We are aware that the trigonometric functions which are ratios of the pair of sides of the right angled triangle containing the acute angle. The trigonometric functions are periodic. When we observe the graph of sine and cosine functions we observe that the graph reaches max and minimum point and continues the same. Also the graph of tangent function likes between consecutive multiples of $\frac{\pi}{2}$. Equations are those where we find the variable and solve for the unknown variable. When we solve the equations containing the trigonometric functions we will be solving for the unknown angle of the given trigonometric function. In this section let us see how we solve equations containing trigonometric functions.

## How to solve Trigonometric Equations

Trigonometric Equations are the equations involving trigonometric function or functions of unknown angles.

Example: sin x = 0, cos2 x - sin2 x = 0 etc.

Solution: A solution of a trigonometric equation is a value of the unknown angle that satisfies the equation.
A trigonometric equation may have unlimited number of solutions.
for example, if sin x = 0,
x = 0, $\pm$ $\pi$, $\pm$ 2 $\pi$, $\pm$ 3 $\pi$, ..........................

Principal solution: The solution lying between 0 and 2 $\pi$ ( 0o and 360o ) is called a principal solution.

General solution: Since the trigonometric functions are periodic, a solution generalized by means of periodicity is known as the general solution.

Every trigonometric equation will have principal solution as well as general solution.
We always find the general solution if not otherwise stated.

The principal solution can be obtained from the general solution.

### Find the Principal solution of the equation cos x = - $\frac{1}{2}$

Solution: We know that cos $\frac{\pi}{3}$ = 1
and cos is negative in the second and third quadrant

( i. e ) cos ( $\pi$ - $\frac{\pi}{3}$ ) = -1

and cos ( $\pi$ + $\frac{\pi}{3}$ ) = -1

Therefore, we have x = ( $\pi$ - $\frac{\pi}{3}$ ) and ( $\pi$ - $\frac{\pi}{3}$ ).
(i. e ) x = 2$\frac{\pi}{2}$ and 4$\frac{\pi}{3}$ are the principal solutions.

### The Equations, sin x = 0, cos x = 0 and tan x = 0

Let us consider the following equations:
1. Sin x = 0
Proof :
since sin 0 = 0
sin $\pi$ = 0
sin 2$\pi$ = 0
sin [- $\pi$ ] = 0
sin [-2$\pi$ ] = 0
.........................
we have in general,
sin n$\pi$ = 0, where n is an integer.
Therefore, the solution of the equation sin x = 0 is
x = n $\pi$, where n $\epsilon$ Z [ where Z is an integer ]

2. Cos x = 0
Proof :since cos $\frac{\pi}{2}$ = 0

cos 3$\frac{\pi}{2}$ = 0

cos 5$\frac{\pi}{2}$ = 0

cos [-$\frac{\pi}{2}$] = 0

cos [-3$\frac{\pi}{2}$] = 0
........................
we have in general,
cos n$\pi$ = 0, where n is an integer.
Therefore, the solution of the equation cos x = 0 is
x = (2n+1) $\frac{\pi}{2}$, where n $\epsilon$ Z [ where Z is an integer ]

3. tan x = 0
Proof: This equation is satisfied when x = 0, $\pm$ 1 $\pi$, $\pm$ 2 $\pi$, $\pm$ 3 $\pi$, .....................
In general x = n $\pi$ , where n $\epsilon$ Z

### Angle of Elevation and Depression

 How to do Trigonometric Functions Trigonometric Graph Continuity of Trigonometric Functions Derivative of Inverse Trigonometric Functions Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions Hyperbolic Trigonometric Functions Inverse Trigonometric Ratios Pythagorean Trigonometric Identities Trigonometry Formulas Right Angle Trigonometry The Unit Circle Trigonometry Trigonometry Half Angle Formula
 Formulas for Trigonometric Functions Free Trigonometric Identities Solver Inverse Trigonometric Functions Calculator