IB DP Mathematics • 2024 • 5 Marks

Geometry & Trigonometry: Trigonometric Compound Angle Identities

Official examination question with verified M1/A1 mark scheme and step-by-step mathematical reasoning.

Problem Statement

Prove that for all values of $\theta$ where $\sin\theta \ne 0$ and $\cos\theta \ne 0$: $\frac{\sin 3\theta}{\sin\theta} - \frac{\cos 3\theta}{\cos\theta} = 2$ [5 Marks]

Verified Solution & Marking Scheme

Combine fractions over common denominator
$\text{LHS} = \frac{\sin 3\theta\cos\theta - \cos 3\theta\sin\theta}{\sin\theta\cos\theta}$
Apply Compound Angle Identity in Numerator
Recall $\sin(A - B) = \sin A\cos B - \cos A\sin B$. Setting $A = 3\theta$ and $B = \theta$: $\sin 3\theta\cos\theta - \cos 3\theta\sin\theta = \sin(3\theta - \theta) = \sin(2\theta)$
Apply Double Angle Identity & Simplify
$\text{LHS} = \frac{\sin 2\theta}{\sin\theta\cos\theta} = \frac{2\sin\theta\cos\theta}{\sin\theta\cos\theta} = 2 = \text{RHS} \quad \text{(Q.E.D.)}$
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