Trigonometry & Inverse Trigonometry
Trigonometric Equations
Grade 11
Question:
<p>If <math>\sin 3a = 4\sin a \sin(x+a)\sin(x-a)</math>, then <math>x</math> is equal to</p>
<p>(a) <math>x=n\pi \pm \frac{\pi}{3}</math>, <math>n\in\mathbb{Z}</math></p>
<p>(b) <math>x=n\pi \pm \frac{\pi}{6}</math>, <math>n\in\mathbb{Z}</math></p>
<p>(c) <math>x=n\pi \pm \frac{\pi}{2}</math>, <math>n\in\mathbb{Z}</math></p>
<p>(d) None of the above</p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Use the product-to-sum formula for sin(x+a)sin(x-a) and the triple angle formula for sin 3a to establish an equation, then solve for x by comparing coefficients.
Step 1: State the given equation and a relevant identity.
The given equation is:
$$ \sin 3a = 4\sin a \sin(x+a)\sin(x-a) $$
A known triple angle identity for sine in product form is:
$$ \sin 3a = 4\sin a \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3} - a\right)\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3} + a\right) $$
Step 2: Compare the expressions.
Comparing the given equation with the identity, we must have:
$$ 4\sin a \sin(x+a)\sin(x-a) = 4\sin a \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3} - a\right)\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3} + a\right) $$
Assuming $\sin a \neq 0$, we can divide both sides by $4\sin a$:
$$ \sin(x+a)\sin(x-a) = \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3} - a\right)\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3} + a\right) $$
This equality holds if the arguments are equivalent, specifically:
$$ x+a = \frac{\pi}{3} + a \quad \text{and} \quad x-a = \frac{\pi}{3} - a $$
Step 3: Determine the value of x.
From the first equality, $x+a = \frac{\pi}{3} + a$, subtracting $a$ from both sides yields:
$$ x = \frac{\pi}{3} $$
From the second equality, $x-a = \frac{\pi}{3} - a$, adding $a$ to both sides yields:
$$ x = \frac{\pi}{3} $$
Step 4: State the general solution.
Considering the periodicity and symmetry inherent in the product of sine functions, the general solution for $x$ is:
$$ x = n\pi \pm \frac{\pi}{3}, \quad \text{where } n \in \mathbb{Z} $$
Correct Answer: A