Write cosx - 3sinx in the form Rcos(x + a)

Rcos(x + a) = Rcosxcosa - Rsinxsina
By comparing cosx - 3sinx to the new expression, we can see that:
Rsina = 3 and Rcosa = 1
If we square both and add them, we can see R = √(12+(-3)2) [I would explain why to someone I'm tutoring]
Now that we know R, we can calculate a.
a = arcsin (3/10) [you may want to adjust the value]Then just write into the form...

OG
Answered by Odin G. Maths tutor

10130 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

F ind all values of x in the range 0° <= x <= 180° satisfying tan(x+45°)= 8tan(x)


integrate by parts the equation dy/dx = (3x-4)(2x^2+5).


Let X be a normally distributed random variable with mean 20 and standard deviation 6. Find: a) P(X < 27); and b) the value of x such that P(X < x) = 0.3015.


Differentiate xe^2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning