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
Question 14
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:
Setting ( \sin A = \sqrt{3} ) and ( \cos A = -1 ), we see that ( k ) must equal ( 2 ).
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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