Errors in Solving Trigonometric Equations: An Exploratory Study with First-Year Engineering Students

Abstract This exploratory work aims to identify and classify the errors made by a group of sixty first-year engineering students when solving tasks related to trigonometric equations. For this purpose, the data collection instrument was a written questionnaire consisting of three tasks concerning the resolution of trigonometric equations. The results show that students’ errors are associated with: a) the use of false trigonometric identities or deformed definitions, b) the use of incorrect images of trigonometric functions for known angles, c) the inappropriate use of algebraic properties and, d) the wrong representation of the solution set of a trigonometric equation.