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14. (a) Express \( \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x \) in the form \( k \sin(x - \alpha) ^\circ \), where \( k > 0 \) and \( 0 < \alpha < 360 \) - Scottish Highers Maths - Question 14 - 2017

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14.-(a)-Express-\(-\sqrt{3}-\sin-x---\cos-x-\)-in-the-form-\(-k-\sin(x---\alpha)-^\circ-\),-where-\(-k->-0-\)-and-\(-0-<-\alpha-<-360-\)-Scottish Highers Maths-Question 14-2017.png

14. (a) Express \( \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x \) in the form \( k \sin(x - \alpha) ^\circ \), where \( k > 0 \) and \( 0 < \alpha < 360 \). (b) Hence, or otherwise, s... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:14. (a) Express \( \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x \) in the form \( k \sin(x - \alpha) ^\circ \), where \( k > 0 \) and \( 0 < \alpha < 360 \) - Scottish Highers Maths - Question 14 - 2017

Step 1

Express \( \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x \) in the form \( k \sin(x - \alpha) \)

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Answer

To express ( \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x ) in the required form, we can use the compound angle formula for sine:

[ \sin(A - B) = \sin A \cos B - \cos A \sin B ]

Here, we can compare coefficients:

  1. Setting ( \sin A = \sqrt{3} ) and ( \cos A = -1 ), we see that ( k ) must equal ( 2 ).
  2. This gives us:
    • ( \sin \alpha = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} ) and ( \cos \alpha = -\frac{1}{2} \
  3. The angle ( \alpha ) can then be determined as ( 210^\circ ), since both sine and cosine are derived from standard values.

Therefore, we can conclude: [ k = 2, \quad \alpha = 210^\circ ] Thus, the expression is: [ \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x = 2 \sin(x - 210^\circ) ]

Step 2

Sketch the graph with equation \( y = \sqrt{3} \sin x - \cos x \)

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Answer

To sketch the graph, we begin by noting the amplitude and periodic behavior of the function:

  • The amplitude is equal to ( |k| = 2 ).
  • The period of the sine function is normally ( 360^\circ ), so it remains the same.
  • The function intersects the x-axis at points where ( y = 0 ). Using the transformed angle ( 210^\circ ), we find the critical points around this angle:
    • The turning points occur primarily around ( 30^\circ ) and ( 210^\circ ).
  • The graph has roots at points identified from graphing the original equation, specifically at ( 30 ) and ( 210 ).
  • The coordinates of intersections can be marked on the graph at those calculated values.

This results in a sine wave that oscillates with a maximum of ( 2 ) and minimum of ( -2 ) crossing the x-axis at the calculated roots. Marking these points will help visualize the required graph.

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