Solving Trigonometric Equations

Question 1

How are trigonometric identities different from trigonometric equations?

Answer 1

Unlike trigonometric identities, most trigonometric equations are true only for certain values of the variable, called solutions. To solve trigonometric equations, apply the same methods for solving algebraic equations.

Question 2

How many solutions can a trigonometric equation have?

Answer 2

A trigonometric equation may have zero, one, two, or an infinite number of solutions, depending on the equation and the domain of theta.