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MathsMediumClass 11

Multiple Angles — sin 2A, cos 2A, tan 2A

Trigonometric Functions & Equations

8

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

60

min

Master all forms of cos 2A and their derivations; quick recall and manipulative skill with these identities are crucial for solving complex trigonometric problems efficiently.

🧮 Key Formulas

sin 2A = 2 sin A cos A
sin 2A = (2 tan A) / (1 + tan^2 A)
cos 2A = cos^2 A - sin^2 A
cos 2A = 2 cos^2 A - 1
cos 2A = 1 - 2 sin^2 A
cos 2A = (1 - tan^2 A) / (1 + tan^2 A)
tan 2A = (2 tan A) / (1 - tan^2 A)

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1All multiple angle formulas are derived from compound angle formulas by setting B=A (e.g., sin 2A = sin(A+A)).
  • 2The cos 2A formulas have four forms; choose the most appropriate one based on the terms present in the problem or the desired form of the answer.
  • 3The expressions (1 - cos 2A) = 2 sin^2 A and (1 + cos 2A) = 2 cos^2 A are extremely useful for simplification and are often encountered.
  • 4Remember the 'tan A' forms for sin 2A, cos 2A, and tan 2A; they are crucial for expressing trigonometric expressions entirely in terms of tan A, especially useful in coordinate geometry and calculus.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the denominator of sin 2A (in terms of tan A) which is (1 + tan^2 A) with that of tan 2A which is (1 - tan^2 A).
  • Incorrectly recalling or deriving the various forms of cos 2A, leading to errors in simplification.
  • Failing to recognize when to apply the 'reverse' forms like 2 sin^2 A = 1 - cos 2A or 2 cos^2 A = 1 + cos 2A quickly.

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 11 Mathematics Ch 3: Trigonometric Functions