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

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