Express 2 cos x – sin x in the form Rcos( x + a ), where R and a are constants, R > 0 and a is between 0 and 90 ° Give the exact value of R and give the value of to 2 decimal places.

2cosx - sinx = Rcos(x+a) = Rcos(x)cos(a)-Rsin(x)sin(a)

Implying

2cos(x)=Rcos(x)cos(a)

Rcosa = 2

Similarly: Rsin(a) = 1

Therefore tan(a) = 1/2

Meaning a=26.57 Degrees

R2(sin2a+cos2a)=5

Implying, given sin2a+cos2a=1, R= Root(5)

Answer 2cosx-sinx=(Root5)(cos[x+26.57])

TO

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

give the coordinates of the stationary points of the curve y = x^4 - 4x^3 + 27 and state with reason if they are minumum, maximum, or points of inflection.


How would I differentiate cos(2x)/x^1/2


Given y=(1+x^3)^0.5, find dy/dx.


R=1000e^-ct , it takes 5730 years for half of the substance to decay a. find the number of atoms at the start of the decay. b. calculate the number of atoms left when t=22920. c. sketch the function.