3. (a) Express $2 \, ext{cos} \, heta - ext{sin} \, heta$ in the form $R \, ext{cos} ( heta + \alpha)$, where $R$ and $\alpha$ are constants, $R > 0$ and $0 < \alpha < 90^\circ$ - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 3
Question 4
3. (a) Express $2 \, ext{cos} \, heta - ext{sin} \, heta$ in the form $R \, ext{cos} ( heta + \alpha)$, where $R$ and $\alpha$ are constants, $R > 0$ and $0 < \... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3. (a) Express $2 \, ext{cos} \, heta - ext{sin} \, heta$ in the form $R \, ext{cos} ( heta + \alpha)$, where $R$ and $\alpha$ are constants, $R > 0$ and $0 < \alpha < 90^\circ$ - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 3
Step 1
Express $2 \cos \theta - \sin \theta$ in the form $R \cos (\theta + \alpha)$
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Answer
To express 2cosθ−sinθ in the form Rcos(θ+α), we match it to the standard form. Looking for constants, we need:
Find R:R=a2+b2=22+(−1)2=4+1=5
Thus, the exact value of R is 5.
Find α:
Using the relationship:
tanα=2−1⟹α=tan−1(−0.5)≈26.57∘
Thus, 2cosθ−sinθ=5cos(θ+26.57∘), with the value of R≈2.24 to two decimal places.
Step 2
Solve for $0 < \theta < 360^\circ$
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