Homeschool · Diploma track · Grades 11-12

Precalculus

A full year of Precalculus on the California traditional pathway, built to be the student's whole course in the subject rather than a supplement to one. Precalculus is the course where every function studied so far is gathered up, examined at its edges and prepared for calculus, and the habit it builds is to ask what a function does at its ends, at its special points and where it stops being defined before asking what it does in the middle. Eleven units take the year from functions and transformations through polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, then trigonometry from the circle up, identities and equations, triangles, vectors, polar, parametric and complex forms, conic sections, sequences and series, and a closing unit on limits that ends where calculus begins. Every solution is worked line by line, every trigonometric value is tied to the unit circle, and every answer is checked.

DIPLOMA TRACK CA CCSS MATH TRADITIONAL PATHWAY MODEL ANSWERS 75 LESSONS 880 PRACTICE PROBLEMS Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. This is a complete course in Precalculus and does not assume other instruction in the subject.

Course overview

What this year covers

Precalculus is the course that decides how the first month of calculus goes. Most students who struggle in calculus are not struggling with calculus; they are struggling with the trigonometry, the algebra of rational expressions, the logarithms and the function notation that calculus assumes is automatic. The eleven units are ordered so that each one supplies what the next needs. Unit 1 sets up functions, transformations, composition, inverses and rate of change, because every later unit is an application of those ideas to a new family. Units 2 and 3 cover the algebraic and exponential families with their behavior at the edges. Units 4 through 7 build trigonometry from the unit circle, through graphs, identities and equations, to triangles, so that sine and cosine are understood as functions of an angle and not only as ratios in a right triangle. Unit 8 covers vectors, Unit 9 polar, parametric and complex forms, which are three ways of describing the same plane, and Unit 10 the conic sections and the sequences and series that calculus will later sum. Unit 11 introduces limits, continuity and the difference quotient, which is the course ending where calculus begins. Every lesson opens with the method, names the specific error that costs the marks, works an example in full, and then gives ten practice problems with complete solutions.

  • U1Unit 1: Functions and Their Transformations7 lessons
  • U2Unit 2: Polynomial and Rational Functions7 lessons
  • U3Unit 3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions6 lessons
  • U4Unit 4: Angles and the Unit Circle7 lessons
  • U5Unit 5: Graphs of Trigonometric Functions7 lessons
  • U6Unit 6: Trigonometric Identities and Equations7 lessons
  • U7Unit 7: Triangles and Applications6 lessons
  • U8Unit 8: Vectors7 lessons
  • U9Unit 9: Polar, Parametric and Complex Forms7 lessons
  • U10Unit 10: Conic Sections, Sequences and Series7 lessons
  • U11Unit 11: Limits and the Idea of Calculus7 lessons

All eleven units are open, 75 lessons in all. Every lesson opens with the method, one extended worked example, and ten practice problems. Every problem has a full worked solution, so you can find the step where yours went wrong. Each unit closes with a ten-problem mixed review.

Free preview: open any 5 lessons without an account. The counter on the left keeps track.

Lesson 1.1 · Unit 1 · F-IF.1-2

A rule that gives each input exactly one output

Every topic in this course is a function, so the language has to be exact. A function is not a formula. It is a rule, and the formula is only one way of writing it down. Before any computation, ask what inputs the rule accepts and what outputs it can produce, because those two sets, the domain and the range, are where calculus later goes looking for trouble.

The method
  1. A function assigns to each input exactly one output. Two different inputs may share an output; one input may never have two.
  2. \( f(a) \) means the output when the input is \( a \). It is not \( f \) times \( a \). Replace every \( x \) in the rule by \( a \), using parentheses.
  3. The domain is every input the rule can accept. Start from all real numbers and remove what breaks the rule.
  4. Two things break a rule at this level: a zero in a denominator, and a negative number under an even root.
  5. The range is every output the rule produces. For a quadratic, find the vertex; for other rules, think about what the expression can and cannot equal.
  6. Vertical line test: if any vertical line meets a graph twice, one input has two outputs and the graph is not a function.
  7. Write domain and range in interval notation, using \( \cup \) to join pieces and round brackets at values that are excluded.
  8. Substitute an expression exactly as written: \( f(a + 1) \) puts the whole \( a + 1 \) in every place where \( x \) stood.

Where students lose marks: the linearity error. It is tempting to write \( f(a + b) = f(a) + f(b) \), but for \( f(x) = x^2 \) we have \( f(1 + 2) = 9 \) while \( f(1) + f(2) = 5 \). A function does not distribute over a sum unless it is linear, and almost none of this course's functions are.

Worked example

The problem. (a) For \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1 \), find \( f(-2) \) and \( f(a + 1) \). (b) Find the domain of \( g(x) = \dfrac{\sqrt{x - 3}}{x - 5} \). (c) Find the range of \( h(x) = x^2 + 2x + 5 \). (d) Decide whether \( x^2 + y^2 = 25 \) defines \( y \) as a function of \( x \).

Step one: evaluate \( f(-2) \) for (a). Put \( -2 \) in every place \( x \) stood, inside parentheses so the sign is squared correctly: \( f(-2) = 2(-2)^2 - 3(-2) + 1 = 2(4) + 6 + 1 = 15 \).

Step two: evaluate \( f(a + 1) \). The input is now an expression: \( f(a + 1) = 2(a + 1)^2 - 3(a + 1) + 1 \). Expand: \( 2(a^2 + 2a + 1) - 3a - 3 + 1 = 2a^2 + 4a + 2 - 3a - 2 = 2a^2 + a \). Check with \( a = 1 \): \( f(2) = 8 - 6 + 1 = 3 \), and \( 2(1) + 1 = 3 \). Correct.

Step three: list the restrictions for (b). There is an even root, so \( x - 3 \ge 0 \), which gives \( x \ge 3 \). There is a denominator, so \( x - 5 \ne 0 \), which gives \( x \ne 5 \).

Step four: combine them. Both restrictions apply at once. Take \( x \ge 3 \) and remove 5: domain \( [3, 5) \cup (5, \infty) \). The square bracket at 3 is included, because \( \sqrt{0} = 0 \) is fine. The round bracket at 5 is excluded, because the denominator would be zero.

Step five: find the range for (c). Complete the square: \( x^2 + 2x + 5 = (x + 1)^2 + 4 \). A square is never negative, so the smallest value is 4, reached at \( x = -1 \). There is no largest value. Range \( [4, \infty) \). Check: \( h(0) = 5 \ge 4 \) and \( h(-1) = 1 - 2 + 5 = 4 \). Correct.

Step six: solve (d) for \( y \). \( y^2 = 25 - x^2 \), so \( y = \pm\sqrt{25 - x^2} \).

Step seven: test a single input. Take \( x = 3 \). Then \( y = \pm 4 \), and both \( (3, 4) \) and \( (3, -4) \) satisfy the equation. One input has two outputs.

Step eight: state the conclusion and what rescues it. The circle fails the vertical line test, so \( y \) is not a function of \( x \). Restricting to the upper half, \( y = \sqrt{25 - x^2} \), does define a function, with domain \( [-5, 5] \) and range \( [0, 5] \). This move, cutting a graph down to a piece that passes the test, is how inverse functions and inverse trigonometric functions are made later in the course.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. If \( f(x) = 3x - 7 \), find \( f(4) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3(4) - 7 = 12 - 7 \). 5

  2. If \( f(x) = x^2 - x \), find \( f(-3) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (-3)^2 - (-3) = 9 + 3 \). Keep the parentheses: \( -3^2 \) would give the wrong sign. 12

  3. Find the domain of \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x + 2} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator is zero when \( x = -2 \). All real numbers except \( -2 \), that is \( (-\infty, -2) \cup (-2, \infty) \)

  4. Find the domain of \( f(x) = \sqrt{x + 5} \).
    Show the full solution

    Require \( x + 5 \ge 0 \). \( [-5, \infty) \)

  5. Is \( \{(1, 2), (3, 4), (1, 5)\} \) a function?
    Show the full solution

    The input 1 is paired with both 2 and 5. No

  6. For \( f(x) = x^2 + 1 \), simplify \( f(x + h) - f(x) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(x + h) = (x + h)^2 + 1 = x^2 + 2xh + h^2 + 1 \). Subtract \( x^2 + 1 \): the \( x^2 \) and the 1 cancel. Check with \( x = 1, h = 1 \): \( f(2) - f(1) = 5 - 2 = 3 \), and \( 2(1)(1) + 1 = 3 \). Correct. \( 2xh + h^2 \)

  7. Find the domain of \( f(x) = \dfrac{\sqrt{2x - 6}}{x - 5} \).
    Show the full solution

    The root needs \( 2x - 6 \ge 0 \), so \( x \ge 3 \). The denominator needs \( x \ne 5 \). \( [3, 5) \cup (5, \infty) \)

  8. Find the range of \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 4 \).
    Show the full solution

    The parabola opens downward, so it has a maximum at the vertex. The vertex is at \( x = \dfrac{-6}{2(-1)} = 3 \). \( f(3) = -9 + 18 - 4 = 5 \). Check at \( x = 0 \): \( f(0) = -4 \le 5 \). \( (-\infty, 5] \)

  9. Find the domain of \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x^2 - 9}} \).
    Show the full solution

    The root is in the denominator, so it must be strictly positive, not just nonnegative: \( x^2 - 9 \gt 0 \), which means \( x \lt -3 \) or \( x \gt 3 \). Both endpoints are excluded, since \( x = \pm 3 \) would put a zero in the denominator. \( (-\infty, -3) \cup (3, \infty) \)

  10. A student claims \( f(a + b) = f(a) + f(b) \) for every function. Give a counterexample and say which functions it does hold for.
    Show the full solution

    Take \( f(x) = x^2 \), \( a = 1 \), \( b = 2 \). \( f(1 + 2) = f(3) = 9 \), but \( f(1) + f(2) = 1 + 4 = 5 \). The claim fails. It holds for functions of the form \( f(x) = mx \), which are the functions that distribute over a sum: \( m(a + b) = ma + mb \). Functions with a constant, such as \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \), already fail: \( f(1 + 2) = 7 \) but \( f(1) + f(2) = 3 + 5 = 8 \). It fails for \( x^2 \); it holds only for \( f(x) = mx \)

Lesson 1.2 · Unit 1 · F-IF.7

The small family every other graph in the course is built from

Nearly every function in this course is a parent function that has been shifted, stretched or reflected. Knowing the parents by shape, domain, range and a few key points means a new graph is an exercise in recognition, not in plotting dozens of points.

The method
  1. The constant and identity functions: \( y = c \) is a horizontal line, and \( y = x \) is the diagonal through the origin.
  2. The quadratic \( y = x^2 \) is a U-shape with vertex at the origin, domain all reals, range \( [0, \infty) \).
  3. The cubic \( y = x^3 \) has domain and range all reals, passes through \( (-1, -1) \), \( (0, 0) \) and \( (1, 1) \), and flattens at the origin.
  4. The absolute value \( y = |x| \) is a V with vertex at the origin, range \( [0, \infty) \).
  5. The square root \( y = \sqrt{x} \) starts at the origin and rises slowly, with domain and range both \( [0, \infty) \).
  6. The cube root \( y = \sqrt[3]{x} \) has domain and range all reals, because an odd root of a negative number exists.
  7. The reciprocal \( y = \dfrac{1}{x} \) has two branches and the axes as asymptotes; domain and range are all reals except 0.
  8. The exponential \( y = 2^x \) is always positive, passes through \( (0, 1) \), and has the \( x \)-axis as a horizontal asymptote.

Where students lose marks: confusing the range of \( y = x^2 \) with its domain. Every real number can be squared, but the outputs are never negative, so the domain is all reals and the range is only \( [0, \infty) \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) State the domain and range of \( y = \sqrt{x} \) and of \( y = \dfrac{1}{x} \). (b) Give the coordinates of the points of \( y = x^3 \) at \( x = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 \). (c) Which parents are increasing on the whole real line? (d) Compare the growth of \( y = x^2 \) and \( y = 2^x \) for \( x = 1 \) to 5.

Step one: the square root for (a). The radicand must be nonnegative, so the domain is \( [0, \infty) \). A square root is never negative, so the range is also \( [0, \infty) \).

Step two: the reciprocal. Division by zero is undefined, so the domain is \( x \ne 0 \). Can the output be zero? \( \dfrac{1}{x} = 0 \) has no solution, since a fraction with numerator 1 is never zero. So the range is \( y \ne 0 \). Domain and range are both \( (-\infty, 0) \cup (0, \infty) \).

Step three: the cubic points for (b). \( (-2)^3 = -8 \), \( (-1)^3 = -1 \), \( 0 \), \( 1 \), \( 2^3 = 8 \). Points: \( (-2, -8) \), \( (-1, -1) \), \( (0, 0) \), \( (1, 1) \), \( (2, 8) \). Notice the symmetry: the point at \( -2 \) is the negative of the point at 2.

Step four: read the shape from the points. From \( -1 \) to 0 the output rises by 1, but from 1 to 2 it rises by 7. The graph is steep at the ends and flat near the origin, which is the cubic's characteristic shape.

Step five: increasing functions for (c). A function is increasing on the whole line if a larger input always gives a larger output. That rules out \( x^2 \) and \( |x| \), which fall before they rise, and \( 1/x \), which is not defined at 0. The increasing parents are \( y = x \), \( y = x^3 \), \( y = \sqrt[3]{x} \) and \( y = 2^x \). The constant is neither increasing nor decreasing.

Step six: tabulate for (d). At \( x = 1 \): \( 1 \) against \( 2 \). At \( x = 2 \): \( 4 \) against \( 4 \). At \( x = 3 \): \( 9 \) against \( 8 \). At \( x = 4 \): \( 16 \) against \( 16 \). At \( x = 5 \): \( 25 \) against \( 32 \).

Step seven: interpret the crossings. The two graphs meet at \( x = 2 \) and \( x = 4 \), and \( 2^x \) is larger at \( x = 5 \). Between 2 and 4 the quadratic is ahead. There is also a third crossing for a negative \( x \), near \( -0.767 \), where both equal about 0.588.

Step eight: state what lasts. After \( x = 4 \), \( 2^x \) stays ahead forever. Doubling beats any fixed power in the long run, which is the first instance of a principle this course uses repeatedly: to compare functions, look at their behavior at the ends. A table of small values can mislead, since here the quadratic led at \( x = 3 \) and lost by \( x = 5 \).

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. State the domain of \( y = \sqrt{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    The radicand cannot be negative. \( [0, \infty) \)

  2. State the range of \( y = |x| \).
    Show the full solution

    An absolute value is never negative, and every nonnegative number is reached. \( [0, \infty) \)

  3. Name the asymptotes of \( y = \dfrac{1}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    The function blows up as \( x \to 0 \) and levels off as \( |x| \) grows. \( x = 0 \) (vertical) and \( y = 0 \) (horizontal)

  4. Evaluate \( 2^x \) at \( x = -1 \).
    Show the full solution

    A negative exponent means a reciprocal: \( 2^{-1} = \dfrac{1}{2} \). \( \dfrac{1}{2} \)

  5. Which parent has domain and range all real numbers, is not a line, and has a flat spot at the origin?
    Show the full solution

    \( y = x^2 \) has a restricted range and \( y = x \) is a line. The cubic is defined for all inputs, takes all outputs, and flattens at the origin. \( y = x^3 \)

  6. Which of \( x^2 \), \( x^3 \), \( |x| \), \( 2^x \) are increasing on the whole real line?
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 \) and \( |x| \) decrease for negative \( x \), so they are out. \( x^3 \) and \( 2^x \)

  7. Solve \( x^2 = 2^x \) for positive \( x \) and verify.
    Show the full solution

    Try small integers: \( x = 2 \) gives \( 4 = 4 \), and \( x = 4 \) gives \( 16 = 16 \). Both check. No other positive integer works: \( x = 3 \) gives \( 9 \ne 8 \), and \( x = 5 \) gives \( 25 \ne 32 \). \( x = 2 \) and \( x = 4 \)

  8. For \( 0 \lt x \lt 1 \), which is larger, \( \sqrt{x} \) or \( x \)? Test and explain.
    Show the full solution

    Take \( x = 0.25 \): \( \sqrt{0.25} = 0.5 \), which exceeds 0.25. Take \( x = 0.81 \): \( \sqrt{0.81} = 0.9 \gt 0.81 \). Squaring a number between 0 and 1 makes it smaller, so taking the root makes it larger. For \( x \gt 1 \) the order reverses: \( \sqrt{4} = 2 \lt 4 \). \( \sqrt{x} \gt x \) on \( (0, 1) \)

  9. Give the points of \( y = \sqrt[3]{x} \) at \( x = -8, -1, 0, 1, 8 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt[3]{-8} = -2 \), \( \sqrt[3]{-1} = -1 \), \( 0 \), \( 1 \), \( \sqrt[3]{8} = 2 \). \( (-8, -2), (-1, -1), (0, 0), (1, 1), (8, 2) \)

  10. Why does \( \sqrt{x} \) have a restricted domain but \( \sqrt[3]{x} \) does not?
    Show the full solution

    A square root asks for a number whose square is \( x \). Squares of real numbers are never negative, so no real number answers for a negative \( x \). A cube root asks for a number whose cube is \( x \). Cubes can be negative, since \( (-2)^3 = -8 \), so every real \( x \) has exactly one real cube root. The rule generalizes: even roots need a nonnegative radicand, odd roots do not. Even powers cannot be negative; odd powers can

Lesson 1.3 · Unit 1 · F-BF.3

Shifting, stretching and reflecting a graph by changing its rule

Every function in this course is a parent with four kinds of change applied to it. The skill is to read a rule such as \( -2\sqrt{x + 3} + 1 \) and see a square root that has been moved and flipped, then track a few key points through those changes instead of plotting from scratch.

The method
  1. The general form is \( y = a\,f\big(b(x - h)\big) + k \).
  2. \( k \) shifts the graph up (positive) or down (negative). It acts on the output.
  3. \( h \) shifts the graph right (positive \( h \)) or left. The shift is opposite to the sign as written: \( x + 3 \) moves the graph 3 to the left.
  4. \( a \) stretches vertically by \( |a| \), and reflects in the \( x \)-axis if \( a \lt 0 \).
  5. \( b \) compresses horizontally by a factor of \( |b| \), and reflects in the \( y \)-axis if \( b \lt 0 \).
  6. Factor the inside so that \( x \) stands alone before reading the shift: \( f(2x - 6) = f\big(2(x - 3)\big) \) shifts by 3, not by 6.
  7. To move a key point \( (x, y) \), apply the inside changes to \( x \) and the outside changes to \( y \): the new point is \( \left(\dfrac{x}{b} + h,\ ay + k\right) \).
  8. The domain and range move with the graph: horizontal changes act on the domain, vertical changes act on the range.

Where students lose marks: reading the shift off an unfactored inside. For \( f(2x - 6) \) the graph moves right by 3, because \( 2x - 6 = 2(x - 3) \). Reading the 6 directly gives a shift twice as large.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Describe how \( g(x) = -2\sqrt{x + 3} + 1 \) comes from \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \), then track the key points \( (0, 0), (1, 1), (4, 2), (9, 3) \). (b) State the domain and range of \( g \). (c) Find the point of \( y = \sqrt{2x} \) that comes from \( (4, 2) \) on \( f \). (d) Describe how \( y = |2x - 6| + 1 \) comes from \( y = |x| \).

Step one: read the pieces for (a). Inside: \( x + 3 \), a shift of 3 to the left. Outside: the factor \( -2 \), a reflection in the \( x \)-axis with a vertical stretch of 2; and the \( +1 \), a shift up by 1.

Step two: write the point rule. Horizontal change first: each \( x \) becomes \( x - 3 \). Then vertical: each \( y \) becomes \( -2y + 1 \).

Step three: apply it to each key point. \( (0, 0) \to (-3, 1) \). \( (1, 1) \to (-2, -1) \). \( (4, 2) \to (1, -3) \). \( (9, 3) \to (6, -5) \). Check the third with the rule directly: \( g(1) = -2\sqrt{4} + 1 = -4 + 1 = -3 \). Correct.

Step four: read the domain and range for (b). The starting point of the graph moved to \( (-3, 1) \), and the graph runs to the right and downward from there. Domain \( [-3, \infty) \), range \( (-\infty, 1] \). Check the domain from the rule: \( x + 3 \ge 0 \) gives \( x \ge -3 \). Correct.

Step five: handle the compression in (c). For \( y = \sqrt{2x} \) the inside is \( 2x \), so \( b = 2 \) and each \( x \) is divided by 2. The point \( (4, 2) \) becomes \( (2, 2) \). Check: \( \sqrt{2 \cdot 2} = \sqrt{4} = 2 \). Correct.

Step six: a caution about what compression means. A horizontal compression by 2 pulls every point toward the \( y \)-axis, so the graph rises faster. Points move to half their original \( x \)-coordinate, not double. The opposite-looking direction is the usual source of error: a factor inside that is larger than 1 makes the graph narrower.

Step seven: factor the inside for (d). \( |2x - 6| + 1 = |2(x - 3)| + 1 \). Now the inside reads clearly: a horizontal compression by 2 and a shift right by 3.

Step eight: locate the vertex and verify. The vertex of \( |x| \) at \( (0, 0) \) becomes \( (0/2 + 3, 0 + 1) = (3, 1) \). Check in the rule: \( |2(3) - 6| + 1 = 0 + 1 = 1 \), and the minimum of an absolute value is at the zero of its inside, \( 2x - 6 = 0 \), which is \( x = 3 \). Correct. The result is that the order of the change matters only when a horizontal stretch and a horizontal shift occur together, and factoring the inside removes the ambiguity.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Describe the graph of \( y = f(x - 4) + 2 \) relative to \( y = f(x) \).
    Show the full solution

    The \( x - 4 \) moves the graph to the right by 4, and the \( +2 \) moves it up by 2. Right 4, up 2

  2. What does \( y = -f(x) \) do to the graph of \( f \)?
    Show the full solution

    Every output changes sign. Reflection in the \( x \)-axis

  3. What does \( y = f(-x) \) do to the graph of \( f \)?
    Show the full solution

    Every input changes sign before the function sees it. Reflection in the \( y \)-axis

  4. The point \( (3, 5) \) is on \( y = f(x) \). Find the corresponding point on \( y = f(x + 2) - 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    The \( x + 2 \) shifts left by 2: \( x \) becomes 1. The \( -1 \) lowers \( y \) to 4. \( (1, 4) \)

  5. The point \( (3, 5) \) is on \( y = f(x) \). Find the corresponding point on \( y = 3f(x) \).
    Show the full solution

    The factor 3 multiplies the output only. \( (3, 15) \)

  6. The point \( (4, 8) \) is on \( y = f(x) \). Find the corresponding point on \( y = f(2x) \).
    Show the full solution

    We need \( 2x = 4 \), so \( x = 2 \); the output stays 8. \( (2, 8) \)

  7. Write the equation of the parabola obtained from \( y = x^2 \) by shifting 3 left, reflecting in the \( x \)-axis and shifting up 5.
    Show the full solution

    Left 3: \( (x + 3)^2 \). Reflect: \( -(x + 3)^2 \). Up 5: add 5. Vertex \( (-3, 5) \), opening downward. Check at \( x = -3 \): the value is 5. Correct. \( y = -(x + 3)^2 + 5 \)

  8. The point \( (4, 1) \) is on \( y = f(x) \). Find the corresponding point on \( y = f(2x - 6) \).
    Show the full solution

    We need the inside to equal 4: \( 2x - 6 = 4 \), so \( x = 5 \). The output stays 1. Confirm with the factored form \( f\big(2(x - 3)\big) \): halve the original \( x \), \( 4/2 = 2 \), then shift right by 3 to get 5. Both routes agree. \( (5, 1) \)

  9. Find the domain and range of \( y = -3\sqrt{x - 2} + 4 \).
    Show the full solution

    Domain: \( x - 2 \ge 0 \), so \( x \ge 2 \). The root is at least 0, so \( -3\sqrt{x - 2} \le 0 \) and the whole expression is at most 4. The largest value, 4, occurs at \( x = 2 \). Domain \( [2, \infty) \), range \( (-\infty, 4] \)

  10. Does it matter whether a vertical stretch or a vertical shift is applied first? Test with \( f(x) = x \) at \( x = 1 \), comparing \( 2f(x) + 3 \) with \( 2\big(f(x) + 3\big) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2f(1) + 3 = 2 + 3 = 5 \), but \( 2\big(f(1) + 3\big) = 2(4) = 8 \). They differ, so the order matters, and the notation records it. In \( a\,f(x) + k \) the stretch is applied to the function and the shift afterward. The second expression is really \( 2f(x) + 6 \), a shift of 6. The same caution applies to the inside: the order of a horizontal stretch and a shift is settled by factoring so that \( x \) stands alone. Order matters; the written form fixes it

Lesson 1.4 · Unit 1 · F-BF.3

Testing a function for a mirror line or a half-turn

Some graphs look the same in a mirror, and some look the same after being turned upside down about the origin. Both properties can be tested with algebra alone, and they halve the work in graphing, in integrating later, and in trigonometry, where sine and cosine are opposites in exactly this sense.

The method
  1. A function is even if \( f(-x) = f(x) \) for every \( x \) in its domain. The graph is symmetric about the \( y \)-axis.
  2. A function is odd if \( f(-x) = -f(x) \) for every \( x \). The graph is symmetric about the origin: a half-turn maps it onto itself.
  3. To test, compute \( f(-x) \) by replacing every \( x \) with \( (-x) \), and simplify fully.
  4. Compare the result with \( f(x) \) and with \( -f(x) \). Equal to the first: even. Equal to the second: odd. Neither: neither.
  5. Even powers of \( x \) give even terms; odd powers give odd terms. A polynomial with both kinds is usually neither.
  6. A single numerical example can disprove a symmetry but never prove one. Proving requires the algebra for all \( x \).
  7. The domain must itself be symmetric. If \( x \) is allowed then \( -x \) must be too.
  8. An odd function defined at 0 must have \( f(0) = 0 \), because \( f(0) = -f(0) \).

Where students lose marks: concluding a function is neither because \( f(-x) \ne f(x) \), without checking \( f(-x) = -f(x) \). Test both before giving up. For \( f(x) = x^3 \), the first comparison fails and the second succeeds.

Worked example

The problem. Classify each function as even, odd or neither. (a) \( f(x) = x^4 - 3x^2 \). (b) \( g(x) = x^3 + x \). (c) \( h(x) = x^2 + x \). (d) \( k(x) = \dfrac{x}{x^2 + 1} \). Then state what happens when such functions are multiplied.

Step one: test (a). \( f(-x) = (-x)^4 - 3(-x)^2 = x^4 - 3x^2 \). That equals \( f(x) \) exactly, so \( f \) is even.

Step two: test (b). \( g(-x) = (-x)^3 + (-x) = -x^3 - x \). Compare: \( -g(x) = -(x^3 + x) = -x^3 - x \). They match, so \( g \) is odd.

Step three: test (c). \( h(-x) = (-x)^2 + (-x) = x^2 - x \). This is neither \( x^2 + x \) nor \( -x^2 - x \).

Step four: confirm with numbers. Since an example can disprove, use one: \( h(2) = 6 \) and \( h(-2) = 4 - 2 = 2 \). For even, we would need \( h(-2) = 6 \); for odd, \( h(-2) = -6 \). Neither holds, so \( h \) is neither even nor odd.

Step five: test (d). \( k(-x) = \dfrac{-x}{(-x)^2 + 1} = \dfrac{-x}{x^2 + 1} = -k(x) \). So \( k \) is odd. The denominator is even, since it contains only \( x^2 \), and dividing an odd numerator by an even denominator gives an odd function.

Step six: state the product rules. Even times even is even, odd times odd is even, and even times odd is odd.

Step seven: prove one rule. If \( f \) and \( g \) are both odd, let \( p(x) = f(x)g(x) \). Then \( p(-x) = f(-x)g(-x) = \big(-f(x)\big)\big(-g(x)\big) = f(x)g(x) = p(x) \). The two minus signs cancel, so the product is even.

Step eight: connect it to what is coming. These rules explain why \( \sin x \) is odd and \( \cos x \) is even in Unit 4: the coordinates of a point on the unit circle reflect that way when the angle changes sign. They also mean that \( \sin x \cos x \) is odd and \( \cos^2 x \) is even, which can be read off without any computation.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Is \( f(x) = x^2 \) even, odd or neither?
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-x) = (-x)^2 = x^2 = f(x) \). Even

  2. Is \( f(x) = x^5 - x \) even, odd or neither?
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-x) = -x^5 + x = -(x^5 - x) = -f(x) \). Odd

  3. Is \( f(x) = x^2 + 2x \) even, odd or neither?
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-x) = x^2 - 2x \), which is neither \( f(x) \) nor \( -f(x) \). Neither

  4. The point \( (3, 7) \) lies on the graph of an even function. Name another point.
    Show the full solution

    An even function has \( f(-3) = f(3) = 7 \). \( (-3, 7) \)

  5. The point \( (3, 7) \) lies on the graph of an odd function. Name another point.
    Show the full solution

    An odd function has \( f(-3) = -f(3) = -7 \). \( (-3, -7) \)

  6. Classify \( f(x) = |x| - x^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-x) = |-x| - (-x)^2 = |x| - x^2 = f(x) \). Even

  7. Classify \( f(x) = x^3 - x^2 \), and explain the numerical check.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-x) = -x^3 - x^2 \). This is not \( f(x) \), and \( -f(x) = -x^3 + x^2 \) is not it either. Numerical check: \( f(1) = 0 \) and \( f(-1) = -1 - 1 = -2 \). For even we would need \( f(-1) = 0 \), and for odd we would need \( f(-1) = -0 = 0 \). Neither holds. Neither

  8. Classify \( g(x) = \dfrac{x^3}{x^2 + 4} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( g(-x) = \dfrac{(-x)^3}{(-x)^2 + 4} = \dfrac{-x^3}{x^2 + 4} = -g(x) \). Odd

  9. Prove that the sum of two odd functions is odd.
    Show the full solution

    Let \( f \) and \( g \) be odd and \( s(x) = f(x) + g(x) \). \( s(-x) = f(-x) + g(-x) = -f(x) - g(x) = -\big(f(x) + g(x)\big) = -s(x) \). So \( s \) is odd

  10. Show that the only function that is both even and odd is the zero function, and explain what this says about an odd function at 0.
    Show the full solution

    If \( f \) is even, \( f(-x) = f(x) \). If it is also odd, \( f(-x) = -f(x) \). Equating: \( f(x) = -f(x) \), so \( 2f(x) = 0 \) and \( f(x) = 0 \) for every \( x \). For an odd function alone, put \( x = 0 \): \( f(0) = -f(0) \), so \( f(0) = 0 \), provided 0 is in the domain. This is why \( f(x) = x + 1 \) cannot be odd: \( f(0) = 1 \). Only \( f(x) = 0 \); an odd function must pass through the origin if defined there

Lesson 1.5 · Unit 1 · F-IF.7b

Functions with different rules on different intervals

Tax brackets, postage, phone plans and the absolute value itself all change their rule at a boundary. A piecewise function states the rule for each interval and says where the switch happens. The absolute value turns out to be the simplest example, and understanding it as a distance makes equations and inequalities with it straightforward.

The method
  1. A piecewise function lists a rule for each interval, with a condition saying which rule applies.
  2. To evaluate, find which condition the input satisfies, then use only that rule.
  3. At a boundary, exactly one piece includes the endpoint. A filled dot marks that piece; an open dot marks the other.
  4. \( |x| \) is the distance from \( x \) to 0, and \( |x - a| \) is the distance from \( x \) to \( a \).
  5. As a piecewise rule: \( |x| = x \) when \( x \ge 0 \), and \( -x \) when \( x \lt 0 \).
  6. \( |A| = c \) (with \( c \gt 0 \)) means \( A = c \) or \( A = -c \). Solve both and check.
  7. \( |A| \lt c \) means \( -c \lt A \lt c \); \( |A| \gt c \) means \( A \lt -c \) or \( A \gt c \).
  8. Equations with the variable outside as well must be checked, since a distance cannot equal a negative number.

Where students lose marks: forgetting the second case. The equation \( |x - 3| = 2 \) has two solutions, 1 and 5, both at distance 2 from 3. Writing only \( x = 5 \) answers half the question.

Worked example

The problem. (a) For \( f(x) = \begin{cases} x + 2 & x \lt 1 \\ x^2 & x \ge 1 \end{cases} \), find \( f(-3) \), \( f(1) \) and \( f(4) \), and describe the graph at \( x = 1 \). (b) Solve \( |2x - 5| = 9 \). (c) Solve \( |x - 3| \lt 4 \) and \( |x - 3| \ge 4 \). (d) A tax is 10 percent of the first \$10,000 and 12 percent of the amount above that, up to \$40,000. Write the tax function and find the tax on \$25,000.

Step one: evaluate (a). For \( f(-3) \): \( -3 \lt 1 \), so use \( x + 2 \), giving \( -1 \). For \( f(1) \): \( 1 \ge 1 \), so use \( x^2 \), giving 1. For \( f(4) \): \( 4^2 = 16 \).

Step two: describe the boundary. As \( x \) approaches 1 from the left the value approaches \( 1 + 2 = 3 \) but never reaches it, so there is an open dot at \( (1, 3) \). At \( x = 1 \) the function equals 1, a filled dot at \( (1, 1) \). The graph jumps by 2 at \( x = 1 \): it cannot be drawn without lifting the pencil.

Step three: solve (b) in two cases. \( 2x - 5 = 9 \) gives \( 2x = 14 \), so \( x = 7 \). \( 2x - 5 = -9 \) gives \( 2x = -4 \), so \( x = -2 \). Check: \( |2(7) - 5| = 9 \) and \( |2(-2) - 5| = |-9| = 9 \). Both correct.

Step four: interpret (c) as distance. \( |x - 3| \lt 4 \) says \( x \) is within 4 of 3, so \( -4 \lt x - 3 \lt 4 \), which gives \( -1 \lt x \lt 7 \). The complement, \( |x - 3| \ge 4 \), is at least 4 away: \( x \le -1 \) or \( x \ge 7 \). Test \( x = 0 \): distance 3, inside the first set. Test \( x = 8 \): distance 5, in the second.

Step five: set up the tax function for (d). On the first \$10,000, \( T(x) = 0.10x \). Above \$10,000, the first \$10,000 still costs \$1,000, and the excess is taxed at 12 percent: \( T(x) = 1000 + 0.12(x - 10000) \).

Step six: write it piecewise. \( T(x) = \begin{cases} 0.10x & 0 \le x \le 10000 \\ 1000 + 0.12(x - 10000) & 10000 \lt x \le 40000 \end{cases} \).

Step seven: compute and check continuity. \( T(25000) = 1000 + 0.12(15000) = 1000 + 1800 = 2800 \). At the boundary the two pieces agree: \( 0.10(10000) = 1000 \) and the second piece gives \( 1000 + 0 = 1000 \). A well-designed tax schedule has no jump.

Step eight: read the slopes. The slope of each piece is its marginal rate, 0.10 then 0.12. A common belief is that moving into a higher bracket taxes all income at the higher rate; the function shows that only the excess is taxed at the higher rate, and the graph has a corner at \$10,000 and no jump.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. For \( f(x) = \begin{cases} 2x & x \lt 0 \\ x + 1 & x \ge 0 \end{cases} \), find \( f(-2) \), \( f(0) \) and \( f(3) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-2) = 2(-2) = -4 \). At 0 the second rule applies: \( f(0) = 1 \). \( f(3) = 3 + 1 = 4 \). \( -4, 1, 4 \)

  2. Solve \( |x| = 7 \).
    Show the full solution

    Two numbers are at distance 7 from 0. \( x = 7 \) or \( x = -7 \)

  3. Solve \( |x - 2| = 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x - 2 = 5 \) gives 7, and \( x - 2 = -5 \) gives \( -3 \). \( x = 7 \) or \( x = -3 \)

  4. Solve \( |x + 1| \lt 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( -3 \lt x + 1 \lt 3 \), so subtract 1 throughout. \( -4 \lt x \lt 2 \)

  5. Evaluate \( |-8| - |3 - 10| \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 8 - |-7| = 8 - 7 \). 1

  6. Solve \( |3x - 1| = 11 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3x - 1 = 11 \) gives \( x = 4 \). \( 3x - 1 = -11 \) gives \( x = -\dfrac{10}{3} \). Check the second: \( 3\left(-\dfrac{10}{3}\right) - 1 = -11 \), and \( |-11| = 11 \). \( x = 4 \) or \( x = -\dfrac{10}{3} \)

  7. Solve \( |2x - 4| \ge 6 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x - 4 \ge 6 \) gives \( x \ge 5 \). \( 2x - 4 \le -6 \) gives \( x \le -1 \). Test \( x = 0 \): \( |-4| = 4 \), not at least 6, so 0 is correctly outside. \( x \le -1 \) or \( x \ge 5 \)

  8. Solve \( |x - 3| = 2x \), and identify any extraneous solution.
    Show the full solution

    Case 1: \( x - 3 = 2x \) gives \( x = -3 \). Case 2: \( 3 - x = 2x \) gives \( x = 1 \). Check \( x = -3 \): the left side is \( |-6| = 6 \), the right side is \( 2(-3) = -6 \). They are not equal, so \( x = -3 \) is extraneous: a distance cannot equal a negative number. Check \( x = 1 \): \( |-2| = 2 \) and \( 2(1) = 2 \). Correct. \( x = 1 \) only

  9. Write \( g(x) = |x - 4| + |x + 1| \) as a piecewise function and check it at \( x = -2 \).
    Show the full solution

    The pieces change at \( x = -1 \) and \( x = 4 \). For \( x \lt -1 \): \( (4 - x) + (-x - 1) = 3 - 2x \). For \( -1 \le x \le 4 \): \( (4 - x) + (x + 1) = 5 \). For \( x \gt 4 \): \( (x - 4) + (x + 1) = 2x - 3 \). Check at \( x = -2 \): directly \( |-6| + |-1| = 7 \), and \( 3 - 2(-2) = 7 \). Correct. \( g(x) = 3 - 2x \) for \( x \lt -1 \); \( 5 \) for \( -1 \le x \le 4 \); \( 2x - 3 \) for \( x \gt 4 \)

  10. Extend the tax function of the worked example: above \$40,000 the rate is 22 percent on the excess. Find the tax on \$50,000 and explain why the function is continuous.
    Show the full solution

    At \$40,000 the tax is \( 1000 + 0.12(30000) = 1000 + 3600 = 4600 \). For \( x \gt 40000 \): \( T(x) = 4600 + 0.22(x - 40000) \). \( T(50000) = 4600 + 0.22(10000) = 4600 + 2200 = 6800 \). Continuity: at \$40,000 the third piece gives \( 4600 + 0 \), matching the second. Each new piece starts from the total accumulated so far, which is why the function has corners and no jumps. \$6,800

Lesson 1.6 · Unit 1 · F-BF.1, F-BF.4

Chaining functions together, and undoing them

Composition feeds the output of one function into another. Almost every formula in science is built this way. An inverse function runs the chain backward, and the fact that a function has an inverse only when it passes a simple test is the reason inverse trigonometric functions later need restricted ranges.

The method
  1. \( (f \circ g)(x) = f\big(g(x)\big).\) Apply \( g \) first, then \( f \) to the result.
  2. To compose, substitute the whole of \( g(x) \) in place of each \( x \) in \( f \).
  3. Composition is not commutative: usually \( f(g(x)) \ne g(f(x)) \).
  4. The domain of \( f \circ g \) is the inputs where \( g \) is defined and where \( g(x) \) lies in the domain of \( f \).
  5. A function is one-to-one if no output is repeated, tested by the horizontal line test.
  6. Only a one-to-one function has an inverse. If it is not, restrict the domain to make it so.
  7. To find \( f^{-1} \), write \( y = f(x) \), swap \( x \) and \( y \), and solve for \( y \).
  8. Verify with \( f\big(f^{-1}(x)\big) = x \) and \( f^{-1}\big(f(x)\big) = x \). The domain and range of \( f \) become the range and domain of \( f^{-1} \).

Where students lose marks: reading \( f^{-1}(x) \) as \( \dfrac{1}{f(x)} \). The \( -1 \) is a label for the inverse function, not an exponent. For \( f(x) = 2x + 3 \), \( f^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{x - 3}{2} \), not \( \dfrac{1}{2x + 3} \).

Worked example

The problem. Let \( f(x) = 2x + 3 \) and \( g(x) = x^2 - 1 \). (a) Find \( f(g(x)) \) and \( g(f(x)) \), and evaluate \( (f \circ g)(2) \). (b) Find the domain of \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x} \) composed with \( g(x) = x - 2 \). (c) Find the inverse of \( p(x) = \dfrac{x + 2}{x - 3} \) and verify it. (d) Restrict \( q(x) = x^2 - 4x \) to \( x \ge 2 \) and find its inverse.

Step one: compose in both orders for (a). \( f(g(x)) = 2(x^2 - 1) + 3 = 2x^2 + 1 \). \( g(f(x)) = (2x + 3)^2 - 1 = 4x^2 + 12x + 9 - 1 = 4x^2 + 12x + 8 \). They differ, as expected.

Step two: evaluate two ways. Directly: \( g(2) = 3 \), then \( f(3) = 9 \). From the formula: \( 2(2)^2 + 1 = 9 \). They agree.

Step three: the domain for (b). The composition is \( \dfrac{1}{x - 2} \). The inner function accepts all reals, but the result must avoid making the outer denominator zero: \( x - 2 \ne 0 \). Domain: \( x \ne 2 \).

Step four: swap and solve for (c). Write \( x = \dfrac{y + 2}{y - 3} \). Multiply out: \( x(y - 3) = y + 2 \), so \( xy - 3x = y + 2 \).

Step five: collect the \( y \) terms. \( xy - y = 3x + 2 \), so \( y(x - 1) = 3x + 2 \) and \( f^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{3x + 2}{x - 1} \).

Step six: verify. \( p\big(p^{-1}(x)\big) = \dfrac{\frac{3x+2}{x-1} + 2}{\frac{3x+2}{x-1} - 3} \). Multiply top and bottom by \( x - 1 \): \( \dfrac{3x + 2 + 2(x - 1)}{3x + 2 - 3(x - 1)} = \dfrac{5x}{5} = x \). Correct. Domains swap: \( p \) excludes \( x = 3 \) and never outputs 1, and \( p^{-1} \) excludes \( x = 1 \) and never outputs 3.

Step seven: restrict for (d). \( q(x) = x^2 - 4x = (x - 2)^2 - 4 \). The vertex is at \( x = 2 \), so \( x \ge 2 \) selects the right half, which is one-to-one. The range is \( [-4, \infty) \).

Step eight: invert the restricted piece. Swap: \( x = (y - 2)^2 - 4 \), so \( (y - 2)^2 = x + 4 \) and \( y - 2 = \pm\sqrt{x + 4} \). The original had \( y \ge 2 \) as its domain, so the inverse takes the positive root: \( q^{-1}(x) = 2 + \sqrt{x + 4} \), with domain \( [-4, \infty) \). Check: \( q(3) = 9 - 12 = -3 \), and \( q^{-1}(-3) = 2 + \sqrt{1} = 3 \). Correct. Choosing the left half instead would give \( 2 - \sqrt{x + 4} \); the restriction decides which inverse is meant.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. If \( f(x) = x + 5 \) and \( g(x) = 2x \), find \( (f \circ g)(3) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( g(3) = 6 \), then \( f(6) = 11 \). 11

  2. With the same functions, find \( (g \circ f)(3) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(3) = 8 \), then \( g(8) = 16 \). Note that it differs from the previous answer. 16

  3. If \( f(x) = x^2 \) and \( g(x) = x + 1 \), find \( f(g(x)) \).
    Show the full solution

    Substitute \( x + 1 \) for \( x \) in \( x^2 \). \( (x + 1)^2 = x^2 + 2x + 1 \)

  4. Find the inverse of \( f(x) = 4x - 8 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = 4y - 8 \), so \( y = \dfrac{x + 8}{4} \). Check: \( f(4) = 8 \), and \( f^{-1}(8) = \dfrac{16}{4} = 4 \). \( f^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{x + 8}{4} \)

  5. Is \( f(x) = x^2 \) one-to-one on all real numbers?
    Show the full solution

    \( f(2) = 4 = f(-2) \). Two inputs share an output, so it fails the horizontal line test. No

  6. Find the inverse of \( f(x) = x^3 - 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = y^3 - 5 \), so \( y^3 = x + 5 \) and \( y = \sqrt[3]{x + 5} \). Check: \( f(3) = 22 \), and \( \sqrt[3]{27} = 3 \) at input 22. \( f^{-1}(x) = \sqrt[3]{x + 5} \)

  7. If \( f(x) = \sqrt{x - 2} \) and \( g(x) = x^2 + 2 \), find \( f(g(x)) \) and its domain.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(g(x)) = \sqrt{x^2 + 2 - 2} = \sqrt{x^2} \). This is \( |x| \), not \( x \): the square root always returns the nonnegative root. The inside \( x^2 \ge 0 \) for every real \( x \), so the domain is all reals. Check at \( x = -3 \): \( g(-3) = 11 \), \( f(11) = \sqrt{9} = 3 = |-3| \). \( |x| \), domain all real numbers

  8. Find the inverse of \( f(x) = \dfrac{2x - 1}{x + 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = \dfrac{2y - 1}{y + 3} \), so \( xy + 3x = 2y - 1 \). Collect: \( xy - 2y = -1 - 3x \), so \( y(x - 2) = -(3x + 1) \). \( y = \dfrac{-(3x + 1)}{x - 2} = \dfrac{3x + 1}{2 - x} \). Check: \( f(1) = \dfrac{1}{4} \), and \( f^{-1}\left(\tfrac14\right) = \dfrac{\frac34 + 1}{2 - \frac14} = \dfrac{7/4}{7/4} = 1 \). \( f^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{3x + 1}{2 - x} \)

  9. Restrict \( f(x) = x^2 - 4x \) to \( x \ge 2 \) and find its inverse.
    Show the full solution

    Complete the square: \( f(x) = (x - 2)^2 - 4 \). With \( x \ge 2 \), swap: \( x = (y - 2)^2 - 4 \), so \( y - 2 = \sqrt{x + 4} \) (positive, because \( y \ge 2 \)). Check: \( f(5) = 25 - 20 = 5 \), and \( 2 + \sqrt{5 + 4} = 5 \). Correct. \( f^{-1}(x) = 2 + \sqrt{x + 4} \), domain \( [-4, \infty) \)

  10. Show that \( f(x) = x^2 \) and \( g(x) = \sqrt{x} \) satisfy \( f(g(x)) = x \) but are not inverses on all reals.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(g(x)) = (\sqrt{x})^2 = x \), valid for \( x \ge 0 \), where \( g \) is defined. But \( g(f(x)) = \sqrt{x^2} = |x| \), which equals \( x \) only for \( x \ge 0 \). At \( x = -3 \): \( g(f(-3)) = \sqrt{9} = 3 \ne -3 \). Inverses need both compositions to return the input on the whole domain, and \( x^2 \) on all reals is not one-to-one. On \( [0, \infty) \) both hold. Both compositions must give \( x \); here only one does on all reals

Lesson 1.7 · Unit 1 · F-IF.6

The slope between two points, and what happens as they get closer

The average rate of change is the slope of the line through two points of a graph. Shrink the gap between the points and that slope settles toward a single number, the instantaneous rate. That idea is the whole of calculus, and this lesson builds the algebra it needs.

The method
  1. The average rate of change of \( f \) from \( a \) to \( b \) is \( \dfrac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a} \).
  2. It is the slope of the secant line through \( \big(a, f(a)\big) \) and \( \big(b, f(b)\big) \).
  3. Its units are output units per input unit, such as meters per second or dollars per item.
  4. For a line it is the same everywhere; for a curve it depends on the interval.
  5. The difference quotient is \( \dfrac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h} \), the average rate from \( x \) to \( x + h \).
  6. To simplify it, expand \( f(x + h) \), subtract \( f(x) \), and factor an \( h \) out of the numerator so it cancels.
  7. The \( h \) must cancel completely before you let \( h \) become small. If it cannot, there is an algebra error.
  8. A zero average rate does not mean no movement; it means the start and end values match.

Where students lose marks: writing \( f(x + h) \) as \( f(x) + h \) or \( f(x) + f(h) \). Substitute \( x + h \) for every \( x \) and expand. For \( f(x) = x^2 \), \( f(x + h) = x^2 + 2xh + h^2 \), which differs from both.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the average rate of change of \( f(x) = x^2 - 3x \) on \( [1, 4] \). (b) Find it on \( [2, 2 + h] \) and see what happens as \( h \) shrinks. (c) Simplify the difference quotient of \( f \). (d) A ball's height is \( s(t) = -16t^2 + 64t \) feet. Find its average velocity on \( [1, 3] \) and interpret the result.

Step one: evaluate the endpoints for (a). \( f(1) = 1 - 3 = -2 \) and \( f(4) = 16 - 12 = 4 \).

Step two: form the quotient. \( \dfrac{4 - (-2)}{4 - 1} = \dfrac{6}{3} = 2 \). The secant line has slope 2.

Step three: expand for (b). \( f(2 + h) = (2 + h)^2 - 3(2 + h) = 4 + 4h + h^2 - 6 - 3h = h^2 + h - 2 \). And \( f(2) = 4 - 6 = -2 \).

Step four: form and simplify. \( \dfrac{f(2 + h) - f(2)}{h} = \dfrac{h^2 + h - 2 + 2}{h} = \dfrac{h^2 + h}{h} = h + 1 \). The \( h \) cancels completely.

Step five: let \( h \) shrink. For \( h = 1 \): 2. For \( h = 0.1 \): 1.1. For \( h = 0.01 \): 1.01. The values approach 1. So the slope at \( x = 2 \) is 1. Check with the vertex: the parabola \( x^2 - 3x \) has its vertex at \( x = 1.5 \), so at \( x = 2 \) it is rising slowly, consistent with a small positive slope.

Step six: simplify the general quotient for (c). \( f(x + h) = (x + h)^2 - 3(x + h) = x^2 + 2xh + h^2 - 3x - 3h \). Subtract \( f(x) = x^2 - 3x \): the \( x^2 \) and the \( -3x \) cancel, leaving \( 2xh + h^2 - 3h \). Divide by \( h \): \( 2x + h - 3 \). Check with \( x = 2 \): \( 4 + h - 3 = h + 1 \), matching step four.

Step seven: evaluate (d). \( s(1) = -16 + 64 = 48 \) and \( s(3) = -144 + 192 = 48 \). Average velocity: \( \dfrac{48 - 48}{3 - 1} = 0 \) feet per second.

Step eight: interpret it. The ball is moving the whole time, rising to its peak at \( t = 2 \) and falling back, but it is at the same height at \( t = 1 \) and \( t = 3 \). An average over an interval hides what happens inside it. Shrinking the interval reveals the truth: on \( [1, 1.01] \), \( s(1.01) = 48.3184 \), so the average velocity is \( \dfrac{0.3184}{0.01} = 31.84 \) ft/s, close to 32. The instantaneous velocity at \( t = 1 \) is 32 ft/s upward, and the calculus of Unit 11 turns that shrinking into a definition.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the average rate of change of \( f(x) = 3x + 1 \) on \( [1, 5] \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(1) = 4 \) and \( f(5) = 16 \), so \( \dfrac{12}{4} = 3 \). A line has the same rate everywhere. 3

  2. Find the average rate of change of \( f(x) = x^2 \) on \( [1, 3] \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{9 - 1}{3 - 1} = \dfrac{8}{2} \). 4

  3. Find the average rate of change of \( f(x) = x^2 - x \) on \( [0, 4] \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(0) = 0 \) and \( f(4) = 12 \), so \( \dfrac{12}{4} \). 3

  4. Simplify the difference quotient for \( f(x) = 2x + 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(x + h) - f(x) = 2(x + h) + 5 - 2x - 5 = 2h \). Divide by \( h \). 2

  5. Simplify the difference quotient for \( f(x) = x^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(x + h)^2 - x^2}{h} = \dfrac{2xh + h^2}{h} \). \( 2x + h \)

  6. Find the average rate of change of \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x} \) on \( [1, 4] \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(1) = 1 \) and \( f(4) = \dfrac{1}{4} \), so \( \dfrac{\frac14 - 1}{3} = \dfrac{-\frac34}{3} = -\dfrac{1}{4} \). Negative because the function is decreasing. \( -\dfrac{1}{4} \)

  7. Simplify the difference quotient for \( f(x) = x^3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (x + h)^3 = x^3 + 3x^2h + 3xh^2 + h^3 \). Subtract \( x^3 \) and divide by \( h \). Check with \( x = 1, h = 1 \): \( \dfrac{8 - 1}{1} = 7 \), and \( 3 + 3 + 1 = 7 \). Correct. \( 3x^2 + 3xh + h^2 \)

  8. For \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \), find the average rate on \( [4, 9] \), then simplify \( \dfrac{\sqrt{4 + h} - 2}{h} \) by rationalizing.
    Show the full solution

    On \( [4, 9] \): \( \dfrac{3 - 2}{5} = \dfrac{1}{5} \). For the quotient multiply by the conjugate: \( \dfrac{(\sqrt{4 + h} - 2)(\sqrt{4 + h} + 2)}{h(\sqrt{4 + h} + 2)} = \dfrac{(4 + h) - 4}{h(\sqrt{4 + h} + 2)} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{4 + h} + 2} \). As \( h \) becomes small this approaches \( \dfrac{1}{4} \). Check at \( h = 5 \): the first gives \( \dfrac{\sqrt{9} - 2}{5} = \dfrac{1}{5} \), and \( \dfrac{1}{3 + 2} = \dfrac15 \). \( \dfrac{1}{5} \); the quotient is \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{4 + h} + 2} \)

  9. Simplify the difference quotient for \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\frac{1}{x + h} - \frac{1}{x}}{h} \). Common denominator in the numerator: \( \dfrac{x - (x + h)}{x(x + h)} = \dfrac{-h}{x(x + h)} \). Divide by \( h \): \( -\dfrac{1}{x(x + h)} \). Check with \( x = 1, h = 1 \): \( \dfrac{\frac12 - 1}{1} = -\dfrac12 \), and \( -\dfrac{1}{1 \cdot 2} = -\dfrac12 \). Correct. \( -\dfrac{1}{x(x + h)} \)

  10. For \( s(t) = -16t^2 + 64t \), the average velocity on \( [1, 3] \) is 0. Explain what this means, and find the average velocity on \( [1, 1.01] \) and the apparent instantaneous velocity at \( t = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    An average of zero means the ball ends at the height where it began over that interval. It does not mean the ball was at rest: it rose and fell. \( s(1) = 48 \) and \( s(1.01) = -16(1.0201) + 64.64 = 48.3184 \). Average velocity: \( \dfrac{0.3184}{0.01} = 31.84 \) ft/s. The exact difference quotient is \( -32t - 16h + 64 \), which at \( t = 1 \) is \( 32 - 16h \); for \( h = 0.01 \) that is 31.84, matching, and as \( h \to 0 \) it approaches 32. Zero average, but 31.84 ft/s on the short interval and 32 ft/s at the instant

Unit 1 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 1 review: Functions and Their Transformations

These are shuffled across all seven lessons and do not tell you which idea they want, which is closer to a real test than a single lesson's practice.

  1. If \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1 \), find \( f(-2) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2(4) + 6 + 1 \). Keep the parentheses around \( -2 \). 15

  2. Find the domain of \( f(x) = \dfrac{\sqrt{x - 3}}{x - 5} \).
    Show the full solution

    The root needs \( x \ge 3 \); the denominator needs \( x \ne 5 \). \( [3, 5) \cup (5, \infty) \)

  3. Find the range of \( h(x) = x^2 + 2x + 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (x + 1)^2 + 4 \ge 4 \), with 4 reached at \( x = -1 \). \( [4, \infty) \)

  4. Describe how \( y = -2\sqrt{x + 3} + 1 \) comes from \( y = \sqrt{x} \), and give its domain and range.
    Show the full solution

    Left 3, reflect in the \( x \)-axis, stretch vertically by 2, up 1. Domain \( x \ge -3 \). The root is at least 0, so the expression is at most 1. Domain \( [-3, \infty) \); range \( (-\infty, 1] \)

  5. Classify \( f(x) = x^3 - x \) as even, odd or neither.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(-x) = -x^3 + x = -f(x) \). Odd

  6. Solve \( |2x - 5| = 9 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x - 5 = 9 \) gives 7; \( 2x - 5 = -9 \) gives \( -2 \). Both check. \( x = 7 \) or \( x = -2 \)

  7. If \( f(x) = 2x + 3 \) and \( g(x) = x^2 - 1 \), find \( f(g(x)) \) and \( (f \circ g)(2) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2(x^2 - 1) + 3 = 2x^2 + 1 \). At 2: \( 9 \), and directly \( g(2) = 3 \), \( f(3) = 9 \). \( 2x^2 + 1 \); 9

  8. Find the inverse of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x + 2}{x - 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = \dfrac{y + 2}{y - 3} \), so \( xy - 3x = y + 2 \) and \( y(x - 1) = 3x + 2 \). \( f^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{3x + 2}{x - 1} \)

  9. Simplify the difference quotient of \( f(x) = x^2 - 3x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2xh + h^2 - 3h}{h} \). \( 2x + h - 3 \)

  10. A tax is 10 percent of the first \$10,000 and 12 percent of the excess up to \$40,000. Write the tax on an income of \$25,000 and explain why the function has no jump at \$10,000.
    Show the full solution

    \( 1000 + 0.12(15000) = 2800 \). At \$10,000 both pieces give \$1,000 (\( 0.10 \times 10000 \) and \( 1000 + 0 \)), so the pieces meet and the graph has a corner and no jump. \$2,800

Lesson 2.1 · Unit 2 · F-IF.7c

Reading a polynomial's graph from its factors

A polynomial in factored form is almost a picture of its own graph. The degree and leading coefficient say where the ends go, each factor says where the graph meets the axis, and the power on each factor says whether it crosses or only touches. Doing this first, before any plotting, is the edges-first habit this course is built on.

The method
  1. The degree is the highest power of \( x \) after the polynomial is multiplied out; for a product of factors, add the exponents.
  2. End behavior is decided by the leading term alone. For large \( |x| \) the highest power dominates everything else.
  3. Even degree: both ends go the same way, up if the leading coefficient is positive and down if it is negative.
  4. Odd degree: the ends go opposite ways, up on the right if the leading coefficient is positive.
  5. A zero of \( P \) is a value \( c \) with \( P(c) = 0 \), which is an \( x \)-intercept and corresponds to a factor \( (x - c) \).
  6. The multiplicity of a zero is the exponent on its factor. Odd multiplicity: the graph crosses the axis. Even multiplicity: it touches and turns back.
  7. The \( y \)-intercept is \( P(0) \).
  8. A polynomial of degree \( n \) has at most \( n \) real zeros and at most \( n - 1 \) turning points.

Where students lose marks: deciding the end behavior from the first factor written rather than from the whole product. The degree of \( -(x + 2)(x - 1)^2(x - 3) \) is 4 and its leading coefficient is \( -1 \), so both ends point down, even though three of the four factors look positive at the right-hand end.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Describe \( P(x) = -(x + 2)(x - 1)^2(x - 3) \): degree, end behavior, zeros with multiplicity, \( y \)-intercept and the sign on each interval. (b) Write a polynomial with zeros \( -3 \) (simple), 0 (double) and 2 (simple) that passes through \( (1, -8) \). (c) Count the most turning points the polynomial in (a) can have.

Step one: degree and leading coefficient for (a). The exponents are 1, 2 and 1 and the factor \( -(x + 2) \) is one more, so add: the degree is 4. The leading coefficient is the product of the leading coefficients of the factors, \( -1 \). Check by expanding: \( P(x) = -x^4 + 3x^3 + 3x^2 - 11x + 6 \), degree 4, leading coefficient \( -1 \). Correct.

Step two: end behavior. Even degree with a negative leading coefficient: both ends point down. As \( x \to \pm\infty \), \( P(x) \to -\infty \).

Step three: zeros and their behavior. \( x = -2 \) (multiplicity 1, crosses), \( x = 1 \) (multiplicity 2, touches and turns), \( x = 3 \) (multiplicity 1, crosses).

Step four: the \( y \)-intercept. \( P(0) = -(2)(1)^2(-3) = 6 \). This matches the constant term found by expanding.

Step five: test a point in each interval. \( P(-3) = -(-1)(16)(-6) = -96 \), negative. \( P(0) = 6 \), positive. \( P(2) = -(4)(1)(-1) = 4 \), positive. \( P(4) = -(6)(9)(1) = -54 \), negative. The sign does not change at \( x = 1 \), which is exactly what an even multiplicity predicts, and the pattern negative, positive, positive, negative agrees with both ends pointing down.

Step six: build (b). Start from the factors: \( P(x) = a(x + 3)x^2(x - 2) \). Use the point: \( P(1) = a(4)(1)(-1) = -4a = -8 \), so \( a = 2 \). \( P(x) = 2x^2(x + 3)(x - 2) \). Check: \( P(1) = 2(1)(4)(-1) = -8 \). Correct. The degree is 4 with a positive leading coefficient, so both ends go up, and the double zero at 0 means the graph touches the axis there.

Step seven: count turning points for (c). A degree 4 polynomial has at most 3. The polynomial in (a) has a sign pattern of negative, positive, positive, negative with a touch at \( x = 1 \): it rises, levels out at 1 (a local minimum of value 0), rises to a maximum and falls. That is two turning points, below the maximum of 3.

Step eight: state the limits of the method. Factors give the zeros, the multiplicities and the general shape, but not the exact heights of the peaks. Those need either a table of values or calculus. The bound \( n - 1 \) is a maximum, not a count, and a graph may have fewer turning points than the bound allows.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Describe the end behavior of \( y = 3x^5 - x \).
    Show the full solution

    Odd degree, positive leading coefficient. Down on the left, up on the right

  2. Describe the end behavior of \( y = -2x^4 + x \).
    Show the full solution

    Even degree, negative leading coefficient. Down on both ends

  3. Find the zeros of \( (x - 2)(x + 5) \).
    Show the full solution

    Set each factor to zero. \( x = 2 \) and \( x = -5 \)

  4. State the multiplicity of the zero \( x = 4 \) in \( (x - 4)^3(x + 1) \), and whether the graph crosses.
    Show the full solution

    The exponent is 3, which is odd. Multiplicity 3; the graph crosses, flattening as it does

  5. Find the degree of \( (x - 1)^2(x + 3)(x - 7)^3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Add the exponents: \( 2 + 1 + 3 \). 6

  6. Find the zeros of \( f(x) = x^3 - 4x^2 + 4x \) with their multiplicities.
    Show the full solution

    Factor out \( x \): \( x(x^2 - 4x + 4) = x(x - 2)^2 \). Check at \( x = 1 \): the original gives \( 1 - 4 + 4 = 1 \), and \( 1(1 - 2)^2 = 1 \). \( x = 0 \) (multiplicity 1) and \( x = 2 \) (multiplicity 2)

  7. Write a cubic with zeros \( -1, 2, 4 \) that passes through \( (0, 16) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( P(x) = a(x + 1)(x - 2)(x - 4) \). Then \( P(0) = a(1)(-2)(-4) = 8a = 16 \), so \( a = 2 \). Check \( P(3) = 2(4)(1)(-1) = -8 \) and the sign pattern: the polynomial is positive after 4, negative between 2 and 4, positive between \( -1 \) and 2. At 3 it is negative. \( P(x) = 2(x + 1)(x - 2)(x - 4) \)

  8. What is the largest number of turning points a degree 5 polynomial can have? Give a degree 3 polynomial with none.
    Show the full solution

    At most \( n - 1 = 4 \). The bound is not always reached: \( y = x^3 \) has degree 3 and no turning points, since it rises throughout and only flattens at the origin. 4; \( y = x^3 \)

  9. Find the sign of \( P(x) = (x + 3)(x - 1)^2(x - 4) \) on each interval.
    Show the full solution

    Zeros at \( -3, 1, 4 \). Test one point in each interval: \( P(-4) = (-1)(25)(-8) = 200 \), positive. \( P(0) = (3)(1)(-4) = -12 \), negative. \( P(2) = (5)(1)(-2) = -10 \), negative. \( P(5) = (8)(16)(1) = 128 \), positive. The sign is the same on both sides of \( x = 1 \), because 1 has even multiplicity. Positive on \( (-\infty, -3) \) and \( (4, \infty) \); negative on \( (-3, 1) \) and \( (1, 4) \)

  10. Explain why every odd-degree polynomial has at least one real zero, and why an even-degree one need not.
    Show the full solution

    An odd-degree polynomial has ends that go in opposite directions, one toward \( +\infty \) and one toward \( -\infty \). It is continuous, so it cannot jump from negative to positive, and must pass through zero somewhere. An even-degree polynomial has both ends on the same side. \( y = x^2 + 1 \) has both ends up and its minimum is 1, so it never reaches the axis. Opposite ends force a crossing; same-side ends do not

Lesson 2.2 · Unit 2 · A-APR.2

Dividing polynomials, and what the remainder tells you

To find zeros of a polynomial of degree 3 or higher there is no formula that a student can be expected to remember, so the method is to find one zero and divide it out. The division also contains a surprise: the remainder equals the value of the polynomial at the divisor's zero.

The method
  1. Division gives \( P(x) = D(x)\,Q(x) + R(x),\) where the remainder has a degree lower than the divisor.
  2. In long division, write both polynomials in descending order and insert a \( 0 \) coefficient for every missing power.
  3. Divide leading terms, multiply back, subtract, bring down, and repeat until the remainder has lower degree than the divisor.
  4. Synthetic division works only for divisors \( x - c \). Write \( c \), then the coefficients.
  5. Bring down the first coefficient; multiply by \( c \), add to the next coefficient, and repeat.
  6. The last number is the remainder; the others are the quotient's coefficients, one degree lower.
  7. Remainder theorem: dividing \( P(x) \) by \( x - c \) leaves the remainder \( P(c) \).
  8. Factor theorem: \( x - c \) is a factor of \( P \) exactly when \( P(c) = 0 \).

Where students lose marks: using the wrong sign in synthetic division. To divide by \( x + 3 \), use \( c = -3 \), because \( x + 3 = x - (-3) \). Using \( +3 \) tests the wrong value.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Divide \( 2x^3 - 3x^2 + 4x - 5 \) by \( x - 2 \). (b) Show that \( x + 3 \) is a factor of \( x^3 + 27 \). (c) Divide \( x^4 + 2x^3 - x + 5 \) by \( x^2 + 1 \). (d) Find \( k \) so that \( x - 2 \) is a factor of \( x^3 + kx^2 - 5x + 6 \).

Step one: set up synthetic division for (a). Here \( c = 2 \). Write the coefficients \( 2, -3, 4, -5 \).

Step two: carry it out. Bring down 2. \( 2 \times 2 = 4 \), and \( -3 + 4 = 1 \). \( 1 \times 2 = 2 \), and \( 4 + 2 = 6 \). \( 6 \times 2 = 12 \), and \( -5 + 12 = 7 \). The quotient is \( 2x^2 + x + 6 \) with remainder 7. Check with the remainder theorem: \( P(2) = 16 - 12 + 8 - 5 = 7 \). Correct.

Step three: handle (b) with placeholders. The polynomial is \( x^3 + 0x^2 + 0x + 27 \), so the coefficients are \( 1, 0, 0, 27 \), and \( c = -3 \). Bring down 1. \( 1 \times -3 = -3 \), and \( 0 + (-3) = -3 \). \( -3 \times -3 = 9 \), and \( 0 + 9 = 9 \). \( 9 \times -3 = -27 \), and \( 27 - 27 = 0 \).

Step four: read the result. The remainder is 0, so \( x + 3 \) is a factor, and \( x^3 + 27 = (x + 3)(x^2 - 3x + 9) \). Check: \( P(-3) = -27 + 27 = 0 \). The omitted placeholders would have shifted every later coefficient, which is why they matter.

Step five: long division for (c). Write \( x^4 + 2x^3 + 0x^2 - x + 5 \). Divide \( x^4 \) by \( x^2 \) to get \( x^2 \). Multiply back: \( x^4 + x^2 \). Subtract: \( 2x^3 - x^2 - x + 5 \).

Step six: continue. Divide \( 2x^3 \) by \( x^2 \) to get \( 2x \). Multiply back: \( 2x^3 + 2x \). Subtract: \( -x^2 - 3x + 5 \). Divide \( -x^2 \) by \( x^2 \) to get \( -1 \). Multiply back: \( -x^2 - 1 \). Subtract: \( -3x + 6 \). The degree of \( -3x + 6 \) is 1, less than 2, so stop. Quotient \( x^2 + 2x - 1 \), remainder \( -3x + 6 \).

Step seven: verify by multiplying back. \( (x^2 + 1)(x^2 + 2x - 1) = x^4 + 2x^3 - x^2 + x^2 + 2x - 1 = x^4 + 2x^3 + 2x - 1 \). Add the remainder: \( x^4 + 2x^3 + 2x - 1 - 3x + 6 = x^4 + 2x^3 - x + 5 \). Correct.

Step eight: solve (d) with the factor theorem. Require \( P(2) = 0 \): \( 8 + 4k - 10 + 6 = 4 + 4k = 0 \), so \( k = -1 \). Then \( P(x) = x^3 - x^2 - 5x + 6 = (x - 2)(x^2 + x - 3) \). Check by expanding: \( x^3 + x^2 - 3x - 2x^2 - 2x + 6 = x^3 - x^2 - 5x + 6 \). Correct.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the remainder when \( x^2 + 3x + 1 \) is divided by \( x - 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    By the remainder theorem, \( P(2) = 4 + 6 + 1 \). 11

  2. Is \( x - 1 \) a factor of \( x^3 - 1 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( P(1) = 1 - 1 = 0 \). Yes

  3. Divide \( x^2 + 5x + 6 \) by \( x + 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    Factor the top: \( (x + 2)(x + 3) \). \( x + 3 \)

  4. Divide \( x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6 \) by \( x - 1 \) using synthetic division.
    Show the full solution

    With \( c = 1 \): bring down 1; \( -6 + 1 = -5 \); \( 11 - 5 = 6 \); \( -6 + 6 = 0 \). \( x^2 - 5x + 6 \), remainder 0

  5. Use the remainder theorem to find \( P(-1) \) for \( P(x) = 2x^3 - x + 4 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2(-1)^3 - (-1) + 4 = -2 + 1 + 4 \). 3

  6. Divide \( 3x^3 - 2x + 7 \) by \( x + 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    Insert the missing \( x^2 \) term: coefficients \( 3, 0, -2, 7 \), and \( c = -2 \). Bring down 3; \( 3 \times -2 = -6 \), \( 0 - 6 = -6 \); \( -6 \times -2 = 12 \), \( -2 + 12 = 10 \); \( 10 \times -2 = -20 \), \( 7 - 20 = -13 \). Check: \( P(-2) = -24 + 4 + 7 = -13 \). Correct. \( 3x^2 - 6x + 10 \), remainder \( -13 \)

  7. Find \( k \) so that \( x - 3 \) is a factor of \( x^3 - 4x^2 + kx + 12 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( P(3) = 27 - 36 + 3k + 12 = 3 + 3k = 0 \), so \( k = -1 \). Check: \( 27 - 36 - 3 + 12 = 0 \). \( k = -1 \)

  8. Factor \( x^3 - 7x + 6 \) completely, given that \( x = 1 \) is a zero.
    Show the full solution

    Coefficients \( 1, 0, -7, 6 \), \( c = 1 \): bring down 1; \( 0 + 1 = 1 \); \( -7 + 1 = -6 \); \( 6 - 6 = 0 \). The quotient \( x^2 + x - 6 = (x + 3)(x - 2) \). Check by expanding \( (x - 1)(x - 2)(x + 3) \): \( (x^2 - 3x + 2)(x + 3) = x^3 - 7x + 6 \). \( (x - 1)(x - 2)(x + 3) \)

  9. Divide \( x^4 + 2x^3 - x + 5 \) by \( x^2 + 1 \) and state the remainder.
    Show the full solution

    Inserting \( 0x^2 \): the quotient is \( x^2 + 2x - 1 \) and the remainder is \( -3x + 6 \), as worked in the example. Check at \( x = 1 \): the left side is \( 1 + 2 - 1 + 5 = 7 \); the right side is \( (2)(2) + 3 = 7 \). Quotient \( x^2 + 2x - 1 \), remainder \( -3x + 6 \)

  10. Explain why the remainder theorem is true, then use synthetic division to find \( P(5) \) for \( P(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 2x - 8 \) and confirm it directly.
    Show the full solution

    Division gives \( P(x) = (x - c)Q(x) + R \), where \( R \) is a constant because the divisor has degree 1. Putting \( x = c \) makes the first term zero, so \( P(c) = R \). Synthetic with \( c = 5 \): coefficients \( 1, -6, 2, -8 \); bring down 1; \( -6 + 5 = -1 \); \( 2 - 5 = -3 \); \( -8 - 15 = -23 \). Direct: \( 125 - 150 + 10 - 8 = -23 \). Correct. \( P(5) = -23 \); synthetic division is a fast way to evaluate

Lesson 2.3 · Unit 2 · A-APR.3, N-CN.9

A short list of candidates, and a guarantee that none are missing

Finding the zeros of a cubic or quartic looks like guessing until two theorems turn it into a search with a finite list. The rational root theorem supplies the candidates, division removes each one found, and the fundamental theorem of algebra says how many zeros to expect, counting the complex ones.

The method
  1. Rational root theorem: if \( \dfrac{p}{q} \) in lowest terms is a zero of a polynomial with integer coefficients, \( p \) divides the constant term and \( q \) divides the leading coefficient.
  2. List all candidates \( \pm\dfrac{p}{q} \) before testing any of them.
  3. Test a candidate by synthetic division. A zero remainder means it is a zero.
  4. Continue with the quotient, which has a lower degree. When a quadratic is left, factor it or use the quadratic formula.
  5. Fundamental theorem of algebra: a polynomial of degree \( n \) has exactly \( n \) complex zeros, counting multiplicity.
  6. Complex zeros of a real polynomial come in conjugate pairs: if \( a + bi \) is a zero, so is \( a - bi \).
  7. Irrational zeros of a rational polynomial come in pairs too: if \( 2 + \sqrt{3} \) is a zero, so is \( 2 - \sqrt{3} \).
  8. To build a polynomial from its zeros, multiply the factors; a conjugate pair multiplies to a quadratic with real coefficients.

Where students lose marks: stopping when a candidate fails. The rational root theorem lists candidates only. A polynomial may have no rational zeros at all, and its zeros may be irrational or complex, so the remaining quadratic must be solved.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find all zeros of \( P(x) = 2x^3 - 3x^2 - 11x + 6 \). (b) Find all zeros of \( x^3 - 2x^2 + 4x - 8 \). (c) Write the real polynomial of least degree with zeros 3 and \( 1 + 2i \). (d) Show why \( 2 + \sqrt{3} \) and \( 2 - \sqrt{3} \) must appear together.

Step one: list candidates for (a). The constant term 6 has factors \( 1, 2, 3, 6 \); the leading coefficient 2 has factors \( 1, 2 \). The candidates are \( \pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 3, \pm 6, \pm\dfrac12, \pm\dfrac32 \).

Step two: test one. Try \( x = 3 \): \( 54 - 27 - 33 + 6 = 0 \). It is a zero. Synthetic division with \( c = 3 \) and coefficients \( 2, -3, -11, 6 \): bring down 2; \( -3 + 6 = 3 \); \( -11 + 9 = -2 \); \( 6 - 6 = 0 \). Quotient \( 2x^2 + 3x - 2 \).

Step three: finish (a). Factor the quadratic: \( 2x^2 + 3x - 2 = (2x - 1)(x + 2) \). Check: \( 2x^2 + 4x - x - 2 \). Correct. Zeros: \( x = 3 \), \( x = \dfrac12 \), \( x = -2 \). Check the sum: the three zeros add to \( 3 + 0.5 - 2 = 1.5 \), and the negative of the \( x^2 \) coefficient over the leading coefficient is \( \dfrac{3}{2} \). Correct.

Step four: solve (b) by factoring by grouping. \( x^3 - 2x^2 + 4x - 8 = x^2(x - 2) + 4(x - 2) = (x - 2)(x^2 + 4) \).

Step five: the complex zeros. The zero of \( x - 2 \) is 2. The quadratic \( x^2 + 4 = 0 \) gives \( x = \pm 2i \). Three zeros for a cubic: 2, \( 2i \) and \( -2i \). The graph crosses the axis once, at 2, and the two complex zeros are invisible on it.

Step six: build (c). Because the polynomial is real, \( 1 - 2i \) is also a zero. Multiply the conjugate pair first: \( (x - (1 + 2i))(x - (1 - 2i)) = (x - 1)^2 - (2i)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 + 4 = x^2 - 2x + 5 \). Then multiply by \( x - 3 \): \( (x - 3)(x^2 - 2x + 5) = x^3 - 2x^2 + 5x - 3x^2 + 6x - 15 = x^3 - 5x^2 + 11x - 15 \). Check: \( P(3) = 27 - 45 + 33 - 15 = 0 \). Correct.

Step seven: the argument for (d). If a quadratic with rational coefficients has the zero \( 2 + \sqrt{3} \), the quadratic formula gives zeros \( \dfrac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \). The irrational part comes only from the square root, and a \( \pm \) puts in both signs. So the other zero is the same with the opposite sign of the root.

Step eight: confirm with the quadratic. The zeros \( 2 \pm \sqrt{3} \) have sum 4 and product \( 4 - 3 = 1 \), so the quadratic is \( x^2 - 4x + 1 \), which has rational coefficients. A quadratic with only one of them would need an irrational coefficient. The same pairing holds in higher degrees for the same reason, and it lets you cut the search in half: once one member of a pair is known, so is the other.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. List the possible rational zeros of \( x^3 + 2x^2 - 5x - 6 \).
    Show the full solution

    The constant is \( -6 \), the leading coefficient is 1. \( \pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 3, \pm 6 \)

  2. Is \( -1 \) a zero of \( x^3 + 2x^2 - 5x - 6 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( -1 + 2 + 5 - 6 = 0 \). Yes

  3. Factor \( x^3 + 2x^2 - 5x - 6 \) completely.
    Show the full solution

    Divide by \( x + 1 \) (using \( c = -1 \)): coefficients \( 1, 2, -5, -6 \); bring down 1; \( 2 - 1 = 1 \); \( -5 - 1 = -6 \); \( -6 + 6 = 0 \). Quotient \( x^2 + x - 6 \). That factors as \( (x + 3)(x - 2) \). Check by expanding \( (x+1)(x+3)(x-2) \) at \( x = 1 \): \( 2 \cdot 4 \cdot -1 = -8 \), and the original gives \( 1 + 2 - 5 - 6 = -8 \). \( (x + 1)(x + 3)(x - 2) \)

  4. Find all zeros of \( x^2 + 9 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 = -9 \). \( x = \pm 3i \)

  5. A polynomial with real coefficients has the zero \( 2 - i \). Name another zero.
    Show the full solution

    Non-real zeros come in conjugate pairs. \( 2 + i \)

  6. Find all zeros of \( 2x^3 + x^2 - 13x + 6 \).
    Show the full solution

    Test \( x = 2 \): \( 16 + 4 - 26 + 6 = 0 \). Synthetic with \( c = 2 \), coefficients \( 2, 1, -13, 6 \): bring down 2; \( 1 + 4 = 5 \); \( -13 + 10 = -3 \); \( 6 - 6 = 0 \). The quotient \( 2x^2 + 5x - 3 = (2x - 1)(x + 3) \). \( x = 2, \ \dfrac12, \ -3 \)

  7. Find all zeros of \( x^4 - 16 \).
    Show the full solution

    Difference of squares twice: \( (x^2 - 4)(x^2 + 4) = (x - 2)(x + 2)(x^2 + 4) \). The last factor gives \( x = \pm 2i \). Four zeros for a quartic. \( x = 2, -2, 2i, -2i \)

  8. Write the real polynomial of least degree with zeros 3 and \( 1 + 2i \).
    Show the full solution

    Include the conjugate \( 1 - 2i \). The pair gives \( x^2 - 2x + 5 \). Multiply by \( x - 3 \). Check at \( x = 3 \): the product is zero. Check at \( x = 0 \): \( (-3)(5) = -15 \). \( x^3 - 5x^2 + 11x - 15 \)

  9. Find all zeros of \( x^4 - 2x^3 + 2x^2 - 2x + 1 \), with multiplicities.
    Show the full solution

    Test \( x = 1 \): \( 1 - 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 0 \). Synthetic, coefficients \( 1, -2, 2, -2, 1 \): \( 1, -1, 1, -1, 0 \). Again with \( c = 1 \) on \( 1, -1, 1, -1 \): \( 1, 0, 1, 0 \). The quotient is \( x^2 + 1 \). So the polynomial is \( (x - 1)^2(x^2 + 1) \). \( x = 1 \) (multiplicity 2), \( x = i \), \( x = -i \)

  10. Explain why a cubic with real coefficients cannot have exactly one non-real zero.
    Show the full solution

    Non-real zeros of a real polynomial come in conjugate pairs, so their number is even: 0, 2, 4 and so on. A cubic has exactly 3 zeros counting multiplicity, so the number of non-real ones can only be 0 or 2, never 1. It follows that every real cubic has at least one real zero, agreeing with the end behavior argument of lesson 2.1. Non-real zeros pair up, so their count is even

Lesson 2.4 · Unit 2 · F-IF.7c

Building a graph in a fixed order, from the ends inward

A polynomial graph needs no plotting of dozens of points. The ends, the intercepts and the signs between them fix its shape, and two or three extra points settle the heights. The order below is the one to follow every time, and it starts at the edges.

The method
  1. Factor completely, including pulling out any common factor first.
  2. Find the end behavior from the degree and the sign of the leading coefficient.
  3. Mark the \( x \)-intercepts and decide at each whether the graph crosses or touches, from its multiplicity.
  4. Find the \( y \)-intercept, \( P(0) \).
  5. Test one point in each interval between zeros to find the sign.
  6. Between two consecutive zeros the graph is on one side of the axis, so there is a turning point in each such interval.
  7. Add extra points to fix the heights of the turning points approximately.
  8. Check the count: turning points can be at most \( n - 1 \), and the graph must agree with the ends.

Where students lose marks: drawing a cubic that turns around at a simple zero. A simple (odd) zero is crossed, not bounced off; bouncing belongs to even multiplicity only.

Worked example

The problem. Graph \( P(x) = x^3 - x^2 - 6x \). Then (b) describe \( Q(x) = x^4 - 5x^2 + 4 \), and (c) find an equation for a quartic that touches the axis at \( -2 \) and crosses it at 1 and 3, with \( y \)-intercept 12, and confirm that such a graph is possible.

Step one: factor. \( P(x) = x(x^2 - x - 6) = x(x - 3)(x + 2) \). Check by expanding: \( x(x^2 - x - 6) = x^3 - x^2 - 6x \). Correct.

Step two: ends and intercepts. Degree 3, positive leading coefficient: down on the left, up on the right. Zeros at \( -2, 0, 3 \), each simple, so the graph crosses at each. The \( y \)-intercept is \( P(0) = 0 \).

Step three: signs. \( P(-3) = -27 - 9 + 18 = -18 \), negative. \( P(-1) = -1 - 1 + 6 = 4 \), positive. \( P(1) = 1 - 1 - 6 = -6 \), negative. \( P(4) = 64 - 16 - 24 = 24 \), positive. The pattern negative, positive, negative, positive agrees with down on the left and up on the right.

Step four: locate the turning points. There is one between \( -2 \) and 0 (a peak) and one between 0 and 3 (a valley). Try points: \( P(-1.5) = -3.375 - 2.25 + 9 = 3.375 \), \( P(-1) = 4 \), \( P(-0.5) = 2.625 \). The peak is near \( x = -1.1 \) with height about 4. \( P(1.5) = 3.375 - 2.25 - 9 = -7.875 \), \( P(2) = 8 - 4 - 12 = -8 \), \( P(1.8) = 5.832 - 3.24 - 10.8 = -8.208 \). The valley is near \( x = 1.8 \), height about \( -8.2 \).

Step five: describe \( Q \) for (b). \( Q(x) = (x^2 - 1)(x^2 - 4) = (x - 1)(x + 1)(x - 2)(x + 2) \). Zeros \( \pm 1, \pm 2 \), all simple. Degree 4 with a positive leading coefficient: up at both ends. \( Q(0) = 4 \).

Step six: use symmetry. \( Q \) contains only even powers, so it is an even function (lesson 1.4) and its graph is symmetric about the \( y \)-axis. This halves the work: only the right half needs to be computed. \( Q(1.5) = 5.0625 - 11.25 + 4 = -2.1875 \), so the graph dips below the axis between 1 and 2. With three turning points (the maximum allowed): a valley near \( x = -1.6 \), a peak at \( (0, 4) \), a valley near \( x = 1.6 \).

Step seven: attempt (c). The equation would be \( R(x) = a(x + 2)^2(x - 1)(x - 3) \). Its \( y \)-intercept is \( a(4)(-1)(-3) = 12a \). Setting this to 12 gives \( a = 1 \). Check: \( R(0) = 4 \cdot 3 = 12 \). It is consistent.

Step eight: confirm the shape is possible. Degree 4, positive leading coefficient: both ends up. Signs: for \( x \lt -2 \), \( R(-3) = 1 \cdot (-4)(-6) = 24 \), positive. Between \( -2 \) and 1: \( R(0) = 12 \), positive, so the graph touches down at \( -2 \) without crossing. Between 1 and 3: \( R(2) = 16 \cdot 1 \cdot (-1) = -16 \), negative. After 3: positive. The shape is possible: it comes down to touch at \( -2 \), rises, crosses at 1 down, reaches a valley, crosses up at 3. A sketch that fails this check would show that the requirements contradict.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Describe the end behavior of \( y = x^3 - x^2 - 6x \).
    Show the full solution

    Odd degree, positive leading coefficient. Down on the left, up on the right

  2. Find the \( y \)-intercept of \( y = (x - 2)(x + 3)(x - 5) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (-2)(3)(-5) = 30 \). 30

  3. Does the graph of \( y = (x - 1)^2(x + 2) \) cross or touch the axis at \( x = 1 \)?
    Show the full solution

    The factor \( (x - 1) \) is squared, so the multiplicity is even. It touches

  4. Find the zeros of \( y = x^3 - 9x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x(x^2 - 9) = x(x - 3)(x + 3) \). \( x = 0, 3, -3 \)

  5. What is the most turning points a degree 4 polynomial can have?
    Show the full solution

    \( n - 1 \) with \( n = 4 \). 3

  6. Give the end behavior, zeros, \( y \)-intercept and signs for \( y = -(x + 1)(x - 2)^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    Degree 3, leading coefficient \( -1 \): up on the left, down on the right. Zeros: \( -1 \) (crosses) and 2 (touches). \( y \)-intercept: \( -(1)(4) = -4 \). \( y(-2) = -(-1)(16) = 16 \), positive. \( y(0) = -4 \), negative. \( y(3) = -(4)(1) = -4 \), negative. The sign stays negative on both sides of 2, as even multiplicity predicts. Positive for \( x \lt -1 \); negative elsewhere except the zeros

  7. Find the cubic with zeros \( -2, 1, 4 \) and \( y \)-intercept \( -16 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( P(x) = a(x + 2)(x - 1)(x - 4) \). \( P(0) = a(2)(-1)(-4) = 8a = -16 \), so \( a = -2 \). Check that the ends agree: negative leading coefficient, degree 3, so up on the left. At \( x = -3 \): \( -2(-1)(-4)(-7) = 56 \), positive. Correct. \( P(x) = -2(x + 2)(x - 1)(x - 4) \)

  8. Describe \( y = x^4 - 5x^2 + 4 \): zeros, symmetry, \( y \)-intercept, end behavior.
    Show the full solution

    \( (x^2 - 1)(x^2 - 4) \), so zeros \( \pm 1, \pm 2 \). Only even powers, so the graph is symmetric about the \( y \)-axis. \( y(0) = 4 \). Up at both ends. Zeros \( \pm 1, \pm 2 \); even; \( y \)-intercept 4; up at both ends

  9. Where is \( P(x) = x^3 - x^2 - 6x \) negative?
    Show the full solution

    From the sign table: negative for \( x \lt -2 \) and for \( 0 \lt x \lt 3 \). Check: \( P(-3) = -18 \) and \( P(1) = -6 \), both negative. \( (-\infty, -2) \cup (0, 3) \)

  10. A student sketches a graph with zeros at \( -1, 2, 5 \), each crossing, and both ends pointing down. Explain why this cannot be a polynomial graph.
    Show the full solution

    Each crossing changes the sign, and there are three, an odd number of changes. A graph that starts below the axis and changes sign three times ends above it. Both ends down means it starts and ends on the same side, which needs an even number of sign changes. The two facts contradict. A fix: make one zero a touch (even multiplicity), or add a fourth crossing. Three sign changes force opposite ends

Lesson 2.5 · Unit 2 · F-IF.7d

Where a fraction of polynomials blows up and where it settles

A rational function is a polynomial divided by a polynomial, and the division is what makes its graph interesting. Wherever the denominator reaches zero something dramatic happens, and far from the origin the function settles toward a line. Both are behavior at the edges, and both are read from the algebra, not the graph.

The method
  1. A rational function is \( f(x) = \dfrac{p(x)}{q(x)} \) with \( q \) not the zero polynomial.
  2. The domain excludes every zero of \( q \). Find these before simplifying.
  3. Factor both and cancel common factors. A canceled factor leaves a hole at that \( x \); the domain restriction stays.
  4. A zero of the denominator left after canceling is a vertical asymptote.
  5. Horizontal asymptote, by degrees: degree of top less than bottom gives \( y = 0 \); equal gives \( y = \) ratio of leading coefficients; top greater gives none.
  6. When the top is exactly one degree higher, there is a slant asymptote, found as the quotient of the division.
  7. Near a vertical asymptote determine the sign on each side to say whether the function goes to \( +\infty \) or \( -\infty \).
  8. A graph may cross its horizontal asymptote, which describes the ends only, but it can never cross a vertical asymptote.

Where students lose marks: calling every zero of the denominator an asymptote. If the same factor is in the numerator, it cancels and leaves a hole, not a vertical asymptote. The function \( \dfrac{x - 3}{x^2 - 9} \) has a hole at \( x = 3 \) and an asymptote only at \( x = -3 \).

Worked example

The problem. Find the holes and asymptotes of (a) \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x^2 - x - 2} \), (b) \( g(x) = \dfrac{2x^2 + 3x - 1}{x - 1} \), (c) \( h(x) = \dfrac{3x^2 - 5}{x^2 + 2} \). (d) Describe the behavior of \( f \) near its vertical asymptote.

Step one: factor (a). \( f(x) = \dfrac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{(x - 2)(x + 1)} \). Domain restrictions: \( x \ne 2 \) and \( x \ne -1 \).

Step two: cancel and classify. The factor \( x - 2 \) cancels, leaving \( \dfrac{x + 2}{x + 1} \). That is a hole at \( x = 2 \), at height \( \dfrac{2 + 2}{2 + 1} = \dfrac43 \): the point \( \left(2, \dfrac43\right) \). The factor \( x + 1 \) remains, so there is a vertical asymptote at \( x = -1 \).

Step three: horizontal asymptote of (a). The original has equal degrees 2 and 2, with leading coefficients 1 and 1. So \( y = 1 \). Intercepts: \( f(0) = \dfrac{-4}{-2} = 2 \), and the zero of the top that is not canceled: \( x = -2 \).

Step four: (b) has a vertical asymptote and a slant asymptote. The denominator is zero at \( x = 1 \); the numerator there is \( 2 + 3 - 1 = 4 \ne 0 \), so it is an asymptote and not a hole. The top has degree 2 and the bottom degree 1.

Step five: divide for the slant. Synthetic division with \( c = 1 \) and coefficients \( 2, 3, -1 \): bring down 2; \( 3 + 2 = 5 \); \( -1 + 5 = 4 \). So \( g(x) = 2x + 5 + \dfrac{4}{x - 1} \). As \( |x| \) grows the fraction vanishes, and the graph approaches the line \( y = 2x + 5 \). Check at \( x = 11 \): \( g(11) = \dfrac{242 + 33 - 1}{10} = 27.4 \), and \( 2(11) + 5 = 27 \), plus \( \dfrac{4}{10} = 0.4 \). Correct.

Step six: (c) has no vertical asymptote. \( x^2 + 2 \) is at least 2 for every real \( x \), so the denominator never reaches zero. The degrees are equal, with leading coefficients 3 and 1, so the horizontal asymptote is \( y = 3 \). Check far out: \( h(100) = \dfrac{29995}{10002} = 2.9988 \), close to 3.

Step seven: behavior near the asymptote for (d). Use the simplified \( \dfrac{x + 2}{x + 1} \). Near \( x = -1 \) the numerator is about 1, positive. For \( x \) slightly greater than \( -1 \), say \( -0.9 \), the denominator is \( +0.1 \), so \( f = \dfrac{1.1}{0.1} = 11 \): it goes to \( +\infty \). For \( x \) slightly less, say \( -1.1 \), the denominator is \( -0.1 \) and \( f = \dfrac{0.9}{-0.1} = -9 \): it goes to \( -\infty \).

Step eight: state what sets the two kinds of line apart. The vertical asymptote is a wall, where the function is not defined and the values run off to infinity. The horizontal asymptote is a level the ends approach. A hole is neither: the function is simply missing one point, and the graph is otherwise unbroken.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. State the domain of \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x - 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator is zero when \( x = 3 \). All reals except 3

  2. Find the vertical asymptote of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x + 1}{x - 4} \).
    Show the full solution

    At \( x = 4 \) the denominator is zero and the numerator is 5. \( x = 4 \)

  3. Find the horizontal asymptote of \( f(x) = \dfrac{2x + 1}{x - 5} \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal degrees: the ratio of leading coefficients is \( \dfrac{2}{1} \). \( y = 2 \)

  4. Find the horizontal asymptote of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x + 3}{x^2 + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    The degree of the top (1) is less than the bottom (2). \( y = 0 \)

  5. Does \( f(x) = \dfrac{x - 3}{x^2 - 9} \) have a hole or a vertical asymptote at \( x = 3 \)?
    Show the full solution

    Factor: \( \dfrac{x - 3}{(x - 3)(x + 3)} \). The factor \( x - 3 \) cancels. A hole at \( x = 3 \) (and an asymptote at \( x = -3 \))

  6. Find all asymptotes of \( f(x) = \dfrac{4x^2}{x^2 - 9} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3) \) is zero at \( \pm 3 \), and the numerator is 36 there. Equal degrees with leading coefficients 4 and 1. Vertical: \( x = 3 \) and \( x = -3 \). Horizontal: \( y = 4 \)

  7. Find the slant asymptote of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 + 3x + 5}{x + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    Synthetic division with \( c = -1 \), coefficients \( 1, 3, 5 \): bring down 1; \( 3 - 1 = 2 \); \( 5 - 2 = 3 \). The quotient is \( x + 2 \), remainder 3. Check at \( x = 9 \): \( \dfrac{81 + 27 + 5}{10} = 11.3 \), and \( 9 + 2 + 0.3 = 11.3 \). \( y = x + 2 \)

  8. Find the coordinates of the hole in \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - x - 6}{x - 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(x - 3)(x + 2)}{x - 3} \), so the hole is at \( x = 3 \), with height \( 3 + 2 = 5 \). \( (3, 5) \)

  9. Describe the behavior of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x + 2}{x - 1} \) as \( x \) approaches 1 from each side.
    Show the full solution

    The numerator is near 3. For \( x = 1.01 \): \( \dfrac{3.01}{0.01} = 301 \), large and positive. For \( x = 0.99 \): \( \dfrac{2.99}{-0.01} = -299 \), large and negative. \( +\infty \) from the right and \( -\infty \) from the left

  10. Can a rational function's graph cross its horizontal asymptote? Can it cross a vertical one? Give an example for the first.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(x) = \dfrac{x}{x^2 + 1} \) has the horizontal asymptote \( y = 0 \), yet \( f(0) = 0 \) and the graph crosses it at the origin. A horizontal asymptote describes the ends only, for large \( |x| \). A vertical asymptote sits where the function is not defined, so there is no point of the graph on it to cross. Yes for horizontal (e.g. \( \frac{x}{x^2+1} \)); never for vertical

Lesson 2.6 · Unit 2 · F-IF.7d

Assembling the asymptotes, intercepts and signs into a graph

With the asymptotes known, a rational graph is a matter of filling in the sections between them. The sign table tells on which side of the axis each section lies, and the intercepts pin it down. The order is the same as for polynomials: edges first, then the middle.

The method
  1. Factor the numerator and denominator and cancel common factors, noting holes.
  2. Draw the vertical asymptotes as dashed lines at the remaining zeros of the denominator.
  3. Draw the horizontal or slant asymptote from the degrees.
  4. Find the \( x \)-intercepts: zeros of the numerator that were not canceled.
  5. Find the \( y \)-intercept, \( f(0) \).
  6. Build a sign table using every zero of the numerator and denominator as a boundary.
  7. Sketch each section: it approaches \( \pm\infty \) at a vertical asymptote according to the sign, and follows the horizontal asymptote at the ends.
  8. Check with one or two extra points, especially where the sketch is least determined.

Where students lose marks: getting the sign near an asymptote wrong, which sends the branch the wrong way. Always test a number in each interval instead of guessing from the picture.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Graph \( f(x) = \dfrac{x - 1}{(x + 2)(x - 3)} \). (b) Describe \( g(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x^2 - 4} \). (c) Write a rational function with a vertical asymptote at \( x = 2 \), horizontal asymptote \( y = 3 \) and an \( x \)-intercept at \( -1 \).

Step one: asymptotes for (a). Nothing cancels. Vertical asymptotes at \( x = -2 \) and \( x = 3 \). The numerator has degree 1 and the denominator degree 2, so the horizontal asymptote is \( y = 0 \).

Step two: intercepts. The \( x \)-intercept is 1, where the numerator is zero. The \( y \)-intercept: \( f(0) = \dfrac{-1}{(2)(-3)} = \dfrac16 \).

Step three: the sign table. Boundaries at \( -2, 1, 3 \). \( f(-3) = \dfrac{-4}{(-1)(-6)} = -\dfrac23 \), negative. \( f(0) = \dfrac16 \), positive. \( f(2) = \dfrac{1}{(4)(-1)} = -\dfrac14 \), negative. \( f(4) = \dfrac{3}{(6)(1)} = \dfrac12 \), positive.

Step four: assemble. Left of \( -2 \) the function is negative: it approaches 0 from below as \( x \to -\infty \) and dives to \( -\infty \) at the asymptote. On \( (-2, 1) \) it is positive: it comes down from \( +\infty \) at \( x = -2 \), passes through \( (0, \tfrac16) \) and reaches 0 at \( x = 1 \), where it crosses into the negative region. On \( (1, 3) \) it is negative, falling toward \( -\infty \) at \( x = 3 \). Right of 3 it is positive, coming down from \( +\infty \) toward 0 as \( x \to \infty \).

Step five: describe (b). \( g(x) = \dfrac{(x - 1)(x + 1)}{(x - 2)(x + 2)} \). Nothing cancels. Vertical asymptotes at \( \pm 2 \). Equal degrees, leading coefficients 1 and 1, so \( y = 1 \). Intercepts: \( x = \pm 1 \); \( g(0) = \dfrac{-1}{-4} = \dfrac14 \).

Step six: use the symmetry and the signs. Only even powers appear, so \( g \) is even (lesson 1.4). \( g(-3) = \dfrac{8}{5} \), positive; \( g(-1.5) = \dfrac{1.25}{-1.75} \), negative; \( g(0) = \dfrac14 \), positive; \( g(1.5) \), negative; \( g(3) = \dfrac85 \), positive. The graph is above the asymptote \( y = 1 \) at the far ends, since \( g(3) = 1.6 \gt 1 \).

Step seven: build (c). A vertical asymptote at 2 needs a factor \( x - 2 \) in the denominator. An \( x \)-intercept at \( -1 \) needs a factor \( x + 1 \) in the numerator. Equal degrees with a horizontal asymptote of 3 means the leading coefficients have ratio 3: \( f(x) = \dfrac{3(x + 1)}{x - 2} \).

Step eight: check each requirement. \( f(-1) = 0 \) ✓. The denominator is zero at 2 with a nonzero numerator, so a vertical asymptote ✓. Far out, \( f(100) = \dfrac{303}{98} = 3.09 \), tending to 3 ✓. The \( y \)-intercept is \( f(0) = \dfrac{3}{-2} = -\dfrac32 \). Many functions satisfy the three requirements; this one is the simplest.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. State the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x - 2} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator is zero at 2; the degree of the top is lower. \( x = 2 \) and \( y = 0 \)

  2. Find the \( x \)- and \( y \)-intercepts of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x - 4}{x + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x \)-intercept: \( x - 4 = 0 \). \( y \)-intercept: \( f(0) = \dfrac{-4}{1} \). \( (4, 0) \) and \( (0, -4) \)

  3. Find the horizontal asymptote of \( f(x) = \dfrac{3x^2}{x^2 + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal degrees: \( \dfrac{3}{1} \). \( y = 3 \)

  4. Is \( f(x) = \dfrac{x - 1}{x + 2} \) positive or negative at \( x = 0 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{-1}{2} \). Negative

  5. Find the \( y \)-intercept of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x + 3}{(x - 1)(x + 2)} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(0) = \dfrac{3}{(-1)(2)} \). \( -\dfrac32 \)

  6. For \( f(x) = \dfrac{x - 1}{(x + 2)(x - 3)} \), where is \( f \) positive?
    Show the full solution

    From the sign table: positive on \( (-2, 1) \) and on \( (3, \infty) \). Check: \( f(0) = \tfrac16 \gt 0 \) and \( f(4) = \tfrac12 \gt 0 \). \( (-2, 1) \cup (3, \infty) \)

  7. Write a rational function with a vertical asymptote at \( x = 1 \), horizontal asymptote \( y = 2 \) and an \( x \)-intercept at 0.
    Show the full solution

    Numerator \( x \) for the intercept, denominator \( x - 1 \) for the asymptote, and a factor of 2 for the horizontal asymptote. Check: \( f(0) = 0 \); \( f(100) = \dfrac{200}{99} \approx 2.02 \). \( f(x) = \dfrac{2x}{x - 1} \)

  8. For \( g(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x^2 - 4} \), find where \( g \) is negative.
    Show the full solution

    Boundaries \( -2, -1, 1, 2 \). \( g(-1.5) = \dfrac{1.25}{-1.75} \lt 0 \) and \( g(1.5) \lt 0 \); \( g(0) = \tfrac14 \gt 0 \); \( g(\pm 3) = \tfrac85 \gt 0 \). \( (-2, -1) \cup (1, 2) \)

  9. Write a rational function with vertical asymptote \( x = 2 \), horizontal asymptote \( y = 3 \) and \( x \)-intercept \( -1 \), and find its \( y \)-intercept.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(x) = \dfrac{3(x + 1)}{x - 2} \), as built in the example. \( f(0) = \dfrac{3}{-2} \). \( f(x) = \dfrac{3(x+1)}{x-2} \), \( y \)-intercept \( -\dfrac32 \)

  10. Analyze \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - x - 2}{x^2 - 4} \). Explain why \( x = 2 \) is not an asymptote.
    Show the full solution

    Factor: \( \dfrac{(x - 2)(x + 1)}{(x - 2)(x + 2)} \). The factor \( x - 2 \) cancels, so \( x = 2 \) is a hole at height \( \dfrac{3}{4} \). The remaining denominator \( x + 2 \) gives a vertical asymptote at \( x = -2 \). Horizontal asymptote \( y = 1 \). \( x \)-intercept \( -1 \). \( y \)-intercept \( \dfrac{-2}{-4} = \dfrac12 \). Near \( x = 2 \) the values approach \( \dfrac34 \) from both sides: \( f(2.01) = 0.7537 \) and \( f(1.99) = 0.7463 \). They do not blow up, so it is a hole. Hole at \( (2, \tfrac34) \); asymptote at \( x = -2 \); \( y = 1 \)

Lesson 2.7 · Unit 2 · A-REI

Finding where a function is positive, negative or at most something

An inequality asks for a set, not a number. The sign of a polynomial or rational function can only change at a zero of the numerator or the denominator, so those values cut the line into intervals and one test point per interval answers the question. The method is the sign table of the last two lessons put to work.

The method
  1. Move everything to one side so the other side is 0.
  2. Combine into a single fraction and factor the numerator and denominator completely.
  3. The critical values are every zero of the numerator and of the denominator.
  4. Place them on a number line, cutting it into intervals.
  5. Test one value in each interval and record the sign of the expression.
  6. Select the intervals that match the inequality: positive for \( \gt 0 \), negative for \( \lt 0 \).
  7. Endpoints: include a zero of the numerator when the inequality is \( \ge \) or \( \le \); never include a zero of the denominator.
  8. Never multiply or divide by an expression whose sign is unknown. It flips the inequality for some values of \( x \) and not others.

Where students lose marks: clearing the denominator as if it were positive. Solving \( \dfrac{3}{x - 2} \le 1 \) by multiplying through by \( x - 2 \) gives only \( x \ge 5 \) and loses all \( x \lt 2 \), where the denominator is negative and the inequality holds trivially.

Worked example

The problem. Solve (a) \( x^2 - x - 6 \gt 0 \); (b) \( \dfrac{x - 1}{x + 2} \ge 0 \); (c) \( \dfrac{x - 3}{x + 1} \le 2 \); (d) \( (x - 1)^2(x + 3) \ge 0 \).

Step one: factor (a). \( (x - 3)(x + 2) \gt 0 \). Critical values \( -2 \) and 3.

Step two: test the three intervals. \( x = -3 \): \( (-6)(-1) = 6 \gt 0 \). \( x = 0 \): \( (-3)(2) = -6 \lt 0 \). \( x = 4 \): \( (1)(6) = 6 \gt 0 \). Solution: \( x \lt -2 \) or \( x \gt 3 \). The endpoints are excluded because the inequality is strict.

Step three: (b), the critical values. The numerator is zero at 1; the denominator is zero at \( -2 \).

Step four: test and decide endpoints. \( x = -3 \): \( \dfrac{-4}{-1} = 4 \gt 0 \). \( x = 0 \): \( \dfrac{-1}{2} \lt 0 \). \( x = 2 \): \( \dfrac14 \gt 0 \). The inequality is \( \ge \), so \( x = 1 \) (where the value is 0) is included; \( x = -2 \) is excluded because the expression is undefined. Solution: \( (-\infty, -2) \cup [1, \infty) \).

Step five: rearrange (c) without multiplying. \( \dfrac{x - 3}{x + 1} - 2 \le 0 \), so \( \dfrac{x - 3 - 2(x + 1)}{x + 1} = \dfrac{-x - 5}{x + 1} \le 0 \). Multiply by \( -1 \) (a constant, which is allowed, flipping the direction): \( \dfrac{x + 5}{x + 1} \ge 0 \).

Step six: solve and check. Critical values \( -5 \) (included) and \( -1 \) (excluded). Testing: \( x = -6 \): \( \dfrac{-1}{-5} \gt 0 \). \( x = -3 \): \( \dfrac{2}{-2} \lt 0 \). \( x = 0 \): \( 5 \gt 0 \). Solution: \( (-\infty, -5] \cup (-1, \infty) \). Verify against the original: at \( x = -6 \), \( \dfrac{-9}{-5} = 1.8 \le 2 \) ✓; at \( x = -3 \), \( \dfrac{-6}{-2} = 3 \gt 2 \), correctly excluded; at \( x = -5 \), \( \dfrac{-8}{-4} = 2 \le 2 \) ✓; at \( x = 0 \), \( -3 \le 2 \) ✓.

Step seven: the repeated factor in (d). Critical values \( -3 \) and 1. Test: \( x = -4 \): \( (25)(-1) = -25 \lt 0 \). \( x = 0 \): \( (1)(3) = 3 \gt 0 \). \( x = 2 \): \( (1)(5) = 5 \gt 0 \).

Step eight: read the result carefully. The expression is positive on both sides of \( x = 1 \), because of the even power, and is zero at \( x = 1 \) and at \( x = -3 \). Since the inequality is \( \ge \), both zeros count: the solution is \( [-3, \infty) \). An answer of \( [-3, 1) \cup (1, \infty) \) would wrongly drop \( x = 1 \), where \( 0 \ge 0 \) is true.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Solve \( x^2 - 9 \lt 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (x - 3)(x + 3) \lt 0 \): negative between the roots. Test \( x = 0 \): \( -9 \lt 0 \). \( -3 \lt x \lt 3 \)

  2. Solve \( x^2 - 4x + 3 \ge 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (x - 1)(x - 3) \ge 0 \): nonnegative outside the roots, including them. \( x \le 1 \) or \( x \ge 3 \)

  3. Solve \( (x - 2)(x + 5) \gt 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Test \( x = 0 \): \( -10 \lt 0 \), so the middle is excluded. \( x \lt -5 \) or \( x \gt 2 \)

  4. Solve \( \dfrac{x + 1}{x - 3} \gt 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Critical values \( -1 \) and 3. \( x = 0 \): \( \dfrac{1}{-3} \lt 0 \). The outer intervals are positive. \( x \lt -1 \) or \( x \gt 3 \)

  5. Solve \( x^3 - x \ge 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x(x - 1)(x + 1) \ge 0 \). Test: \( x = 2 \): \( 6 \gt 0 \); \( x = 0.5 \): negative; \( x = -0.5 \): \( 0.375 \gt 0 \); \( x = -2 \): negative. \( [-1, 0] \cup [1, \infty) \)

  6. Solve \( \dfrac{x - 4}{x + 2} \le 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Critical values \( -2 \) (excluded) and 4 (included). Test \( x = 0 \): \( -2 \lt 0 \). \( -2 \lt x \le 4 \)

  7. Solve \( \dfrac{x}{x - 1} \ge 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{x}{x - 1} - 2 = \dfrac{x - 2x + 2}{x - 1} = \dfrac{2 - x}{x - 1} \ge 0 \), which is \( \dfrac{x - 2}{x - 1} \le 0 \). Critical values 1 (excluded) and 2 (included). Verify: \( x = 1.5 \): \( \dfrac{1.5}{0.5} = 3 \ge 2 \) ✓; \( x = 3 \): \( 1.5 \lt 2 \), excluded ✓; \( x = 2 \): \( 2 \ge 2 \) ✓. \( 1 \lt x \le 2 \)

  8. Solve \( (x - 1)^2(x + 3) \ge 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    The square is never negative and is zero at 1. The sign is therefore decided by \( x + 3 \), except at \( x = 1 \) where the whole expression is 0 and the inequality holds. \( x \ge -3 \)

  9. Solve \( 2x^2 + x - 6 \lt 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Factor: \( (2x - 3)(x + 2) \lt 0 \). Roots \( \dfrac32 \) and \( -2 \). The parabola opens up, so it is negative between the roots. Check \( x = 0 \): \( -6 \lt 0 \) ✓; \( x = 2 \): \( 8 + 2 - 6 = 4 \gt 0 \), excluded ✓. \( -2 \lt x \lt \dfrac32 \)

  10. A student solves \( \dfrac{3}{x - 2} \le 1 \) by multiplying by \( x - 2 \) to get \( 3 \le x - 2 \), so \( x \ge 5 \). Find the error and the correct solution.
    Show the full solution

    Multiplying by \( x - 2 \) is only valid when it is positive. When \( x \lt 2 \) it is negative and the inequality must reverse. Correct method: \( \dfrac{3}{x - 2} - 1 = \dfrac{5 - x}{x - 2} \le 0 \), which is \( \dfrac{x - 5}{x - 2} \ge 0 \). Critical values 2 (excluded) and 5 (included). Test: \( x = 0 \): \( \dfrac{-5}{-2} \gt 0 \); \( x = 3 \): \( \dfrac{-2}{1} \lt 0 \); \( x = 6 \): positive. Verify \( x = 0 \) in the original: \( \dfrac{3}{-2} = -1.5 \le 1 \) ✓. The student's answer missed all of \( x \lt 2 \). \( x \lt 2 \) or \( x \ge 5 \)

Unit 2 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 2 review: Polynomial and Rational Functions

Shuffled across all seven lessons. Check the edges first: the ends of a polynomial, the asymptotes of a rational function.

  1. Describe the end behavior of \( y = -2x^4 + x \).
    Show the full solution

    Even degree, negative leading coefficient. Down at both ends

  2. Find the zeros of \( f(x) = x^3 - 4x^2 + 4x \) with their multiplicities.
    Show the full solution

    \( x(x - 2)^2 \). 0 (multiplicity 1) and 2 (multiplicity 2)

  3. Find the remainder when \( x^2 + 3x + 1 \) is divided by \( x - 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    By the remainder theorem, \( P(2) = 4 + 6 + 1 \). 11

  4. Factor \( x^3 - 7x + 6 \), given that \( x = 1 \) is a zero.
    Show the full solution

    Synthetic division gives \( x^2 + x - 6 = (x + 3)(x - 2) \). \( (x - 1)(x - 2)(x + 3) \)

  5. Find all zeros of \( x^4 - 16 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (x^2 - 4)(x^2 + 4) \). \( 2, -2, 2i, -2i \)

  6. Find all asymptotes of \( f(x) = \dfrac{4x^2}{x^2 - 9} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator is zero at \( \pm 3 \); the degrees are equal with ratio \( 4 \). \( x = 3 \), \( x = -3 \), \( y = 4 \)

  7. Find the slant asymptote of \( \dfrac{x^2 + 3x + 5}{x + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    Dividing gives \( x + 2 \) remainder 3. \( y = x + 2 \)

  8. Find the hole in \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - x - 6}{x - 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(x - 3)(x + 2)}{x - 3} \) has value \( 3 + 2 = 5 \) at \( x = 3 \). \( (3, 5) \)

  9. Solve \( \dfrac{x - 4}{x + 2} \le 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Critical values \( -2 \) (excluded) and 4 (included); \( x = 0 \) gives \( -2 \lt 0 \). \( -2 \lt x \le 4 \)

  10. Solve \( \dfrac{3}{x - 2} \le 1 \), and explain why multiplying by \( x - 2 \) is unsafe.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{5 - x}{x - 2} \le 0 \), so \( \dfrac{x - 5}{x - 2} \ge 0 \): \( x \lt 2 \) or \( x \ge 5 \). Multiplying by \( x - 2 \) reverses the inequality when it is negative, which would lose all of \( x \lt 2 \). \( x \lt 2 \) or \( x \ge 5 \)

Lesson 3.1 · Unit 3 · F-LE.2, F-IF.7e

Quantities that change by a fixed factor in equal steps

A polynomial has the variable in the base. An exponential function has it in the exponent, and that changes everything: it grows faster than any polynomial, it never reaches zero, and it describes money, populations and radioactive decay. The number \( e \), which arises when compounding is made continuous, is the natural base for all of it.

The method
  1. An exponential function has the form \( f(x) = a \cdot b^x \) with \( a \ne 0 \), \( b \gt 0 \) and \( b \ne 1 \).
  2. \( a \) is the starting value, the output at \( x = 0 \), which is the \( y \)-intercept.
  3. \( b \) is the growth factor per unit of \( x \): growth if \( b \gt 1 \), decay if \( 0 \lt b \lt 1 \).
  4. The domain is all real numbers; the range is \( y \gt 0 \) (if \( a \gt 0 \)). The \( x \)-axis is a horizontal asymptote.
  5. Equal steps in \( x \) multiply \( y \) by the same factor. That is the test for an exponential table: constant ratios, not constant differences.
  6. Transformations follow lesson 1.3: \( y = 2^{x - h} + k \) has asymptote \( y = k \).
  7. Compound interest: \( A = P\left(1 + \dfrac{r}{n}\right)^{nt} \), for \( n \) compounding periods a year.
  8. Continuous compounding: \( A = Pe^{rt} \), where \( e = \lim_{n \to \infty}\left(1 + \dfrac1n\right)^n \approx 2.71828 \).

Where students lose marks: putting the annual rate in as a percentage. A rate of 6 percent is \( r = 0.06 \), and with monthly compounding the factor is \( 1 + \dfrac{0.06}{12} = 1.005 \). Using \( 6 \) gives an answer that is off by an enormous amount.

Worked example

The problem. (a) For \( f(x) = 3 \cdot 2^x \), find \( f(0) \) and \( f(4) \). (b) For \( g(x) = 200(0.85)^x \), decide growth or decay and find \( g(3) \). (c) Find the value after 10 years of \$5,000 at 6 percent compounded monthly, and compounded continuously. (d) Show numerically where \( e \) comes from.

Step one: evaluate (a). \( f(0) = 3 \cdot 2^0 = 3 \) and \( f(4) = 3 \cdot 16 = 48 \). Each step of 1 in \( x \) doubles the output: 3, 6, 12, 24, 48.

Step two: classify (b). The base 0.85 is between 0 and 1, so this is decay, losing 15 percent each step. Starting value 200.

Step three: evaluate. \( g(3) = 200(0.85)^3 = 200(0.614125) = 122.825 \). Sanity check: three losses of 15 percent from 200 should leave a bit over half, and 122.8 is 61 percent of 200. Correct.

Step four: compound monthly for (c). \( r = 0.06 \), \( n = 12 \), \( t = 10 \): the factor per month is \( 1.005 \) and there are 120 months. \( A = 5000(1.005)^{120} = 5000(1.81940) = 9097.00 \).

Step five: compound continuously. \( A = 5000e^{0.06 \times 10} = 5000e^{0.6} = 5000(1.82212) = 9110.59 \). Continuous compounding gives \$13.59 more than monthly, which is the most that ever more frequent compounding can add at this rate.

Step six: tabulate \( \left(1 + \tfrac1n\right)^n \) for (d). \( n = 1 \): 2. \( n = 10 \): 2.5937. \( n = 100 \): 2.7048. \( n = 1000 \): 2.7169. The values climb, but by less each time.

Step seven: interpret. Compounding more often adds more, but the gain shrinks and the values approach a limit, 2.71828..., which is \( e \). Splitting one year's growth at 100 percent into ever finer steps does not produce unlimited money.

Step eight: connect \( e \) to growth. The base \( e \) is natural because the function \( e^x \) is the one whose rate of growth at every point equals its own value, a fact Unit 11 will make precise. Every exponential \( b^x \) can be written as \( e^{kx} \) with \( k = \ln b \), so \( e \) is enough for all of them, which is why calculators have a button for it and most science uses it.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. If \( f(x) = 2^x \), find \( f(5) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2^5 = 32 \). 32

  2. Evaluate \( 3^{-2} \).
    Show the full solution

    A negative exponent means a reciprocal: \( \dfrac{1}{3^2} \). \( \dfrac19 \)

  3. Is \( y = 5(0.9)^x \) growth or decay?
    Show the full solution

    The base is 0.9, which is less than 1. Decay

  4. Find the \( y \)-intercept of \( y = 7 \cdot 3^x \).
    Show the full solution

    At \( x = 0 \), \( 3^0 = 1 \). \( (0, 7) \)

  5. Find the horizontal asymptote of \( y = 2^x + 4 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2^x \) approaches 0 as \( x \to -\infty \), so the function approaches 4. \( y = 4 \)

  6. A population of 500 grows 4 percent a year. Write the model and find the population after 10 years.
    Show the full solution

    \( P(t) = 500(1.04)^t \). \( P(10) = 500(1.48024) = 740.12 \). About 740

  7. Find the value of \$2,000 after 8 years at 5 percent compounded quarterly.
    Show the full solution

    \( A = 2000\left(1 + \dfrac{0.05}{4}\right)^{32} = 2000(1.0125)^{32} \). \( (1.0125)^{32} = 1.48886 \), so \( A = 2977.72 \). Compare simple growth: \( 2000(1 + 0.05 \cdot 8) = 2800 \). Compounding earns more. \$2,977.72

  8. Find the value of \$1,000 after 10 years at 5 percent compounded continuously.
    Show the full solution

    \( A = 1000e^{0.5} = 1000(1.64872) \). \$1,648.72

  9. Give the domain, range, asymptote and one point of \( y = 2^{x - 1} + 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Shifted right 1 and up 3 from \( 2^x \). Domain all reals. The range is \( y \gt 3 \). The asymptote is \( y = 3 \). The point \( (0, 1) \) on \( 2^x \) moves to \( (1, 4) \); check: \( 2^0 + 3 = 4 \). Domain \( \mathbb{R} \), range \( (3, \infty) \), asymptote \( y = 3 \), point \( (1, 4) \)

  10. A table gives \( y = 3, 6, 12, 24 \) at \( x = 0, 1, 2, 3 \); another gives \( 3, 6, 11, 18 \). Decide which is exponential and explain.
    Show the full solution

    First table: ratios \( 6/3, 12/6, 24/12 \) are all 2, constant, so it is exponential: \( y = 3 \cdot 2^x \). Second: ratios \( 2, 1.83, 1.64 \) change, so it is not. Differences are 3, 5, 7, which grow by a constant 2, making it quadratic. The first; constant ratios mean exponential, constant differences mean linear

Lesson 3.2 · Unit 3 · F-LE.4

The exponent that produces a given number

An exponential function is one-to-one, so it has an inverse, and that inverse is the logarithm. A logarithm answers the question "what power of the base gives this number?" Every rule about logarithms is a rule about exponents in disguise, and converting between the two forms is the basic move of the whole unit.

The method
  1. \( \log_b x = y \) means \( b^y = x \), with \( b \gt 0 \), \( b \ne 1 \) and \( x \gt 0 \).
  2. The logarithm is an exponent. Read \( \log_2 32 \) as "the power of 2 that gives 32", which is 5.
  3. \( \log_b 1 = 0 \) and \( \log_b b = 1 \) for every base.
  4. Common logarithm: \( \log x \) means base 10. Natural logarithm: \( \ln x \) means base \( e \).
  5. Inverse pair: \( b^{\log_b x} = x \) and \( \log_b b^x = x \).
  6. The domain of \( \log_b x \) is \( x \gt 0 \); the range is all real numbers.
  7. The graph of \( y = \log_b x \) passes through \( (1, 0) \) and \( (b, 1) \), and has the \( y \)-axis as a vertical asymptote.
  8. The graph is the reflection of \( y = b^x \) in the line \( y = x \).

Where students lose marks: trying to take the logarithm of a zero or negative number. Since \( b^y \) is always positive, no power of a positive base gives 0 or \( -4 \), so \( \log_b 0 \) and \( \log_b(-4) \) do not exist.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Convert \( 2^5 = 32 \) to logarithmic form, and \( \log_3\frac19 = -2 \) to exponential form. (b) Evaluate \( \log_5 125 \), \( \log_4 2 \), \( \log 0.001 \) and \( \ln e^4 \). (c) Solve \( \log_x 81 = 4 \). (d) Find the domain of \( y = \log(x - 2) \) and three points of \( y = \log_2 x \).

Step one: convert for (a). The base stays the base, the exponent becomes the value of the logarithm: \( 2^5 = 32 \) is \( \log_2 32 = 5 \). In the other direction, \( \log_3\frac19 = -2 \) is \( 3^{-2} = \frac19 \). Check: \( 3^{-2} = \frac{1}{9} \). Correct.

Step two: ask the exponent question for (b). \( \log_5 125 \): \( 5^3 = 125 \), so 3. \( \log_4 2 \): \( 4^{1/2} = 2 \), so \( \frac12 \). \( \log 0.001 \): \( 10^{-3} = 0.001 \), so \( -3 \). \( \ln e^4 \): the logarithm undoes the exponential, so 4.

Step three: solve (c). Convert: \( x^4 = 81 \). Take the fourth root: \( x = 3 \) (the base must be positive, so \( -3 \) is not allowed). Check: \( 3^4 = 81 \). Correct.

Step four: domain for (d). The argument must be positive: \( x - 2 \gt 0 \), so \( x \gt 2 \). The graph is the graph of \( \log x \) shifted right 2, with the vertical asymptote at \( x = 2 \).

Step five: three points of \( y = \log_2 x \). Use \( x = \frac12, 1, 2, 4 \): \( \log_2\frac12 = -1 \), \( \log_2 1 = 0 \), \( \log_2 2 = 1 \), \( \log_2 4 = 2 \). Points \( \left(\frac12, -1\right) \), \( (1, 0) \), \( (2, 1) \), \( (4, 2) \).

Step six: read the shape. Doubling \( x \) adds 1 to the output. The graph rises without bound but more and more slowly, the mirror image of an exponential that rises ever faster. At \( x = 1000 \) the value is only about 10.

Step seven: confirm the reflection. The points of \( y = 2^x \) are \( (-1, \frac12) \), \( (0, 1) \), \( (1, 2) \), \( (2, 4) \). Swapping coordinates gives exactly the four points of step five. A graph of a function and its inverse are mirror images in \( y = x \).

Step eight: use the inverse pair. \( 5^{\log_5 12} = 12 \), because the exponent is the power that gives 12. And \( \log_3 3^{x + 1} = x + 1 \), valid for every real \( x \). These two identities are how logarithms are used to solve equations in lesson 3.4.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Evaluate \( \log_2 8 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2^3 = 8 \). 3

  2. Evaluate \( \log 1000 \).
    Show the full solution

    Base 10: \( 10^3 = 1000 \). 3

  3. Evaluate \( \ln e \).
    Show the full solution

    \( e^1 = e \). 1

  4. Write \( 10^3 = 1000 \) in logarithmic form.
    Show the full solution

    The base is 10, the exponent is 3. \( \log_{10} 1000 = 3 \)

  5. Evaluate \( \log_7 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 7^0 = 1 \). 0

  6. Evaluate \( \log_9 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 9^{1/2} = 3 \). \( \dfrac12 \)

  7. Solve \( \log_x 64 = 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x^3 = 64 \), so \( x = 4 \). Check: \( 4^3 = 64 \). \( x = 4 \)

  8. Find the domain of \( y = \ln(5 - x) \).
    Show the full solution

    Require \( 5 - x \gt 0 \), so \( x \lt 5 \). Check \( x = 4 \): \( \ln 1 = 0 \) is defined; \( x = 6 \): \( \ln(-1) \) is not. \( (-\infty, 5) \)

  9. Evaluate \( 5^{\log_5 12} \) and \( \log_3 3^{x + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    Each pair is an exponential and a logarithm of the same base, which undo each other. 12 and \( x + 1 \)

  10. Explain why \( \log_b(-4) \) is undefined, and why the base cannot be 1.
    Show the full solution

    \( \log_b(-4) = y \) would mean \( b^y = -4 \). A positive base raised to any real power is positive, so nothing satisfies it. For base 1, \( 1^y = 1 \) for every \( y \), so \( \log_1 x \) would be undefined for \( x \ne 1 \) and every number for \( x = 1 \): not a function. The restrictions \( b \gt 0 \) and \( b \ne 1 \) are exactly what makes \( b^x \) one-to-one and gives it an inverse. A positive base never gives a negative power value; base 1 is constant

Lesson 3.3 · Unit 3 · F-LE.4

Turning multiplication into addition, and why it works

The properties of logarithms are the exponent rules read backward. Multiplying numbers adds their exponents, so the logarithm of a product is a sum. These properties let an equation with the unknown in an exponent be solved, and they are the reason logarithms were invented: before calculators, they turned long multiplications into additions.

The method
  1. Product rule: \( \log_b(mn) = \log_b m + \log_b n \).
  2. Quotient rule: \( \log_b\dfrac{m}{n} = \log_b m - \log_b n \).
  3. Power rule: \( \log_b m^p = p\log_b m \).
  4. Change of base: \( \log_b x = \dfrac{\ln x}{\ln b} = \dfrac{\log x}{\log b} \).
  5. To expand, apply the rules from the outside in; to condense, reverse them, collecting into a single logarithm.
  6. The rules apply to a product, a quotient and a power, and to nothing else.
  7. There is no rule for \( \log_b(m + n) \) or \( \log_b(m - n) \).
  8. Each rule holds only where the logarithms are defined, so condensing can extend the domain and introduce false solutions.

Where students lose marks: the linearity error. It is tempting to write \( \log(a + b) = \log a + \log b \). Test with \( a = b = 10 \): \( \log 20 = 1.301 \), but \( \log 10 + \log 10 = 2 \). Logarithms convert products to sums, not sums to anything.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Expand \( \log_2\dfrac{8x^3}{y} \). (b) Condense \( 2\log 5 + \log 4 - \log 10 \). (c) Evaluate \( \log_5 40 \) with a calculator. (d) Prove the product rule.

Step one: expand (a). Quotient first: \( \log_2(8x^3) - \log_2 y \). Product next: \( \log_2 8 + \log_2 x^3 - \log_2 y \). Power last, and evaluate \( \log_2 8 = 3 \): \( 3 + 3\log_2 x - \log_2 y \).

Step two: check the expansion numerically. Let \( x = 2 \), \( y = 4 \). Left: \( \log_2\dfrac{64}{4} = \log_2 16 = 4 \). Right: \( 3 + 3(1) - 2 = 4 \). Correct.

Step three: condense (b). Bring the coefficient inside as a power: \( \log 5^2 + \log 4 - \log 10 \). Combine: \( \log\dfrac{25 \cdot 4}{10} = \log 10 \). That equals 1. Check: \( 2(0.69897) + 0.60206 - 1 = 1.0000 \). Correct.

Step four: change of base for (c). A calculator has only base 10 and base \( e \). \( \log_5 40 = \dfrac{\ln 40}{\ln 5} = \dfrac{3.68888}{1.60944} = 2.2920 \).

Step five: check it. If the answer is right, \( 5^{2.2920} \) should be 40. \( 5^2 = 25 \) and \( 5^{0.2920} = 1.600 \), and \( 25 \times 1.600 = 40 \). Correct. It lies between \( \log_5 25 = 2 \) and \( \log_5 125 = 3 \), as it must.

Step six: prove the product rule for (d). Let \( p = \log_b m \) and \( q = \log_b n \). By definition \( m = b^p \) and \( n = b^q \).

Step seven: multiply. \( mn = b^p \cdot b^q = b^{p + q} \). Take \( \log_b \) of both sides: \( \log_b(mn) = p + q = \log_b m + \log_b n \).

Step eight: state what the proof shows. The product rule is the exponent rule \( b^p b^q = b^{p+q} \) read in the other direction, so it cannot fail. The quotient and power rules follow the same way from \( b^p / b^q = b^{p-q} \) and \( (b^p)^r = b^{pr} \). There is no matching exponent rule that turns \( m + n \) into something, which is why there is no logarithm rule for a sum.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Evaluate \( \log_2(4 \cdot 8) \) using the product rule.
    Show the full solution

    \( \log_2 4 + \log_2 8 = 2 + 3 \). Check: \( \log_2 32 = 5 \). 5

  2. Evaluate \( \log_3 27 - \log_3 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3 - 1 = 2 \), and \( \log_3 9 = 2 \). 2

  3. Evaluate \( \log_5 25^3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Power rule: \( 3\log_5 25 = 3 \times 2 \). 6

  4. Expand \( \log(xy) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \log x + \log y \)

  5. Condense \( \log 2 + \log 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \log(2 \cdot 5) = \log 10 \). 1

  6. Expand \( \log_3\dfrac{x^2\sqrt{y}}{z^4} \).
    Show the full solution

    Write \( \sqrt{y} = y^{1/2} \): \( \log_3 x^2 + \log_3 y^{1/2} - \log_3 z^4 \). Check with \( x = 3, y = 9, z = 1 \): left \( \log_3\frac{9 \cdot 3}{1} = \log_3 27 = 3 \); right \( 2 + \frac12(2) - 0 = 3 \). \( 2\log_3 x + \frac12\log_3 y - 4\log_3 z \)

  7. Condense \( 3\ln x - \ln y + 2\ln 2 \) into a single logarithm.
    Show the full solution

    Powers: \( \ln x^3 - \ln y + \ln 4 \). Combine: \( \ln\dfrac{4x^3}{y} \). Check with \( x = 1, y = 2 \): left \( 0 - 0.6931 + 1.3863 = 0.6931 \); right \( \ln 2 = 0.6931 \). \( \ln\dfrac{4x^3}{y} \)

  8. Evaluate \( \log_7 50 \) using change of base.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\ln 50}{\ln 7} = \dfrac{3.91202}{1.94591} = 2.0103 \). Check: between \( \log_7 49 = 2 \) and \( \log_7 343 = 3 \), just above 2. 2.0103

  9. Given \( \log_b 2 = 0.3 \) and \( \log_b 3 = 0.48 \), find \( \log_b 12 \) and \( \log_b 1.5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 12 = 2^2 \cdot 3 \), so \( 2(0.3) + 0.48 = 1.08 \). \( 1.5 = \dfrac32 \), so \( 0.48 - 0.3 = 0.18 \). 1.08 and 0.18

  10. Show with numbers that \( \log(a + b) \ne \log a + \log b \), and state the correct statement.
    Show the full solution

    Take \( a = b = 10 \): \( \log 20 = 1.301 \) but \( \log 10 + \log 10 = 2 \). The correct statement is for a product: \( \log(ab) = \log a + \log b \), and for \( a = b = 10 \), \( \log 100 = 2 \). Adding logarithms corresponds to multiplying the arguments, never to adding them. \( \log 20 \ne 2 \); the rule is \( \log(ab) = \log a + \log b \)

Lesson 3.4 · Unit 3 · A-REI

Isolate, then undo with the inverse, then check the domain

An exponential equation has the unknown in an exponent, and a logarithm brings it down. A logarithmic equation has the unknown inside a logarithm, and exponentiating releases it. The second kind can produce answers that do not belong, so the check is part of the solution and not an afterthought.

The method
  1. If both sides can be written with the same base, equate the exponents: \( b^m = b^n \) implies \( m = n \).
  2. Otherwise isolate the exponential on one side, then take a logarithm of both sides.
  3. Use the power rule to bring the exponent down: \( b^x = c \) gives \( x = \dfrac{\ln c}{\ln b} \).
  4. For \( e^{kx} = c \), take the natural logarithm: \( x = \dfrac{\ln c}{k} \).
  5. For a logarithmic equation, combine into one logarithm, then rewrite in exponential form.
  6. If two logarithms of the same base are equal, their arguments are equal.
  7. An equation that looks quadratic in \( e^x \) is solved by substituting \( u = e^x \).
  8. Check every logarithmic solution in the original equation; every argument must be positive.

Where students lose marks: dropping the check. Combining \( \log_2(x + 3) + \log_2(x - 3) \) into one logarithm removes the requirement that each piece be defined, so a root that makes one argument negative can appear. That is losing the domain.

Worked example

The problem. Solve (a) \( 3^{2x - 1} = 27 \); (b) \( 5^x = 40 \); (c) \( 2e^{3x} = 14 \); (d) \( \log_2(x + 3) + \log_2(x - 3) = 4 \); (e) \( e^{2x} - 5e^x + 6 = 0 \).

Step one: common base for (a). \( 27 = 3^3 \), so \( 3^{2x - 1} = 3^3 \) and \( 2x - 1 = 3 \), giving \( x = 2 \). Check: \( 3^{3} = 27 \).

Step two: logarithms for (b). No common base. Take the natural log: \( x\ln 5 = \ln 40 \), so \( x = \dfrac{3.68888}{1.60944} = 2.2920 \). Check: \( 5^{2.292} \approx 40 \), as found in lesson 3.3.

Step three: isolate first in (c). Divide by 2: \( e^{3x} = 7 \). Then \( 3x = \ln 7 \), so \( x = \dfrac{1.94591}{3} = 0.6486 \). Check: \( 2e^{3(0.6486)} = 2e^{1.9459} = 2(7) = 14 \). Correct.

Step four: combine the logarithms in (d). \( \log_2\big[(x + 3)(x - 3)\big] = 4 \).

Step five: rewrite as an exponential. \( x^2 - 9 = 2^4 = 16 \), so \( x^2 = 25 \) and \( x = 5 \) or \( x = -5 \).

Step six: check the domain. For \( x = 5 \): \( \log_2 8 + \log_2 2 = 3 + 1 = 4 \). Correct. For \( x = -5 \): \( x + 3 = -2 \) and \( x - 3 = -8 \), both negative, so the original logarithms do not exist. The root \( -5 \) is extraneous, created by combining the logarithms. Only \( x = 5 \).

Step seven: substitute for (e). Let \( u = e^x \). Then \( u^2 - 5u + 6 = 0 \), so \( (u - 2)(u - 3) = 0 \), giving \( u = 2 \) or \( u = 3 \).

Step eight: return to \( x \). \( e^x = 2 \) gives \( x = \ln 2 = 0.6931 \) and \( e^x = 3 \) gives \( x = \ln 3 = 1.0986 \). Both \( u \) values are positive, so both are admissible. A value \( u \le 0 \) would have to be discarded, since \( e^x \) is always positive. Check \( x = \ln 2 \): \( e^{2\ln 2} = 4 \), \( 5e^{\ln 2} = 10 \), and \( 4 - 10 + 6 = 0 \). Correct.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Solve \( 2^x = 16 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 16 = 2^4 \). \( x = 4 \)

  2. Solve \( 3^{x + 1} = 81 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 81 = 3^4 \), so \( x + 1 = 4 \). Check: \( 3^4 = 81 \). \( x = 3 \)

  3. Solve \( \log_3 x = 4 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = 3^4 \). \( x = 81 \)

  4. Solve \( \ln x = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = e^0 \). \( x = 1 \)

  5. Solve \( 10^x = 500 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = \log 500 = 2.6990 \). Check: \( 10^{2.699} \approx 500 \). 2.699

  6. Solve \( 4^x = 7 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = \dfrac{\ln 7}{\ln 4} = \dfrac{1.94591}{1.38629} = 1.4037 \). Between \( 4^1 = 4 \) and \( 4^2 = 16 \), as it must be. 1.4037

  7. Solve \( 2e^{0.5x} = 10 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( e^{0.5x} = 5 \), so \( 0.5x = \ln 5 \) and \( x = 2\ln 5 = 3.2189 \). Check: \( 2e^{1.6094} = 2(5) = 10 \). 3.2189

  8. Solve \( 5^{2x} = 3^{x + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    Take logarithms: \( 2x\ln 5 = (x + 1)\ln 3 \). Collect: \( x(2\ln 5 - \ln 3) = \ln 3 \). \( x = \dfrac{1.09861}{3.21888 - 1.09861} = \dfrac{1.09861}{2.12027} = 0.5181 \). Check: \( 5^{1.0363} = 5.30 \) and \( 3^{1.5181} = 5.30 \). 0.5181

  9. Solve \( \log_2(x - 1) + \log_2(x - 3) = 3 \), checking for extraneous roots.
    Show the full solution

    \( (x - 1)(x - 3) = 8 \), so \( x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0 \) and \( (x - 5)(x + 1) = 0 \). Check \( x = 5 \): \( \log_2 4 + \log_2 2 = 2 + 1 = 3 \). Correct. Check \( x = -1 \): \( x - 1 = -2 \), so the logarithm does not exist. Reject. \( x = 5 \) only

  10. Solve \( \ln(x - 2) = \ln(3x - 8) \), and explain why equating the arguments is allowed.
    Show the full solution

    The logarithm is one-to-one, so equal logarithms have equal arguments: \( x - 2 = 3x - 8 \), giving \( x = 3 \). Check: \( \ln 1 = 0 \) on both sides, and both arguments equal 1, positive. Equating arguments is valid only because \( \ln \) never gives the same output for two different inputs. Without the check, a root making both arguments negative could slip in. \( x = 3 \)

Lesson 3.5 · Unit 3 · F-LE.5, A-SSE.3

Fitting an exponential to a situation and asking when

Exponential functions describe anything that changes by a fixed percentage per unit of time: populations, investments, the decay of a drug in the bloodstream. The logarithm is what lets you ask the useful question, which is not how much there will be but how long until there is a given amount.

The method
  1. A fixed percentage change gives \( y = a(1 + r)^t \) for growth of \( r \) per period, or \( a(1 - r)^t \) for decay.
  2. Continuous growth is \( y = ae^{kt} \), with \( k \gt 0 \) for growth and \( k \lt 0 \) for decay.
  3. A half-life \( T \) gives \( y = a\left(\tfrac12\right)^{t/T} \); a doubling time \( T \) gives \( y = a \cdot 2^{t/T} \).
  4. To convert, \( e^k = b \), so \( k = \ln b \).
  5. Doubling time from a continuous rate: \( t = \dfrac{\ln 2}{k} \).
  6. To find the time to reach a target, set up the equation and take logarithms.
  7. Newton's law of cooling: \( T = T_{\text{room}} + (T_0 - T_{\text{room}})e^{-kt} \). The difference from the surroundings decays exponentially.
  8. State the units of time and round only at the end.

Where students lose marks: forgetting that a rate of decay of 12 percent gives a factor of 0.88, not \( -0.12 \) and not 0.12. The factor is \( 1 - 0.12 \). Write the factor down before doing anything else.

Worked example

The problem. (a) A culture of 500 bacteria doubles every 3 hours. Write the model, find the count after 10 hours and the time to reach 10,000. (b) Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5730 years. Find how old a sample is with 30 percent remaining. (c) How long does money take to double at 7 percent compounded annually, and continuously? (d) Compare with the rule of 72.

Step one: model (a). \( N(t) = 500 \cdot 2^{t/3} \), with \( t \) in hours. Check: at \( t = 3 \) the value is \( 500 \cdot 2 = 1000 \).

Step two: evaluate and solve. \( N(10) = 500 \cdot 2^{3.333} = 500(10.079) = 5040 \). For 10,000: \( 2^{t/3} = 20 \), so \( \dfrac{t}{3} = \log_2 20 = \dfrac{\ln 20}{\ln 2} = 4.3219 \), and \( t = 12.97 \) hours. Check: \( 500 \cdot 2^{4.3219} = 500(20) = 10000 \). Correct.

Step three: set up (b). \( N = N_0\left(\tfrac12\right)^{t/5730} \). With 30 percent remaining, \( 0.30 = 0.5^{t/5730} \).

Step four: solve. Take logarithms: \( \dfrac{t}{5730} = \dfrac{\ln 0.30}{\ln 0.5} = \dfrac{-1.20397}{-0.69315} = 1.7370 \). \( t = 1.7370 \times 5730 = 9953 \) years. Sanity check: 30 percent is between 50 percent (one half-life) and 25 percent (two), so the age lies between 5730 and 11460. Correct.

Step five: doubling at 7 percent for (c). Annual compounding: \( 1.07^t = 2 \), so \( t = \dfrac{\ln 2}{\ln 1.07} = \dfrac{0.69315}{0.06766} = 10.245 \) years. Continuous: \( e^{0.07t} = 2 \), so \( t = \dfrac{\ln 2}{0.07} = 9.902 \) years.

Step six: note what is independent. The starting amount does not appear. A sum of \$100 and a sum of \$1,000,000 double in the same time at the same rate. Doubling time depends only on the rate.

Step seven: the rule of 72 for (d). \( \dfrac{72}{7} = 10.29 \) years, within 0.05 years of the exact 10.245.

Step eight: explain why it works. For small rates \( \ln(1 + r) \approx r \), so the doubling time is about \( \dfrac{0.693}{r} \), or \( \dfrac{69.3}{100r} \) with the rate as a percentage. The number 72 is used instead of 69.3 because it is divisible by more small numbers and corrects slightly for the approximation at typical rates of 6 to 10 percent. At a rate of 50 percent the rule breaks down: 72/50 is 1.44 years, but exactly \( \ln 2 / \ln 1.5 = 1.71 \) years.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. A population of 1000 grows 5 percent a year. Find it after 6 years.
    Show the full solution

    \( 1000(1.05)^6 = 1000(1.34010) \). About 1340

  2. An 80 g sample has a half-life of 10 days. How much remains after 30 days?
    Show the full solution

    30 days is 3 half-lives: \( 80 \times \frac18 \). 10 g

  3. Find the doubling time at 3.5 percent compounded annually.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\ln 2}{\ln 1.035} = \dfrac{0.69315}{0.03440} \). About 20.15 years

  4. Find the value of \$1,000 after 15 years at 4 percent compounded continuously.
    Show the full solution

    \( 1000e^{0.04 \times 15} = 1000e^{0.6} \). \$1,822.12

  5. Find \( k \) so that \( e^{kt} \) doubles every 5 years.
    Show the full solution

    \( e^{5k} = 2 \), so \( k = \dfrac{\ln 2}{5} \). \( k \approx 0.1386 \)

  6. A drug leaves the body at 12 percent per hour. After how long is half left?
    Show the full solution

    The factor is \( 0.88 \). \( 0.88^t = 0.5 \), so \( t = \dfrac{\ln 0.5}{\ln 0.88} = \dfrac{-0.69315}{-0.12783} = 5.42 \). About 5.4 hours

  7. A \$3,000 investment grows to \$4,500 in 6 years under continuous compounding. Find the rate.
    Show the full solution

    \( 3000e^{6r} = 4500 \), so \( e^{6r} = 1.5 \) and \( r = \dfrac{\ln 1.5}{6} = \dfrac{0.40547}{6} = 0.06758 \). Check: \( 3000e^{0.40547} = 4500 \). About 6.76 percent

  8. Coffee at \( 200^\circ\text{F} \) cools in a \( 70^\circ\text{F} \) room following \( T = 70 + 130e^{-0.05t} \), with \( t \) in minutes. Find the temperature after 20 minutes and the time to reach \( 100^\circ\text{F} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( T(20) = 70 + 130e^{-1} = 70 + 47.83 = 117.83 \). For 100: \( 130e^{-0.05t} = 30 \), so \( e^{-0.05t} = 0.23077 \) and \( t = \dfrac{-\ln 0.23077}{0.05} = \dfrac{1.46634}{0.05} = 29.3 \). About \( 118^\circ\text{F} \), and 29.3 minutes

  9. Compare \$1,000 at 6 percent simple interest with 6 percent compounded annually over 30 years.
    Show the full solution

    Simple: \( 1000(1 + 0.06 \times 30) = 2800 \). Compound: \( 1000(1.06)^{30} = 1000(5.7435) = 5743.49 \). The gap of nearly \$3,000 is interest earning interest. Simple interest is linear growth, adding a constant amount; compound interest is exponential, adding a constant percentage. \$2,800 against \$5,743

  10. Show that more frequent compounding has a limit, by computing \$1 at 100 percent for one year compounded annually, monthly, daily and continuously.
    Show the full solution

    Annual: \( (1 + 1)^1 = 2 \). Monthly: \( \left(1 + \tfrac1{12}\right)^{12} = 2.6130 \). Daily: \( \left(1 + \tfrac1{365}\right)^{365} = 2.7146 \). Continuous: \( e^1 = 2.7183 \). The gains shrink: annual to monthly adds 0.613, monthly to daily adds 0.102, daily to continuous adds only 0.004. Dividing the year into finer pieces cannot raise the total above \( e \). 2, 2.613, 2.715, 2.718: the limit is \( e \)

Lesson 3.6 · Unit 3 · F-LE, S-ID.6

Growth that cannot continue forever, and how to tell which model fits

Exponential growth is a good model for a while and a bad one for long. No population doubles forever, because food, space or customers run out. The logistic function grows almost exponentially at first, then slows and levels off at a ceiling. Choosing among linear, quadratic, exponential and logistic models is a matter of reading what the data do at their edges.

The method
  1. A logistic model is \( P(t) = \dfrac{L}{1 + Ae^{-kt}} \) with \( L \), \( A \) and \( k \) positive.
  2. \( L \) is the carrying capacity: the horizontal asymptote as \( t \to \infty \).
  3. The starting value is \( P(0) = \dfrac{L}{1 + A} \).
  4. The graph is S-shaped: slow at first, fastest when \( P = \dfrac{L}{2} \), then slowing toward \( L \).
  5. The time to reach half the capacity is \( t = \dfrac{\ln A}{k} \).
  6. Linear data have constant first differences; quadratic have constant second differences; exponential have constant ratios.
  7. A model that levels off needs a logistic or similar form; one that grows without limit does not.
  8. Use a model only inside the range of the data, or with a stated argument about what happens beyond it.

Where students lose marks: extrapolating an exponential model far beyond its data. A fit that matches ten years of growth may predict more people than exist on Earth in fifty. The model's edge behavior is part of whether it is believable.

Worked example

The problem. A population follows \( P(t) = \dfrac{1000}{1 + 9e^{-0.5t}} \), with \( t \) in years. (a) Find the starting population and the carrying capacity. (b) Find \( P(4) \). (c) Find when the population reaches half its capacity. (d) Decide the model type for the data \( 3, 7, 13, 21, 31 \) at \( t = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 \).

Step one: the start for (a). At \( t = 0 \), \( e^0 = 1 \), so \( P(0) = \dfrac{1000}{1 + 9} = 100 \).

Step two: the ceiling. As \( t \to \infty \), \( e^{-0.5t} \to 0 \), so the denominator tends to 1 and \( P \to 1000 \). Carrying capacity 1000.

Step three: evaluate (b). \( e^{-2} = 0.13534 \), so the denominator is \( 1 + 9(0.13534) = 2.2180 \). \( P(4) = \dfrac{1000}{2.2180} = 450.8 \). Sanity check: between 100 and 1000, and past the start by a good margin, consistent with growth of roughly 35 percent a year at the beginning.

Step four: the half-capacity time for (c). We need \( P = 500 \): \( 1 + 9e^{-0.5t} = 2 \), so \( 9e^{-0.5t} = 1 \) and \( e^{-0.5t} = \dfrac19 \). \( t = \dfrac{\ln 9}{0.5} = \dfrac{2.19722}{0.5} = 4.394 \) years. Consistency with (b): at \( t = 4 \) the population is 450.8, just below 500. Correct.

Step five: the speed of growth. At this point the population is growing fastest. Early on there is little population to reproduce; late on there is little room left. The S-shape is the trade-off between the two.

Step six: classify the data in (d). First differences: \( 7 - 3 = 4 \), \( 13 - 7 = 6 \), \( 21 - 13 = 8 \), \( 31 - 21 = 10 \). Not constant, so not linear.

Step seven: second differences and ratios. Second differences: \( 2, 2, 2 \), constant. Ratios: \( 2.33, 1.86, 1.62, 1.48 \), not constant, so not exponential. A quadratic fits.

Step eight: find it and judge it. Fit \( y = at^2 + bt + 3 \): at \( t = 1 \), \( a + b = 4 \); at \( t = 2 \), \( 4a + 2b = 10 \). So \( a = 1 \), \( b = 3 \), and \( y = t^2 + 3t + 3 \). Check: \( t = 3 \) gives \( 9 + 9 + 3 = 21 \) ✓ and \( t = 4 \) gives \( 16 + 12 + 3 = 31 \) ✓. Whether the model is sensible depends on the situation: a quadratic goes to infinity, so it suits a quantity that really is unbounded over the period studied, and not a population.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the carrying capacity of \( P(t) = \dfrac{500}{1 + 4e^{-0.2t}} \).
    Show the full solution

    The numerator is the limiting value. 500

  2. Find \( P(0) \) for that model.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{500}{1 + 4} \). 100

  3. Which model fits \( 4, 9, 14, 19 \) at \( t = 0, 1, 2, 3 \)?
    Show the full solution

    Differences are all 5. Linear

  4. Which model fits \( 2, 6, 18, 54 \)?
    Show the full solution

    Ratios are all 3. Exponential, \( y = 2 \cdot 3^t \)

  5. Describe the shape of a logistic graph.
    Show the full solution

    It starts near a floor, rises slowly, then steeply, then slows again as it approaches the ceiling. S-shaped, with a horizontal asymptote at the capacity

  6. Find \( P(10) \) for \( P(t) = \dfrac{500}{1 + 4e^{-0.2t}} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( e^{-2} = 0.13534 \), denominator \( 1 + 0.54134 = 1.54134 \). \( \dfrac{500}{1.54134} = 324.4 \). About 324

  7. When does that population reach 250?
    Show the full solution

    Half the capacity: \( 1 + 4e^{-0.2t} = 2 \), so \( e^{-0.2t} = \tfrac14 \) and \( t = \dfrac{\ln 4}{0.2} = 6.93 \). Check with the answer to problem 6: at \( t = 10 \) it is 324, above 250, so 250 comes earlier. Correct. About 6.93

  8. A table gives \( 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 \) at \( t = 0 \) to 4. Write the model and predict \( t = 8 \).
    Show the full solution

    Ratios are 2. \( y = 10 \cdot 2^t \). At \( t = 8 \): \( 10 \cdot 256 = 2560 \). \( y = 10 \cdot 2^t \); 2560

  9. Data: \( 3, 7, 13, 21, 31 \). Explain why the model is quadratic and find its equation.
    Show the full solution

    First differences 4, 6, 8, 10 are not constant; second differences 2, 2, 2 are. A quadratic \( at^2 + bt + c \) has constant second difference \( 2a \), so \( a = 1 \). With \( c = 3 \) and \( a + b + 3 = 7 \), \( b = 3 \). Check \( t = 4 \): \( 16 + 12 + 3 = 31 \). \( y = t^2 + 3t + 3 \)

  10. An exponential model fits a town's population of 2000 (year 0) and 2100 (year 1) well. Predict year 100 and say whether to trust it.
    Show the full solution

    Growth factor \( 1.05 \): \( P = 2000(1.05)^t \). At \( t = 100 \): \( 2000(131.5) = 263{,}000 \), over a hundred times larger. Do not trust it. The model has no ceiling, but a town is limited by land, water and jobs. A logistic model with a realistic capacity would follow the same early data and level off. Two models can agree on the data and disagree wildly outside it, so extrapolating needs a reason beyond the fit. 263,000, which should not be trusted; the edge behavior is unrealistic

Unit 3 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 3 review: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Shuffled across all six lessons. Check the domain of every logarithm.

  1. Evaluate \( 200(0.85)^3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 200 \times 0.614125 \). 122.83

  2. Evaluate \( \log_2 32 \) and \( \log_9 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2^5 = 32 \) and \( 9^{1/2} = 3 \). 5 and \( \dfrac12 \)

  3. Solve \( 3^{x + 1} = 81 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 81 = 3^4 \), so \( x + 1 = 4 \). \( x = 3 \)

  4. Expand \( \log_2\dfrac{8x^3}{y} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \log_2 8 + 3\log_2 x - \log_2 y \). \( 3 + 3\log_2 x - \log_2 y \)

  5. Solve \( 5^x = 40 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x = \dfrac{\ln 40}{\ln 5} = \dfrac{3.6889}{1.6094} \). 2.292

  6. Solve \( \log_2(x + 3) + \log_2(x - 3) = 4 \), checking for extraneous roots.
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 - 9 = 16 \), so \( x = \pm 5 \). At \( x = -5 \) the arguments are negative: reject. At 5: \( \log_2 8 + \log_2 2 = 4 \) ✓. \( x = 5 \) only

  7. Find the value of \$5,000 after 10 years at 6 percent compounded monthly.
    Show the full solution

    \( 5000(1.005)^{120} = 5000(1.8194) \). \$9,097

  8. Find the doubling time at 7 percent compounded annually.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\ln 2}{\ln 1.07} = \dfrac{0.6931}{0.06766} \). About 10.25 years

  9. A sample of carbon-14 (half-life 5730 years) has 30 percent of its original amount. Find its age.
    Show the full solution

    \( 0.30 = 0.5^{t/5730} \), so \( t = 5730 \cdot \dfrac{\ln 0.30}{\ln 0.5} = 5730(1.737) \). It lies between one half-life (50%) and two (25%). About 9950 years

  10. For \( P(t) = \dfrac{1000}{1 + 9e^{-0.5t}} \), find the carrying capacity, \( P(0) \), and the time to reach half of capacity.
    Show the full solution

    Capacity 1000. \( P(0) = \dfrac{1000}{10} = 100 \). Half capacity: \( 9e^{-0.5t} = 1 \), so \( t = \dfrac{\ln 9}{0.5} = 4.39 \). 1000; 100; 4.39

Lesson 4.1 · Unit 4 · F-TF.1

Measuring a turn, in the unit that makes the formulas simple

Degrees are a historical accident: 360 divides evenly by many numbers. Radians are the natural unit, defined by the circle itself, and every formula in calculus assumes them. This course uses both, but all trigonometric functions are functions of a real number, and that number is an angle in radians.

The method
  1. An angle in standard position has its vertex at the origin and its initial side along the positive \( x \)-axis.
  2. Positive angles turn counterclockwise; negative angles turn clockwise.
  3. A full turn is \( 360^\circ \) or \( 2\pi \) radians, so \( 180^\circ = \pi \) radians.
  4. Degrees to radians: multiply by \( \dfrac{\pi}{180} \). Radians to degrees: multiply by \( \dfrac{180}{\pi} \).
  5. One radian is the angle that cuts off an arc equal in length to the radius, about \( 57.30^\circ \).
  6. Coterminal angles share a terminal side; they differ by whole turns: add or subtract \( 360^\circ \) or \( 2\pi \).
  7. Quadrants: I is \( 0 \) to \( \frac{\pi}{2} \); II is \( \frac{\pi}{2} \) to \( \pi \); III is \( \pi \) to \( \frac{3\pi}{2} \); IV is \( \frac{3\pi}{2} \) to \( 2\pi \).
  8. A number with no unit is in radians. \( \sin 2 \) means the sine of 2 radians.

Where students lose marks: the wrong calculator mode. Test with \( \sin(30) \): in degree mode it is 0.5, in radian mode it is \( -0.988 \). An answer that is plausible but wrong usually means the mode was wrong. Check the mode before every trigonometry problem.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Convert \( 135^\circ \) to radians and \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) to degrees. (b) Find one positive and one negative angle coterminal with \( 400^\circ \), and one positive angle coterminal with \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \). (c) Find the angle between 0 and \( 2\pi \) coterminal with \( \dfrac{19\pi}{4} \). (d) Name the quadrant of \( \dfrac{7\pi}{5} \).

Step one: convert to radians for (a). \( 135 \times \dfrac{\pi}{180} = \dfrac{135\pi}{180} = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \). Reduce by dividing both by 45.

Step two: convert to degrees. \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \times \dfrac{180}{\pi} = \dfrac{5 \cdot 180}{6} = 150^\circ \). The \( \pi \) cancels, leaving a plain number.

Step three: coterminal angles for (b). Subtract a full turn: \( 400^\circ - 360^\circ = 40^\circ \), positive. Subtract again: \( 40^\circ - 360^\circ = -320^\circ \), negative. For \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \), add \( 2\pi = \dfrac{6\pi}{3} \): \( \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \). Check: \( \dfrac{5\pi}{3} = 300^\circ \), and \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} = -60^\circ \), and \( -60^\circ + 360^\circ = 300^\circ \). Correct.

Step four: reduce \( \dfrac{19\pi}{4} \) for (c). One turn is \( 2\pi = \dfrac{8\pi}{4} \). Two turns are \( \dfrac{16\pi}{4} = 4\pi \). \( \dfrac{19\pi}{4} - 4\pi = \dfrac{19\pi - 16\pi}{4} = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \).

Step five: verify. \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} = 135^\circ \) and \( \dfrac{19\pi}{4} = 855^\circ \). Since \( 855 - 720 = 135 \), they differ by exactly two turns. Correct.

Step six: locate \( \dfrac{7\pi}{5} \) for (d). Convert: \( \dfrac{7 \cdot 180}{5} = 252^\circ \).

Step seven: decide the quadrant. \( 252^\circ \) lies between \( 180^\circ \) and \( 270^\circ \), so the terminal side is in quadrant III. A faster check without converting: \( \dfrac{7\pi}{5} = 1.4\pi \), between \( \pi \) and \( 1.5\pi \). Correct.

Step eight: state the radian-degree link once more. The conversion factor comes from one fact, \( 180^\circ = \pi \) radians. Every conversion is that ratio applied the right way up, and a good habit is to check that the answer is the right size: a radian is about 57 degrees, so a radian measure should be about a sixtieth of the degree measure. \( 150^\circ \to 2.62 \) rad is of that order. A degree measure near 1.5 or a radian measure near 300 signals that the factor was inverted.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Convert \( 90^\circ \) to radians.
    Show the full solution

    \( 90 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{180} = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \)

  2. Convert \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \) to degrees.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2 \cdot 180}{3} = 120 \). \( 120^\circ \)

  3. Convert \( 225^\circ \) to radians.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{225\pi}{180} = \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \) after dividing by 45. \( \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \)

  4. Give an angle coterminal with \( 50^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Add a turn: \( 50 + 360 = 410 \). (Subtracting gives \( -310^\circ \).) \( 410^\circ \) (or \( -310^\circ \))

  5. In which quadrant does \( 160^\circ \) lie?
    Show the full solution

    Between \( 90^\circ \) and \( 180^\circ \). Quadrant II

  6. Convert \( 300^\circ \) to radians and \( -\dfrac{\pi}{4} \) to a positive coterminal radian measure.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{300\pi}{180} = \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \). \( -\dfrac{\pi}{4} + 2\pi = \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \); check: \( -45^\circ + 360^\circ = 315^\circ \) and \( \dfrac{7 \cdot 180}{4} = 315 \). \( \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \) and \( \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \)

  7. Find the angle in \( [0, 2\pi) \) coterminal with \( \dfrac{19\pi}{4} \).
    Show the full solution

    Subtract \( 4\pi = \dfrac{16\pi}{4} \). \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \)

  8. Convert 2 radians to degrees and \( 72^\circ \) to radians.
    Show the full solution

    \( 2 \cdot \dfrac{180}{\pi} = 114.59^\circ \). \( 72 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{180} = \dfrac{2\pi}{5} = 1.2566 \). Check: 2 radians is a bit more than a right angle (1.571 is \( 90^\circ \)), and \( 114.6^\circ \) is. Correct. \( 114.59^\circ \) and \( \dfrac{2\pi}{5} \approx 1.2566 \)

  9. Name the quadrant of \( -\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    Add \( 2\pi \): \( -\dfrac{5\pi}{6} + \dfrac{12\pi}{6} = \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \), which is \( 210^\circ \). Alternatively, going clockwise \( 150^\circ \) from the positive axis passes through IV and ends in III. Quadrant III

  10. A student finds \( \sin(30) = -0.988 \) and expected 0.5. What went wrong, and how do you check?
    Show the full solution

    The calculator was in radian mode, so it computed the sine of 30 radians, not 30 degrees. 30 radians is about \( 1718.9^\circ \). Subtracting four full turns (\( 1440^\circ \)) leaves \( 278.9^\circ \), which is in quadrant IV, where sine is negative and close to \( -1 \). That is the \( -0.988 \). Always test a mode with a value you know: \( \sin(90^\circ) \) must be 1 in degree mode. Wrong mode; 30 was read as 30 radians

Lesson 4.2 · Unit 4 · F-TF.1

Why radians make the circle formulas short

The reason to measure angles in radians is that arc length becomes a simple product. A radian is defined as the angle whose arc equals the radius, so an angle of \( \theta \) radians cuts off an arc of \( \theta \) radii. That definition turns circular motion, from a turning wheel to the rotation of the Earth, into ordinary algebra.

The method
  1. Arc length: \( s = r\theta \), with \( \theta \) in radians.
  2. Sector area: \( A = \tfrac12 r^2\theta \), with \( \theta \) in radians.
  3. Convert degrees to radians first whenever an angle is given in degrees.
  4. Angular speed is the angle turned per unit time: \( \omega = \dfrac{\theta}{t} \).
  5. Linear speed of a point at distance \( r \) from the center: \( v = r\omega \).
  6. One revolution is \( 2\pi \) radians, so \( n \) revolutions per unit time is \( \omega = 2\pi n \).
  7. Points farther from the center travel faster at the same angular speed.
  8. The units of \( \theta \) (radians) are dimensionless, so \( r\theta \) has the unit of \( r \).

Where students lose marks: using degrees in \( s = r\theta \). For a circle of radius 10 and an angle of \( 60^\circ \), writing \( s = 10 \times 60 = 600 \) is absurd, since the whole circumference is only 62.8. Convert first: \( 60^\circ = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), so \( s = \dfrac{10\pi}{3} = 10.47 \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) A sector has radius 12 cm and angle \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \). Find the arc length and area. (b) A wheel of radius 0.35 m turns 5 revolutions per second. Find its angular speed and the speed of a point on the rim. (c) Find the speed of a point on the equator due to Earth's rotation. (d) Explain why the formulas need radians.

Step one: the arc for (a). \( s = r\theta = 12 \cdot \dfrac{2\pi}{3} = 8\pi = 25.13 \) cm. Check against the circumference: \( 2\pi(12) = 75.4 \) cm, and \( \dfrac{2\pi/3}{2\pi} = \dfrac13 \) of a circle is \( 25.13 \). Correct.

Step two: the area. \( A = \tfrac12 r^2\theta = \tfrac12(144)\cdot\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = 48\pi = 150.80 \) cm\( ^2 \). Check: a third of the full disc, \( \dfrac{\pi(144)}{3} = 48\pi \). Correct.

Step three: angular speed for (b). Five revolutions per second is \( \omega = 5 \times 2\pi = 10\pi = 31.42 \) rad/s.

Step four: the rim speed. \( v = r\omega = 0.35 \times 10\pi = 3.5\pi = 10.996 \) m/s, about 39.6 km/h. Check another way: the rim travels one circumference \( 2\pi(0.35) = 2.199 \) m per turn, five turns a second: \( 10.996 \) m/s. Correct.

Step five: the Earth for (c). One rotation takes 24 hours, so \( \omega = \dfrac{2\pi}{24} = 0.2618 \) rad/h. The equatorial radius is 6371 km. \( v = 6371 \times 0.2618 = 1668 \) km/h.

Step six: interpret. A person on the equator is moving at about 1670 km/h, faster than a jet airliner, and feels nothing, because the speed is constant. At the poles the distance from the axis is zero and so is the speed. At latitude \( 40^\circ \) the circle has radius \( 6371\cos 40^\circ = 4880 \) km, so the speed is 1278 km/h.

Step seven: answer (d). The definition of the radian is that an arc of length \( r \) subtends an angle of 1. So an arc of length \( s \) subtends \( \dfrac{s}{r} \) radians, which is the formula \( \theta = \dfrac{s}{r} \).

Step eight: what happens in degrees. A full turn is \( 360^\circ \) and has arc \( 2\pi r \), so in degrees \( s = \dfrac{\pi}{180}r\theta \). The extra factor is exactly the conversion. Radians absorb it into the unit, which is why every formula in calculus is simplest in radians: \( \dfrac{d}{dx}\sin x = \cos x \) holds only if \( x \) is in radians.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the arc length for \( r = 5 \) and \( \theta = 2 \) radians.
    Show the full solution

    \( s = r\theta = 5 \cdot 2 \). 10

  2. Find the sector area for \( r = 6 \) and \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tfrac12(36)\cdot\dfrac{\pi}{3} = 6\pi \). \( 6\pi \approx 18.85 \)

  3. An arc of length 12 lies on a circle of radius 4. Find the angle.
    Show the full solution

    \( \theta = \dfrac{s}{r} = \dfrac{12}{4} \). 3 radians

  4. Find the angular speed of a wheel turning 3 revolutions per minute.
    Show the full solution

    \( 3 \times 2\pi \). \( 6\pi \) rad/min

  5. Find the arc length of a \( 30^\circ \) sector of radius 10.
    Show the full solution

    Convert first: \( 30^\circ = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( s = 10 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{6} = 5.236 \). \( \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \approx 5.24 \)

  6. A sector of radius 8 cm has area 40 cm\( ^2 \). Find its angle.
    Show the full solution

    \( A = \tfrac12 r^2\theta \) gives \( \theta = \dfrac{2A}{r^2} = \dfrac{80}{64} = 1.25 \). Check: \( \tfrac12(64)(1.25) = 40 \). 1.25 radians

  7. A clock's minute hand is 15 cm long. How fast does its tip move, and how far does it travel in 25 minutes?
    Show the full solution

    One turn in 60 minutes: \( \omega = \dfrac{2\pi}{60} \) rad/min. \( v = 15 \cdot \dfrac{2\pi}{60} = \dfrac{\pi}{2} = 1.571 \) cm/min. In 25 minutes the angle is \( \dfrac{25}{60}(2\pi) = \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \), so \( s = 15 \cdot \dfrac{5\pi}{6} = 12.5\pi = 39.27 \) cm. Check: \( 1.571 \times 25 = 39.27 \). 1.571 cm/min; 39.27 cm

  8. A car's wheels have radius 0.3 m and the car moves at 20 m/s. Find the wheel's angular speed in rad/s and in revolutions per minute.
    Show the full solution

    \( \omega = \dfrac{v}{r} = \dfrac{20}{0.3} = 66.67 \) rad/s. Revolutions per minute: \( 66.67 \times \dfrac{60}{2\pi} = 636.6 \). 66.67 rad/s, about 637 rpm

  9. Find the speed due to Earth's rotation at latitude \( 40^\circ \) north, using radius 6371 km.
    Show the full solution

    The circle at latitude \( 40^\circ \) has radius \( 6371\cos 40^\circ = 6371(0.76604) = 4880.6 \) km. \( v = \dfrac{2\pi(4880.6)}{24} = 1277.8 \) km/h. That is 77 percent of the equatorial speed \( 1668 \), and \( \cos 40^\circ = 0.766 \). About 1278 km/h

  10. A student computes the arc of a \( 60^\circ \) sector with radius 10 as \( 10 \times 60 = 600 \). Explain the error and correct it.
    Show the full solution

    The formula \( s = r\theta \) needs \( \theta \) in radians. Used with 60 (degrees) it treats the angle as 60 radians, nearly ten full turns. A quick sanity check exposes it: the whole circle has circumference \( 2\pi(10) = 62.8 \), so a sixth of it cannot be 600. Correct: \( 60^\circ = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), \( s = \dfrac{10\pi}{3} = 10.47 \), one sixth of 62.8. \( s = \dfrac{10\pi}{3} \approx 10.47 \)

Lesson 4.3 · Unit 4 · F-TF.2

Sine and cosine as coordinates of a point going around a circle

The right-triangle definition of sine and cosine only works for angles below \( 90^\circ \). The unit circle definition works for every angle, positive, negative or larger than a full turn, and it is this definition that makes sine and cosine functions you can graph.

The method
  1. The unit circle is \( x^2 + y^2 = 1 \), centered at the origin with radius 1.
  2. For an angle \( \theta \) in standard position, the terminal side meets the circle at \( (\cos\theta, \sin\theta) \). The cosine is the \( x \)-coordinate and the sine is the \( y \)-coordinate.
  3. Because the point is on the circle, \( \cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta = 1 \).
  4. So \( -1 \le \sin\theta \le 1 \) and \( -1 \le \cos\theta \le 1 \) for every angle.
  5. Adding a full turn returns to the same point: \( \sin(\theta + 2\pi) = \sin\theta \), and likewise for cosine.
  6. Negative angles reflect in the \( x \)-axis: \( \cos(-\theta) = \cos\theta \) (even) and \( \sin(-\theta) = -\sin\theta \) (odd).
  7. The first-quadrant values for \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{4}, \dfrac{\pi}{3} \) are sine \( \dfrac12, \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}, \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) and cosine reversed.
  8. The axis values are \( (1, 0) \) at \( 0 \), \( (0, 1) \) at \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), \( (-1, 0) \) at \( \pi \), \( (0, -1) \) at \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \).

Where students lose marks: swapping sine and cosine. The \( x \)-coordinate is cosine and the \( y \)-coordinate is sine, in that order: the point is \( (\cos\theta, \sin\theta) \), and the alphabetical order \( (c, s) \) is the same as the order \( (x, y) \).

Worked example

The problem. Find the coordinates on the unit circle for (a) \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \); (b) \( \theta = \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \); (c) \( \theta = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \); and (d) \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \) and \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \).

Step one: the first-quadrant pattern for (a). At \( 30^\circ \), the point is \( \left(\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}, \dfrac12\right) \). The angle is small, so the point is close to the \( x \)-axis: a large \( x \) and a small \( y \). Check: \( \left(\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right)^2 + \left(\dfrac12\right)^2 = \dfrac34 + \dfrac14 = 1 \).

Step two: locate (b). \( \dfrac{5\pi}{4} = 225^\circ \), in quadrant III, where both coordinates are negative. The reference angle is \( 225^\circ - 180^\circ = 45^\circ \), at which both coordinates have magnitude \( \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \).

Step three: write it. \( \left(-\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}, -\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\right) \). Check: \( \dfrac24 + \dfrac24 = 1 \). The point lies on the diagonal \( y = x \) in the third quadrant, which is where a \( 225^\circ \) line goes.

Step four: locate (c). \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} = 120^\circ \), in quadrant II, where \( x \) is negative and \( y \) positive. The reference angle is \( 180^\circ - 120^\circ = 60^\circ \), where the point is \( \left(\dfrac12, \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \).

Step five: apply the signs. Quadrant II makes \( x \) negative: \( \left(-\dfrac12, \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \). So \( \cos 120^\circ = -\dfrac12 \) and \( \sin 120^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). Check: \( \dfrac14 + \dfrac34 = 1 \).

Step six: negative angles for (d). \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \) is \( 60^\circ \) clockwise, which reflects the point at \( +\dfrac{\pi}{3} \), namely \( \left(\dfrac12, \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \), in the \( x \)-axis.

Step seven: read the values. The reflected point is \( \left(\dfrac12, -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \), so \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = \dfrac12 \) and \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \).

Step eight: connect to lesson 1.4. Cosine kept its value and sine changed sign, which means cosine is an even function and sine is odd. This is the symmetry test from the last unit now seen on a circle, and it is why the graph of cosine is symmetric about the \( y \)-axis while the graph of sine is symmetric about the origin.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} \).
    Show the full solution

    The point is \( (0, 1) \). 1

  2. Find \( \cos\pi \).
    Show the full solution

    The point is \( (-1, 0) \). \( -1 \)

  3. Find \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    From the first-quadrant pattern. \( \dfrac12 \)

  4. Find \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    The cosine values run in the reverse order of the sine values. \( \dfrac12 \)

  5. Find \( \sin\pi \).
    Show the full solution

    The point is \( (-1, 0) \), and sine is the \( y \)-coordinate. 0

  6. Find \( \cos\dfrac{3\pi}{4} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} = 135^\circ \), quadrant II, reference angle \( 45^\circ \); cosine is negative there. Check: the point \( \left(-\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}, \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\right) \) is on the circle. \( -\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \)

  7. Find \( \sin\dfrac{7\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 210^\circ \), quadrant III, reference \( 30^\circ \); sine is negative there. \( -\dfrac12 \)

  8. Find \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Cosine is even: \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) = \cos\dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)

  9. A point \( \left(\dfrac35, y\right) \) on the unit circle lies in quadrant IV. Find \( y \), \( \sin\theta \) and \( \cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{9}{25} + y^2 = 1 \), so \( y^2 = \dfrac{16}{25} \) and \( y = \pm\dfrac45 \). Quadrant IV has a negative \( y \), so \( y = -\dfrac45 \). \( y = -\dfrac45 \), \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac45 \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac35 \)

  10. Explain why \( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 \) for every angle, why no sine can equal 2, and what \( \sin(\theta + 2\pi) \) equals.
    Show the full solution

    The point \( (\cos\theta, \sin\theta) \) lies on the circle \( x^2 + y^2 = 1 \) by definition, so its coordinates satisfy the equation: that is the identity. Since \( y^2 \le 1 \), we have \( |y| \le 1 \), so no sine is ever 2. Adding \( 2\pi \) is a full turn and lands on the same point, so \( \sin(\theta + 2\pi) = \sin\theta \). The identity is the circle's equation; sine stays in \( [-1, 1] \); it repeats every \( 2\pi \)

Lesson 4.4 · Unit 4 · F-TF.3

Where the exact values come from, and what to do with a right triangle

The values \( \dfrac12 \), \( \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) are not a list to be memorized. They come from two triangles that can be drawn in seconds. The same triangles give the ratios for any right triangle, which is how heights and distances are found without climbing anything.

The method
  1. In a right triangle with acute angle \( \theta \): \( \sin\theta = \dfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{hyp}} \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{\text{adj}}{\text{hyp}} \), \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{adj}} \).
  2. The \( 45^\circ \)-\( 45^\circ \)-\( 90^\circ \) triangle has sides in the ratio \( 1 : 1 : \sqrt2 \).
  3. The \( 30^\circ \)-\( 60^\circ \)-\( 90^\circ \) triangle has sides in the ratio \( 1 : \sqrt3 : 2 \), the shortest side opposite \( 30^\circ \).
  4. Read the ratios from the triangle: \( \sin 30^\circ = \dfrac12 \), \( \cos 30^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), \( \tan 45^\circ = 1 \), \( \tan 60^\circ = \sqrt3 \).
  5. To find a side, pick the ratio that contains the known side and the unknown.
  6. To find an angle, use the inverse function: \( \theta = \sin^{-1}\dfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{hyp}} \), in the correct mode.
  7. The angle of elevation is measured up from the horizontal; the angle of depression down from it. They are equal for the same line of sight.
  8. Draw and label a diagram before computing.

Where students lose marks: labeling the sides from the wrong angle. "Opposite" and "adjacent" depend on which acute angle is being used. Swap the angle and the two names swap. Mark the angle first and then name the sides from it.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Derive \( \sin 30^\circ \), \( \cos 30^\circ \) and \( \tan 60^\circ \) from a triangle. (b) A right triangle has hypotenuse 10 and an angle of \( 30^\circ \). Find both legs. (c) A building is viewed from 50 m away at an angle of elevation of \( 35^\circ \). Find its height. (d) A right triangle has opposite side 7 and hypotenuse 12. Find the angle.

Step one: build the triangle for (a). Take an equilateral triangle with side 2. Drop the altitude from one vertex. It bisects the base and the apex angle, making two triangles with angles \( 30^\circ, 60^\circ, 90^\circ \).

Step two: find the sides. The hypotenuse is 2. The short leg is half the base, 1. By the Pythagorean theorem the altitude is \( \sqrt{4 - 1} = \sqrt3 \). The sides are \( 1, \sqrt3, 2 \), opposite \( 30^\circ, 60^\circ, 90^\circ \).

Step three: read the ratios. \( \sin 30^\circ = \dfrac12 \) (opposite the short leg), \( \cos 30^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), \( \tan 60^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{1} = \sqrt3 \). These agree with the unit circle values of lesson 4.3.

Step four: solve (b). The side opposite \( 30^\circ \) is \( 10\sin 30^\circ = 5 \). The adjacent side is \( 10\cos 30^\circ = 5\sqrt3 = 8.660 \). Check with the Pythagorean theorem: \( 25 + 75 = 100 = 10^2 \). Correct.

Step five: set up (c). The horizontal distance 50 is adjacent to the angle, and the height is opposite. The ratio with opposite and adjacent is the tangent: \( \tan 35^\circ = \dfrac{h}{50} \).

Step six: compute. \( h = 50\tan 35^\circ = 50(0.70021) = 35.0 \) m. Check the size: for \( 45^\circ \) the height would equal the distance, 50; \( 35^\circ \) is lower, so a height below 50 makes sense.

Step seven: the angle for (d). Sine relates opposite and hypotenuse: \( \sin\theta = \dfrac{7}{12} = 0.58333 \).

Step eight: invert and check. \( \theta = \sin^{-1}(0.58333) = 35.69^\circ \). Check: \( 12\sin 35.69^\circ = 12(0.5833) = 7.00 \). It lies between \( 30^\circ \) (\( \sin = 0.5 \)) and \( 45^\circ \) (\( \sin = 0.707 \)), as a value of 0.583 should. The calculator must be in degree mode for this answer.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \sin 45^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Legs 1, hypotenuse \( \sqrt2 \): \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt2} = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \)

  2. Find \( \cos 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Adjacent to \( 60^\circ \) is the short leg 1, over hypotenuse 2. \( \dfrac12 \)

  3. Find \( \tan 45^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    The legs are equal. 1

  4. In a \( 30^\circ \)-\( 60^\circ \)-\( 90^\circ \) triangle the short leg is 4. Find the other two sides.
    Show the full solution

    Hypotenuse \( 2 \times 4 = 8 \); longer leg \( 4\sqrt3 \). Check: \( 16 + 48 = 64 \). 8 and \( 4\sqrt3 \approx 6.93 \)

  5. Find \( \tan 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Opposite \( \sqrt3 \), adjacent 1. \( \sqrt3 \)

  6. A \( 45^\circ \)-\( 45^\circ \)-\( 90^\circ \) triangle has hypotenuse 10. Find the legs.
    Show the full solution

    Each leg is \( \dfrac{10}{\sqrt2} = 5\sqrt2 = 7.071 \). Check: \( 2(50) = 100 \). \( 5\sqrt2 \approx 7.07 \) each

  7. A 6 m ladder leans at \( 65^\circ \) to the ground. How high does it reach and how far is its foot from the wall?
    Show the full solution

    Height: \( 6\sin 65^\circ = 6(0.90631) = 5.44 \) m. Foot: \( 6\cos 65^\circ = 6(0.42262) = 2.54 \) m. Check: \( 5.438^2 + 2.536^2 = 29.57 + 6.43 = 36.0 \). 5.44 m high; 2.54 m out

  8. Find the acute angle whose cosine is 0.4.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos^{-1}(0.4) = 66.42^\circ \). It lies between \( 60^\circ \) (cos 0.5) and \( 90^\circ \) (cos 0). \( 66.42^\circ \)

  9. A 12 m pole casts a shadow when the Sun is \( 40^\circ \) above the horizon. Find the shadow length.
    Show the full solution

    The pole is opposite and the shadow adjacent: \( \tan 40^\circ = \dfrac{12}{s} \). \( s = \dfrac{12}{0.83910} = 14.30 \) m. Check: a lower Sun makes a longer shadow; at \( 45^\circ \) it would be 12. 14.3 m

  10. Derive \( \sin 60^\circ \) from an equilateral triangle of side 2, and explain why the shortest side is opposite the smallest angle.
    Show the full solution

    The altitude is \( \sqrt3 \), opposite \( 60^\circ \), over hypotenuse 2: \( \sin 60^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). In any triangle the larger angle is opposite the longer side (the law of sines in lesson 7.2 makes this precise): \( 30^\circ \) is the smallest angle and the side opposite, 1, is the shortest. Also \( \sin 30^\circ = \cos 60^\circ \) because the two angles are complementary and each is the ratio of the same pair of sides. \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \); the smallest angle faces the shortest side

Lesson 4.5 · Unit 4 · F-TF.3-4

Every angle's values come from one acute angle and a sign

There are infinitely many angles but only a handful of distinct magnitudes. Every angle shares its sine and cosine, up to sign, with an acute angle called its reference angle. Find that, decide the sign from the quadrant, and any exact value follows.

The method
  1. The reference angle \( \alpha \) is the acute angle between the terminal side and the \( x \)-axis.
  2. In quadrant I, \( \alpha = \theta \); in II, \( \alpha = \pi - \theta \); in III, \( \alpha = \theta - \pi \); in IV, \( \alpha = 2\pi - \theta \). (In degrees use 180 and 360.)
  3. First reduce a large or negative angle to the range \( [0, 2\pi) \) by adding or subtracting full turns.
  4. The values of the trigonometric functions of \( \theta \) equal those of \( \alpha \) in magnitude.
  5. Signs by quadrant: I all positive; II only sine (and its reciprocal, cosecant); III only tangent (and cotangent); IV only cosine (and secant).
  6. A memory aid is "All Students Take Calculus": All, Sine, Tangent, Cosine, counterclockwise from quadrant I.
  7. The sign of tangent is the sign of sine times the sign of cosine, so it is positive where they agree.
  8. The reference angle is always acute and never negative, whatever the angle it comes from.

Where students lose marks: mixing up the reference angle with the angle itself. The reference angle of \( 150^\circ \) is \( 30^\circ \), so \( \sin 150^\circ = \sin 30^\circ = \dfrac12 \), positive because sine is positive in quadrant II. Writing \( \sin 150^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) uses \( 60^\circ \) by mistake.

Worked example

The problem. Find the exact values of (a) \( \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) and \( \cos\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \); (b) all of \( \sin, \cos, \tan \) of \( 210^\circ \); (c) \( \cos 315^\circ \) and \( \sin 315^\circ \); (d) \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{11\pi}{6}\right) \).

Step one: (a), locate and reduce. \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} = 150^\circ \), in quadrant II. The reference angle is \( \pi - \dfrac{5\pi}{6} = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \).

Step two: apply the signs. In quadrant II sine is positive and cosine is negative. \( \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = +\dfrac12 \), \( \cos\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). Check: \( \dfrac14 + \dfrac34 = 1 \).

Step three: (b), locate. \( 210^\circ \) is in quadrant III. The reference angle is \( 210^\circ - 180^\circ = 30^\circ \).

Step four: apply the signs. In quadrant III sine and cosine are both negative, tangent positive. \( \sin 210^\circ = -\dfrac12 \), \( \cos 210^\circ = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), \( \tan 210^\circ = \dfrac{-1/2}{-\sqrt3/2} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt3} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{3} \).

Step five: (c), locate. \( 315^\circ \) is in quadrant IV, with reference angle \( 360^\circ - 315^\circ = 45^\circ \). Cosine is positive and sine negative there.

Step six: write. \( \cos 315^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \), \( \sin 315^\circ = -\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \). Check: \( 315^\circ = -45^\circ \), and cosine is even and sine odd, which gives the same pair.

Step seven: (d), reduce first. Add a full turn to \( -\dfrac{11\pi}{6} \): \( -\dfrac{11\pi}{6} + \dfrac{12\pi}{6} = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \), quadrant I.

Step eight: read the value. \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{11\pi}{6}\right) = \sin\dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac12 \). The angle \( -330^\circ \) points \( 30^\circ \) above the positive \( x \)-axis after going almost a full turn clockwise, so the reduction is correct. A large negative angle should always be reduced before looking for the quadrant, because the sign of the angle says nothing about the sign of its sine.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. In which quadrant is \( 200^\circ \)?
    Show the full solution

    Between \( 180^\circ \) and \( 270^\circ \). Quadrant III

  2. Find the reference angle of \( 150^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 180^\circ - 150^\circ \). \( 30^\circ \)

  3. Find the reference angle of \( \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant IV: \( 2\pi - \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  4. Is \( \cos 120^\circ \) positive or negative?
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant II, where only sine is positive. Negative

  5. Find \( \sin 135^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Reference \( 45^\circ \), quadrant II, sine positive. \( \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \)

  6. Find \( \cos 240^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant III, reference \( 60^\circ \), cosine negative. \( -\dfrac12 \)

  7. Find \( \tan\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin = \dfrac12 \), \( \cos = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), so \( \tan = \dfrac{1/2}{-\sqrt3/2} = -\dfrac{1}{\sqrt3} \). \( -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{3} \)

  8. Find \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Add \( 2\pi \): \( \dfrac{4\pi}{3} = 240^\circ \), quadrant III, reference \( 60^\circ \), sine negative. Alternatively, sine is odd: \( -\sin\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). \( -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)

  9. Find all angles in \( [0, 2\pi) \) with \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac12 \) and \( \cos\theta \gt 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Sine is negative in III and IV; cosine is positive only in IV. The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \), so \( \theta = 2\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \). Check: \( \cos\dfrac{11\pi}{6} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \gt 0 \). \( \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \)

  10. If \( \theta \) is in quadrant II and \( \sin\theta = \dfrac35 \), find \( \cos\theta \) and \( \tan\theta \), and explain the sign.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos^2\theta = 1 - \dfrac{9}{25} = \dfrac{16}{25} \), so \( \cos\theta = \pm\dfrac45 \). In quadrant II cosine is negative: \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac45 \). \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{3/5}{-4/5} = -\dfrac34 \). The square root gives both signs; only the quadrant chooses between them. \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac45 \), \( \tan\theta = -\dfrac34 \)

Lesson 4.6 · Unit 4 · F-TF.2

Trigonometric values for any point, not only one on the unit circle

The unit circle is convenient but most real problems give a point that is not on it. The definitions extend to any point by dividing by its distance from the origin, and the same idea gives all six functions at once. It also shows how to recover the angle, and exactly where a calculator's inverse function gives the wrong quadrant.

The method
  1. Take a point \( (x, y) \) on the terminal side and let \( r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} \). Then \( r \gt 0 \).
  2. \( \sin\theta = \dfrac{y}{r} \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{x}{r} \), \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{y}{x} \).
  3. \( \csc\theta = \dfrac{r}{y} \), \( \sec\theta = \dfrac{r}{x} \), \( \cot\theta = \dfrac{x}{y} \), the reciprocals of sine, cosine and tangent.
  4. The values do not depend on which point is chosen on the terminal side, since the triangles are similar.
  5. A function is undefined where its denominator is zero: tangent and secant at \( x = 0 \); cosecant and cotangent at \( y = 0 \).
  6. To recover the angle, use \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{y}{x} \) as a reference only, then place the angle in the correct quadrant.
  7. \( \tan^{-1} \) returns angles in \( \left(-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \) only, so points in quadrants II and III need \( \pi \) (or \( 180^\circ \)) added.
  8. If a ratio is given instead of a point, choose the smallest convenient \( x \) and \( y \) with the right ratio and the right signs.

Where students lose marks: trusting the calculator's inverse tangent for every quadrant. For the point \( (-3, 4) \), \( \tan^{-1}\left(\dfrac{4}{-3}\right) = -53.13^\circ \), which points into quadrant IV. The point is in quadrant II, so the angle is \( -53.13^\circ + 180^\circ = 126.87^\circ \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) For the point \( (-3, 4) \), find all six function values. (b) For \( (5, -12) \), find sine, cosine and tangent. (c) If \( \tan\theta = -2 \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant IV, find sine and cosine. (d) Find the angle in \( [0^\circ, 360^\circ) \) for \( (-3, 4) \), and list which functions are undefined at \( 90^\circ \).

Step one: find \( r \) for (a). \( r = \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5 \).

Step two: the six values. \( \sin\theta = \dfrac45 \), \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac35 \), \( \tan\theta = -\dfrac43 \), \( \csc\theta = \dfrac54 \), \( \sec\theta = -\dfrac53 \), \( \cot\theta = -\dfrac34 \). Check: \( \dfrac{16}{25} + \dfrac{9}{25} = 1 \). The signs match quadrant II: only sine (and cosecant) are positive.

Step three: (b). \( r = \sqrt{25 + 144} = 13 \). \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac{12}{13} \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{5}{13} \), \( \tan\theta = -\dfrac{12}{5} \). Quadrant IV: cosine positive, sine negative. Check: \( \dfrac{144 + 25}{169} = 1 \).

Step four: build the point for (c). Write \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{y}{x} = -2 = \dfrac{-2}{1} \). In quadrant IV, \( x \) is positive and \( y \) negative, so take \( x = 1 \), \( y = -2 \). Then \( r = \sqrt{1 + 4} = \sqrt5 \).

Step five: read off sine and cosine. \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac{2}{\sqrt5} = -\dfrac{2\sqrt5}{5} \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt5} = \dfrac{\sqrt5}{5} \). Check: \( \dfrac{4}{5} + \dfrac{1}{5} = 1 \), and \( \dfrac{\sin}{\cos} = -2 \).

Step six: the angle for (d). A calculator gives \( \tan^{-1}\left(\dfrac{4}{-3}\right) = -53.13^\circ \).

Step seven: correct the quadrant. The point \( (-3, 4) \) is in quadrant II. Add \( 180^\circ \): \( 126.87^\circ \). Check: \( \cos 126.87^\circ = -0.6 = -\dfrac35 \) and \( \sin 126.87^\circ = 0.8 = \dfrac45 \). Correct.

Step eight: undefined values. At \( 90^\circ \) the point is \( (0, 1) \), so \( x = 0 \). Tangent \( \dfrac{y}{x} \) and secant \( \dfrac{r}{x} \) divide by zero and are undefined. The other four are defined: \( \sin 90^\circ = 1 \), \( \cos 90^\circ = 0 \), \( \csc 90^\circ = 1 \), \( \cot 90^\circ = \dfrac{0}{1} = 0 \). At \( 0^\circ \) and \( 180^\circ \), where \( y = 0 \), cosecant and cotangent are the undefined ones. These are the vertical asymptotes of the tangent and cosecant graphs in lesson 5.5.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. For the point \( (3, 4) \), find \( \sin\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 5 \), so \( \dfrac{y}{r} \). \( \dfrac45 \)

  2. For \( (-5, 12) \), find \( \cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 13 \), so \( \dfrac{x}{r} \). \( -\dfrac{5}{13} \)

  3. For \( (-2, -2) \), find \( \tan\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{y}{x} = \dfrac{-2}{-2} \). 1

  4. For \( (3, -4) \), find \( \csc\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 5 \), and \( \csc\theta = \dfrac{r}{y} = \dfrac{5}{-4} \). \( -\dfrac54 \)

  5. For \( (-1, \sqrt3) \), find \( \sec\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = \sqrt{1 + 3} = 2 \), so \( \dfrac{r}{x} = \dfrac{2}{-1} \). \( -2 \)

  6. Find the angle in \( [0^\circ, 360^\circ) \) for the point \( (-3, 4) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan^{-1}(-\tfrac43) = -53.13^\circ \), which is in the wrong quadrant. The point is in quadrant II, so add \( 180^\circ \). \( 126.87^\circ \)

  7. For \( (2, -2\sqrt3) \), find sine, cosine and the angle in \( [0^\circ, 360^\circ) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = \sqrt{4 + 12} = 4 \). \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac12 \). Quadrant IV, reference angle \( 60^\circ \), so \( \theta = 360^\circ - 60^\circ \). \( -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), \( \dfrac12 \), \( 300^\circ \)

  8. If \( \tan\theta = \dfrac34 \) and \( \sin\theta \lt 0 \), find \( \sin\theta \) and \( \cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    Tangent is positive and sine negative, so quadrant III: both \( x \) and \( y \) are negative. Take \( (-4, -3) \), \( r = 5 \). \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac35 \), \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac45 \)

  9. Which of the six functions are undefined at \( 0^\circ \)?
    Show the full solution

    At \( 0^\circ \) the point is \( (1, 0) \), so \( y = 0 \). The functions with \( y \) in the denominator are cosecant \( \dfrac{r}{y} \) and cotangent \( \dfrac{x}{y} \). Cosecant and cotangent

  10. Explain why \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{y}{x} \) gives the wrong angle for both \( (-3, 4) \) and \( (-3, -4) \), and give the correct angles.
    Show the full solution

    For \( (-3, 4) \): \( \dfrac{y}{x} = -\dfrac43 \), and \( \tan^{-1} \) returns \( -53.13^\circ \), a quadrant IV angle. For \( (-3, -4) \): \( \dfrac{y}{x} = \dfrac43 \), and \( \tan^{-1} \) returns \( 53.13^\circ \), a quadrant I angle. The ratio loses the signs of \( x \) and \( y \) separately, and the inverse tangent only outputs angles in \( \left(-90^\circ, 90^\circ\right) \), so it cannot reach quadrants II and III. Correct angles: \( 126.87^\circ \) and \( 180^\circ + 53.13^\circ = 233.13^\circ \). \( 126.87^\circ \) and \( 233.13^\circ \); add \( 180^\circ \) for quadrants II and III

Lesson 4.7 · Unit 4 · F-TF.8

One fact about the circle, and all six functions follow from any one of them

If you know one trigonometric value and the quadrant, you can find all the others without an angle or a calculator. The tool is the Pythagorean identity, which is just the equation of the unit circle, and the lesson is also the first use of identities to simplify expressions.

The method
  1. Pythagorean identity: \( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 \).
  2. Dividing by \( \cos^2\theta \): \( 1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta \).
  3. Dividing by \( \sin^2\theta \): \( 1 + \cot^2\theta = \csc^2\theta \).
  4. Quotient identities: \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{\sin\theta}{\cos\theta} \), \( \cot\theta = \dfrac{\cos\theta}{\sin\theta} \).
  5. Reciprocal identities: \( \csc\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sin\theta} \), \( \sec\theta = \dfrac{1}{\cos\theta} \), \( \cot\theta = \dfrac{1}{\tan\theta} \).
  6. To find the missing values, solve the identity for the unknown function, take the square root and choose the sign from the quadrant.
  7. The square root always gives two signs; only the quadrant decides which one is right.
  8. To simplify, replace everything by sine and cosine and look for a Pythagorean identity.

Where students lose marks: forgetting the quadrant when taking the square root. From \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac35 \), \( \cos\theta = \pm\dfrac45 \); in quadrant III cosine is negative, so the answer is \( -\dfrac45 \). Choosing \( +\dfrac45 \) puts the angle in quadrant IV.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Given \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac35 \) with \( \theta \) in quadrant III, find the other five functions. (b) Given \( \sec\theta = -\dfrac{13}{5} \) with \( \theta \) in quadrant II, find \( \sin\theta \), \( \cos\theta \) and \( \tan\theta \). (c) Simplify \( \dfrac{1 - \cos^2 x}{\sin x} \). (d) Derive \( 1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta \).

Step one: find cosine for (a). \( \cos^2\theta = 1 - \dfrac{9}{25} = \dfrac{16}{25} \), so \( \cos\theta = \pm\dfrac45 \).

Step two: choose the sign. Quadrant III: cosine is negative, so \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac45 \).

Step three: the rest. \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{-3/5}{-4/5} = \dfrac34 \), positive as it should be in quadrant III. \( \csc\theta = -\dfrac53 \), \( \sec\theta = -\dfrac54 \), \( \cot\theta = \dfrac43 \). Check with \( 1 + \tan^2\theta = 1 + \dfrac{9}{16} = \dfrac{25}{16} = \sec^2\theta \). Correct.

Step four: (b), invert the secant. \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sec\theta} = -\dfrac{5}{13} \).

Step five: find sine. \( \sin^2\theta = 1 - \dfrac{25}{169} = \dfrac{144}{169} \), so \( \sin\theta = \pm\dfrac{12}{13} \). Quadrant II has positive sine: \( \sin\theta = \dfrac{12}{13} \).

Step six: tangent. \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{12/13}{-5/13} = -\dfrac{12}{5} \). Check with the identity: \( 1 + \dfrac{144}{25} = \dfrac{169}{25} = \left(\dfrac{13}{5}\right)^2 \). Correct.

Step seven: simplify (c). \( 1 - \cos^2 x = \sin^2 x \), so the expression is \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{\sin x} = \sin x \), valid for \( \sin x \ne 0 \). Check with \( x = 30^\circ \): \( 1 - \dfrac34 = \dfrac14 \), divided by \( \dfrac12 \) gives \( \dfrac12 \), and \( \sin 30^\circ = \dfrac12 \). Correct.

Step eight: derive (d). Start from \( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 \) and divide every term by \( \cos^2\theta \), which is allowed wherever \( \cos\theta \ne 0 \): \( \dfrac{\sin^2\theta}{\cos^2\theta} + 1 = \dfrac{1}{\cos^2\theta} \), that is \( \tan^2\theta + 1 = \sec^2\theta \). The restriction matters: at \( \theta = 90^\circ \) tangent and secant are undefined, and the identity says nothing there. Identities hold only where every expression is defined.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. What is \( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta \)?
    Show the full solution

    It is the equation of the unit circle. 1

  2. If \( \cos\theta = \dfrac35 \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant I, find \( \sin\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin^2\theta = 1 - \dfrac{9}{25} = \dfrac{16}{25} \); positive in quadrant I. \( \dfrac45 \)

  3. If \( \sin\theta = \dfrac{5}{13} \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant II, find \( \cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos^2\theta = 1 - \dfrac{25}{169} = \dfrac{144}{169} \); negative in quadrant II. \( -\dfrac{12}{13} \)

  4. If \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac35 \) and \( \cos\theta = \dfrac45 \), find \( \tan\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{-3/5}{4/5} \). \( -\dfrac34 \)

  5. Simplify \( 1 - \sin^2\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    Rearrange the Pythagorean identity. \( \cos^2\theta \)

  6. If \( \tan\theta = -2 \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant IV, find \( \sec\theta \), \( \cos\theta \) and \( \sin\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sec^2\theta = 1 + 4 = 5 \), so \( \sec\theta = \pm\sqrt5 \); positive in quadrant IV. \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt5} \), and \( \sin\theta = \tan\theta\cos\theta = -\dfrac{2}{\sqrt5} \). Check: \( \dfrac15 + \dfrac45 = 1 \). \( \sqrt5 \), \( \dfrac{\sqrt5}{5} \), \( -\dfrac{2\sqrt5}{5} \)

  7. Simplify \( \sin\theta\sec\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin\theta \cdot \dfrac{1}{\cos\theta} = \tan\theta \). Check at \( 30^\circ \): \( 0.5 \times 1.1547 = 0.5774 = \tan 30^\circ \). \( \tan\theta \)

  8. If \( \csc\theta = -\dfrac53 \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant IV, find \( \cos\theta \) and \( \tan\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac35 \). \( \cos^2\theta = \dfrac{16}{25} \), positive in quadrant IV: \( \cos\theta = \dfrac45 \). \( \tan\theta = -\dfrac34 \). \( \dfrac45 \) and \( -\dfrac34 \)

  9. Simplify \( \dfrac{\sec^2 x - 1}{\sec^2 x} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sec^2 x - 1 = \tan^2 x \), so the expression is \( \dfrac{\tan^2 x}{\sec^2 x} = \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x} \cdot \cos^2 x = \sin^2 x \). Check at \( x = 60^\circ \): \( \dfrac{4 - 1}{4} = \dfrac34 \) and \( \sin^2 60^\circ = \dfrac34 \). \( \sin^2 x \)

  10. Derive \( 1 + \cot^2\theta = \csc^2\theta \), and say where it fails.
    Show the full solution

    Divide \( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 \) by \( \sin^2\theta \): \( 1 + \dfrac{\cos^2\theta}{\sin^2\theta} = \dfrac{1}{\sin^2\theta} \), that is \( 1 + \cot^2\theta = \csc^2\theta \). The division requires \( \sin\theta \ne 0 \), so the identity holds except at multiples of \( \pi \), where cotangent and cosecant are undefined, consistent with lesson 4.6. Check at \( 45^\circ \): \( 1 + 1 = 2 = (\sqrt2)^2 \). Valid wherever \( \sin\theta \ne 0 \)

Unit 4 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 4 review: Angles and the Unit Circle

Shuffled across all seven lessons. Check your calculator mode before every problem.

  1. Convert \( 135^\circ \) to radians.
    Show the full solution

    \( 135 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{180} \). \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \)

  2. Find the angle in \( [0, 2\pi) \) coterminal with \( \dfrac{19\pi}{4} \).
    Show the full solution

    Subtract \( 4\pi = \dfrac{16\pi}{4} \). \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \)

  3. Find the arc length of a sector with \( r = 12 \) and \( \theta = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( s = r\theta = 12 \cdot \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \). \( 8\pi \approx 25.13 \)

  4. Find \( \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) and \( \cos\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant II, reference \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \): sine positive, cosine negative. \( \dfrac12 \) and \( -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)

  5. Find \( \sin 210^\circ \) and \( \tan 210^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant III, reference \( 30^\circ \): sine negative; tangent positive. \( -\dfrac12 \) and \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{3} \)

  6. The angle of elevation to a building top from 50 m away is \( 35^\circ \). Find the height.
    Show the full solution

    \( 50\tan 35^\circ = 50(0.7002) \). 35.0 m

  7. For the point \( (-3, 4) \), find sine, cosine and tangent.
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 5 \). \( \dfrac45 \), \( -\dfrac35 \), \( -\dfrac43 \)

  8. Find the angle in \( [0^\circ, 360^\circ) \) for the point \( (-3, 4) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan^{-1}(-\tfrac43) = -53.13^\circ \) is in the wrong quadrant; add \( 180^\circ \). \( 126.87^\circ \)

  9. If \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac35 \) with \( \theta \) in quadrant III, find \( \cos\theta \) and \( \tan\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos^2\theta = \dfrac{16}{25} \), negative in III. \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{-3/5}{-4/5} \). \( -\dfrac45 \) and \( \dfrac34 \)

  10. A wheel of radius 0.35 m turns 5 times per second. Find the speed of a point on the rim and explain why radians are needed.
    Show the full solution

    \( \omega = 5(2\pi) = 10\pi \) rad/s; \( v = r\omega = 0.35 \times 10\pi = 11.0 \) m/s. The formula \( v = r\omega \) depends on the radian definition of angle, arc = radius times angle; in degrees it would carry an extra factor of \( \dfrac{\pi}{180} \). About 11.0 m/s

Lesson 5.1 · Unit 5 · F-IF.7e, F-TF.5

Unrolling the unit circle into a wave

Follow the height of a point as it travels around the unit circle and plot that height against the angle. The result is the sine graph, and the plot of the horizontal position gives the cosine graph. Both repeat every full turn, and everything in this unit is a variation on these two shapes.

The method
  1. \( y = \sin x \) plots the \( y \)-coordinate of the point at angle \( x \) on the unit circle; \( y = \cos x \) plots the \( x \)-coordinate.
  2. Both have domain all real numbers and range \( [-1, 1] \).
  3. Both are periodic with period \( 2\pi \): the pattern repeats every full turn.
  4. Five key points per period for sine: \( (0, 0) \), \( \left(\frac{\pi}{2}, 1\right) \), \( (\pi, 0) \), \( \left(\frac{3\pi}{2}, -1\right) \), \( (2\pi, 0) \).
  5. Five key points per period for cosine: \( (0, 1) \), \( \left(\frac{\pi}{2}, 0\right) \), \( (\pi, -1) \), \( \left(\frac{3\pi}{2}, 0\right) \), \( (2\pi, 1) \).
  6. Sine is odd (symmetric about the origin); cosine is even (symmetric about the \( y \)-axis).
  7. The cosine graph is the sine graph shifted left by \( \frac{\pi}{2} \): \( \cos x = \sin\left(x + \frac{\pi}{2}\right) \).
  8. The key points are spaced a quarter of a period apart, which is how any sinusoid is sketched.

Where students lose marks: drawing a sine wave that starts at the top. Sine starts at the midline going up, and cosine starts at its maximum. If the graph is at its maximum at \( x = 0 \), it is a cosine, however it is written.

Worked example

The problem. (a) List the quarter-period key points of \( y = \sin x \) on \( [0, 2\pi] \). (b) Solve \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi] \). (c) Find where \( \cos x = 0 \) for all real \( x \). (d) Show that \( \cos x = \sin\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \).

Step one: the key points for (a). The quarter points are at \( 0, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \dfrac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi \), where the sine values are \( 0, 1, 0, -1, 0 \). Connect with a smooth curve: up to a peak, down through the axis to a trough, back up.

Step two: solve (b) on the circle. Sine is the \( y \)-coordinate, so we need points at height \( \dfrac12 \). A horizontal line at height \( \dfrac12 \) meets the circle twice, in quadrants I and II.

Step three: find them. The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Quadrant I: \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Quadrant II: \( x = \pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). Check: \( \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = \dfrac12 \). Both are correct, and forgetting the second is the usual loss of a solution.

Step four: zeros of cosine for (c). Cosine is the \( x \)-coordinate, which is zero at the top and bottom of the circle: \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \).

Step five: all real solutions. These recur every \( \pi \), since the two points alternate. All solutions: \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \) for any integer \( k \). Check \( k = 2 \): \( \dfrac{5\pi}{2} \), and \( \cos\dfrac{5\pi}{2} = \cos\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 0 \).

Step six: test the shift for (d) numerically. Take \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac12 \), and \( \sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3} + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = \dfrac12 \). They agree. Take \( x = 0 \): \( \cos 0 = 1 \) and \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 1 \).

Step seven: explain it with the graph. The sine graph has its first maximum at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \). Shifting the whole graph left by \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) moves that maximum to \( x = 0 \), which is where cosine has its maximum. The curves are the same shape in different positions.

Step eight: take the consequence. Since they are the same shape, a graph of either can be described with either function by choosing the shift. This freedom is used in lesson 5.3: a graph that has been observed can be fitted with whichever form is more convenient, usually cosine if the graph is at a maximum at the start, and sine if it is at the midline.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. What is the maximum value of \( y = \sin x \)?
    Show the full solution

    The \( y \)-coordinate on the unit circle never exceeds 1. 1

  2. State the range of \( y = \cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( [-1, 1] \)

  3. State the period of \( y = \sin x \).
    Show the full solution

    One full turn. \( 2\pi \)

  4. Find all \( x \) in \( [0, 2\pi] \) with \( \sin x = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    The points on the \( x \)-axis. \( 0, \pi, 2\pi \)

  5. Evaluate \( \cos\pi \).
    Show the full solution

    The point is \( (-1, 0) \). \( -1 \)

  6. Find all \( x \) in \( [0, 2\pi] \) with \( \cos x = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    The points \( (0, 1) \) and \( (0, -1) \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  7. Find all \( x \) in \( [-2\pi, 2\pi] \) with \( \sin x = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    The maximum occurs at \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and every \( 2\pi \) from it: \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} - 2\pi = -\dfrac{3\pi}{2} \). Check: \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{3\pi}{2}\right) = 1 \). \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( x = -\dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  8. Solve \( \sin x = -\dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi] \).
    Show the full solution

    Negative sine: quadrants III and IV, reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( x = \pi + \dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \) and \( x = 2\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \) and \( \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \)

  9. Is \( \sin x \) even or odd? Explain using the graph and test with \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    Odd: the graph is unchanged by a half-turn about the origin. \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) = -\dfrac12 = -\sin\dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Odd, so \( \sin(-x) = -\sin x \)

  10. Show that \( \cos x = \sin\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \) at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \), and say what this means for the graphs.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). \( \sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{6} + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = \sin\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). Equal. The cosine curve is the sine curve moved left by \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \). Cosine is sine shifted left by \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \)

Lesson 5.2 · Unit 5 · F-TF.5

Four numbers that describe every sinusoid

The transformations of lesson 1.3 applied to sine and cosine give four parameters, each with a physical meaning: the height of the wave, the length of one cycle, where the cycle starts, and where it is centered. Reading them off a formula is the main skill of this lesson.

The method
  1. The general form is \( y = A\sin\big(B(x - C)\big) + D \), and the same for cosine.
  2. The amplitude is \( |A| \): the distance from the midline to a maximum.
  3. The period is \( \dfrac{2\pi}{|B|} \): the length of one full cycle.
  4. The phase shift is \( C \): right if positive, left if negative.
  5. The midline is \( y = D \), the vertical shift.
  6. The maximum is \( D + |A| \) and the minimum is \( D - |A| \).
  7. If the form is \( \sin(Bx + E) \), factor out \( B \) to find the shift: \( Bx + E = B\left(x + \dfrac{E}{B}\right) \), a shift of \( -\dfrac{E}{B} \).
  8. A negative \( A \) reflects the graph in the midline and does not change the amplitude.

Where students lose marks: reading the shift from an unfactored inside. For \( y = \sin(2x - \pi) \) the shift is \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) to the right, not \( \pi \), because \( 2x - \pi = 2\left(x - \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) For \( y = 3\sin\big(2(x - \tfrac{\pi}{4})\big) + 1 \), find the amplitude, period, phase shift, midline, maximum and minimum, and sketch one cycle with key points. (b) Describe \( y = 2\cos(3x + \pi) - 1 \). (c) Explain the effect of a negative amplitude.

Step one: read (a) directly. It is already in the form \( A\sin(B(x - C)) + D \) with \( A = 3 \), \( B = 2 \), \( C = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \), \( D = 1 \). Amplitude 3; period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{2} = \pi \); phase shift \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) to the right; midline \( y = 1 \).

Step two: extremes. Maximum \( 1 + 3 = 4 \), minimum \( 1 - 3 = -2 \).

Step three: locate the five key points. An ordinary sine cycle starts at the midline going up. Here it starts at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) and ends one period later at \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} + \pi = \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \). The quarter spacing is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \).

Step four: write them. \( \left(\tfrac{\pi}{4}, 1\right) \), \( \left(\tfrac{\pi}{2}, 4\right) \), \( \left(\tfrac{3\pi}{4}, 1\right) \), \( (\pi, -2) \), \( \left(\tfrac{5\pi}{4}, 1\right) \). Check the maximum in the formula: at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), \( 3\sin\left(2 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) + 1 = 3\sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} + 1 = 4 \). Correct.

Step five: factor (b). \( 3x + \pi = 3\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \). So \( B = 3 \), and the shift is \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \), that is left \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).

Step six: read the rest. Amplitude 2; period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \); midline \( y = -1 \); maximum 1, minimum \( -3 \). It is a cosine, so a cycle starts at a maximum: at \( x = -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \), where the value is \( 2\cos 0 - 1 = 1 \). Check in the original: \( 2\cos\left(3 \cdot -\dfrac{\pi}{3} + \pi\right) - 1 = 2\cos 0 - 1 = 1 \). Correct.

Step seven: the negative amplitude for (c). Compare \( y = \sin x \) with \( y = -2\sin x \). The factor 2 stretches the height to 2, and the minus flips the graph in the \( x \)-axis.

Step eight: state the conclusion. The amplitude of \( -2\sin x \) is 2, not \( -2 \), because it is a distance. The reflection shows up instead in where the graph starts: \( -2\sin x \) goes down first, \( \sin x \) goes up. A negative \( A \) is the same as a phase shift of half a period, since \( -\sin x = \sin(x + \pi) \).

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the amplitude of \( y = -4\sin x \).
    Show the full solution

    Amplitude is a distance, so take the absolute value. 4

  2. Find the period of \( y = \sin 3x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \). \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \)

  3. Find the midline of \( y = \cos x + 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( y = 5 \)

  4. Find the maximum and minimum of \( y = 2\sin x - 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( -1 + 2 = 1 \) and \( -1 - 2 = -3 \). 1 and \( -3 \)

  5. Find the period of \( y = \cos\dfrac{x}{2} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( B = \dfrac12 \), so \( 2\pi \div \dfrac12 = 4\pi \). \( 4\pi \)

  6. State the phase shift of \( y = \sin\left(x - \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    The form \( x - C \) with \( C = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \) to the right

  7. Find the period and phase shift of \( y = 3\cos(2x - \pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x - \pi = 2\left(x - \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \). Period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{2} = \pi \); shift \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) to the right. Check: at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) the argument is 0 and the value is the maximum 3. Period \( \pi \); shift \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) right

  8. List the five key points of \( y = -2\cos x + 1 \) over one period from 0 to \( 2\pi \).
    Show the full solution

    Cosine's values \( 1, 0, -1, 0, 1 \) become \( -2(1) + 1 = -1 \), \( 1 \), \( 3 \), \( 1 \), \( -1 \). \( (0, -1), \left(\tfrac{\pi}{2}, 1\right), (\pi, 3), \left(\tfrac{3\pi}{2}, 1\right), (2\pi, -1) \)

  9. Find the period of \( y = \sin(\pi x) \) and the maximum value, and where the first maximum occurs.
    Show the full solution

    \( B = \pi \), period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{\pi} = 2 \). The maximum is 1, at a quarter period: \( x = 0.5 \). Check: \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 1 \). Period 2; maximum 1 at \( x = 0.5 \)

  10. A student says \( y = \sin(2x + \pi) \) has a phase shift of \( \pi \) to the left. Correct them.
    Show the full solution

    Factor the coefficient of \( x \): \( 2x + \pi = 2\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \). The shift is \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) to the left. Check: the graph starts a cycle where the argument is 0, at \( x = -\dfrac{\pi}{2} \), and \( \sin(2 \cdot -\dfrac{\pi}{2} + \pi) = \sin 0 = 0 \). At \( x = -\pi \) the argument is \( -\pi \), not a cycle start. \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) left

Lesson 5.3 · Unit 5 · F-TF.5

Reading the four numbers off data

In applications the graph comes first and the equation is what you want. The four parameters can be recovered from the maximum, the minimum and the spacing of consecutive peaks, in that order, and a check against two given points catches nearly every mistake.

The method
  1. Amplitude \( = \dfrac{\text{max} - \text{min}}{2} \).
  2. Midline \( = \dfrac{\text{max} + \text{min}}{2} \), which is \( D \).
  3. Period = the horizontal distance between consecutive maxima (or twice the distance from a maximum to the next minimum).
  4. \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{\text{period}} \).
  5. Choose the form to match the start: cosine if the cycle starts at a maximum, negative cosine if at a minimum, sine if at the midline going up.
  6. The phase shift \( C \) is the \( x \)-value where that starting point occurs.
  7. Always verify with two known points, especially a maximum and a minimum.
  8. More than one correct equation exists, because sine and cosine differ by a shift and a full period can be added.

Where students lose marks: using the distance between a maximum and the next minimum as the period. That is only half of a period. A maximum at \( x = 1 \) and the next minimum at \( x = 4 \) give a half period of 3 and a period of 6.

Worked example

The problem. (a) A sinusoid has a maximum 7 at \( x = 1 \) and the next minimum \( -1 \) at \( x = 4 \). Write a cosine and a sine equation. (b) Write the equation with midline 2, amplitude 5, period \( 8\pi \), starting at its minimum when \( x = 0 \). (c) A sinusoid rises through its midline 0 at \( x = 2 \) and reaches its maximum 2 at \( x = 3 \). Write its equation.

Step one: amplitude and midline for (a). Amplitude \( \dfrac{7 - (-1)}{2} = 4 \); midline \( \dfrac{7 + (-1)}{2} = 3 \).

Step two: period. The maximum-to-minimum distance is 3, which is half a period, so the period is 6 and \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{6} = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).

Step three: the cosine form. The cycle starts at a maximum at \( x = 1 \), so \( C = 1 \): \( y = 4\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x - 1)\right) + 3 \). Check: at \( x = 1 \): \( 4(1) + 3 = 7 \) ✓. At \( x = 4 \): \( 4\cos\pi + 3 = -4 + 3 = -1 \) ✓.

Step four: the sine form. Sine reaches its maximum a quarter period after the start of its cycle. A quarter of 6 is 1.5, so the cycle starts at \( 1 - 1.5 = -0.5 \): \( y = 4\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x + 0.5)\right) + 3 \). Check at \( x = 1 \): \( 4\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3} \cdot 1.5\right) + 3 = 4\sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} + 3 = 7 \). ✓

Step five: (b). Amplitude 5, midline 2, \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{8\pi} = \dfrac14 \). Starting at the minimum means an upside-down cosine: \( y = -5\cos\left(\dfrac{x}{4}\right) + 2 \).

Step six: check (b). At \( x = 0 \): \( -5(1) + 2 = -3 \), the minimum \( 2 - 5 \) ✓. At \( x = 4\pi \) (half a period): \( -5\cos\pi + 2 = 7 \), the maximum ✓.

Step seven: (c), find the period. From a midline crossing going up to the next maximum is a quarter period, which is 1. So the period is 4 and \( B = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \).

Step eight: write and verify. The cycle starts at the midline going up at \( x = 2 \): \( y = 2\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{2}(x - 2)\right) \). Check: at \( x = 3 \): \( 2\sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 2 \) ✓. At \( x = 2 \): \( 2\sin 0 = 0 \) ✓. At \( x = 4 \), the next midline crossing, \( 2\sin\pi = 0 \) ✓ going down.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the amplitude of a wave with maximum 9 and minimum \( -3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{9 - (-3)}{2} \). 6

  2. Find the midline of that wave.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{9 + (-3)}{2} \). 3

  3. Consecutive maxima occur at \( x = 2 \) and \( x = 10 \). Find the period.
    Show the full solution

    \( 10 - 2 \). 8

  4. Find \( B \) for a period of 8.
    Show the full solution

    \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{8} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  5. Write a cosine with amplitude 3, period \( 2\pi \), midline 0, maximum at \( x = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( B = 1 \). \( y = 3\cos x \)

  6. Write the equation: amplitude 5, midline 1, period \( \pi \), maximum at \( x = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{\pi} = 2 \). Check: \( y(0) = 5 + 1 = 6 \), \( y\left(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = 5\cos\pi + 1 = -4 \). \( y = 5\cos 2x + 1 \)

  7. A wave has its maximum 10 at \( x = 0 \) and its next minimum 2 at \( x = 6 \). Write its equation as a cosine.
    Show the full solution

    Amplitude 4, midline 6, half period 6 so period 12, \( B = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Check at \( x = 6 \): \( 4\cos\pi + 6 = 2 \). \( y = 4\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi x}{6}\right) + 6 \)

  8. Show that \( 3\sin\left(x - \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = -3\cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    Shifting sine right by a quarter period gives negative cosine. Check at \( x = 0 \): \( 3\sin\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = -3 \) and \( -3\cos 0 = -3 \). At \( x = \pi \): \( 3\sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 3 \) and \( -3\cos\pi = 3 \). They describe the same curve

  9. A sinusoid rises through its midline \( -1 \) at \( x = 1 \) and first reaches its maximum 1 at \( x = 2.5 \). Write its equation.
    Show the full solution

    Amplitude 2, midline \( -1 \). The quarter period is 1.5, so the period is 6 and \( B = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). It starts at the midline going up at \( x = 1 \): \( y = 2\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x - 1)\right) - 1 \). Check at \( x = 2.5 \): \( 2\sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} - 1 = 1 \) ✓. \( y = 2\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x - 1)\right) - 1 \)

  10. Give a cosine and a sine equation for the same graph (max 7 at \( x = 1 \), min \( -1 \) at \( x = 4 \)) and show they agree at \( x = 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    Cosine: \( 4\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x - 1)\right) + 3 \). At \( x = 2 \): \( 4\cos\dfrac{\pi}{3} + 3 = 4(0.5) + 3 = 5 \). Sine: \( 4\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x + 0.5)\right) + 3 \). At \( x = 2 \): \( 4\sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} + 3 = 4(0.5) + 3 = 5 \). They agree because sine and cosine are the same wave shifted a quarter period. Both give 5

Lesson 5.4 · Unit 5 · F-TF.5

Wheels, tides and seasons

Anything that repeats on a steady cycle can be modeled by a sinusoid: the height of a rider on a Ferris wheel, the depth of water in a harbor, the average temperature through the year. The setup is always the same: identify the midline, amplitude and period from the story, pick the form that matches the start, and then solve equations for the times that matter.

The method
  1. Identify the extremes from the story and compute amplitude and midline.
  2. Identify the time for one full cycle and compute \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{\text{period}} \).
  3. Choose the starting form: a rider starting at the bottom of a wheel is \( -A\cos(Bt) + D \).
  4. Check the model at \( t = 0 \) against the starting condition.
  5. To find when the value is a given number, set the function equal to it and isolate the trigonometric function.
  6. Use the inverse function for one angle and symmetry for the other: a horizontal line meets each cycle twice.
  7. Convert the angle back to time by dividing by \( B \).
  8. State the units and check the answer lies in the domain asked for.

Where students lose marks: reporting only the first solution. A rider on a wheel passes every height twice per turn, once going up and once coming down, and a question about "when" usually wants both or needs the first.

Worked example

The problem. A Ferris wheel has radius 20 m and its center 22 m above the ground. It makes one rotation in 40 s, and a rider starts at the bottom. (a) Write \( h(t) \) and find the height at 10 s and 5 s. (b) When is the rider first 32 m up? (c) A harbor's depth is \( d(t) = 6 + 2.5\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{6}(t - 3)\right) \) meters. Find the high and low tide depths and the time per tide cycle that the depth exceeds 7 m.

Step one: the parameters for (a). Midline 22, amplitude 20, period 40 so \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{40} = \dfrac{\pi}{20} \). Starting at the bottom, where the value is lowest, means \( -\cos \): \( h(t) = -20\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{20}\right) + 22 \).

Step two: check and evaluate. \( h(0) = -20 + 22 = 2 \) m, the bottom ✓. \( h(10) = -20\cos\dfrac{\pi}{2} + 22 = 22 \), the level of the center, a quarter turn ✓. \( h(20) = 42 \), the top ✓. \( h(5) = -20\cos\dfrac{\pi}{4} + 22 = 22 - 14.142 = 7.86 \) m.

Step three: set up (b). \( -20\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{20}\right) + 22 = 32 \), so \( \cos\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{20}\right) = -\dfrac12 \).

Step four: solve. The first angle with cosine \( -\dfrac12 \) is \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \). So \( \dfrac{\pi t}{20} = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \), giving \( t = \dfrac{40}{3} = 13.33 \) s. Check: \( h(13.33) = -20\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3} + 22 = 10 + 22 = 32 \) ✓. The second time is \( 40 - 13.33 = 26.67 \) s, on the way down.

Step five: the tides. The cosine varies between \( -1 \) and 1, so the depth varies between \( 6 \pm 2.5 \): high tide 8.5 m, low tide 3.5 m. The period is \( \dfrac{2\pi}{\pi/6} = 12 \) hours. High tide at \( t = 3 \).

Step six: set up "deeper than 7 m". \( 6 + 2.5\cos\theta \gt 7 \) with \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{6}(t - 3) \), so \( \cos\theta \gt 0.4 \).

Step seven: find the window. \( \cos^{-1}(0.4) = 1.1593 \) radians. Cosine exceeds 0.4 for \( \theta \) within \( \pm 1.1593 \) of 0. Convert to time: \( t - 3 = \pm 1.1593 \cdot \dfrac{6}{\pi} = \pm 2.214 \) hours.

Step eight: interpret. The depth exceeds 7 m from \( t = 0.79 \) to \( t = 5.21 \), a window of 4.43 hours centered on high tide, in each 12-hour cycle. A boat needing 7 m of water can move for about 4.4 hours around each high tide. Check the edge: \( d(0.786) = 6 + 2.5\cos(-1.1593) = 6 + 2.5(0.4) = 7.0 \) ✓.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Using the Ferris wheel of the example, find the height at \( t = 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( -20\cos\dfrac{\pi}{4} + 22 = 22 - 14.142 \). 7.86 m

  2. What is the greatest height the rider reaches?
    Show the full solution

    Midline plus amplitude: \( 22 + 20 \). 42 m

  3. What is the period of the wheel?
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2\pi}{\pi/20} \). 40 s

  4. For \( d(t) = 6 + 2.5\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{6}(t - 3)\right) \), find \( d(3) \).
    Show the full solution

    The cosine is \( \cos 0 = 1 \). 8.5 m

  5. Find \( d(9) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\pi = -1 \), so \( 6 - 2.5 \). 3.5 m

  6. When is the rider first 32 m up?
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\dfrac{\pi t}{20} = -\dfrac12 \), so \( \dfrac{\pi t}{20} = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \) and \( t = 13.33 \) s. Check: \( 22 + 10 = 32 \). 13.33 s

  7. For how many hours per cycle is the harbor deeper than 7 m?
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\theta \gt 0.4 \) gives \( |\theta| \lt 1.1593 \), so the window is \( 2 \times 2.214 = 4.43 \) hours. About 4.43 hours

  8. Monthly average temperature is \( T(m) = 14 + 10\sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{6}(m - 4)\right) \) degrees, with \( m = 1 \) for January. Find \( T(1) \), \( T(7) \) and \( T(10) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( T(1) = 14 + 10\sin\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = 4 \). \( T(7) = 14 + 10\sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 24 \). \( T(10) = 14 + 10\sin\pi = 14 \). The coldest month is January and the warmest July, a half-period apart. 4, 24 and 14 degrees

  9. A wheel of radius 15 m has its center 17 m above the ground and turns once in 30 s, starting at the bottom. Write \( h(t) \) and find the height at \( t = 10 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( B = \dfrac{2\pi}{30} = \dfrac{\pi}{15} \), so \( h(t) = -15\cos\dfrac{\pi t}{15} + 17 \). \( h(10) = -15\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3} + 17 = 7.5 + 17 = 24.5 \). Check \( h(0) = 2 \), the bottom. \( h(t) = -15\cos\frac{\pi t}{15} + 17 \); 24.5 m

  10. At what times in \( 0 \le t \le 12 \) is the harbor at its mean depth of 6 m? Explain the significance.
    Show the full solution

    \( 6 + 2.5\cos\theta = 6 \) means \( \cos\theta = 0 \), so \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{6}(t - 3) = \pm\dfrac{\pi}{2} \), giving \( t - 3 = \pm 3 \), so \( t = 0 \) or \( t = 6 \), and again at \( t = 12 \). These are the midline crossings, a quarter cycle from high tide, when the water is moving fastest: rising or falling at its greatest rate. At the highs and lows the depth is momentarily steady. \( t = 0, 6, 12 \); the depth changes fastest there

Lesson 5.5 · Unit 5 · F-IF.7

The four functions whose graphs have walls

Tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant are quotients of sine and cosine, so each has vertical asymptotes exactly where its denominator is zero. Their graphs are read the same way as a rational function: locate the asymptotes first, then the zeros, then sketch the branches between.

The method
  1. \( y = \tan x = \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} \) has period \( \pi \), zeros at \( k\pi \) and vertical asymptotes at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \).
  2. Tangent is increasing on each branch, with range all real numbers.
  3. \( y = \cot x = \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x} \) has period \( \pi \), zeros at \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \), asymptotes at \( k\pi \), and is decreasing on each branch.
  4. \( y = \sec x = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} \) has period \( 2\pi \), the same asymptotes as tangent, and range \( (-\infty, -1] \cup [1, \infty) \).
  5. \( y = \csc x = \dfrac{1}{\sin x} \) has period \( 2\pi \), asymptotes at \( k\pi \), and the same range as secant.
  6. The graphs of secant and cosecant touch \( \pm 1 \) exactly where cosine or sine reaches its extreme, and bend away from the axis on either side.
  7. Transformations follow lesson 1.3: for \( y = A\tan\big(B(x - C)\big) + D \) the period is \( \dfrac{\pi}{|B|} \).
  8. Find the asymptotes of a transformed tangent by setting the inside equal to \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \).

Where students lose marks: using \( 2\pi \) as the period of tangent. Tangent repeats every \( \pi \), because the sine and cosine both change sign after a half turn and their ratio does not. For \( y = \tan 3x \) the period is \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) Sketch the key features of \( y = \tan x \) over one period. (b) Describe \( y = 2\tan\dfrac{x}{2} \). (c) Describe \( y = \sec x \) and how it relates to \( \cos x \). (d) Find the asymptotes of \( y = \tan 2x \).

Step one: features of tangent for (a). On \( \left(-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \): asymptotes at both ends, a zero at 0, and the points \( \left(-\dfrac{\pi}{4}, -1\right) \), \( (0, 0) \), \( \left(\dfrac{\pi}{4}, 1\right) \).

Step two: behavior near the asymptote. As \( x \to \dfrac{\pi}{2}^- \), sine approaches 1 and cosine approaches 0 from the positive side, so the quotient goes to \( +\infty \). As \( x \to -\dfrac{\pi}{2}^+ \), cosine is again a small positive number and sine is near \( -1 \), so tangent goes to \( -\infty \).

Step three: (b), find the period. The inside is \( \dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac12 x \), so \( B = \dfrac12 \) and the period is \( \dfrac{\pi}{1/2} = 2\pi \). The vertical factor 2 stretches.

Step four: asymptotes and points for (b). Solve \( \dfrac{x}{2} = \pm\dfrac{\pi}{2} \), giving \( x = \pm\pi \). The zero is at 0. The point from \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) in the parent: \( \dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) gives \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), with height \( 2 \cdot 1 = 2 \). Check: \( 2\tan\dfrac{\pi}{4} = 2 \) ✓.

Step five: secant for (c). Since \( \sec x = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} \), wherever cosine is 0 there is a vertical asymptote: \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \).

Step six: the branches. Where cosine is 1 (at \( x = 0 \)), secant is 1; where cosine is \( -1 \) (at \( \pi \)), secant is \( -1 \). Because \( |\cos x| \le 1 \), we get \( |\sec x| \ge 1 \): the graph has no points between \( y = -1 \) and \( y = 1 \).

Step seven: the picture. Sketch the cosine wave lightly. Wherever it has a peak at height 1, draw a U opening up from that point; wherever it has a trough at \( -1 \), draw an upside-down U opening down. The branches climb toward the asymptotes at the cosine's zeros.

Step eight: asymptotes of \( \tan 2x \) for (d). Set \( 2x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \), so \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} + \dfrac{k\pi}{2} \). The period is \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), so the asymptotes are a period apart: \( \pm\dfrac{\pi}{4}, \pm\dfrac{3\pi}{4}, \dots \). Check: \( \tan\left(2 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) = \tan\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) is undefined ✓. A common error is to keep the parent's asymptotes at \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \); the coefficient of \( x \) moves them.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. State the period of \( y = \tan x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \pi \)

  2. Name the vertical asymptotes of \( y = \tan x \) between \( -\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) inclusive.
    Show the full solution

    Where cosine is zero. \( x = -\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \)

  3. Evaluate \( \tan\dfrac{\pi}{4} \).
    Show the full solution

    Sine equals cosine there. 1

  4. State the range of \( y = \sec x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sec x = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} \) and \( |\cos x| \le 1 \). \( (-\infty, -1] \cup [1, \infty) \)

  5. Evaluate \( \sec 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1}{\cos 0} \). 1

  6. Find the period of \( y = \tan 3x \) and its first positive asymptote.
    Show the full solution

    Period \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). Asymptote: \( 3x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), so \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Period \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \); first asymptote \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \)

  7. Evaluate \( \csc\dfrac{\pi}{6} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1}{\sin(\pi/6)} = \dfrac{1}{1/2} \). 2

  8. Find the minimum positive value of \( y = 2\sec x \) and where it occurs.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sec x \ge 1 \) on the upper branches, with equality at \( x = 0 \), so \( 2\sec x \ge 2 \). The value on the lower branches is at most \( -2 \). 2, at \( x = 0 \)

  9. Find the asymptotes and zeros of \( y = \cot x \) on \( (0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cot x = \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x} \). Asymptote where sine is 0: \( x = \pi \) (and the ends 0 and \( 2\pi \)). Zeros where cosine is 0: \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \). Check: \( \cot\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 0 \). Asymptote \( x = \pi \); zeros \( \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  10. Explain why tangent and secant share their asymptotes, and why secant never takes values between \( -1 \) and 1.
    Show the full solution

    Both have \( \cos x \) in the denominator: \( \tan x = \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} \) and \( \sec x = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} \). They fail wherever \( \cos x = 0 \). Since \( -1 \le \cos x \le 1 \), the reciprocal of a number of size at most 1 has size at least 1: if \( |\cos x| = 0.5 \) then \( |\sec x| = 2 \). Small cosine gives a huge secant, and a cosine of exactly \( \pm 1 \) gives \( \pm 1 \), the closest to zero it can be. Same denominator; the reciprocal of a number in \( [-1, 1] \) has size at least 1

Lesson 5.6 · Unit 5 · F-TF.6-7

Recovering an angle from a value, with the ranges that make it a function

Sine is not one-to-one, so on its whole domain it has no inverse. Cutting the domain down to one interval where the function is one-to-one, exactly the move of lesson 1.6, gives an inverse with a fixed range. The ranges are conventions, and they explain why a calculator returns a single answer when an equation has many.

The method
  1. \( y = \sin^{-1}x \) (also written \( \arcsin x \)) means \( \sin y = x \) with \( y \in \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \).
  2. \( y = \cos^{-1}x \) means \( \cos y = x \) with \( y \in [0, \pi] \).
  3. \( y = \tan^{-1}x \) means \( \tan y = x \) with \( y \in \left(-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \).
  4. The domain of \( \sin^{-1} \) and \( \cos^{-1} \) is \( [-1, 1] \); the domain of \( \tan^{-1} \) is all real numbers.
  5. The output is an angle (in radians), not a ratio.
  6. \( \sin^{-1}x \) does not mean \( \dfrac{1}{\sin x} \). The \( -1 \) marks an inverse function.
  7. \( \sin\big(\sin^{-1}x\big) = x \) for \( x \) in \( [-1, 1] \), but \( \sin^{-1}(\sin x) = x \) only for \( x \) in the restricted range.
  8. To solve \( \sin x = c \), the inverse gives one solution; the others come from symmetry and periodicity.

Where students lose marks: the compositions in the wrong order. \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right) \) is not \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). The inverse returns an angle in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \) with the same sine, which is \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \).

Worked example

The problem. Evaluate (a) \( \sin^{-1}\dfrac12 \); (b) \( \sin^{-1}\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \); (c) \( \cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac12\right) \); (d) \( \tan^{-1}(-1) \); (e) \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right) \); (f) \( \cos^{-1}2 \).

Step one: (a). Ask: what angle in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \) has sine \( \dfrac12 \)? It is \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \).

Step two: (b). A negative value means an angle in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, 0\right) \). The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \) (sine \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)), so the answer is \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \). Check: \( \sin\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) ✓.

Step three: (c). The range of \( \cos^{-1} \) is \( [0, \pi] \), upper half of the circle. A negative cosine is in quadrant II. The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), so the angle is \( \pi - \dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \). Check: \( \cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = -\dfrac12 \) ✓.

Step four: (d). \( \tan y = -1 \) with \( y \) between \( -\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \): \( y = -\dfrac{\pi}{4} \). (Not \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \), which has the same tangent but is outside the range.)

Step five: (e), first compute the inside. \( \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = \dfrac12 \).

Step six: then the inverse. \( \sin^{-1}\dfrac12 = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \), not \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \), because \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) is outside \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \). The composition returns the angle in the range that has the same sine.

Step seven: (f). The domain of \( \cos^{-1} \) is \( [-1, 1] \), and 2 is outside it. No angle has cosine 2.

Step eight: why these ranges. Each range is one interval on which the function takes every value in \( [-1, 1] \) exactly once: sine goes from \( -1 \) to 1 on \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \), cosine from 1 to \( -1 \) on \( [0, \pi] \). The choice is a convention, but a sensible one: the range of \( \sin^{-1} \) is centered on 0 and includes the small positive and negative angles, while the range of \( \cos^{-1} \) starts at 0 and includes angles of all sizes up to a half-turn.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}0 \).
    Show the full solution

    0

  2. Evaluate \( \cos^{-1}1 \).
    Show the full solution

    0

  3. Evaluate \( \tan^{-1}1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  4. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  5. Evaluate \( \cos^{-1}0 \).
    Show the full solution

    The angle in \( [0, \pi] \) with cosine 0. \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \)

  6. Evaluate \( \cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant II, reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \): \( \pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Check: \( \cos\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \)

  7. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\left(-\dfrac12\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Negative, so in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, 0\right) \); reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( -\dfrac{\pi}{6} \)

  8. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{7\pi}{6}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin\dfrac{7\pi}{6} = -\dfrac12 \). The angle in the range with sine \( -\dfrac12 \) is \( -\dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( -\dfrac{\pi}{6} \), not \( \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \)

  9. Find the domain of \( f(x) = \sin^{-1}(2x - 1) \).
    Show the full solution

    Need \( -1 \le 2x - 1 \le 1 \); add 1: \( 0 \le 2x \le 2 \); divide: \( 0 \le x \le 1 \). Check: \( x = 1 \) gives \( \sin^{-1}1 = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \); \( x = 2 \) gives \( \sin^{-1}3 \), undefined. \( [0, 1] \)

  10. Solve \( \sin x = 0.3 \) for all \( x \) in \( [0, 2\pi] \), and explain why the calculator gives only one.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin^{-1}(0.3) = 0.3047 \), in quadrant I. Sine is also positive in quadrant II: \( \pi - 0.3047 = 2.8369 \). Check: \( \sin 2.8369 = 0.3 \). The calculator returns the one value in the restricted range \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \); the rest of the solutions come from the symmetry of the circle. \( x = 0.3047 \) and \( x = 2.8369 \)

Lesson 5.7 · Unit 5 · F-TF.6-7

Drawing the triangle that the inverse function describes

An expression like \( \cos\left(\sin^{-1}\dfrac35\right) \) asks for the cosine of an angle known only through its sine. The fastest method is to draw a right triangle with that angle, fill in the sides and read off the answer. The other kind of composition, inverse of function, tests whether you remember the restricted ranges.

The method
  1. For \( \sin(\text{something}) \) or \( \cos(\text{something}) \) with an inverse inside, let \( \theta \) be the inverse expression and write what it says about \( \theta \).
  2. Draw a right triangle in which \( \theta \) has the stated ratio, or use a point on the circle when the sign matters.
  3. Find the third side by the Pythagorean theorem.
  4. Read the requested function from the triangle.
  5. Decide the sign from the range: \( \sin^{-1} \) and \( \tan^{-1} \) give angles with the sign of their input (quadrants I and IV); \( \cos^{-1} \) gives quadrants I and II.
  6. \( f(f^{-1}(x)) = x \) always holds on the domain of the inverse.
  7. \( f^{-1}(f(x)) = x \) holds only for \( x \) in the restricted range.
  8. For any other \( x \), find the angle in the range with the same function value.

Where students lose marks: treating the triangle as always in quadrant I. For \( \cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac35\right) \) the angle is in quadrant II, sine is positive there, and \( \tan \) of it is negative. The triangle gives the magnitudes; the range gives the signs.

Worked example

The problem. Evaluate (a) \( \cos\left(\sin^{-1}\dfrac35\right) \); (b) \( \sin\left(\cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac{5}{13}\right)\right) \); (c) \( \tan\left(\cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac35\right)\right) \); (d) \( \cos(\tan^{-1}x) \) as an algebraic expression; (e) \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) \) and \( \cos^{-1}\left(\cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)\right) \).

Step one: (a). Let \( \theta = \sin^{-1}\dfrac35 \), so \( \sin\theta = \dfrac35 \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant I. Opposite 3, hypotenuse 5, adjacent \( \sqrt{25 - 9} = 4 \). \( \cos\theta = \dfrac45 \).

Step two: (b). Let \( \theta = \cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac{5}{13}\right) \), so \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac{5}{13} \), and \( \theta \) is in \( [0, \pi] \), hence quadrant II. The magnitudes: adjacent 5, hypotenuse 13, opposite 12.

Step three: read and sign. In quadrant II sine is positive: \( \sin\theta = \dfrac{12}{13} \). Check with the identity: \( \dfrac{25}{169} + \dfrac{144}{169} = 1 \) ✓. The range of \( \cos^{-1} \) is why there is no ambiguity about the sign: the angle is always in the upper half-circle, where sine is never negative.

Step four: (c). Same setup: \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac35 \), quadrant II, adjacent magnitude 3, hypotenuse 5, opposite 4, so \( \sin\theta = \dfrac45 \). \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{4/5}{-3/5} = -\dfrac43 \).

Step five: (d). Let \( \theta = \tan^{-1}x \), so \( \tan\theta = x = \dfrac{x}{1} \) and \( \theta \) is in \( \left(-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \). Opposite \( x \), adjacent 1, hypotenuse \( \sqrt{1 + x^2} \).

Step six: read. \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}} \). The cosine is positive in the whole range of \( \tan^{-1} \), so the positive root is correct for negative \( x \) too. Check with \( x = 1 \): \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{4} = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt2} = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \) ✓.

Step seven: (e), the inverse outside. \( \sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \), and the angle in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \) with that sine is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \). So the result is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \), not \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \).

Step eight: the other one. \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = \dfrac12 \) (cosine is even), and the angle in \( [0, \pi] \) with cosine \( \dfrac12 \) is \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). So \( \cos^{-1}\left(\cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)\right) = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), not \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \), since \( -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \) is not in \( [0, \pi] \). The two cases show the same rule: the inverse always answers with an angle from its own range.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Evaluate \( \sin\left(\sin^{-1}\dfrac12\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    A function and its inverse cancel: the input \( \dfrac12 \) is in \( [-1, 1] \). \( \dfrac12 \)

  2. Evaluate \( \cos\left(\cos^{-1}(-0.3)\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( -0.3 \) is in \( [-1, 1] \). \( -0.3 \)

  3. Evaluate \( \cos\left(\sin^{-1}\dfrac35\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Triangle with opposite 3, hypotenuse 5, adjacent 4. \( \dfrac45 \)

  4. Evaluate \( \tan\left(\sin^{-1}\dfrac{5}{13}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Opposite 5, hypotenuse 13, adjacent 12. \( \dfrac{5}{12} \)

  5. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \) is in the range. \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \)

  6. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \); the angle in the range with that sine is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  7. Evaluate \( \cos^{-1}\left(\cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = \dfrac12 \); the angle in \( [0, \pi] \) is \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \)

  8. Evaluate \( \sin\left(\cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac{5}{13}\right)\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant II; magnitudes 5, 12, 13; sine is positive. \( \dfrac{12}{13} \)

  9. Evaluate \( \tan\left(\cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac35\right)\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrant II: \( \sin = \dfrac45 \), \( \cos = -\dfrac35 \). \( -\dfrac43 \)

  10. Write \( \cos(\tan^{-1}x) \) as an algebraic expression and verify it at \( x = -\sqrt3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Triangle with opposite \( x \), adjacent 1, hypotenuse \( \sqrt{1 + x^2} \): the cosine is \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}} \). At \( x = -\sqrt3 \): \( \tan^{-1}(-\sqrt3) = -\dfrac{\pi}{3} \) and \( \cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = \dfrac12 \); the formula gives \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 + 3}} = \dfrac12 \) ✓. \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}} \)

Unit 5 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 5 review: Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

Shuffled across all seven lessons. Factor the inside before reading a phase shift.

  1. State the amplitude, period, phase shift and midline of \( y = 3\sin\big(2(x - \tfrac{\pi}{4})\big) + 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Amplitude 3; period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{2} = \pi \); shift \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) right; midline \( y = 1 \). 3, \( \pi \), \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) right, \( y = 1 \)

  2. Find the period of \( y = \tan 3x \).
    Show the full solution

    Tangent has period \( \pi \), divided by 3. \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \)

  3. Solve \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi] \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrants I and II with reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \)

  4. A sinusoid has a maximum 7 at \( x = 1 \) and its next minimum \( -1 \) at \( x = 4 \). Write a cosine equation.
    Show the full solution

    Amplitude 4, midline 3, half period 3 so period 6, \( B = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). Check \( x = 4 \): \( 4\cos\pi + 3 = -1 \). \( y = 4\cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}(x - 1)\right) + 3 \)

  5. A Ferris wheel of radius 20 m has its center 22 m up and turns once in 40 s, starting at the bottom. Find the height at \( t = 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( h = -20\cos\dfrac{\pi t}{20} + 22 \); at 5: \( 22 - 20\cos\dfrac{\pi}{4} = 22 - 14.14 \). 7.86 m

  6. State the range of \( y = \sec x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( |\cos x| \le 1 \), so \( |\sec x| \ge 1 \). \( (-\infty, -1] \cup [1, \infty) \)

  7. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\left(-\dfrac12\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    The angle in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \) with sine \( -\dfrac12 \). \( -\dfrac{\pi}{6} \)

  8. Evaluate \( \cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    In \( [0, \pi] \), quadrant II with reference \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \)

  9. Evaluate \( \sin^{-1}\left(\sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) \), and explain the answer.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \), and the inverse sine returns the angle in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \) with that sine. The angle \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \) is outside the range. \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  10. Evaluate \( \cos\left(\sin^{-1}\dfrac35\right) \) and \( \tan\left(\cos^{-1}\left(-\dfrac35\right)\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    First: triangle 3, 4, 5, adjacent over hypotenuse \( \dfrac45 \). Second: angle in quadrant II, sine \( \dfrac45 \), cosine \( -\dfrac35 \), tangent \( -\dfrac43 \). \( \dfrac45 \) and \( -\dfrac43 \)

Lesson 6.1 · Unit 6 · F-TF.8

Statements that are true for every angle, and how to tell one from an equation

An equation is true for some values of the variable; an identity is true for all of them wherever both sides are defined. Every trigonometric identity is a consequence of the unit circle, and a few basic ones are enough to simplify nearly any expression. The first job is learning them cold, and the second is knowing that a single example never proves one.

The method
  1. Reciprocal: \( \csc x = \dfrac{1}{\sin x} \), \( \sec x = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} \), \( \cot x = \dfrac{1}{\tan x} \).
  2. Quotient: \( \tan x = \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} \), \( \cot x = \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x} \).
  3. Pythagorean: \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \), \( 1 + \tan^2 x = \sec^2 x \), \( 1 + \cot^2 x = \csc^2 x \).
  4. Even and odd: \( \cos(-x) = \cos x \), \( \sin(-x) = -\sin x \), \( \tan(-x) = -\tan x \).
  5. Cofunction: \( \sin\left(\dfrac{\pi}{2} - x\right) = \cos x \) and \( \cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{2} - x\right) = \sin x \).
  6. To simplify, rewrite everything in terms of sine and cosine and look for a Pythagorean pair or a common factor.
  7. An identity holds only where every expression in it is defined.
  8. A numerical check at one angle can disprove a claimed identity but cannot prove one.

Where students lose marks: the linearity error. \( \sin x + \cos x = 1 \) is true at \( x = 0 \), which tempts some to call it an identity, but at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) the left side is \( \sqrt2 = 1.414 \). One failure is enough to disprove a claim; one success proves nothing.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Simplify \( \tan x\cos x \). (b) Simplify \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{1 - \cos x} \). (c) Show that \( \sec x - \cos x = \sin x\tan x \). (d) Decide whether \( \sin x + \cos x = 1 \) is an identity.

Step one: (a), convert to sine and cosine. \( \tan x\cos x = \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x}\cdot\cos x = \sin x \). The cosine cancels as a factor, for \( \cos x \ne 0 \).

Step two: (b), use the Pythagorean identity. \( \sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x = (1 - \cos x)(1 + \cos x) \), a difference of squares.

Step three: cancel. The factor \( 1 - \cos x \) divides out: \( \dfrac{(1 - \cos x)(1 + \cos x)}{1 - \cos x} = 1 + \cos x \), for \( \cos x \ne 1 \). Check at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): left \( \dfrac{3/4}{1/2} = 1.5 \); right \( 1 + \dfrac12 = 1.5 \).

Step four: (c), work on one side. Start with the left: \( \sec x - \cos x = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} - \cos x = \dfrac{1 - \cos^2 x}{\cos x} \).

Step five: finish. \( 1 - \cos^2 x = \sin^2 x \), so the expression is \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{\cos x} = \sin x\cdot\dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} = \sin x\tan x \). Check at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): left \( 2 - 0.5 = 1.5 \); right \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\sqrt3 = 1.5 \) ✓.

Step six: (d), test the claim. At \( x = 0 \): \( 0 + 1 = 1 \), true. At \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \): \( \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} + \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} = \sqrt2 \approx 1.414 \ne 1 \).

Step seven: conclude. The statement fails at \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \), so it is an equation with some solutions, not an identity. It holds at \( x = 0 \) and \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), where one function is 1 and the other 0, and nowhere it is not.

Step eight: state the lesson about checking. A numerical check works in one direction only. Finding a value where the two sides differ proves a statement false. Finding that they agree at one, or even several, values proves nothing, since two different functions can meet at isolated points. Proving an identity needs algebra that works for all \( x \), which is the subject of the next lesson.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Simplify \( \sin x\csc x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \csc x = \dfrac{1}{\sin x} \), so the product is 1 (for \( \sin x \ne 0 \)). 1

  2. Simplify \( \tan x\cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x \)

  3. Simplify \( 1 - \sin^2 x \).
    Show the full solution

    Rearranging \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \). \( \cos^2 x \)

  4. Simplify \( \sec^2 x - \tan^2 x \).
    Show the full solution

    From \( 1 + \tan^2 x = \sec^2 x \). 1

  5. Simplify \( \cot x\sin x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x}\cdot\sin x \). \( \cos x \)

  6. Simplify \( \dfrac{1 - \cos^2 x}{\sin x} \).
    Show the full solution

    The numerator is \( \sin^2 x \), so the quotient is \( \sin x \), for \( \sin x \ne 0 \). \( \sin x \)

  7. Simplify \( \cos^2 x(1 + \tan^2 x) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + \tan^2 x = \sec^2 x \), so \( \cos^2 x\sec^2 x = 1 \). Check at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): \( \dfrac14(1 + 3) = 1 \). 1

  8. Simplify \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{1 - \cos x} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin^2 x = (1 - \cos x)(1 + \cos x) \); cancel \( 1 - \cos x \). \( 1 + \cos x \)

  9. Write \( \sec x - \cos x \) as a product and check at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1 - \cos^2 x}{\cos x} = \sin x\tan x \). At \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): \( \sec = 2 \), \( \cos = 0.5 \), difference 1.5; and \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}(\sqrt3) = 1.5 \). \( \sin x\tan x \)

  10. Show that \( \sin x + \cos x = 1 \) is not an identity.
    Show the full solution

    At \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) the left side is \( \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} + \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} = \sqrt2 \approx 1.414 \), not 1. It is true at \( x = 0 \), which shows why one matching example proves nothing. It fails at \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

Lesson 6.2 · Unit 6 · F-TF.8

Transforming one side into the other, without assuming the result

To prove an identity you must start from one side and reach the other using only true steps. You may not treat it as an equation and manipulate both sides, because that assumes the conclusion. The craft is in choosing the side and the first move, and there are only a few moves to choose from.

The method
  1. Work on one side only, usually the more complicated one.
  2. Write everything in terms of sine and cosine if the path is not obvious.
  3. Combine fractions over a common denominator.
  4. Look for a Pythagorean pair such as \( 1 - \cos^2 x \) or \( 1 + \tan^2 x \).
  5. Factor differences of squares and common factors.
  6. To remove a binomial from a denominator, multiply top and bottom by its conjugate.
  7. Do not cross-multiply or add the same term to both sides of the claimed identity.
  8. Finish by stating that the side you started with equals the other.

Where students lose marks: cross-multiplying. A proof that begins by multiplying both sides of the claim by something assumes the claim is true. The argument "\( 1 = 2 \), so \( 0 \cdot 1 = 0 \cdot 2 \), which is true" proves nothing, and the same flaw appears, less visibly, in a cross-multiplied identity proof.

Worked example

The problem. Prove (a) \( (1 + \cos x)(1 - \cos x) = \sin^2 x \); (b) \( (\sin x + \cos x)^2 = 1 + 2\sin x\cos x \); (c) \( \sec x + \tan x = \dfrac{\cos x}{1 - \sin x} \); (d) \( \dfrac{1}{1 - \cos x} + \dfrac{1}{1 + \cos x} = 2\csc^2 x \).

Step one: (a). The left side is a difference of squares: \( 1 - \cos^2 x \). By the Pythagorean identity that equals \( \sin^2 x \), which is the right side. ∎

Step two: (b), expand. \( (\sin x + \cos x)^2 = \sin^2 x + 2\sin x\cos x + \cos^2 x \).

Step three: finish (b). Regroup \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \), leaving \( 1 + 2\sin x\cos x \). ∎ Note that the expansion is the square of a sum, not the sum of squares, which is the linearity error.

Step four: (c), choose the side. The right side has a binomial denominator. Multiply its top and bottom by the conjugate \( 1 + \sin x \), which is a multiplication by 1: \( \dfrac{\cos x(1 + \sin x)}{(1 - \sin x)(1 + \sin x)} = \dfrac{\cos x(1 + \sin x)}{1 - \sin^2 x} \).

Step five: finish (c). \( 1 - \sin^2 x = \cos^2 x \), so the fraction is \( \dfrac{\cos x(1 + \sin x)}{\cos^2 x} = \dfrac{1 + \sin x}{\cos x} = \dfrac{1}{\cos x} + \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} = \sec x + \tan x \). ∎ Check at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \): left \( 1.1547 + 0.5774 = 1.7321 \); right \( \dfrac{0.8660}{0.5} = 1.7321 \) ✓.

Step six: (d), combine. Common denominator \( (1 - \cos x)(1 + \cos x) \): \( \dfrac{(1 + \cos x) + (1 - \cos x)}{(1 - \cos x)(1 + \cos x)} = \dfrac{2}{1 - \cos^2 x} \).

Step seven: finish (d). \( 1 - \cos^2 x = \sin^2 x \), so the result is \( \dfrac{2}{\sin^2 x} = 2\csc^2 x \). ∎

Step eight: note what each proof used. (a) and (d) used a difference of squares; (c) used a conjugate; all four ended with the Pythagorean identity. In nearly every proof you will see the same three moves: rewrite in sine and cosine, combine or factor, and apply \( \sin^2 + \cos^2 = 1 \). When stuck, try those in order.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Prove \( \sin x\cot x = \cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x\cdot\dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x} = \cos x \). ∎ Left side equals right side

  2. Prove \( \tan x + \cot x = \sec x\csc x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} + \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x} = \dfrac{\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x}{\sin x\cos x} = \dfrac{1}{\sin x\cos x} = \sec x\csc x \). ∎ Combined over a common denominator

  3. Prove \( (1 - \sin x)(1 + \sin x) = \cos^2 x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 - \sin^2 x = \cos^2 x \). ∎ Difference of squares

  4. Prove \( (\sin x + \cos x)^2 = 1 + 2\sin x\cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    Expand: \( \sin^2 x + 2\sin x\cos x + \cos^2 x = 1 + 2\sin x\cos x \). ∎ Pythagorean identity

  5. Prove \( (\csc x - \cot x)(\csc x + \cot x) = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Difference of squares: \( \csc^2 x - \cot^2 x = 1 \), from \( 1 + \cot^2 x = \csc^2 x \). ∎ Equal to 1

  6. Prove \( (1 - \cos^2 x)(1 + \cot^2 x) = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin^2 x\cdot\csc^2 x = \sin^2 x\cdot\dfrac{1}{\sin^2 x} = 1 \). ∎ Equal to 1

  7. Prove \( \dfrac{\sin x}{1 + \cos x} + \dfrac{1 + \cos x}{\sin x} = 2\csc x \).
    Show the full solution

    Common denominator: \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x + (1 + \cos x)^2}{\sin x(1 + \cos x)} \). Numerator: \( \sin^2 x + 1 + 2\cos x + \cos^2 x = 2 + 2\cos x = 2(1 + \cos x) \). The factor \( 1 + \cos x \) cancels: \( \dfrac{2}{\sin x} = 2\csc x \). ∎ Left side equals \( 2\csc x \)

  8. Prove \( \dfrac{1}{1 - \sin x} + \dfrac{1}{1 + \sin x} = 2\sec^2 x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(1 + \sin x) + (1 - \sin x)}{1 - \sin^2 x} = \dfrac{2}{\cos^2 x} = 2\sec^2 x \). ∎ Left side equals \( 2\sec^2 x \)

  9. Prove \( \tan^2 x - \sin^2 x = \tan^2 x\sin^2 x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x} - \sin^2 x = \sin^2 x\left(\dfrac{1}{\cos^2 x} - 1\right) = \sin^2 x\cdot\dfrac{1 - \cos^2 x}{\cos^2 x} = \sin^2 x\cdot\dfrac{\sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x} = \sin^2 x\tan^2 x \). ∎ Check at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): \( 3 - 0.75 = 2.25 \) and \( 0.75 \times 3 = 2.25 \). Both sides equal \( \tan^2 x\sin^2 x \)

  10. Explain why cross-multiplying is not allowed in a proof, using the claim \( \sin^2 x = 1 - \cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    The claim is false: at \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), \( \sin^2 x = 0.75 \) while \( 1 - \cos x = 0.5 \). Yet manipulating both sides can seem to "work": multiply both sides by 0 and get \( 0 = 0 \). Steps that are true for a false claim prove nothing about the claim, since they are not reversible. A proof must start from a side we know is defined and reach the other by steps that are valid on their own. Cross-multiplying assumes what is to be proved

Lesson 6.3 · Unit 6 · F-TF.9

The sine of a sum is not the sum of the sines

Sine and cosine are not linear, so \( \sin(A + B) \) cannot be found by adding. There is a correct formula, and with it the exact values of angles like \( 15^\circ \) and \( 75^\circ \), which do not appear on the unit circle, follow from ones that do.

The method
  1. \( \sin(A + B) = \sin A\cos B + \cos A\sin B \).
  2. \( \sin(A - B) = \sin A\cos B - \cos A\sin B \).
  3. \( \cos(A + B) = \cos A\cos B - \sin A\sin B \). The sign flips.
  4. \( \cos(A - B) = \cos A\cos B + \sin A\sin B \).
  5. \( \tan(A \pm B) = \dfrac{\tan A \pm \tan B}{1 \mp \tan A\tan B} \).
  6. To find an exact value, write the angle as a sum or difference of known angles, typically from \( 30^\circ, 45^\circ, 60^\circ, 90^\circ \).
  7. Given two values, find the missing function of each angle using the quadrant, then substitute.
  8. The formulas also run backward, to condense an expression such as \( \sin 40^\circ\cos 20^\circ + \cos 40^\circ\sin 20^\circ \) to \( \sin 60^\circ \).

Where students lose marks: the sign in the cosine formulas. In \( \cos(A + B) \) the middle sign is a minus, and in \( \cos(A - B) \) it is a plus, the opposite of the angle's sign. Testing with \( A = B = 0 \) catches it: \( \cos(0 + 0) = 1 \) needs \( 1 \cdot 1 - 0 \cdot 0 = 1 \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the exact value of \( \cos 75^\circ \). (b) Find the exact value of \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{12} \). (c) Find the exact value of \( \tan 105^\circ \). (d) If \( \sin A = \dfrac35 \) with \( A \) in quadrant I, and \( \cos B = -\dfrac{5}{13} \) with \( B \) in quadrant II, find \( \sin(A + B) \) and \( \cos(A + B) \).

Step one: (a), split the angle. \( 75^\circ = 45^\circ + 30^\circ \). \( \cos 75^\circ = \cos 45^\circ\cos 30^\circ - \sin 45^\circ\sin 30^\circ \).

Step two: substitute. \( = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} - \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\cdot\dfrac12 = \dfrac{\sqrt6 - \sqrt2}{4} \approx \dfrac{2.4495 - 1.4142}{4} = 0.2588 \). Check: \( \cos 75^\circ = 0.2588 \) ✓.

Step three: (b). \( \dfrac{\pi}{12} = \dfrac{\pi}{3} - \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) (that is \( 60^\circ - 45^\circ = 15^\circ \)). \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{12} = \sin\dfrac{\pi}{3}\cos\dfrac{\pi}{4} - \cos\dfrac{\pi}{3}\sin\dfrac{\pi}{4} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} - \dfrac12\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} = \dfrac{\sqrt6 - \sqrt2}{4} \).

Step four: compare. This equals \( \cos 75^\circ \), which is right: \( \sin 15^\circ = \cos(90^\circ - 15^\circ) = \cos 75^\circ \), the cofunction identity.

Step five: (c). \( 105^\circ = 60^\circ + 45^\circ \). \( \tan 105^\circ = \dfrac{\tan 60^\circ + \tan 45^\circ}{1 - \tan 60^\circ\tan 45^\circ} = \dfrac{\sqrt3 + 1}{1 - \sqrt3} \).

Step six: rationalize. Multiply by \( \dfrac{1 + \sqrt3}{1 + \sqrt3} \): \( \dfrac{(\sqrt3 + 1)^2}{1 - 3} = \dfrac{4 + 2\sqrt3}{-2} = -(2 + \sqrt3) \approx -3.732 \). Check: \( 105^\circ \) is in quadrant II where tangent is negative, and \( \tan 105^\circ = -3.732 \) ✓.

Step seven: (d), find the missing values. \( A \) in quadrant I with \( \sin A = \dfrac35 \): \( \cos A = \dfrac45 \). \( B \) in quadrant II with \( \cos B = -\dfrac{5}{13} \): \( \sin B = \dfrac{12}{13} \).

Step eight: apply the formulas. \( \sin(A + B) = \dfrac35\left(-\dfrac{5}{13}\right) + \dfrac45\cdot\dfrac{12}{13} = \dfrac{-15 + 48}{65} = \dfrac{33}{65} \). \( \cos(A + B) = \dfrac45\left(-\dfrac{5}{13}\right) - \dfrac35\cdot\dfrac{12}{13} = \dfrac{-20 - 36}{65} = -\dfrac{56}{65} \). Check: \( 33^2 + 56^2 = 1089 + 3136 = 4225 = 65^2 \), so the pair lies on the unit circle ✓.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the exact value of \( \sin 75^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin(45^\circ + 30^\circ) = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} + \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\cdot\dfrac12 \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 + \sqrt2}{4} \approx 0.9659 \)

  2. Find the exact value of \( \cos 15^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos(45^\circ - 30^\circ) = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} + \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\cdot\dfrac12 \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 + \sqrt2}{4} \approx 0.9659 \)

  3. Find the exact value of \( \tan 15^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan(45^\circ - 30^\circ) = \dfrac{1 - \frac{\sqrt3}{3}}{1 + \frac{\sqrt3}{3}} = \dfrac{3 - \sqrt3}{3 + \sqrt3} \). Multiply by the conjugate \( 3 - \sqrt3 \): \( \dfrac{(3 - \sqrt3)^2}{9 - 3} = \dfrac{12 - 6\sqrt3}{6} = 2 - \sqrt3 \approx 0.2679 \). \( 2 - \sqrt3 \)

  4. Find the exact value of \( \sin 105^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin(60^\circ + 45^\circ) = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} + \dfrac12\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 + \sqrt2}{4} \)

  5. Simplify \( \sin 40^\circ\cos 20^\circ + \cos 40^\circ\sin 20^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    This is \( \sin(40^\circ + 20^\circ) = \sin 60^\circ \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)

  6. Simplify \( \cos 70^\circ\cos 20^\circ - \sin 70^\circ\sin 20^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    This is \( \cos(70^\circ + 20^\circ) = \cos 90^\circ \). 0

  7. Find the exact value of \( \cos\dfrac{7\pi}{12} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{7\pi}{12} = \dfrac{\pi}{3} + \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) (that is \( 105^\circ \)). \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{3}\cos\dfrac{\pi}{4} - \sin\dfrac{\pi}{3}\sin\dfrac{\pi}{4} = \dfrac12\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} - \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} = \dfrac{\sqrt2 - \sqrt6}{4} \approx -0.2588 \). Negative, as quadrant II requires. \( \dfrac{\sqrt2 - \sqrt6}{4} \)

  8. If \( \sin A = \dfrac45 \) and \( \sin B = \dfrac{5}{13} \), both in quadrant I, find \( \sin(A + B) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos A = \dfrac35 \) and \( \cos B = \dfrac{12}{13} \). \( \dfrac45\cdot\dfrac{12}{13} + \dfrac35\cdot\dfrac{5}{13} = \dfrac{48 + 15}{65} \). \( \dfrac{63}{65} \)

  9. Use the difference formula to prove \( \cos\left(\dfrac{\pi}{2} - x\right) = \sin x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{2}\cos x + \sin\dfrac{\pi}{2}\sin x = 0\cdot\cos x + 1\cdot\sin x = \sin x \). ∎ The cofunction identity follows from the formula

  10. Show with \( A = B = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \) that \( \sin(A + B) \ne \sin A + \sin B \), and find the correct value.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin A + \sin B = \dfrac12 + \dfrac12 = 1 \), but \( \sin(A + B) = \sin\dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \approx 0.866 \). The correct formula gives \( \dfrac12\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} + \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\dfrac12 = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) ✓. \( 1 \ne 0.866 \); the sum formula gives \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)

Lesson 6.4 · Unit 6 · F-TF.9

The sum formula applied to an angle and itself, and run backward

Setting \( B = A \) in the sum formulas gives the double-angle formulas, and solving one of them backward gives the half-angle formulas. They are used in two directions: to find exact values like \( \cos 22.5^\circ \) and to rewrite a product or a square as a single function of a multiple angle.

The method
  1. \( \sin 2x = 2\sin x\cos x \).
  2. \( \cos 2x = \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x = 2\cos^2 x - 1 = 1 - 2\sin^2 x \). Three forms, all equal.
  3. \( \tan 2x = \dfrac{2\tan x}{1 - \tan^2 x} \).
  4. Half-angle sine: \( \sin\dfrac{x}{2} = \pm\sqrt{\dfrac{1 - \cos x}{2}} \).
  5. Half-angle cosine: \( \cos\dfrac{x}{2} = \pm\sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \cos x}{2}} \).
  6. Half-angle tangent: \( \tan\dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac{\sin x}{1 + \cos x} \), with no sign ambiguity.
  7. Choose the sign of a half-angle from the quadrant of \( \dfrac{x}{2} \), not of \( x \).
  8. Choose the form of \( \cos 2x \) that uses the value you are given.

Where students lose marks: deciding the half-angle sign from the angle \( x \) instead of \( \dfrac{x}{2} \). If \( x \) is in quadrant III, \( \dfrac{x}{2} \) is in quadrant II, where sine is positive, even though the sine of \( x \) itself is negative.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Given \( \sin\theta = \dfrac35 \) with \( \theta \) in quadrant II, find \( \sin 2\theta \), \( \cos 2\theta \) and \( \tan 2\theta \). (b) Find the exact value of \( \cos 22.5^\circ \). (c) Find the exact value of \( \sin 15^\circ \) by a half-angle. (d) Prove \( \dfrac{\sin 2x}{1 + \cos 2x} = \tan x \).

Step one: complete the triangle for (a). \( \cos^2\theta = 1 - \dfrac{9}{25} = \dfrac{16}{25} \); in quadrant II cosine is negative: \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac45 \).

Step two: apply the formulas. \( \sin 2\theta = 2\cdot\dfrac35\cdot\left(-\dfrac45\right) = -\dfrac{24}{25} \). \( \cos 2\theta = 1 - 2\left(\dfrac{9}{25}\right) = \dfrac{7}{25} \). \( \tan 2\theta = \dfrac{-24/25}{7/25} = -\dfrac{24}{7} \).

Step three: check. \( \left(\dfrac{24}{25}\right)^2 + \left(\dfrac{7}{25}\right)^2 = \dfrac{576 + 49}{625} = 1 \) ✓. The angle \( \theta \approx 143.13^\circ \), so \( 2\theta \approx 286.26^\circ \), in quadrant IV where sine is negative and cosine positive ✓.

Step four: (b), set up the half-angle. \( 22.5^\circ = \dfrac{45^\circ}{2} \), in quadrant I, so cosine is positive: \( \cos 22.5^\circ = \sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \cos 45^\circ}{2}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \frac{\sqrt2}{2}}{2}} \).

Step five: simplify. Multiply inside the root by \( \dfrac{2}{2} \): \( \sqrt{\dfrac{2 + \sqrt2}{4}} = \dfrac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt2}}{2} \approx \dfrac{1.8478}{2} = 0.9239 \). Check: \( \cos 22.5^\circ = 0.9239 \) ✓.

Step six: (c). \( 15^\circ = \dfrac{30^\circ}{2} \), quadrant I, sine positive: \( \sin 15^\circ = \sqrt{\dfrac{1 - \cos 30^\circ}{2}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{1 - \frac{\sqrt3}{2}}{2}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{2 - \sqrt3}{4}} = \dfrac{\sqrt{2 - \sqrt3}}{2} \).

Step seven: compare. Numerically \( \dfrac{\sqrt{0.2679}}{2} = \dfrac{0.5176}{2} = 0.2588 \). This matches \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 - \sqrt2}{4} = 0.2588 \) from lesson 6.3, so the two different-looking exact forms are equal. (Squaring \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 - \sqrt2}{4} \) gives \( \dfrac{8 - 2\sqrt{12}}{16} = \dfrac{2 - \sqrt3}{4} \), confirming it.)

Step eight: prove (d). The numerator is \( 2\sin x\cos x \). For the denominator use \( \cos 2x = 2\cos^2 x - 1 \), so \( 1 + \cos 2x = 2\cos^2 x \). Then \( \dfrac{2\sin x\cos x}{2\cos^2 x} = \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} = \tan x \). ∎ Choosing the form \( 2\cos^2 x - 1 \) was what made the 1 cancel; the other forms of \( \cos 2x \) would not have simplified.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. If \( \sin x = \dfrac35 \) and \( \cos x = \dfrac45 \), find \( \sin 2x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\cdot\dfrac35\cdot\dfrac45 \). \( \dfrac{24}{25} \)

  2. If \( \cos x = \dfrac35 \), find \( \cos 2x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\cos^2 x - 1 = 2\cdot\dfrac{9}{25} - 1 = \dfrac{18 - 25}{25} \). \( -\dfrac{7}{25} \)

  3. Use \( \sin 2x \) with \( x = 30^\circ \) to find \( \sin 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\sin 30^\circ\cos 30^\circ = 2\cdot\dfrac12\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \)

  4. If \( \tan x = \dfrac12 \), find \( \tan 2x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2(1/2)}{1 - 1/4} = \dfrac{1}{3/4} \). \( \dfrac43 \)

  5. If \( \sin x = \dfrac13 \), find \( \cos 2x \).
    Show the full solution

    Use \( 1 - 2\sin^2 x = 1 - \dfrac29 \). \( \dfrac79 \)

  6. Find the exact value of \( \cos 15^\circ \) using the half-angle formula.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \cos 30^\circ}{2}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{2 + \sqrt3}{4}} = \dfrac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt3}}{2} \approx 0.9659 \). This matches \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 + \sqrt2}{4} \) from the last lesson. \( \dfrac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt3}}{2} \)

  7. Find the exact value of \( \sin\dfrac{\pi}{8} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\pi}{8} = \dfrac12\cdot\dfrac{\pi}{4} \), quadrant I: \( \sqrt{\dfrac{1 - \frac{\sqrt2}{2}}{2}} = \dfrac{\sqrt{2 - \sqrt2}}{2} \approx 0.3827 \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt{2 - \sqrt2}}{2} \)

  8. If \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac{5}{13} \) with \( \theta \) in quadrant III, find \( \sin\dfrac{\theta}{2} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \theta \) between \( \pi \) and \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \), so \( \dfrac{\theta}{2} \) is between \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \): quadrant II, where sine is positive. \( \sqrt{\dfrac{1 + 5/13}{2}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{18/13}{2}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{9}{13}} = \dfrac{3}{\sqrt{13}} \approx 0.832 \). \( \dfrac{3\sqrt{13}}{13} \)

  9. Prove \( \dfrac{\sin 2x}{1 + \cos 2x} = \tan x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2\sin x\cos x}{1 + (2\cos^2 x - 1)} = \dfrac{2\sin x\cos x}{2\cos^2 x} = \tan x \). ∎ Choose the form \( 2\cos^2 x - 1 \)

  10. Show that the three forms of \( \cos 2x \) agree at \( x = 30^\circ \), and explain how they are related.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos^2 - \sin^2 = \dfrac34 - \dfrac14 = \dfrac12 \). \( 2\cos^2 - 1 = \dfrac32 - 1 = \dfrac12 \). \( 1 - 2\sin^2 = 1 - \dfrac12 = \dfrac12 \). And \( \cos 60^\circ = \dfrac12 \). The second and third come from the first by replacing \( \sin^2 x \) with \( 1 - \cos^2 x \) or \( \cos^2 x \) with \( 1 - \sin^2 x \), using the Pythagorean identity. All equal \( \dfrac12 \)

Lesson 6.5 · Unit 6 · F-TF.7

One equation, many solutions, and how to find all of them

Every trigonometric equation has infinitely many solutions, because the functions repeat. The usual question restricts to an interval such as \( [0, 2\pi) \), where there are a few. The method is always the same: isolate the function, find the reference angle, use the quadrants to find every angle that gives the value, and then check.

The method
  1. Isolate the trigonometric function on one side, like a variable in algebra.
  2. Find the reference angle from the absolute value of the right side.
  3. Decide the quadrants from the sign and find every angle in the interval.
  4. Sine and cosine each have two solutions per period for values inside \( (-1, 1) \); tangent has one.
  5. A value outside \( [-1, 1] \) has no solution for sine or cosine.
  6. General solutions add the period: \( 2k\pi \) for sine and cosine, \( k\pi \) for tangent.
  7. A calculator's inverse function gives one solution; the rest are found by symmetry.
  8. Substitute each answer back into the original equation.

Where students lose marks: reporting only the calculator's answer. \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \) has two solutions in \( [0, 2\pi) \), \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \) and \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \), and the calculator gives just the first.

Worked example

The problem. Solve on \( [0, 2\pi) \): (a) \( 2\sin x - 1 = 0 \); (b) \( 2\cos x + \sqrt3 = 0 \); (c) \( \tan x = -1 \); (d) \( \sin x = 0.7 \); (e) \( \sin x = 2 \). Then give the general solution of (a).

Step one: isolate for (a). \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \).

Step two: find the quadrants. Sine is positive in I and II. The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Quadrant I: \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Quadrant II: \( \pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6} = \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). Check: \( 2\sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} - 1 = 2\cdot\dfrac12 - 1 = 0 \) ✓.

Step three: (b). \( \cos x = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \). Cosine is negative in II and III, reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \): \( x = \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) and \( x = \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \). Check: \( 2\cos\dfrac{7\pi}{6} + \sqrt3 = -\sqrt3 + \sqrt3 = 0 \) ✓.

Step four: (c). Tangent is negative in II and IV. The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \): \( x = \pi - \dfrac{\pi}{4} = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \) and \( x = 2\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{4} = \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \).

Step five: check (c). \( \tan\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = \dfrac{\sqrt2/2}{-\sqrt2/2} = -1 \) ✓ and \( \tan\dfrac{7\pi}{4} = -1 \) ✓. Tangent has period \( \pi \), so the two solutions differ by \( \pi \): \( \dfrac{7\pi}{4} - \dfrac{3\pi}{4} = \pi \).

Step six: (d), a value with no special angle. The calculator gives \( \sin^{-1}0.7 = 0.7754 \) (in radian mode). The second solution is in quadrant II: \( \pi - 0.7754 = 2.3662 \). Check: \( \sin 2.3662 = 0.7000 \) ✓.

Step seven: (e). The sine never exceeds 1, so \( \sin x = 2 \) has no solution.

Step eight: the general solution for (a). Add full periods to each: \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} + 2k\pi \) or \( x = \dfrac{5\pi}{6} + 2k\pi \), for every integer \( k \). For \( k = 1 \) these give \( \dfrac{13\pi}{6} \) and \( \dfrac{17\pi}{6} \), outside \( [0, 2\pi) \). Two families are needed, not one, because the equation has two solutions in each period.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Solve \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrants I and II with reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \)

  2. Solve \( \cos x = \dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrants I and IV with reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  3. Solve \( \tan x = 1 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    Quadrants I and III, reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{4}, \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \)

  4. Solve \( \sin x = -1 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    The bottom of the circle. \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  5. Solve \( \cos x = 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    Cosine never exceeds 1. No solution

  6. Solve \( 2\sin x + \sqrt3 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x = -\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \): quadrants III and IV, reference \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). \( x = \pi + \dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \) and \( x = 2\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \). \( \dfrac{4\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  7. Solve \( \cos x = -0.4 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos^{-1}(-0.4) = 1.9823 \), in quadrant II. By symmetry the other is \( 2\pi - 1.9823 = 4.3009 \), in quadrant III. Check: \( \cos 4.3009 = -0.4 \). 1.9823 and 4.3009

  8. Give the general solution of \( \tan x = \sqrt3 \).
    Show the full solution

    One solution is \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), and tangent repeats every \( \pi \). \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} + k\pi \), for integer \( k \)

  9. Solve \( 3\tan x = -3 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan x = -1 \): quadrants II and IV. \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4}, \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \)

  10. Solve \( \sin x = 0.3 \) for all \( x \), and explain why the calculator gives one value.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin^{-1}0.3 = 0.3047 \). The second solution is \( \pi - 0.3047 = 2.8369 \). General: \( x = 0.3047 + 2k\pi \) or \( x = 2.8369 + 2k\pi \). The calculator's inverse function returns only the value in \( \left[-\dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right] \); the others are found by symmetry and periodicity. Two families of solutions, one from the calculator

Lesson 6.6 · Unit 6 · F-TF.7

When the equation has two kinds of function, or a square

Many equations are quadratics in disguise, with \( \sin x \) or \( \cos x \) playing the role of the variable. Others mix functions or angles and need an identity to bring everything to one type. The danger is dividing by something that can be zero, which quietly throws away solutions.

The method
  1. Move everything to one side so the other side is 0.
  2. Factor with a common factor or treat it as a quadratic in \( \sin x \) or \( \cos x \).
  3. Set each factor equal to zero and solve each equation as in lesson 6.5.
  4. Never divide by a trigonometric expression that can be zero. Factor it out instead.
  5. If two functions appear, use an identity to write the equation with one, such as \( \cos^2 x = 1 - \sin^2 x \).
  6. For \( \cos 2x \), choose the form that matches the other function in the equation.
  7. Reject any value of the function outside \( [-1, 1] \).
  8. Check each answer in the original equation, especially after squaring.

Where students lose marks: losing solutions by dividing. In \( \sin x\cos x = \sin x \), dividing by \( \sin x \) gives \( \cos x = 1 \) and loses every solution of \( \sin x = 0 \). The correct move is \( \sin x(\cos x - 1) = 0 \).

Worked example

The problem. Solve on \( [0, 2\pi) \): (a) \( 2\sin^2 x - \sin x - 1 = 0 \); (b) \( \sin x\cos x = \sin x \); (c) \( \cos 2x = \cos x \); (d) \( 2\cos^2 x + 3\sin x - 3 = 0 \).

Step one: factor (a). It is a quadratic in \( \sin x \): \( (2\sin x + 1)(\sin x - 1) = 0 \).

Step two: solve each. \( \sin x = -\dfrac12 \): quadrants III and IV, \( x = \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \). \( \sin x = 1 \): \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \). Check \( x = \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \): \( 2\cdot\dfrac14 + \dfrac12 - 1 = 0 \) ✓.

Step three: (b), factor rather than divide. \( \sin x\cos x - \sin x = 0 \), so \( \sin x(\cos x - 1) = 0 \).

Step four: solve. \( \sin x = 0 \) gives \( x = 0, \pi \). \( \cos x = 1 \) gives \( x = 0 \). The solutions are \( x = 0 \) and \( x = \pi \). Dividing by \( \sin x \) would have left only \( \cos x = 1 \), keeping 0 and losing \( \pi \). Check \( x = \pi \): left \( 0 \cdot (-1) = 0 \), right \( \sin\pi = 0 \) ✓.

Step five: (c), choose the form. The right side has \( \cos x \), so use \( \cos 2x = 2\cos^2 x - 1 \): \( 2\cos^2 x - 1 = \cos x \), so \( 2\cos^2 x - \cos x - 1 = 0 \).

Step six: factor and solve. \( (2\cos x + 1)(\cos x - 1) = 0 \). \( \cos x = -\dfrac12 \): \( x = \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \). \( \cos x = 1 \): \( x = 0 \). Check \( x = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \): \( \cos\dfrac{4\pi}{3} = -\dfrac12 \) and \( \cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = -\dfrac12 \) ✓.

Step seven: (d), unify the functions. Replace \( \cos^2 x \) by \( 1 - \sin^2 x \): \( 2(1 - \sin^2 x) + 3\sin x - 3 = 0 \), which is \( -2\sin^2 x + 3\sin x - 1 = 0 \), or \( 2\sin^2 x - 3\sin x + 1 = 0 \).

Step eight: factor and solve. \( (2\sin x - 1)(\sin x - 1) = 0 \). \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \): \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). \( \sin x = 1 \): \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \). Check \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \): \( 2\cdot\dfrac34 + 3\cdot\dfrac12 - 3 = 1.5 + 1.5 - 3 = 0 \) ✓. Three solutions, each found by rewriting to a single function.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Solve \( \sin x(2\cos x - 1) = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x = 0 \): \( 0, \pi \). \( \cos x = \dfrac12 \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \). \( 0, \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \pi, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  2. Solve \( 2\sin^2 x - \sin x = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x(2\sin x - 1) = 0 \): \( \sin x = 0 \) or \( \dfrac12 \). \( 0, \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \pi \)

  3. Solve \( \tan^2 x = 3 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan x = \pm\sqrt3 \): reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \) in all four quadrants. \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  4. Solve \( 2\cos^2 x + \cos x - 1 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (2\cos x - 1)(\cos x + 1) = 0 \): \( \cos x = \dfrac12 \) or \( -1 \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \pi, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  5. Solve \( \sin x = \cos x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    Divide by \( \cos x \), which is safe here because \( \cos x = 0 \) would make \( \sin x = \pm 1 \), not equal: \( \tan x = 1 \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{4}, \dfrac{5\pi}{4} \)

  6. Solve \( 2\sin^2 x + 3\sin x + 1 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (2\sin x + 1)(\sin x + 1) = 0 \): \( \sin x = -\dfrac12 \) or \( -1 \). \( \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2}, \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \)

  7. Solve \( \cos 2x = \cos x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\cos^2 x - \cos x - 1 = 0 \), so \( (2\cos x + 1)(\cos x - 1) = 0 \). \( 0, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \)

  8. Solve \( 2\cos^2 x + 3\sin x - 3 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    Use \( \cos^2 x = 1 - \sin^2 x \): \( 2\sin^2 x - 3\sin x + 1 = 0 \), so \( (2\sin x - 1)(\sin x - 1) = 0 \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \)

  9. Solve \( \sin 2x = \sin x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\sin x\cos x - \sin x = 0 \), so \( \sin x(2\cos x - 1) = 0 \). \( \sin x = 0 \): \( 0, \pi \). \( \cos x = \dfrac12 \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \). Check \( x = \pi \): \( \sin 2\pi = 0 = \sin\pi \) ✓. \( 0, \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \pi, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  10. A student solves \( \sin x\cos x = \sin x \) by dividing by \( \sin x \), getting \( \cos x = 1 \) and \( x = 0 \). What is missing?
    Show the full solution

    Dividing by \( \sin x \) assumes it is not zero, and it is zero at \( x = 0 \) and \( x = \pi \). Factoring gives \( \sin x(\cos x - 1) = 0 \): the solutions are \( 0 \) and \( \pi \). The student found \( 0 \) only by accident (it satisfies both factors) and missed \( x = \pi \). Check \( x = \pi \): \( 0 \cdot (-1) = 0 = \sin\pi \) ✓. \( x = \pi \) is missing; factor, never divide

Lesson 6.7 · Unit 6 · F-TF.7

When the angle is a multiple of x, the interval grows

In \( \sin 2x = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \), the function makes two full cycles as \( x \) goes from 0 to \( 2\pi \), so there are twice as many solutions. The safest method is to solve for the whole argument over the larger interval it sweeps out and divide at the end.

The method
  1. Let \( u = kx \). If \( x \) runs over \( [0, 2\pi) \), then \( u \) runs over \( [0, 2k\pi) \).
  2. Solve for \( u \) over that longer interval, using the methods of lesson 6.5.
  3. Divide each solution by \( k \) to get \( x \).
  4. The number of solutions multiplies by \( k \), since there are \( k \) cycles.
  5. For a fractional multiple \( \dfrac{x}{k} \), the interval for \( u \) shrinks, and there may be fewer solutions.
  6. The general solution divides the whole solution family by \( k \), including the period.
  7. Count your answers against the expected number as a check.
  8. Substitute back into the original equation.

Where students lose marks: solving for \( 2x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \) instead of \( [0, 4\pi) \). This finds half the solutions. Since \( x \) goes up to \( 2\pi \), \( 2x \) goes up to \( 4\pi \), and the answers for \( 2x \) between \( 2\pi \) and \( 4\pi \) are solutions too.

Worked example

The problem. Solve on \( [0, 2\pi) \): (a) \( \sin 2x = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \); (b) \( \cos\dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac12 \); (c) \( 2\sin 3x = -1 \); (d) \( \tan 2x = 1 \). Then give all real solutions of (a).

Step one: set the interval for (a). With \( u = 2x \), \( u \) runs over \( [0, 4\pi) \).

Step two: solve for \( u \). \( \sin u = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \): in the first turn, \( u = \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \); in the second turn add \( 2\pi \): \( \dfrac{7\pi}{3}, \dfrac{8\pi}{3} \).

Step three: divide by 2. \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \). Four solutions, twice the usual two, as expected. Check \( x = \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \): \( \sin\dfrac{7\pi}{3} = \sin\dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) ✓.

Step four: (b), the interval shrinks. With \( u = \dfrac{x}{2} \), \( u \) runs over \( [0, \pi) \). Cosine is \( \dfrac12 \) at \( u = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \) in that interval (the other solution, \( \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \), is outside).

Step five: multiply by 2. \( x = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \). One solution. Check: \( \cos\dfrac{\pi}{3} = \dfrac12 \) ✓.

Step six: (c). \( \sin 3x = -\dfrac12 \) with \( u = 3x \in [0, 6\pi) \). In each turn the solutions are \( \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \) and \( \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \); adding \( 2\pi \) and \( 4\pi \) gives six values of \( u \): \( \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{11\pi}{6}, \dfrac{19\pi}{6}, \dfrac{23\pi}{6}, \dfrac{31\pi}{6}, \dfrac{35\pi}{6} \).

Step seven: divide by 3. \( x = \dfrac{7\pi}{18}, \dfrac{11\pi}{18}, \dfrac{19\pi}{18}, \dfrac{23\pi}{18}, \dfrac{31\pi}{18}, \dfrac{35\pi}{18} \). Six solutions, as three cycles times two. Check the last: \( 2\sin\dfrac{35\pi}{6} = 2\sin\left(6\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) = 2\left(-\dfrac12\right) = -1 \) ✓.

Step eight: (d) and the general solution. \( \tan 2x = 1 \): \( 2x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} + k\pi \), so \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{8} + \dfrac{k\pi}{2} \). For \( k = 0, 1, 2, 3 \) in \( [0, 2\pi) \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{8}, \dfrac{5\pi}{8}, \dfrac{9\pi}{8}, \dfrac{13\pi}{8} \). For the general solution of (a), divide the families \( 2x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \) and \( 2x = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \) by 2: \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} + k\pi \) or \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} + k\pi \). The period of the solutions is \( \pi \), half of the original.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Solve \( \sin 2x = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x = 0, \pi, 2\pi, 3\pi \) on \( [0, 4\pi) \); divide by 2. \( 0, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  2. Solve \( \cos 2x = \dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x = \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3}, \dfrac{7\pi}{3}, \dfrac{11\pi}{3} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \)

  3. Solve \( \tan 2x = 1 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x = \dfrac{\pi}{4} + k\pi \), so \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{8} + \dfrac{k\pi}{2} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{8}, \dfrac{5\pi}{8}, \dfrac{9\pi}{8}, \dfrac{13\pi}{8} \)

  4. Solve \( \sin\dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac12 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{x}{2} \in [0, \pi) \): \( \dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{5\pi}{3} \)

  5. Solve \( \cos 3x = 1 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3x = 0, 2\pi, 4\pi \) on \( [0, 6\pi) \). \( 0, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \)

  6. Solve \( 2\sin 3x = -1 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    Six solutions, as worked in the example. \( \dfrac{7\pi}{18}, \dfrac{11\pi}{18}, \dfrac{19\pi}{18}, \dfrac{23\pi}{18}, \dfrac{31\pi}{18}, \dfrac{35\pi}{18} \)

  7. Solve \( \sin 2x = \cos x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\sin x\cos x - \cos x = 0 \), so \( \cos x(2\sin x - 1) = 0 \). \( \cos x = 0 \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \). \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  8. Solve \( \cos 2x + 3\cos x + 2 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\cos^2 x - 1 + 3\cos x + 2 = 0 \), so \( 2\cos^2 x + 3\cos x + 1 = 0 \) and \( (2\cos x + 1)(\cos x + 1) = 0 \). \( \cos x = -\dfrac12 \): \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \). \( \cos x = -1 \): \( \pi \). \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \pi, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \)

  9. Give all real solutions of \( \sin 2x = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \) or \( \dfrac{2\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \); divide by 2. \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{6} + k\pi \) or \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{3} + k\pi \)

  10. How many solutions does \( \sin 4x = 0.5 \) have on \( [0, 2\pi) \)? List them.
    Show the full solution

    \( u = 4x \) runs over \( [0, 8\pi) \), which is four turns, with two solutions per turn: eight solutions. \( u = \dfrac{\pi}{6} + 2k\pi \) and \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} + 2k\pi \) for \( k = 0, 1, 2, 3 \), so \( x = \dfrac{\pi}{24} + \dfrac{k\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{5\pi}{24} + \dfrac{k\pi}{2} \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{24}, \dfrac{5\pi}{24}, \dfrac{13\pi}{24}, \dfrac{17\pi}{24}, \dfrac{25\pi}{24}, \dfrac{29\pi}{24}, \dfrac{37\pi}{24}, \dfrac{41\pi}{24} \). Check the last: \( 4x = \dfrac{41\pi}{6} = 6\pi + \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) and \( \sin\dfrac{5\pi}{6} = 0.5 \). Eight solutions

Unit 6 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 6 review: Trigonometric Identities and Equations

Shuffled across all seven lessons. Factor, never divide, and check every solution.

  1. Simplify \( \tan x\cos x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x \)

  2. Simplify \( \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{1 - \cos x} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin^2 x = (1 - \cos x)(1 + \cos x) \). \( 1 + \cos x \)

  3. Find the exact value of \( \cos 75^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos 45^\circ\cos 30^\circ - \sin 45^\circ\sin 30^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt6 - \sqrt2}{4} \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt6 - \sqrt2}{4} \approx 0.2588 \)

  4. If \( \sin\theta = \dfrac35 \) with \( \theta \) in quadrant II, find \( \sin 2\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac45 \), so \( 2\cdot\dfrac35\cdot\left(-\dfrac45\right) \). \( -\dfrac{24}{25} \)

  5. Find the exact value of \( \cos 22.5^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    Half-angle of \( 45^\circ \), quadrant I: \( \sqrt{\dfrac{1 + \frac{\sqrt2}{2}}{2}} \). \( \dfrac{\sqrt{2 + \sqrt2}}{2} \approx 0.9239 \)

  6. Solve \( 2\sin x - 1 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \)

  7. Solve \( 2\sin^2 x - \sin x - 1 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (2\sin x + 1)(\sin x - 1) = 0 \): \( \sin x = -\dfrac12 \) or 1. \( \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{11\pi}{6} \)

  8. Solve \( \sin x\cos x = \sin x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin x(\cos x - 1) = 0 \): \( \sin x = 0 \) gives \( 0, \pi \); \( \cos x = 1 \) gives 0. Dividing by \( \sin x \) would lose \( \pi \). \( 0, \pi \)

  9. Solve \( \sin 2x = \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2x \in [0, 4\pi) \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{7\pi}{3}, \dfrac{8\pi}{3} \); divide by 2. \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \)

  10. Prove \( \tan x + \cot x = \sec x\csc x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x} + \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x} = \dfrac{\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x}{\sin x\cos x} = \dfrac{1}{\sin x\cos x} = \sec x\csc x \). ∎ Combine over a common denominator and use \( \sin^2 + \cos^2 = 1 \)

Lesson 7.1 · Unit 7 · G-SRT.8

Finding every side and angle from a right angle and two other pieces

Surveyors, pilots and builders find distances that cannot be measured directly by measuring an angle and one length. The right triangle is the foundation. The rest of this unit extends the same idea to triangles without a right angle, by cutting them into right triangles or by finding formulas that do the cutting automatically.

The method
  1. To solve a triangle is to find all three sides and all three angles.
  2. In a right triangle the two acute angles add to \( 90^\circ \).
  3. The Pythagorean theorem relates the sides: \( a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \), with \( c \) the hypotenuse.
  4. Choose the ratio that contains one known and one unknown: sine for opposite and hypotenuse, cosine for adjacent and hypotenuse, tangent for opposite and adjacent.
  5. To find an angle, use the inverse function of the ratio, in degree mode.
  6. Angle of elevation is measured up from the horizontal; angle of depression is measured down from it. The two are equal for the same line of sight.
  7. With two observations at different distances, write the height in terms of each distance and set up an equation.
  8. Sketch and label first, and check that the answer is reasonable: the hypotenuse is the longest side.

Where students lose marks: measuring a depression angle from the vertical instead of the horizontal. The angle of depression is between the line of sight and the horizontal through the observer, which equals the angle of elevation from the object looking back, by alternate angles.

Worked example

The problem. (a) A right triangle has a leg of 7 and hypotenuse 12. Solve it. (b) From the top of a 60 m cliff, a boat is sighted at an angle of depression of \( 25^\circ \). Find its horizontal distance and the length of the sight line. (c) From a point on level ground the angle of elevation to the top of a tower is \( 30^\circ \). After walking 40 m toward the tower it is \( 45^\circ \). Find the height.

Step one: angles for (a). The leg 7 is opposite angle \( A \): \( \sin A = \dfrac{7}{12} = 0.5833 \), so \( A = 35.69^\circ \) and \( B = 90^\circ - 35.69^\circ = 54.31^\circ \).

Step two: the other leg. \( b = \sqrt{12^2 - 7^2} = \sqrt{95} = 9.747 \). Check: \( 12\cos 35.69^\circ = 12(0.8122) = 9.747 \) ✓.

Step three: set up (b). The depression angle \( 25^\circ \) at the cliff top is equal to the elevation angle \( 25^\circ \) at the boat. The triangle has the height 60 opposite the \( 25^\circ \) angle and the horizontal distance adjacent to it.

Step four: solve. \( \tan 25^\circ = \dfrac{60}{d} \), so \( d = \dfrac{60}{0.46631} = 128.67 \) m. Sight line: \( \sin 25^\circ = \dfrac{60}{L} \), so \( L = \dfrac{60}{0.42262} = 141.97 \) m. Check: \( \sqrt{128.67^2 + 60^2} = \sqrt{16556 + 3600} = 141.97 \) ✓.

Step five: set up (c) with the unknown height \( h \). The first position is at distance \( x \) from the tower base, the second at \( x - 40 \). \( \tan 30^\circ = \dfrac{h}{x} \) gives \( x = \dfrac{h}{\tan 30^\circ} = h\sqrt3 \). \( \tan 45^\circ = \dfrac{h}{x - 40} = 1 \) gives \( x - 40 = h \).

Step six: solve the two equations. Substitute \( x = h\sqrt3 \) into \( x - 40 = h \): \( h\sqrt3 - 40 = h \), so \( h(\sqrt3 - 1) = 40 \) and \( h = \dfrac{40}{0.73205} = 54.64 \) m.

Step seven: check the second position. At the second position the distance is \( x - 40 = h = 54.64 \), and \( \tan 45^\circ = \dfrac{54.64}{54.64} = 1 \) ✓. At the first, the distance is \( x = 54.64\sqrt3 = 94.64 \), and \( \tan 30^\circ = \dfrac{54.64}{94.64} = 0.5774 \) ✓. The distance walked: \( 94.64 - 54.64 = 40 \) ✓.

Step eight: state the method. A problem with two observations of the same height always produces two equations in two unknowns, the height and one distance. Name both, write a tangent for each observation, and eliminate the distance. The same structure appears in surveying whenever the base of the object cannot be reached.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. The legs of a right triangle are 3 and 4. Find the hypotenuse and the acute angles.
    Show the full solution

    Hypotenuse \( \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5 \). \( \tan A = \dfrac34 \), so \( A = 36.87^\circ \) and \( B = 53.13^\circ \). 5; \( 36.87^\circ \) and \( 53.13^\circ \)

  2. A right triangle has hypotenuse 10 and an angle of \( 40^\circ \). Find both legs.
    Show the full solution

    Opposite \( 10\sin 40^\circ = 6.428 \); adjacent \( 10\cos 40^\circ = 7.660 \). Check: \( 41.32 + 58.68 = 100 \). 6.43 and 7.66

  3. The angle of elevation to a building top from 100 m away is \( 30^\circ \). Find its height.
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 100\tan 30^\circ = 100(0.5774) \). 57.74 m

  4. A kite string 50 m long makes \( 55^\circ \) with the ground. Find the kite's height.
    Show the full solution

    \( 50\sin 55^\circ = 50(0.81915) \). 40.96 m

  5. Find the acute angle with \( \tan\theta = 0.75 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \theta = \tan^{-1}(0.75) \). \( 36.87^\circ \)

  6. From a tower 80 m high the angle of depression to a car is \( 20^\circ \). How far is the car from the base?
    Show the full solution

    \( d = \dfrac{80}{\tan 20^\circ} = \dfrac{80}{0.36397} = 219.8 \). About 219.8 m

  7. A ramp rises 1.5 m over a horizontal distance of 18 m. Find the angle of the ramp and its length.
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{1.5}{18} \), so \( \theta = 4.76^\circ \). Length: \( \sqrt{18^2 + 1.5^2} = \sqrt{326.25} = 18.06 \). \( 4.76^\circ \); 18.06 m

  8. From one point the elevation to a tower top is \( 30^\circ \); 40 m closer it is \( 45^\circ \). Find the tower's height.
    Show the full solution

    \( h(\sqrt3 - 1) = 40 \), so \( h = \dfrac{40}{\sqrt3 - 1} = 54.64 \). Check: \( 54.64\sqrt3 - 54.64 = 94.64 - 54.64 = 40 \). 54.64 m

  9. Two observers 500 m apart stand on opposite sides of a tall balloon, in line with the point beneath it. Their angles of elevation to the balloon are \( 50^\circ \) and \( 40^\circ \). Find the balloon's height, and say how this differs from the two-position problem in the worked example.
    Show the full solution

    With the base between the observers, the two distances add to 500: \( \dfrac{h}{\tan 50^\circ} + \dfrac{h}{\tan 40^\circ} = 500 \). \( h(0.83910 + 1.19175) = 500 \), so \( h = \dfrac{500}{2.03085} = 246.2 \). Check: \( 246.2/\tan 50^\circ = 206.6 \) and \( 246.2/\tan 40^\circ = 293.4 \); sum 500. The structure is the same as before, two tangents with one shared height, but the distances add instead of subtract. 246.2 m

  10. An isosceles triangle has sides 10, 10 and 12. Find its height and its angles by cutting it into right triangles.
    Show the full solution

    The altitude to the base of 12 bisects it: a right triangle with hypotenuse 10 and base 6. Height \( \sqrt{100 - 36} = 8 \). Base angle \( \cos^{-1}\dfrac{6}{10} = 53.13^\circ \) (twice, since the triangle is isosceles). Apex angle \( 180^\circ - 2(53.13^\circ) = 73.74^\circ \). Check: \( 2\sin^{-1}\dfrac{6}{10} = 2(36.87^\circ) = 73.74^\circ \). Height 8; angles \( 53.13^\circ, 53.13^\circ, 73.74^\circ \)

Lesson 7.2 · Unit 7 · G-SRT.10

Sides are proportional to the sines of their opposite angles

Most triangles in practice have no right angle. The law of sines handles the case where an angle and the side opposite it are both known, which is the situation after two angles have been measured from a baseline. It follows from splitting the triangle into two right triangles that share a height.

The method
  1. The law of sines: \( \dfrac{a}{\sin A} = \dfrac{b}{\sin B} = \dfrac{c}{\sin C} \), where each side is opposite the angle of the same letter.
  2. Use it when you know an angle and its opposite side, plus one more angle or side.
  3. The cases AAS and ASA (two angles and any side) always give exactly one triangle.
  4. First find the third angle: \( C = 180^\circ - A - B \).
  5. Set up one proportion with the unknown on top, and solve.
  6. The largest side faces the largest angle, which checks the answer.
  7. Angles are in degrees unless stated, with the calculator in degree mode.
  8. To prove it, drop an altitude: \( h = b\sin A = a\sin B \).

Where students lose marks: pairing a side with the wrong angle. The side \( a \) goes with \( \sin A \), not with the angle it touches. Label the triangle so each side sits across from its angle before writing the proportion.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Solve the triangle with \( A = 40^\circ \), \( B = 65^\circ \), \( a = 12 \). (b) Prove the law of sines. (c) Two surveyors 100 m apart on one bank of a river sight a tree on the far bank at angles of \( 50^\circ \) and \( 70^\circ \) from the baseline. Find the distance from the first surveyor to the tree.

Step one: the third angle for (a). \( C = 180^\circ - 40^\circ - 65^\circ = 75^\circ \).

Step two: find \( b \). \( \dfrac{b}{\sin 65^\circ} = \dfrac{12}{\sin 40^\circ} \), so \( b = \dfrac{12\sin 65^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = \dfrac{12(0.90631)}{0.64279} = 16.92 \).

Step three: find \( c \). \( c = \dfrac{12\sin 75^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = \dfrac{12(0.96593)}{0.64279} = 18.03 \). Check: the largest angle \( 75^\circ \) faces the largest side 18.03, and the smallest angle \( 40^\circ \) faces the smallest side 12 ✓.

Step four: prove the law for (b). Draw the altitude \( h \) from vertex \( C \) to the side \( c \). In the right triangle on one side, \( \sin A = \dfrac{h}{b} \), so \( h = b\sin A \). In the triangle on the other side, \( \sin B = \dfrac{h}{a} \), so \( h = a\sin B \).

Step five: equate. \( b\sin A = a\sin B \), and dividing by \( \sin A\sin B \) gives \( \dfrac{a}{\sin A} = \dfrac{b}{\sin B} \). The same argument with another altitude links \( c \). ∎ If the triangle is obtuse, the altitude falls outside, and since \( \sin(180^\circ - B) = \sin B \), the same equation holds.

Step six: set up (c). Call the surveyors \( A \) and \( B \) and the tree \( T \). The angles of the triangle \( ABT \) are \( 50^\circ \) at \( A \) and \( 70^\circ \) at \( B \), so the angle at \( T \) is \( 180^\circ - 120^\circ = 60^\circ \).

Step seven: choose the proportion. The distance \( AT \) is opposite the angle at \( B \), and the known side \( AB = 100 \) is opposite the angle at \( T \): \( \dfrac{AT}{\sin 70^\circ} = \dfrac{100}{\sin 60^\circ} \).

Step eight: solve and check. \( AT = \dfrac{100(0.93969)}{0.86603} = 108.5 \) m. The distance \( BT = \dfrac{100\sin 50^\circ}{\sin 60^\circ} = 88.5 \) m. The angle at \( B \) (\( 70^\circ \)) is larger than at \( A \) (\( 50^\circ \)), so the side opposite \( B \), \( AT \), should be longer than the side opposite \( A \), \( BT \): \( 108.5 \gt 88.5 \) ✓. The river width is the perpendicular distance, \( 108.5\sin 50^\circ = 83.1 \) m.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. In a triangle \( a = 8 \), \( A = 30^\circ \), \( B = 60^\circ \). Find \( b \).
    Show the full solution

    \( b = \dfrac{8\sin 60^\circ}{\sin 30^\circ} = \dfrac{8(0.8660)}{0.5} \). 13.86

  2. Find the third angle if \( A = 50^\circ \) and \( B = 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 180^\circ - 110^\circ \). \( 70^\circ \)

  3. Find \( b \) if \( a = 5 \), \( A = 40^\circ \), \( B = 70^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{5\sin 70^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = \dfrac{5(0.93969)}{0.64279} \). 7.31

  4. Find \( c \) if \( A = 35^\circ \), \( B = 75^\circ \), \( a = 10 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( C = 70^\circ \). \( c = \dfrac{10\sin 70^\circ}{\sin 35^\circ} = \dfrac{9.3969}{0.57358} \). 16.38

  5. Find angle \( B \) if \( a = 9 \), \( b = 7 \), \( A = 80^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin B = \dfrac{7\sin 80^\circ}{9} = \dfrac{6.894}{9} = 0.7659 \), so \( B = 50.0^\circ \). The obtuse alternative \( 130^\circ \) would make the angle sum exceed \( 180^\circ \) with \( A = 80^\circ \), so it is excluded. \( 50.0^\circ \)

  6. A triangle has angles \( 40^\circ, 60^\circ, 80^\circ \) and shortest side 10. Find the other sides.
    Show the full solution

    The shortest side faces \( 40^\circ \). The side opposite \( 60^\circ \): \( \dfrac{10\sin 60^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = 13.47 \). Opposite \( 80^\circ \): \( \dfrac{10\sin 80^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = 15.32 \). 13.47 and 15.32

  7. Find \( a \) if \( b = 14 \), \( A = 25^\circ \), \( B = 100^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( a = \dfrac{14\sin 25^\circ}{\sin 100^\circ} = \dfrac{14(0.42262)}{0.98481} = 6.008 \). The obtuse angle \( 100^\circ \) is opposite the longest side, \( b \), as expected. 6.01

  8. Two observers 100 m apart sight a tree across a river at \( 50^\circ \) and \( 70^\circ \). Find the distance from the observer at the \( 50^\circ \) end to the tree.
    Show the full solution

    The angle at the tree is \( 60^\circ \). The distance from the \( 50^\circ \) observer is opposite the \( 70^\circ \) angle: \( \dfrac{100\sin 70^\circ}{\sin 60^\circ} = 108.5 \). 108.5 m

  9. Prove the law of sines using an altitude, and check it numerically for the triangle \( A = 40^\circ \), \( B = 65^\circ \), \( a = 12 \), \( b = 16.92 \).
    Show the full solution

    The altitude gives \( h = b\sin A = a\sin B \). Then \( \dfrac{a}{\sin A} = \dfrac{b}{\sin B} \). Numerically: \( 16.92\sin 40^\circ = 10.88 \) and \( 12\sin 65^\circ = 10.88 \); the ratios are \( \dfrac{12}{0.64279} = 18.67 \) and \( \dfrac{16.92}{0.90631} = 18.67 \). Both ratios equal 18.67

  10. Explain why the law of sines cannot solve a triangle when only the three sides are given.
    Show the full solution

    Each ratio in the law pairs a side with the sine of its opposite angle, and with three sides and no angle there is no complete pair to start from. Every proportion has at least two unknowns. The law of cosines, which relates three sides to one angle, is needed first, and the law of sines can be used afterward. No side-angle pair is known

Lesson 7.3 · Unit 7 · G-SRT.10

When two sides and a non-included angle fit zero, one or two triangles

The law of sines gives \( \sin B \), and an angle in a triangle is not determined by its sine, because \( B \) and \( 180^\circ - B \) share the same value. With two sides and an angle opposite one of them (SSA), both may be possible. The work is to decide how many triangles exist, then find each.

The method
  1. The case is SSA: given \( a \), \( b \) and \( A \), with \( a \) opposite \( A \).
  2. Compute the height \( h = b\sin A \), the shortest distance from the far vertex to the line along which side \( a \) must swing.
  3. If \( A \) is acute and \( a \lt h \): no triangle.
  4. If \( A \) is acute and \( a = h \): one right triangle.
  5. If \( A \) is acute and \( h \lt a \lt b \): two triangles.
  6. If \( A \) is acute and \( a \ge b \): one triangle.
  7. If \( A \) is obtuse: one triangle when \( a \gt b \), none otherwise.
  8. For two triangles, use \( B \) and \( 180^\circ - B \), and keep each only if the angle sum with \( A \) stays below \( 180^\circ \).

Where students lose marks: reporting only the calculator's angle. The inverse sine returns only the acute one. When the classification says two triangles exist, the obtuse angle \( 180^\circ - B \) must also be tested, and it is valid exactly when \( A + (180^\circ - B) \lt 180^\circ \).

Worked example

The problem. Determine how many triangles exist, and solve them, for (a) \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 12 \), \( b = 20 \); (b) \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 8 \), \( b = 20 \); (c) \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 10 \), \( b = 20 \); (d) \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 25 \), \( b = 20 \).

Step one: the height. For all four, \( h = b\sin A = 20\sin 30^\circ = 10 \).

Step two: classify (a). \( h = 10 \lt a = 12 \lt b = 20 \) with \( A \) acute: two triangles.

Step three: find the angles. \( \sin B = \dfrac{20\sin 30^\circ}{12} = 0.8333 \), so \( B_1 = 56.44^\circ \) and \( B_2 = 180^\circ - 56.44^\circ = 123.56^\circ \). Both leave room: \( 30^\circ + 123.56^\circ = 153.56^\circ \lt 180^\circ \).

Step four: the third angle and side of each. Triangle 1: \( C_1 = 180^\circ - 30^\circ - 56.44^\circ = 93.56^\circ \), \( c_1 = \dfrac{12\sin 93.56^\circ}{\sin 30^\circ} = 23.95 \). Triangle 2: \( C_2 = 180^\circ - 30^\circ - 123.56^\circ = 26.44^\circ \), \( c_2 = \dfrac{12\sin 26.44^\circ}{\sin 30^\circ} = 10.69 \). Check triangle 2 with the law of sines: \( \dfrac{12}{\sin 30^\circ} = 24 \) and \( \dfrac{20}{\sin 123.56^\circ} = 24.0 \) ✓.

Step five: (b). \( a = 8 \lt h = 10 \). The side \( a \) is too short to reach the line. Check algebraically: \( \sin B = \dfrac{20(0.5)}{8} = 1.25 \), impossible. No triangle.

Step six: (c). \( a = h = 10 \): the side just touches the line. \( \sin B = 1 \), so \( B = 90^\circ \), a single right triangle with \( C = 60^\circ \) and \( c = 20\cos 30^\circ = 17.32 \).

Step seven: (d). \( a = 25 \ge b = 20 \): one triangle. \( \sin B = \dfrac{20(0.5)}{25} = 0.4 \), so \( B = 23.58^\circ \). The other candidate, \( 156.42^\circ \), plus \( A = 30^\circ \) gives \( 186.42^\circ \gt 180^\circ \): impossible.

Step eight: finish (d). \( C = 180^\circ - 30^\circ - 23.58^\circ = 126.42^\circ \), \( c = \dfrac{25\sin 126.42^\circ}{\sin 30^\circ} = 40.23 \). The reason only one works: when the given side \( a \) is at least as long as \( b \), swinging it around can meet the line in only one place on the correct side of the vertex. The other intersection would fall on the opposite side and give a triangle with the angle \( A \) outside it.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( h \) for \( A = 30^\circ \), \( b = 10 \), and say how many triangles exist if \( a = 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 10\sin 30^\circ = 5 = a \). One right triangle

  2. How many triangles have \( A = 30^\circ \), \( b = 10 \), \( a = 3 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 5 \gt 3 \). None

  3. How many have \( A = 30^\circ \), \( b = 10 \), \( a = 8 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 5 \lt 8 \lt 10 \). Two

  4. How many have \( A = 30^\circ \), \( b = 10 \), \( a = 12 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( a \gt b \), acute \( A \). One

  5. For \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 12 \), \( b = 20 \), find both possible values of \( B \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin B = 0.8333 \): \( 56.44^\circ \) and \( 123.56^\circ \). \( 56.44^\circ \) and \( 123.56^\circ \)

  6. Solve the triangle \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 25 \), \( b = 20 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin B = 0.4 \), \( B = 23.58^\circ \), \( C = 126.42^\circ \), \( c = \dfrac{25\sin 126.42^\circ}{0.5} = 40.23 \). \( B = 23.58^\circ \), \( C = 126.42^\circ \), \( c = 40.23 \)

  7. For \( A = 40^\circ \), \( a = 10 \), \( b = 12 \), decide the number of triangles and find the possible values of \( B \).
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 12\sin 40^\circ = 7.71 \lt 10 \lt 12 \): two triangles. \( \sin B = \dfrac{12\sin 40^\circ}{10} = 0.7713 \): \( B = 50.47^\circ \) or \( 129.53^\circ \). Both fit: \( 40^\circ + 129.53^\circ = 169.53^\circ \lt 180^\circ \). Two; \( 50.47^\circ \) and \( 129.53^\circ \)

  8. How many triangles have \( A = 50^\circ \), \( b = 8 \), \( a = 5 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 8\sin 50^\circ = 6.13 \gt 5 \). None

  9. Solve \( A = 120^\circ \), \( a = 10 \), \( b = 6 \), and explain why there is one triangle.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin B = \dfrac{6\sin 120^\circ}{10} = 0.5196 \), so \( B = 31.31^\circ \). The alternative \( 148.69^\circ \) with \( A = 120^\circ \) exceeds \( 180^\circ \). With an obtuse \( A \), no second angle can also be obtuse, and \( a \gt b \) is needed for any triangle at all. One triangle, \( B = 31.31^\circ \)

  10. Explain geometrically why two triangles can arise in the case \( h \lt a \lt b \).
    Show the full solution

    Fix the angle \( A \) and the side \( b \) that runs along one ray of it. The far end of \( b \) is a point at distance \( h = b\sin A \) from the other ray. Side \( a \) is a segment from that point to the other ray, so swing it like a compass arm of length \( a \). When \( a \) is longer than \( h \) but shorter than \( b \), the arc crosses the ray at two points, one on each side of the foot of the perpendicular. The two crossing points give angles \( B \) and \( 180^\circ - B \), which share the same sine, and both fit inside a triangle with \( A \). The arc meets the base line twice

Lesson 7.4 · Unit 7 · G-SRT.11

The Pythagorean theorem with a correction for the angle

When two sides and the angle between them are known (SAS), or all three sides (SSS), there is no side-angle pair for the law of sines to start from. The law of cosines handles both. It is the Pythagorean theorem with an extra term that measures how far the angle is from a right angle.

The method
  1. The law of cosines: \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 - 2ab\cos C \), and the same for the other sides.
  2. Use it for SAS: find the third side first.
  3. Use it for SSS: solve for an angle, \( \cos C = \dfrac{a^2 + b^2 - c^2}{2ab} \).
  4. The angle in the formula is opposite the side being found.
  5. When \( C = 90^\circ \), the cosine is 0 and it reduces to the Pythagorean theorem.
  6. An obtuse angle has a negative cosine, making \( c^2 \) larger than \( a^2 + b^2 \).
  7. In SSS, find the largest angle first (opposite the longest side), so the remaining angles are both acute and the law of sines is safe.
  8. Check that the angles add to \( 180^\circ \) and the longest side faces the largest angle.

Where students lose marks: working out \( 2ab\cos C \) wrongly. Compute \( 2ab \) and multiply by the cosine as one product, then subtract from \( a^2 + b^2 \). Squaring \( a + b \) or taking \( (a^2 + b^2 - 2ab)\cos C \) are common slips; a check with \( C = 90^\circ \) catches them.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Solve the triangle with \( a = 8 \), \( b = 11 \), \( C = 60^\circ \). (b) Find the angles of the triangle with sides 7, 9 and 12. (c) Derive the law of cosines from coordinates.

Step one: the third side for (a). \( c^2 = 64 + 121 - 2(8)(11)\cos 60^\circ = 185 - 176(0.5) = 185 - 88 = 97 \). \( c = \sqrt{97} = 9.849 \).

Step two: an angle. Use the law of cosines again for the angle opposite \( a \): \( \cos A = \dfrac{b^2 + c^2 - a^2}{2bc} = \dfrac{121 + 97 - 64}{2(11)(9.849)} = \dfrac{154}{216.68} = 0.7107 \), so \( A = 44.70^\circ \).

Step three: the last angle and a check. \( B = 180^\circ - 60^\circ - 44.70^\circ = 75.30^\circ \). Check with the law of sines: \( \dfrac{a}{\sin A} = \dfrac{8}{0.7043} = 11.37 \) and \( \dfrac{c}{\sin C} = \dfrac{9.849}{0.8660} = 11.37 \) ✓. The largest angle \( 75.30^\circ \) faces the largest side 11 ✓.

Step four: SSS for (b). The longest side is 12, so find the angle opposite it: \( \cos C = \dfrac{7^2 + 9^2 - 12^2}{2(7)(9)} = \dfrac{49 + 81 - 144}{126} = \dfrac{-14}{126} = -0.1111 \). \( C = 96.38^\circ \), obtuse, as the negative cosine says.

Step five: the other angles. \( \cos A = \dfrac{81 + 144 - 49}{2(9)(12)} = \dfrac{176}{216} = 0.8148 \), so \( A = 35.43^\circ \). Then \( B = 180^\circ - 96.38^\circ - 35.43^\circ = 48.19^\circ \). Check: \( \cos B = \dfrac{49 + 144 - 81}{2(7)(12)} = \dfrac{112}{168} = 0.6667 \) gives \( 48.19^\circ \) ✓.

Step six: derive (c). Place vertex \( C \) at the origin with side \( CB \) along the positive \( x \)-axis, so \( B = (a, 0) \). Vertex \( A \) is at distance \( b \) at angle \( C \): \( A = (b\cos C, b\sin C) \).

Step seven: apply the distance formula. \( c^2 = (b\cos C - a)^2 + (b\sin C - 0)^2 = b^2\cos^2 C - 2ab\cos C + a^2 + b^2\sin^2 C \).

Step eight: simplify. Group \( b^2(\cos^2 C + \sin^2 C) = b^2 \), leaving \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 - 2ab\cos C \). ∎ The term \( -2ab\cos C \) is the correction: zero for a right angle, negative for an acute angle (the third side is shorter than a right triangle with the same legs would give), positive for an obtuse one (longer). The Pythagorean theorem is the special case that needs no correction.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( c \) if \( a = 5 \), \( b = 7 \), \( C = 90^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    The cosine is 0, so \( c^2 = 25 + 49 = 74 \). \( c = 8.60 \)

  2. Find \( c \) if \( a = 6 \), \( b = 8 \), \( C = 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 36 + 64 - 2(6)(8)(0.5) = 100 - 48 = 52 \). \( c = 7.21 \)

  3. Find \( c \) if \( a = b = 10 \) and \( C = 36^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 200 - 200\cos 36^\circ = 200 - 161.80 = 38.20 \). \( c = 6.18 \)

  4. A triangle has sides 3, 4, 5. Find the largest angle.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos C = \dfrac{9 + 16 - 25}{24} = 0 \). \( 90^\circ \)

  5. What does \( \cos C = 0 \) tell you about the triangle?
    Show the full solution

    The angle is \( 90^\circ \), and the law reduces to the Pythagorean theorem. It is a right angle

  6. Find the largest angle of the triangle with sides 5, 6, 7.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos C = \dfrac{25 + 36 - 49}{2(5)(6)} = \dfrac{12}{60} = 0.2 \), so \( C = 78.46^\circ \). \( 78.46^\circ \)

  7. Two ships leave a port on paths \( 120^\circ \) apart at 20 km/h and 30 km/h. How far apart are they after 2 hours?
    Show the full solution

    Sides 40 and 60 with included angle \( 120^\circ \): \( d^2 = 1600 + 3600 - 2(40)(60)\cos 120^\circ = 5200 + 2400 = 7600 \). \( d = 87.18 \). The cosine of \( 120^\circ \) is negative, so the correction adds. 87.18 km

  8. Find \( c \) if \( a = 9 \), \( b = 5 \), \( C = 120^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 81 + 25 - 2(9)(5)(-0.5) = 106 + 45 = 151 \). \( c = 12.29 \)

  9. In that triangle, find angle \( A \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos A = \dfrac{b^2 + c^2 - a^2}{2bc} = \dfrac{25 + 151 - 81}{2(5)(12.288)} = \dfrac{95}{122.88} = 0.7731 \), so \( A = 39.37^\circ \). Check: the angle \( 120^\circ \) faces the longest side, and \( 39.37^\circ \) is the angle opposite side 9. \( 39.37^\circ \)

  10. Derive the law of cosines from coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    Put \( C = (0, 0) \), \( B = (a, 0) \), \( A = (b\cos C, b\sin C) \). Then \( c^2 = (b\cos C - a)^2 + (b\sin C)^2 = b^2 - 2ab\cos C + a^2 \), using \( \cos^2 + \sin^2 = 1 \). ∎ Check with the triangle \( a = 8 \), \( b = 11 \), \( C = 60^\circ \): \( A = (5.5, 9.526) \), \( B = (8, 0) \), distance \( \sqrt{2.5^2 + 9.526^2} = \sqrt{97} \) ✓. \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 - 2ab\cos C \)

Lesson 7.5 · Unit 7 · G-SRT.9

Area from two sides and the angle between them, or from three sides

The formula \( \tfrac12 \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \) requires the height, which is rarely given. Two equivalent formulas avoid it: one uses two sides and the included angle, the other uses only the three sides. They let land be measured from its boundary alone.

The method
  1. Area = \( \tfrac12 ab\sin C \), where \( C \) is the angle between sides \( a \) and \( b \).
  2. The derivation: the height above side \( a \) is \( b\sin C \), so \( \tfrac12 \cdot a \cdot b\sin C \).
  3. The included angle must be between the two sides used.
  4. Heron's formula: with \( s = \dfrac{a + b + c}{2} \), \( \text{Area} = \sqrt{s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)} \).
  5. Use the sine formula for SAS, Heron's formula for SSS.
  6. Find a missing side or angle first if only other data are given.
  7. A parallelogram with sides \( a \), \( b \) and angle \( \theta \) has area \( ab\sin\theta \), twice the triangle.
  8. The units are squared.

Where students lose marks: using a non-included angle. The area \( \tfrac12 ab\sin C \) needs the angle between \( a \) and \( b \). Using an angle at the far end of one of them gives a wrong value, so find the included angle first with the law of sines or cosines if needed.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the area with \( a = 8 \), \( b = 11 \), \( C = 60^\circ \). (b) Find the area with sides 7, 9 and 12. (c) Confirm (a) with Heron's formula. (d) Find the area when \( A = 40^\circ \), \( B = 70^\circ \), \( a = 10 \).

Step one: (a). The angle \( 60^\circ \) is between the sides 8 and 11: Area \( = \tfrac12(8)(11)\sin 60^\circ = 44(0.86603) = 38.11 \).

Step two: (b), compute \( s \). \( s = \dfrac{7 + 9 + 12}{2} = 14 \). Then \( s - a = 7 \), \( s - b = 5 \), \( s - c = 2 \).

Step three: apply Heron's formula. \( \sqrt{14 \cdot 7 \cdot 5 \cdot 2} = \sqrt{980} = 31.30 \). Sanity check using the angles found in lesson 7.4: \( \tfrac12(7)(9)\sin 96.38^\circ = 31.5(0.99381) = 31.30 \) ✓.

Step four: (c), the triangle of (a) has sides 8, 11, 9.849. \( s = \dfrac{8 + 11 + 9.849}{2} = 14.4244 \).

Step five: factors. \( s - a = 6.4244 \), \( s - b = 3.4244 \), \( s - c = 4.5756 \). The product \( 14.4244 \times 6.4244 \times 3.4244 \times 4.5756 = 1452.0 \).

Step six: root. \( \sqrt{1452.0} = 38.11 \), matching (a). Two different formulas, one triangle, one area ✓.

Step seven: (d), get a second side. \( C = 180^\circ - 40^\circ - 70^\circ = 70^\circ \). By the law of sines \( b = \dfrac{10\sin 70^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = 14.62 \).

Step eight: area and cross-check. Sides \( a \) and \( b \) enclose the angle \( C = 70^\circ \): Area \( = \tfrac12(10)(14.62)\sin 70^\circ = 68.69 \). Cross-check with the symmetric formula \( \dfrac{a^2\sin B\sin C}{2\sin A} = \dfrac{100(0.93969)(0.93969)}{2(0.64279)} = \dfrac{88.30}{1.2856} = 68.69 \) ✓. Heron's formula is remarkable because it needs no angle at all, and it was known to Archimedes or earlier, long before trigonometry in its modern form.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the area with \( a = 6 \), \( b = 10 \), \( C = 30^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tfrac12(6)(10)\sin 30^\circ = 30(0.5) \). 15

  2. Find the area with \( a = 5 \), \( b = 12 \), \( C = 90^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tfrac12(5)(12)(1) \). 30

  3. Use Heron's formula for sides 3, 4, 5.
    Show the full solution

    \( s = 6 \): \( \sqrt{6 \cdot 3 \cdot 2 \cdot 1} = \sqrt{36} \). 6

  4. Use Heron's formula for sides 5, 5, 6.
    Show the full solution

    \( s = 8 \): \( \sqrt{8 \cdot 3 \cdot 3 \cdot 2} = \sqrt{144} \). 12

  5. Find the area of an equilateral triangle of side 6.
    Show the full solution

    \( \tfrac12(6)(6)\sin 60^\circ = 18\left(\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) = 9\sqrt3 \). \( 9\sqrt3 \approx 15.59 \)

  6. Find the area with \( a = 10 \), \( b = 14 \), \( C = 40^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tfrac12(140)\sin 40^\circ = 70(0.64279) \). 44.99

  7. Find the area of the triangle with sides 13, 14, 15.
    Show the full solution

    \( s = 21 \): \( \sqrt{21 \cdot 8 \cdot 7 \cdot 6} = \sqrt{7056} = 84 \). 84

  8. A parallelogram has sides 8 and 12 and an angle of \( 50^\circ \). Find its area.
    Show the full solution

    \( ab\sin\theta = 96(0.76604) = 73.54 \). Each of the two triangles formed by a diagonal has half of this. 73.54

  9. A triangular plot has sides 100 m, 120 m and 150 m. Find its area.
    Show the full solution

    \( s = 185 \): \( \sqrt{185 \cdot 85 \cdot 65 \cdot 35} = \sqrt{35{,}774{,}375} = 5981 \). About 5981 m\( ^2 \)

  10. Explain why \( \tfrac12 ab\sin C \) is the same as half of base times height, and why it works for an obtuse \( C \).
    Show the full solution

    Take side \( a \) as the base. The perpendicular height from the opposite vertex is \( b\sin C \), from the right triangle containing side \( b \) and angle \( C \). So the area is \( \tfrac12 a(b\sin C) \). For an obtuse \( C \) the height lies outside the triangle, and the right triangle uses the supplementary angle \( 180^\circ - C \), with \( \sin(180^\circ - C) = \sin C \), so the same formula holds. For \( C = 90^\circ \) it reduces to \( \tfrac12 ab \). The height is \( b\sin C \) in every case

Lesson 7.6 · Unit 7 · G-SRT.10-11

Choosing the right tool, and describing direction the way navigators do

Real problems do not announce which law to use. The skill of this unit is to sketch the situation, identify what is given, and pick the tool that fits. Navigation adds one convention: directions are given as bearings, measured clockwise from north.

The method
  1. A bearing is an angle measured clockwise from north, written with three digits: north is 000, east 090, south 180, west 270.
  2. A back bearing differs by \( 180^\circ \).
  3. Draw a north line at every turning point and mark angles from it.
  4. Find the angle inside the triangle using parallel north lines and the back bearing.
  5. Choose the tool: right angle, use ratios; AAS or ASA, law of sines; SAS or SSS, law of cosines; SSA, the ambiguous case.
  6. For a path in several legs, resolve each leg into east and north components: \( E = d\sin\theta \), \( N = d\cos\theta \).
  7. The resultant is \( \sqrt{E^2 + N^2} \) with bearing \( \tan^{-1}(E/N) \), adjusted for the quadrant.
  8. State the answer with units and the bearing in three digits.

Where students lose marks: measuring a bearing from east or counterclockwise, as in algebra. A bearing of 060 is \( 60^\circ \) clockwise from north, which is \( 30^\circ \) north of east, not \( 60^\circ \) from east.

Worked example

The problem. (a) A ship sails 40 km on bearing 060, then 30 km on bearing 150. Find the distance and bearing from the start. (b) Two observers are 500 m apart on level ground with a balloon between them at elevations \( 50^\circ \) and \( 40^\circ \). Find its height. (c) Choose the tool for each: sides 5, 7, 10; angles \( 50^\circ \), \( 60^\circ \) with the included side 8; sides 5, 7 and angle \( 40^\circ \) opposite 5.

Step one: resolve the legs for (a). Leg 1: east \( 40\sin 60^\circ = 34.64 \), north \( 40\cos 60^\circ = 20 \).

Step two: leg 2. East \( 30\sin 150^\circ = 15 \), north \( 30\cos 150^\circ = -25.98 \) (south).

Step three: total. East \( 49.64 \), north \( -5.98 \). Distance \( \sqrt{49.64^2 + 5.98^2} = \sqrt{2464.4 + 35.8} = 50.0 \) km.

Step four: the bearing. The position is east and slightly south: the bearing is \( 90^\circ \) plus the angle south of east, \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{5.98}{49.64} = 6.87^\circ \), so \( 96.87^\circ \), written 097.

Step five: verify geometrically. The back bearing of leg 1 is 240, and leg 2 is 150, so the angle between the legs at the turning point is \( 240 - 150 = 90^\circ \). A right triangle with legs 40 and 30 has hypotenuse 50 ✓, and the bearing is 060 plus \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{30}{40} = 36.87^\circ \), which is 096.87 ✓.

Step six: (b), two tangents with one shared height. The distances from the base add to 500: \( \dfrac{h}{\tan 50^\circ} + \dfrac{h}{\tan 40^\circ} = 500 \), so \( h(0.8391 + 1.1918) = 500 \) and \( h = 246.2 \) m.

Step seven: choose the tool for (c). Sides 5, 7, 10 are SSS: the law of cosines for an angle. Two angles and the side between them are ASA: find the third angle, then the law of sines. Sides 5, 7 and the angle \( 40^\circ \) opposite the 5 are SSA, the ambiguous case.

Step eight: settle the ambiguous one. \( h = 7\sin 40^\circ = 4.50 \lt 5 \lt 7 \): two triangles. \( \sin B = \dfrac{7\sin 40^\circ}{5} = 0.8999 \), so \( B = 64.15^\circ \) or \( 115.85^\circ \). Then \( C = 75.85^\circ \) or \( 24.15^\circ \), and \( c = \dfrac{5\sin C}{\sin 40^\circ} = 7.54 \) or \( 3.18 \). Identifying the case first saves the wasted work of applying a formula that does not fit.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Write the bearing of due east.
    Show the full solution

    A quarter turn clockwise from north. 090

  2. Write the bearing of due west.
    Show the full solution

    Three quarter turns clockwise. 270

  3. A boat goes 10 km north then 10 km east. Find the distance and bearing from the start.
    Show the full solution

    Distance \( 10\sqrt2 = 14.14 \). The position is north-east. 14.14 km on bearing 045

  4. A hiker walks 5 km east then 12 km north. Find the distance and bearing back to the start as seen from the start.
    Show the full solution

    Distance \( \sqrt{25 + 144} = 13 \). The bearing is \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{5}{12} = 22.62^\circ \) east of north. 13 km on bearing 023

  5. What is the back bearing of 060?
    Show the full solution

    Add \( 180^\circ \). 240

  6. A plane flies 200 km on bearing 040, then 150 km on bearing 130. Find the distance and bearing from the start.
    Show the full solution

    Back bearing of the first leg is 220, and \( 220 - 130 = 90^\circ \), so the legs form a right angle. Distance \( \sqrt{200^2 + 150^2} = 250 \). Bearing \( 40^\circ + \tan^{-1}\dfrac{150}{200} = 40^\circ + 36.87^\circ = 76.87^\circ \). 250 km on bearing 077

  7. Two coastguard stations 20 km apart see a ship; the angles at the two stations between the baseline and the ship are \( 60^\circ \) and \( 45^\circ \). Find each distance to the ship.
    Show the full solution

    Angle at the ship \( 75^\circ \). Distance from the \( 60^\circ \) station is opposite \( 45^\circ \): \( \dfrac{20\sin 45^\circ}{\sin 75^\circ} = 14.64 \). From the \( 45^\circ \) station: \( \dfrac{20\sin 60^\circ}{\sin 75^\circ} = 17.93 \). 14.64 km and 17.93 km

  8. Name the tool for each: (i) sides 5, 7, 10; (ii) angles \( 50^\circ \), \( 60^\circ \) with side 8 between; (iii) sides 4, 6 and the included angle \( 35^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    (i) SSS, law of cosines. (ii) ASA: third angle \( 70^\circ \), then law of sines. (iii) SAS: law of cosines for the third side. Cosines; sines after the third angle; cosines

  9. A surveyor measures 120 m from A to B. A distant point T is at \( 75^\circ \) at A and \( 65^\circ \) at B from the baseline. Find AT and BT.
    Show the full solution

    Angle at T \( = 40^\circ \). \( AT \) is opposite the \( 65^\circ \) angle: \( \dfrac{120\sin 65^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = 169.2 \). \( BT \) is opposite the \( 75^\circ \) angle: \( \dfrac{120\sin 75^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = 180.3 \). 169.2 m and 180.3 m

  10. A triangle has sides 5 and 7 with the \( 40^\circ \) angle opposite the side 5. Solve both possible triangles and explain why there are two.
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 7\sin 40^\circ = 4.50 \lt 5 \lt 7 \) gives two. \( \sin B = 0.8999 \): \( B = 64.15^\circ \) or \( 115.85^\circ \); \( C = 75.85^\circ \) or \( 24.15^\circ \); \( c = 7.54 \) or \( 3.18 \). Check the second with the law of sines: \( \dfrac{5}{\sin 40^\circ} = 7.78 \) and \( \dfrac{3.18}{\sin 24.15^\circ} = 7.78 \) ✓. The side of length 5 can reach the base line from the vertex in two places, since it is longer than the height 4.50 but shorter than the side 7. Triangle 1: \( B = 64.15^\circ \), \( c = 7.54 \); triangle 2: \( B = 115.85^\circ \), \( c = 3.18 \)

Unit 7 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 7 review: Triangles and Applications

Shuffled across all six lessons. Name the case (right, AAS, SAS, SSS or SSA) before choosing a formula.

  1. A right triangle has a leg of 7 and hypotenuse 12. Find the angle opposite the leg.
    Show the full solution

    \( \sin A = \dfrac{7}{12} \). \( 35.69^\circ \)

  2. Find \( b \) if \( A = 40^\circ \), \( B = 65^\circ \), \( a = 12 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( b = \dfrac{12\sin 65^\circ}{\sin 40^\circ} = \dfrac{12(0.9063)}{0.6428} \). 16.92

  3. How many triangles have \( A = 30^\circ \), \( a = 12 \), \( b = 20 \)? Find the possible \( B \).
    Show the full solution

    \( h = 10 \lt 12 \lt 20 \): two. \( \sin B = 0.8333 \). Two; \( B = 56.44^\circ \) or \( 123.56^\circ \)

  4. Find \( c \) if \( a = 8 \), \( b = 11 \), \( C = 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 64 + 121 - 2(8)(11)(0.5) = 97 \). \( c = 9.85 \)

  5. Find the largest angle of the triangle with sides 7, 9 and 12.
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos C = \dfrac{49 + 81 - 144}{2(7)(9)} = -0.1111 \). \( 96.38^\circ \)

  6. Find the area of the triangle with \( a = 8 \), \( b = 11 \), \( C = 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tfrac12(8)(11)\sin 60^\circ = 44(0.8660) \). 38.11

  7. Use Heron's formula for the triangle with sides 13, 14, 15.
    Show the full solution

    \( s = 21 \): \( \sqrt{21 \cdot 8 \cdot 7 \cdot 6} = \sqrt{7056} \). 84

  8. A ship sails 40 km on bearing 060, then 30 km on bearing 150. Find the distance and bearing from the start.
    Show the full solution

    East \( 40\sin 60^\circ + 30\sin 150^\circ = 49.64 \); north \( 40\cos 60^\circ + 30\cos 150^\circ = -5.98 \). Distance 50.0; bearing \( 90^\circ + \tan^{-1}\dfrac{5.98}{49.64} = 96.87^\circ \). 50 km on bearing 097

  9. From a point the elevation to a tower top is \( 30^\circ \); 40 m closer it is \( 45^\circ \). Find the height.
    Show the full solution

    \( h\sqrt3 - h = 40 \), so \( h = \dfrac{40}{0.7321} \). 54.64 m

  10. Name the tool for each: (i) sides 5, 7, 10; (ii) angles \( 50^\circ \), \( 60^\circ \) with the included side 8; (iii) sides 5, 7 and the angle \( 40^\circ \) opposite the 5.
    Show the full solution

    (i) SSS: law of cosines. (ii) ASA: third angle \( 70^\circ \), then the law of sines. (iii) SSA: the ambiguous case; \( h = 7\sin 40^\circ = 4.50 \lt 5 \lt 7 \), so two triangles. Cosines; sines; the ambiguous case, with two solutions

Lesson 8.1 · Unit 8 · N-VM.1-3

Quantities that have a direction as well as a size

Some quantities are fully described by a number: a mass, a temperature, a speed. Others need a direction too: a velocity, a force, a displacement. A vector carries both, and writing it as a pair of components turns geometry into arithmetic. Everything in this unit rests on that change of representation.

The method
  1. A vector has magnitude (size) and direction; a scalar has magnitude only.
  2. Draw a vector as an arrow; its position does not matter, only its length and direction.
  3. In component form, \( \vec v = \langle a, b \rangle \), where \( a \) is the horizontal change and \( b \) the vertical change.
  4. The vector from \( P(x_1, y_1) \) to \( Q(x_2, y_2) \) is \( \overrightarrow{PQ} = \langle x_2 - x_1,\ y_2 - y_1 \rangle \).
  5. The magnitude is \( |\vec v| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \), the distance formula.
  6. Two vectors are equal exactly when their components are equal, wherever they are drawn.
  7. The zero vector \( \langle 0, 0 \rangle \) is the only vector of magnitude 0.
  8. From magnitude \( r \) and direction angle \( \theta \): \( \vec v = \langle r\cos\theta,\ r\sin\theta \rangle \).

Where students lose marks: subtracting in the wrong order. The vector from \( P \) to \( Q \) is terminal minus initial. Reversing gives the vector from \( Q \) to \( P \), which has the same magnitude and points the opposite way, so every sign is wrong.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the vector from \( P(1, 2) \) to \( Q(5, 5) \) and its magnitude. (b) A plane flies at 50 m/s at \( 30^\circ \) above the horizontal. Find its velocity components. (c) Show that the vector from \( A(0, 0) \) to \( B(2, 1) \) equals the vector from \( C(3, 3) \) to \( D(5, 4) \). (d) Find the terminal point of \( \vec v = \langle 3, -2 \rangle \) drawn from \( (1, 4) \).

Step one: the components for (a). Terminal minus initial: \( \overrightarrow{PQ} = \langle 5 - 1,\ 5 - 2 \rangle = \langle 4, 3 \rangle \).

Step two: the magnitude. \( |\overrightarrow{PQ}| = \sqrt{16 + 9} = 5 \). This is the distance between the two points, as the distance formula gives.

Step three: (b), resolve the velocity. Magnitude 50 and angle \( 30^\circ \): \( \vec v = \langle 50\cos 30^\circ,\ 50\sin 30^\circ \rangle = \langle 43.30,\ 25 \rangle \) m/s.

Step four: check. \( \sqrt{43.30^2 + 25^2} = \sqrt{1875 + 625} = \sqrt{2500} = 50 \) ✓. The plane moves forward at 43.3 m/s and climbs at 25 m/s.

Step five: (c), compute both. \( \overrightarrow{AB} = \langle 2 - 0, 1 - 0 \rangle = \langle 2, 1 \rangle \). \( \overrightarrow{CD} = \langle 5 - 3, 4 - 3 \rangle = \langle 2, 1 \rangle \).

Step six: conclude. The components are equal, so the vectors are equal, even though they start at different points. A vector describes a displacement, and the same displacement can start anywhere. This is what lets us slide arrows to add them tip to tail in the next lesson.

Step seven: (d), add the components to the start. The terminal point is \( (1 + 3,\ 4 + (-2)) = (4, 2) \).

Step eight: verify by reversing. The vector from \( (1, 4) \) to \( (4, 2) \) is \( \langle 3, -2 \rangle \) ✓. A point is a location and a vector is a displacement; they are different objects that happen to share a notation, and you add a vector to a point to get a point, and subtract two points to get a vector.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the vector from \( (2, 3) \) to \( (7, 9) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 7 - 2,\ 9 - 3 \rangle \). \( \langle 5, 6 \rangle \)

  2. Find the magnitude of \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{9 + 16} \). 5

  3. Find the vector from \( (-1, 4) \) to \( (3, -2) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 3 - (-1),\ -2 - 4 \rangle \). \( \langle 4, -6 \rangle \)

  4. Find the magnitude of \( \langle -5, 12 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{25 + 144} \). 13

  5. State whether speed and velocity are scalars or vectors.
    Show the full solution

    Speed has only a size; velocity also has a direction. Speed is a scalar; velocity is a vector

  6. Find the components of a vector of magnitude 10 at \( 60^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 10\cos 60^\circ,\ 10\sin 60^\circ \rangle = \langle 5,\ 8.660 \rangle \). Check: \( 25 + 75 = 100 \). \( \langle 5, 8.66 \rangle \)

  7. Find the components of a vector of magnitude 20 at \( 135^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos 135^\circ = -\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \) and \( \sin 135^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt2}{2} \). \( \langle -14.14,\ 14.14 \rangle \). Quadrant II: negative horizontal, positive vertical. \( \langle -10\sqrt2, 10\sqrt2 \rangle \)

  8. A vector \( \langle 3, -2 \rangle \) starts at \( (1, 4) \). Find where it ends.
    Show the full solution

    \( (1 + 3,\ 4 - 2) \). \( (4, 2) \)

  9. Are the vector from \( (0, 0) \) to \( (2, 1) \) and the vector from \( (3, 3) \) to \( (5, 4) \) equal?
    Show the full solution

    Both are \( \langle 2, 1 \rangle \). Equal vectors need equal components, not equal positions. Yes

  10. Explain why a magnitude is never negative and is zero only for the zero vector, and find \( |\langle -6, 8 \rangle| \).
    Show the full solution

    The magnitude is \( \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \), a square root of a sum of squares, so it is nonnegative; it is 0 only when both \( a^2 \) and \( b^2 \) are 0, that is \( a = b = 0 \). \( |\langle -6, 8 \rangle| = \sqrt{36 + 64} = 10 \). Direction is carried by the signs of the components, which the squares discard. 10; zero only for \( \langle 0, 0 \rangle \)

Lesson 8.2 · Unit 8 · N-VM.4-5

Combining displacements, forces and velocities

Vector addition means doing one displacement and then another. In components it is ordinary addition, one coordinate at a time, which is why vectors are so convenient for physics. Scaling stretches a vector, and a negative scale reverses it.

The method
  1. Add componentwise: \( \langle a, b \rangle + \langle c, d \rangle = \langle a + c,\ b + d \rangle \).
  2. Geometrically, place the tail of the second at the tip of the first; the sum runs from the first tail to the second tip. Equivalently, the diagonal of the parallelogram.
  3. Subtract componentwise: \( \vec u - \vec v = \vec u + (-\vec v) \), which is \( \langle a - c,\ b - d \rangle \).
  4. Scalar multiplication scales each component: \( k\langle a, b \rangle = \langle ka, kb \rangle \).
  5. The magnitude of \( k\vec v \) is \( |k||\vec v| \), and a negative \( k \) reverses the direction.
  6. Two nonzero vectors are parallel exactly when one is a scalar multiple of the other.
  7. Vector addition is commutative and associative, and scalar multiplication distributes over it.
  8. The triangle inequality: \( |\vec u + \vec v| \le |\vec u| + |\vec v| \).

Where students lose marks: adding magnitudes instead of vectors. Two forces of 3 N and 4 N do not produce a 7 N resultant unless they point the same way. At a right angle they give 5 N, and the triangle inequality \( 5 \le 7 \) says no sum can exceed the total of the sizes.

Worked example

The problem. Let \( \vec u = \langle 3, -1 \rangle \) and \( \vec v = \langle -2, 5 \rangle \). Find (a) \( \vec u + \vec v \) and \( \vec u - \vec v \); (b) \( 2\vec u - 3\vec v \); (c) compare \( |\vec u + \vec v| \) with \( |\vec u| + |\vec v| \); (d) decide whether \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) and \( \langle -6, -9 \rangle \) are parallel.

Step one: sum and difference. \( \vec u + \vec v = \langle 3 + (-2),\ -1 + 5 \rangle = \langle 1, 4 \rangle \). \( \vec u - \vec v = \langle 3 - (-2),\ -1 - 5 \rangle = \langle 5, -6 \rangle \).

Step two: combination (b). \( 2\vec u = \langle 6, -2 \rangle \), \( 3\vec v = \langle -6, 15 \rangle \). \( 2\vec u - 3\vec v = \langle 6 - (-6),\ -2 - 15 \rangle = \langle 12, -17 \rangle \).

Step three: magnitudes for (c). \( |\vec u + \vec v| = \sqrt{1 + 16} = \sqrt{17} = 4.123 \). \( |\vec u| = \sqrt{10} = 3.162 \) and \( |\vec v| = \sqrt{29} = 5.385 \), total \( 8.547 \).

Step four: interpret. \( 4.123 \le 8.547 \), as the triangle inequality says. The two vectors point in quite different directions, so they partly cancel. Equality would need them to point the same way.

Step five: (d), look for a scalar multiple. Is there a \( k \) with \( \langle -6, -9 \rangle = k\langle 2, 3 \rangle \)? The first component gives \( k = -3 \).

Step six: check the second. \( -3 \times 3 = -9 \) ✓. Both components agree, so the vectors are parallel, pointing in opposite directions because \( k \) is negative, the second three times as long.

Step seven: a test that fails. Compare \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) and \( \langle -6, -8 \rangle \): \( k = -3 \) from the first component, but \( -3 \times 3 = -9 \ne -8 \). Not parallel. One component matching is not enough; the same \( k \) must work for both.

Step eight: state the geometric meaning. Parallel vectors are scalar multiples of a single direction, which is why the slope \( \dfrac{b}{a} \) is the same for both (here \( \dfrac32 \) each). Addition then makes sense as repeated displacement: \( \vec u + \vec u = 2\vec u \) doubles a vector without changing its direction.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \langle 1, 2 \rangle + \langle 3, 4 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 4, 6 \rangle \)

  2. Find \( 3\langle 2, -1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 6, -3 \rangle \)

  3. Find \( \langle 5, 3 \rangle - \langle 2, 7 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 3, -4 \rangle \)

  4. Find \( 2\langle 1, 4 \rangle + \langle -3, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 2, 8 \rangle + \langle -3, 1 \rangle \). \( \langle -1, 9 \rangle \)

  5. Find \( -\langle 2, -5 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Scale by \( -1 \). \( \langle -2, 5 \rangle \)

  6. If \( \vec u = \langle 4, 1 \rangle \) and \( \vec v = \langle -1, 3 \rangle \), find \( 3\vec u - 2\vec v \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 12, 3 \rangle - \langle -2, 6 \rangle = \langle 14, -3 \rangle \). \( \langle 14, -3 \rangle \)

  7. Solve for \( \vec x \): \( 2\vec x + \langle 1, 2 \rangle = \langle 7, -4 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\vec x = \langle 6, -6 \rangle \), so \( \vec x = \langle 3, -3 \rangle \). Check: \( 2\langle 3, -3 \rangle + \langle 1, 2 \rangle = \langle 7, -4 \rangle \) ✓. \( \langle 3, -3 \rangle \)

  8. Are \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) and \( \langle -6, -9 \rangle \) parallel?
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle -6, -9 \rangle = -3\langle 2, 3 \rangle \). Yes, pointing in opposite directions

  9. For \( \vec u = \langle 3, 4 \rangle \) and \( \vec v = \langle 5, 12 \rangle \), compare \( |\vec u + \vec v| \) with \( |\vec u| + |\vec v| \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \vec u + \vec v = \langle 8, 16 \rangle \), magnitude \( \sqrt{320} = 17.89 \). \( |\vec u| + |\vec v| = 5 + 13 = 18 \). \( 17.89 \lt 18 \)

  10. When is \( |\vec u + \vec v| = |\vec u| + |\vec v| \)? Illustrate with \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \) and \( \langle 6, 8 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Equality holds when the vectors are parallel and point the same way, so no length is lost to cancellation. \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle + \langle 6, 8 \rangle = \langle 9, 12 \rangle \), magnitude 15, and \( 5 + 10 = 15 \). For antiparallel vectors the magnitude of the sum is the difference of the magnitudes. Parallel, same direction

Lesson 8.3 · Unit 8 · N-VM.1-2

Separating how long a vector is from which way it points

A vector can be described by its components or by its magnitude and direction angle, and converting between the two is the skill of this lesson. A unit vector isolates the direction: it has length 1, and any vector is its magnitude times a unit vector.

The method
  1. Magnitude: \( |\vec v| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \).
  2. Direction angle \( \theta \) satisfies \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{b}{a} \), with \( \theta \) in the quadrant given by the signs of \( a \) and \( b \).
  3. If \( a \lt 0 \), add \( 180^\circ \) to the calculator's inverse tangent.
  4. A unit vector has magnitude 1. The unit vector in the direction of \( \vec v \) is \( \hat v = \dfrac{\vec v}{|\vec v|} \).
  5. Every vector is its magnitude times its direction: \( \vec v = |\vec v|\hat v \).
  6. Standard unit vectors: \( \vec i = \langle 1, 0 \rangle \) and \( \vec j = \langle 0, 1 \rangle \), so \( \langle a, b \rangle = a\vec i + b\vec j \).
  7. Given a magnitude \( r \) and angle \( \theta \): \( \langle r\cos\theta,\ r\sin\theta \rangle \).
  8. Check a computed unit vector by confirming its magnitude is 1.

Where students lose marks: the quadrant. For \( \langle -3, -4 \rangle \), \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac43 = 53.13^\circ \) points into quadrant I, but the vector is in quadrant III, so the direction is \( 180^\circ + 53.13^\circ = 233.13^\circ \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the magnitude and direction of \( \langle -3, 4 \rangle \). (b) Find the unit vector in the direction of \( \langle 5, -12 \rangle \). (c) Find the vector of magnitude 26 in that direction. (d) Write \( \langle -3, 4 \rangle \) using \( \vec i \) and \( \vec j \). (e) Find the components of a vector of magnitude 12 at \( 250^\circ \).

Step one: magnitude for (a). \( \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5 \).

Step two: direction. \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{4}{-3} = -53.13^\circ \). The vector has a negative horizontal component and positive vertical one, so it is in quadrant II. Add \( 180^\circ \): \( 126.87^\circ \). Check: \( 5\cos 126.87^\circ = -3 \) and \( 5\sin 126.87^\circ = 4 \) ✓.

Step three: the unit vector for (b). \( |\langle 5, -12 \rangle| = 13 \), so \( \hat v = \left\langle \dfrac{5}{13},\ -\dfrac{12}{13} \right\rangle \). Check the magnitude: \( \dfrac{25 + 144}{169} = 1 \) ✓.

Step four: scale for (c). Magnitude 26 times the unit vector: \( 26\left\langle \dfrac{5}{13}, -\dfrac{12}{13} \right\rangle = \langle 10, -24 \rangle \). Check: \( \sqrt{100 + 576} = 26 \) ✓. It is also twice \( \langle 5, -12 \rangle \), because 26 is twice 13.

Step five: (d). \( \langle -3, 4 \rangle = -3\vec i + 4\vec j \).

Step six: components for (e). \( \langle 12\cos 250^\circ,\ 12\sin 250^\circ \rangle \). The angle is in quadrant III, with reference angle \( 70^\circ \): \( \cos 250^\circ = -0.3420 \), \( \sin 250^\circ = -0.9397 \).

Step seven: finish. \( \langle -4.104,\ -11.276 \rangle \). Check: \( \sqrt{16.84 + 127.15} = 12.0 \) ✓, and both components are negative as quadrant III requires.

Step eight: the role of the unit vector. The unit vector separates two questions. Its components answer "which way?", and the scalar multiplying it answers "how much?". Forces, velocities and displacements are built this way, and in physics a problem often starts from a direction (a unit vector along a ramp) and a magnitude (the weight), which combine into a vector.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the magnitude of \( \langle 6, 8 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    10

  2. Find the unit vector in the direction of \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Divide by 5. \( \left\langle \dfrac35, \dfrac45 \right\rangle \)

  3. Find the direction angle of \( \langle 1, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan\theta = 1 \), quadrant I. \( 45^\circ \)

  4. Write \( \langle 2, -7 \rangle \) using \( \vec i \) and \( \vec j \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\vec i - 7\vec j \)

  5. Is \( \langle 0.6, 0.8 \rangle \) a unit vector?
    Show the full solution

    \( 0.36 + 0.64 = 1 \). Yes

  6. Find the direction angle of \( \langle -1, \sqrt3 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Reference angle \( \tan^{-1}\sqrt3 = 60^\circ \); quadrant II gives \( 180^\circ - 60^\circ \). \( 120^\circ \)

  7. Find the direction angle of \( \langle -2, -2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Reference \( 45^\circ \), quadrant III. \( 225^\circ \)

  8. Find the unit vector in the direction of \( \langle -5, 12 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Magnitude 13. \( \left\langle -\dfrac{5}{13}, \dfrac{12}{13} \right\rangle \)

  9. Find the vector of magnitude 26 in the direction of \( \langle 5, -12 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 26 \times \left\langle \dfrac{5}{13}, -\dfrac{12}{13} \right\rangle \). \( \langle 10, -24 \rangle \)

  10. Explain why \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{b}{a} \) fails for \( \langle -3, -4 \rangle \), and give the correct direction.
    Show the full solution

    The ratio \( \dfrac{-4}{-3} = \dfrac43 \) hides the signs of both components, and the inverse tangent returns \( 53.13^\circ \) in quadrant I. The vector is in quadrant III, so add \( 180^\circ \): \( 233.13^\circ \). Check: \( 5\cos 233.13^\circ = -3 \) and \( 5\sin 233.13^\circ = -4 \). \( 233.13^\circ \)

Lesson 8.4 · Unit 8 · N-VM.3-4

When several pushes act at once, add them as vectors

The resultant of several forces, or the ground velocity of a plane in a crosswind, is the vector sum. Equilibrium is the special case where the resultant is zero, and it is how the loads in a cable or a bridge are found.

The method
  1. The resultant is the vector sum of all the forces (or velocities).
  2. Resolve each vector into horizontal and vertical components.
  3. Add the horizontal components and the vertical components separately.
  4. The magnitude of the resultant is \( \sqrt{R_x^2 + R_y^2} \); the direction comes from \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{R_y}{R_x} \), adjusted for the quadrant.
  5. An object is in equilibrium when the resultant force is zero, so both component sums are zero.
  6. A plane's ground velocity is its air velocity plus the wind velocity.
  7. A wind "from the north" blows toward the south.
  8. State results with units and, for navigation, a three-digit bearing.

Where students lose marks: the direction of the wind. A north wind blows toward the south, so its velocity vector points south. Reading "from the north" as a northward vector sends the plane the wrong way.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Forces of 50 N east and 30 N north act on an object. Find the resultant. (b) A plane heads east at 400 km/h in a wind from the north at 60 km/h. Find its ground speed and track. (c) A 100 N weight hangs from two cables, making \( 30^\circ \) and \( 60^\circ \) with the horizontal on opposite sides. Find the tensions.

Step one: (a). \( \langle 50, 30 \rangle \), magnitude \( \sqrt{2500 + 900} = 58.31 \) N, at \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{30}{50} = 30.96^\circ \) north of east.

Step two: (b), write the velocities. Air velocity: \( \langle 400, 0 \rangle \) (east). Wind from the north blows toward the south: \( \langle 0, -60 \rangle \).

Step three: add. Ground velocity \( \langle 400, -60 \rangle \), speed \( \sqrt{160000 + 3600} = 404.5 \) km/h.

Step four: the track. The plane drifts south of its heading. The angle south of east is \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{60}{400} = 8.53^\circ \), so the bearing is \( 90^\circ + 8.53^\circ = 98.53^\circ \), written 099. The wind pushes the plane 8.5 degrees off course and speeds it slightly, to 404.5, because the sideways wind contributes a little to the magnitude.

Step five: set up (c). Let the tensions be \( T_1 \) at \( 30^\circ \) on the left and \( T_2 \) at \( 60^\circ \) on the right. In equilibrium the horizontal components cancel and the vertical components balance the weight: \( T_1\cos 30^\circ = T_2\cos 60^\circ \) and \( T_1\sin 30^\circ + T_2\sin 60^\circ = 100 \).

Step six: solve. From the first, \( T_2 = \dfrac{T_1\cos 30^\circ}{\cos 60^\circ} = T_1\sqrt3 \).

Step seven: substitute into the second. \( 0.5T_1 + \sqrt3 T_1\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} = 0.5T_1 + 1.5T_1 = 2T_1 = 100 \), so \( T_1 = 50 \) N and \( T_2 = 50\sqrt3 = 86.60 \) N.

Step eight: verify. Horizontal: \( 50\cos 30^\circ = 43.30 \) and \( 86.60\cos 60^\circ = 43.30 \) ✓. Vertical: \( 50(0.5) + 86.60(0.866) = 25 + 75 = 100 \) ✓. The steeper cable carries more tension. The two horizontal pulls must cancel, so \( T\cos\theta \) is the same for both, and the cable with the smaller cosine (the steeper one) needs the larger \( T \). It also supplies most of the lift: 75 N of the 100 N, against 25 N from the flatter cable.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the resultant of \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \) and \( \langle 2, -1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 5, 3 \rangle \)

  2. Find the magnitude of \( \langle 5, 3 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{25 + 9} = \sqrt{34} \). 5.83

  3. Two forces of 10 N, one east and one north, act on an object. Find the resultant.
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 10, 10 \rangle \): magnitude \( 10\sqrt2 \) at \( 45^\circ \). 14.14 N at \( 45^\circ \) north of east

  4. A plane flies east at 300 km/h in a north wind of 50 km/h (blowing south). Find the ground speed.
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 300, -50 \rangle \): \( \sqrt{90000 + 2500} = 304.1 \). 304.1 km/h

  5. Three forces \( \langle 3, -2 \rangle \), \( \langle -5, 4 \rangle \) and \( \vec F \) balance. Find \( \vec F \).
    Show the full solution

    The sum of all three is zero: \( \vec F = -(\langle 3, -2 \rangle + \langle -5, 4 \rangle) = -\langle -2, 2 \rangle \). \( \langle 2, -2 \rangle \)

  6. A 100 N weight hangs from two cables, each at \( 30^\circ \) above the horizontal on opposite sides. Find the tension in each.
    Show the full solution

    Symmetry makes the tensions equal. Vertical balance: \( 2T\sin 30^\circ = 100 \), so \( T = 100 \) N. The horizontal components cancel. 100 N each

  7. A swimmer heads straight across a 60 m river at 2 m/s, with a current of 1.5 m/s. Find the crossing time, the downstream drift and the ground speed.
    Show the full solution

    The crossing speed is 2 m/s, so \( t = \dfrac{60}{2} = 30 \) s. Drift \( 1.5 \times 30 = 45 \) m. Ground speed \( \sqrt{4 + 2.25} = 2.5 \) m/s. 30 s; 45 m; 2.5 m/s

  8. The swimmer wants to land directly opposite. At what angle upstream from straight across should she aim, and how long does the crossing take?
    Show the full solution

    The upstream component must cancel the current: \( 2\sin\varphi = 1.5 \), so \( \varphi = \sin^{-1}0.75 = 48.59^\circ \). The speed across is \( 2\cos 48.59^\circ = 1.323 \) m/s. \( t = \dfrac{60}{1.323} = 45.4 \) s. Check: \( \sqrt{4 - 2.25} = 1.323 \). \( 48.59^\circ \) upstream; 45.4 s

  9. A 100 N weight hangs from cables at \( 30^\circ \) and \( 60^\circ \). Find the tensions and check the horizontal balance.
    Show the full solution

    \( T_1 = 50 \) N (at \( 30^\circ \)) and \( T_2 = 86.60 \) N (at \( 60^\circ \)). Horizontal: \( 50\cos 30^\circ = 43.30 = 86.60\cos 60^\circ \) ✓. Vertical: \( 25 + 75 = 100 \) ✓. 50 N and 86.60 N

  10. Explain why equilibrium requires both the horizontal and the vertical component sums to be zero, not just the total magnitude.
    Show the full solution

    A vector is zero only if every component is zero, since its magnitude is \( \sqrt{R_x^2 + R_y^2} \), which vanishes only when both terms do. Adding magnitudes of forces is meaningless for this: two forces of 50 N in different directions do not cancel even though the "total" looks balanced. Each component sum can be treated as its own one-dimensional balance, which is what makes the two-equation method work. A vector is zero only if each component is zero

Lesson 8.5 · Unit 8 · N-VM.4

Multiplying two vectors to get a number that measures how aligned they are

The dot product multiplies two vectors and returns a scalar. It is large when the vectors point the same way, zero when they are perpendicular and negative when they point against each other. That makes it the tool for angles, perpendicularity and, in the next lesson, work.

The method
  1. In components, \( \langle a, b \rangle \cdot \langle c, d \rangle = ac + bd \).
  2. Geometrically, \( \vec u \cdot \vec v = |\vec u||\vec v|\cos\theta \), where \( \theta \) is the angle between them.
  3. The angle between two vectors: \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{\vec u \cdot \vec v}{|\vec u||\vec v|} \).
  4. Perpendicular (orthogonal) vectors have dot product 0.
  5. The sign tells the angle: positive for acute, zero for right, negative for obtuse.
  6. \( \vec u \cdot \vec u = |\vec u|^2 \).
  7. The dot product is commutative and distributes over addition.
  8. The result is a number, not a vector.

Where students lose marks: multiplying componentwise and keeping a vector. \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \cdot \langle 4, 1 \rangle \) is \( 8 + 3 = 11 \), a single number, not \( \langle 8, 3 \rangle \). The terms are added.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \cdot \langle -2, 1 \rangle \). (b) Find the angle between \( \langle 1, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle 3, -1 \rangle \). (c) Show that \( \langle 6, -3 \rangle \) and \( \langle 1, 2 \rangle \) are perpendicular. (d) Find \( k \) so that \( \langle k, 3 \rangle \perp \langle 4, -6 \rangle \). (e) Derive the geometric form from the law of cosines.

Step one: (a). \( (3)(-2) + (4)(1) = -6 + 4 = -2 \). Negative, so the angle between them is obtuse.

Step two: (b), the dot product and magnitudes. \( \vec u \cdot \vec v = (1)(3) + (2)(-1) = 1 \). \( |\vec u| = \sqrt5 \) and \( |\vec v| = \sqrt{10} \).

Step three: the angle. \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt5\sqrt{10}} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{50}} = 0.14142 \), so \( \theta = 81.87^\circ \). A positive dot product gives an acute angle ✓, close to a right angle because the product is small.

Step four: (c). \( (6)(1) + (-3)(2) = 6 - 6 = 0 \). The dot product is zero, so the vectors are perpendicular.

Step five: confirm geometrically. The slope of the first is \( \dfrac{-3}{6} = -\dfrac12 \) and of the second \( \dfrac21 = 2 \). The product of the slopes is \( -1 \), the perpendicularity condition from Geometry ✓.

Step six: (d). Require \( 4k + (3)(-6) = 0 \), so \( 4k = 18 \) and \( k = 4.5 \). Check: \( \langle 4.5, 3 \rangle \cdot \langle 4, -6 \rangle = 18 - 18 = 0 \) ✓.

Step seven: derive (e). Draw \( \vec u \), \( \vec v \) from a common tail and the third side \( \vec u - \vec v \). The law of cosines gives \( |\vec u - \vec v|^2 = |\vec u|^2 + |\vec v|^2 - 2|\vec u||\vec v|\cos\theta \).

Step eight: expand the left side in components. \( |\vec u - \vec v|^2 = (a - c)^2 + (b - d)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 - 2(ac + bd) \). Comparing with the law of cosines, the \( |\vec u|^2 + |\vec v|^2 \) terms cancel and \( ac + bd = |\vec u||\vec v|\cos\theta \). ∎ So the component formula and the geometric formula are the same number, and the dot product is the law of cosines rewritten as an algebraic operation.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \cdot \langle 4, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 8 + 3 \). 11

  2. Find \( \langle 1, 0 \rangle \cdot \langle 0, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 0 + 0 \); the axes are perpendicular. 0

  3. Find the angle between \( \langle 1, 0 \rangle \) and \( \langle 1, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{1 \cdot \sqrt2} \). \( 45^\circ \)

  4. Are \( \langle 3, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle -2, 3 \rangle \) orthogonal?
    Show the full solution

    \( -6 + 6 = 0 \). Yes

  5. Find \( \langle 1, 2 \rangle \cdot \langle 1, 2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + 4 = 5 = |\vec u|^2 \). 5

  6. Find the angle between \( \langle 2, 1 \rangle \) and \( \langle 1, 3 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Dot \( 2 + 3 = 5 \); magnitudes \( \sqrt5 \) and \( \sqrt{10} \). \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{5}{\sqrt{50}} = 0.7071 \). \( 45^\circ \)

  7. Find \( k \) so that \( \langle k, 3 \rangle \) is perpendicular to \( \langle 4, -6 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4k - 18 = 0 \). \( k = 4.5 \)

  8. Find the angle between \( \langle -1, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle 3, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Dot \( -3 + 2 = -1 \). \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{-1}{\sqrt5\sqrt{10}} = -0.14142 \), so \( \theta = 98.13^\circ \). Obtuse, as the negative dot product says. \( 98.13^\circ \)

  9. Verify \( |\vec u + \vec v|^2 = |\vec u|^2 + |\vec v|^2 + 2\vec u \cdot \vec v \) for \( \vec u = \langle 1, 2 \rangle \), \( \vec v = \langle 3, -1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \vec u + \vec v = \langle 4, 1 \rangle \), so the left side is 17. Right side: \( 5 + 10 + 2(1) = 17 \) ✓. Both 17

  10. Explain what the sign of a dot product says about the angle, and classify \( \langle 2, 5 \rangle \cdot \langle -5, 2 \rangle \), \( \langle 1, 1 \rangle \cdot \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) and \( \langle 1, 0 \rangle \cdot \langle -1, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \vec u \cdot \vec v = |\vec u||\vec v|\cos\theta \), and the magnitudes are positive, so the sign is the sign of \( \cos\theta \): positive for an acute angle, zero for \( 90^\circ \), negative for an obtuse angle. \( -10 + 10 = 0 \): perpendicular. \( 2 + 3 = 5 \gt 0 \): acute. \( -1 + 0 = -1 \lt 0 \): obtuse. Perpendicular, acute, obtuse

Lesson 8.6 · Unit 8 · N-VM.4

How much of one vector lies along another

Pushing a box across a floor with a rope that points upward wastes part of the pull. Only the component of the force along the motion does work. That component is the projection, and the work is the dot product of force and displacement. The same idea splits a weight on a ramp into the part that slides it and the part that presses it into the surface.

The method
  1. The scalar component of \( \vec u \) along \( \vec v \): \( \text{comp}_{\vec v}\vec u = \dfrac{\vec u \cdot \vec v}{|\vec v|} \).
  2. The vector projection: \( \text{proj}_{\vec v}\vec u = \dfrac{\vec u \cdot \vec v}{|\vec v|^2}\,\vec v \).
  3. The projection is parallel to \( \vec v \); the remainder \( \vec u - \text{proj}_{\vec v}\vec u \) is perpendicular to it.
  4. Work done by a constant force: \( W = \vec F \cdot \vec d = |\vec F||\vec d|\cos\theta \).
  5. A force perpendicular to the motion does no work.
  6. Work is a scalar; negative work means the force opposes the motion.
  7. On a ramp at angle \( \alpha \), the weight \( W \) has a component \( W\sin\alpha \) down the slope and \( W\cos\alpha \) perpendicular to it.
  8. Units: newtons times meters gives joules.

Where students lose marks: forgetting to square the magnitude in the projection formula. The projection divides by \( |\vec v|^2 \) because the vector \( \vec v \) is then multiplied in; dividing by \( |\vec v| \) alone gives the scalar component, not the vector.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Project \( \vec u = \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) onto \( \vec v = \langle 4, 1 \rangle \). (b) A 50 N force at \( 30^\circ \) above the horizontal drags a box 8 m along the floor. Find the work. (c) Split a 200 N weight on a \( 25^\circ \) ramp into components.

Step one: the dot product for (a). \( \vec u \cdot \vec v = 8 + 3 = 11 \), \( |\vec v|^2 = 16 + 1 = 17 \).

Step two: project. \( \text{proj}_{\vec v}\vec u = \dfrac{11}{17}\langle 4, 1 \rangle = \left\langle \dfrac{44}{17}, \dfrac{11}{17} \right\rangle = \langle 2.588,\ 0.647 \rangle \). The scalar component is \( \dfrac{11}{\sqrt{17}} = 2.668 \).

Step three: check perpendicularity of the remainder. \( \vec u - \text{proj} = \langle 2 - 2.588,\ 3 - 0.647 \rangle = \langle -0.588,\ 2.353 \rangle \). Its dot product with \( \vec v \): \( -0.588(4) + 2.353(1) = -2.353 + 2.353 = 0 \) ✓. The vector \( \vec u \) is the sum of a part along \( \vec v \) and a part perpendicular to it.

Step four: (b), as a dot product. The force is \( \vec F = \langle 50\cos 30^\circ,\ 50\sin 30^\circ \rangle = \langle 43.30,\ 25 \rangle \) and the displacement is \( \vec d = \langle 8, 0 \rangle \).

Step five: work. \( W = \vec F \cdot \vec d = 43.30(8) + 25(0) = 346.4 \) J. With the geometric form: \( 50 \times 8 \times \cos 30^\circ = 346.4 \) ✓.

Step six: interpret. Only the horizontal component, 43.3 N, pushes the box along. The vertical 25 N does no work because it is perpendicular to the motion, though it reduces the force pressing the box onto the floor, which is why pulling slightly upward can reduce friction.

Step seven: (c), the ramp. Take the down-slope direction as the reference. The component along the slope is \( 200\sin 25^\circ = 84.52 \) N, and perpendicular to the slope \( 200\cos 25^\circ = 181.26 \) N.

Step eight: check. \( \sqrt{84.52^2 + 181.26^2} = \sqrt{7143 + 32855} = 200 \) ✓. On a flat surface (\( \alpha = 0 \)) all 200 N presses into the ground; as the ramp steepens the slope component grows toward the full 200 N at \( 90^\circ \), which is free fall. This is the same decomposition as lesson 2.6's force analysis, done with vectors.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. A force \( \langle 10, 0 \rangle \) N moves an object \( \langle 5, 0 \rangle \) m. Find the work.
    Show the full solution

    \( \vec F \cdot \vec d = 50 \). 50 J

  2. A 20 N force acts along a 6 m displacement. Find the work.
    Show the full solution

    The angle is \( 0^\circ \): \( 20 \times 6 \times 1 \). 120 J

  3. How much work does a force perpendicular to the motion do?
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos 90^\circ = 0 \). 0

  4. Find the work of \( \vec F = \langle 3, 4 \rangle \) N over \( \vec d = \langle 2, 1 \rangle \) m.
    Show the full solution

    \( 6 + 4 \). 10 J

  5. Find the scalar component of \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \) along \( \langle 1, 0 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{3}{1} \). 3

  6. Project \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) onto \( \langle 4, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{11}{17}\langle 4, 1 \rangle \). \( \left\langle \dfrac{44}{17}, \dfrac{11}{17} \right\rangle \)

  7. Find the work of a 50 N force at \( 30^\circ \) to a horizontal displacement of 8 m.
    Show the full solution

    \( 50 \times 8 \times \cos 30^\circ = 400(0.86603) \). 346.4 J

  8. Find the components of a 200 N weight along and perpendicular to a \( 25^\circ \) ramp.
    Show the full solution

    Along: \( 200\sin 25^\circ = 84.52 \). Perpendicular: \( 200\cos 25^\circ = 181.26 \). Check: \( 84.52^2 + 181.26^2 = 40000 \). 84.5 N and 181.3 N

  9. A 100 N force at \( 60^\circ \) to the horizontal pulls a cart 10 m horizontally. Find the work.
    Show the full solution

    \( 100 \times 10 \times \cos 60^\circ = 1000(0.5) \). 500 J

  10. Show that \( \vec u - \text{proj}_{\vec v}\vec u \) is perpendicular to \( \vec v \) in general.
    Show the full solution

    Let \( p = \text{proj}_{\vec v}\vec u = \dfrac{\vec u \cdot \vec v}{|\vec v|^2}\vec v \). Then \( (\vec u - p)\cdot\vec v = \vec u \cdot \vec v - \dfrac{\vec u \cdot \vec v}{|\vec v|^2} (\vec v \cdot \vec v) = \vec u \cdot \vec v - \vec u \cdot \vec v = 0 \). ∎ Numerically, for \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) on \( \langle 4, 1 \rangle \): the remainder \( \langle -0.588, 2.353 \rangle \) has dot product 0 with \( \langle 4, 1 \rangle \). The remainder has zero dot product with \( \vec v \)

Lesson 8.7 · Unit 8 · N-VM.1-5

Everything so far, with a third component

Adding a third axis changes almost nothing in the algebra. Components, magnitude, sums, scalar multiples and the dot product all extend by including one more term, and a few new ideas appear, notably direction cosines. The Pythagorean theorem is used twice to get the magnitude.

The method
  1. A vector in space is \( \langle a, b, c \rangle = a\vec i + b\vec j + c\vec k \).
  2. The vector from \( P \) to \( Q \) is terminal minus initial, with three components.
  3. Magnitude: \( |\vec v| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2} \).
  4. Sum, difference and scalar multiples act on each of the three components.
  5. Dot product: \( \langle a, b, c \rangle \cdot \langle d, e, f \rangle = ad + be + cf \).
  6. The angle formula is unchanged: \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{\vec u \cdot \vec v}{|\vec u||\vec v|} \).
  7. The distance between two points is the magnitude of the vector joining them.
  8. Direction cosines: the cosines of the angles with the three axes are \( \dfrac{a}{|\vec v|}, \dfrac{b}{|\vec v|}, \dfrac{c}{|\vec v|} \), and their squares add to 1.

Where students lose marks: forgetting the third term in the magnitude. \( |\langle 1, 2, 2 \rangle| = \sqrt{1 + 4 + 4} = 3 \), not \( \sqrt5 \). A check is that the distance from the origin to a point is always at least the largest coordinate.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the vector from \( P(1, 2, 3) \) to \( Q(4, 6, 15) \), its length and the unit vector. (b) Find the angle between \( \langle 1, 2, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle 2, -1, 2 \rangle \). (c) Show \( \langle 1, 2, -1 \rangle \) and \( \langle 3, -1, 1 \rangle \) are perpendicular. (d) Find the direction angles of \( \langle 2, 3, 6 \rangle \).

Step one: the vector for (a). \( \overrightarrow{PQ} = \langle 4 - 1,\ 6 - 2,\ 15 - 3 \rangle = \langle 3, 4, 12 \rangle \).

Step two: length and unit vector. \( |\overrightarrow{PQ}| = \sqrt{9 + 16 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13 \). Unit vector \( \left\langle \dfrac{3}{13}, \dfrac{4}{13}, \dfrac{12}{13} \right\rangle \), whose magnitude is \( \dfrac{9 + 16 + 144}{169} = 1 \) ✓. The points are 13 units apart.

Step three: (b), dot product. \( (1)(2) + (2)(-1) + (2)(2) = 2 - 2 + 4 = 4 \). Magnitudes: \( \sqrt{1 + 4 + 4} = 3 \) and \( \sqrt{4 + 1 + 4} = 3 \).

Step four: the angle. \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{4}{9} = 0.4444 \), so \( \theta = 63.61^\circ \).

Step five: (c). \( (1)(3) + (2)(-1) + (-1)(1) = 3 - 2 - 1 = 0 \). The dot product is zero, so the vectors are perpendicular.

Step six: (d), the magnitude. \( |\langle 2, 3, 6 \rangle| = \sqrt{4 + 9 + 36} = \sqrt{49} = 7 \).

Step seven: the direction cosines. With the \( x \)-axis: \( \cos\alpha = \dfrac27 \), so \( \alpha = 73.4^\circ \). With \( y \): \( \cos\beta = \dfrac37 \), \( \beta = 64.6^\circ \). With \( z \): \( \cos\gamma = \dfrac67 \), \( \gamma = 31.0^\circ \).

Step eight: check and interpret. \( \dfrac{4}{49} + \dfrac{9}{49} + \dfrac{36}{49} = 1 \) ✓: the squares of the direction cosines always sum to 1, since they are the components of a unit vector. The vector makes the smallest angle with the axis along which it has the largest component, here \( z \) at \( 31^\circ \). In two dimensions this reduces to \( \cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta = 1 \), because the second angle is the complement of the first.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the magnitude of \( \langle 1, 2, 2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{1 + 4 + 4} \). 3

  2. Find the vector from \( (1, 0, 2) \) to \( (4, 4, 2) \) and its length.
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 3, 4, 0 \rangle \), length \( \sqrt{9 + 16} \). \( \langle 3, 4, 0 \rangle \); 5

  3. Find \( \langle 1, 2, 3 \rangle + \langle 4, -1, 2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 5, 1, 5 \rangle \)

  4. Find \( \langle 1, 2, 3 \rangle \cdot \langle 4, -1, 2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4 - 2 + 6 \). 8

  5. Find the distance from \( (0, 0, 0) \) to \( (2, 3, 6) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{4 + 9 + 36} \). 7

  6. Find the unit vector in the direction of \( \langle 2, 3, 6 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Divide by 7. \( \left\langle \dfrac27, \dfrac37, \dfrac67 \right\rangle \)

  7. Find the angle between \( \langle 1, 2, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle 2, -1, 2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Dot 4; magnitudes 3 and 3; \( \cos\theta = \dfrac49 \). \( 63.61^\circ \)

  8. Are \( \langle 1, 2, -1 \rangle \) and \( \langle 3, -1, 1 \rangle \) perpendicular?
    Show the full solution

    \( 3 - 2 - 1 = 0 \). Yes

  9. Find \( k \) so that \( \langle k, 2, 1 \rangle \) is perpendicular to \( \langle 3, -1, 4 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3k - 2 + 4 = 0 \), so \( k = -\dfrac23 \). Check: \( 3\left(-\dfrac23\right) - 2 + 4 = 0 \). \( k = -\dfrac23 \)

  10. Show that the squares of the direction cosines of \( \langle 2, 3, 6 \rangle \) sum to 1, and explain why this must always hold.
    Show the full solution

    \( \left(\dfrac27\right)^2 + \left(\dfrac37\right)^2 + \left(\dfrac67\right)^2 = \dfrac{4 + 9 + 36}{49} = 1 \). The direction cosines are the components of the unit vector \( \hat v \), and the squares of the components of a unit vector sum to its squared magnitude, which is 1. They are the components of a unit vector

Unit 8 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 8 review: Vectors

Shuffled across all seven lessons. Terminal minus initial, and check the quadrant of every direction angle.

  1. Find the vector from \( (1, 2) \) to \( (5, 5) \) and its magnitude.
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 4, 3 \rangle \); \( \sqrt{16 + 9} = 5 \). \( \langle 4, 3 \rangle \); 5

  2. If \( \vec u = \langle 3, -1 \rangle \) and \( \vec v = \langle -2, 5 \rangle \), find \( 2\vec u - 3\vec v \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \langle 6, -2 \rangle - \langle -6, 15 \rangle \). \( \langle 12, -17 \rangle \)

  3. Find the direction angle of \( \langle -3, 4 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan^{-1}\left(-\tfrac43\right) = -53.13^\circ \), then add \( 180^\circ \) for quadrant II. \( 126.87^\circ \)

  4. Find the unit vector in the direction of \( \langle 5, -12 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Magnitude 13. \( \left\langle \dfrac{5}{13}, -\dfrac{12}{13} \right\rangle \)

  5. A plane heads east at 400 km/h in a wind from the north at 60 km/h. Find its ground speed and bearing.
    Show the full solution

    Ground velocity \( \langle 400, -60 \rangle \): \( \sqrt{160000 + 3600} = 404.5 \). South of east by \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{60}{400} = 8.53^\circ \), so bearing \( 98.5^\circ \). 404.5 km/h on bearing 099

  6. Find \( \langle 3, 4 \rangle \cdot \langle -2, 1 \rangle \) and say what the sign means.
    Show the full solution

    \( -6 + 4 = -2 \). Negative means an obtuse angle between them. \( -2 \); obtuse

  7. Find the angle between \( \langle 1, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle 3, -1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Dot 1; magnitudes \( \sqrt5 \), \( \sqrt{10} \); \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{50}} = 0.1414 \). \( 81.87^\circ \)

  8. A 50 N force at \( 30^\circ \) above the horizontal drags a box 8 m along the floor. Find the work.
    Show the full solution

    \( 50 \times 8 \times \cos 30^\circ = 400(0.8660) \). 346.4 J

  9. Project \( \langle 2, 3 \rangle \) onto \( \langle 4, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{11}{17}\langle 4, 1 \rangle \). \( \left\langle \dfrac{44}{17}, \dfrac{11}{17} \right\rangle \)

  10. Find the angle between \( \langle 1, 2, 2 \rangle \) and \( \langle 2, -1, 2 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Dot 4; both magnitudes 3; \( \cos\theta = \dfrac49 \). \( 63.61^\circ \)

Lesson 9.1 · Unit 9 · N-CN.4

Locating a point by distance and direction instead of by two distances

Rectangular coordinates say how far to go across and how far up. Polar coordinates say how far to go from the origin and in which direction. Radar, sonar and any motion around a center are more natural in polar form, and the price is that a point no longer has a single address.

The method
  1. A polar point is \( (r, \theta) \): \( r \) is the directed distance from the origin and \( \theta \) the angle from the positive \( x \)-axis.
  2. Positive \( \theta \) is counterclockwise, as with standard-position angles.
  3. If \( r \) is negative, plot the point in the opposite direction: \( (-r, \theta) \) is at distance \( r \) in the direction \( \theta + \pi \).
  4. Adding a full turn changes nothing: \( (r, \theta) = (r, \theta + 2\pi k) \).
  5. A negative radius with a half-turn added also names the same point: \( (r, \theta) = (-r, \theta + \pi) \).
  6. So every point has infinitely many polar names.
  7. The pole (origin) is \( (0, \theta) \) for any \( \theta \).
  8. To convert to rectangular: \( x = r\cos\theta \), \( y = r\sin\theta \).

Where students lose marks: assuming a polar point has one representation. Two answers that look different, such as \( \left(3, \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \) and \( \left(-3, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}\right) \), can be the same point. To compare, convert both to rectangular coordinates.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Convert \( \left(3, \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \) to rectangular coordinates. (b) Give two other polar names for it, one with \( r \gt 0 \) and one with \( r \lt 0 \). (c) Plot \( \left(-2, \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \) and give a name with positive \( r \). (d) Convert \( \left(2, \dfrac{7\pi}{4}\right) \).

Step one: convert for (a). \( x = 3\cos\dfrac{\pi}{3} = 3\left(\dfrac12\right) = 1.5 \) and \( y = 3\sin\dfrac{\pi}{3} = 3\left(\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) = 2.598 \). Check: \( \sqrt{1.5^2 + 2.598^2} = \sqrt{2.25 + 6.75} = 3 \) ✓.

Step two: other names for (b). Add a full turn: \( \left(3, \dfrac{\pi}{3} + 2\pi\right) = \left(3, \dfrac{7\pi}{3}\right) \). With a negative radius, go the opposite way and add a half-turn: \( \left(-3, \dfrac{\pi}{3} + \pi\right) = \left(-3, \dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right) \).

Step three: confirm the negative one. \( -3\cos\dfrac{4\pi}{3} = -3\left(-\dfrac12\right) = 1.5 \) and \( -3\sin\dfrac{4\pi}{3} = -3\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\right) = 2.598 \) ✓, the same point.

Step four: (c). The point \( \left(-2, \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \) is 2 units from the pole, but in the direction opposite to \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \), that is in the direction \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} + \pi = \dfrac{7\pi}{6} \), in quadrant III.

Step five: name it with \( r \gt 0 \). \( \left(2, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}\right) \). In rectangular form: \( x = -2\cos\dfrac{\pi}{6} = -1.732 \), \( y = -2\sin\dfrac{\pi}{6} = -1 \), and \( 2\cos\dfrac{7\pi}{6} = -1.732 \), \( 2\sin\dfrac{7\pi}{6} = -1 \) ✓.

Step six: (d). \( x = 2\cos\dfrac{7\pi}{4} = 2\left(\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\right) = \sqrt2 \), \( y = 2\sin\dfrac{7\pi}{4} = 2\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\right) = -\sqrt2 \).

Step seven: check the quadrant. The angle \( \dfrac{7\pi}{4} = 315^\circ \) is in quadrant IV, with positive \( x \) and negative \( y \) ✓. The point is \( (1.414, -1.414) \).

Step eight: state the consequence. Because the same point has many names, two different-looking polar equations can describe the same curve, and the intersection of two polar curves can include points that do not show up by solving the equations simultaneously. The pole in particular is on a curve if \( r = 0 \) for some \( \theta \), regardless of which \( \theta \) the solver uses. This is the price of the compactness of polar form, and it returns in lesson 9.3.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Convert \( \left(2, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \) to rectangular coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( (2\cos\tfrac{\pi}{2}, 2\sin\tfrac{\pi}{2}) \). \( (0, 2) \)

  2. Convert \( (4, 0) \) to rectangular coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( (4, 0) \)

  3. Give a polar name for \( \left(3, \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) \) with a negative \( r \).
    Show the full solution

    Reverse \( r \) and add \( \pi \) to the angle. \( \left(-3, \dfrac{5\pi}{4}\right) \)

  4. Convert \( (5, \pi) \) to rectangular coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( (5\cos\pi, 5\sin\pi) \). \( (-5, 0) \)

  5. Where is \( (-2, 0) \)?
    Show the full solution

    Two units from the pole, opposite the positive \( x \)-axis. \( (-2, 0) \) in rectangular coordinates

  6. Convert \( \left(6, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right) \) to rectangular coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( 6\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = -3 \) and \( 6\sin\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = 3\sqrt3 = 5.196 \). \( (-3, 5.196) \)

  7. Convert \( \left(2, \dfrac{7\pi}{4}\right) \) to rectangular coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( \left(2\cdot\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2},\ 2\cdot\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2}\right)\right) \). \( (\sqrt2, -\sqrt2) \approx (1.414, -1.414) \)

  8. Are \( \left(3, \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \) and \( \left(-3, \dfrac{7\pi}{6}\right) \) the same point?
    Show the full solution

    The second has \( r \) negated and \( \pi \) added to the angle, which names the same point. In rectangular form both are \( (2.598, 1.5) \): the second gives \( -3\cos\dfrac{7\pi}{6} = 2.598 \) and \( -3\sin\dfrac{7\pi}{6} = 1.5 \). Yes

  9. Give three other polar names for \( \left(2, \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Add a turn, subtract a turn, or negate \( r \) and add \( \pi \). \( \left(2, \dfrac{7\pi}{3}\right) \), \( \left(2, -\dfrac{5\pi}{3}\right) \), \( \left(-2, \dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right) \)

  10. Explain why a point has infinitely many polar names, and what \( (0, \theta) \) means.
    Show the full solution

    The angle can be increased by any number of full turns, giving infinitely many names with the same \( r \), and the sign of \( r \) together with a half-turn gives more. When \( r = 0 \) the point is the pole whatever the angle is, so \( (0, \theta) \) names the origin for every \( \theta \); this is the one point with no direction. Rectangular coordinates are unique because \( x \) and \( y \) do not wrap around. Angles repeat every \( 2\pi \); at the pole the angle is irrelevant

Lesson 9.2 · Unit 9 · N-CN.4

Two languages for the same plane, and translating equations as well as points

Some curves are simple in one system and awkward in the other. A circle centered on the origin is \( r = a \) in polar form but \( x^2 + y^2 = a^2 \) in rectangular form; a vertical line is \( x = a \) in rectangular form but \( r\cos\theta = a \) in polar form. Translating lets you use whichever is easier.

The method
  1. Polar to rectangular: \( x = r\cos\theta \), \( y = r\sin\theta \).
  2. Rectangular to polar: \( r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} \), and \( \theta \) with \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{y}{x} \) in the correct quadrant.
  3. Useful identities: \( r^2 = x^2 + y^2 \), \( r\cos\theta = x \), \( r\sin\theta = y \), \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{y}{x} \).
  4. To convert an equation to rectangular, try to make \( r\cos\theta \), \( r\sin\theta \) or \( r^2 \) appear, often by multiplying both sides by \( r \).
  5. To convert to polar, substitute \( x = r\cos\theta \) and \( y = r\sin\theta \) and solve for \( r \) if possible.
  6. The angle needs the quadrant: use the signs of \( x \) and \( y \), not the ratio alone.
  7. Multiplying by \( r \) can add the pole as a spurious solution, usually harmlessly.
  8. After converting, recognize the curve by completing the square.

Where students lose marks: the angle of a point in quadrant II or III. For \( (-3, 3) \), \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{3}{-3} = -45^\circ \), which is in quadrant IV. The point is in quadrant II, so \( \theta = 135^\circ \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) Convert \( (-3, 3) \) to polar coordinates with \( r \gt 0 \). (b) Convert \( (0, -5) \). (c) Convert \( r = 4\cos\theta \) to rectangular form and identify it. (d) Convert \( y = 2x + 1 \) to polar form. (e) Convert \( x^2 + y^2 = 9 \).

Step one: the radius for (a). \( r = \sqrt{9 + 9} = 3\sqrt2 = 4.243 \).

Step two: the angle. The point is in quadrant II. The reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \), so \( \theta = \pi - \dfrac{\pi}{4} = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \). Answer \( \left(3\sqrt2, \dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) \). Check: \( 3\sqrt2\cos\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = -3 \) and \( 3\sqrt2\sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = 3 \) ✓.

Step three: (b). \( r = 5 \), and the point is on the negative \( y \)-axis, so \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \) (or \( -\dfrac{\pi}{2} \)): \( \left(5, \dfrac{3\pi}{2}\right) \). Here \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{-5}{0} \) is undefined, so the angle is read from the picture, not a ratio.

Step four: (c), multiply by \( r \). Starting with \( r = 4\cos\theta \), multiply both sides by \( r \): \( r^2 = 4r\cos\theta \).

Step five: substitute and recognize. \( x^2 + y^2 = 4x \). Complete the square: \( x^2 - 4x + 4 + y^2 = 4 \), so \( (x - 2)^2 + y^2 = 4 \). A circle of radius 2 centered at \( (2, 0) \), passing through the pole. Check the point \( \theta = 0 \), \( r = 4 \): \( (4, 0) \), and \( (4 - 2)^2 + 0 = 4 \) ✓.

Step six: (d), substitute. \( r\sin\theta = 2r\cos\theta + 1 \), so \( r(\sin\theta - 2\cos\theta) = 1 \) and \( r = \dfrac{1}{\sin\theta - 2\cos\theta} \). Check at \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \): \( r = 1 \), the point \( (0, 1) \), which is on \( y = 2x + 1 \) ✓.

Step seven: (e). \( x^2 + y^2 = r^2 \), so \( r^2 = 9 \) and \( r = 3 \), a circle of radius 3 about the pole. (The negative root \( r = -3 \) describes the same circle.)

Step eight: state what conversion gives. A circle not centered on the pole needs a trigonometric function in the polar form, while one centered on it needs only a constant. The same holds for lines: a line through the pole is \( \theta = c \), and any other line needs \( r \) as a function of \( \theta \). The polar form is shortest for shapes that are symmetric about the origin.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Convert \( (1, 1) \) to polar coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( r = \sqrt2 \), quadrant I with equal coordinates. \( \left(\sqrt2, \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) \)

  2. Convert \( (0, 3) \) to polar coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    On the positive \( y \)-axis. \( \left(3, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \)

  3. Convert \( (-2, 0) \) to polar coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    On the negative \( x \)-axis. \( (2, \pi) \)

  4. Convert \( (-1, -1) \) to polar coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( r = \sqrt2 \); quadrant III, reference \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \). \( \left(\sqrt2, \dfrac{5\pi}{4}\right) \)

  5. Convert \( r = 5 \) to rectangular form.
    Show the full solution

    Square both sides and use \( r^2 = x^2 + y^2 \). \( x^2 + y^2 = 25 \)

  6. Convert \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) to rectangular form.
    Show the full solution

    \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{y}{x} = 1 \). \( y = x \)

  7. Convert \( r = 4\cos\theta \) to rectangular form.
    Show the full solution

    \( r^2 = 4r\cos\theta \), so \( x^2 + y^2 = 4x \), and completing the square gives \( (x - 2)^2 + y^2 = 4 \). A circle of radius 2 centered at \( (2, 0) \)

  8. Convert \( y = 3 \) to polar form.
    Show the full solution

    \( r\sin\theta = 3 \), so \( r = \dfrac{3}{\sin\theta} \). \( r = 3\csc\theta \)

  9. Convert \( r = 2\sin\theta \) to rectangular form.
    Show the full solution

    \( r^2 = 2r\sin\theta \), so \( x^2 + y^2 = 2y \) and \( x^2 + (y - 1)^2 = 1 \). A circle of radius 1 centered at \( (0, 1) \)

  10. Explain why \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{y}{x} \) gives the wrong angle for \( (-3, 3) \) and find the right one.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{3}{-3} = -1 \), and \( \tan^{-1}(-1) = -\dfrac{\pi}{4} \), a quadrant IV angle, while the point is in quadrant II. The inverse tangent only returns angles between \( -\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \). Add \( \pi \): \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \), and check \( 3\sqrt2\cos\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = -3 \). \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \)

Lesson 9.3 · Unit 9 · F-IF.7

Circles, cardioids, roses and limaçons from one idea

A polar graph is traced by letting the angle sweep around while \( r \) rises and falls. Where \( r \) is positive the curve is in the direction of the angle, where it is negative the curve is on the opposite side, and where it is zero the curve passes through the pole. A table at the quarter angles is usually enough to sketch.

The method
  1. \( r = a \) is a circle about the pole; \( \theta = c \) is a line through it.
  2. \( r = 2a\cos\theta \) and \( r = 2a\sin\theta \) are circles through the pole with diameter \( 2a \), along the \( x \)-axis and \( y \)-axis respectively.
  3. A limaçon is \( r = a + b\cos\theta \) (or sine). If \( a = b \) it is a cardioid. If \( a \lt b \) it has an inner loop. If \( b \lt a \lt 2b \) it has a dimple, and if \( a \ge 2b \) it is convex.
  4. A rose is \( r = a\cos n\theta \) or \( a\sin n\theta \). For odd \( n \) it has \( n \) petals; for even \( n \) it has \( 2n \).
  5. A lemniscate is \( r^2 = a^2\cos 2\theta \); it exists only where \( \cos 2\theta \ge 0 \).
  6. Make a table for \( \theta \) at multiples of \( \dfrac{\pi}{6} \) or \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \), noting where \( r \) changes sign or is zero.
  7. A cosine curve is symmetric about the polar axis; a sine curve is symmetric about the line \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \).
  8. The maximum \( |r| \) is the farthest the curve reaches from the pole.

Where students lose marks: plotting a negative \( r \) in the direction of the angle. For the rose \( r = 3\cos 2\theta \) at \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \), \( r = -3 \): the point is 3 units from the pole in the direction \( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \), on the negative \( y \)-axis.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Sketch \( r = 2 + 2\cos\theta \). (b) Describe \( r = 3\cos 2\theta \). (c) Describe \( r = 1 + 2\cos\theta \) and find where it passes through the pole. (d) Classify \( r = 3 + 2\sin\theta \).

Step one: a table for (a). \( \theta = 0 \): \( r = 4 \). \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \): \( r = 2 \). \( \theta = \pi \): \( r = 0 \). \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \): \( r = 2 \). \( \theta = 2\pi \): \( r = 4 \).

Step two: read the shape. The curve starts at \( (4, 0) \), sweeps up and around through \( \left(2, \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) \), arrives at the pole at \( \theta = \pi \), and returns. It is symmetric about the polar axis and has a point (a cusp) at the pole: a cardioid, since \( a = b = 2 \).

Step three: (b), the petals. \( n = 2 \) is even, so four petals, each of length 3. The maximum \( |r| = 3 \) occurs when \( \cos 2\theta = \pm 1 \): \( \theta = 0, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \).

Step four: locate the tips. \( \theta = 0 \): \( r = 3 \), tip at \( (3, 0) \). \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \): \( r = -3 \), tip on the negative \( y \)-axis at \( (0, -3) \). \( \theta = \pi \): \( r = 3 \), tip at \( (-3, 0) \). \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \): \( r = -3 \), tip at \( (0, 3) \). Four tips, on the axes, each petal 3 long.

Step five: (c), the pole. Set \( r = 0 \): \( 1 + 2\cos\theta = 0 \), so \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac12 \) and \( \theta = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \) or \( \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \).

Step six: the loop. Between those angles \( \cos\theta \lt -\dfrac12 \) so \( r \) is negative, and the curve makes a small loop inside the larger one. Since \( a = 1 \lt b = 2 \), it is a limaçon with an inner loop. At \( \theta = \pi \), \( r = -1 \): the point is at \( (1, 0) \) in rectangular coordinates, inside the outer loop which reaches \( (3, 0) \) at \( \theta = 0 \).

Step seven: (d). \( a = 3 \), \( b = 2 \), and \( b \lt a \lt 2b \) (\( 2 \lt 3 \lt 4 \)). A dimpled limaçon with no inner loop. Because it uses sine, it is symmetric about \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \).

Step eight: extremes. The maximum \( r \) is \( 3 + 2 = 5 \) at \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) and the minimum is \( 3 - 2 = 1 \) at \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \), so the curve never reaches the pole: the smallest distance is 1. That is the signal of a non-looping limaçon. The classification by \( \dfrac{a}{b} \) comes from whether \( a - b \) is negative (the curve passes through the pole and loops), zero (cusp) or positive.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Describe the graph of \( r = 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Constant distance from the pole. A circle of radius 3 centered at the pole

  2. Describe the graph of \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    All points at that angle, including the negative \( r \) points. A line through the pole at \( 60^\circ \)

  3. Describe the graph of \( r = 2\cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    A circle through the pole with diameter from \( (0, 0) \) to \( (2, 0) \)

  4. Find \( r \) at \( \theta = \pi \) for \( r = 1 + \cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + (-1) \). 0; the cardioid passes through the pole

  5. How many petals has \( r = \sin 3\theta \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( n = 3 \) is odd. 3

  6. How many petals has \( r = \cos 2\theta \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( n = 2 \) is even, so \( 2n \). 4

  7. Find the maximum value of \( |r| \) for \( r = 3 + 2\sin\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    At \( \sin\theta = 1 \): \( 3 + 2 \). 5

  8. Where does \( r = 1 + 2\cos\theta \) pass through the pole?
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac12 \) gives \( \theta = \dfrac{2\pi}{3} \) and \( \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \). At those two angles; it has an inner loop

  9. For the lemniscate \( r^2 = 4\cos 2\theta \), find \( r \) at \( \theta = 0 \) and the angles where it exists.
    Show the full solution

    \( r^2 = 4 \), so \( r = \pm 2 \). It exists only where \( \cos 2\theta \ge 0 \), that is \( -\dfrac{\pi}{4} \le \theta \le \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) (and the half-turn opposite). \( r = \pm 2 \); \( |\theta| \le \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  10. Classify \( r = 2 + 3\cos\theta \), \( r = 3 + 2\cos\theta \), \( r = 2 + 2\cos\theta \) and \( r = 4 + \cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    Compare \( a \) with \( b \): \( 2 \lt 3 \) inner loop; \( 2 \lt 3 \lt 4 \) dimpled; \( a = b \) cardioid; \( 4 \ge 2(1) \) convex. Inner loop; dimpled; cardioid; convex

Lesson 9.4 · Unit 9 · N-CN.4-5

Multiplication as rotation and stretching

A complex number \( a + bi \) is a point in the plane, and the polar coordinates of that point give a second form, in which multiplication becomes simple: lengths multiply and angles add. That turns a multiplication of complex numbers into a rotation combined with a scaling.

The method
  1. The modulus of \( z = a + bi \) is \( r = |z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \).
  2. The argument \( \theta \) satisfies \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{b}{a} \), in the quadrant of the point \( (a, b) \).
  3. Polar form: \( z = r(\cos\theta + i\sin\theta) = r\,\text{cis}\,\theta \).
  4. To convert back: \( a = r\cos\theta \), \( b = r\sin\theta \).
  5. Product: \( r_1\text{cis}\theta_1 \cdot r_2\text{cis}\theta_2 = r_1r_2\,\text{cis}(\theta_1 + \theta_2) \).
  6. Quotient: \( \dfrac{r_1\text{cis}\theta_1}{r_2\text{cis}\theta_2} = \dfrac{r_1}{r_2}\,\text{cis}(\theta_1 - \theta_2) \).
  7. The product rule comes from the sum formulas of lesson 6.3.
  8. Multiplication by \( i = \text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) is a quarter-turn rotation.

Where students lose marks: the quadrant of the argument. For \( z = -1 + i \), \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{1}{-1} = -\dfrac{\pi}{4} \), but the point is in quadrant II, so \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) Write \( 1 + i\sqrt3 \) and \( -1 + i \) in polar form. (b) Multiply \( z_1 = 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{6} \) and \( z_2 = 3\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{3} \), and find \( \dfrac{z_1}{z_2} \). (c) Verify (b) in rectangular form. (d) Show that multiplying by \( i \) rotates by \( 90^\circ \).

Step one: \( 1 + i\sqrt3 \). \( r = \sqrt{1 + 3} = 2 \), and the point \( (1, \sqrt3) \) is in quadrant I with \( \tan\theta = \sqrt3 \): \( \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). So \( 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{3} \).

Step two: \( -1 + i \). \( r = \sqrt2 \), the point \( (-1, 1) \) is in quadrant II, and the reference angle is \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \): \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \). So \( \sqrt2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{3\pi}{4} \). Check: \( \sqrt2\cos\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = -1 \) and \( \sqrt2\sin\dfrac{3\pi}{4} = 1 \) ✓.

Step three: multiply for (b). Multiply the moduli, add the arguments: \( z_1z_2 = 2 \cdot 3\,\text{cis}\left(\dfrac{\pi}{6} + \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = 6\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 6i \).

Step four: divide. Divide moduli, subtract arguments: \( \dfrac{z_1}{z_2} = \dfrac23\,\text{cis}\left(\dfrac{\pi}{6} - \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = \dfrac23\,\text{cis}\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \).

Step five: rectangular check for (c). \( z_1 = 2\left(\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} + \dfrac{i}{2}\right) = \sqrt3 + i \) and \( z_2 = 3\left(\dfrac12 + \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}i\right) = 1.5 + 2.598i \).

Step six: multiply. \( (\sqrt3 + i)(1.5 + 2.598i) = 1.5\sqrt3 + 2.598\sqrt3\,i + 1.5i + 2.598i^2 \) \( = (2.598 - 2.598) + (4.5 + 1.5)i = 6i \) ✓. The two methods agree.

Step seven: (d), the quarter-turn. Take \( z = 1 + i = \sqrt2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{4} \). Multiply by \( i = \text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{2} \): \( \sqrt2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{3\pi}{4} \).

Step eight: confirm and generalize. In rectangular form, \( (1 + i)i = i + i^2 = -1 + i \), whose argument is \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \) ✓: the point moved from \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) to \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \), a rotation of \( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) with the length unchanged. Multiplying by any complex number \( w \) rotates by \( \arg w \) and scales by \( |w| \), which is why complex numbers describe rotations and scalings in graphics and in electrical engineering.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the modulus of \( 3 + 4i \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt{9 + 16} \). 5

  2. Find the argument of \( 1 + i \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal parts, quadrant I. \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \)

  3. Write \( -2 \) in polar form.
    Show the full solution

    Modulus 2, on the negative real axis. \( 2\,\text{cis}\,\pi \)

  4. Write \( 4\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{2} \) in rectangular form.
    Show the full solution

    \( 4(0 + i) \). \( 4i \)

  5. Write \( i \) in polar form.
    Show the full solution

    \( \text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{2} \)

  6. Write \( -1 + i\sqrt3 \) in polar form.
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 2 \); quadrant II with reference angle \( \dfrac{\pi}{3} \). \( 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{2\pi}{3} \)

  7. Multiply \( 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{4} \) by \( 3\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{4} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 6\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{2} \). \( 6i \)

  8. Divide \( 8\,\text{cis}\,\pi \) by \( 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4\,\text{cis}\left(\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) \). \( 4\,\text{cis}\dfrac{2\pi}{3} \)

  9. Write \( 3 - 3i \) in polar form.
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 3\sqrt2 \); quadrant IV, argument \( -\dfrac{\pi}{4} \) (equivalently \( \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \)). Check: \( 3\sqrt2\cos\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) = 3 \). \( 3\sqrt2\,\text{cis}\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) \)

  10. Show that multiplying by \( i \) rotates \( 1 + i \) by \( 90^\circ \), and say why multiplying moduli and adding arguments is reasonable.
    Show the full solution

    \( (1 + i)i = -1 + i \); the argument goes from \( \dfrac{\pi}{4} \) to \( \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \) and the modulus stays \( \sqrt2 \). The rule follows from the sum formulas: the real part of the product is \( r_1r_2(\cos\theta_1\cos\theta_2 - \sin\theta_1\sin\theta_2) = r_1r_2\cos(\theta_1 + \theta_2) \), and the imaginary part is \( r_1r_2(\sin\theta_1\cos\theta_2 + \cos\theta_1\sin\theta_2) = r_1r_2\sin(\theta_1 + \theta_2) \). The sum formulas give the rule

Lesson 9.5 · Unit 9 · N-CN.5-6

Raising to a power by turning, and finding all the roots at once

Since multiplying adds angles, raising to a power \( n \) multiplies the angle by \( n \). That is De Moivre's theorem, and it makes a large power trivial. Run backward it gives the \( n \) distinct \( n \)th roots of any complex number, equally spaced around a circle.

The method
  1. De Moivre's theorem: \( [r\,\text{cis}\theta]^n = r^n\,\text{cis}(n\theta) \).
  2. To compute \( (a + bi)^n \), convert to polar form, apply the theorem, and convert back.
  3. The \( n \)th roots of \( r\,\text{cis}\theta \) are \( r^{1/n}\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\theta + 2\pi k}{n} \) for \( k = 0, 1, \dots, n - 1 \).
  4. There are exactly \( n \) distinct \( n \)th roots.
  5. They lie on a circle of radius \( r^{1/n} \), spaced \( \dfrac{2\pi}{n} \) apart.
  6. The roots of a real number can be complex, and non-real ones come in conjugate pairs.
  7. Write the number with the full turn: \( \theta + 2\pi k \) before dividing, or roots will be lost.
  8. Check a root by raising it to the \( n \)th power.

Where students lose marks: finding one root and stopping. Every nonzero complex number has \( n \) distinct \( n \)th roots. The cube roots of 8 are 2 and two complex numbers, not just 2.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Compute \( (1 + i)^8 \). (b) Compute \( (\sqrt3 + i)^6 \). (c) Find the cube roots of 8. (d) Find the fourth roots of \( -16 \).

Step one: (a), polar form. \( 1 + i = \sqrt2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{4} \).

Step two: raise. \( (\sqrt2)^8 = 16 \) and the angle \( 8 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{4} = 2\pi \). So \( 16\,\text{cis}\,2\pi = 16 \). Check by squaring repeatedly: \( (1 + i)^2 = 2i \), \( (2i)^2 = -4 \), \( (-4)^2 = 16 \) ✓.

Step three: (b). \( \sqrt3 + i = 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{6} \). Then \( 2^6\,\text{cis}\left(6 \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) = 64\,\text{cis}\,\pi = -64 \).

Step four: (c), set up. \( 8 = 8\,\text{cis}\,0 \). Write the angle as \( 0 + 2\pi k \). The modulus of each root is \( 8^{1/3} = 2 \).

Step five: the angles. \( \dfrac{2\pi k}{3} \) for \( k = 0, 1, 2 \): \( 0, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \). The roots are \( 2 \), \( 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = -1 + i\sqrt3 \) and \( 2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{4\pi}{3} = -1 - i\sqrt3 \).

Step six: check one. \( (-1 + i\sqrt3)^3 = 2^3\,\text{cis}(2\pi) = 8 \) ✓. They are spaced \( 120^\circ \) apart on the circle of radius 2, the vertices of an equilateral triangle, and the two complex ones are conjugates.

Step seven: (d), write \( -16 \). \( -16 = 16\,\text{cis}\,\pi \). Fourth roots: modulus \( 16^{1/4} = 2 \), angles \( \dfrac{\pi + 2\pi k}{4} \) for \( k = 0, 1, 2, 3 \): \( \dfrac{\pi}{4}, \dfrac{3\pi}{4}, \dfrac{5\pi}{4}, \dfrac{7\pi}{4} \).

Step eight: convert and verify. The roots are \( \sqrt2(1 + i) \), \( \sqrt2(-1 + i) \), \( \sqrt2(-1 - i) \), \( \sqrt2(1 - i) \), the four corners of a square. Check the first: \( [\sqrt2(1 + i)]^4 = 4(1 + i)^4 = 4(2i)^2 = 4(-4) = -16 \) ✓. A negative real number has no real fourth root, yet it has four complex ones, and they split into two conjugate pairs.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Compute \( \left(\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right)^6 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \text{cis}\,\pi \). \( -1 \)

  2. Compute \( \left(2\,\text{cis}\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)^3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 8\,\text{cis}\,\pi \). \( -8 \)

  3. Compute \( (1 + i)^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + 2i + i^2 \). \( 2i \)

  4. Compute \( (1 + i)^4 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (2i)^2 \). \( -4 \)

  5. Find the square roots of 1.
    Show the full solution

    \( \text{cis}\,0 \) and \( \text{cis}\,\pi \). \( 1 \) and \( -1 \)

  6. Find the cube roots of 1.
    Show the full solution

    Angles \( 0, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, \dfrac{4\pi}{3} \). \( 1 \), \( -\dfrac12 + \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}i \), \( -\dfrac12 - \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}i \)

  7. Compute \( (\sqrt3 - i)^5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt3 - i = 2\,\text{cis}\left(-\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) \). Then \( 32\,\text{cis}\left(-\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right) = 32\left(-\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2} - \dfrac{i}{2}\right) \). \( -16\sqrt3 - 16i \)

  8. Find the fourth roots of 16.
    Show the full solution

    Modulus \( 16^{1/4} = 2 \), angles \( 0, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \). \( 2, 2i, -2, -2i \)

  9. How far apart in angle are the sixth roots of unity, and what shape do they form?
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2\pi}{6} = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \), or \( 60^\circ \). Six equally spaced points on the unit circle: the vertices of a regular hexagon. \( 60^\circ \) apart; a regular hexagon

  10. Show that the three cube roots of 1 add to zero, and explain why the \( n \)th roots of unity always do.
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + \left(-\dfrac12 + \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}i\right) + \left(-\dfrac12 - \dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}i\right) = 0 \). In general the \( n \)th roots of unity are the roots of \( x^n - 1 \), and the sum of the roots of a polynomial is minus the coefficient of \( x^{n-1} \) divided by the leading coefficient. The polynomial \( x^n - 1 \) has no \( x^{n-1} \) term when \( n \ge 2 \), so the sum is 0. Geometrically the roots are spaced evenly around the circle, so they balance about the origin like equal weights on a wheel. The coefficient of \( x^{n-1} \) is 0, and the roots balance

Lesson 9.6 · Unit 9 · F-IF.7

Describing where something is at each moment, not only the path it follows

An equation \( y = f(x) \) gives the shape of a path. Parametric equations give the shape and the timing: a third variable, the parameter \( t \), says where the object is at each time. They allow curves that fail the vertical line test, such as circles, and they make motion easy to describe.

The method
  1. A parametric curve is \( x = f(t) \), \( y = g(t) \) for \( t \) in an interval.
  2. Each value of \( t \) gives one point \( (x, y) \).
  3. Make a table of \( t \), \( x \), \( y \) and plot the points in order of increasing \( t \).
  4. The order shows the direction of travel, usually marked with arrows.
  5. A line through \( (x_0, y_0) \) with direction \( \langle a, b \rangle \): \( x = x_0 + at \), \( y = y_0 + bt \).
  6. A circle of radius \( r \): \( x = r\cos t \), \( y = r\sin t \), going counterclockwise.
  7. An ellipse: \( x = a\cos t \), \( y = b\sin t \).
  8. The same path can have different parametrizations, which differ in speed or direction.

Where students lose marks: forgetting the limits on \( t \). The equations \( x = \cos t \), \( y = \sin t \) for \( 0 \le t \le \pi \) trace only the upper half of the circle. The restriction on the parameter is part of the curve's definition.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Tabulate \( x = 2t + 1 \), \( y = t^2 \) for \( t = -2 \) to 2. (b) Describe \( x = 3\cos t \), \( y = 3\sin t \), \( 0 \le t \le 2\pi \). (c) Write a parametrization of the segment from \( (1, 2) \) to \( (4, 8) \). (d) Describe \( x = 4\cos t \), \( y = 2\sin t \).

Step one: the table for (a).

\( t \)\( x = 2t + 1 \)\( y = t^2 \)
\( -2 \)\( -3 \)4
\( -1 \)\( -1 \)1
010
131
254

Step two: read it. The points \( (-3, 4), (-1, 1), (1, 0), (3, 1), (5, 4) \) lie on a parabola opening upward with vertex \( (1, 0) \), traversed left to right as \( t \) increases.

Step three: (b). The distance from the origin is \( \sqrt{9\cos^2 t + 9\sin^2 t} = 3 \) for every \( t \). It is a circle of radius 3. At \( t = 0 \) the point is \( (3, 0) \); at \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) it is \( (0, 3) \), so the motion is counterclockwise, completing one lap as \( t \) goes from 0 to \( 2\pi \).

Step four: (c), use the direction vector. The vector from \( (1, 2) \) to \( (4, 8) \) is \( \langle 3, 6 \rangle \). Start at \( (1, 2) \): \( x = 1 + 3t \), \( y = 2 + 6t \).

Step five: limit the parameter. At \( t = 0 \) the point is \( (1, 2) \), and at \( t = 1 \) it is \( (4, 8) \). The segment needs \( 0 \le t \le 1 \); without the limits the equations describe the whole line. At \( t = 0.5 \) the point is \( (2.5, 5) \), the midpoint ✓.

Step six: (d). The horizontal extent is 4 and the vertical 2. At \( t = 0 \) the point is \( (4, 0) \); at \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) it is \( (0, 2) \); at \( t = \pi \) it is \( (-4, 0) \). This is an ellipse with semi-axes 4 and 2, traced counterclockwise.

Step seven: check a point. At \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \) the point is \( (4\cos 30^\circ, 2\sin 30^\circ) = (3.464, 1) \). On the ellipse \( \dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{4} = 1 \): \( \dfrac{12}{16} + \dfrac14 = 1 \) ✓.

Step eight: state what parametrization adds. The curve in (b) fails the vertical line test, so it is not a function of \( x \), but it is perfectly well described as a function of \( t \). Parametric form also records speed: \( x = \cos 2t \), \( y = \sin 2t \) traces the same circle twice as fast. The path is the same, the motion is not, which is why the parameter is usually time.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. For \( x = 2t + 1 \), \( y = t^2 \), find the point at \( t = 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (5, 4) \). \( (5, 4) \)

  2. For that curve, find \( t \) when \( x = 7 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2t + 1 = 7 \). \( t = 3 \)

  3. Find the point at \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{2} \) on \( x = \cos t \), \( y = \sin t \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (0, 1) \)

  4. Write parametric equations for the line through \( (0, 0) \) and \( (2, 4) \).
    Show the full solution

    Direction \( \langle 2, 4 \rangle \) from the origin. \( x = 2t \), \( y = 4t \)

  5. Identify \( x = 5\cos t \), \( y = 5\sin t \).
    Show the full solution

    Distance 5 from the origin for every \( t \). A circle of radius 5

  6. Tabulate \( x = t^2 - 1 \), \( y = t \) for \( t = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (3, -2), (0, -1), (-1, 0), (0, 1), (3, 2) \). These lie on a parabola opening to the right, with vertex \( (-1, 0) \). \( (3,-2), (0,-1), (-1,0), (0,1), (3,2) \)

  7. Find the point at \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{6} \) on \( x = 2\cos t \), \( y = 3\sin t \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (2\cos 30^\circ,\ 3\sin 30^\circ) = (\sqrt3,\ 1.5) \). Check on the ellipse: \( \dfrac{3}{4} + \dfrac{2.25}{9} = 0.75 + 0.25 = 1 \) ✓. \( (1.732, 1.5) \)

  8. Parametrize the segment from \( (1, 2) \) to \( (4, 8) \) and find its midpoint.
    Show the full solution

    \( x = 1 + 3t \), \( y = 2 + 6t \), \( 0 \le t \le 1 \). At \( t = 0.5 \): \( (2.5, 5) \). \( (2.5, 5) \)

  9. How do \( x = \cos t \), \( y = \sin t \) and \( x = \cos 2t \), \( y = \sin 2t \) differ on \( 0 \le t \le 2\pi \)?
    Show the full solution

    Both lie on the unit circle. The second completes two laps in the same time, moving twice as fast, since its point at time \( t \) is at angle \( 2t \). Same path; the second is twice as fast

  10. Explain why the parameter limits matter, using \( x = \cos t \), \( y = \sin t \) for \( 0 \le t \le \pi \).
    Show the full solution

    Over \( 0 \le t \le \pi \), \( y = \sin t \ge 0 \), so only the upper semicircle is traced, from \( (1, 0) \) to \( (-1, 0) \). The full circle needs \( 0 \le t \le 2\pi \). The equations alone do not say how much of the curve is drawn; the interval does. Only the upper half circle

Lesson 9.7 · Unit 9 · F-IF.7

Recovering the shape of the path, and modeling a thrown ball

Eliminating the parameter trades the timing for a single equation in \( x \) and \( y \), revealing the path as a familiar curve. The major application is a projectile: the horizontal motion is uniform and the vertical motion is free fall, exactly the independence of Unit 1, now written as a parametric curve.

The method
  1. To eliminate \( t \), solve one equation for \( t \) and substitute into the other.
  2. For trigonometric equations, use \( \cos^2 t + \sin^2 t = 1 \): solve for \( \cos t \) and \( \sin t \) and square.
  3. The result may describe more than the parametric curve: restrictions on \( t \) can limit \( x \) and \( y \).
  4. Projectile launched with speed \( v_0 \) at angle \( \theta \) from height \( h \): \( x = (v_0\cos\theta)t \), \( y = h + (v_0\sin\theta)t - 4.9t^2 \), in meters and seconds.
  5. The flight time comes from setting \( y = 0 \).
  6. The range is the value of \( x \) at that time.
  7. The maximum height occurs when the vertical velocity is zero, at \( t = \dfrac{v_0\sin\theta}{9.8} \).
  8. Complementary launch angles give the same range, ignoring air resistance.

Where students lose marks: using one set of units. The constant 4.9 is half of \( 9.8\ \text{m/s}^2 \) and needs meters; in feet it is 16. Mixing feet for distance with 4.9 gives a wrong answer that looks reasonable.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Eliminate the parameter: \( x = 2t + 1 \), \( y = t^2 \). (b) Eliminate it: \( x = 4\cos t \), \( y = 2\sin t \). (c) A ball is thrown at 20 m/s at \( 40^\circ \) from the ground. Write the equations and find the flight time, range and maximum height. (d) A stone is thrown horizontally at 15 m/s from a 45 m cliff. Find where it lands.

Step one: (a). Solve the first for \( t \): \( t = \dfrac{x - 1}{2} \). Substitute: \( y = \left(\dfrac{x - 1}{2}\right)^2 = \dfrac{(x - 1)^2}{4} \). A parabola with vertex \( (1, 0) \), matching the table of lesson 9.6.

Step two: (b). Solve for the trigonometric functions: \( \cos t = \dfrac{x}{4} \) and \( \sin t = \dfrac{y}{2} \). Square and add: \( \dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{4} = \cos^2 t + \sin^2 t = 1 \), an ellipse.

Step three: (c), the equations. \( v_0\cos 40^\circ = 15.32 \) and \( v_0\sin 40^\circ = 12.86 \): \( x = 15.32t \), \( y = 12.86t - 4.9t^2 \).

Step four: flight time. \( y = 0 \): \( t(12.86 - 4.9t) = 0 \), so \( t = 0 \) (launch) or \( t = \dfrac{12.86}{4.9} = 2.624 \) s.

Step five: range and height. Range \( x = 15.32 \times 2.624 = 40.2 \) m. The peak is at half the flight time, \( t = 1.312 \) s, where \( y = 12.86(1.312) - 4.9(1.312)^2 = 16.87 - 8.43 = 8.43 \) m. Check: \( \dfrac{(12.86)^2}{2(9.8)} = \dfrac{165.4}{19.6} = 8.43 \) ✓.

Step six: (d). The initial vertical velocity is zero: \( x = 15t \), \( y = 45 - 4.9t^2 \).

Step seven: the landing. \( y = 0 \): \( t^2 = \dfrac{45}{4.9} = 9.184 \), so \( t = 3.03 \) s, and \( x = 15(3.03) = 45.5 \) m from the base.

Step eight: connect to Unit 1. These are the same results as lesson 1.6: the time to fall depends only on the height, and the horizontal speed sets how far it goes in that time. Eliminating \( t \) in (c) gives \( y = x\tan 40^\circ - \dfrac{4.9}{(15.32)^2}x^2 \), a downward parabola, confirming that a projectile's path is a parabola. The parametric form is more useful than the equation because it also gives the time, which the equation for the path cannot.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Eliminate \( t \): \( x = t + 1 \), \( y = 2t \).
    Show the full solution

    \( t = x - 1 \), so \( y = 2(x - 1) \). \( y = 2x - 2 \)

  2. Eliminate \( t \): \( x = t^2 \), \( y = 2t \).
    Show the full solution

    \( t = \dfrac{y}{2} \), so \( x = \dfrac{y^2}{4} \). \( x = \dfrac{y^2}{4} \), a parabola opening right

  3. Eliminate \( t \): \( x = 3\cos t \), \( y = 3\sin t \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 + y^2 = 9(\cos^2 t + \sin^2 t) \). \( x^2 + y^2 = 9 \)

  4. Eliminate \( t \): \( x = 2t \), \( y = 4t^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( t = \dfrac{x}{2} \), so \( y = 4 \cdot \dfrac{x^2}{4} \). \( y = x^2 \)

  5. A ball is thrown upward at 14.7 m/s. When does it reach its peak?
    Show the full solution

    \( t = \dfrac{14.7}{9.8} \). 1.5 s

  6. Eliminate \( t \): \( x = 4\cos t \), \( y = 2\sin t \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{4} = 1 \). An ellipse with semi-axes 4 and 2

  7. A ball is thrown at 20 m/s at \( 40^\circ \) from the ground. Find the flight time and range.
    Show the full solution

    Vertical speed \( 20\sin 40^\circ = 12.856 \), horizontal \( 20\cos 40^\circ = 15.321 \). \( t = \dfrac{2(12.856)}{9.8} = 2.624 \) s; range \( 15.321 \times 2.624 = 40.2 \) m. Check with \( \dfrac{v_0^2\sin 80^\circ}{9.8} = \dfrac{400(0.98481)}{9.8} = 40.2 \). 2.62 s; 40.2 m

  8. Find the maximum height of that ball.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(12.856)^2}{2(9.8)} = \dfrac{165.28}{19.6} = 8.43 \). 8.43 m

  9. Find the range of a ball thrown at 20 m/s at \( 50^\circ \), and compare with \( 40^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{400\sin 100^\circ}{9.8} = \dfrac{400(0.98481)}{9.8} = 40.2 \) m, the same as at \( 40^\circ \), because \( \sin 100^\circ = \sin 80^\circ \). Complementary angles give equal ranges. At \( 45^\circ \) the range is \( \dfrac{400}{9.8} = 40.8 \) m, the maximum. 40.2 m, equal to the \( 40^\circ \) range

  10. Two balls are thrown at 20 m/s at \( 30^\circ \) and \( 60^\circ \). Show they have the same range but different flight times and heights.
    Show the full solution

    Range: \( \dfrac{400\sin 60^\circ}{9.8} \) and \( \dfrac{400\sin 120^\circ}{9.8} \), both \( 35.3 \) m. Times: \( \dfrac{2(20)(0.5)}{9.8} = 2.04 \) s and \( \dfrac{2(20)(0.866)}{9.8} = 3.53 \) s. Heights: \( \dfrac{100}{19.6} = 5.10 \) m and \( \dfrac{300}{19.6} = 15.3 \) m. The higher throw stays up longer but moves forward more slowly. Same range 35.3 m; the \( 60^\circ \) throw takes longer and goes higher

Unit 9 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 9 review: Polar, Complex Numbers and Parametric Equations

Shuffled across all seven lessons. Check the quadrant of every angle you find.

  1. Convert \( \left(4, \dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right) \) to rectangular coordinates.
    Show the full solution

    \( x = 4\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = -2 \), \( y = 4\sin\dfrac{2\pi}{3} = 2\sqrt3 \). \( (-2, 2\sqrt3) \)

  2. Convert \( (-3, 3) \) to polar coordinates with \( r \gt 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = \sqrt{9 + 9} = 3\sqrt2 \). The point is in quadrant II, so \( \theta = \dfrac{3\pi}{4} \). \( \left(3\sqrt2, \dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) \)

  3. Convert \( r = 4\cos\theta \) to rectangular form and identify the graph.
    Show the full solution

    Multiply by \( r \): \( r^2 = 4r\cos\theta \), so \( x^2 + y^2 = 4x \) and \( (x - 2)^2 + y^2 = 4 \). A circle, center \( (2, 0) \), radius 2

  4. Describe the graph of \( r = 2 + 2\cos\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    The form \( r = a + a\cos\theta \) has \( a = b \), a cardioid. It is symmetric about the polar axis and reaches \( r = 4 \) at \( \theta = 0 \). A cardioid, symmetric about the polar axis, with maximum \( r = 4 \)

  5. How many petals does \( r = 3\sin 2\theta \) have, and how long is each?
    Show the full solution

    For \( r = a\sin n\theta \) with \( n \) even there are \( 2n = 4 \) petals, each of length \( |a| = 3 \). Four petals of length 3

  6. Write \( -1 + i\sqrt3 \) in polar form.
    Show the full solution

    \( r = \sqrt{1 + 3} = 2 \). Quadrant II with reference angle \( 60^\circ \), so \( \theta = 120^\circ \). \( 2(\cos 120^\circ + i\sin 120^\circ) \)

  7. Multiply \( 2(\cos 30^\circ + i\sin 30^\circ) \) by \( 3(\cos 45^\circ + i\sin 45^\circ) \).
    Show the full solution

    Multiply moduli, add angles. \( 6(\cos 75^\circ + i\sin 75^\circ) \)

  8. Use De Moivre's theorem to compute \( (1 + i)^8 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + i = \sqrt2(\cos 45^\circ + i\sin 45^\circ) \). Then \( (\sqrt2)^8 = 16 \) and the angle is \( 360^\circ \). 16

  9. Find all cube roots of 8 in the complex plane.
    Show the full solution

    \( 8 = 8\,\text{cis}\,0^\circ \), so the roots have modulus 2 and angles \( 0^\circ, 120^\circ, 240^\circ \): \( 2 \), \( 2\,\text{cis}\,120^\circ = -1 + i\sqrt3 \), \( 2\,\text{cis}\,240^\circ = -1 - i\sqrt3 \). \( 2,\ -1 + i\sqrt3,\ -1 - i\sqrt3 \)

  10. Eliminate the parameter from \( x = 2t - 1 \), \( y = t^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( t = \dfrac{x + 1}{2} \), so \( y = \dfrac{(x + 1)^2}{4} \). Since \( t \) is any real number, the whole parabola is traced. \( y = \dfrac{(x + 1)^2}{4} \)

Lesson 10.1 · Unit 10 · G-GPE.2

The set of points equally far from a point and a line

In Algebra a parabola is the graph of a quadratic. Its geometric definition is sharper and more useful: it is every point at the same distance from a fixed point, the focus, and a fixed line, the directrix. That definition explains why a parabolic dish collects parallel rays at a single spot.

The method
  1. A parabola is the set of points equidistant from a focus and a directrix.
  2. The vertex is halfway between the focus and the directrix, at distance \( |p| \) from each.
  3. Opening up or down: \( (x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k) \), vertex \( (h, k) \), focus \( (h, k + p) \), directrix \( y = k - p \).
  4. Opening right or left: \( (y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h) \), focus \( (h + p, k) \), directrix \( x = h - p \).
  5. The sign of \( p \) gives the direction: positive opens up or right, negative down or left.
  6. The squared variable tells the axis: \( x^2 \) means a vertical axis.
  7. The width of the parabola at the focus (the latus rectum) is \( |4p| \).
  8. To put a quadratic into this form, complete the square in the squared variable.

Where students lose marks: reading \( p \) as the coefficient. In \( x^2 = 8y \), the coefficient 8 equals \( 4p \), so \( p = 2 \), and the focus is 2 units above the vertex, not 8.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the focus and directrix of \( x^2 = 8y \). (b) Describe \( (y - 1)^2 = -12(x + 2) \). (c) Find the parabola with focus \( (3, 0) \) and directrix \( x = -3 \). (d) Derive \( x^2 = 4py \) from the definition.

Step one: (a). Compare with \( x^2 = 4py \): \( 4p = 8 \), so \( p = 2 \). The vertex is \( (0, 0) \), the parabola opens upward, the focus is \( (0, 2) \) and the directrix is \( y = -2 \). Check a point: \( (4, 2) \) satisfies \( 16 = 16 \); its distance to the focus is \( \sqrt{16 + 0} = 4 \), and to the directrix \( 2 - (-2) = 4 \) ✓.

Step two: (b). The squared variable is \( y \), so the axis is horizontal. \( 4p = -12 \) gives \( p = -3 \): it opens to the left. The vertex is \( (-2, 1) \).

Step three: focus and directrix of (b). Focus \( (h + p, k) = (-2 - 3, 1) = (-5, 1) \). Directrix \( x = h - p = -2 + 3 = 1 \). The focus is inside the curve and the directrix outside, on the opposite side of the vertex.

Step four: (c). The vertex is halfway between the focus and the directrix: at \( (0, 0) \). The focus is to the right, so the parabola opens right with \( p = 3 \). \( y^2 = 4(3)x = 12x \).

Step five: check (c). The point \( (3, 6) \) satisfies \( 36 = 36 \). Its distance to the focus is \( \sqrt{0 + 36} = 6 \) and to the line \( x = -3 \) is \( 3 + 3 = 6 \) ✓.

Step six: derive (d). Let the focus be \( (0, p) \) and the directrix \( y = -p \). A point \( (x, y) \) is equidistant from them: \( \sqrt{x^2 + (y - p)^2} = |y + p| \).

Step seven: square and simplify. \( x^2 + y^2 - 2py + p^2 = y^2 + 2py + p^2 \), so \( x^2 = 4py \). ∎

Step eight: the reflecting property. A ray traveling parallel to the axis strikes the curve and reflects through the focus. This is why satellite dishes and headlamp reflectors are paraboloids. For a dish with \( x^2 = 4y \) (focus at height 1), the depth at radius 2 is \( y = \dfrac{4}{4} = 1 \), which equals the focal distance, and incoming signals from a distant satellite all arrive at the receiver placed at the focus. The same shape run backward turns a point source at the focus into a parallel beam.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the vertex of \( x^2 = 4y \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (0, 0) \)

  2. Find the focus of \( x^2 = 4y \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4p = 4 \), so \( p = 1 \). \( (0, 1) \)

  3. Find the focus and directrix of \( y^2 = 8x \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4p = 8 \), \( p = 2 \); opens right. Focus \( (2, 0) \); directrix \( x = -2 \)

  4. Which way does \( (x - 1)^2 = -8(y + 2) \) open, and where is its vertex?
    Show the full solution

    \( 4p = -8 \) is negative, so down. Vertex \( (1, -2) \). Down; \( (1, -2) \)

  5. Write the parabola with vertex at the origin and focus \( (0, 3) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( p = 3 \), so \( x^2 = 12y \). \( x^2 = 12y \)

  6. Write \( y = x^2 - 4x + 7 \) in the form \( (x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k) \) and find the focus.
    Show the full solution

    \( y - 7 = x^2 - 4x \), so \( y - 7 + 4 = (x - 2)^2 \), giving \( (x - 2)^2 = y - 3 \). \( 4p = 1 \), \( p = \dfrac14 \). Vertex \( (2, 3) \), focus \( \left(2, 3.25\right) \). Check at \( x = 2 \): \( y = 4 - 8 + 7 = 3 \) ✓. Vertex \( (2, 3) \); focus \( (2, 3.25) \)

  7. Find the parabola with focus \( (3, 0) \) and directrix \( x = -3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Vertex at the origin, \( p = 3 \), opens right. \( y^2 = 12x \)

  8. Find the width of \( x^2 = 8y \) at the focus.
    Show the full solution

    The focus is \( (0, 2) \). At \( y = 2 \): \( x^2 = 16 \), so \( x = \pm 4 \). Width 8, which equals \( |4p| = 8 \). 8

  9. Verify that \( (4, 2) \) on \( x^2 = 8y \) is equidistant from the focus and the directrix.
    Show the full solution

    Focus \( (0, 2) \): distance \( \sqrt{16 + 0} = 4 \). Directrix \( y = -2 \): distance \( 2 - (-2) = 4 \). Both 4

  10. A dish is modeled by \( y = \dfrac{x^2}{4} \) meters. Where should the receiver go, and why does a parabola work?
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 = 4y \) has \( p = 1 \), so the focus is \( (0, 1) \), one meter above the vertex. A ray arriving parallel to the axis reflects through the focus; the parabola is the only curve that focuses every such ray at a single point. A circular dish would blur the signal (spherical aberration). At \( (0, 1) \); the parabola focuses parallel rays exactly

Lesson 10.2 · Unit 10 · G-GPE.3

Stretching a circle, and the two foci whose distances always sum to the same length

An ellipse is what a circle becomes when it is stretched in one direction. Planets move on ellipses, with the Sun at a focus, which is the content of Kepler's first law. The definition that makes it precise: the sum of the distances from any point on the ellipse to the two foci is constant.

The method
  1. An ellipse is the set of points whose distances to two foci add to a constant, \( 2a \).
  2. Horizontal major axis: \( \dfrac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} + \dfrac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1 \) with \( a \gt b \).
  3. Vertical major axis: the larger denominator is under the \( y \)-term.
  4. The major axis has length \( 2a \) and the minor axis \( 2b \).
  5. The foci are on the major axis at distance \( c \) from the center, where \( c^2 = a^2 - b^2 \).
  6. The eccentricity is \( e = \dfrac{c}{a} \), between 0 (a circle) and 1.
  7. Denominators are squares: the number under \( x^2 \) is \( a^2 \), not \( a \).
  8. The area is \( \pi ab \).

Where students lose marks: using \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \), which is the hyperbola relation. For an ellipse \( c \) is smaller than \( a \), because the foci lie inside the curve, so \( c^2 = a^2 - b^2 \).

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the vertices, co-vertices, foci and eccentricity of \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \). (b) Describe \( \dfrac{x^2}{9} + \dfrac{y^2}{25} = 1 \). (c) Describe \( \dfrac{(x - 1)^2}{16} + \dfrac{(y + 2)^2}{4} = 1 \). (d) Write the ellipse with foci \( (\pm 3, 0) \) and major axis length 10.

Step one: read (a). The larger denominator 25 is under \( x^2 \), so the major axis is horizontal: \( a^2 = 25 \), \( a = 5 \); \( b^2 = 9 \), \( b = 3 \).

Step two: the key points. Vertices \( (\pm 5, 0) \), co-vertices \( (0, \pm 3) \). \( c^2 = 25 - 9 = 16 \), \( c = 4 \): foci \( (\pm 4, 0) \). Eccentricity \( e = \dfrac45 = 0.8 \).

Step three: verify the defining property. Take the co-vertex \( (0, 3) \). Its distance to each focus is \( \sqrt{16 + 9} = 5 \), so the sum is 10 \( = 2a \) ✓.

Step four: (b). The larger denominator 25 is now under \( y^2 \): a vertical major axis, \( a = 5 \), \( b = 3 \), and the same \( c = 4 \). Foci \( (0, \pm 4) \), vertices \( (0, \pm 5) \).

Step five: (c), center and axes. The center is \( (1, -2) \). The larger denominator is under \( x \): horizontal major axis with \( a = 4 \), \( b = 2 \).

Step six: foci. \( c = \sqrt{16 - 4} = \sqrt{12} = 3.464 \). Foci \( (1 \pm 3.464, -2) \) = \( (4.464, -2) \) and \( (-2.464, -2) \). Vertices \( (5, -2) \) and \( (-3, -2) \).

Step seven: (d). The major axis length 10 gives \( a = 5 \). The foci at \( (\pm 3, 0) \) give \( c = 3 \). Then \( b^2 = a^2 - c^2 = 25 - 9 = 16 \).

Step eight: write and check. \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \). The point \( (0, 4) \): its distance to each focus is \( \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5 \), sum 10 ✓. The eccentricity \( \dfrac35 = 0.6 \) measures how flattened the ellipse is: near 0 is almost a circle, near 1 is long and thin. The planets' orbits have eccentricities from 0.007 (Venus) to 0.21 (Mercury), so their orbits are very nearly circles, and Earth's is 0.017.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( a \) and \( b \) for \( \dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Square roots of the denominators. \( a = 4 \), \( b = 3 \)

  2. Find \( c \) for that ellipse.
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 16 - 9 = 7 \). \( c = \sqrt7 \approx 2.646 \)

  3. Find the foci of \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 25 - 16 = 9 \), major axis horizontal. \( (\pm 3, 0) \)

  4. Find the center of \( \dfrac{(x - 2)^2}{9} + \dfrac{(y + 1)^2}{4} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Signs are opposite to those in the equation. \( (2, -1) \)

  5. Find the length of the major axis of \( \dfrac{x^2}{49} + \dfrac{y^2}{25} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2a = 2(7) \). 14

  6. Write the ellipse with vertices \( (\pm 5, 0) \) and co-vertices \( (0, \pm 3) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( a = 5 \), \( b = 3 \). \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \)

  7. Write the ellipse with foci \( (0, \pm 4) \) and major axis 10.
    Show the full solution

    Vertical major axis: \( a = 5 \), \( c = 4 \), \( b^2 = 25 - 16 = 9 \). \( \dfrac{y^2}{25} + \dfrac{x^2}{9} = 1 \)

  8. Find the eccentricity of \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \) and say what it measures.
    Show the full solution

    \( e = \dfrac{c}{a} = \dfrac45 = 0.8 \). It measures how far the ellipse is from a circle: 0 is a circle, and values near 1 are long and thin. 0.8

  9. Find the area of \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \pi ab = \pi(5)(3) = 15\pi \). A circle of radius \( r \) gives \( \pi r^2 \), the case \( a = b = r \). \( 15\pi \approx 47.12 \)

  10. Explain what happens when \( a = b \), and describe how a gardener draws an ellipse with string and two pins.
    Show the full solution

    If \( a = b \) then \( c^2 = a^2 - b^2 = 0 \): the two foci coincide at the center and the curve is a circle, eccentricity 0. The gardener loops a string of length \( 2a + 2c \) around two pins at the foci and pulls it taut with a pencil. The two string segments always add to \( 2a \), which is the defining property, so the pencil traces the ellipse. A circle; the taut string enforces constant distance sum

Lesson 10.3 · Unit 10 · G-GPE.3

Two branches, and the difference of distances to the foci

A hyperbola is defined like an ellipse but with a difference in place of a sum: the difference of the distances to the two foci is constant. The result is two open branches that approach a pair of crossing lines, the asymptotes. Hyperbolas appear in navigation systems, where the difference of arrival times of two signals places a receiver on one.

The method
  1. A hyperbola is the set of points where the difference of the distances to two foci is constant, \( 2a \) in absolute value.
  2. Opening left and right: \( \dfrac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} - \dfrac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1 \). Opening up and down: the \( y \)-term is positive.
  3. The positive term decides the direction, and \( a^2 \) is always its denominator, whether or not it is the larger.
  4. The vertices are \( a \) from the center along the opening direction.
  5. The foci are \( c \) from the center, with \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \).
  6. Asymptotes: \( y - k = \pm\dfrac{b}{a}(x - h) \) for a left-right hyperbola, and \( y - k = \pm\dfrac{a}{b}(x - h) \) for an up-down one.
  7. Sketch the central rectangle \( 2a \) by \( 2b \), draw its diagonals as the asymptotes, and the branches from the vertices.
  8. The eccentricity \( e = \dfrac{c}{a} \) is greater than 1.

Where students lose marks: assuming the larger denominator belongs to \( a^2 \). In a hyperbola the sign decides: for \( \dfrac{y^2}{4} - \dfrac{x^2}{9} = 1 \) the positive term is \( y \), so \( a^2 = 4 \) even though 9 is larger.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Describe \( \dfrac{x^2}{9} - \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \). (b) Describe \( \dfrac{y^2}{4} - \dfrac{x^2}{5} = 1 \). (c) Describe \( \dfrac{(x - 2)^2}{4} - \dfrac{(y + 1)^2}{9} = 1 \). (d) Write the hyperbola with foci \( (\pm 5, 0) \) and difference of distances 6.

Step one: (a). The positive term is \( x \), so it opens left and right: \( a^2 = 9 \), \( a = 3 \); \( b^2 = 16 \), \( b = 4 \). \( c^2 = 9 + 16 = 25 \), \( c = 5 \).

Step two: key points. Vertices \( (\pm 3, 0) \), foci \( (\pm 5, 0) \), asymptotes \( y = \pm\dfrac43 x \). Check a point on the curve: \( x = 5 \) gives \( \dfrac{25}{9} - \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \), so \( y^2 = 16\left(\dfrac{16}{9}\right) \) and \( y = \pm\dfrac{16}{3} \).

Step three: verify the difference property. The point \( \left(5, \dfrac{16}{3}\right) \) is \( \dfrac{16}{3} \) above the focus \( (5, 0) \). Its distance to the other focus \( (-5, 0) \) is \( \sqrt{100 + \dfrac{256}{9}} = \dfrac{34}{3} \). The difference \( \dfrac{34}{3} - \dfrac{16}{3} = 6 = 2a \) ✓.

Step four: (b). The positive term is \( y \): up and down. \( a^2 = 4 \), \( a = 2 \); \( b^2 = 5 \). \( c^2 = 4 + 5 = 9 \), \( c = 3 \). Vertices \( (0, \pm 2) \), foci \( (0, \pm 3) \).

Step five: asymptotes of (b). For an up-down hyperbola the slope is \( \pm\dfrac{a}{b} = \pm\dfrac{2}{\sqrt5} = \pm 0.894 \): \( y = \pm 0.894x \).

Step six: (c). Center \( (2, -1) \). The positive term is \( x \): left-right, with \( a = 2 \), \( b = 3 \), and \( c = \sqrt{4 + 9} = \sqrt{13} = 3.606 \).

Step seven: its features. Vertices \( (0, -1) \) and \( (4, -1) \). Foci \( (2 \pm 3.606, -1) \). Asymptotes \( y + 1 = \pm\dfrac32(x - 2) \).

Step eight: (d). The foci give \( c = 5 \) and the difference 6 gives \( a = 3 \), so \( b^2 = c^2 - a^2 = 16 \): \( \dfrac{x^2}{9} - \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \), the curve of (a). In LORAN navigation, two stations broadcast simultaneously and a receiver measures the difference in arrival times, which fixes a constant difference of distances and therefore places the receiver on a hyperbola; a second pair of stations gives a second hyperbola, and the crossing is the position.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( a \) and \( b \) for \( \dfrac{x^2}{4} - \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( a = 2 \), \( b = 3 \)

  2. Find \( c \) for that hyperbola.
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 4 + 9 = 13 \). \( c = \sqrt{13} \approx 3.606 \)

  3. Find the vertices.
    Show the full solution

    \( a \) from the center along the \( x \)-axis. \( (\pm 2, 0) \)

  4. Find the asymptotes.
    Show the full solution

    \( y = \pm\dfrac{b}{a}x \). \( y = \pm\dfrac32 x \)

  5. Find the foci of \( \dfrac{x^2}{9} - \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 25 \). \( (\pm 5, 0) \)

  6. Which way does \( \dfrac{y^2}{9} - \dfrac{x^2}{4} = 1 \) open, and what are its vertices?
    Show the full solution

    The positive term is \( y \): up and down. \( a = 3 \). Up and down; \( (0, \pm 3) \)

  7. Write the hyperbola with vertices \( (\pm 3, 0) \) and foci \( (\pm 5, 0) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( a = 3 \), \( c = 5 \), \( b^2 = 25 - 9 = 16 \). \( \dfrac{x^2}{9} - \dfrac{y^2}{16} = 1 \)

  8. Find the asymptotes of \( \dfrac{y^2}{4} - \dfrac{x^2}{5} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Up-down: slope \( \pm\dfrac{a}{b} = \pm\dfrac{2}{\sqrt5} \approx \pm 0.894 \). \( y = \pm\dfrac{2}{\sqrt5}x \)

  9. Find the center and asymptote slopes of \( \dfrac{(x - 2)^2}{4} - \dfrac{(y + 1)^2}{9} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Center \( (2, -1) \); slopes \( \pm\dfrac{b}{a} = \pm\dfrac32 \). \( (2, -1) \); \( \pm 1.5 \)

  10. Compare ellipses and hyperbolas: the sign, the relation among \( a, b, c \), and the eccentricity.
    Show the full solution

    An ellipse has a plus between the squared terms and \( c^2 = a^2 - b^2 \), so \( c \lt a \) and \( 0 \le e \lt 1 \). A hyperbola has a minus and \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \), so \( c \gt a \) and \( e \gt 1 \). The ellipse closes up because the sum of distances is fixed; the hyperbola runs off because a fixed difference of distances can be kept indefinitely far away, approaching its asymptotes. Plus and \( a^2 - b^2 \) for ellipses; minus and \( a^2 + b^2 \) for hyperbolas

Lesson 10.4 · Unit 10 · G-GPE.1

Reading the curve from an equation that does not announce itself

The four conic sections all come from the same general equation, and which one you have depends on the squared terms. Completing the square on \( x \) and \( y \) turns a disguised equation into standard form, where the center, the axes and the foci can be read off.

The method
  1. The general form is \( Ax^2 + Cy^2 + Dx + Ey + F = 0 \) (no \( xy \) term here).
  2. If only one variable is squared: parabola.
  3. If \( A = C \) (same sign, equal): circle.
  4. If \( A \) and \( C \) have the same sign but are unequal: ellipse.
  5. If \( A \) and \( C \) have opposite signs: hyperbola.
  6. Group the \( x \) terms and the \( y \) terms, move the constant to the right.
  7. Factor out the leading coefficient of each group, then complete the square, adding the matching amount (coefficient times the square) to the right side.
  8. Divide to make the right side 1 for an ellipse or hyperbola, then read the standard form.

Where students lose marks: adding the completing constant without multiplying by the factor. In \( 4(x^2 - 4x) \), completing the square adds 4 inside, which is \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \) to the other side, not 4. This is the same error as in lesson 2.2's vertex form.

Worked example

The problem. Identify and put in standard form: (a) \( x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0 \); (b) \( 4x^2 + 9y^2 - 16x + 18y - 11 = 0 \); (c) \( x^2 - 4y^2 - 2x + 8y - 7 = 0 \); (d) \( y^2 - 4x + 6y + 13 = 0 \).

Step one: classify and complete (a). Equal positive coefficients: a circle. \( (x^2 - 6x) + (y^2 + 4y) = 12 \). Add 9 and 4 to both sides: \( (x - 3)^2 + (y + 2)^2 = 25 \). Center \( (3, -2) \), radius 5.

Step two: (b), unequal positive coefficients: an ellipse. \( 4(x^2 - 4x) + 9(y^2 + 2y) = 11 \).

Step three: complete each square with the factor. Inside the first bracket add 4, which adds \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \) to the right; inside the second add 1, which adds \( 9 \times 1 = 9 \): \( 4(x - 2)^2 + 9(y + 1)^2 = 11 + 16 + 9 = 36 \).

Step four: divide by 36. \( \dfrac{(x - 2)^2}{9} + \dfrac{(y + 1)^2}{4} = 1 \). Center \( (2, -1) \), \( a = 3 \) horizontal, \( b = 2 \), \( c = \sqrt5 \). Check the vertex \( (5, -1) \) in the original equation: \( 4(25) + 9(1) - 16(5) + 18(-1) - 11 = 100 + 9 - 80 - 18 - 11 = 0 \) ✓, and in standard form \( \dfrac{9}{9} + 0 = 1 \) ✓.

Step five: (c), opposite signs: a hyperbola. \( (x^2 - 2x) - 4(y^2 - 2y) = 7 \). Add 1 inside the first group; inside the second add 1, which contributes \( -4 \times 1 = -4 \) to the right: \( (x - 1)^2 - 4(y - 1)^2 = 7 + 1 - 4 = 4 \).

Step six: standard form. Divide by 4: \( \dfrac{(x - 1)^2}{4} - (y - 1)^2 = 1 \), or \( \dfrac{(x - 1)^2}{4} - \dfrac{(y - 1)^2}{1} = 1 \). Center \( (1, 1) \), \( a = 2 \), \( b = 1 \), opening left and right. Check the vertex \( (3, 1) \): \( 9 - 4 - 6 + 8 - 7 = 0 \) ✓ in the original.

Step seven: (d), one squared variable: a parabola. Complete the square in \( y \): \( (y^2 + 6y) = 4x - 13 \), so \( (y + 3)^2 = 4x - 13 + 9 = 4x - 4 \).

Step eight: standard form. \( (y + 3)^2 = 4(x - 1) \). Vertex \( (1, -3) \), \( 4p = 4 \), \( p = 1 \), opening right, focus \( (2, -3) \), directrix \( x = 0 \). Check the vertex in the original: \( 9 - 4 - 18 + 13 = 0 \) ✓. A degenerate case can occur: \( x^2 - y^2 = 0 \) is the pair of lines \( y = \pm x \), and \( x^2 + y^2 = 0 \) is a single point. These arise when the right side after completing the square is zero.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Classify \( x^2 + y^2 = 9 \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal positive coefficients. Circle

  2. Classify \( 4x^2 + y^2 = 16 \).
    Show the full solution

    Same sign, unequal. Ellipse

  3. Classify \( x^2 - y^2 = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Opposite signs. Hyperbola

  4. Classify \( y = x^2 + 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Only \( x \) is squared. Parabola

  5. Put \( x^2 + y^2 - 4x + 6y = 3 \) in standard form.
    Show the full solution

    Add 4 and 9: \( (x - 2)^2 + (y + 3)^2 = 16 \). Circle, center \( (2, -3) \), radius 4

  6. Put \( 9x^2 + 4y^2 - 18x + 16y - 11 = 0 \) in standard form.
    Show the full solution

    \( 9(x^2 - 2x) + 4(y^2 + 4y) = 11 \), so \( 9(x - 1)^2 + 4(y + 2)^2 = 11 + 9 + 16 = 36 \). \( \dfrac{(x - 1)^2}{4} + \dfrac{(y + 2)^2}{9} = 1 \). Ellipse, center \( (1, -2) \), vertical major axis

  7. Put \( x^2 - y^2 - 4x - 2y - 1 = 0 \) in standard form.
    Show the full solution

    \( (x^2 - 4x) - (y^2 + 2y) = 1 \), so \( (x - 2)^2 - 4 - (y + 1)^2 + 1 = 1 \), giving \( (x - 2)^2 - (y + 1)^2 = 4 \), or \( \dfrac{(x - 2)^2}{4} - \dfrac{(y + 1)^2}{4} = 1 \). Hyperbola, center \( (2, -1) \)

  8. Put \( y^2 - 8x - 4y + 12 = 0 \) in standard form.
    Show the full solution

    \( y^2 - 4y = 8x - 12 \), so \( (y - 2)^2 = 8x - 12 + 4 = 8x - 8 = 8(x - 1) \). Parabola, vertex \( (1, 2) \), \( p = 2 \), opens right

  9. Classify \( 4x^2 + 4y^2 = 36 \) and find its radius.
    Show the full solution

    Divide by 4: \( x^2 + y^2 = 9 \). Equal coefficients, so a circle of radius 3. Circle of radius 3

  10. What do \( x^2 - y^2 = 0 \) and \( x^2 + y^2 = 0 \) describe, and why are they not the usual conics?
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 - y^2 = 0 \) factors to \( (x - y)(x + y) = 0 \): the two lines \( y = \pm x \). And \( x^2 + y^2 = 0 \) has only the solution \( (0, 0) \): a single point. They are degenerate conics: the plane cuts the cone through its apex, instead of crossing it above or below. Such cases appear when the right side becomes zero after completing the square. Two lines; a single point

Lesson 10.5 · Unit 10 · F-BF.2, A-SSE.4

Patterns that add a constant, patterns that multiply by one, and their totals

An arithmetic sequence adds the same amount each step, and a geometric sequence multiplies by the same factor. They are the discrete versions of linear and exponential functions, and their sums, the series, describe savings plans, loans and the total distance of a repeated motion.

The method
  1. Arithmetic: \( a_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d \), with common difference \( d \).
  2. Arithmetic sum: \( S_n = \dfrac{n(a_1 + a_n)}{2} \), the number of terms times the average of the first and last.
  3. Geometric: \( a_n = a_1r^{n-1} \), with common ratio \( r \).
  4. Geometric sum: \( S_n = \dfrac{a_1(1 - r^n)}{1 - r} \) for \( r \ne 1 \).
  5. To identify the type, check differences and ratios.
  6. Given two terms, set up two equations and solve for \( d \) or \( r \), then \( a_1 \).
  7. The exponent is \( n - 1 \), not \( n \): the first term has no factor of \( r \).
  8. Check a formula by computing the first few terms directly.

Where students lose marks: using \( n \) instead of \( n - 1 \) in the general term. The tenth term of \( 3, 6, 12, \dots \) is \( 3(2^9) = 1536 \), not \( 3(2^{10}) \), because the first term already counts as step zero.

Worked example

The problem. (a) For \( 7, 11, 15, \dots \) find \( a_{20} \) and \( S_{20} \). (b) For \( 3, 6, 12, \dots \) find \( a_{10} \) and \( S_{10} \). (c) An arithmetic sequence has \( a_3 = 10 \) and \( a_7 = 22 \). Find \( a_1 \) and \( d \). (d) A geometric sequence has \( a_2 = 6 \) and \( a_5 = 162 \). Find \( a_1 \) and \( r \).

Step one: (a), the difference. \( d = 4 \). \( a_{20} = 7 + 19(4) = 83 \).

Step two: the sum. \( S_{20} = \dfrac{20(7 + 83)}{2} = 10(90) = 900 \). Check by pairing: the first and last terms sum to 90, the second and second-last to 90, and so on for 10 pairs ✓.

Step three: (b), the ratio. \( r = 2 \). \( a_{10} = 3(2^9) = 3(512) = 1536 \).

Step four: the sum. \( S_{10} = \dfrac{3(1 - 2^{10})}{1 - 2} = \dfrac{3(-1023)}{-1} = 3069 \). Check: the sum of a doubling sequence is always the next term minus the first, \( 3072 - 3 = 3069 \) ✓.

Step five: (c), two equations. \( a_1 + 2d = 10 \) and \( a_1 + 6d = 22 \). Subtract: \( 4d = 12 \), so \( d = 3 \), and \( a_1 = 10 - 6 = 4 \). Check the sequence \( 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 \): \( a_3 = 10 \) ✓ and \( a_7 = 22 \) ✓.

Step six: (d), divide. \( a_2 = a_1r = 6 \) and \( a_5 = a_1r^4 = 162 \). Dividing the second by the first: \( r^3 = 27 \), so \( r = 3 \).

Step seven: the first term. \( a_1 = \dfrac{6}{3} = 2 \). The sequence is \( 2, 6, 18, 54, 162 \), with \( a_5 = 162 \) ✓.

Step eight: Gauss's method. The formula \( S_n = \dfrac{n(a_1 + a_n)}{2} \) comes from writing the sum forwards and backwards and adding: each of the \( n \) columns adds to \( a_1 + a_n \), so \( 2S_n = n(a_1 + a_n) \). For \( 1 + 2 + \dots + 100 \): \( 2S = 100 \times 101 \), so \( S = 5050 \). The geometric formula comes from subtracting \( rS_n \) from \( S_n \): all the middle terms cancel, leaving \( S_n(1 - r) = a_1(1 - r^n) \).

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the tenth term of \( 2, 5, 8, \dots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2 + 9(3) \). 29

  2. Find the sum of the first 10 terms of \( 2, 5, 8, \dots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{10(2 + 29)}{2} \). 155

  3. Find the sixth term of \( 2, 6, 18, \dots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2(3^5) = 2(243) \). 486

  4. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of \( 2, 6, 18, \dots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2(3^5 - 1)}{3 - 1} = 242 \). Check: \( 2 + 6 + 18 + 54 + 162 = 242 \). 242

  5. Find \( 1 + 2 + 3 + \dots + 50 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{50 \cdot 51}{2} \). 1275

  6. An arithmetic sequence has \( a_4 = 11 \) and \( a_9 = 31 \). Find \( a_1 \) and \( d \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 5d = 20 \), so \( d = 4 \), and \( a_1 = 11 - 12 = -1 \). Check: \( a_9 = -1 + 32 = 31 \). \( a_1 = -1 \), \( d = 4 \)

  7. A geometric sequence has \( a_3 = 12 \) and \( a_6 = 96 \). Find \( a_1 \) and \( r \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r^3 = 8 \), \( r = 2 \), and \( a_1 = \dfrac{12}{4} = 3 \). \( a_1 = 3 \), \( r = 2 \)

  8. Find the sum of the first 8 terms of \( 5, 10, 20, \dots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 5(2^8 - 1) = 5(255) \). 1275

  9. A saver deposits \$100 in month 1 and increases each deposit by \$10 each month. Find the total after 24 months.
    Show the full solution

    Arithmetic: \( a_{24} = 100 + 23(10) = 330 \). \( S_{24} = \dfrac{24(100 + 330)}{2} = 12(430) = 5160 \). \$5,160

  10. Derive the arithmetic sum formula, and verify it for \( 1 + 2 + \dots + 10 \).
    Show the full solution

    Write \( S = a_1 + \dots + a_n \) and again in reverse. Adding the two lines term by term, each column is \( a_1 + a_n \), and there are \( n \) columns: \( 2S = n(a_1 + a_n) \). For \( 1 \) to \( 10 \): \( \dfrac{10(1 + 10)}{2} = 55 \), and adding directly: \( 1 + 2 + \dots + 10 = 55 \). \( S_n = \dfrac{n(a_1 + a_n)}{2} \)

Lesson 10.6 · Unit 10 · A-SSE.4

Adding infinitely many numbers and getting a finite answer

If the ratio of a geometric series is smaller than 1 in size, the terms shrink fast enough that the partial sums settle toward a limit. That resolves Zeno's paradox and gives a way to write a repeating decimal as a fraction. It is the first example of a limit, the idea of Unit 11.

The method
  1. An infinite geometric series is \( a_1 + a_1r + a_1r^2 + \cdots \).
  2. It converges if and only if \( |r| \lt 1 \).
  3. When it converges, the sum is \( S = \dfrac{a_1}{1 - r} \).
  4. If \( |r| \ge 1 \) it diverges: the partial sums grow without bound or oscillate.
  5. The formula follows from the finite sum as \( r^n \to 0 \).
  6. A repeating decimal is a geometric series with ratio \( \dfrac{1}{10^k} \), where \( k \) is the length of the repeating block.
  7. Identify \( a_1 \) and \( r \) before using the formula.
  8. Check the sum is reasonable against the first few partial sums.

Where students lose marks: applying the formula when \( |r| \ge 1 \). The series \( 2 + 4 + 8 + \cdots \) has \( r = 2 \); the formula would give \( \dfrac{2}{1 - 2} = -2 \), which is nonsense for a sum of positive terms. Check convergence first.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Sum \( 1 + \tfrac12 + \tfrac14 + \cdots \). (b) Sum \( 6 - 2 + \tfrac23 - \cdots \). (c) Write \( 0.\overline{3} \) and \( 0.\overline{72} \) as fractions. (d) A ball is dropped from 10 m and rebounds to 60 percent of its previous height each time. Find the total distance traveled.

Step one: (a). \( a_1 = 1 \), \( r = \tfrac12 \), and \( |r| \lt 1 \), so it converges: \( S = \dfrac{1}{1 - \frac12} = 2 \). Check the partial sums: \( 1, 1.5, 1.75, 1.875, 1.9375, \dots \) climbing toward 2 ✓.

Step two: (b). \( r = \dfrac{-2}{6} = -\tfrac13 \), and \( |r| \lt 1 \). \( S = \dfrac{6}{1 + \frac13} = \dfrac{6}{4/3} = 4.5 \). Check: \( 6 - 2 + 0.667 - 0.222 + \cdots \); the partial sums are 6, 4, 4.667, 4.444, ..., which oscillate around 4.5 ✓.

Step three: (c), first decimal. \( 0.333\ldots = 0.3 + 0.03 + 0.003 + \cdots \): \( a_1 = 0.3 \), \( r = 0.1 \). \( S = \dfrac{0.3}{0.9} = \dfrac13 \).

Step four: second decimal. \( 0.7272\ldots = 0.72 + 0.0072 + \cdots \): the block has length 2, so \( r = 0.01 \). \( S = \dfrac{0.72}{0.99} = \dfrac{72}{99} = \dfrac{8}{11} \). Check: \( 8 \div 11 = 0.7272\ldots \) ✓.

Step five: (d), set up. The ball falls 10 m, then rises 6 and falls 6, rises 3.6 and falls 3.6, and so on. The total is the initial fall plus twice the sum of the rebound heights.

Step six: sum the rebounds. Heights \( 6, 3.6, 2.16, \dots \): \( a_1 = 6 \), \( r = 0.6 \). \( S = \dfrac{6}{1 - 0.6} = 15 \).

Step seven: the total. \( 10 + 2(15) = 40 \) m.

Step eight: interpret. The ball makes infinitely many bounces yet travels a finite distance, because each bounce is 60 percent of the last and the series converges. The time also converges, since the time of each bounce shrinks geometrically (by the factor \( \sqrt{0.6} \)), so the ball comes to rest in a finite time. Zeno's argument, that Achilles must pass through an infinite number of half-way points and so never arrives, fails for the same reason: infinitely many steps can add to a finite total.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( 1 + \tfrac13 + \tfrac19 + \cdots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1}{1 - \frac13} = \dfrac{3}{2} \). 1.5

  2. Find \( 4 + 2 + 1 + \cdots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{4}{1 - \frac12} \). 8

  3. Does \( 3 + 6 + 12 + \cdots \) converge?
    Show the full solution

    \( r = 2 \), and \( |r| \ge 1 \). No

  4. Write \( 0.\overline{5} \) as a fraction.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{0.5}{0.9} = \dfrac59 \). \( \dfrac59 \)

  5. Find \( 10 - 5 + 2.5 - \cdots \).
    Show the full solution

    \( r = -\tfrac12 \): \( \dfrac{10}{1.5} = \dfrac{20}{3} \). \( 6.\overline{6} \)

  6. Write \( 0.\overline{81} \) as a fraction.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{0.81}{0.99} = \dfrac{81}{99} = \dfrac{9}{11} \). \( \dfrac{9}{11} \)

  7. For what \( x \) does \( 1 + x + x^2 + \cdots \) converge, and what is the sum at \( x = 0.2 \)?
    Show the full solution

    \( |x| \lt 1 \). The sum is \( \dfrac{1}{1 - x} \); at \( x = 0.2 \): \( \dfrac{1}{0.8} = 1.25 \). Check: \( 1 + 0.2 + 0.04 + 0.008 + \cdots = 1.2480\ldots \) ✓. \( |x| \lt 1 \); 1.25

  8. A ball is dropped from 20 m and rebounds to 50 percent each time. Find the total distance.
    Show the full solution

    Rebounds: \( 10, 5, 2.5, \dots \): \( \dfrac{10}{0.5} = 20 \). Total \( 20 + 2(20) = 60 \). 60 m

  9. Write \( 1.2\overline{4} = 1.2444\ldots \) as a fraction.
    Show the full solution

    \( 1.2 + 0.0444\ldots \). The repeating part: \( 0.04 + 0.004 + \cdots = \dfrac{0.04}{0.9} = \dfrac{4}{90} = \dfrac{2}{45} \). Total \( \dfrac65 + \dfrac{2}{45} = \dfrac{54 + 2}{45} = \dfrac{56}{45} \). Check: \( 56 \div 45 = 1.2444\ldots \) ✓. \( \dfrac{56}{45} \)

  10. Explain how infinitely many terms can have a finite sum, using the partial sums of \( 1 + \tfrac12 + \tfrac14 + \cdots \).
    Show the full solution

    The partial sum after \( n \) terms is \( S_n = 2 - \dfrac{1}{2^{n-1}} \): 1, 1.5, 1.75, 1.875, ... Each new term closes half of the remaining gap to 2, so the sums rise toward 2 and never pass it. The infinite sum is defined as the number the partial sums approach, here 2. Terms that shrink geometrically add up to a finite amount; terms that shrink only like \( \dfrac1n \) do not. The partial sums approach 2

Lesson 10.7 · Unit 10 · A-APR.5

Writing long sums compactly, and proving a statement for every whole number

Sigma notation is shorthand for a sum. Mathematical induction is a way to prove that a formula holds for every positive integer, not just the ones tested. Checking a pattern for several cases is evidence, and induction is proof, and the difference matters because patterns can fail.

The method
  1. \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k \) means \( a_1 + a_2 + \cdots + a_n \).
  2. Constants and sums split: \( \sum (ca_k + b_k) = c\sum a_k + \sum b_k \), and \( \sum_{k=1}^n c = nc \).
  3. \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n} k = \dfrac{n(n+1)}{2} \) and \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n} k^2 = \dfrac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} \).
  4. \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n} k^3 = \left[\dfrac{n(n+1)}{2}\right]^2 \).
  5. Induction has two steps. Base case: show the statement for \( n = 1 \). Inductive step: assume it for \( n = k \) and prove it for \( n = k + 1 \).
  6. Together they prove the statement for all \( n \) by a chain reaction, like dominoes.
  7. In the inductive step, use the assumption explicitly, usually by substituting it for the sum up to \( k \).
  8. Both steps are required. A true base with no step, or a valid step with no base, proves nothing.

Where students lose marks: assuming what is to be proved. The hypothesis is the statement for one specific \( k \); the goal is the statement for \( k + 1 \). Writing the goal as if it were known, and then deriving a true equation, is circular.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{5}(2k + 1) \). (b) Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{10} k^2 \). (c) Prove by induction that \( 1 + 2 + \cdots + n = \dfrac{n(n+1)}{2} \). (d) Prove that \( 1 + 3 + 5 + \cdots + (2n - 1) = n^2 \).

Step one: (a). \( 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 35 \). By the rules: \( 2\sum k + \sum 1 = 2(15) + 5 = 35 \) ✓.

Step two: (b). \( \dfrac{10 \cdot 11 \cdot 21}{6} = 385 \). Check by adding: \( 1 + 4 + 9 + 16 + 25 + 36 + 49 + 64 + 81 + 100 = 385 \) ✓.

Step three: (c), the base case. For \( n = 1 \): the left side is 1, and the right side is \( \dfrac{1 \cdot 2}{2} = 1 \) ✓.

Step four: the hypothesis. Assume that for some \( k \), \( 1 + 2 + \cdots + k = \dfrac{k(k+1)}{2} \).

Step five: the step. Add \( k + 1 \) to both sides: \( 1 + \cdots + k + (k + 1) = \dfrac{k(k+1)}{2} + (k + 1) \). The right side is \( \dfrac{k(k+1) + 2(k+1)}{2} = \dfrac{(k+1)(k+2)}{2} \), which is the formula with \( n = k + 1 \). ∎

Step six: (d), base and hypothesis. For \( n = 1 \): \( 1 = 1^2 \) ✓. Assume \( 1 + 3 + \cdots + (2k - 1) = k^2 \).

Step seven: the step. The next odd number is \( 2(k + 1) - 1 = 2k + 1 \). Add it: \( k^2 + (2k + 1) = (k + 1)^2 \). ∎ This is also the picture of an L-shaped border of \( 2k + 1 \) squares added to a \( k \times k \) square to make a \( (k + 1) \times (k + 1) \) square.

Step eight: why evidence is not proof. The expression \( n^2 + n + 41 \) gives prime numbers for \( n = 1, 2, \dots, 39 \): 43, 47, 53, 61, ... A student might conclude it always does. But at \( n = 40 \): \( 1600 + 40 + 41 = 1681 = 41^2 \), not prime. Thirty-nine confirmations and one failure. Induction would have required an inductive step that cannot be proved here, because the statement is false; for the two sum formulas above it can.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{4} k^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + 4 + 9 + 16 \). 30

  2. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{100} k \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{100 \cdot 101}{2} \). 5050

  3. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{5} 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    Five terms of 3. 15

  4. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{6}(2k - 1) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 36 = 6^2 \). 36

  5. Write \( 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 \) in sigma notation.
    Show the full solution

    \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{5} 2k \)

  6. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{10} k^3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \left[\dfrac{10 \cdot 11}{2}\right]^2 = 55^2 \). 3025

  7. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{20}(3k - 2) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3\sum k - 2(20) = 3(210) - 40 = 590 \). Check with the arithmetic formula: \( a_1 = 1 \), \( a_{20} = 58 \), \( \dfrac{20(59)}{2} = 590 \). 590

  8. State the base case of the induction proof that \( 1 + 3 + \cdots + (2n - 1) = n^2 \) and verify it.
    Show the full solution

    \( n = 1 \): the left side is the single term 1 and the right side is \( 1^2 = 1 \). Both sides equal 1

  9. Carry out the inductive step for that statement.
    Show the full solution

    Assume it for \( k \). The next term is \( 2k + 1 \), so the sum to \( k + 1 \) terms is \( k^2 + 2k + 1 = (k + 1)^2 \). The statement holds for \( k + 1 \)

  10. Show that \( n^2 + n + 41 \) produces a prime for many \( n \) but not all, and explain what this says about checking cases.
    Show the full solution

    It gives 43, 47, 53, 61, ... for \( n = 1, 2, 3, 4 \), all prime, and continues to do so up to \( n = 39 \). At \( n = 40 \): \( 1600 + 40 + 41 = 1681 = 41^2 \), which is not prime. No number of confirming cases proves a general statement, because the failure may lie beyond them. Induction avoids the problem by proving the step from any \( n \) to \( n + 1 \), which covers infinitely many cases at once. 40 gives \( 41^2 \); patterns are not proofs

Unit 10 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 10 review: Conics, Sequences and Series

Shuffled across all seven lessons. For an infinite geometric series, check \( |r| \lt 1 \) before using the formula.

  1. Find the focus and directrix of \( x^2 = 12y \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4p = 12 \), so \( p = 3 \). The parabola opens upward. Focus \( (0, 3) \), directrix \( y = -3 \)

  2. Find the foci of \( \dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( c^2 = 25 - 9 = 16 \), so \( c = 4 \) on the major (horizontal) axis. \( (\pm 4, 0) \)

  3. Find the asymptotes and foci of \( \dfrac{x^2}{16} - \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Asymptotes \( y = \pm\dfrac{3}{4}x \); \( c^2 = 16 + 9 = 25 \), so \( c = 5 \). \( y = \pm\dfrac34 x \); foci \( (\pm 5, 0) \)

  4. Identify \( x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    Complete the squares: \( (x - 3)^2 + (y + 2)^2 = 12 + 9 + 4 = 25 \). A circle, center \( (3, -2) \), radius 5

  5. An arithmetic sequence has \( a_1 = 5 \) and \( d = 3 \). Find \( a_{20} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 5 + 19(3) = 62 \). 62

  6. Find the sum of the first 20 terms of that sequence.
    Show the full solution

    \( S_{20} = \dfrac{20}{2}(5 + 62) = 10(67) \). 670

  7. For the geometric sequence 3, 6, 12, ... find \( a_8 \) and \( S_8 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( a_8 = 3(2^7) = 384 \); \( S_8 = 3\cdot\dfrac{2^8 - 1}{2 - 1} = 3(255) \). \( a_8 = 384 \), \( S_8 = 765 \)

  8. Evaluate \( \displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{5}(2k + 1) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 \). 35

  9. Find \( 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + \cdots \), then write \( 0.363636\ldots \) as a fraction.
    Show the full solution

    First: \( r = \dfrac12 \), so \( \dfrac{8}{1 - \frac12} = 16 \). Second: \( 0.36 + 0.0036 + \cdots \) has first term 0.36 and \( r = 0.01 \), so \( \dfrac{0.36}{0.99} = \dfrac{36}{99} = \dfrac{4}{11} \). 16 and \( \dfrac{4}{11} \)

  10. Prove by induction that \( 1 + 3 + 5 + \cdots + (2n - 1) = n^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    Base case: \( n = 1 \) gives \( 1 = 1^2 \). Assume it holds for \( n = k \). Then adding the next term, \( k^2 + (2k + 1) = (k + 1)^2 \), which is the statement for \( n = k + 1 \). ∎ True for all \( n \ge 1 \) by induction

Lesson 11.1 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

What a function is heading toward, which can differ from where it is

Everything in this course has led to a question: what does a function do as its input approaches a value? The answer is a limit. The value of the function at the point and its limit at the point are separate facts, and a limit can exist where the function is not even defined. Calculus is built on this distinction.

The method
  1. \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L \) means \( f(x) \) gets arbitrarily close to \( L \) as \( x \) gets close to \( a \), from both sides.
  2. The limit does not depend on \( f(a) \) itself. The function may be undefined at \( a \) or have a different value there.
  3. On a table, pick inputs closing in on \( a \) from both sides and watch the outputs.
  4. On a graph, follow the curve toward \( x = a \) from the left and the right and see the height it approaches; an open circle marks a missing point.
  5. If the outputs approach the same number from both sides, that number is the limit.
  6. If they approach different numbers, grow without bound or oscillate, the limit does not exist (lesson 11.3).
  7. A table suggests a limit; it does not prove one. Algebra (lesson 11.2) gives certainty.
  8. Trigonometric limits need radian mode.

Where students lose marks: substituting \( x = a \) and reporting whatever comes out. If \( f(a) \) is undefined, substitution fails, and if \( f(a) \) is defined but different from the limit, substitution gives the wrong answer. The limit is about the approach, not the arrival.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 2} \dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} \) from a table. (b) For \( g(x) = x + 1 \) when \( x \ne 2 \) and \( g(2) = 7 \), find \( \lim_{x \to 2} g(x) \) and \( g(2) \). (c) Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 0} \dfrac{\sin x}{x} \). (d) Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 0} \dfrac{\sqrt{x + 4} - 2}{x} \).

Step one: tabulate (a). The function is undefined at \( x = 2 \) (0 over 0). Approach from both sides:

\( x \)1.91.991.9992.0012.012.1
\( f(x) \)3.93.993.9994.0014.014.1

Step two: conclude. The outputs approach 4 from both sides, so the limit is 4, even though \( f(2) \) does not exist. The graph is the line \( y = x + 2 \) with one point missing: a hole at \( (2, 4) \).

Step three: (b). Near 2 (but not at 2) \( g(x) = x + 1 \), which approaches 3. So \( \lim_{x \to 2} g(x) = 3 \), while \( g(2) = 7 \).

Step four: read it. The limit and the value disagree, and both are meaningful. The graph has a filled dot at \( (2, 7) \) floating above the line, with an open hole at \( (2, 3) \). The limit describes where the graph is heading and the value describes where the point is.

Step five: (c), in radian mode. \( x = 0.1 \): \( \dfrac{\sin 0.1}{0.1} = 0.998334 \). \( x = 0.01 \): \( 0.999983 \). \( x = 0.001 \): \( 0.9999998 \). The values climb toward 1 from below. By evenness, \( x = -0.1 \) gives the same, so both sides agree: the limit is 1.

Step six: explain why it is 1. For a small angle \( x \), the sine is almost the same as the angle itself; the arc and the vertical height are nearly equal. This limit is the reason that angles must be in radians for calculus: in degrees the limit would be \( \dfrac{\pi}{180} \), and every formula would carry that factor.

Step seven: (d). \( x = 0.1 \): \( \dfrac{\sqrt{4.1} - 2}{0.1} = \dfrac{2.024846 - 2}{0.1} = 0.24846 \). \( x = 0.01 \): \( 0.249844 \). \( x = 0.001 \): \( 0.249984 \). From the left: \( x = -0.01 \): \( \dfrac{\sqrt{3.99} - 2}{-0.01} = 0.250156 \).

Step eight: conclude and note the limits of the table. Values approach 0.25 from both sides, so the limit is \( \dfrac14 \). A table gives a strong suggestion, but only a suggestion: the values could, in principle, deviate past the last entry. The algebra of lesson 11.2 confirms it exactly: rationalizing gives \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x + 4} + 2} \to \dfrac14 \).

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \lim_{x \to 3}(2x + 1) \).
    Show the full solution

    The function is continuous, so substitute: \( 2(3) + 1 \). 7

  2. Find \( \lim_{x \to 2} x^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    4

  3. Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 3}\dfrac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} \) from values at 2.99 and 3.01.
    Show the full solution

    At 2.99: \( \dfrac{8.9401 - 9}{-0.01} = 5.99 \). At 3.01: \( \dfrac{9.0601 - 9}{0.01} = 6.01 \). 6

  4. Does \( \lim_{x \to 1}\dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x - 1} \) exist, although the function is undefined at 1?
    Show the full solution

    For \( x \ne 1 \) the function equals \( x + 1 \), which approaches 2. Yes, it equals 2

  5. If \( g(x) = x \) for \( x \ne 1 \) and \( g(1) = 5 \), find \( \lim_{x \to 1} g(x) \) and \( g(1) \).
    Show the full solution

    Near 1 the outputs approach 1; the value at 1 is 5. Limit 1; value 5

  6. Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{\sin x}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    At \( 0.1 \): 0.998334. At \( 0.01 \): 0.999983. 1

  7. Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{\sqrt{x + 4} - 2}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    At 0.1: 0.24846. At 0.01: 0.249844. At \( -0.01 \): 0.250156. 0.25

  8. Estimate \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{1 - \cos x}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    At 0.1: \( \dfrac{1 - 0.995004}{0.1} = 0.04996 \). At 0.01: 0.005. The values shrink toward 0. 0

  9. What happens to \( \dfrac{|x - 1|}{x - 1} \) as \( x \to 1 \)?
    Show the full solution

    For \( x \gt 1 \) it is \( +1 \); for \( x \lt 1 \) it is \( -1 \). The two sides disagree. The limit does not exist

  10. Explain why the limit of a function at \( a \) need not equal \( f(a) \), and why we define the limit that way.
    Show the full solution

    The limit records what the outputs do as the inputs approach \( a \), and never requires \( x = a \) itself. So \( f(a) \) may be undefined or may differ, as in \( g \) above. The definition is chosen so that limits can describe exactly the situations substitution cannot: a \( \dfrac00 \) such as \( \dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} \), and, in lesson 11.6, the slope of a tangent, which is a \( \dfrac00 \) by nature. The approach matters, not the arrival

Lesson 11.2 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

Turning zero over zero into a number

When substitution gives \( \dfrac00 \), the limit is not decided, because that form can hide any value. The cure is algebra: factor, rationalize or simplify until the troublesome factor cancels, then substitute. This is why factoring and radicals were worth so much effort.

The method
  1. First try direct substitution. If the result is a number, that is the limit (for functions continuous at \( a \)).
  2. If the result is \( \dfrac00 \), the form is indeterminate: keep going.
  3. Factor the numerator and denominator and cancel the common factor that makes both zero.
  4. For a square root, multiply top and bottom by the conjugate.
  5. For a fraction within a fraction, combine into one fraction and simplify.
  6. After canceling, substitute. The cancellation is valid because \( x \ne a \) in a limit.
  7. Limit laws: the limit of a sum, product, quotient (with nonzero denominator limit) and power are the sum, product, quotient and power of the limits.
  8. A nonzero number over zero is not indeterminate; the limit is infinite or fails to exist (lesson 11.3).

Where students lose marks: treating \( \dfrac00 \) as 0 or as 1. It is neither: \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{x}{x} = 1 \), \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{x^2}{x} = 0 \), and \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{x}{x^3} \) does not exist. All three are \( \dfrac00 \) at \( x = 0 \).

Worked example

The problem. Evaluate (a) \( \lim_{x \to 3}(x^2 + 2x) \); (b) \( \lim_{x \to 2}\dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} \); (c) \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{\sqrt{x + 4} - 2}{x} \); (d) \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{\frac{1}{x + 3} - \frac13}{x} \); (e) \( \lim_{x \to -1}\dfrac{x^2 + 3x + 2}{x + 1} \).

Step one: (a). Substitute: \( 9 + 6 = 15 \). The function is a polynomial, so substitution is valid.

Step two: (b), test substitution. It gives \( \dfrac{0}{0} \): indeterminate. Factor the numerator: \( \dfrac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{x - 2} \).

Step three: cancel and substitute. For \( x \ne 2 \) this equals \( x + 2 \), and \( \lim_{x \to 2}(x + 2) = 4 \). Matches the table of lesson 11.1.

Step four: (c), rationalize. Substitution gives \( \dfrac00 \). Multiply top and bottom by the conjugate \( \sqrt{x + 4} + 2 \): \( \dfrac{(x + 4) - 4}{x(\sqrt{x + 4} + 2)} = \dfrac{x}{x(\sqrt{x + 4} + 2)} \).

Step five: cancel and substitute. \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x + 4} + 2} \to \dfrac{1}{2 + 2} = \dfrac14 \). Agrees with the table: 0.2500.

Step six: (d), combine the inner fractions. \( \dfrac{1}{x + 3} - \dfrac13 = \dfrac{3 - (x + 3)}{3(x + 3)} = \dfrac{-x}{3(x + 3)} \). Divide by \( x \): \( \dfrac{-1}{3(x + 3)} \).

Step seven: substitute. At \( x = 0 \): \( \dfrac{-1}{9} \). Check numerically: \( x = 0.001 \): \( \dfrac{\frac{1}{3.001} - \frac13}{0.001} = -0.11107 \), and \( -\dfrac19 = -0.1111 \) ✓.

Step eight: (e). Factor: \( x^2 + 3x + 2 = (x + 1)(x + 2) \). Cancel \( x + 1 \): \( x + 2 \to 1 \). The pattern throughout is that the \( \dfrac00 \) came from a common factor that vanished at \( a \); removing it leaves a function whose value at \( a \) is the limit.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \lim_{x \to 2}(3x - 1) \).
    Show the full solution

    5

  2. Find \( \lim_{x \to 4}\dfrac{x^2 - 16}{x - 4} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x + 4 \to 8 \). 8

  3. Find \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{x^2 + 5x}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x + 5 \to 5 \). 5

  4. Find \( \lim_{x \to 1}\dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x^2 + x - 2} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(x - 1)(x + 1)}{(x - 1)(x + 2)} = \dfrac{x + 1}{x + 2} \to \dfrac23 \). \( \dfrac23 \)

  5. Find \( \lim_{x \to 3}\dfrac{x^2 - 9}{x^2 - x - 6} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(x - 3)(x + 3)}{(x - 3)(x + 2)} = \dfrac{x + 3}{x + 2} \to \dfrac65 \). \( \dfrac65 \)

  6. Find \( \lim_{x \to 9}\dfrac{\sqrt{x} - 3}{x - 9} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x - 9 = (\sqrt x - 3)(\sqrt x + 3) \), so the quotient is \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt x + 3} \to \dfrac16 \). \( \dfrac16 \)

  7. Find \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{\frac{1}{x + 2} - \frac12}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    The numerator is \( \dfrac{2 - (x + 2)}{2(x + 2)} = \dfrac{-x}{2(x + 2)} \); dividing by \( x \) gives \( \dfrac{-1}{2(x + 2)} \to -\dfrac14 \). \( -\dfrac14 \)

  8. Find \( \lim_{h \to 0}\dfrac{(2 + h)^2 - 4}{h} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{4 + 4h + h^2 - 4}{h} = 4 + h \to 4 \). 4

  9. Find \( \lim_{x \to 25}\dfrac{\sqrt{x} - 5}{x - 25} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt x + 5} \to \dfrac{1}{10} \). \( \dfrac{1}{10} \)

  10. Show that \( \dfrac00 \) can have different limits, using \( \dfrac{x}{x} \), \( \dfrac{x^2}{x} \) and \( \dfrac{x}{x^3} \) as \( x \to 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{x}{x} = 1 \) for \( x \ne 0 \), limit 1. \( \dfrac{x^2}{x} = x \to 0 \). \( \dfrac{x}{x^3} = \dfrac{1}{x^2} \to \infty \), no finite limit. All three give \( \dfrac00 \) by substitution, so the form alone cannot decide; the algebra does. 1, 0, and no limit

Lesson 11.3 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

Approaching from the left, from the right, and the three ways it can fail

A limit needs both sides to agree. One-sided limits separate the two approaches, and comparing them shows exactly why a limit fails: a jump, a blow-up or an endless oscillation. Piecewise functions and absolute values are where this matters.

The method
  1. \( \lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) \) uses only \( x \lt a \) (from the left); \( \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) \) uses only \( x \gt a \) (from the right).
  2. The two-sided limit exists if and only if both one-sided limits exist and are equal.
  3. Failure 1, a jump: the one-sided limits exist but differ.
  4. Failure 2, infinite behavior: the function grows without bound near \( a \), as at a vertical asymptote.
  5. Failure 3, oscillation: the values swing between fixed numbers forever, as \( \sin\dfrac1x \) near 0.
  6. \( \lim f(x) = \infty \) describes the behavior and does not give a number; the limit, as a number, still does not exist.
  7. For a piecewise function, evaluate each side with the piece that applies there.
  8. For an absolute value, split into the two sign cases.

Where students lose marks: using the wrong piece. For \( f(x) = x + 1 \) when \( x \lt 2 \) and \( x^2 \) when \( x \ge 2 \), the left-hand limit uses \( x + 1 \) (the pieces for \( x \lt 2 \)), giving 3; the right-hand limit uses \( x^2 \), giving 4.

Worked example

The problem. (a) For \( f(x) = \begin{cases} x + 1 & x \lt 2 \\ x^2 & x \ge 2 \end{cases} \), find the one-sided limits at 2 and decide whether the limit exists. (b) Examine \( \dfrac{|x|}{x} \) at 0. (c) Examine \( \dfrac1x \) and \( \dfrac{1}{x^2} \) at 0. (d) Examine \( \sin\dfrac1x \) at 0.

Step one: the left side of (a). For \( x \lt 2 \), \( f(x) = x + 1 \), which approaches 3 as \( x \to 2^- \).

Step two: the right side. For \( x \ge 2 \), \( f(x) = x^2 \), which approaches 4 as \( x \to 2^+ \). Since \( 3 \ne 4 \), the two-sided limit does not exist: a jump of 1. Note that \( f(2) = 4 \) agrees with the right-hand limit but that cannot repair the disagreement from the left.

Step three: (b). For \( x \gt 0 \), \( |x| = x \) and the quotient is \( +1 \). For \( x \lt 0 \), \( |x| = -x \) and the quotient is \( -1 \).

Step four: conclude. \( \lim_{x \to 0^+} = 1 \) and \( \lim_{x \to 0^-} = -1 \): a jump, so the limit does not exist. The function is also undefined at 0.

Step five: (c). For \( \dfrac1x \) at \( x = 0.01 \): 100; \( x = 0.001 \): 1000; \( x = -0.001 \): \( -1000 \). From the right it grows to \( +\infty \), from the left to \( -\infty \). No limit. For \( \dfrac{1}{x^2} \) the values are positive from both sides and grow without bound: \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{1}{x^2} = \infty \), which describes the behavior even though it gives no number.

Step six: (d), tabulate. At \( x = \dfrac{1}{n\pi} \) the sine is \( \sin(n\pi) = 0 \). At \( x = \dfrac{2}{(4k + 1)\pi} \) it is \( \sin\dfrac{(4k + 1)\pi}{2} = 1 \), and at \( x = \dfrac{2}{(4k + 3)\pi} \) it is \( -1 \).

Step seven: interpret. Arbitrarily close to 0 there are inputs giving 1, inputs giving \( -1 \) and inputs giving 0. The outputs do not settle on any number, so the limit does not exist, although the function stays between \( -1 \) and 1. This is oscillation, distinct from a jump or a blow-up, and neither one-sided limit exists either.

Step eight: summarize the three failures. A jump has two different finite one-sided limits. A blow-up has an infinite one-sided limit. An oscillation has no one-sided limit at all. The two-sided limit exists only when both sides are finite and equal, which is why the first test for any limit is to check the two sides separately.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. For \( f(x) = x + 1 \) when \( x \lt 2 \) and \( x^2 \) when \( x \ge 2 \), find \( \lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) \).
    Show the full solution

    Use the piece for \( x \lt 2 \): \( x + 1 \to 3 \). 3

  2. For the same \( f \), find \( \lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) \).
    Show the full solution

    Use \( x^2 \): \( 4 \). 4

  3. Does \( \lim_{x \to 2} f(x) \) exist?
    Show the full solution

    \( 3 \ne 4 \). No

  4. Find \( \lim_{x \to 0^+}\dfrac1x \).
    Show the full solution

    Small positive \( x \) gives huge positive values. \( +\infty \)

  5. Find \( \lim_{x \to 0^-}\dfrac1x \).
    Show the full solution

    Small negative \( x \) gives huge negative values. \( -\infty \)

  6. Does \( \lim_{x \to 3}\dfrac{|x - 3|}{x - 3} \) exist?
    Show the full solution

    From the right \( +1 \); from the left \( -1 \). No

  7. Describe \( \lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{1}{x^2} \).
    Show the full solution

    Both sides grow without bound and are positive. We write \( \infty \) to describe the behavior, but no number is approached. The values grow without bound: \( \infty \)

  8. Find \( \lim_{x \to 2^+}\dfrac{x - 2}{|x - 2|} \).
    Show the full solution

    For \( x \gt 2 \), \( |x - 2| = x - 2 \), so the quotient is 1. 1

  9. For \( f(x) = 2x + 1 \) when \( x \lt 1 \) and \( 5 - x \) when \( x \ge 1 \), find both one-sided limits at 1 and decide whether the limit exists.
    Show the full solution

    Left: \( 2(1) + 1 = 3 \). Right: \( 5 - 1 = 4 \). They differ. 3 and 4; the limit does not exist

  10. Name the three ways a limit can fail to exist and give an example of each.
    Show the full solution

    A jump: \( \dfrac{|x|}{x} \) at 0, with one-sided limits \( \pm 1 \). Infinite behavior: \( \dfrac1x \) at 0, growing without bound. Oscillation: \( \sin\dfrac1x \) at 0, swinging between \( -1 \) and 1 infinitely often. In the first the one-sided limits exist and differ; in the second they are infinite; in the third they do not exist. Jump, blow-up, oscillation

Lesson 11.4 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

What a function does when the input grows without bound

Limits at infinity describe end behavior, which this course has asked about since Unit 2. The horizontal asymptote of a rational function is exactly such a limit, and the method is to compare the dominant terms, the highest powers, which overwhelm everything else for large \( |x| \).

The method
  1. \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = L \) means \( f(x) \) approaches \( L \) as \( x \) grows without bound. Similarly for \( x \to -\infty \).
  2. \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{1}{x^n} = 0 \) for every positive \( n \).
  3. For a rational function, divide top and bottom by the highest power of \( x \) in the denominator.
  4. Degree of top less than bottom: the limit is 0. Equal: the ratio of leading coefficients. Top greater: the limit is \( \pm\infty \).
  5. The limit at infinity gives the horizontal asymptote.
  6. For roots, \( \sqrt{x^2} = |x| \), which is \( x \) for \( x \gt 0 \) and \( -x \) for \( x \lt 0 \).
  7. For a difference of roots, multiply by the conjugate.
  8. Exponentials: \( 2^{-x} \to 0 \) as \( x \to \infty \), and \( e^x \to 0 \) as \( x \to -\infty \).

Where students lose marks: forgetting the absolute value in \( \sqrt{x^2} \). As \( x \to -\infty \), \( \sqrt{x^2} = -x \), so the limit of \( \dfrac{3x}{\sqrt{x^2 + 4}} \) is \( +3 \) as \( x \to \infty \) but \( -3 \) as \( x \to -\infty \).

Worked example

The problem. Evaluate as \( x \to \infty \): (a) \( \dfrac{3x^2 + 2x}{x^2 + 5} \); (b) \( \dfrac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 1} \); (c) \( \dfrac{x^2 + 1}{2x + 3} \). Then (d) \( \lim_{x \to -\infty}\dfrac{2x}{\sqrt{x^2 + 1}} \); (e) \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\left(\sqrt{x^2 + x} - x\right) \).

Step one: (a), divide by \( x^2 \). \( \dfrac{3 + \frac{2}{x}}{1 + \frac{5}{x^2}} \). As \( x \to \infty \), \( \dfrac2x \to 0 \) and \( \dfrac{5}{x^2} \to 0 \): the limit is \( \dfrac{3}{1} = 3 \). Check: \( x = 1000 \): \( \dfrac{3{,}002{,}000}{1{,}000{,}005} = 3.0020 \).

Step two: (b). The degree of the numerator (1) is less than the denominator (2). Dividing by \( x^2 \): \( \dfrac{\frac2x + \frac{1}{x^2}}{1 + \frac{1}{x^2}} \to \dfrac{0}{1} = 0 \).

Step three: (c). The numerator has the higher degree. Dividing by \( x \): \( \dfrac{x + \frac1x}{2 + \frac3x} \), which behaves like \( \dfrac{x}{2} \) and grows without bound: the limit is \( \infty \). There is no horizontal asymptote; the graph has a slant asymptote \( y = \dfrac{x}{2} - \dfrac34 \).

Step four: (d), handle the root. As \( x \to -\infty \), \( x \) is negative, so \( \sqrt{x^2} = |x| = -x \). Divide top and bottom by \( |x| = -x \): \( \dfrac{2x/(-x)}{\sqrt{x^2 + 1}/(-x)} = \dfrac{-2}{\sqrt{1 + 1/x^2}} \).

Step five: finish. \( \dfrac{-2}{\sqrt{1 + 0}} = -2 \). Check: \( x = -1000 \): \( \dfrac{-2000}{\sqrt{1{,}000{,}001}} = -1.9999999 \) ✓. As \( x \to +\infty \) the limit is \( +2 \), so the graph has two different horizontal asymptotes, \( y = \pm 2 \).

Step six: (e), an \( \infty - \infty \) form. Multiply by the conjugate: \( \dfrac{(x^2 + x) - x^2}{\sqrt{x^2 + x} + x} = \dfrac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + x} + x} \).

Step seven: divide by \( x \) (positive here): \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 + \frac1x} + 1} \).

Step eight: evaluate and check. As \( x \to \infty \) the root tends to 1, so the limit is \( \dfrac{1}{1 + 1} = \dfrac12 \). Numerically: \( x = 10000 \): \( \sqrt{100{,}010{,}000} - 10000 = 10000.49999 - 10000 = 0.49999 \) ✓. Two quantities each growing without bound have a difference that settles at \( \dfrac12 \), which is why \( \infty - \infty \) is indeterminate.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac1x \).
    Show the full solution

    0

  2. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{5x + 1}{2x - 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal degrees: ratio of leading coefficients. \( \dfrac52 \)

  3. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{x^2 + 1}{x^3 + 2} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator has the higher degree. 0

  4. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{x^3 + 1}{x^2 + 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    The numerator has the higher degree. \( \infty \)

  5. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{4x^2 - x}{2x^2 + 7} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{4}{2} \). 2

  6. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{3x + 1}{\sqrt{x^2 + 4}} \).
    Show the full solution

    Divide by \( x \): \( \dfrac{3 + 1/x}{\sqrt{1 + 4/x^2}} \to 3 \). 3

  7. Find \( \lim_{x \to -\infty}\dfrac{3x + 1}{\sqrt{x^2 + 4}} \).
    Show the full solution

    Now \( \sqrt{x^2} = -x \): divide by \( -x \): \( \dfrac{-3 - 1/x}{\sqrt{1 + 4/x^2}} \to -3 \). \( -3 \)

  8. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\left(\sqrt{x^2 + x} - x\right) \).
    Show the full solution

    Conjugate: \( \dfrac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + x} + x} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 + 1/x} + 1} \to \dfrac12 \). \( \dfrac12 \)

  9. Find \( \lim_{x \to \infty}2^{-x} \) and \( \lim_{x \to -\infty}e^{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2^{-x} = \dfrac{1}{2^x} \to 0 \). And \( e^x \) becomes small for very negative \( x \). Both 0

  10. Connect \( \lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{x^2 + 1}{x^2 - 1} \) to a horizontal asymptote and find how quickly the function approaches it.
    Show the full solution

    Equal degrees with ratio 1, so \( y = 1 \) is the horizontal asymptote (lesson 2.5). The gap is \( \dfrac{x^2 + 1}{x^2 - 1} - 1 = \dfrac{2}{x^2 - 1} \), which tends to 0, like \( \dfrac{2}{x^2} \). At \( x = 100 \) the gap is 0.0002. \( y = 1 \); the gap shrinks like \( 2/x^2 \)

Lesson 11.5 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

A graph you can draw without lifting the pencil, made precise

Continuity is what makes a function predictable: no holes, no jumps, no blow-ups. It is defined with limits, which turns the everyday idea into three checkable conditions. Continuous functions also have a powerful property, the intermediate value theorem, which guarantees solutions to equations that cannot be solved by algebra.

The method
  1. \( f \) is continuous at \( a \) if three conditions hold: (1) \( f(a) \) is defined; (2) \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) \) exists; (3) the limit equals \( f(a) \).
  2. A failure of (2) or (3) with a finite limit is a removable discontinuity: a hole that can be filled.
  3. A jump discontinuity has different finite one-sided limits.
  4. An infinite discontinuity is a vertical asymptote.
  5. Polynomials, sine and cosine, exponentials are continuous everywhere; rational functions are continuous wherever the denominator is nonzero.
  6. To make a piecewise function continuous, set the one-sided limits equal at the joint and solve.
  7. Intermediate value theorem: if \( f \) is continuous on \( [a, b] \) and \( N \) lies between \( f(a) \) and \( f(b) \), then \( f(c) = N \) for some \( c \) in \( [a, b] \).
  8. In particular, a sign change guarantees a zero.

Where students lose marks: using the intermediate value theorem for a function that is not continuous. \( f(x) = \dfrac1x \) has \( f(-1) = -1 \) and \( f(1) = 1 \), yet no zero between them, because it is discontinuous at 0.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Classify the discontinuity of \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} \) at 2 and repair it. (b) Classify \( g(x) = \begin{cases} x + 1 & x \lt 2 \\ 7 - x & x \ge 2 \end{cases} \) at 2. (c) Find \( k \) so that \( h(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 + k & x \lt 3 \\ 2x + 1 & x \ge 3 \end{cases} \) is continuous. (d) Show that \( x^3 + x - 3 = 0 \) has a solution between 1 and 2.

Step one: test the conditions for (a). \( f(2) \) is undefined (0 over 0), so condition (1) fails. The limit is \( \lim (x + 2) = 4 \), which exists.

Step two: repair. This is a removable discontinuity. Defining \( f(2) = 4 \) makes the function continuous: it becomes \( x + 2 \) everywhere.

Step three: (b). Left limit: \( 2 + 1 = 3 \). Right limit: \( 7 - 2 = 5 \). They differ: a jump discontinuity of size 2. No choice of \( g(2) \) repairs it.

Step four: (c), equate the one-sided limits at 3. Left: \( 9 + k \). Right (and the value): \( 2(3) + 1 = 7 \). So \( 9 + k = 7 \), giving \( k = -2 \).

Step five: check. With \( k = -2 \): \( h(3^-) = 9 - 2 = 7 \) and \( h(3) = 7 \). All three conditions hold at 3. Away from 3 each piece is a polynomial, so \( h \) is continuous everywhere.

Step six: (d), the sign change. Let \( f(x) = x^3 + x - 3 \), continuous because it is a polynomial. \( f(1) = 1 + 1 - 3 = -1 \) and \( f(2) = 8 + 2 - 3 = 7 \).

Step seven: apply the theorem. Since \( f(1) \lt 0 \lt f(2) \), there is a \( c \) between 1 and 2 with \( f(c) = 0 \).

Step eight: narrow it down. \( f(1.2) = 1.728 + 1.2 - 3 = -0.072 \) and \( f(1.22) = 1.816 + 1.22 - 3 = 0.036 \), so the root is between 1.2 and 1.22, near 1.213. Repeating the bisection gives as many decimals as needed. No formula for the root is required, which is the power of the theorem. It is also how calculators find roots.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Is \( f(x) = x^2 + 1 \) continuous at \( x = 3 \)?
    Show the full solution

    It is a polynomial. Yes

  2. Where is \( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x - 3} \) discontinuous, and of what kind?
    Show the full solution

    At \( x = 3 \), where the values blow up. \( x = 3 \); infinite

  3. Classify the discontinuity of \( \dfrac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} \) at 3 and repair it.
    Show the full solution

    The limit is 6 but \( f(3) \) is undefined: removable. Define \( f(3) = 6 \). Removable; \( f(3) = 6 \)

  4. Find \( k \) so that \( f(x) = kx \) for \( x \lt 2 \) and \( 5 \) for \( x \ge 2 \) is continuous.
    Show the full solution

    \( 2k = 5 \). \( k = 2.5 \)

  5. List the three conditions for continuity at a point.
    Show the full solution

    \( f(a) \) is defined; the limit exists; they are equal

  6. Find the discontinuities of \( \dfrac{x + 1}{(x - 1)(x + 2)} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator is zero at 1 and \( -2 \), and the numerator is nonzero at both. Infinite discontinuities at \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -2 \)

  7. Find \( k \) so that \( h(x) = x^2 + k \) for \( x \lt 3 \) and \( 2x + 1 \) for \( x \ge 3 \) is continuous.
    Show the full solution

    \( 9 + k = 7 \). \( k = -2 \)

  8. Show that \( x^3 + x - 3 = 0 \) has a solution in \( [1, 2] \).
    Show the full solution

    \( f(1) = -1 \) and \( f(2) = 7 \): a sign change on an interval where \( f \) is continuous. By the intermediate value theorem, a zero exists

  9. Show that \( \cos x = x \) has a solution in \( [0, 1] \).
    Show the full solution

    Let \( g(x) = \cos x - x \). \( g(0) = 1 \gt 0 \) and \( g(1) = 0.5403 - 1 = -0.4597 \lt 0 \). The sign change gives a root; it is about \( 0.739 \) (check: \( \cos 0.739 = 0.7393 \)). A root near 0.739

  10. Why does the intermediate value theorem fail for \( f(x) = \dfrac1x \) on \( [-1, 1] \), which has \( f(-1) = -1 \) and \( f(1) = 1 \)?
    Show the full solution

    The theorem needs continuity on the whole interval, and \( \dfrac1x \) is undefined at \( x = 0 \), inside \( [-1, 1] \). The graph jumps from \( -\infty \) to \( +\infty \) through the asymptote, skipping the value 0. The function is discontinuous at 0

Lesson 11.6 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

The limit that turns an average rate into an exact one

In lesson 1.7 the difference quotient gave the average rate of change over an interval, and shrinking the interval seemed to settle on a number. Now that limits are defined, the settling has a name: the instantaneous rate of change, which is the slope of the tangent line. This is the central idea of differential calculus.

The method
  1. The slope of the secant through \( (a, f(a)) \) and \( (a + h, f(a + h)) \) is \( \dfrac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h} \).
  2. The instantaneous rate of change at \( a \) is the limit as \( h \to 0 \): \( f'(a) = \lim_{h \to 0}\dfrac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h} \).
  3. Geometrically it is the slope of the tangent line at \( x = a \).
  4. Substituting \( h = 0 \) gives \( \dfrac00 \) always, so the algebra must cancel \( h \) first.
  5. Expand \( f(a + h) \), subtract \( f(a) \), factor \( h \), cancel, then let \( h \to 0 \).
  6. For roots, rationalize; for reciprocals, combine fractions.
  7. For a position function \( s(t) \), the rate is the instantaneous velocity.
  8. The tangent line at \( a \): \( y - f(a) = f'(a)(x - a) \).

Where students lose marks: letting \( h = 0 \) too early. The numerator and denominator both vanish and no answer comes out. The order is: simplify the quotient for \( h \ne 0 \), then take the limit. The cancellation of \( h \) is legitimate because in a limit \( h \) approaches 0 without equaling it.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the slope of the tangent to \( f(x) = x^2 \) at \( x = 3 \). (b) Find the slope of the tangent to \( f(x) = \dfrac1x \) at \( x = 2 \). (c) Find the slope of the tangent to \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \) at \( x = 4 \). (d) A ball has height \( s(t) = -4.9t^2 + 20t \). Find its instantaneous velocity at \( t = 1 \).

Step one: (a), form the quotient. \( \dfrac{(3 + h)^2 - 9}{h} = \dfrac{9 + 6h + h^2 - 9}{h} = \dfrac{6h + h^2}{h} = 6 + h \).

Step two: take the limit. \( \lim_{h \to 0}(6 + h) = 6 \). The tangent at \( (3, 9) \) has slope 6. The secant slopes for \( h = 1, 0.1, 0.01 \) are 7, 6.1, 6.01, approaching 6.

Step three: (b). \( \dfrac{\frac{1}{2 + h} - \frac12}{h} \). Combine: \( \dfrac{2 - (2 + h)}{2(2 + h)} = \dfrac{-h}{2(2 + h)} \). Divide by \( h \): \( \dfrac{-1}{2(2 + h)} \).

Step four: limit. \( \to \dfrac{-1}{4} \). The curve \( y = \dfrac1x \) is falling at \( x = 2 \), with slope \( -\dfrac14 \).

Step five: (c), rationalize. \( \dfrac{\sqrt{4 + h} - 2}{h} \cdot \dfrac{\sqrt{4 + h} + 2}{\sqrt{4 + h} + 2} = \dfrac{h}{h(\sqrt{4 + h} + 2)} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{4 + h} + 2} \).

Step six: limit. \( \to \dfrac{1}{2 + 2} = \dfrac14 \). It agrees with the answer to lesson 1.7's problem: the average rate from 4 to 9 was \( \dfrac15 \), and shrinking the interval gives \( \dfrac14 \).

Step seven: (d), the quotient. \( s(1 + h) - s(1) = -4.9(1 + 2h + h^2) + 20 + 20h - (-4.9 + 20) = -9.8h - 4.9h^2 + 20h = 10.2h - 4.9h^2 \). Divide by \( h \): \( 10.2 - 4.9h \).

Step eight: limit and check. \( \lim_{h \to 0}(10.2 - 4.9h) = 10.2 \) m/s, upward. Check with \( h = 0.001 \): \( s(1.001) = -4.9(1.002001) + 20.02 = 15.11 \) and \( s(1) = 15.1 \), so the average over that interval is \( 10.195 \) m/s ✓. The formula for the velocity is \( v = -9.8t + 20 \), which vanishes at \( t = 2.04 \): the top of the flight, where the ball is momentarily at rest before it falls.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the slope of the tangent to \( f(x) = x^2 \) at \( x = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(1 + h)^2 - 1}{h} = 2 + h \to 2 \). 2

  2. Find the slope of \( f(x) = 3x + 2 \) at any point.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{3h}{h} = 3 \). A line has the same slope everywhere. 3

  3. Find the slope of \( f(x) = x^2 \) at \( x = 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(5 + h)^2 - 25}{h} = 10 + h \to 10 \). 10

  4. Find the slope of \( f(x) = x^3 \) at \( x = 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(2 + h)^3 - 8}{h} = 12 + 6h + h^2 \to 12 \). 12

  5. Find the slope of \( f(x) = \dfrac1x \) at \( x = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{-1}{1 \cdot (1 + h)} \to -1 \). \( -1 \)

  6. Find the slope of \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \) at \( x = 9 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{9 + h} + 3} \to \dfrac16 \). \( \dfrac16 \)

  7. A particle has \( s(t) = t^2 + 2t \). Find its velocity at \( t = 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( s(3 + h) - s(3) = (9 + 6h + h^2) + 6 + 2h - 15 = 8h + h^2 \); divided by \( h \): \( 8 + h \). 8

  8. Simplify the difference quotient of \( f(x) = x^2 - 3x \) and evaluate the slope at \( x = 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{(x + h)^2 - 3(x + h) - x^2 + 3x}{h} = 2x + h - 3 \to 2x - 3 \). At \( x = 2 \): \( 1 \), matching lesson 1.7. \( 2x - 3 \); slope 1 at \( x = 2 \)

  9. Find the equation of the tangent line to \( y = x^2 \) at \( (1, 1) \).
    Show the full solution

    The slope is 2. \( y - 1 = 2(x - 1) \). \( y = 2x - 1 \)

  10. Explain why the limit is needed, using the secant slopes of \( x^2 \) at \( x = 3 \) for \( h = 1, 0.1, 0.01 \).
    Show the full solution

    The secant slopes are \( 6 + h \): 7, 6.1, 6.01. They close in on 6 but never equal it for \( h \ne 0 \). Setting \( h = 0 \) in the original quotient gives \( \dfrac00 \), which has no value, yet the simplified quotient \( 6 + h \) clearly heads for 6. The limit is the tool that captures what the secant slopes approach without requiring a second point at zero distance. 7, 6.1, 6.01 approach 6

Lesson 11.7 · Unit 11 · F-IF.6

A function that gives the slope at every point, and where the course ends

Doing the limit of lesson 11.6 for a general \( x \) produces a new function, the derivative, which gives the slope at every point at once. The calculation is the same each time, and patterns appear that make it fast. This lesson is the last of the course and the first of calculus.

The method
  1. The derivative of \( f \) is \( f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0}\dfrac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h} \), where the limit exists.
  2. It is a function of \( x \): its value at \( a \) is the slope of the tangent at \( a \).
  3. Derivative of a constant: 0. Of \( mx + b \): \( m \).
  4. The pattern for powers: the derivative of \( x^n \) is \( nx^{n-1} \).
  5. \( \dfrac{d}{dx}\dfrac1x = -\dfrac{1}{x^2} \), \( \dfrac{d}{dx}\sqrt{x} = \dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} \).
  6. If the derivative is positive the function is increasing; if negative, decreasing; where zero, the graph is flat.
  7. The derivative fails to exist at a corner, a cusp, a vertical tangent or a discontinuity.
  8. Interpretations: velocity from position, marginal cost from cost, growth rate from population.

Where students lose marks: assuming every continuous function has a derivative. \( f(x) = |x| \) is continuous at 0, but its graph has a corner there, with slope \( -1 \) on the left and \( +1 \) on the right, so there is no single tangent slope. Continuity is necessary for differentiability, not sufficient.

Worked example

The problem. (a) Find the derivative of \( f(x) = x^3 \). (b) Find the derivative of \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \). (c) Show that \( f(x) = |x| \) has no derivative at 0. (d) Find the tangent line to \( y = \sqrt{x} \) at \( x = 4 \).

Step one: (a), expand. \( (x + h)^3 = x^3 + 3x^2h + 3xh^2 + h^3 \), so \( \dfrac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h} = \dfrac{3x^2h + 3xh^2 + h^3}{h} = 3x^2 + 3xh + h^2 \).

Step two: limit. As \( h \to 0 \) the last two terms vanish: \( f'(x) = 3x^2 \). Check at \( x = 2 \): 12, matching lesson 11.6's answer.

Step three: (b), rationalize. \( \dfrac{\sqrt{x + h} - \sqrt{x}}{h} \cdot \dfrac{\sqrt{x + h} + \sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x + h} + \sqrt{x}} = \dfrac{h}{h(\sqrt{x + h} + \sqrt{x})} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x + h} + \sqrt{x}} \).

Step four: limit. \( f'(x) = \dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} \). At \( x = 4 \): \( \dfrac14 \); at \( x = 9 \): \( \dfrac16 \), agreeing with the earlier lesson. The slope decreases as \( x \) grows, because a square root flattens.

Step five: (c), the quotient at 0. \( \dfrac{|0 + h| - |0|}{h} = \dfrac{|h|}{h} \).

Step six: one-sided limits. For \( h \gt 0 \), \( \dfrac{|h|}{h} = 1 \). For \( h \lt 0 \), it is \( -1 \). The two-sided limit does not exist (lesson 11.3), so \( |x| \) is not differentiable at 0, although it is continuous there.

Step seven: (d). At \( x = 4 \): the point is \( (4, 2) \) and the slope is \( \dfrac14 \). The tangent: \( y - 2 = \dfrac14(x - 4) \), or \( y = \dfrac{x}{4} + 1 \).

Step eight: check and look ahead. At \( x = 4.4 \) the line gives 2.1 and the curve \( \sqrt{4.4} = 2.0976 \), very close. Near the point of tangency, the tangent line is an excellent approximation of the curve; that is the idea behind linear approximation and the reason derivatives are useful far beyond finding slopes. The patterns \( x^2 \to 2x \) and \( x^3 \to 3x^2 \), and the one seen in lesson 1.7 for \( x^3 \), suggest \( x^n \to nx^{n-1} \), which calculus proves in general. The next course begins with the rules that make this quick.

Practice · 10 problems

Problems 1 to 5 are routine. Problems 6 to 10 are multi-step or ask for reasoning.

  1. Find the derivative of \( f(x) = 5 \).
    Show the full solution

    A constant does not change: the quotient is \( \dfrac{0}{h} = 0 \). 0

  2. Find the derivative of \( f(x) = 4x - 7 \).
    Show the full solution

    A line has constant slope. 4

  3. Find the derivative of \( f(x) = x^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{2xh + h^2}{h} = 2x + h \to 2x \). \( 2x \)

  4. Find \( f'(3) \) for \( f(x) = x^2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2(3) \). 6

  5. Find the derivative of \( f(x) = x^3 \) and evaluate it at 2.
    Show the full solution

    \( 3x^2 \), so \( 3(4) \). \( 3x^2 \); 12

  6. Find the derivative of \( f(x) = \dfrac1x \) and evaluate it at 2.
    Show the full solution

    \( -\dfrac{1}{x(x + h)} \to -\dfrac{1}{x^2} \); at 2: \( -\dfrac14 \). \( -\dfrac{1}{x^2} \); \( -\dfrac14 \)

  7. Find the derivative of \( f(x) = \sqrt{x} \) and evaluate it at 9.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} \); at 9: \( \dfrac16 \). \( \dfrac{1}{2\sqrt x} \); \( \dfrac16 \)

  8. Find the equation of the tangent line to \( y = x^3 \) at \( x = 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    Slope \( 3(1)^2 = 3 \), point \( (1, 1) \): \( y - 1 = 3(x - 1) \). \( y = 3x - 2 \)

  9. Show that \( f(x) = |x| \) has no derivative at 0.
    Show the full solution

    The quotient at 0 is \( \dfrac{|h|}{h} \), equal to 1 for \( h \gt 0 \) and \( -1 \) for \( h \lt 0 \). The one-sided limits differ. The graph has a corner at 0

  10. Use the difference quotient to find the derivative of \( f(x) = x^4 \), and state the pattern for \( x^n \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (x + h)^4 = x^4 + 4x^3h + 6x^2h^2 + 4xh^3 + h^4 \). Subtract \( x^4 \), divide by \( h \): \( 4x^3 + 6x^2h + 4xh^2 + h^3 \to 4x^3 \). The sequence \( x^2 \to 2x \), \( x^3 \to 3x^2 \), \( x^4 \to 4x^3 \) follows the pattern \( x^n \to nx^{n-1} \), because the second term of the binomial expansion of \( (x + h)^n \) is always \( nx^{n-1}h \), and every later term contains \( h^2 \) or more, which vanishes in the limit. \( 4x^3 \); \( \dfrac{d}{dx}x^n = nx^{n-1} \)

Unit 11 review · 10 problems · all lessons

Unit 11 review: Limits and the Idea of Calculus

Shuffled across all seven lessons. A limit describes nearby values, not the value at the point.

  1. Find \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to 2}\dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} \).
    Show the full solution

    Factor: \( \dfrac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{x - 2} = x + 2 \) for \( x \ne 2 \). 4

  2. Find \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0}\dfrac{\sqrt{x + 4} - 2}{x} \).
    Show the full solution

    Multiply by the conjugate: \( \dfrac{(x + 4) - 4}{x(\sqrt{x + 4} + 2)} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x + 4} + 2} \). At \( x = 0 \) this is \( \dfrac14 \). \( \dfrac14 \)

  3. Find \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to 1}\dfrac{x^2 + x - 2}{x - 1} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x^2 + x - 2 = (x + 2)(x - 1) \), leaving \( x + 2 \). 3

  4. For \( f(x) = \dfrac{|x|}{x} \), find the one-sided limits at 0 and decide whether the limit exists.
    Show the full solution

    For \( x \lt 0 \), \( f = -1 \); for \( x \gt 0 \), \( f = 1 \). The sides disagree. Left limit \( -1 \), right limit 1; the limit does not exist

  5. Find \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{3x^2 + 1}{x^2 - 5} \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal degrees: the ratio of leading coefficients. 3

  6. Find \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{2x + 1}{x^2 + 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    The denominator has the higher degree. 0

  7. Find \( k \) so that \( f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x - 1} \) for \( x \ne 1 \), \( f(1) = k \), is continuous.
    Show the full solution

    For \( x \ne 1 \), \( f(x) = x + 1 \), so the limit at 1 is 2. Continuity needs \( f(1) = 2 \). \( k = 2 \)

  8. Find \( a \) so that \( f(x) = ax + 1 \) for \( x \lt 2 \) and \( f(x) = x^2 \) for \( x \ge 2 \) is continuous at 2.
    Show the full solution

    Left limit \( 2a + 1 \); \( f(2) = 4 \). Set \( 2a + 1 = 4 \). \( a = \dfrac32 \)

  9. For \( f(x) = x^2 \), simplify \( \dfrac{f(3 + h) - f(3)}{h} \) and take the limit as \( h \to 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{9 + 6h + h^2 - 9}{h} = 6 + h \), which approaches 6. Instantaneous rate of change 6

  10. Use the limit definition to find \( f'(x) \) for \( f(x) = x^2 - 3x \), then \( f'(1) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h} = \dfrac{2xh + h^2 - 3h}{h} = 2x + h - 3 \). Let \( h \to 0 \). \( f'(x) = 2x - 3 \), so \( f'(1) = -1 \)

Cumulative review 1 · 10 problems · units 1 to 6

Everything from functions through trigonometric identities

A unit review tells you which unit the problem came from. This one does not, which is the point: naming the family before you touch the problem is half of the work on a real test.

  1. State the domain and range of \( f(x) = \sqrt{x - 2} + 1 \).
    Show the full solution

    The radicand needs \( x - 2 \ge 0 \). The root is at least 0, so \( f \ge 1 \). Domain \( [2, \infty) \), range \( [1, \infty) \)

  2. If \( f(x) = x^2 + 1 \) and \( g(x) = 3x - 2 \), find \( f(g(2)) \) and \( g(f(2)) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( g(2) = 4 \), so \( f(4) = 17 \). \( f(2) = 5 \), so \( g(5) = 13 \). The order matters. 17 and 13

  3. Find all zeros of \( x^3 - 2x^2 - 5x + 6 \).
    Show the full solution

    Test \( x = 3 \): \( 27 - 18 - 15 + 6 = 0 \). Divide by \( x - 3 \) to get \( x^2 + x - 2 = (x + 2)(x - 1) \). \( x = 3, -2, 1 \)

  4. Find the asymptotes and the hole of \( f(x) = \dfrac{2x^2 - 8}{x^2 - x - 2} \).
    Show the full solution

    Factor: \( \dfrac{2(x - 2)(x + 2)}{(x - 2)(x + 1)} \). The factor \( x - 2 \) cancels, leaving a hole at \( x = 2 \) with height \( \dfrac{2(4)}{3} = \dfrac83 \). Vertical asymptote at \( x = -1 \). Equal degrees give \( y = 2 \). Hole \( \left(2, \dfrac83\right) \); \( x = -1 \); \( y = 2 \)

  5. Solve \( 2\cdot 3^x = 54 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 3^x = 27 \). \( x = 3 \)

  6. Solve \( \log_2 x + \log_2(x - 2) = 3 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( x(x - 2) = 8 \), so \( x^2 - 2x - 8 = (x - 4)(x + 2) = 0 \). The value \( x = -2 \) makes the logarithms undefined. \( x = 4 \)

  7. How long does \$2,000 take to reach \$3,000 at 5% compounded continuously?
    Show the full solution

    \( 1.5 = e^{0.05t} \), so \( t = \dfrac{\ln 1.5}{0.05} \). 8.11 years

  8. Convert \( 150^\circ \) to radians and find the arc length it cuts on a circle of radius 6.
    Show the full solution

    \( 150\cdot\dfrac{\pi}{180} = \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \); arc \( s = 6\cdot\dfrac{5\pi}{6} \). \( \dfrac{5\pi}{6} \) and \( 5\pi \approx 15.71 \)

  9. If \( \cos\theta = -\dfrac{5}{13} \) and \( \theta \) is in quadrant III, find \( \sin\theta \) and \( \tan\theta \).
    Show the full solution

    The missing side is 12, and sine is negative in quadrant III. Tangent is sine over cosine. \( \sin\theta = -\dfrac{12}{13} \), \( \tan\theta = \dfrac{12}{5} \)

  10. Solve \( 2\sin^2 x + \sin x - 1 = 0 \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( (2\sin x - 1)(\sin x + 1) = 0 \): \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \) or \( -1 \). \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

Cumulative review 2 · 10 problems · units 1 to 11

Everything in the course, in no particular order

These draw on the whole year. Name the family first, then choose the tool.

  1. Solve \( \sin 2x = \cos x \) on \( [0, 2\pi) \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 2\sin x\cos x - \cos x = \cos x(2\sin x - 1) = 0 \). Either \( \cos x = 0 \) or \( \sin x = \dfrac12 \). Dividing by \( \cos x \) would lose two solutions. \( \dfrac{\pi}{6}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{5\pi}{6}, \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \)

  2. Find the third side of the triangle with \( a = 9 \), \( b = 14 \), \( C = 38^\circ \).
    Show the full solution

    SAS: \( c^2 = 81 + 196 - 2(9)(14)\cos 38^\circ = 277 - 198.58 = 78.42 \). \( c = 8.86 \)

  3. Find the angle between \( \langle 2, -3 \rangle \) and \( \langle 4, 1 \rangle \).
    Show the full solution

    Dot product \( 8 - 3 = 5 \); magnitudes \( \sqrt{13} \) and \( \sqrt{17} \); \( \cos\theta = \dfrac{5}{\sqrt{221}} \). \( 70.35^\circ \)

  4. Compute \( (\sqrt3 + i)^6 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \sqrt3 + i = 2\,\text{cis}\,30^\circ \). Then \( 2^6 = 64 \) and the angle is \( 180^\circ \). \( -64 \)

  5. Find the center and foci of \( 4x^2 + 9y^2 - 16x + 18y - 11 = 0 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( 4(x - 2)^2 + 9(y + 1)^2 = 11 + 16 + 9 = 36 \), so \( \dfrac{(x - 2)^2}{9} + \dfrac{(y + 1)^2}{4} = 1 \). Then \( c^2 = 9 - 4 = 5 \), along the horizontal major axis. Center \( (2, -1) \); foci \( (2 \pm \sqrt5, -1) \)

  6. An infinite geometric series has first term 6 and sum 9. Find \( r \) and the fourth term.
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{6}{1 - r} = 9 \), so \( 1 - r = \dfrac23 \) and \( r = \dfrac13 \). Then \( a_4 = 6\left(\dfrac13\right)^3 \). \( r = \dfrac13 \), \( a_4 = \dfrac29 \)

  7. Find \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to \infty}\dfrac{5x^3 - 2x}{2x^3 + 7} \) and \( \displaystyle\lim_{x \to 3}\dfrac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} \).
    Show the full solution

    Equal degrees give the ratio of leading coefficients, \( \dfrac52 \). For the second, cancel the factor \( x - 3 \) to leave \( x + 3 \). \( \dfrac52 \) and 6

  8. Use the limit definition to find the instantaneous rate of change of \( f(x) = \dfrac1x \) at \( x = 2 \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \dfrac{\frac{1}{2 + h} - \frac12}{h} = \dfrac{2 - (2 + h)}{2(2 + h)h} = \dfrac{-1}{2(2 + h)} \). Let \( h \to 0 \). \( -\dfrac14 \)

  9. Eliminate the parameter from \( x = 4\cos t \), \( y = 3\sin t \), and find the point at \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \).
    Show the full solution

    \( \cos t = \dfrac{x}{4} \) and \( \sin t = \dfrac{y}{3} \), so the identity \( \cos^2 t + \sin^2 t = 1 \) gives \( \dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{9} = 1 \). At \( t = \dfrac{\pi}{3} \): \( (2, \tfrac{3\sqrt3}{2}) \). An ellipse; the point is \( \left(2, \dfrac{3\sqrt3}{2}\right) \)

  10. A culture starts at 500 cells and doubles every 3 hours. When does it reach 8,000?
    Show the full solution

    \( 500\cdot 2^{t/3} = 8000 \), so \( 2^{t/3} = 16 = 2^4 \) and \( \dfrac{t}{3} = 4 \). 12 hours

Reference · always available

Everything this course lets you quote without deriving it

This sheet lists the formulas and named results the course establishes, with the lesson that develops each one, so you can check whether a result is available to you yet. It is meant to be looked up, not memorized in one sitting. Where a formula has a short derivation, the lesson gives it, and rederiving is often faster than recalling a form you half remember.

Calculator policy and the radian test. Units 1 and 2 expect exact answers and need no calculator. Units 3 and 7 need one for logarithms, compound growth and triangle solving. In units 4 to 6 and 8 to 11, give exact values whenever a special angle allows it and decimals only when asked. Keep the calculator in radian mode for any question written in radians and in degree mode for any question written in degrees. A quick test: \( \sin(1) \) must give 0.8415 in radian mode. If it gives 0.0175 the calculator is in degrees, and every answer that depends on it will be wrong.

The four errors this course names

The errorWhy it is wrong
Canceling a term instead of a factor\( \dfrac{x+3}{3} \ne x \). Only factors of the whole numerator cancel. Lessons 2.5, 6.2
Not checking for extraneous rootsCondensing logarithms, squaring and clearing denominators can add solutions. Lessons 3.4, 6.6
The linearity error\( (a+b)^2 \ne a^2+b^2 \), \( \log(a+b) \ne \log a + \log b \), \( \sin(A+B) \ne \sin A + \sin B \), \( \sin 2\theta \ne 2\sin\theta \). All one mistake. Lessons 3.3, 6.3, 6.4
Losing the domainA restriction that vanishes when an expression is simplified is still a restriction, and dividing by \( \sin x \) or \( \cos x \) loses solutions. Lessons 2.6, 6.6

Functions and transformations (unit 1)

ResultWhere it comes from
\( y = af\big(b(x-h)\big) + k \)General transformed form, lesson 1.3
Even: \( f(-x) = f(x) \). Odd: \( f(-x) = -f(x) \)Lesson 1.4
\( (f \circ g)(x) = f\big(g(x)\big) \), inner function firstLesson 1.6
\( f\big(f^{-1}(x)\big) = x \) and \( f^{-1}\big(f(x)\big) = x \); swap \( x \) and \( y \) and solveLesson 1.6
Average rate of change \( \dfrac{f(b)-f(a)}{b-a} \); difference quotient \( \dfrac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h} \)Lesson 1.7

Polynomial and rational functions (unit 2)

ResultWhere it comes from
End behavior is set by the leading term: degree parity and sign of the leading coefficientLesson 2.1
Odd multiplicity crosses the axis; even multiplicity touches and turnsLesson 2.1
Remainder theorem: the remainder on dividing by \( x-c \) is \( f(c) \)Lesson 2.2
Rational root theorem: candidates are \( \dfrac{p}{q} \), \( p \mid a_0 \), \( q \mid a_n \)Lesson 2.3
A degree \( n \) polynomial has exactly \( n \) complex zeros, and non-real zeros of real polynomials come in conjugate pairsLesson 2.3
Vertical asymptote where the denominator is zero and the numerator is not; a canceled factor leaves a holeLesson 2.5
Horizontal asymptote by comparing degrees; slant asymptote when the numerator degree is one moreLessons 2.5, 2.6
Solve inequalities with a sign chart over the zeros and undefined pointsLesson 2.7

Exponentials and logarithms (unit 3)

ResultWhere it comes from
\( \log_b x = y \iff b^y = x \); \( \log_b b^x = x \) and \( b^{\log_b x} = x \)Lesson 3.2
\( \log_b(MN) = \log_b M + \log_b N \); \( \log_b\dfrac MN = \log_b M - \log_b N \); \( \log_b M^p = p\log_b M \)Lesson 3.3
Change of base: \( \log_b x = \dfrac{\ln x}{\ln b} \)Lesson 3.3
Compound interest \( A = P\left(1+\dfrac rn\right)^{nt} \); continuous \( A = Pe^{rt} \)Lesson 3.5
Growth and decay \( A = A_0e^{kt} \); doubling time \( \dfrac{\ln 2}{k} \); half-life \( \dfrac{\ln 2}{|k|} \)Lesson 3.5
Logistic model \( P = \dfrac{L}{1+Ae^{-kt}} \), capacity \( L \)Lesson 3.6

Angles and the unit circle (unit 4)

ResultWhere it comes from
\( \pi \) radians \( = 180^\circ \); \( \theta_{rad} = \theta_{deg}\cdot\dfrac{\pi}{180} \)Lesson 4.1
Arc \( s = r\theta \); sector area \( \tfrac12r^2\theta \); linear speed \( v = r\omega \)Lesson 4.2
Unit circle point \( (\cos\theta, \sin\theta) \)Lesson 4.3
\( 30^\circ\)-\(60^\circ\)-\(90^\circ \) sides \( 1 : \sqrt3 : 2 \); \( 45^\circ \)-\( 45^\circ \)-\( 90^\circ \) sides \( 1 : 1 : \sqrt2 \)Lesson 4.4
Reference angle and the signs by quadrant (all, sine, tangent, cosine)Lesson 4.5
From a point \( (x,y) \) with \( r = \sqrt{x^2+y^2} \): \( \sin\theta = \dfrac yr \), \( \cos\theta = \dfrac xr \), \( \tan\theta = \dfrac yx \)Lesson 4.6
\( \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 \); \( 1+\tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta \); \( 1+\cot^2\theta = \csc^2\theta \)Lesson 4.7

Graphs of trigonometric functions (unit 5)

ResultWhere it comes from
\( y = A\sin\big(B(x-C)\big)+D \): amplitude \( |A| \), period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{|B|} \), phase shift \( C \), midline \( y=D \)Lessons 5.1, 5.2
Tangent and cotangent have period \( \dfrac{\pi}{|B|} \); secant and cosecant have period \( \dfrac{2\pi}{|B|} \)Lesson 5.5
Fit a sinusoid: amplitude \( \dfrac{\max-\min}{2} \), midline \( \dfrac{\max+\min}{2} \)Lessons 5.3, 5.4
Inverse ranges: \( \sin^{-1}\in[-\tfrac\pi2,\tfrac\pi2] \), \( \cos^{-1}\in[0,\pi] \), \( \tan^{-1}\in(-\tfrac\pi2,\tfrac\pi2) \)Lesson 5.6
\( \sin^{-1}(\sin x) = x \) only when \( x \) is in the principal rangeLesson 5.7

Identities (unit 6)

ResultWhere it comes from
\( \tan\theta = \dfrac{\sin\theta}{\cos\theta} \); reciprocal and cofunction identitiesLesson 6.1
\( \sin(A\pm B) = \sin A\cos B \pm \cos A\sin B \)Lesson 6.3
\( \cos(A\pm B) = \cos A\cos B \mp \sin A\sin B \)Lesson 6.3
\( \sin2\theta = 2\sin\theta\cos\theta \); \( \cos2\theta = \cos^2\theta-\sin^2\theta = 2\cos^2\theta-1 = 1-2\sin^2\theta \)Lesson 6.4
\( \sin\dfrac\theta2 = \pm\sqrt{\dfrac{1-\cos\theta}{2}} \); \( \cos\dfrac\theta2 = \pm\sqrt{\dfrac{1+\cos\theta}{2}} \)Lesson 6.4
For \( \sin(kx) = c \), solve for \( kx \) over \( [0, 2\pi k) \), then divide by \( k \)Lesson 6.7

Triangles (unit 7)

ResultWhere it comes from
Law of sines \( \dfrac{a}{\sin A}=\dfrac{b}{\sin B}=\dfrac{c}{\sin C} \)Lesson 7.2
SSA: compare the height \( h = b\sin A \) with \( a \); none, one or two trianglesLesson 7.3
Law of cosines \( c^2 = a^2+b^2-2ab\cos C \)Lesson 7.4
Area \( \tfrac12ab\sin C \); Heron \( \sqrt{s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)} \), \( s = \dfrac{a+b+c}{2} \)Lesson 7.5
Bearings are measured clockwise from north, in three digitsLesson 7.6

Vectors (unit 8)

ResultWhere it comes from
Components \( \langle |v|\cos\theta, |v|\sin\theta \rangle \); vector \( \overrightarrow{AB} = B - A \)Lesson 8.1
Magnitude \( \sqrt{v_1^2+v_2^2} \); direction \( \tan^{-1}\dfrac{v_2}{v_1} \) adjusted for the quadrant; unit vector \( \dfrac{\vec v}{|\vec v|} \)Lessons 8.2, 8.3
Equilibrium: the forces sum to the zero vectorLesson 8.4
\( \vec u\cdot\vec v = u_1v_1+u_2v_2 = |\vec u||\vec v|\cos\theta \); zero means perpendicularLesson 8.5
\( \text{proj}_{\vec v}\vec u = \dfrac{\vec u\cdot\vec v}{\vec v\cdot\vec v}\vec v \); work \( W = \vec F\cdot\vec d \)Lesson 8.6
3D magnitude \( \sqrt{v_1^2+v_2^2+v_3^2} \), dot product adds a third productLesson 8.7

Polar, complex and parametric (unit 9)

ResultWhere it comes from
\( x = r\cos\theta \), \( y = r\sin\theta \); \( r^2 = x^2+y^2 \), \( \tan\theta = \dfrac yx \)Lessons 9.1, 9.2
Polar families: circles, cardioids, limaçons, roses (\( 2n \) petals if \( n \) even, \( n \) if odd), lemniscatesLesson 9.3
\( z = r(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta) \); multiply moduli and add anglesLesson 9.4
De Moivre: \( z^n = r^n(\cos n\theta+i\sin n\theta) \)Lesson 9.5
The \( n \) nth roots: modulus \( r^{1/n} \), angles \( \dfrac{\theta+360^\circ k}{n} \)Lesson 9.5
Eliminate a parameter by solving one equation for \( t \) or by using \( \cos^2t+\sin^2t=1 \)Lessons 9.6, 9.7

Conics, sequences and series (unit 10)

ResultWhere it comes from
Parabola \( (x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k) \): focus \( p \) from the vertex, directrix on the other sideLesson 10.1
Ellipse \( \dfrac{(x-h)^2}{a^2}+\dfrac{(y-k)^2}{b^2}=1 \), \( c^2 = a^2-b^2 \)Lesson 10.2
Hyperbola \( \dfrac{(x-h)^2}{a^2}-\dfrac{(y-k)^2}{b^2}=1 \), \( c^2 = a^2+b^2 \), asymptote slopes \( \pm\dfrac ba \)Lesson 10.3
Arithmetic: \( a_n = a_1+(n-1)d \), \( S_n = \dfrac n2(a_1+a_n) \)Lesson 10.5
Geometric: \( a_n = a_1r^{n-1} \), \( S_n = a_1\dfrac{1-r^n}{1-r} \)Lesson 10.5
Infinite geometric: \( S = \dfrac{a_1}{1-r} \) only when \( |r| \lt 1 \)Lesson 10.6
Induction: prove the base case, assume \( n=k \), prove \( n=k+1 \)Lesson 10.7

Limits (unit 11)

ResultWhere it comes from
A limit describes nearby values; it need not equal the value at the pointLesson 11.1
For \( \dfrac00 \): factor, use a conjugate or simplify the fraction, then substituteLesson 11.2
The two-sided limit exists only when both one-sided limits exist and agreeLesson 11.3
At infinity, compare degrees: higher on the bottom gives 0, equal gives the ratio of leading coefficientsLesson 11.4
Continuous at \( a \): \( f(a) \) exists, the limit exists, and they are equalLesson 11.5
\( f'(x) = \displaystyle\lim_{h \to 0}\dfrac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h} \)Lessons 11.6, 11.7

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