Revision NotesExam QuestionsPast Papers
A LevelMaths: PureOCRRevision Notes5. Trigonometry5.8 Trigonometric Proof5.8.1 Trigonometric Proof

Trigonometric Proof (OCR A Level Maths: Pure)

Revision Note

Roger

Author

Roger

Last updated

Did this video help you?

Trigonometric Proof

Proving trigonometric identities

  • You can use trigonometric identities you already know to prove new identities
  • Make sure you know the simple trigonometric identities and further trigonometric identities
  • To prove an identity start on one side and proceed step by step until you get to the other side

Trig Proof Illustr 1, A Level & AS Maths: Pure revision notes

  • Clever substitution into the compound angle formulae can be a useful tool for proving identities

Trig Proof Illustr 2, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes

Ā 

  • Make sure you are confident handling fractions and fractions-within-fractions

Trig Proof Illustr 3, A Level & AS Maths: Pure revision notes

  • Always keep an eye on the 'target' expression ā€“ this can help suggest what identities to use

Examiner Tip

  • Don't forget that you can start a proof from either end ā€“ sometimes it might be easier to start from the right-hand side (see the Worked Example)
  • A number of trigonometric identities are given to you in the formulae booklet ā€“ make sure you know which ones are (and aren't) in there

Worked example

Trig Proof Example, A Level & AS Maths: Pure revision notes

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Sign up now. Itā€™s free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ā¤ļø Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Did this page help you?

    Previous:5.7.1 Strategy for Further Trigonometric EquationsNext:5.9.1 Modelling with Trigonometric Functions
    Roger

    Author: Roger

    Expertise: Maths

    Roger's teaching experience stretches all the way back to 1992, and in that time he has taught students at all levels between Year 7 and university undergraduate. Having conducted and published postgraduate research into the mathematical theory behind quantum computing, he is more than confident in dealing with mathematics at any level the exam boards might throw at you.