Express 3 cos θ + 4 sin θ in the form R cos(θ – α), where R and α are constants, R > 0 and 0 < α < 90°.

To find the value of R, use Pythagoras's Theorem using the coeffecients of cos θ and sin θ. The correct answer should be R=5. Expand the expression  R cos(θ – α). Equate the expanded expression with 3 cos θ + 4 sin θ to find the value of θ. The correct answer is α = 53...° approximately.

AG
Answered by Anahita G. Maths tutor

23715 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can I have help with integrating by parts? I am unsure on how to use the formula.


How do you integrate by parts?


Find the acute angle between the two lines... l1: r = (4, 28, 4) + λ(-1, -5, 1), l2: r = (5, 3, 1) + μ(3, 0, -4)


Use the identity for sin(A+B) to find the exact value of sin 75.


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