The vertical displacement of a specialized laboratory sensor, VVV, is modelled by the function V(θ)=8cosθ+15sinθV(\theta) = 8\cos \theta + 15\sin \thetaV(θ)=8cosθ+15sinθ, where θ\thetaθ is the phase angle in radians.
Express V(θ)V(\theta)V(θ) in the form Rcos(θ−α)R\cos(\theta - \alpha)Rcos(θ−α), where R>0R > 0R>0 and 0<α<π20 < \alpha < \frac{\pi}{2}0<α<2π. Give the exact value of RRR and the value of α\alphaα, in radians, to 3 decimal places.
A secondary performance metric for the sensor, H(t)H(t)H(t), is defined by H(t)=12−3V(4t)H(t) = 12 - 3V(4t)H(t)=12−3V(4t), for t≥0t \ge 0t≥0, where ttt is the time in seconds.
Using the answer to part (a), (i) determine the exact maximum value of H(t)H(t)H(t). (ii) find the smallest positive value of ttt for which this maximum value occurs, giving your answer to 2 decimal places.
Practise Edexcel A Level Maths 7.4 Simplifying a cos x +- b sin x with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 19 questions, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.