Express 3 cos θ + 4 sin θ in the form R cos(θ – α), where R and α are constants, R > 0 and 0 < α < 90°.

To find the value of R, use Pythagoras's Theorem using the coeffecients of cos θ and sin θ. The correct answer should be R=5. Expand the expression  R cos(θ – α). Equate the expanded expression with 3 cos θ + 4 sin θ to find the value of θ. The correct answer is α = 53...° approximately.

AG

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

d/dx ( sin x) ^3


How do I differentiate a quadratic to the power n?


How would I answer this question? Use factor theorem to show (x-2) is a factor of f(x) = 2x^3 -7x^2 +4x +4.


Given that y = 5x^2 - 4/(x^3), x not equal to 0, find dy/dx.