8 Trigonometry

Introduction··
This chapter is written for those students
who were not so good in the secondary
classes maths or who have not been in
touch with the concept of trigonometry for
the last few years. From this chapter, hardly
a question is asked in the CAT examination
directly, but based on the application of trig-
onometry, one or two questions are indirect-
ly asked every year. In ‘height and distance’
and in geometry, we can find the use of the AB = P = perpendicular
concept of trigonometry, which means that BC = b = base
a CAT aspirant just refreshes the concept of
trigonometry, and there is no need to dedi- AC = H = hypotenuse
cate much time for this topic. 1. AB P H
sin     cos ec 
AC H P
Definition BC b H
2. cos     sec  
AC H b
Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics AB P b
that deals with the sides of a triangle and 3. tan     cot  
BC b P
the angles of a triangle. The word ‘trigonom- Moreover, we must know:
etry’ has been taken from the Greek words 1 1
‘tri’, ‘gon’, and ‘metron’. cos ec   , sec  
sin  cos 
1
cot  
tan 

Concept 1: Trigonometric Ratios

The ratio of the two sides of a right-angled
triangle is called the trigonometric ratio.
There are six trigonometric ratios.
Trigonometric Ratios of Some Important
Consider a right-angled triangle ABC.
Angles
The trigonometric ratios of some specific
angles, e.g., 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° follow
a special pattern so that we can easily re-
member the value of these specific angles;
these values help solve the problems relat-
ed to trigonometry.

Trigonometry 217
 Complementary angles Sign of all the Trigonometric Ratios
Suppose the sum of the two angles of a right-an-
gled triangle is 90°. Then in the right-angled
triangle, ABC, right-angled at B, ∠A and ∠C are
complementary angles. The complementary
angles are helpful in solving the complex prob-
lems related to trigonometric ratios.
Important table for the trigonometric ratios
of the specific angles

Angle θ 0° 30° 45° 60° 90°

ratios

1 1 3
sin θ 0 1
2 2 2

3 1 1
cos θ 1 0
2 2 2

1 Not
tan θ 0 1 3
3 defined
Note: Remember the word ‘ACTS’ in the
Not 2 clockwise direction, then you can easily
cosec θ 2 2 1
defined 3 memorise the sign of the trigonometric ra-
tios in each quadrant.
2 Not
sec θ 1 2 2 Example 1:
3 defined
5 2
Find the value of sin 30  4 sin2 90  5 tan2 30  tan 30
Not 1 4
cot θ 3 1 5 2 0 2 2
defined sin
3 30  4 sin 90  5 tan 30  tan 30 cot 60.
4
Trigonometric Ratios of Complementary 143 48
(A) (B)
Angles 48 143
1. sin(90 − θ) = cosθ 151
(C) (D) None of these
7
2. cos(90 − θ) = sinθ
Solution: (A)
3. tan(90 − θ) = cotθ
Since we know that
4. cosec(90 − θ) = secθ 1 1
sin 30  , sin 90  1, tan 30  ,
5. sec(90 − θ) = cosecθ 2 3
6. cot(90 − θ) = tanθ 1
and cot 60  cot(90  30)  tan 30 
3
2 2
5  1  1 
Therefore,     4  ( 1)2  5   2
  tan 30
4 2  3
2
5 5  1  69 5 1
  4       
16 3  3 16 3 3

218 Trigonometry
 69 4 69  3  4  16 143 Range of Trigonometric Function or Ratios
   
16 3 48 48 1. –1 ≤ sinθ ≤ 1 or |sinθ | ≤ 1
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
Example 2:
3 3 sin   4 cos 
If tan   , find the value of .
4 3 sin   4 cos 
7 9
(A) − (B) −
25 25
17 19
(C) − (D) −
25 25
Solution: (A)
3
Since tan   is given in the question,
4
 3 sin  
cos    4
3 sin   4 cos 
  cos  
3 sin   4 cos   3 sin  
cos    4
 cos   2. –1 ≤ cosθ ≤ 1 or |cosθ | ≤ 1
3 tan   4
=
3 tan   4
3 9  16
34
= 4  4
3 9  16
3  4
4 4
7
4 7
= 
25 25
4
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.

Example 3:

sin2θ ⋅ cot2θ + cos2θ ⋅ tan2θ = ?

(A) 0 (B) 3
(C) 1 (D) 2 3. – ∞ ≤ tanθ ≤ ∞
Solution: (C)
Since we know that
cos2  sin2 
cot 2   , tan2
 
sin2  cos2 
∴ sin2θ ⋅ cot2θ + cos2θ ⋅ tan2θ
cos2  sin2 
= sin2    cos2  
sin2  cos2 
= cos2θ + sin2θ = 1
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.

Trigonometry 219
 4. –1 ≤ cosec θ ≤ 1 ⇒ |cosec θ | ≥ 1 1
Moreover, we know that P  2
P
5. –1 ≤ sec θ ≤ 1 ⇒ |sec θ | ≥ 1
1
∴ Minimum value of 2 x  x  2 at x = 0
Trigonometric identities 2
1
y sin2θ + cos2θ = 1 x
2 cos (( x  1))  2  x at x  0
y tan2θ + 1 = sec2θ 2
y cot2θ + 1 = cosec2θ Thus, there is only one possible case.
Example 6:
Example 4:

Find the value of sin2 5° + sin2 10° + sin2 15° If 0    , then (sinθ + cosθ) is
2
+ ··· + sin2 90°. (A) Greater than 1 (B) Less than 1
1 1
(A) 9 (B) 8 (C) Greater than 2 (D) Equal to 2
2 2
Solution: (A)
1 1
(C) 5 (D) 11 Let y = sinθ + cosθ
2 2
Solution: (A) Now squaring both sides

Since we know that sin2θ + cos2θ = 1 y2 = (sinθ + cosθ)2

2
y2 = sin   cos2 
   2 sin  cos 
∴ sin2 5° + sin2 10° + sin2 15° + ··· + sin2 90°
1
= (sin2 5° + sin2 85°) + (sin2 10° + sin2 80°) y 2 = 1 + 2sinθ cosθ
+ ··· + sin2 45° + sin2 90° Moreover, we know that sin2θ = 2 sinθ cosθ
= (sin2 5° + sin2(90 − 5°)) + (sin2 10° + sin2 Therefore, y2 = 1 + sin 2θ
(90 − 10°)) + ··· + sin2 45° + sin2 90°
When θ lies from 0° to 90°, the value of
  
=  sin2 5  cos2 5  sin2 10  cos2 10  sin 2θ will always be less than 1.
 
1 1

+ ··· + sin245° + sin290°

2
 1  1
 8 1   19
 2 2
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
Example 5:
Find the number of real roots of the equa-
tion 2 cos (x (x + 1)) = 2x + 2–x Or sin2θ < 1, but sin2θ > 0
(A) 1 (B) 0 y2 = 1 + sin22θ < 2
(C) 2 (D) Infinite y2 < 2
or y < 2
Solution: (A)
Hence, the value (sinθ + cosθ) is greater than
As we know the maximum value of cosθ = 1
1, when ‘θ’ lies between 0° and 90°.
at θ = 0°.
Therefore, the maximum value of
2 cos (x (x + 1)) = 2 × 1 = 2.

220 Trigonometry
Example 7: Some Important Formulae
Find the value of log(tan 1°) + log(tan 2°) 1. sin(A + B) = sinAcosB + cosAsinB
+ ··· + log(tan 89°) 2. sin(A − B) = sinAcosB − cosAsinB
(A) 0 (B) 2 3. cos(A + B) = cosAcosB − sinAsinB
(C) 3 (D) 1 4. cos(A − B) = cosAcosB + sinAsinB
Solution: (A) tan A  tan B
5. tan(A + B) =
Log[tan 1° . tan 2°. tan 3° ··· tan 89°] 1  tan A tan B
Since we know that angles 1° and 89° are tan A  tan B
6. tan(A − B) =
complementary to each other. 1  tan A tan B
And, tan 1° ⋅ tan 89° = tan 1° ⋅ tan(90 − 1°) 7. sin2A = 2sinA cosA
1 cos2 A  sin2 A
= tan 1° ⋅ cot 1° = tan 1° × 1
tan 1  2
2 cos A  1
Similarly, tan 2° ⋅ tan 88° = tan 2° ⋅ tan(90 − 
8. cos 2 A  1  2 sin2 A
2°) = tan 2° × cot 2° = 1
 2
Only one term, tan45°, will be left alone  1  tan A
 1  tan2 A
which will not pair with any term.
log[tan 1° × tan 2°… tan 45° … tan 88° × 2 tan A
tan 89°] 9. tan2A =
1 − tan2 A
= log[tan45°] (since tan 45° = 1)
10. sin(A + B) ⋅ sin(A − B) = sin2A − sin2B =
= log 1 = 0 cos2B − cos2A
Option (A) is the correct answer. 11. cos(A + B) ⋅ cos(A − B) = cos2A − sin2B =
cos2B − sin2A
Periodicity
12. 2 sinA ⋅ cosB = sin(A + B) + sin(A − B)
13. 2 cosA ⋅ sinB = sin(A + B) − sin(A − B)
14. 2 cosA ⋅ cosB = cos(A + B) + cos(A − B)
15. 2 sinA ⋅ sinB = cos(A − B) − cos(A + B)
cot A. cot B  1
16. cot (A + B) =
cot A  cot B
cot A. cot B  1
17. cot (A − B) =
Trigonometrical Ratios of Negative and cot B  cot A
Associated Angles

Angle θ
–θ 90 − θ 90 + θ 180 − θ 180 + θ 360 − θ 360 + θ
Ratios
sin(–θ) sin(90–θ) sin(90+θ) = sin(180–θ) sin(180+θ) sin(360–θ) sin(360+θ)
sinθ
= −sinθ = cosθ cosθ = sinθ = –sinθ = –sinθ = sinθ
cos(–θ) cos(90–θ) cos(90+θ) cos(180–θ) cos(180+θ) cos(360–θ) cos(360+θ)
cosθ
= cosθ = sinθ = –sinθ = –cosθ = –cosθ = +cosθ = cosθ
tan(–θ) tan(90–θ) tan(90+θ) tan(180–θ) tan(180+θ) tan(360–θ) tan(360+θ)
tanθ
= − tanθ = cotθ = –cotθ = –tanθ = tanθ = –tanθ = tanθ

Trigonometry 221
  C + D C − D (A) 1:2 (B) 2:3
18. sinC + sinD = 2sin   . cos  
 2   2  (C) 1:6 (D) 5:1
C + D C − D Solution: (C)
19. sinC − sinD = 2cos   . sin  
 2   2  If ÐQSP = 30°.
C + D C − D Then ÐRPS = 60°
20. cosC + cosD = 2cos   . cos  
 2   2 
C + D D−C
21. cosC − cosD = 2sin   . sin  
 2   2 
Example 8:
If sec2θ = 2(1 − tan2θ), find the value of
sin2θ.
1
(A) (B) 3
2
1 3 In right-angled DPSQ
(C) (D)
3 2
QS QS
sin 30  
Solution: (D) PQ 20
Since we know that sec2θ = 1 + tan2θ 3
∴ 1 + tan2θ = 2(1 – tan2θ) 1 QS

2 20
1  tan2  1
 3
1  tan  2
2
Moreover, we know that: 1 20 10
QS    cm
1  tan2  2 3 3
cos2θ =
1  tan2  Moreover, in the right-angled triangle PSR:
1 SR
Therefore, cos 2  sin60° =
2 PR
 1 3 SR
cos2θ = cos 60° since, cos 60   =
 2 2 40
∴ 2θ = 60° 10
Therefore, QS:SR = : 20 3 = 10 : 60 = 1 : 6
θ = 30° 3
Now, we have to find the value of sin2θ
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.
3
sin2θ = sin(2 × 30°) = sin60° = Law of ‘sine’: Application of Trigonometry
2
Or we can directly put the value of 2θ. No The law of sine states the ratio of side
need to find the value of θ separately. lengths of triangles to sin of their respective
opposite angles is equal.
Example 9:
20 Note: The ratio of the sides and sin of the
In DPQR, PR = 40 cm and PQ = cm.
3 corresponding angle of a triangle is equal
PS is ^r on the side QR from vertex P. to the diameter of the circumcircle of the
ÐRPS is two times the angle ÐQPS. If ÐQSP triangle.
= 30°, then find the ratio of QS:SR.

222 Trigonometry
 Application of Trigonometry
Triangles: Sine and Cosine Rule
Let a triangle ABC, in which AB = c unit,
AC = b unit, and BC = a unit, and a perpen-
dicular AD is drawn on BC from vertex A. AD
divides the side BC into m:n.

The sine law can be written in the form of

a b c
= =
sin A sin B sin C
Law of Cosine Formula
The cosine law helps in establishing the
relationship between the length of sides In the right-angled ∆ADC:
of a triangle and the cosine of its angles.
AD h
The cosine law generally derives from the sinC
= =
Pythagoras theorem. AC b
∴ h = b sinC…(i)
The law of cosine states that the square of
Now, again in right-angled ∆ABD:
any one side of a triangle is equal to the dif-
AD h
ference between the sum of the squares of sin
= B =
AB c
the other two sides and double the product
∴ h = c sinB...(ii)
of the other sides and the cosine angle in-
cluded between them. By equating equations (i) and (ii), we get
b sinC = c sinB
b c
∴ =
sin B sin C
Similarly, if we draw a ⊥ r from vertex B on
AC. Then we will get
b c a
= =
sin B sin C sin A
a b c
or    (Result 1)
sin A sin B sin C
So, the above relation is known as the sine
a2 = b2 + c2 − 2bc cosA rule.
b2 = c2 + a2 − 2ac cosB, This rule is used to find the missing length
or c2 = a2 + b2 − 2ab cosC or angles.
(Result 2):
We can write the formula in other forms
also:
b2 + c 2 − a 2
* cos A =
2bc
a 2 + c 2 − b2
* cos B =
2ac
a + b2 − c 2
2
* cos C =
2ab

Trigonometry 223
 In ∆ADC: Other forms of cosine rule
CD n a2  c2  b2 a2  b2  c2
cos C    n  b cos C cos B  , also cos C 
AC b 2ac 2ab
Again, in right-angled ∆ADB: Example 10:
BD m
cos B    m  c cos B In a triangle ABC, a = 24 cm, c = 12 2 cm and
AB c ∠C = 30°. Then find ∠A.
Therefore, a = m + n = b cosC + c cosB
Cosine rule
Let in a ∆ABC
EA = ‘r’ unit
And CE = (b − r) unit
BE = h unit

(A) 45° (B) 60°

(C) 35° (D) 120°
Solution: (A)

Now, in right-angled ∆BEA:

EA r
cos A    r  c cos A
AB c Use the sine rule here to find ∠A.
BE h a b c
sin A    h  c sin A ∴ = =
AB c sin A sin B sin C
Apply Pythagoras theorem in right-angled 24 12 2
∆BEC ⇒ 
sin A sin 30
a2 = h2 + (b − r)2
24 12 2
Put the values of h = c sinA and r = c cosA in ⇒ =
the above equation. sin A 1
2
a2 = (csinA)2 + (b − ccosA)2
1  1 
a2 = c2 sin2A + b2 + c2 cos2A − 2bc cosA ⇒ sin A = sin ce, 45  
2  2
a2 = c2 (sin2A + cos2A) + b2 − 2bc cosA
a2 = c2 + b2 − 2bc cosA ∴ ∠A = 45°
2bc cosA = c2 + b2 − a2 Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
c2  b2  a2 Polygons: Regular Polygon
cos A 
2bc If we want to find the different parts of a
This is known as the cosine rule.
polygon we can use trigonometric ratios. But
Cosine rule is used when adjacent lengths
before going directly to the result, first con-
are given and included angle is also given,
sider a regular polygon (i.e., pentagon, hex-
we can find the missing length of the 3rd
agon, etc.)
side of a triangle.

224 Trigonometry
Let us consider the pentagon for finding dif- n × 2θ = 360°
ferent parts of it and the same will be appli- 360 180
  
cable to every regular polygon. 2n n

or,  
n

Let ‘O’ be the centre of the polygon and OA,

OB, OC, OD, and OE are the radii of the pol-
ygon because if you draw a circle passing
through all vertices of the pentagon, then OA   apothem ap
∴ cos    cos   
= OB = OC = OD = OE = r = radius. n radius r
AB will be the side of the polygon or pentagon.  x 
   
An apothem is drawn from ‘O’ to ‘F’ on side Moreover, sin    sin   2 
AB. n  radius 
 
 
  x
sin   
 n  2r
 
Again, find tan  
n
x
∴   (where n = no. of
 
tan    2 sides of a polygon)
 n  apothem

Apothem
By using the above ratios, we can easily find
It is a line drawn from the centre of any pol- the side, radius and apothem, area, and pe-
ygon to the mid-point of one of the sides. rimeter of a polygon.
1
Let the length of the side of the pentagon Area of a polygon = × (n × s ) × apothem
be x unit. 2
x n → no. of sides of a polygon.
Then AF = FB = unit
2 S → length of the side of a polygon.
Moreover,
ns → is known as the perimeter of a
polygon.

Height and Distance

Height and distance is one of those topics
in which you are expected to know the ba-
sic concept of trigonometry. Height and dis-
Let ∠FOB = θ, then also ∠AOB = 2θ tance comes in CAT and other MBA entrance
We know that the sum of all angles at the examinations. Advanced concepts of trigo-
centre is 360°. nometry do not come in the CAT examina-
tion. But if you are preparing for other MBA
If ‘n’ angles are there, then:

Trigonometry 225
 entrance examinations like XAT, then you
have to prepare for advanced concepts of
trigonometry also. If θ = 45°
If you remember the formula for three trig-
onometric ratios (sinθ, cosθ, and tanθ) and
the values of sin, cos, and tan at 30°, 45°,
and 60°, then you can easily solve any height-
and distance-related problems.
Let a right-angled triangle be ∆ABC. If θ = 60°

Three basic things will frequently come in

height and distance problems.
1. Line of sight
2. Angle of elevation
3. Angle of depression

AB Opposite side P 1. Line of sight: It is the line drawn from

1. sin     the eye of the observer to the point in the
AC Hypotenuse h
object viewed by the observer.
Base BC b
2. cos   = = 2. Angle of elevation: The angle formed
Hypotenuse AC h
between the horizontal line and the line of
Opposite side P sight joining a point or object which is being
3. tan   =
Adjacent side B observed.
Important values

Angle θ 30° 45° 60°

ratios

1 1 3
sinθ
2 2 2

3 1 1
cosθ
2 2 2 3. Angle of depression: The angle between
the horizontal and the line of sight joining
1 an observation point to an object below the
tanθ 1 3
3 horizontal level.

Some important trigonometric ratios

If θ = 30°

226 Trigonometry
Example 11: Example 12:
The angle of elevation of a flying bird from There are two temples, one on each bank of a
a point on the ground is 60°. After flying for river, just opposite to each other. One temple
10 min, the angle of elevation at this instant is 36 m high. From the top of this temple,
becomes 30°. If the bird is flying horizontally the angle of depression of the top and foot
at a constant height of 5000 3, the distance of the other temple is 30° and 60°, respec-
travelled by the bird is: tively. Find the height of the other temple.
(A) 10,000 m (B) 8,000 m (A) 34 m (B) 25 m
(C) 6,000 m (D) 9,000 m (C) 24 m (D) 29 m
Solution: (A) Solution: (C)

Let the distance between the two temples

Let the bird covers ‘D’ distance in 10 min. be D metres, and the height of the smaller
Moreover, let’s consider AB = x m. temple be h metres.
In ∆ADC: In ∆ACD:
AC 36
DC 5, 000 3 tan60  
tan 30   CD D
AC AC
36
1 5, 000 3 3=
= D
3 AC
36 36  3
AC = 15,000 m D   12 3 m
3 3
Now, again in ∆AEB:
Now, again in ∆ABE:
5, 000 3 AB 36  h
tan 60  tan 30  
AB BE 12 3
AB = 5,000 m [s in ce tan 60  3 ]
1 36  h
∴ The distance travelled by the bird in 10 min 
3 12 3
= AC − AB = 15,000 − 5,000 = 10,000 m
12 = 36 − h
∴ BC = 10,000 m
h = 24 m
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer. ∴ The height of the other temple is 24 m.
Option (C) is the correct answer.

Trigonometry 227
 Practice Exercise – 1

Level of Difficulty – 1 the hypotenuse is ‘h’ unit. Suppose it is

known that ‘P’ and ‘b’ are positive inte-
1. A car moves towards the foot of a tower gers. The square of hypotenuse can take
at a certain constant speed. In 12 min, all the values except one of the below.
the elevation angle of the top of the Find that value.
tower changes from 30° to 45°. Find the (A) 24
time the car will take to reach the foot of (B) 25
the tower from the point where the angle (C) 52
of elevation was 45°. (D) 61
(A) 6 ( 3 + 1) min
5. How many roots are present in the in-
(B) 6 ( 3 − 1) min terval (0, π) of the equation (tanθ + 1)
(tanθ - 1) (1 + tan2θ) − 2 (sec2θ − 1) + 2 = 0?
(C) 4 ( 3 + 2) min
(A) 2
(D) (2 + 3 ) min (B) 3
(C) 4
2. In a regular hexagon ABCDEF as shown (D) 1
below in the figure, find the value of
tan2θ.
Level of Difficulty – 2
1
(A)
3 6. Find the maximum and minimum value
of 5 cos θ + 12 sin θ + 30.
(B) 3
(A) (17, −15)
1 (B) (18, −16)
(C)
2 (C) (43, 17)
(D) 1 (D) (17, 40)

7. If sinθ + sin2θ = 1 and a cos12θ + b cos10θ

+ c cos8θ + d cos6θ − 1 = 0. Find the value
of (a + b) − (c − d).
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 1

8. Ritik saw an electric pole at an elevation

of 30°. After walking for 2 min towards
the electric pole, the angle of elevation
3  1  sin  
3. If tan   , find the value of   changed to 60°. If Ritik walks at 5 m/sec,
4  1  sin   find the height of the electric pole (in m).
(A) 1/4
(B) 3/4 (A) 1, 000 3 m
(C) 7/8 (B) 500 3 m
(D) 5/7 (C) 600 2 m
4. In a right-angled triangle, the base is ‘b’ (D) 300 3 m
unit, the perpendicular is ‘p’ unit, and

228 Trigonometry
9. Arjun and Karan are 200 m from each (A) 991 ft
other. Between them, there is a tree. (B) 1,795.4 ft
Arjun found that the top of the tree was (C) 1,089 ft
at q °, whereas Karan found that the top (D) 1,095.45 ft
of the tree was at α°. Find the height of
the tree. 13. Arun and Varun are 20 km apart. They
200 both see a bird flying in the sky, mak-
(A) h 
cot   cot  ing an angle of 60° and 30°, respective-
2 ly. Find the height at which the bird is
(B) h  flying.
tan 
5 cot  (A) 5 7 km
(C) h 
cot   cot 
(B) 10 3 km
(D) h = 9 cot α + 5 tan α
(C) 5 3 km
10. A portion of a 60 m long tree is broken by
the wind and the top of the tree touch- (D) both (B) and (C)
es the ground by making an angle of 30°
with the ground. Find the height of the 14. In a right-angled triangle, ‘P’ and ‘b’ are
point where the tree is broken. the perpendicular sides and ‘h’ is the
hypotenuse. Find the minimum value of
(A) 20 m
h h
(B) 40 m + .
p b
(C) 50 m
15. Arun was playing on the ground when
(D) 30 m
he observed two UFOs flying exactly one
above the other. The angle of elevation of
Level of Difficulty – 3
the lower UFO for Arun is 30°, whereas
11. Given that cosecA − sinA = 4, find the the angle of elevation for the higher UFO
value of cosec6A + sin6A. was 60°. If the difference between the
heights of two UFOs was 300 m, calculate
12. A car, standing at the north of an electric the height at which the higher UFO was
pole, is moving at an angle of 30° with the flying.
top of the electric pole. Simultaneously, (A) 450 m
another car is standing at the east of the (B) 460 m
same electric pole, making an angle of (C) 900 m
60° with the top of the electric pole. Find (D) 1,000 m
the shortest distance between these
two cars. The height of the electric pole
is 600 ft (Consider both the cars are of
negligible dimensions.)

Trigonometry 229
 Solutions

1. (A) Alternate solution

Let the height of the tower be ‘h’ unit.

Now, in ∆DCA
h
tan30° =
AC
1 h ∴ AB = 3 R - 1 R = ( 3 - 1) R
=
3 AC Moreover, it is given that:
AC = h 3 unit…(i) ( 3 - 1) R ¾¾¾
® 12 min
Again in ∆DCB:
12
h 1 R ¾¾¾
® min
tan 45  3-1
BC
BC = h…(ii)
12 ( 3 + 1)
Therefore, AB = AC − BC = = 6 ( 3 + 1) min
(3 - 1)
 h 3  h  h ( 3  1) unit
2. (B)
Since it is given in the question that the
car covers AB distance in 12 min. But we All the sides of a regular hexagon are
have to find the time in which the car will equal. Then ∆EFD is an isosceles ∆.
cover the distance BC to reach the foot
of the tower.
∴ h ( 3 - 1) unit ® 12 min
12
1 unit ® min
h ( 3-1 )
12
Therefore, h unit → ´ h min
h ( 3-1 )
12  ( 3  1)
=
(3  1)
12 ( 3 + 1) Since ∠FED = 120°
=
2 Then, ∝ = 30°
=6 ( )
3 + 1 min Then, CFE 
1
2
AFE
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.

230 Trigonometry
 1
CFE   120  60
2
∴ ∝ + θ = 60°
30° + θ = 60°
θ = 30°
Hence, tan2θ = tan(2 × 30°)
= tan60  3
Option (B) is the correct answer. Moreover, it is given in the question
that ‘P’ and ‘b’ are two positive integers;
3. (A) therefore, ‘h2’ will be the sum of two per-
fect squares.
p
3 a) 24 = P2 + b2 24, can’t be expressed
Since tan  (given)
4 b as the sum of two perfect squares.
b) h2 = P2 + b2
25 = 32 + 42
Therefore, 25 can be expressed as
the sum of two perfect squares.
c) 52 = 62 + 42
Hence, 52 is also expressed as the
sum of two perfect squares.
By using the Pythagoras theorem or triplet, d) 61 = 52 + 62
we can find the hypotenuse of the above Therefore 61, is also expressed as the
triangle h = five units (or AC = 5 units). sum of the two perfect squares.
Now, we have to find the value of Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
 1  sin   5. (A)
 .
 1  sin   Since we know that:
P 3 (a + b)(a − b) = a2 − b2
Since sin   
H 5 (tan2θ − 1) (tan2θ + 1) − 2tan2θ + 2 = 0
(tan4θ − 1) − 2tan2θ + 2 = 0
tan4θ − 2tan2θ + 1 = 0
Let tan2θ = x
∴ x2 − 2x + 1 = 0
(x − 1)2 = 0
x=1
Since tan2θ = x
∴ tan2θ = 1
Put the value of sin θ in the above
tanθ = ±1
equation.
When tanθ = 1
3 2 π
1 θ = 45° or
1  sin  5 5  1
  4
1  sin  3 8 4 When tan   1
1
5 5 3
Then,   or 135
4. (A) 4
Since we know that in a right-angled Hence, there are two values q that satisfy
triangle. the given equation in the interval (0, π).
h2 = p2 + b2 Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.

Trigonometry 231
 6. (A) 8. (D)
Since [5, 12, 13] is a Pythagorean triplet.
∴ If we divide and multiple by 13 in
5 cosθ + 12 sinθ
5 12 
 13   cos   sin  
 13 13 
Let there be another angle α from which

Let the height of the electric pole is ‘h’

meters.
Distance travelled by Ritik in 2 min
= Speed × time = 5 m/sec × 120 sec
= 600 m
5
sin   ∴ AB = 600 m
13
12 By applying geometry in ∆ABD
cos  
13
⇒ 13 × [sin α cos θ + cos α sinq]
⇒ 13 × [sin(α + θ)
Since [sin(α + θ)]max = 1 and [sin(α + θ)]min =
−1.
∴ Maximum value of the given equation
= 13 × 1 + 30 = 43.
Also minimum value of the given equation
= 13 × (–1) + 30 = 17. Now, in ∆BCD:
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer. h
sin60 
600
7. (A)
3 h
Since sinθ = 1 − sin2θ =
2 600
sinθ = cos2q
sin2θ = cos4q 300 3 = h
1 − cos2θ = cos4q h = 300 3 m
cos4θ + cos2θ = 1
∴ The height of the electric pole is
(cos4θ + cos2θ)3 = 13
⇒ (cos4θ)3 + cos6θ + 3cos6θ(cos4θ + cos2θ) 300 3 m
=1 Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
⇒ cos12θ + cos6θ + 3 cos10θ + 3 cos8θ − 1 = 0
On comparing with above equation 9. (A)
a cos12θ + b cos10θ + c cos8θ + cos6θ– 1 = 0
Moreover, 1 cos12θ + 3 cos10θ + 3 cos8θ + 1.
cos6θ − 1 = 0
∴ a = 1, b = 3, c = 3, d = 1
∴ (a + b) − (c − d) = (1 + 3) − (3 − 1)
=4−2=2
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.

232 Trigonometry
 Let the height of the tree is h m also BC Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
= x m.
Moreover, suppose at point B Arjun is 11. 5,778
standing and Karan at point D is standing. 1
Let cosecA = x 
sinA =
In ∆ABC: x
h 1
tan    x  h cot  …(i) So, given x   4 and we need to find
x x
Again, in ∆ACD: 1
x6 +
AC x6
tan   
CD 1
h h x 4
tan     ...(ii) x
200  x 200  x Square both sides
Put the value of x = h cotθ in equations 2
 1 1 1
(ii) from (i)  x 2  2  2  x   16
  x    16 
 x x x
∴ 200 − x = h cot α
200 − h cotθ = h cot α 1
 x2   18
h cot α + h cotθ = 200 x2
h (cot α + cotθ) = 200 Cube both sides
3
200  1 
h   x 2  2   183
cot   cot   x 
200
∴ The height of the tree is . 1 1 æ 2 1 ö
cot   cot  x6 + + 3 ´ x2 ´ ç x + ÷ = 5, 832
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer. x6 x2 è x2 ø
¯
10. (A) 1
x6 + + 3 ´ 1 ´ ( 18) = 5, 832
x6
1
x6   5, 832  54  5, 778
x6
12. (D)

Let the height at which the tree is broken

be x m from point ‘B’.
In ∆CBD:
BC
sin30° =
CD
1 x

2 60  x
60 − x = 2x Let OA be an electric pole and at point B
3x = 60 m car 1 is standing and at point C 2nd car is
standing. Moreover, assume the distance
x = 20 m between the first car and second car

Trigonometry 233
 from the base of the electric pole is d1 Suppose at ‘h’ height the bird is flying.
and d2 ft. h
Now, in the right-angled ∆AOB:  tan 30 
20  x
AO
tan 30 =
OB 20  x  h 3
1 600 x  (20  h 3 )km……(i)
=
3 d1 h
Again, tan60 
x
Þ d 1 = 600 3 ft
h
Again, in ∆AOC: 3=
x
AO 600
tan 60   h
OC d2 x=
600 3
3=
d2 h
Put the value x = in equation (i)
600 600 ´ 3 600 3 3
d2 = = = = 200 3 ft
3 3´ 3 3  x  (20  h 3 )km
∴ Shortest distance between the two h
cars.  (20  h 3 )
3
= d12 + d22
h  20 3  3h
2 2
= (600 3 ) + (200 3 ) 4h = 20 3
= (36, 000 ´ 3) + 40, 000 ´ 3 h = 5 3 km
= 100 108 + 12 Case 2:
When Arun and Varun are standing on
= 100 120 = 1, 095.45 ft the same side
Therefore, option (D) is the correct
answer.
13. (D)
In this type of question, two cases will form
Case 1:
When Arun and Varun are standing on
the opposite side:

By using geometry in ∆ABD:

Since ∠CAD = ∠ADC
∴ AC = CD (by property of an
isosceles ∆)
Therefore, 2R → 20 km
1R → 10 km
∴ 3R → 10 3 km
∴ In this case, the height at which the
bird is flying is 10 3 km.

234 Trigonometry
14. 2 2 15. (A)
Since we know that AM ≥ GM
h h

P b  h h
 
2 P b

h h h2
 2
p b Pb

h h P 2  b2
 2
p b Pb Let Arun be at point ‘A’ and distance BC
= x.
In ∆ABC:
BC
tan 30 
AB
1 x
=
3 AB
AB = x 3……(i)
h h P b
 2  300  x
p b b p tan60 
AB
h h 300  x
 2 2 3
p b x 3
 1  x × 3 = 300 + x
Because  X   2 3x = 300 + x
 X 
2x = 300
h h x = 150 m
Therefore, + ³2 2
p b Therefore, the UFO1 is flying at height
Hence, the minimum value of the ex- = 300 + x = 300 + 150 = 450 m.
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
 h h
pression    is 2 2
P b

Trigonometry 235
 Practice Exercise – 2

Level of Difficulty – 1 (C) 4, 000 ( 3 − 1)

1. Two towers of the same height stand (D) 8, 000 ( 3 − 2 )
on either side of a road 40 m wide. At a
5. A policeman observes from the top of a
point on the road between the towers,
security tower a thief running away from
the elevations of the towers are 60° and
the tower. The angle of depression from
30°. Find the approximate height of the
the top of the tower to the thief is 60°
towers.
when the thief is 100 m from the tower.
(A) 19 m
Twenty-five seconds later, the angle of
(B) 17 m
depression becomes 45°. Find the speed
(C) 15 m
with which the thief is running away?
(D) 13 m
(A) 4( 3 + 1) m/s
2. A tree falls and rests against a vertical (B) 5( 3 − 1) m/s
wall in a severe storm. The top of the
(C) 6( 3 + 1) m/s
tree is 20 ft above the foot of the wall. If
now the bottom of the tree slides back (D) 4( 3 − 1) m/s
again by 10 ft, then the tree lies flat on
6. Find the value of tan12° × tan24° × tan36°
the ground with its top touching the wall.
× tan60° × tan54° × tan66° × tan78°.
Find the height (length) of the tree.
(A) 0
(A) 25 ft 1
(B) 30 ft (B)
3
(C) 50 ft
(D) 80 ft (C) 3
(D) 1
3. A man walks 30 m towards a lamp post
and notices that the angle of elevation of 7. tan 50  tan 70  3 tan 50 tan 70
the top of the lamp post increases from 1
30° to 60°. Find the height of the post. (A)
3
(A) 15 3
(B) 3
(B) 15 31
(C) − 3
(C) 15 3  1 −1
(D)
(D) 15 2   3  3
8. Find the range of cos2   sin4 .
4. An aeroplane is flying at an altitude of 20 (A) [0, 1]
km above point P on the ground and its el- 3 
evation from point R on the ground is 45°. (B)  , 1
It is flying horizontally away from point R 4 
and after 5 seconds it is directly above a  1 3
(C)  , 
point Q on the ground and the elevation 2 4
of the airplane is now reduced by 15°. The (D) [0, 2]
speed of the aeroplane (in m/s) is:
9. The sides of a right-angled triangle are in
(A) 4, 000 3
geometric progression. What is the ratio
(B) 8, 000 ( 3 − 2) of the tan of acute angles of a triangle?

236 Trigonometry
 1+ 3 13. Ananya went to see two of her friends
(A) staying on different floors of the same
2
building. When she was 60 m away from
5−1 the building, she saw fire at the entrance.
(B)
2 She started talking to her friends from
1− 3 there only. One of her friends was on the
(C) fourth floor, and the other was on the
2
8th floor. Ananya notices that the angles
1+ 5 of elevation of the 4th and the 8th floor
(D)
2 are 30° and 60°, respectively. Find the
10. A man has a farmhouse in the shape of distance (in metres) between the fourth
a triangle. The two adjacent sides of the and the other floor.
farmhouse measure 180 and 200 cm and
the angle between these two sides are (A) 20 3
60°. Find the third side. (B) 30 3
(A) 190.78 cm
(C) 40 3
(B) 179.20 cm
(C) 145.20 cm (D) 50 3
(D) 123.45 cm p 2p 3p 10p 11p
14. cos + cos + cos ..... cos + cos =?
12 12 12 12 12
Level of Difficulty – 2
15. What is the maximum value of the expres-
11. The parallelogram shown in the figure sion sin2 A+ 12 sin A cos A+ 6 cos2 A is?
has four sides of equal length. If the ratio
16. A tall tree has its base at point ‘P’. Three
of the length of the longer diagonal to
points, R, S, and T, are located at 8, 16,
the length of the shorter diagonal is of
and 32 m, respectively, from ‘P’. The el-
the form a + b , then find the value of
evation angle of the top of the tree from
2a + 3b.
‘R’ and ‘T’ are complementary angles.
Find the angle of elevation (in degrees)
of the tree’s top from ‘S’.
(A) 75°
(B) 30°
(C) 60°
(D) 45°
12. If sin A + cos A = 7x, then find the value of 1 
sin3 A + cos3 A is: tan2 37  tan2 7
17. 2 2  _______ .
23 x + 343 x 3 1 
(A) 1  tan2 37 tan2 7
2 2 2
21x + 343 x 3 (A) 1
(B)
2 (B) 3
3
23 x − 343 x 1
(C) (C)
2 3
21x − 343 x 3
(D) (D) 2
2

Trigonometry 237
 18. Find the value of sin10° sin30° sin50° 23. In a triangle ABC, 4cosA + 5sinB = 6 and
sin70°, given that sin3A = 4sinA . sin(60° 5cosB + 4sinA = 5, find angles ACB which
+ A). sin(60° − A). is an acute angle.
3 (A) 30°
(A) (B) 45°
16
1 (C) 60°
(B) (D) 75°
8
1 24. The angle of elevation of a tower from
(C)
16 a point 20 m above a river is 30° and
3 the angle of depression of the reflection
(D) of the tower in the river is 60°. Find the
8
height of the tower.
19. cos201 x + sin201 x = 1 ; - p < x < p. How many (A) 60 m
values of x in the specified range satisfy (B) 30 m
the above equation? (C) 40 m
cos2  (D) 50 m
20. If x  , the
1  cot 2   sin2   cos2 cot 2  25. Aisha is standing somewhere between
maximum value of x is _______. the two towers A and B of her housing
1 society. The angle of elevation of the top
(A)
8 of towers A and B from her position is 30°
1 and 60°, respectively. Then, she moved
(B)
2 towards tower A and now the angle of el-
1 evation of the top of towers A and B from
(C) her new position changed to 45° each.
6
Find the ratio of the height of tower A to
1
(D) the height of tower B.
4
3−1
Level of Difficulty – 3 (A)
3
sin  1 - cos q + sin q 1
21. If  k , then = is: (B)
1  cos   sin  1 + sin q 3
(A) k
(B) 2k
(C)  31 
1 (D) 1
(C)
k 26. A ladder of length 7.6 m is standing
1 against a wall, and the difference be-
(D)
2k tween the wall and the foot of the lad-
22. If sinA + sin2A + sin3A − 1 = 0 and cos6A + der is 6.4 m. If the top of the ladder now
a cos4A + b cos2A − 4 = 0. Then (a − b)/ slips by 1.2 m, then the foot of the ladder
(a + b) is equal to shifts by approximately:
(A) −3 (A) 0.4 m
(B) −2 (B) 0.6 m
(C) 1 (C) 0.8 m
(D) 3 (D) 1.2 m

238 Trigonometry
27. The topmost point of a perfectly vertical 29. A building has two windows that need re-
tower is marked as ‘P’. The tower stands pair. A ladder that is 40 m long is placed
on level ground at point ‘S’. The points ‘Q’ against a wall such that it just reach-
and ‘R’ are somewhere between ‘P’ and es the first window, which is 25 m high.
‘S’ on the tower. From a point ‘T’, located The angle of elevation made by the first
on the ground at a certain distance from window from the foot of the ladder is
the base of the tower, the points P, Q, 60°. The foot of the ladder is at point ‘D’
and R are at angles of 60°, 45°, and 30°, when the first window is repaired, and
respectively. Find the ratio of the (PQ + the foot of the ladder is pulled back up
QR): (QR + ST). to the point ‘E’ so that the ladder can
reach up to the second window (which
(A) 5 : ( 3 + 1) is below the first window). The angle of
(B) 2 : ( 3 + 1) elevation made by the second window is
30°. The approximate distance between
(C) 2 : (2 3 − 1) the two points ‘D’ and E’ is:
(A) 22 m
(D) 10 : ( 5 + 1) (B) 20 m
28. The angle of elevation of a balloon from (C) 18 m
the top of an 18-m high building situated (D) 16 m
on the bank of a river is found to be 30°. 30. The value of (sec35°sec70° + tan35°
If the reflection of the balloon in the riv- tan70°)2 − (sec35°tan70° + tan35°sec70°)2
er is observed at an angle of depression
is:
of 60°, find the balloon’s height from the
ground level.
(A) 18 m
(B) 27 m
(C) 36 m
(D) 45 m

Trigonometry 239
 Solutions

1. (A) 2. (A)
Let the height of the towers be ‘h’ m.

Let the height or length of the tree = x ft.

In ΔABC: When the tree slides back by 10 ft then
h it lies flat on the ground with its top
tan 30  touching the wall. Then BD will become
BC
1 h the length of the tree.
 Therefore, BC = (x − 10) ft
3 40  x Now, in right-angled ∆ABC:
40  x  h 3 x 2  202  ( x  10)2
x  (40  h 3 ) m ....(i) x 2  400  x 2  100  20 x
Again, in ΔCDE: 20x = 500
x = 25 ft
DE Therefore, the height or length of the
tan 60 
CD tree is 25 ft.
h Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
3
X
h
x ....(ii) 3. (A)
3
h
Put the value of x = from equation (ii)
3
in (i).

x  (40  h 3 ) m
h
 40  h 3
3 In triangle ABC
H/x = tan 60° or H = x 3...(i)
h = 40 3 - 3h In triangle ABD
4h = 40 3 H/(30 + x) = tan 30°
or H = (30 + x) / 3...(ii)
h = 10 3 m On solving equations (i) and (ii), we will
Or h = 10 × 1.7320 = 17.3205 m, which is get x = 15.
approximately equal to 17 m. Putting the value of x = 15 in equation (i),
we will get H = 15√ 3.
Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.

240 Trigonometry
4. (C) Distances AB = 25v m.
Let the aeroplane be at point X which In triangle BCD,
is exactly 20 km above point P on the tan60° = h/100
ground and then after 5 seconds let it be 3 = h/ 100
at point Y which is exactly 20 km above
point Q on the ground, i.e., XP = YQ = 20 h = 100 3...(i)
km. In triangle ACD,
tan45° = h/(25v + 100)
1 = h/(25v + 100)
25v + 100 = h
25v + 100 = 100 3… [by using equation (i)]

v  100( 3  1) / 25
Now, X will be at an angle of 45°, and Y v  4( 3  1)
will be at an angle of 30°. Let the speed Therefore, the thief is running away at
of the airplane be ‘a’ m/s.
Now, since angle XRP = 45°, therefore, XP speed 4( 3 − 1) m/s.
= RP = 20 km = 20,000 m Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
Now, the distance moved by aeroplane in
5 seconds will be 5a m, 6. (C)
i.e., XY = PQ = 5a tan78° = tan(90 − 12)° = cot12°= 1/tan12°
Therefore, in triangle YRQ, angle YRQ tan66° = tan(90 − 24)° = cot24°= 1/tan24°
= 30° and angle YQR = 90°. tan54° = tan(90 − 36)° = cot36°= 1/tan36°
tan 30° = YQ/RQ putting the values of tan78°, tan66°, and
1 20, 000 tan54° in the expression given in the
i.e., 
3 20, 000  5a question we will get
tan12° × tan24° × tan36° × tan60° ×
20,000 + 5a = 20, 000 3
tan54° × tan66° × tan78° = tan60° = 3
5a  20, 000 ( 3  1) Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.

a  4, 000 ( 3  1)
7. (C)
Thus, the speed of the aeroplane is
120  50  70  tan 120  tan(50  70)
4, 000 ( 3 − 1) m/s.
tan 50  tan 70
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.  3
1  tan 50 tan 70
5. (D)   3  3 tan 50 tan 70  tan 50  tan 70
Let ‘h’ m be the height of the security  tan 50  tan 70  3 tan 50 tan 70   3
tower and v m/s be the speed of the thief.
8. (B)
The arrangement of the problem is shown
in the following figure. cos2 q + sin4 q = 1 - sin 2 q + sin4 q
= 1 - sin2 q(1 - sin2 q) = 1 - sin2q cos2q
1 1
= 1 - 4 sin2 qcos2q = 1 - (sin2 2q)
4 4
We know that 0 ≤ sin22θ ≤ 1

Trigonometry 241
 1 1 1 5
\- £ - sin2 2q £ 0 And r 2  (already we have found).
4 4 2
1 1 Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
1 - £ 1 - sin2 2q £ 1 - 0
4 4
3
£ cos2 q + sin 4 q £ 1 10. (A)
4
é3 ù
\ Range is ê , 1ú
ë4 û

9. (D)
Let the sides of a right-angled triangle be
a, ar, ar2.

Let the third side be ‘C’. By using the co-

sine rule,
We can find the third side.
a2  b2  c2
cos C 
2ab
1802  2002  c2
cos 60 
2  180  200
Since it is a right-angled triangle, use the
1 1802  2002  c2
Pythagoras theorem 
2 2  180  200
AC2 = AB2 + BC2
(ar2)2 = a2 + (ar)2 1 72, 400  c2

a2r4 = a2 + a2r2 2 72, 000
r4 = 1 + r2 36,000 = 72,400 − c2
r4 − r2 − 1 = 0 c2 = 36,400

( 1)  ( 1)2  4  1  ( 1) c = 36, 400

r2 
2 1 c ≈ 190.78 cm

1 1 4 Hence, third side of the triangle will be

r2  190.78 cm (approx.).
2
1 5 11. 13
r2 
2
Since r2 > 0
1 5
r2 
2
Now, we have to find tanA and tanC.
BC ar
∴ tanA = = = r
AB a
AB a 1
Moreover, tanC = = = Using the sine rule,
BC ar r
tanA r a m
Therefore, = = r2 
tanC 1 / r sin75 sin30

242 Trigonometry
 a m Using equations (i) and (ii), we get:
⇒ 
1 3
31
2
sin3 A + cos3 A = 7 x 
3

2
 
49 x 2  1 7 x  
2 2
21x
⇒m
2 a
...(i)
⇒ sin3 A + cos3 A = 343 x 3 
2

49 x 2  1 
31 686 x 3  1, 029 x 3  21x
⇒ sin3 A + cos3 A =
2
21x  343 x 3
⇒ sin3 A  cos3 A 
2
13. (C)

Using the sine rule,

a n

sin15 sin150
a n
⇒ 
31 1
2 2 2

2 a AB = Distance between Ananya and

⇒n ...(ii)
31 building = 60 m
From equations (i) and (ii) we get: BC = a = Distance between fourth floor
and ground
31  
2

n 31 42 3 CD = b = Distance between eightth floor

    2 3 and 4th floor.
m 31 2 2
∠BAC = 30°
Thus, a  b  2  3 ⇒ a = 2 and b = 3. ∠BAD = 60°
In ∆BAC:
  
Therefore, 2a  3b  2  2  3  3  13.  BC
 tan 30
AB
12. (D)
a 1
We have:  
60 3
sinA + cosA = 7x...(i)
Squaring equation (i) on both sides, we get: 60 3
a 
sin2 A + cos2 A + 2 sin A cos A = 49 x 2 3 3
2
⇒ 1 + 2 sin A cos A = 49 x 60 3
a  20 3...(i)
⇒ 1 + sin 2 A = 49 x 2 3
⇒ sin 2 A  49 x 2  1...(ii) In ∆BAD:
BD
  sinAtan60 
3
Now, sin3 A  cos3 A  sin A  cos A  3 sin A cos AAB  cosA

sin A  cos A  
3
 3 sin A cos A sin A  cosA ab
  3
3 60
=  sin A  cos A  sin 2 A  sin A  cosA
3

Trigonometry 243
  a  b  60 3 Let the height of the tree is ‘h’ m
In right-angled triangle PQR:
 b  60 3  20 3 …….. [from equation (i)]
PQ
⇒ Distance between fourth floor and tanθ =
PR
eightth floor = 40 3.
h
tan   ...(i)
14. 0 8
Again in triangle QPT:
 2 3 10 11
cos  cos  cos ..... cos  cos h
12 12 12 12 12 tan(90 − θ ) =
32
cos15° + cos30° + cos45° ………. cos150° +
h
cos165° cotθ = ...(ii)
32
Now, cos 165° = cos (180 − 15)° = –cos 15° From equations (i) and (ii) we will get:
cos 150° = cos (180 − 30°) = − cos 30° h h
tanθ × cot θ = ×
Similarly, cos 135° = − cos 45° 8 32
cos 120° = − cos60° h2 = 256
cos 105° = − cos75° h = 16 cm
Cos 15° + cos 30° + cos 45° + cos 60° + Since we have to find the angle ‘α ’
cos 75° + cos 90° − cos 75° − cos 60° − In triangle QPR:
cos 45° − cos 30° − cos 15° h
tan  
⇒ cos 90° = 0 88
16
tan  
15. 10 16
tanα = 1
sin2 A+ 12 sin A cos A+ 6 cos2 A tanα = tan45°
1 cos 2 A 12  1 cos 2 A  Thus,   45
=    2 sin A cos A 6  
2 2  2  Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
1
= (1 cos 2 A 12 sin 2 A 6 6 cos 2 A)
2 17. (C)
1 tan A  tan B
= (7 + 12 sin 2 A+ 5 cos 2 A). tan( A  B) 
2 1  tan A tan B
The maximum value of tan A  tan B
tan( A  B) 
12 sin 2 A 5 cos 2 A    122   52 = 13. 1  tan A tan B
tan2 A  tan2 B
1 tan( A  B). tan( A  B) 
Maximum value of 1  tan2 A tan2 B
2
1 1 1
(7 + 12 sin 2 A+ 5 cos 2 A) = (7 + 13) = 10. Put A  37 ; B  7
2 2 2
1 1
16. (D) tan2 37  tan2 7
 2 2
1  1
1  tan2 37 tan2 7
2 2

 1 1  1 1
 tan  37  7  tan  37  7 
 2 2  2 2
 1  1
 tan45 tan30  1.  
 3  3

244 Trigonometry
18. (C) sin  ( 1  cos   sin  )
k
sin3A = 4 sinA sin (60° + A) sin(60° − A)
Put A = 10o 
2 sin   sin2   1  cos2  
⇒ sin3(10o) = 4 sin 10o sin 70o sin 50o sin  ( 1  cos   sin  )
k
sin 30 2 sin   2 sin2 
  sin 10 sin 50 sin 70
4 sin q ( 1 - cos q + sin q )
1 k=
  sin 10 sin 5070 2 sin q ( 1 + sin q )
8 1 - cos q + sin q
1 1 1 = 2k
∴ sin10o sin 30o sin 50o sin 70o =    . 1 + sin q
8  2  16
22. (A)
19. 2
sinA + sin2A + sin3A − 1 = 0 and cos6A + a
Given equation is cos201 x + sin201 x = 1
cos4A + b cos2A − 4 = 0
The above equation is true only when
sinA + sin3A = 1 − sin2A
cos x = 1 or sin x = 1, i.e., when x = 0 or
⇒ sinA (1 + sin2A) = cos2A
π/2.
⇒ sin2A {1 + (1 − cos2A)}2 = cos4A
( 201 is odd and    x  )
⇒ (1 − cos2A) (4 + cos4A − 4 cos2A) = cos4A
∴ The number of solutions is 2.
⇒ 4 + cos4A − 4cos2A − 4cos2A − cos6A +
4cos4A = cos4A
20. (C) ⇒ cos6A − 4cos4A + 8cos2A = 4
cos2  ⇒ cos6A − 4cos4A + 8cos2A − 4 = 0
x
1  cot 2   sin2   cos2  cot 2  Comparing with cos6A + acos4A + bcos2A
cos2  sin2  −4=0
 ⇒ a = –4, b = 8
sin2   cos2   sin4   cos4 
cos2  sin2  Now, (a − b)/(a + b) = (–4 − 8)/(–4 + 8) =
 –12/4 = –3
1  sin4   cos4 
Hence, (a–b)/(a + b) = –3.
cos2  sin2 

1  (sin2   cos2 )( 2 sin2  cos2 ) 23. (C)
sin2 cos2 4cosA + 5sinB = 6 ¾¾¾¾Square
® 16cos2 A +

2  2 sin4  cos2  25sin2B + 40 cosA sinB = 36 …(i)
4 sin2 cos 2  sin2 2 Square
  5cosB + 4sinA = 5 ¾¾¾¾ ®25cos2B +
2
8  2(4sin  cos )
2 2
8  2 sin 2 16sin2A + 40 cosB sinA = 25 …(ii)
  Add equations (i) and (ii)
when    2   , x has its maximum
4  16(cos2A + sin2A) + 25 (sin2B + cos2B) + 40
1 (sinA cosB + cosA sinB) = 61
value which is .
6 16 + 25 + 40 sin (A + B) = 61
40 sin (A + B) = 20
21. (B) 1
sin(A + B) =
sin  ( 1  cos   sin  ) 2
k  Given that ∆ACB = acute, so (A + B) would
1  cos   sin  ( 1  cos   sin  )
sin  ( 1  cos   sin  ) be obtuse
k 1
⇒ sin(A + B) =  sin( 120) which
( 1  sin  )2  cos2  2
sin  ( 1  cos   sin  ) means A + B = 120°
k
1  2 sin   sin2   cos2  ⇒ C = ∠ACB = 60°

Trigonometry 245
 24. (C) a 1
 tan 30 
Let h be the height of the tower from AX 3
above the point of observation at which
the angle of elevation is 30°. The angle  AX  3a ...(i)
of depression of the shadow of the tower b
is 60°. Moreover,  tan60  3
BX
b
BX =  ...(ii)
3
Distance between towers = AX + BX
b
 3a   ...(iii)
3
After changing positions:

In ∆ACD,
tan30° = h/x
⇒ 1/√3 = h/x
⇒ x = h√3 ...(i)
In ∆ACD′,
tan60° = (20 + h + 20)/x
⇒ √3 = (40 + h)/x
⇒ x = (40 + h)/√3 ...(ii)
Using (i) a
 tan 45  1
√3h = (40 + h)/√3 AY
⇒ √3 . √3h = 40 + h  AY  a
⇒ 3h − h = 40
b
⇒ h = 20 m Also  tan 45  1
Height of tower = h + 20 = 20 + 20 = 40 m. BY
Hence, the height of the tower is 40 m.  BY  b
Distance between tower = AY + BY = a + b
25. (B)  ...(iv)
Let’s assume the height of tower A = a Distance between towers will not change.
and the height of tower B = b Therefore, from equations (iii) and (iv):
According to the initial position,
 3a 
b
3
 a  b  
3  1 a  b 
b
3

 31 b
  
31 a
3
a 1
 
b 3
Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.

246 Trigonometry
26. (B) In right-angled D RST:
In right-angled ∆ABC,
RS
BC2 = AB2 + CA2 (using Pythagoras tan 30 
ST
theorem)
1 a
=
3 ST

ST = a 3

or ST = 3 a...(i)
Again, in right-angled D QST:
QS
2 2 2 tan 45 
7.6  (AD  BD)  6.4 ST
 
2
7.62  AD  1.2  6.42 ST
= QS
= 3a

 
2
57.76  AD  1.2  40.96 ∴ QR = QS − RS

 AD  1.2
2
 57.76  40.96  16.8 QR = 3 a - a = ( 3 - 1) a
AD + 1.2 = 4.1 Similarly, in right-angled D PST:
AD = 2.9 m
PS
Now, in right ∆DAE, tan60 
ST
DE2  AD2  EA 2
PS
3=
 
2
7.62  2.92  6.4  EC 3a
 
2
57.76  8.41  6.4  EC PS = 3a

 
2
49.35  6.4  EC ∴ The length of PQ = ‘PS’ − ‘QS’ =
7 = 6.4 + EC 3a − 3 a = (3 − 3 ) a
EC = 0.6 m. Now, we have to find the ratios of
Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.
(PQ + QR) : (QR + ST)
27. (C) (3a  3a  3 a  a) : ( 3a  a  3a)
Let the ‘PS’ be the tower and the length
of the ‘RS’ be ‘a’. 2a : (2 3 a − a )

2 : (2 3 − 1)
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.

28. (C)
Let A be the balloon and F be its
reflection.
Therefore, BD = CE is the height of the
building = BD = (CE) = 18 m
Let AC = h m.

Trigonometry 247
 AC
tan60° =
CD
25
3=
CD
25
CD = m
3
Again in ∆BCE:
CE
cos30° =
BE
3 CE
=
2 40
CE = 20 3 m
Thus, the distance between the two
In ∆ABC:
points ‘D’ and ‘E’
h 1
= tan 30° = 25
BC 3 = CE − CD = 20 3 − =
3
⇒ BC = 3 h m ...(i)
60 - 25 35
In ∆ BCF: m=
m = 20.207 m
3 3
CF
= tan60° = 3 Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.
BC
CF 18+ 18+ h 30. 1
⇒ BC = = m ...(ii)
3 3
From equations (i) and (ii), we get: sec35° sec70° + tan35° tan70°
18+ 18+ h 1 1 sin 35 sin 70
3h =  
3 cos 35 cos 70 cos 35 cos 70
1  sin 35 sin 70
⇒ 3h − h = 36 
cos 35 cos 70
sec 35 tan 70
 
 tan 35 sec 70 
⇒ h = 18 m
Therefore, the height of the balloon from 1 sin 70 sin 35 1 sin 70  sin 35
  
the ground = 18 + h = 36 m. cos 35 cos 70 cos 35 cos 70 cos 35 cos 75
2 2
 1  sin 35 sin 70   sin 70  sin 35 
GE   
 cos 35 cos 70   cos 35 cos 70 
29. (B)    
2 2

  sin 70 cos
 sin 35  2 sin 35 sin 70
  


 1  sin2 35 sin2 70  2 sin 35 sin 70 2
35 cos 70  2 

1  sin2 35 sin2 70  sin2 70  sin2 35


cos2 35 cos2 70


 1 sin 2

70  sin2 35 1  sin2 70 
2 2
cos 35 cos 70  


 1  sin 2
70   1  sin 2
35 1
Let the first window be at ‘A’ and second cos2 35 cos2 70
window be at ‘B’.
In ∆ACD:

248 Trigonometry
Mind Map

Trigonometry 249