Given that A(sin θ + cos θ) + B(cos θ − sin θ) ≡ 4 sin θ, find the values of the constants A and B.

Since this must be true for all values of θ, and cos and sin are distinct functions, no non-zero multiple of cosθ could ever be equal to 4 sinθ for all values of θ. Therefore, the overall multiple of cosθ on the left-hand-side must be 0.
Therefore, Acosθ + Bcosθ ≡ 0and (A+B) cosθ ≡ 0so A = - B
We can then plug this back into the equation to solve for A:A(sinθ + cosθ) - A(cosθ - sinθ) ≡ 4sinθAsinθ - (-Asinθ) = 4sinθ [the cosθ terms cancel one another out]Asinθ + Asinθ = 4sinθ2A = 4A = 2B = - A = - 2

DB
Answered by David B. Maths tutor

7824 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Polynomial long division, how do I do it?


A 1kg mass is launched from the ground into the air at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal and with initial speed 25 ms^-1. Assuming negligible air resistance, how far from the starting point will the mass travel before it hits the ground?


A circle, C, has an equation: x^2 + y^2 - 4x + 10y = 7 . Find the centre of the circle and its radius?


Where do the kinematics equations (SUVAT) come from?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning