Monday, June 22, 2015

[AM_20150621TGCARF] Sum of sin and cos the cost of tan?

Question


Introduction
     This is a bonus Maths II (rough equivalent of Additional Mathematics syllabus) question from a test by Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) this year 2015.  Independent schools in Singapore like HCI are free to set their own curricula, but they usually end up covering slightly more than the mainstream curriculum, since their students also take the national examinations.  For their internal tests and exams, they can set bonus questions.  These are harder but optional questions that students can attempt and if they are successful, the bonus marks can be added to their normal marks.  It is also OK not to attempt the bonus questions.  That gives students the choice and opportunity to stretch their minds, but they are not penalised if they are unable to solve the bonus questions.     In this article, I present two approaches to tackling this question.  Let us review some important formulas first.

Some Useful Formulas


Solution 1  (via the Pythagorean Identity)

  
Solution 2  (via R-formula)



Reflections / Extension
     Here is another HCI question on trigonometry that involves sine, cosine and tangent.


H04. Look for pattern(s)
H05. Work backwards
H09. Restate the problem in another way
H10. Simplify the problem
H11. Solve part of the problem
H13* Use Equation / write a Mathematical Sentence

Suitable Levels
GCE ‘O’ Level Additional Mathematics
* other syllabuses that involve trigonometry




No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.