Write 5cos(theta) – 2sin(theta) in the form Rcos(theta + alpha), where R and alpha are constants, R > 0 and 0 <=alpha < 2 π Give the exact value of R and give the value of alpha in radians to 3 decimal places.

Use the formula cos(A+B)=cosAcosB-sinAsinB, Rcos(theta+alpha)=Rcos(alpha)cos(theta)-Rsin(alpha)sin(theta)5=Rcos(alpha)2=Rsin(alpha)tan(alpha)=2/5alpha= 0.381R=sqrt(5^2+2^2)=sqrt(29)So, 5cos(theta) – 2sin(theta) = sqrt(29)cos(theta+0.381)

JW
Answered by Joe W. Maths tutor

11855 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the stationary points of the curve (1/3)x^3 - 2x^2 + 3x + 2 and what is the nature of each stationary point.


Find the indefinite integral of 3x - x^(3/2) dx


Using the addition formula for sin(x+y), find sin(3x) in terms of sin(x) and hence show that sin(10) is a root of the equation 8x^3 - 6x + 1


Given that y > 0, find ∫((3y - 4)/y(3y + 2)) dy (taken from the Edexcel C4 2016 paper)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning