solutions of 𝑥 = are 𝑥 =
2 6
5𝜋 𝜋
; the only solution for sin 𝑥 = 1 is sin 𝑥 = . Thus, the solutions of the 2 sin 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 1 = 0 in the
6 2
𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋
interval [0, 2𝜋) are 𝑥 = , 𝑥 = , and 𝑥 = .
6 6 2

Example 11: Find the solutions of the equation cos 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 + 1 = 0 in the interval [0, 2𝜋).
Solution:
Solving for cos 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 + 1 = 0, we get
cos 2𝑥 + cos 𝑥 + 1 = 0 Given
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 − 1 + cos 𝑥 + 1 = 0 Apply double angle identity
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 = 0 Simplify
 45

cos 𝑥 (2 cos 𝑥 + 1) = 0 Apply common Factor

cos 𝑥 = 0, 2 cos 𝑥 + 1 = 0
2 cos 𝑥 = −1
1
cos 𝑥 = −
2
𝜋 1 2𝜋
The values in the unit circle for cos 𝑥 = 0 is 𝑥 = and for cos 𝑥 = − is 𝑥 = . Thus, the solution is
2 2 3
𝜋 2𝜋
𝑥 = and 𝑥 = .
2 3

E
Learning Task 2

Let us find out if you really understand the discussed concept by answering these exercises.
1. Find the exact values of the following, if they exist.
√2 1
a. sin−1 b. arcsin(− ) c. sin−1 2
2 2

2. Find the exact value of each expression.

√2 1 11𝜋
a. sin(sin−1 ) b. cos[arcsin (− )] c. sin−1
2 2 2

A
Learning Task 3
Answer the following.
a. What is the domain of 𝑦 = sin−1 2𝑥?
b. What is the range of 𝑦 = sin−1 2𝑥?

Find the exact values of the following, if they exist.

√2
a. cos −1 c. arccos(cos 𝜋)
2
1
b. cos(cos −1 (− )) d. arccos 𝜋
2

ANSWER KEY:

Learning Task 1

Find the inverse of the following function

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5√2𝑥 + 3
𝑥+3
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−2