7.4.5 Solving Word Problems Involving Trigonometric Equations

Question 1

notes

Answer 1

• One application of the trig functions can be seen in harmonic motion, such as the movement of a spring. The length or location of the spring can be modeled using trig functions. As such, many word problems involving harmonic motion will require you to solve trigonometric equations.
  • Review: Since trig functions are periodic, they will often have many solutions. To find all the possible solutions to a trig equation, find the solutions for a single period and then add multiples of the period to those solutions