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Worked solution

Combine sine and cosine to prove bounds

Express 3sin⁡x−4cos⁡x3\sin x-4\cos x in the form rsin⁡(x−α)r\sin(x-\alpha). Show that 0≤3sin⁡x−4cos⁡x+5≤100\le3\sin x-4\cos x+5\le10.

CJC · Discussion · Question 15

Answer

5sin⁡(x−tan⁡−1(4/3))5\sin(x-\tan^{-1}(4/3)); the shifted expression lies in [0,10][0,10].

Find the amplitude and phase

rsin⁡(x−α)=rcos⁡αsin⁡x−rsin⁡αcos⁡xr\sin(x-\alpha)=r\cos\alpha\sin x-r\sin\alpha\cos x. Hence rcos⁡α=3r\cos\alpha=3, rsin⁡α=4r\sin\alpha=4, so r=5r=5 and α=tan⁡−1(4/3)≈53.1∘\alpha=\tan^{-1}(4/3)\approx53.1^\circ. Therefore 3sin⁡x−4cos⁡x=5sin⁡(x−α)3\sin x-4\cos x=5\sin(x-\alpha). Keep the exact phase for the identity; use 53.1∘53.1^\circ only as an approximation, with xx in degrees.

How did this part go?

Use the range of sine

−1≤sin⁡(x−α)≤1-1\le\sin(x-\alpha)\le1, so −5≤3sin⁡x−4cos⁡x≤5-5\le3\sin x-4\cos x\le5. Adding 55 gives 0≤3sin⁡x−4cos⁡x+5≤100\le3\sin x-4\cos x+5\le10.

How did this part go?

Common mistakes

Use a consistent angle unit and retain the exact phase when stating an identity.

Read the hint