OCR C3 — Question 5 8 marks

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleC3 (Core Mathematics 3)
Marks8
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicHarmonic Form
TypeExpress and solve equation
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard C3 harmonic form question with straightforward application of the R sin(θ + α) method followed by routine equation solving. Part (i) requires finding R and α using standard formulas (R = √13, tan α = 2/3), and part (ii) involves solving a simple trigonometric equation with two solutions in the given range. While it requires multiple steps and careful angle work, it follows a well-practiced textbook procedure with no novel insight needed, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec1.05n Harmonic form: a sin(x)+b cos(x) = R sin(x+alpha) etc1.05o Trigonometric equations: solve in given intervals

  1. Express \(3 \sin \theta + 2 \cos \theta\) in the form \(R \sin(\theta + \alpha)\), where \(R > 0\) and \(0° < \alpha < 90°\). [3]
  2. Hence solve the equation \(3 \sin \theta + 2 \cos \theta = \frac{5}{2}\), giving all solutions for which \(0° < \theta < 360°\). [5]

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Express $3 \sin \theta + 2 \cos \theta$ in the form $R \sin(\theta + \alpha)$, where $R > 0$ and $0° < \alpha < 90°$. [3]
\item Hence solve the equation $3 \sin \theta + 2 \cos \theta = \frac{5}{2}$, giving all solutions for which $0° < \theta < 360°$. [5]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR C3  Q5 [8]}}