1.05b Sine and cosine rules: including ambiguous case

240 questions

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AQA M1 2005 June Q3
7 marks Moderate -0.3
3 A boat can travel at a speed of \(2 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) in still water. The boat is to cross a river in which a current flows at a speed of \(0.8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The angle between the direction in which the boat is pointing and the bank is \(\alpha\). The boat travels so that the resultant velocity of the boat is perpendicular to the bank. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{7e0585ea-062a-487c-8e39-37a4ed414ff8-3_264_1040_575_493}
  1. Show that \(\alpha = 66.4 ^ { \circ }\) correct to three significant figures.
    1. Find the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the boat.
    2. The width of the river is 14 metres. Find the time that it takes for the boat to cross the river.
AQA M1 2008 June Q4
8 marks Moderate -0.3
4 An aeroplane is travelling due north at \(180 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) relative to the air. The air is moving north-west at \(50 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Find the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the aeroplane.
  2. Find the direction of the resultant velocity, giving your answer as a three-figure bearing to the nearest degree.
Edexcel M1 Q3
8 marks Moderate -0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{60b9db45-b48e-40a1-bd22-909e11877bc3-2_442_805_1023_719} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure} Figure 1 shows the forces acting on a particle, \(P\). These consist of a 20 N force to the South, a 6 N force to the East, an 18 N force \(30 ^ { \circ }\) West of North and two unknown forces \(X\) and \(Y\) which act to the North-East and North respectively. Given that \(P\) is in equilibrium,
  1. show that \(X\) has magnitude \(3 \sqrt { } 2 \mathrm {~N}\),
  2. find the exact value of \(Y\).
AQA M3 2015 June Q6
18 marks Standard +0.8
6 A ship and a navy frigate are a distance of 8 km apart, with the frigate on a bearing of \(120 ^ { \circ }\) from the ship, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{bcd20c69-cace-408c-8961-169c19ff0231-16_451_549_411_760} The ship travels due east at a constant speed of \(50 \mathrm {~km} \mathrm {~h} ^ { - 1 }\). The frigate travels at a constant speed of \(35 \mathrm {~km} \mathrm {~h} ^ { - 1 }\).
    1. Find the bearings, to the nearest degree, of the two possible directions in which the frigate can travel to intercept the ship.
      [0pt] [5 marks]
    2. Hence find the shorter of the two possible times for the frigate to intercept the ship.
      [0pt] [5 marks]
  1. The captain of the frigate would like the frigate to travel at less than \(35 \mathrm {~km} \mathrm {~h} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the minimum speed at which the frigate can travel to intercept the ship.
    [0pt] [3 marks] \(7 \quad\) A particle is projected from a point \(O\) on a plane which is inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal. The particle is projected up the plane with velocity \(u\) at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal. The particle strikes the plane for the first time at a point \(A\). The motion of the particle is in a vertical plane which contains the line \(O A\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{bcd20c69-cace-408c-8961-169c19ff0231-20_469_624_502_685}
    1. Find, in terms of \(u , \theta , \alpha\) and \(g\), the time taken by the particle to travel from \(O\) to \(A\).
    2. The particle is moving horizontally when it strikes the plane at \(A\). By using the identity \(\sin ( P - Q ) = \sin P \cos Q - \cos P \sin Q\), or otherwise, show that $$\tan \alpha = k \tan \theta$$ where \(k\) is a constant to be determined.
      [0pt] [5 marks]
      \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{bcd20c69-cace-408c-8961-169c19ff0231-24_2488_1728_219_141}
OCR M4 2004 June Q5
10 marks Standard +0.3
5 Two aircraft \(A\) and \(B\) are flying horizontally at the same height. \(A\) has constant velocity \(240 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) in the direction with bearing \(025 ^ { \circ }\), and \(B\) has constant velocity \(185 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) in the direction with bearing \(310 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Find the magnitude and direction of the velocity of \(A\) relative to \(B\). Initially \(A\) is 4500 m due west of \(B\). For the instant during the subsequent motion when \(A\) and \(B\) are closest together, find
  2. the distance between \(A\) and \(B\),
  3. the bearing of \(A\) from \(B\).
OCR M4 2005 June Q7
13 marks Challenging +1.8
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b86c4b97-13a9-4aaf-8c95-20fe043b4532-3_585_801_991_647} A light rod \(A B\) of length \(2 a\) can rotate freely in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis through \(A\). A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the rod at \(B\). A fixed smooth ring \(R\) lies in the same vertical plane as the rod, where \(A R = a\) and \(A R\) makes an angle \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi\) above the horizontal. A light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(m g \sqrt { } 2\), passes through the ring \(R\); one end is fixed to \(A\) and the other end is fixed to \(B\). The rod makes an angle \(\theta\) below the horizontal, where \(- \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi < \theta < \frac { 3 } { 4 } \pi\) (see diagram).
  1. Use the cosine rule to show that \(R B ^ { 2 } = a ^ { 2 } ( 5 - ( 2 \sqrt { } 2 ) \cos \theta + ( 2 \sqrt { } 2 ) \sin \theta )\).
  2. Show that \(\theta = 0\) is a position of stable equilibrium.
  3. Show that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } ^ { 2 } \theta } { \mathrm {~d} t ^ { 2 } } = - k \sin \theta\), expressing the constant \(k\) in terms of \(a\) and \(g\), and hence write down the approximate period of small oscillations about the equilibrium position \(\theta = 0\).
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major 2021 November Q9
15 marks Challenging +1.2
9 A small ball P is projected with speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of elevation of \(( \alpha + \theta )\) from a point O at the bottom of a plane inclined at \(\alpha\) to the horizontal. P subsequently hits the plane at a point R , where OR is a line of greatest slope, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{17e92314-d7df-49b8-a441-8d18c91dbbb0-07_456_862_406_242}
  1. By deriving an expression, in terms of \(\theta\), \(\alpha\) and \(g\), for the time of flight of P , show that the distance OR, in metres, is $$\frac { 50 \sin \theta \cos ( \theta + \alpha ) } { g \cos ^ { 2 } \alpha }$$
  2. By using the identity \(2 \sin \mathrm {~A} \cos \mathrm {~B} \equiv \sin ( \mathrm {~A} + \mathrm { B } ) - \sin ( \mathrm { B } - \mathrm { A } )\), determine, in terms of \(g\) and \(\sin \alpha\), an expression for the maximum range of P up the plane, as \(\theta\) varies.
  3. Given that OR is the maximum range of P up the plane and is equal to 1.8 m , determine the value of \(\theta\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{17e92314-d7df-49b8-a441-8d18c91dbbb0-08_625_1180_255_239} A rigid wire ABC is fixed in a vertical plane. The section AB of the wire, of length \(b\), is straight and horizontal. The section BC of the wire is smooth and in the form of a circular arc of radius \(a\) and length \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a \pi\). The centre of the arc is O , which is vertically above B . A bead P of mass \(m\) is threaded on the wire and projected from B with speed \(u\) towards C . The angle BOP when P is between B and C is denoted by \(\theta\), as shown in the diagram.
Edexcel FM2 AS Specimen Q2
16 marks Challenging +1.2
  1. A light inextensible string has length 7a. One end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\) and the other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(B\), with \(A\) vertically above \(B\) and \(A B = 5 a\). A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to a point \(P\) on the string where \(A P = 4 a\). The particle moves in a horizontal circle with constant angular speed \(\omega\), with both \(A P\) and \(B P\) taut.
    1. Show that
      1. the tension in \(A P\) is \(\frac { 4 m } { 25 } \left( 9 a \omega ^ { 2 } + 5 g \right)\)
      2. the tension in \(B P\) is \(\frac { 3 m } { 25 } \left( 16 a \omega ^ { 2 } - 5 g \right)\).
    The string will break if the tension in it reaches a magnitude of \(4 m g\).
    The time for the particle to make one revolution is \(S\).
  2. Show that $$3 \pi \sqrt { \frac { a } { 5 g } } < S < 8 \pi \sqrt { \frac { a } { 5 g } }$$
  3. State how in your calculations you have used the assumption that the string is light.
CAIE P1 2021 March Q10
8 marks Challenging +1.2
  1. For the case where angle \(B A C = \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi\) radians, find \(k\) correct to 4 significant figures.
  2. For the general case in which angle \(B A C = \theta\) radians, where \(0 < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\), it is given that \(\frac { \theta } { \sin \theta } > 1\). Find the set of possible values of \(k\).
CAIE P1 2022 November Q10
8 marks Standard +0.3
  1. Find the perimeter of the cross-section RASB, giving your answer correct to 2 decimal places.
  2. Find the difference in area of the two triangles \(A O B\) and \(A P B\), giving your answer correct to 2 decimal places.
  3. Find the area of the cross-section RASB, giving your answer correct to 1 decimal place.
OCR MEI Paper 3 2021 November Q11
5 marks Challenging +1.2
11 In this question you must show detailed reasoning. The diagram shows triangle ABC , with \(\mathrm { BC } = 8 \mathrm {~cm}\) and angle \(\mathrm { BAC } = 45 ^ { \circ }\).
The point D on AC is such that \(\mathrm { DC } = 5 \mathrm {~cm}\) and \(\mathrm { BD } = 7 \mathrm {~cm}\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a0d9573f-8273-4562-a2d3-07f15d9da1af-7_684_553_1119_258} Determine the exact length of AB .
OCR H240/01 2018 March Q7
7 marks Standard +0.3
7 Two lifeboat stations, \(P\) and \(Q\), are situated on the coastline with \(Q\) being due south of \(P\). A stationary ship is at sea, at a distance of 4.8 km from \(P\) and a distance of 2.2 km from \(Q\). The ship is on a bearing of \(155 ^ { \circ }\) from \(P\).
  1. Find any possible bearings of the ship from \(Q\).
  2. Find the shortest distance from the ship to the line \(P Q\).
  3. Give a reason why the actual distance from the ship to the coastline may be different to your answer to part (ii).
AQA C2 2007 January Q4
8 marks Moderate -0.8
4 The triangle \(A B C\), shown in the diagram, is such that \(B C = 6 \mathrm {~cm} , A C = 5 \mathrm {~cm}\) and \(A B = 4 \mathrm {~cm}\). The angle \(B A C\) is \(\theta\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c16d94a6-52f2-4bf3-acee-0b227ae55a1a-3_442_652_452_678}
  1. Use the cosine rule to show that \(\cos \theta = \frac { 1 } { 8 }\).
  2. Hence use a trigonometrical identity to show that \(\sin \theta = \frac { 3 \sqrt { 7 } } { 8 }\).
  3. Hence find the area of the triangle \(A B C\).
AQA C2 2007 June Q3
10 marks Moderate -0.3
3 The diagram shows a sector \(O A B\) of a circle with centre \(O\) and radius 20 cm . The angle between the radii \(O A\) and \(O B\) is \(\theta\) radians. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ad574bde-3bf1-45be-a454-9c723088b357-3_453_499_429_804} The length of the \(\operatorname { arc } A B\) is 28 cm .
  1. Show that \(\theta = 1.4\).
  2. Find the area of the sector \(O A B\).
  3. The point \(D\) lies on \(O A\). The region bounded by the line \(B D\), the line \(D A\) and the arc \(A B\) is shaded. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ad574bde-3bf1-45be-a454-9c723088b357-3_440_380_1372_806} The length of \(O D\) is 15 cm .
    1. Find the area of the shaded region, giving your answer to three significant figures.
      (3 marks)
    2. Use the cosine rule to calculate the length of \(B D\), giving your answer to three significant figures.
      (3 marks)
OCR C2 Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{30d4e6e5-8235-44b0-ad8e-c4c0b313677f-2_577_970_799_360} The diagram shows triangle \(A B C\) in which \(A C = 14 \mathrm {~cm} , B C = 8 \mathrm {~cm}\) and \(\angle A B C = 1.7\) radians.
  1. Find the size of \(\angle A C B\) in radians. The point \(D\) lies on \(A C\) such that \(B D\) is an arc of a circle, centre \(C\).
  2. Find the perimeter of the shaded region bounded by the arc \(B D\) and the straight lines \(A B\) and \(A D\).
AQA M1 Q4
Standard +0.3
4 Water flows in a constant direction at a constant speed of \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). A boat travels in the water at a speed of \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) relative to the water.
  1. The direction in which the boat travels relative to the water is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the water. The resultant velocity of the boat is \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of \(74 ^ { \circ }\) to the direction of motion of the water, as shown in the diagram. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{6151e6ab-30af-4d1c-ab4a-e7dbad170cbf-004_120_164_662_488} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Velocity of the water}
    \end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{6151e6ab-30af-4d1c-ab4a-e7dbad170cbf-004_126_186_667_890} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Velocity of the boat relative to the water}
    \end{figure}
    1. Find \(V\).
    2. Show that \(u = 3.44\), correct to three significant figures.
  2. The boat changes course so that it travels relative to the water at an angle of \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the direction of motion of the water. The resultant velocity of the boat is now of magnitude \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The velocity of the water is unchanged, as shown in the diagram below. $$\xrightarrow { 3.44 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 } }$$
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{6151e6ab-30af-4d1c-ab4a-e7dbad170cbf-004_132_273_1493_895}
    Velocity of the boat relative to the water \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6151e6ab-30af-4d1c-ab4a-e7dbad170cbf-004_232_355_1498_1384} Find the value of \(v\).
    (4 marks)
AQA M1 2006 January Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.3
4 Water flows in a constant direction at a constant speed of \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). A boat travels in the water at a speed of \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) relative to the water.
  1. The direction in which the boat travels relative to the water is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the water. The resultant velocity of the boat is \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of \(74 ^ { \circ }\) to the direction of motion of the water, as shown in the diagram. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c220e6c4-2676-4022-8301-7d720dc082b2-3_120_164_662_488} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Velocity of the water}
    \end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c220e6c4-2676-4022-8301-7d720dc082b2-3_126_186_667_890} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Velocity of the boat relative to the water}
    \end{figure}
    1. Find \(V\).
    2. Show that \(u = 3.44\), correct to three significant figures.
  2. The boat changes course so that it travels relative to the water at an angle of \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the direction of motion of the water. The resultant velocity of the boat is now of magnitude \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The velocity of the water is unchanged, as shown in the diagram below. $$\xrightarrow { 3.44 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 } }$$
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{c220e6c4-2676-4022-8301-7d720dc082b2-3_132_273_1493_895}
    Velocity of the boat relative to the water \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c220e6c4-2676-4022-8301-7d720dc082b2-3_232_355_1498_1384} Find the value of \(v\).
    (4 marks)
AQA M1 2007 June Q5
5 marks Moderate -0.3
5 An aeroplane flies in air that is moving due east at a speed of \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The velocity of the aeroplane relative to the air is \(150 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) due north. The aeroplane actually travels on a bearing of \(030 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Show that \(V = 86.6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), correct to three significant figures.
  2. Find the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the aeroplane.
Edexcel AEA 2018 June Q7
27 marks Hard +2.3
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{2a7c2530-a93c-4a26-bc37-c20c0f40c8f2-6_559_923_292_670} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4}
\end{figure} Figure 4 shows a shape \(S ( \theta )\) made up of five line segments \(A B , B C , C D , D E\) and \(E A\) . The lengths of the sides are \(A B = B C = 5 \mathrm {~cm} , C D = E A = 3 \mathrm {~cm}\) and \(D E = 7 \mathrm {~cm}\) . Angle \(B A E =\) angle \(B C D = \theta\) radians. The length of each line segment always remains the same but the value of \(\theta\) can be varied so that different symmetrical shapes can be formed,with the added restriction that none of the line segments cross.
  1. Sketch \(S ( \pi )\) ,labelling the vertices clearly. The shape \(S ( \phi )\) is a trapezium.
  2. Sketch \(S ( \phi )\) and calculate the value of \(\phi\) . The smallest possible value for \(\theta\) is \(\alpha\) ,where \(\alpha > 0\) ,and the largest possible value for \(\theta\) is \(\beta\) , where \(\beta > \pi\) .
  3. Show that \(\alpha = \arccos \left( \frac { 29 } { 40 } \right) \cdot \left[ \arccos ( x ) \right.\) is an alternative notation for \(\left. \cos ^ { - 1 } ( x ) \right]\)
  4. Find the value of \(\beta\) . The area,in \(\mathrm { cm } ^ { 2 }\) ,of shape \(S ( \theta )\) is \(R ( \theta )\) .
  5. Show that for \(\alpha \leqslant \theta < \pi\) $$R ( \theta ) = 15 \sin \theta + \frac { 7 } { 4 } \sqrt { 87 - 120 \cos \theta }$$ Given that this formula for \(R ( \theta )\) holds for \(\alpha \leqslant \theta \leqslant \beta\)
  6. show that \(R ( \theta )\) has only one stationary point and that this occurs when \(\theta = \frac { 2 \pi } { 3 }\)
  7. find the maximum and minimum values of \(R ( \theta )\). FOR STYLE, CLARITY AND PRESENTATION: 7 MARKS TOTAL FOR PAPER: 100 MARKS
    END
OCR H240/03 Q8
6 marks Challenging +1.2
8 In this question you must show detailed reasoning. The diagram shows triangle \(A B C\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ec83c2c5-f8f8-4357-abfa-d40bc1d026b4-06_737_1383_456_342} The angles \(C A B\) and \(A B C\) are each \(45 ^ { \circ }\), and angle \(A C B = 90 ^ { \circ }\).
The points \(D\) and \(E\) lie on \(A C\) and \(A B\) respectively. \(A E = D E = 1 , D B = 2\). Angle \(B E D = 90 ^ { \circ }\), angle \(E B D = 30 ^ { \circ }\) and angle \(D B C = 15 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Show that \(B C = \frac { \sqrt { 2 } + \sqrt { 6 } } { 2 }\).
  2. By considering triangle \(B C D\), show that \(\sin 15 ^ { \circ } = \frac { \sqrt { 6 } - \sqrt { 2 } } { 4 }\).
AQA AS Paper 2 2019 June Q5
4 marks Moderate -0.3
5 A triangular prism has a cross section \(A B C\) as shown in the diagram below. Angle \(A B C = 25 ^ { \circ }\) Angle \(A C B = 30 ^ { \circ }\) \(B C = 40\) millimetres. The length of the prism is 300 millimetres.
Calculate the volume of the prism, giving your answer to three significant figures.
AQA AS Paper 2 2021 June Q5
4 marks Easy -1.2
5
  1. Using the cosine rule, find the length of \(A C\).
    5
  2. Hence, state the length of \(A D\).
AQA AS Paper 2 2022 June Q8
7 marks Standard +0.8
8 Triangle \(A B C\) has sides of length \(( m - n ) , m\) and \(( m + n )\) where \(0 < 2 n < m\) Angle \(A\) is the largest angle in the triangle.
8
    1. Explain why angle \(A\) must be opposite the side of length \(( m + n )\). 8
      1. (ii) Using the cosine rule, show that \(\cos A = \frac { m - 4 n } { 2 ( m - n ) }\) 8
    2. You are given that \(B C\) is the diameter of a circle, and \(A\) lies on the circumference of the circle. The value of \(m\) is 8 Calculate the value of \(n\).
AQA Paper 2 2022 June Q4
3 marks Moderate -0.8
4 The diagram shows a triangle \(A B C\). \(A B\) is the shortest side. The lengths of \(A C\) and \(B C\) are 6.1 cm and 8.7 cm respectively. The size of angle \(A B C\) is \(38 ^ { \circ }\) Find the size of the largest angle.
Give your answer to the nearest degree. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ad6590e8-6673-45ca-bef3-a14716978827-05_2488_1716_219_153}
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2010 June Q2
9 marks Standard +0.8
2 At 1200 hours an aircraft, \(A\), sets out to intercept a second aircraft, \(B\), which is 200 km away on a bearing of \(300 ^ { \circ }\) and is flying due east at \(600 \mathrm {~km} \mathrm {~h} ^ { - 1 }\). Both aircraft are at the same altitude and continue to fly horizontally.
  1. (a) Find the bearing on which \(A\) should fly when travelling at \(800 \mathrm {~km} \mathrm {~h} ^ { - 1 }\).
    (b) Find the time at which \(A\) intercepts \(B\) in this case.
  2. Find the least steady speed at which \(A\) can fly to intercept \(B\).