1 Fundamental of Mathematics

 is less than or equal to

 is greater than or equal to

 is not less than

 is not greater than

 belongs to

 does not belong to

 implies (If... then...)

 implies and implied by (if and only if / iff)

! factorial

The square root of

n nth root, n  N, n  2

 The summation of

 The product of

Fundamental of Mathematics 1
 Greek Letters (Capital, Small) and there pronounciations

Symbol How it is read Symbol How it is read

(Capital, Small) (Capital, Small)

A,  Alpha N,  nu

B,  Beta   xi

,  gamma   omicron

  delta   pi

  epsilon ,  rho

  zeta   sigma

  eta   tau

  theta ,  upsilon

  iota   phi

  kappa   chi

  lambda   psi

  mu ,  omega

2 Fundamental of Mathematics
Number System
Natural Numbers: (N) = {1, 2, 3......}
Whole Numbers: (W) = {0, 1, 2, 3......}
Integers: (I) = {........ 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3......}
Positive Integers: (I ) = {1, 2, 3
+
...}
Negative Integers: (I ) = {.... 3, 2, 1}
Non-negative Integers: {0, 1, 2, 3........}
Non-positive Integers: {.... 3, 2, 1, 0}
Even Integers = {.... 6, 4, 2, 0, 2, 4, 6 ......}
Odd Integers = {........ 5, 3, 1, 1, 3, 5 ........}

Note: (i) Zero is neither positive nor negative. (ii) Zero is even number.
(iii) Positive means > 0. (iv) Non-negative means 0.

p
Fraction  
q
3 5
(a) Proper Fraction = : Nr < Dr (b) Improper Fraction = : Nr > D r
5 3
2
(c) Continued Fraction: 2 +
2
2+
2 + .....
1 1
This is usually written in the more compact form 2 + ........
2+ 2+

Rational Numbers (Q)

All the numbers that can be represented in the form p/q, where p and q are integers and q  0, are
called rational numbers. Integers, Fractions, terminating decimal numbers, Non-terminating but
repeating decimal numbers are all rational numbers.
p 
Q =  : p,q  I and q  0
q 

Note: (i) Integers are rational numbers, but converse need not be true.
(ii) A rational number always exists between two distinct rational numbers; hence infinite
rational numbers exist between two rational numbers.

Irrational Numbers (Qc)

There are real numbers which cannot be expressed in p/q (for p, q  I and q  0) form. Non-Terminating
non-repeating decimal numbers are irrational numbers.
Examples: 2, 5, 3 , 3 10 ; e, .
e  2.71 is called Napier's constant and   3.14

Fundamental of Mathematics 3
Note: (i) Sum of a rational number and an irrational number is an irrational number
Example: 2 + 3
(ii) If a  Q and b  Q, then ab = rational number, only if a = 0.
(iii) Sum, difference, product and quotient of two irrational numbers need not be an
irrational number or we can say, result may be a rational number also.

Real Numbers (R)

The complete set of rational and irrational number is the set of real numbers, R = Q  Qc. The real
numbers can be represented as a position of a point on the real number line.

Complex Numbers (C)

A number of the form a + ib, where a, b  R and i = −1 is called a complex number. Complex number
is usually denoted by z and the set of all complex numbers is represented by
C = {(x + iy): x, y  R, i = −1 }
N W  I  Q  R  C

Even Numbers
Numbers divisible by 2, unit's digit 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and represented by 2n (n  I).

Odd Numbers
Not divisible by 2, last digit 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 represented by (2n ± 1) (n  I).
(a) even ± even = even (b) even ± odd = odd
(c) odd ± odd = even (d) even × odd = even
(e) even × even = even (f) odd × odd = odd

Prime Numbers
Let 'p' be a natural number, 'p' is said to be prime if it has exactly two distinct positive integral factors,
namely 1 and itself.
Example: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31 ......

Composite Numbers
It is a positive integer that has atleast one divisor other than 1 and itself.

Note: (i) '1' is neither prime nor composite.

(ii) '2' is the only even prime number.
(iii) '4' is the smallest composite number.
(iv) Natural numbers which are not prime are composite numbers (except 1)

4 Fundamental of Mathematics
Co-Prime Numbers/ Relatively Prime Numbers
Two natural numbers (not necessarily prime) are coprime, if their H.C.F. is one
Example: (1, 2), (1, 3), (3, 4), (5, 6), etc.

Note: (i) Two distinct prime number(s) are always co-prime but converse need not be true.
(ii) Consecutive natural numbers are always co-prime numbers.

Twin Prime Numbers

If the difference between two prime numbers is two, then the pair of numbers is called as twin prime
numbers.
Example: {3, 5}, {5, 7}, {11, 13}, etc.

Numbers to Remember

Number 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Square 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81 100 121 144 169 196 225 256 289 324 361 400
Cube 8 27 64 125 216 343 512 729 1000 1331 1728 2197 2744 3375 4096 4913 5832 6859 8000
Sq. Root 1.41 1.73 2 2.24 2.45 2.65 2.83 3 3.16

Note: (i) Square of a real number is always non negative (i.e. x 2  0 )

(ii) Square root of a positive number is always positive.
Example: 4= 2

(iii) x2 = |x|, xR

Divisibility Rules

Divisible by Remark
2 Last digit of number is 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8
3 Sum of digits of number divisible by 3 (Remainder will be same when number is
divided by 3 or sum of digits is divided by 3.)
4 Number formed by last two digits divisible by 4 (Remainder will be same whether we
divide the number or its last two digits)
5 Last digit 0 or 5
6 Divisible by 2 and 3 simultaneously.
8 Number formed by last three digits is divisible by 8 (Remainder will be same whether
we divide the number or its last three digits)
9 Sum of digits divisible by 9. (Remainder will be same when number is divided by 9 or
sum of digit is divided by 9)
10 Last digit 0
11 (Sum of digits at even places) (sum of digits at odd places) = 0 or divisible by 11

Fundamental of Mathematics 5
LCM and HCF
(a) HCF is the highest common factor between any two or more numbers or algebraic expressions.
When dealing only with numbers, it is also called "Greatest Common Divisor" (GCD).

(b) LCM is the lowest common multiple of two or more numbers or algebraic expressions.

(c) The product of HCF and LCM of two numbers (or expressions) is equal to the product of the
numbers.

Example 1:
1
If x = , find the value of x3 x2 11x + 4
2+ 3
Solution:
1 2− 3 2− 3
As x = × =
( 3)
2
2+ 3 2− 3 2
(2) −

2− 3
x= =2 3
4−3
x 2= 3 squaring both sides; we get

( )
2
(x 2)2= − 3

 x2 + 4 4x = 3  x2 4x + 1 = 0
Now, x3 x2 11x+4
= x3 4x2+ x + 3x2 12x + 4 = x (x2 4x + 1) + 3 (x2 4x + 1) + 1
=0+0=0=1

Example 2:
1
If x = 3 2 2 , find x2+ .
x2
Solution:
We have, x = 3 2 2 .
1 1 1 3+2 2
 = = ×
x 3−2 2 3−2 2 3+2 2
3+2 2 3+2 2
= = =3+2 2
( ) 9−8
2 2
( 3) − 2 2

1
Thus, x2+ = (3 2 2 )2+ (3 + 2 2 )2
2
x
= (3)2+ (2 2 )2 2 × 3 × 2 2 + (3)2+ (2 2 )2+ 2 × 3 × 2 2
=9+8 12 2 + 9 + 8 + 12 2 = 34

6 Fundamental of Mathematics
Example 3:
1
Rationalise the denominator of .
3− 2−1
Solution:
1 1 3+ 2+1
= ×
3− 2−1 3 − ( 2 + 1) 3+ 2+1
3+ 2+1 2+ 3+1  2 + 6 + 2
= = =  
( 3)2 − ( 2 + 1)2 −2 2  4 
 

Indices
Some useful Formulae
(i) am × an = am+n (ii) a m ÷ an = am n

m m
−
a n bn
(iii) (am)n = (an)m = amn (iv)   = 
b a
(v) am ÷ b n
= am × b n

( a ) = a, where n  N , n  2 and 'a' is positive rational number

n
n
(vi)

(vii) a0 = 1, a  0
n
(viii) n  2, n  N a = a 1/n  nth root of 'a' ('a' is a non-negative number)
mn mn nm
(ix) a = a= a , where m, n  N, m, n  2 and 'a' is a positive rational number

(a )
m n mn km
(x) nm k
= ak = a , where m, n  N, m, n  2 , 'k' are positive integers and 'a' is

a positive rational number

(xi) a × a = a ; (a  0)
(xii) a × b= ab , a, b  R and atleast one of 'a' and 'b' is positive.

( )
2
(xiii) a+ b = a + b + 2 ab , a, b  R and atleast one of 'a' and 'b' is positive.

( b)
2
(xiv) a− =a+b 2 ab , a, b  R and atleast one of 'a' and 'b' is positive.

(xv) a + b = c + d  a = c and b = d where a, c are rational numbers and b, d are

irrational numbers
1 a+ b a+ b
(xvi) = =
a− b ( a− b )( a+ b ) a −b

1 a− b a− b
(xvii) = =
a+ b ( a+ b )( a− b ) a −b

(xviii) If x = n(n+1), then

(a) x − x − x − ...... = n, n  

(b) x + x + x + ...... = n + 1, n  

Fundamental of Mathematics 7
Example 4:
Evaluate the following:
−3
−1
(i) ( 3
64 ) 2  121  2
(ii)  
 169 
Solution:
−1
−1 1 −1 −1 −1  −1 
 12
( ) 1
  
(i) 3
64 2
= ( 64) 3  = (64) 3 2 = (64) 6 = (26) 6 = 26 ×  6  = 2 1 =
  2

−3/2 −3
−3/2 2x −3 3
 11  11   112   11  2  11   13  2197
(ii)   =   =  =   =   =
 13  13   132   13   13  11
  1331
 

Example 5:
If ax = b, by = c, cz = a, prove that xyz = 1 where a,b,c are distinct numbers
Solution:
We have,
axyz = (ax)yz
 axyz = (b)yz [ ax = b]  axyz = (by)z

 axyz = cz [ by = c]  axyz = a [ cz = a]

 axyz = a1  xyz = 1

Polynomial in One Variable

An algebraic expression of the form

p(x) = anxn + an-1 xn 1 + an 2x n 2

+ ... + a1x1 + a0x0, where

(i) an  0
(ii) Power of x is whole number, is called a polynomial in one variable.

Hence, an, an 1, an 2,....., a0 are coefficients of xn, xn 1, ..........., x0 respectively and

anxn, an 1xn 1, an 2 x n 2,... are terms of the polynomial. Here the term anxn is called the

Leading term and its coefficient an, the leading coefficient. If leading coefficient is '1'

then the polynomial is called as monic polynomial.

Variable
Coefficients Coefficients

P(u) = u3 3u2 + 2u 4

Terms

8 Fundamental of Mathematics
Degree of Polynomials
Degree of the polynomial in one variable is the largest exponent of the variable. For example, the degree
of the polynomial 3x7 4x6 + x + 9 is 7 and the degree of the polynomial 5x6 4x2 6 is 6. Polynomials
classified by degree.

Degree Name General form Example

(undefined) Zero polynomial 0 0
0 (Non-zero) constant a; (a 0) 1
polynomial
1 Linear polynomial ax + b; (a  0) x+1
2 Quadratic polynomial ax2 + bx + c; (a  0) x2 + 1
3 Cubic polynomial ax3 + bx2 + cx + d; (a  0) x3 + 1

Usually, a polynomial of degree n, for n greater than 3, is called a polynomial of degree n, although the
phrases quadratic polynomial and quantic polynomial are sometimes used.

Some Special Types of Polynomials
Monomials : Polynomials having only one term are called monomials.
Example: 2, 2x, 7y5, 12t7, etc.

Binomials : Polynomials having exactly two dissimilar terms are called binomials.
Example: p(x) = 2x + 1, r(y) = 2y7 + 5y6, etc.

Trinomials : Polynomials having exactly three distinct terms are called trinomials.
Example: p(x) = 2x2 + x + 6, q(y) = 9y6 + 4y2 + 1, etc.

Value and Zeroes of a Polynomial

Consider a polynomial f(x) = 3x2 4x + 2. If we replace x by 3 everywhere in the above expression, we
get f(3) = 3 × (3) 2
4 × 3 + 2 = 27 12 + 2 = 17
We can say that the value of the polynomial f(x) at x = 3 is 17.
Similarly, the value of polynomial f(x) = 3x2 4x + 2
at x = 2 is f( 2) = 3( 2) 2
4 × ( 2) + 2 = 12 + 8 + 2 = 22
at x = 0 is f(0) = 3(0) 2
4(0) + 2 = 0 0+2=2
2
1  1  1  1 3 3
at x = is f   = 3 ×   4×   +2= 2+2=
2 2 2 2 4 4
In general, we can say f() is the value of the polynomial f(x) at x = , where  is a real number. A real
number  is zero of a polynomial f(x) if the value of the polynomial f(x) is zero at x =  i.e. f() = 0.
OR
The value of the variable x, for which the polynomial f(x) becomes zero is called zero of the polynomials.
Example: consider, a polynomial p(x) = x2 5x + 6; replace x by 2 and 3.

Fundamental of Mathematics 9
p(2) = (2)2 5×2+6=4 10 + 6 = 0,
p(3) = (3)2 5×3+6=9 15 + 6 = 0
 2 and 3 are the zeros of the polynomial p(x).

Roots of a Polynomial Equation

An expression f(x) = 0 is called a polynomial equation if f(x) is a polynomial of degree n  1. A real
number  is a root of a polynomial f(x) = 0 if f( ) = 0 i.e.  is a zero of the polynomial f(x).
Example: consider the polynomial f(x) = 3x 2, then 3x 2 = 0 is the corresponding polynomial
equation.
2 2
Here, f   = 3   2=0
3 3
2 2
i.e. is a zero of the polynomial f(x) = 3x 2 or is a root of the polynomial equation 3x 2=0
3 3

Remainder Theorem
Statement
Let p(x) be a polynomial of degree  1 and 'a' is any real number. If p(x) is divided by
(x a), then the remainder is p(a).
Example: Let p(x) be x3 7x2 + 6x + 4
Divide p(x) with (x 6) and to find the remainder, put x = 6 in p(x) i.e. p(6) will be the remainder.
 required remainder be
p(6) = (6)3 7.62 + 6.6 + 4 = 216 252 + 36 + 4 = 256 252 = 4

x 6 x3 7x2 + 6x + 4 x2 x
x3 6x2
+
x2 + 6x + 4
x2 + 6x
+
Remainder = 4

Thus, p(a) is remainder on dividing p(x) by (x a).

Example 6:
Find the remainder when x3 ax2 + 6x a is divided by x a
Solution:
Let p(x) = x3 ax2 + 6x a
p(a) = a3 a(a)2 + 6(a) a = a3 a3 + 6a a = 5a
So, by the Remainder theorem, remainder = 5a

Examples 7:

10 Fundamental of Mathematics
 A polynomial in x of degree greater than three, leaves remainders 2, 1 and 1 when divided,
respectively, by (x 1), (x + 2) and (x + 1). What will be the remainder when it is divided by
(x 1) (x + 2) (x + 1)?
Solution:
Let required polynomial be f(x) = p(x) (x 1) (x + 2) (x + 1) + a0x2 + a1x + a2
By remainder theorem, f(1) = 2, f( 2) = 1, f( 1) = 1.
 a0 + a 1 + a 2 = 2
4a0 2a1 + a2 = 1
a0 a1 + a 2 = 1
7 3 2
Solving we get, a0 = , a 1 = , a2 =
6 2 3
7 2 3 2
Remainder when f(x) is divided by (x 1) (x + 2) (x + 1) will be x + x+ .
6 2 3

Factor Theorem

Statement
Let f(x) be a polynomial of degree  1 and a be any real constant such that f(a) = 0, then (x a) is a
factor of f(x). Conversely, if (x a) is a factor of f(x), then f(a) = 0.

Proof
By Remainder theorem, if f(x) is divided by (x a), the remainder will be f(a). Let q(x) be the quotient.
Then, we can write,
f(x) = (x a) × q(x) + f(a) ( Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder)

If f(a) = 0, then f(x) = (x a) × q(x)

Thus, (x a) is a factor of f(x).

Converse Let (x a) is a factor of f(x).

Then we have a polynomial q(x) such that f(x) = (x a) × q(x)

Replacing x by a, we get f(a) = 0. Hence, proved.

Example 8:
Use the factor theorem to determine whether (x 1) is a factor of
f(x) = 2 2x3 + 5 2x2 7 2
Solution:
By using factor theorem, (x 1) is a factor of f(x), only when f(1) = 0

f(1) = 2 2 (1)3 + 5 2 (1)2 7 2=2 2+5 2 7 2=0

Hence, (x 1) is a factor of f(x).

Factorization

Fundamental of Mathematics 11
Formulae
(a) (a ± b)2 = a2 ± 2ab + b2 = (a b)2 ± 4ab
(b) a2 b2 = (a + b) (a b)
1
If a2 b2 = 1 then a + b =
a −b
1 1
Example: sec  tan  = or 3 + 2 =
sec  + tan  3− 2
(c) (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab(a + b)
(d) (a b)3 = a3 b3 3ab(a b)
(e) a + b = (a + b) (a
3 3 2
ab + b2) = (a + b)3 3ab(a + b)
(f) a 3
b = (a
3
b) (a + ab + b ) = (a
2 2
b) + 3ab(a
3
b)
(g) (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca
(h) a3 + b3 + c3 3abc = (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 ab bc ca)
1
= (a + b + c){(a b)2 + (b c)2 + (c a)2}
2
(i) (a + b + c)3 = a3 + b3 + c3 + 3(a + b) (b + c) (c + a)
(j) a4 + a2 + 1 = (a2 + 1)2 a2 = (1 + a + a2)(1 a + a2 )

Sets
A set is a collection of well-defined objects which are distinct from each other. Sets are generally
denoted by capital letters A, B, C, ........, etc., and the elements of the set by small letters a, b, c ...., etc.
If a is an element of a set A, then we write a  A and say a belongs to A.
If a does not belong to A then we write aA.
Example: The collection of first five prime natural numbers is a set containing the elements 2, 3, 5, 7,
11.

Methods to Write a Set

(i) Roster Method or Tabular Method: In this method a set is described by listing elements,
separated by commas and enclose then by curly brackets. Note that while writing the
set-in roster form, an element is not generally repeated.
Example: The set of letters of word SCHOOL may be written as {S, C, H, O, L}.
(ii) Set builder form (Property Method): In this we write down a property or rule which
gives us all the element of the set.
A = {x: P(x)} where P(x) is the property by which x  A and colon ( : )

Example 1:
Express set A = {x: x  N and x = 2n for n  N} in roster form
Solution:
A = {2, 4, 8, 16, .........}
Example 2:

12 Fundamental of Mathematics
 Express set B = {x3: x < 5, x  W} in roster form
Solution:
B = {0, 1, 8, 27, 64}

Example 3:
Express set A = {0, 7, 26, 63, 124} in set builder form
Solution:
A = {x: x = n3 1, n  N, 1  n  5}

Types of Sets
Null set or empty set
A set having no element in it is called an empty set or a null set or void set, it is denoted by  or { }. A
set consisting of at least one element is called a non-empty set or a non-void set.

Singleton set
A set consisting of a single element is called a singleton set.

Finite Set
A set which has only finite number of elements is called a finite set.

Order of a finite set

The number of distinct elements in a finite set A is called the order of this set and denoted by O(A)
or n(A). It is also called cardinal number of the set.
Example: A = {a, b, c, d}  n(A) = 4

Infinite Set
A set which has an infinite number of elements is called an infinite set.

Equal Sets
Two sets A and B are said to be equal if every element of A is member of B, and every element of B is
a member of A. If sets A and B are equal, we write A = B and if A and B are not equal then
AB

Equivalent Sets
Two finite sets A and B are equivalent if their cardinal number is same
i.e. n(A) = n(B)
Example: A = {1, 3, 5, 7}, B = {a, b, c, d}
 n(A) = 4 and n(B) = 4
 A and B are equivalent sets

Note: Equal sets are always equivalent but equivalent sets may not be equal
Example 4:

Fundamental of Mathematics 13
 Identify the type of set:
(i) A = {x  W: 3  x < 10} (ii) A = {   }
(iii) A = {1, 0, 1, 2, 3, .......} (iv) A = {1, 8, 2, 6, 5} and B = {1, 8, 2, 6, 5}
(v) A = {x: x is number of students in a class room}
Solution:
(i) finite set (ii) finite set
(iii) infinite set (iv) equal sets
(v) singleton set

Concept Builders - 1

(i) Write the set of all integers 'x' such that 2<x 4 < 5.

(ii) Write the set {1, 2, 5, 10} in set builder form.

(iii) If A = {x: x2 < 9, x  Z} and B = { 2, 1, 1, 2} then find whether sets A and B are equal or not.

Subset and Superset

Let A and B be two sets. If every element of A is an element of B then A is called a subset of B and B
is called superset of A. We write it as A  B.
example, A = {1, 2, 3, 4} and B = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} A  B
If A is not a subset of B then we write A  B

Proper Subset
If A is a subset of B but A  B then A is a proper subset of B. Set A is not proper subset of A so this is
improper subset of A

Note: (i) Every set is a subset of itself

(ii) Empty set  is a subset of every set
(iii) A  B and B  A  A = B
(iv) The total number of subsets of a finite set containing n elements is 2 n.
(v) Number of proper subsets of a set having n elements is 2n 1.
(vi) Empty set  is proper subset of every set except itself.

Power Set
Let A be any set. The set of all subsets of A is called power set of A and is denoted by P(A)
Example 5:
Examine whether the following statements are true or false:
(i) {a}  {b, c, a}
(ii) {x, p}  {x: x is a consonant in the English alphabet}
(iii) {   }  {   }
(iv) {a, b}  {a, {a}, b, c}

14 Fundamental of Mathematics
Solution:
(i) False as {a} is subset of {b, c, a}
(ii) False as x, p are consonant
(iii) False as element ,  is not in the set {   }
(iv) False as a, b  {a, {a}, b, c} and {a, b}  {a, {a}, b, c}

Example 6:
Find power set of set A = {1, 2, 3}
Solution:
P(A) = {, {1}, {2}, {3}, {1, 2}, {1, 3}, {2, 3}, {1, 2, 3}}

Example 7:
If  denotes null set then find
(a) P() (b) P(P())
(c) n(P(P(P()))) (d) n(P(P(P(P()))))
Solution:
(a) P() = {} (b) P(P()) = {,{}}
 (c) n(P(P(P()))) = 2 = 4
2
(d) n(P(P(P(P())))) = 24 = 16

Concept Builders - 2

(i) State true/false: A = {p, q, r, s}, B = {p, q, r, p, t} then A  B.

(ii) State true/false: A = {p, q, r, s}, B = {s, r, q, p} then A  B.

(iii) State true/false: [4, 15)  [ 15, 15]

Universal Set
A set consisting of all possible elements which occur in the discussion is called a universal set and is
denoted by U.
example, if A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {2, 4, 5, 6}, C = {1, 3, 5, 7} then U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} can be taken as the
universal set.

Some Operation on Sets

(i) Union of two sets
A  B = {x: x  A or x  B}
example, A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {2, 3, 4} then A  B = {1, 2, 3, 4}
(ii) Intersection of Two Sets
A  B = {x: x  A and x  B}
example, A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {2, 3, 4} then A  B = {2, 3}

Fundamental of Mathematics 15
 (iii) Difference of two sets
A B = {x: x  A and x  B}. It is also written as A  B'.
Similarly, B A = B  A'
example, A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {2, 3, 4} ; A B = {1}
(iv) Symmetric difference of sets: It is denoted by A  B and A  B = (A B)  (B A)
(v) Complement of a set: A' = {x: x  A but x  U} = U A
example U = {1, 2, ........, 10}, A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} then A' = {6, 7, 8, 9, 10}
(vi) Disjoint sets: If A  B = , then A, B are disjoint sets.
example If A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {7, 8, 9} then A  B = 

Venn Diagram
Most of the relationships between sets can be represented by means of diagrams which are known as
venn diagrams. These diagrams consist of a rectangle for universal set and circles in the rectangle for
subsets of universal set. The elements of the sets are written in respective circles.
For example, If A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {3, 4, 5}, U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} then their venn diagram is

A B
1 4 8
3
2 5 7
6

U U U U

A B A B A B A B

AB AB A B B A

U U U
A
A B A B
A' (A  B) = (A B)  (B A) Disjoint

Laws of Algebra of Sets (Properties of Sets)

(i) Commutative law: (A  B) = B  A ; A  B = B  A

(ii) Associative law: (A  B)  C = A  (B  C) ; (A  B)  C = A  (B  C)
(iii) Distributive law: A  (B  C) = (A  B)  (A  C) ; A  (B  C) = (A  B)  (A  C)
(iv) De-morgan law: (A  B)' = A'  B' ; (A  B)' = A'  B'
(v) Identity law: A  U = A ; A   = A
(vi) Complement law: A  A' = U, A  A' = , (A')' = A
(vii) Idempotent law: A  A = A, A  A = A
Note: (i) A (B  C) = (A B)  (A C) ; A (B  C) = (A B)  (A C)

16 Fundamental of Mathematics
 (ii) A   = , A  U = U
Example 8:
Let A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} and B = {4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9} then find A  B
Solution:
A  B = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Example 9:
Let A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, B = {4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}. Find A B and B A.
Solution:
A B = {x: xA and xB} = {1, 2, 3}
similarly, B A = {x: xA and xB} = {7, 8, 9}

Example 10:
State true or false:
(i) A  A = A
(ii) U A = A
Solution:
(i) false because A  A' = U
(ii) true as U  A = A

Example 11:
Use Venn diagram to prove that A B = A  B.
Solution:

+ + + + + + +U
+
+ B +
A
U ++ +
A ++ + + + + + ++
B ++
= A, + +
+ + = A
A B + +
From venn diagram we can conclude that A B = A  B.

Concept Builders - 3

(i) Find A  B if A = {x: x = 2n + 1, n  5, n  N} and B = {x: x = 3n 2, n  4, n  N}.

(ii) Find A (A B) if A = {5, 9, 13, 17, 21} and B = {3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24}

Some Important Results on Number of Elements in Sets

If A, B, C are finite sets and U be the finite universal set then
(i) n(A  B) = n(A) + n(B) n(A  B)

Fundamental of Mathematics 17
 (ii) n(A B) = n(A) n(A  B)
(iii) n(A  B  C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) n(A  B) n(B  C) n(A  C) + n(A  B  C)
(iv) Number of elements in exactly two of the sets A, B, C
= n(A  B) + n(B  C) + n(C  A) 3n(A  B  C)
(v) Number of elements in exactly one of the sets A, B, C
= n(A) + n(B) + n(C) 2n(A  B) 2n(B  C) 2n(A  C) + 3n(A  B  C)

Example 12:
In a group of 60 students, 36 read English newspaper, 22 read Hindi newspaper and 12 read
neither of the two. How many read both English and Hindi news-papers?
Solution:
n(U) = 60, n(E) = 36, n(H) = 22
n(E  H) = 12  n(E  H) = 12
 n(U) n(E  H) = 12
 n(E  H) = 48
 n(E) + n(H) n(E  H) = 48
 n(E  H) = 58 48 = 10

Example 13:
In a group of 50 persons, 14 drink tea but not coffee and 30 drink tea. Find
(i) How many drink tea and coffee both?
(ii) How many drink coffee but not tea?
Solution:
T: people drinking tea
C: people drinking coffee
(i) n(T) = n(T C) + n(T  C)  30 = 14 + n(T  C)  n(T  C) = 16

T C
14 16 20

(ii) n(C T) = n(T  C) n(T) = 50 30 = 20

Concept Builders - 4

(i) Let A and B be two finite sets such that n(A B) = 15, n(A  B) = 90, n(A  B) = 30. Find n(B)
(ii) A market research group conducted a survey of 1000 consumers and reported that 720
consumers liked product A and 450 consumers liked product B. What is the least number that
must have liked both products ?
Intervals
Intervals are basically subsets of R and are commonly used in solving inequalities or in finding domains.
If there are two numbers a, b  R such that a < b, we can define four types of intervals as follows:

18 Fundamental of Mathematics
 Name Representation Description
Open Interval (a, b) {x : a < x < b}, i.e., end points are not included.
Close Interval [a, b] {x : a  x  b}, i.e., end points are also included.
This is possible only when both a and b are finite.
Open-close Interval (a, b] {x : a  x  b}, i.e., a is excluded and b is included
Close-open Interval [a, b) {x : a  x < b}, i.e., a is included and b is excluded.

Note: (1) The infinite intervals are defined as follows:

(i) (a, ) = {x: x > a} (ii) [a, ) = {x: x  a}
(iii) ( , b) = {x: x < b} (iv) ( , b] = {x: x  b}
(v) (  ) = {x: x  R}
(2) x  {1, 2} denotes some particular values of x, i.e. x = 1, 2
(3) If there is no value of x, then we say x   (null set)

General Method to Solve Inequalities

(Method of intervals (Wavy curve method))
 k1 k2 kn 
1 2 −−− n
Let g(x) =   ... (i)
 r1 r2
−−−
rn 
 1 2 n 
Where k1, k2 ....kn and r1, r2 ........rn  N and b1, b2 ... bn and a1, a2 ......an are real numbers.
Then to solve the inequality following steps are taken.

Steps
Points where numerator becomes zero are called zeros or roots of the function and where denominator
becomes zero are called poles of the function.
(i) First, we find the zeros and poles of the function.
(ii) Then we mark all the zeros and poles on the real line and put a vertical bar there dividing
the real line in many intervals.
(iii) Determine sign of the function in any of the interval and then alternates the sign in the
neighbouring interval if the poles or zeros dividing the two intervals has appeared odd
number of times otherwise retain the sign.
(iv) Thus, we consider all the intervals. The solution of the g(x) > 0 is the union of the
intervals in which we have put the plus sign and the solution of g(x) < 0 is the union of
all intervals in which we have put the minus sign.
Example 14:

Fundamental of Mathematics 19
 5
10 3  1 2
+   +
 2
Solve the inequality if f(x) = is > 0 or < 0.
24 3 5
+
Solution:
5
10 3  1 2
+   +
 2 1
Let f(x) = the poles and zeros are 0, 3, 2, 1, , 8, 2
24 3
+ 5 2

+ + + + +
8 2 1 0 1/2 3
2
 1
If f(x) > 0, then x  ( , 8)  ( 8, 2)  ( 1, 0)   0,   (3, )
 2
1 
and if f(x) < 0, then x  ( 2, 1)   , 2   (2, 3) Ans.
2 

 x if x  0
The symbol of modulus function is f (x) = x and is defined as: y = x=  
 −x if x  0

Properties of Modulus
For any a, b  R
(i) |a|  0 (ii) |a| = | a|
(iii) |a|  a, |a|  a (iv) |ab| = |a| |b|
a |a|
(v) = (vi) |a + b|  |a| + |b| ; Equality holds when ab  0
b |b|

(vii) |a b|  ||a| |b|| ; Equality holds when ab  0

Example 1:
Solve the following linear equations
(i) x |x| = 4
(ii) |x 3| + 2|x + 1| = 4
Solution:

20 Fundamental of Mathematics
 (i) x|x| = 4
If x > 0
 x2 = 4
 x=±2
 x=2 ( x  0)
If x<0
 x2 = 4
 x2 = 4 which is not possible

(ii) |x 3| + 2|x + 1| = 4
case I
If x  1
 (x 3) 2(x + 1) = 4
 x+3 2x 2=4
 3x + 1 = 4
 3x = 3
 x= 1

Case II
If 1<x3
 (x 3) + 2(x + 1) = 4
 x + 3 + 2x + 2 = 4
 x= 1 which is not possible

Case III
If x > 3
x 3 + 2(x + 1) = 4
3x 1=4
 x = 5/3
which is not possible  x= 1 Ans.

Fundamental of Mathematics 21
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

1. (i) {3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} (ii) {x : x is a natural number and a divisor of 10}

(iii) Not equal sets

2. (i) False (ii) True

(iii) True

3. (i) {1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11} (ii) {9, 21}

4. (i) 75 (ii) 170

22 Fundamental of Mathematics
 Objective Exercise - I

1. The set of intelligent students in a class is-

(A) a null set (B) a singleton set
(C) a finite set (D) not a well-defined collection

2. The set A = {x : x  R, x2 = 16 and 2x = 6} is:

(A) Null set (B) Singleton set
(C) Infinite set (D) not a well-defined collection

3. If A = {x : 3 < x < 3, x  Z} then the number of subsets of A is

(A) 120 (B) 30 (C) 31 (D) 32

4. Which of the following are true?

(A) [3, 7]  (2, 10) (B) (0, )  (4, ) (C) (5, 7]  [5, 7) (D) [2, 7]  (2.9, 8)

5. The number of subsets of the power set of set A = {7, 10, 11} is:
(A) 32 (B) 16 (C) 64 (D) 256

6. Which of the following sets is an infinite set?

(A) Set of divisors of 24
(B) Set of all real number which lie between 1 and 2
(C) Set of all human beings living in India.
(D) Set of all three-digit natural numbers

7. Let A = {x : x  R, 1 < x < 1} , B = {x : x  R, x  0 or x  2} and A  B = R D, then the set D

is:
(A) {x : 1 < x  2} (B) {x : 1  x < 2} (C) {x : 1  x  2} (D) {x : 1 < x < 2}

8 If A = {2, 3, 4, 8, 10}, B = {3, 4, 5, 10, 12}, C = {4, 5, 6, 12, 14} then (A  B)  (A  C) is equal to:
(A) {3, 4, 10} (B) {2, 8, 10} (C) {4, 5, 6} (D) {3, 5, 14}

9. The shaded region in the given figure is:

A

C B

(A) A  (B  C) (B) A  (B  C) (C) A  (B C) (D) A (B  C)

10. Let U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}, A = {1, 2, 5}, B = {6, 7}, then A  B is:
(A) B (B) A (C) A (D) B

11. If A = {x : x = 4n + 1, n  5, n  N} and B {3n : n  8, n  N}, then A (A B) is :

(A) {9, 21} (B) {9, 12} (C) {6, 12} (D) {6, 21}

Fundamental of Mathematics 23
12. A  B = A  B iff:
(A) A  B (B) A = B (C) A  B (D) A  B

13. Let A and B be two sets. Then:

(A) n(A  B)  n(A  B) (B) n(A  B)  n(A  B)
(C) n(A  B) = n(A  B) (D) None of these

14. In a city 20 percent of the population travels by car, 50 percent travels by bus and 10 percent
travels by both car and bus. Then persons travelling by car or bus is:
(A) 80 percent (B) 40 percent (C) 60 percent (D) 70 percent

15. A class has 175 students. The following data shows the number of students obtaining one or
more subjects: Mathematics 100, Physics 70, Chemistry 40, Mathematics and Physics 30,
Mathematics and Chemistry 28, Physics and Chemistry 23, Mathematics & Physics & Chemistry
18. How many students have offered Mathematics alone?
(A) 35 (B) 48 (C) 60 (D) 22

  

 

  

 

   

(A B)'
A' B' A' B' A B A B

n(A B)
n(A) + n(B) − n(A B)
n(A) + n(B) + n(A B) n(A).n(B)

24 Fundamental of Mathematics
 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + ... =

1 2 
− 60  x+ =
2 x
5 3 2 5 2 3

4+3 5
= a + b 5, a, b
4−3 5
 61 −24   −61 24   61 24   −61 −24 
 ,   ,   ,   , 
 29 29   29 29   29 29   29 29 

5+2 6
3 +2 3− 2 2− 3 3+ 2

1 1 1
 1  a −c  1 b−a  1  c−b
 x a −b  .  xb−c  .  x c−a 
     
     

2
  − 1  
 7 2   52   253 =
 
 
5 7 5
−
7 5 7

−2
 d3 
(2d2 e−1 )3    =
 e 
 

n
(am )n = am (a  0,a  1,m  1,n  1) :
 1   1   1
     
n n− 1  n n+ 1  n n 

1
a =x+
x

( ) 1
2x +
3 2
4 =
32

Fundamental of Mathematics 25
 4 + 15
3+ 5 3 5 5 3
+ −
2 2 2 2 2

A= ( x, y ) | xy = 8 and x, y  

x − 2 2x − 3
 :
x + 2 4x − 1

( −, −2)   41 , 23   (2,  ) 1  3 

  
 −2,    ,2 
   4 2 

( −, −2)   41 , 1  ( 4,  ) 1
  
 −2,   ( 1, 4 )
   4

x2 − 4
 0:
x2 − 5x + 6
(−, −2]  (3, )

(x+ 3)2 (x− 1)9 (x+ 1)5

0
(x− 3)(x− 5)4 (x− 6)5

( ) +( )
x x
2+1 2−1 −2 2 = 0

x2 + y 2 + 4z2 − 6x − 2y − 4z + 11 = 0,

ANSWER KEY

1. (D) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (A) 5. (D) 6. (B) 7. (B)

8. (A) 9. (D) 10. (B) 11. (A) 12. (B) 13. (B) 14. (C)

15. (C) 16. (A) 17. (A) 18. (A) 19. (A) 20. (B) 21. (B)

22. (B) 23. (A) 24. (A) 25. (D) 26. (D) 27. (A) 28. (A)

29. (A) 30. (C) 31. (A) 32. (B) 33. (D) 34. (C) 35. (B)

36. (B) 37. (C) 38. (D) 39. (D) 40. (A) 41. (A)

26 Fundamental of Mathematics
 Objective Exercise - II

(
A  ( A  B) '  B )
A B A B A  B'

7 19
2 4

3+4 2 a +b 6
= 
4 2− 3 6

6. Let A, B, C be distinct subsets of a universal set U. For a subset X of U, let X ' denote the
complement of X in U.
Consider the following sets:
1. ((A  B)  C)  B) = B  C
2. (A   B )  (A  B  C) = (A  (B  C))
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2

7. In an examination of a certain class, at least 70% of the students failed in Physics, at least 72%
failed in Chemistry, at least 80% failed in Mathematics and at least 85% failed in English. How
many at least must have failed in all the four subjects?
(A) 5% (B) 7% (C) 15% (D) None of these


     

7 7 7 7...

y = 20 + 20 + 20 + ...

Fundamental of Mathematics 27
  
A = A2=x −21x :−x1: N  
x &
NB &
=Ba=i :ai +:1 a=i+2a 1Ni &Na 1&=a11= 1
+ 1i+i 
1 =i 2a

A B A B A  B' =  A B = A B


3 + 4
10
p
=
q



a,b,c,d  ,a  0

a b 5
+ =
b a 2

( ) ( )
x2 − x − 1 x2 − x − 1
4 + 15 + 4 − 15 =8

16. If f(x) = |x + 1| 2 | x 1| then:

(A) maximum value of f(x) is 2. (B) there are two solutions of f(x) = 1.
(C) there is one solution of f(x) = 2. (D) there are two solutions of f(x) = 3.

(5 + 2 6 ) ( )
x2 −8 x2 −8
+ 5−2 6 = 10, x 

3+ 7 2+ 5
x  (−3,5]

28 Fundamental of Mathematics
 2 x+5 = x+2

→ → → →

→ → → →

ANSWER KEY

Fundamental of Mathematics 29
 Subjective Exercise - I

29 1
a+ 
12 1
b+
1
c+
d

1
a+ =3
a
1 1 1
a2 + a4 + a3 +
2 4
a a a3

4x. 8x − 1 = 4

2 1
x3 + x3 − 2


( 4 + 1) ( 42 + 1)( 44 + 1)( 48 + 1) + 31 = 23  

3
2+ 5 + 32− 5
3
18 + 5 13 + 3 18 − 5 13
1 1 1
+ + + ... upto 99 term
2+1 3+ 2 4+ 3

30 Fundamental of Mathematics
 

x = 3− 5 & y = 3+ 5

p+ q p,q 

 

x+1
 1
2
( x − 1)
x2 − 7x + 12 (x− 1)(x+ 2)2
0 0
2x2 + 4x + 5 −x − 1

x4 + x2 + 1 x + 7 3x + 1
0 + 0
2
x − 4x − 5 x−5 2

1 3 14x 9x − 30
 − 0
x+2 x−3 x+1 x−4

x2 + 2 5 − 4x
 −2 4
2
x −1 3x2 − x − 4

( x + 2) ( x2 − 2x + 1) x4 − 3x3 + 2x2
0 0
4 + 3x − x2 x2 − x − 30

2x 1 20 10
 + +10
2
x −9 x+2 ( x − 3)( x − 4) x − 4

14. Solve the following equations:

(i) |x| + 2 |x 6| = 12

(ii) ||x + 3| 5| = 2

(iii) |||x 2| 2| 2| = 2

(iv) |4x + 3| + |3x 4| = 12

Fundamental of Mathematics 31
15. Solve the following equations:

(i) x2 7|x| 8=0

(ii) |x2 x + 1| = |x2 x 1|

(iii) |x3 6x2 + 11x 6| = 6

(iv) |x2 2x| + x = 6

(v) |x2 x 6| = x + 2

16. Find the number of real roots of the equation:

2
(i) x −3 x +2=0
(ii) ||x 1| 5| = 2
(iii) |2x2 + x 1| = |x2 + 4x + 1|

17. Find the sum of solutions of the following equations:

(i) x2 5|x| 4=0

(ii) (x 3)2 + |x 3| 11 = 0

(iii) |x|3 15x2 8|x| 11 = 0

(iv) ||x 3| 4| = 1

(v) 2|x| + 3|x| + 4|x| = 9

1 1  2 4 
a− =  4a + 2 
a 2  a 

x3 + 64
5

32 Fundamental of Mathematics
 ANSWER KEY

 1  1 
 x 3 + 2   x 3 − 1
  
  

  

 

     

     

 9 
 − , −2   ( 3,  ) 
 2 

 7  7  4 
 −, −    −1,    , (−, −2]  (−1, 4)
 2   2   3 


( −, −5)  ( 1,2)  (6, + ) ( −, −3)  ( −2, 3) ( −, −2)  ( 1, 3)  ( 4,  )

(i). x = 0, 8 (ii). x= 10, 6, 0, 4 (iii). x = 0, ± 4, 8

11 13
(iv). x= ,
7 7

(i). ±8 (ii). 0, 1 (III). 0, 4

(IV). 2, 3 (V). x{ 2, 2, 4}

(i). 4 (ii). 4 (III). 4

(I). 0 (II). 6 (III). 0

(IV). 12 (V). 0

Fundamental of Mathematics 33
 Subjective Exercise - II

1 2 1
+ =
m n 2

3+ 2

1 1 1 x3 + y3 + z3
+ + = 36 :
x y z 4

( ) (a − b c )
2
x = 4−2 3 y = 9−4 5 5x − 3y

x y z x2 − yz y2 − zx z2 − xy
= = = =    
a b c a2 − bc b2 − ca c2 − ab


p x+2 p2 − q2
= :
q x−2 p2 + q2

a b
= 
x y

3x + 9x2 − 5
=5
3x − 9x2 − 5

2
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 3− 2+ 
 6 
3− 2+


3− 2 +( ) 


34 Fundamental of Mathematics
14. In a class of 42 students, the number of students studying different subjects are 23 in
Mathematics, 24 in Physics, 19 in Chemistry, 12 in Mathematics and Physics 9 in Mathematics
and Chemistry, 7 in Physics and Chemistry and 4 in all the three subjects. Then find number of
students who have taken exactly one subject.

x = 5 −2 2x3 + 11x2 + 10x + 4

x = 5 +2 2x3 − 7x2 − 6x + 7
2
   
  11 + 2 30  +  10 + 4 6   = p + q + r + s
    

2
   
  11 + 2 30  −  10 + 4 6   =  −   
   
  

ANSWER KEY

 

4x
2
x +4

Fundamental of Mathematics 35
 JEE-Main (Previous Year Questions)

   

 

 ( x +2)( x2 −5x +6) 

A = x  :2 = 1 B = x  : −3  2x − 1  9
 

50 n
xi = yi = T,
i= 1 i= 1

n  N : 1  n  50  

36 Fundamental of Mathematics
  

10. In a school, there are three types of games to be played. Some of the students play two types
of games, but none play all the three games. Which Venn diagrams can justify the above
statement?

P Q R
(1) P (2) Q (3) R (4) None of these

11.  
Let A = n  N | n2  n + 10,000 ,B = 3k + 1 | k  N and C = 2k | k  N , then the sum of all the

elements of the set A  (B − C ) is equal to:

12. Let A = x  R :| x + 1 | 2 and B = x  R :| x − 1 | 2 . Then which one of the following statements

is NOT true?
(1) A B = ( 1, 1) (2) B A=R ( 3, 1)
(3) A  B = ( 1, 1] (4) A  B = R [1, 3)

13.    
Let A = n  N : H.C.F. (n, 45) = 1 and Let B = 2k : k  1, 2,.., 100 . Then the sum of all the elements

of A  B is ____________.

14. Let A= {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} and B = {3, 6, 7, 9}. Then the number of elements in the set
C  A : C  B   is ___________.

ANSWER KEY

10. (4) 11. 832 12. (2) 13. 5264 14. 112

Fundamental of Mathematics 37
 JEE-Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

y=
( x + 1)( x − 3)
( x − 2)

12
5+ 5 +2 2
1 − 5 + 2 + 10 1 + 5 + 2 − 10 1 + 5 − 2 + 10 1 − 5 − 2 + 10

 


x 1 x 1
= =−
y 2 y 2

2 2
x− = 1−
x−1 x−1

   

2x − 1
2x + 3x2 + x
3

 3  3 1  1 1 1 
 −, −  − ,−  − ,   , 3
 2  2 4  4 2 2 

38 Fundamental of Mathematics
 2x 1

(2x 2
+ 5x + 2 ) ( x + 1)

x2 − 6x + 5
14. Let f(x) =
x2 − 5x + 6

Column I Column II

(A) If 1 < x < 1, then f(x) satisfies (p) 0 < f(x) < 1

(B) If 1 < x < 2, then f(x) satisfies (q) f(x) < 0

(C) If 3 < x < 5, then f(x) satisfies (r) f(x) > 0

(D) If x > 5, then f(x) satisfies (s) f(x) < 1

ANSWER KEY
x  [−2,2)  [3, )

1 1
x= ,y = −
4 4

(
x  [1 − 5, 1)  2, 1 + 5 )
( −2, −1)   − 23 , − 21 
 
 

14. (A) → (p), (r), (s) ; (B) → (q), (s) ; (C) → (q), (s) ; (D) → (p), (r), (s)

Fundamental of Mathematics 39
 2 Logarithm
Definition
Every positive real number N can be expressed in exponential form as a x = N where 'a' is also a positive
real number different than unity and is called the base and 'x' is called an exponent.
We can write the relation ax = N in logarithmic form as logaN = x. Hence ax = N  logaN = x.
Hence logarithm of a number to some base is the exponent by which the base must be raised in order
to get that number.

Limitations of Logarithm: loga N is defined only when (i) N > 0, (ii) a > 0, (iii) a 1

Note: (i) For a given value of N, loga N will give us a unique value.
(ii) Logarithm of zero does not exist.
(iii) Logarithm of negative reals are not defined in the system of real numbers.

Example 1:
If log4m = 1.5, then find the value of m.
Solution:
log4m = 1.5  m = 43/2  m = 8

Example 2:
p4q4
If log5p = a and log2q = a, then prove that = 1002a − 1
100
Solution:
log5p = a  p = 5a
log2q = a  q = 2a

( 10 ) ( 100)
4a 2a
p4q4 54a .24a
 = = = = 1002a 1
100 100 100 100

Example 3:
The value of N, satisfying loga[1 + logb{1 + logc(1 + logpN)}] = 0 is:
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1
Solution:
1 + logb{1 + logc (1 + logpN)} = a0 = 1
 logb{1 + logc(1 + logpN)} = 0  1 + logc(1 + logpN) = 1
 logc (1 + logpN) = 0  1 + logpN = 1
 logpN = 0  N=1

Logarithm 41
 Concept Builders - 1

(i) Express the following in logarithmic form:

(a) 81 = 34 (b) 0.001 = 10 3
(c) 2 = 1281/7
(ii) Express the following in exponential form:
(a) log232 = 5 (b) log 2
4=4 (c) log100.01 = 2

(iii) If log 2 3
1728 = x, then find x.

Fundamental Identities
Using the basic definition of logarithm, we have 3 important deductions:
(a) loga1 = 0 i.e., logarithm of unity to any base is zero.
(b) logNN = 1 i.e., logarithm of a number to the same base is 1.


(c) log N= 1= logN i.e., logarithm of a number to the base as its reciprocal is 1
1
N
N

Note: N = ( a )
log a N
Example: 2log2 7 = 7

Concept Builders - 2

(i) Find the value of the following:

log 2 5
3  1
(a) log 1.43 (b)  
30 2

(ii) If 4log2 2x =36, then find x.

The Principal Properties of Logarithms

-
(a) logamn = logam + logan

m
(b) loga = logam logan
n
(c) logamx = x logam

Example 4:
2 25 625
Find the value of 2 log + 3 log + log .
5 8 128
Solution:
3
2 25 128 22  52  27 22 56 27
2 log + 3 log + log = log 2 + log  3  + log 4 = log 2 . 9 . 4 = log 1 = 0
5 8 625 5 2  5 5 2 5

42 Logarithm
Example 5:
b −c e −a a −b
x y z
If logex logey = a, logey logez = b and logez logex=c, then find the value of       .
y z x
Solution:
x x
logex logey = a  loge =a  = ea
y y
y y
logey logez = b  loge =b  = eb
z z
z z
logez logex = c  loge =c  = ec
x x

( ) ( ) ( )
b −c c −a a −b
 ea × eb × ec

= e ( ) ( ) ( ) = e0 = 1
a b −c +b c −a + c a −b

Example 6:

If a2 + b2 = 23ab, then prove that log

( a + b) =
1
(log a + log b).
5 2
Solution:
a2 + b2 = (a + b) 2 2ab = 23ab
 (a + b) 2 = 25ab a + b = 5 ab .... (i)
Using (i)

L.H.S. =log
( a + b) = log
5 ab
=
1
log ab =
1
(log a + log b)= R.H.S.
5 5 2 2

Example 7:
If logax = p and logbx2 = q, then logx ab is equal to (where a, b, x R+ {1}) -

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(A) + (B) + (C) + (D) +
p q 2p q p 2q 2p 2q
Solution:
(B)
logax = p  ap = x  a = x1/p.
q
Similarly, b = x2  b = x2/q
 1 2 1
 +  1 1
Now, logx ab = logx x1/p x2/q = logx x p q2
= +
2p q

Concept Builders - 3

1 1
Show that log 9 + 2 log 6 + log 81 log 12 = 3 log 3
2 4

Logarithm 43
Base Changing Theorem
Can be stated as "quotient of the logarithm of two numbers is independent of their common base.
log a m
"Symbolically, logbm = , where a > 0, a 1, b > 0, b  1
log a b

log a log b 1
Note: (i) logba. logab = . = 1 ; hence logba =
log b log a log ab
logbc logba
(ii) a =c
1
(iii) Base power formula: log ak m = logam
k
(iv) The base of the logarithm can be any positive number other than 1, but in normal
practice, only two bases are popular, these are 10 and e(  2.718 approx.). Logarithms of
numbers to the base 10 are named as 'common logarithm' and the logarithms of
numbers to the base 'e' are called Natural or Napierian logarithm. We will consider logx
as logex or nx.
(v) Conversion of base e to base 10 and vice-versa:
log 10a log ea
logea = = 2.303 × log10a ; log10a = = log10e × logea = 0.434 logea
log 10 e log e 10

Example 8:
If a, b, c are distinct positive real numbers different from 1 such that
(logba . logca logaa) + (logab . logcb logbb) + (logac . logbc logcc) = 0, then abc is equal to:
(A) 0 (B) e (C) 1 (D) none of these
Solution:
(logba. logca 1) + (logab . logcb 1) + (logac . logbc 1) = 0

log a log a log b log b log c log c

 . + . + . =3
log b log c log a log c log a log b
 (log a)3 + (log b)3 + (log c)3 = 3log a . log b . log c
 (log a + log b + log c) = 0
[ If a3 + b3 + c3 3abc = 0, then a + b + c = 0 if a  b  c]
 log abc = log 1  abc = 1

Example 9:
1 4
log5 3
+ 27log9 36 + 3
log 7 9
Evaluate: 81
Solution:
log3 5 4log9 7
81 + 27log9 36 + 3
3/2
4log3 5 log3 ( 36) log 3 72
= 3 + 3 + 3
= 625 + 216 + 49 = 890.

44 Logarithm
 Concept Builders - 4

log 3 135 log 3 5

(i) Evaluate:
log 15 3 log 405 3

(ii) Evaluate: log927 log279

log3 2
(iii) Evaluate: 2log3 5 5

(iv) Evaluate: log34 . log45 .log56 .log67 .log78 . log89

1 1
(v) If +  x then x can be:
log 3  log 4 

(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 3.5 (D) 

(vi) If loga3 = 2 and logb8 = 3, then logab is:

(A) log32 (B) log23 (C) log34 (D) log43

Points to Remember
(i) If base of logarithm is greater than 1 then logarithm of greater number is greater. i.e.
log28 = 3, log24 = 2 etc. and if base of logarithm is between 0 and 1 then logarithm of

greater number is smaller, .i.e., log1/28 = 3, log1/24 = 2, etc.

 x  y if a1
logax < logay  
x  y if 0  a  1
(ii) It must be noted that whenever the number and the base are on the same side of unity
then logarithm of that number to that base is positive, however if the number and the
base are located on different side of unity then logarithm of that number to that base
is negative.
1  1  1 
log10 3 10 = ; log 7 49 = 4; log 1   = 3 ; log2   = 5; log10(0.001) = 3
3 2 
8  32 
1 1
(iii) x+   if x is positive real number and x +  2 if x is negative real number.
x x
(iv) n  2, n  N
n
a = a1/n  nth root of 'a' ('a' is a non-negative number)
some important values: log102  0.3010 ; log103  0.4771 ; n 2  0.693, n 10  2.303.

Logarithm 45
Logarithmic Inequality
Let 'a' is a real number such that
(i) If a > 1, then logax > logay  x>y
(ii) If a > 1, then logax <   0 < x < a
(iii) If a > 1, then logax >   x > a
(iv) If 0 < a < 1, then logax > logay  0<x<y
(v) If 0 < a < 1, then logax <   x > a

Form - I :
f(x) > 0, g(x) > 0, g(x)  1
Form Collection of system
 f(x)  1
 , g(x)  1
(a) logg(x)f(x)  0  
0  f(x)  1 , 0  g(x)  1

 f(x)  1
 , 0  g(x)  1
(b) logg(x)f(x)  0  
0  f(x)  1 ,
 g(x)  1


 f(x)  (g(x))
a
, g(x)  1
(c) logg(x)f(x)  a  
0  f(x)  (g(x)) , 0  g(x)  1
a


0  f(x)  (g(x))
a
, g(x)  1
(d) logg(x)f(x)  a  
 f(x)  (g(x)) , 0  g(x)  1
a


From - II :
When the inequality of the form
Form Collection of system

 f(x)  g(x), (x)  1,
(a) log(x)f(x)  log(x)g(x)  
0  f(x)  g(x) , 0  (x)  1


 0  f(x)  g(x), (x)  1,


(b) log(x)f(x)  log(x)g(x)  
f(x)  g(x)  0, 0  (x)  1


Example 10:
Solve the logarithmic inequality log1/5(2x2 + 7x + 7)  0.
Solution:
Since, log1/51 = 0, the given inequality can be written as:
log1/5(2x2 + 7x + 7)  log1/51
when the domain of the function is taken into account the inequality is equivalent to the system

2x + 7x + 7  0
2

of inequalities  2
2x + 7x + 7  1

 
Solving the inequalities by using method of intervals x  
 2 

46 Logarithm
Example 11:
Solve the inequality log1/3 (5x 1) > 0.
Solution:
by using the basic property of logarithm.
 2
5x  2  x 
   5

  

   1
 5x  1  x 
 5
 1 2
 The solution of the inequality is given by  ,  Ans.
5 5

Example 12:
Solve the inequality log(2x + 3) x2 < log(2x + 3) (2x + 3).
Solution:
The given inequality is equivalent to the collection of the systems
 0  2x + 3  1 (i)
 2
 x  2x + 3
 2x + 3  1 (ii)
 
 0  x2  2x + 3

Solving system (i) we obtain

  
2
 + 

System (iii) is equivalent to the collection of two systems

   
 2
   
 2

 
system (iv) has no solution. The solution of system (v) is x   ,
 2 
solving system (ii) we obtain.
   
 or   x  ( 1, 3)
 +    

 
x    ( 1, 3)
 2 

Example 13:
 2x 
Solve the in equation log   log 2  > 0.
5 
2 

 10

 
 

Logarithm 47
Solution:
This inequation is equivalent to the collection of following systems.
 2 +  2
+
  1, 0   1,
 10  10
 and 
log  2x   1, 0  log  2x   1
 2  5   2
 5 
Solving the first system we have.
 2 + 
   x  2 or x  10
 2x    
 2 x  5 x  5
5
Therefore the system has solution x > 10
Solving the second system we have.
  2 +   2 +  2
+ 
 
  2x  5
1  2  x5
 5 2
   +  

 5
 x5
2
5
 The system has solutions < x < 6 6 combining both systems, then solution of the
2
original inequation is:
5
x( ,6 6 )  (10, ) Ans.
2

Concept Builders - 5

Solve the following inequalities

(i) log3x + 5(9x2 + 8x + 8) > 2

(ii) log0.2(x2 x 2) > log0.2( x2 + 2x + 3)

(iii) logx(x3 x2 2x) < 3

Characteristic and Mantissa

For any given number N, logarithm can be expressed as logaN = Integer + Fraction.
The integer part is called as characteristic and the fractional part is called as mantissa. When the value
of log n is given, then to find digits of 'n' we use only the mantissa part. The characteristic is used only
in determining the number of digits in the integral part (if n  1) or the number of zeros after decimal
and before first non-zero digit in the number (if 0 < n < 1).
Note: If xR then x = [x] + {x} similarly logaN = [logaN] + {logaN} where [·] denotes greatest integer
function and {·} denotes fraction part function.
Here [logaN] is characteristic of N to base 'a' and {logaN} is mantissa of N to base 'a'.

48 Logarithm
Note: (i) The mantissa part of logarithm of a number is always non-negative (0  m < 1).
(ii) If the characteristic of log10N be n, then the number of digits in N is (n + 1).

(iii) If the characteristic of log10N be ( n), then there exist (n 1) zeros after decimal in N.

Antilogarithm
The positive real number 'n' is called the antilogarithm of a number 'm' if log n = m
Thus, log n = m  n = antilog m

Concept Builders - 6

(i) Evaluate: log10 (0.06)6.

(ii) Find number of digits in 1820.

200

(iii) Determine number of cyphers (zeroes) between decimal and first significant digit in   .
6
5
(iv) Find antilog of to the base 64.
6

Miscellaneous Examples

Example 14:
Show that log418 is an irrational number.

Solution:
log 2 3 1 1
log418 = log4(32 × 2) = 2log43 + log42 = 2 + = log23 +
log 2 4 log 2 4 2

assume the contrary, that this number log23 is rational number.

p
 log23 = Since, log23 > 0 both numbers p and q may be regarded as natural number
q
 3 = 2p/q
 2p = 3q
But this is not possible for any natural number p and q. The resulting contradiction completes
the proof.

Example 15:
If in a right-angled triangle, a and b are the lengths of sides and c is the length of hypotenuse
and c b  1, c + b  1, then show that
logc+ba + logc ba = 2logc+ba . logc ba.

Logarithm 49
Solution:

We know that in a right-angled triangle

c2 = a2 + b2

c2 b2 = a2 .......... (i)

1 1 log a ( c − b ) + log a (c + b )
LHS = + =
log a ( c + b ) log a ( c − b ) log a ( c + b) .log a (c − b )

=
(
log a c2 − b2 ) =
loga a2
(using (i))
log a ( c + b ) .log a ( c − b ) loga (c + b) .loga (c − b)

2
= = 2log(c+b) a.log(c-b)a = RHS
log a ( c + b ) .log a ( c − b )

50 Logarithm
 ANSWERS KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

1. (i) (a) log381 = 4 (b) log10(0.001) = 3 (c) log1282 = 1/7

(ii) (a) 32 = 25 (b) 4 = ( 2 )4 (c) 0.01 = 10 2

(iii) 6

1
2. (i) (a) 1 (b) (ii) 3
5

4. (i) 3 (ii) 5/6 (iii) 0

(iv) 2 (v) (A) (vi) (C)

 4 17   5
5. (i)   (ii)  2,  (iii) (2, )
 3 22   2

6. (i) 8.6686 (ii) 26 (iii) 155

(iv) 32

Logarithm 51
 Objective Exercise - I

1. If 2a = 3 and 9 b = 4 then value of (ab) is:

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

2. If log2(4+log3(x)) = 3, then sum of digits of x is:

(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 9 (D) 18

3. Sum of all the solution(s) of the equation log10(x)+log10(x+2) log10(5x+4) = 0 is:

(A) 1 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5

4. The product of all the solutions of the equation x1+log10 x = 100000x is:
(A) 10 (B) 105 (C) 10 1
(D) 1

5. If x1 and x2 are the roots of equation e3/2. x2 nx = x4, then the product of the roots of the equation
is:
(A) e2 (B) e (C) e3/2 (D) e 2

6. If log2(x2+1)+log13(x2+1) = log2(x2+1) log13(x2+1), (x0), then log7(x2+24) is equal to:

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

  a 4b3 
7. Given log3a = p = logbc and logb9 = .If log 9   = p3+p2+p+ (pR {0}), then
p2  c 
( +  +  + ) equals:
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

8. ( ) ( )
If loga 1 − 1 + x = loga2 3 - 1 + x , then number of solutions of the equation is:

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) infinitely many

9. The number of solution(s) of ( )

log 3 3x2 . log9(81x ) = log9x3 is:

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

10. Product of solutions of equation |log 2x| = 3 is:

(A) 2 (B) 1/2 (C) 4 (D) 1/4

11. If x, y  2n when nI and 1 + logxy = log2y, then the value of (x + y) is:
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8

52 Logarithm
12. If n  N such that characteristic of n2 to the base 8 is 2, then number of possible values of
n is:
(A) 14 (B) 15 (C) 448 (D) infinite

13. The number of integral solutions of | log5 x2 4 | = 2+ | log5 x 3 | is:

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0

1− a −b
2( 1−b)
14. If 60 = 3 and 60 = 5 then the value of 12
a b
equals to:
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 3 (D) 12

15. If  and  are the roots of the equation (log2x)2 + 4(log2x) 1 = 0 then the value of log + log equals
to:
(A) 18 (B) 16 (C) 14 (D) 18

16. If the product of the roots of the equation x2 − 3kx + 2e2log k − 1 = 0 is 7, then the roots of the
equation are real if k equals to:
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) ±2

17. The solution set of the inequality log  

(x2 − 3x + 2)  2 is:
sin  
 3

1   5 1   5
(A)  ,2  (B)  1,  (C)  , 1   2,  (D) ( 1, 2)
2   2 2   2

18. If log0.3 (x − 1) < log0.09 (x − 1), then x lies in the interval:

 3
(A) (2, ) (B) (1, 2) (C) (−2, −1) (D)  1, 
 2

19. Solution set of the inequality 2 − log2 (x2 + 3x)  0 is:

(A) [−4, 1] (B) [−4, − 3)  (0, 1]
(C) (−  −3)  (1, ) (D) (−  −4)  [1, )

20. If log0.5 log5 (x2 4) > log0.5 :

(A) ( 3, 5 )  ( 5 , 3) (B) ( 3, 5 )  ( 5 , 2)
(C) ( 5 , 3 5 ) (D) 

2
21. The set of all solutions of the inequality (1 / 2)x −2x
< 1/4 contains the set:
(A) ( , 0) (B) ( , 1) (C) (1, ) (D) (3, )

22. The set of all the solutions of the inequality log1 x

(x 2)  1 is:
(A) ( , 0) (B) (2, ) (C) ( , 1) (D) 

Logarithm 53
 ANSWER KEY

1. (A) 2. (C) 3. (C) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (C)

8. (C) 9. (B) 10. (D) 11. (D) 12. (B) 13. (A) 14. (A)

15. (D) 16. (B) 17. (C) 18. (A) 19. (B) 20. (A) 21. (D)

22. (D)

54 Logarithm
 Objective Exercise - II

Single Correct Type Questions

 
1. If x = log2  56 + 56 + 56 + 56 + ......  , then which of the following statements holds good:
 
 
(A) x < 0 (B) 0 < x < 2 (C) 2 < x < 4 (D) 3 < x < 4

2. The greatest value of (4log10x logx (.0001)) for 0 < x < 1 is:
(A) 4 (B) 4 (C) 8 (D) 8

logb+ca+log c-ba
3. Let ABC be a triangle right angled at C. The value of (b+c   c b  1) equals to:
logb+ca .log c-ba
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 1/2

(log  ) ( )
+ (log   ) = 79, ( > 0,  > 0,      1) then value of log   β + (log  ) can be:
2 2
4. If 

(A) 7 (B) 9 (C) 9 (D) 7

One or More than One Correct Type Questions

log 3 135 log 3 5
5. Let N = . Then N is :
log 15 3 log 405 3
(A) a natural number (B) a prime number
(C) a rational number (D) an integer

5
6. Values of x satisfying the equation log52 x + log5x   = 1 are:
x
1
(A) 1 (B) 5 (C) (D) 3
25

7. The equation log x2 16 + log2x64 = 3 has:

(A) one irrational solution (B) no prime solution
(C) two real solutions (D) one integral solution

 2 9 
(log3 x) − log3 x + 5
8. The equation x 2 
= 3 3 has:
(A) exactly three real solution (B) at least one real solution
(C) exactly one irrational solution (D) complex roots.

2
9. The solution set of the system of equations log3x + log3y = 2 + log32 and log27(x + y) = is :
3
(A) {6, 3} (B) {3, 6} (C) {6, 12} (D) {12, 6}

Logarithm 55
10. Consider the quadratic equation, (log108) x2 (log105) x = 2(log210) 1 x. Which of the following
quantities are irrational:
(A) sum of the roots (B) product of the roots
(C) sum of the coefficients (D) discriminant

11. If loga x = b for permissible values of a and x then identify the statement(s) which can be
correct:
(A) If a and b are two irrational numbers then x can be rational.
(B) If a rational and b irrational then x can be rational.
(C) If a irrational and b rational then x can be rational.
(D) If a rational and b rational then x can be rational.

12. Which of the following statements are true

(A) log23 < log1210 (B) log65 < log78
(C) log326 < log29 (D) log1615 > log1011 > log76

1
13. If  log0.1 x  2, then:
2
1 1 1
(A) maximum value of x is (B) x lies between and
10 100 10
1 1
(C) minimum value of x is (D) minimum value of x is
10 100

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (D) 3. (B) 4. (C) 5. (ABCD) 6. (ABC) 7. (ABCD)

8. (ABCD) 9. (AB) 10. (CD) 11. (ABCD) 12. (BC) 13. (ABD)

56 Logarithm
 Subjective Exercise - I

1. Find the logarithms of the following numbers to the base 2.

(i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 4 (iv) 8
1 1 1
(v) (vi) (vii) (viii) 2
2 32 16
1 1
(ix) 3
8 (x) 2 2 (xi) (xii)
5
2 7
8

1
2. Find the logarithms of the following numbers to the base .
3
1 1
(i) 1 (ii) (iii) (iv) 3 (v) 9
3 9
1 1
(vi) 81 (vii) 3
3 (viii) (ix) 9 3 (x)
7
3 9 3 4

3. Find all values of 'a' for which each of the following equalities hold true.
(i) log2a = 2 (ii) loga2 = 1

(iii) loga1 = 0 (iv) log10(a(a + 3)) = 1

(v) log1/3(a2 1) = 1 (vi) log2(a2 5) = 2

1
4. Find the logarithms of the following numbers to the base .
2
1 1
(i) 1 (ii) (iii) (iv) 16
2 8
1 1
(v) 2 (vi) (vii) 2 2 (viii)
2 4 2 4

5. Find all values of 'a' for which the following equalities hold true.
(i) log3a = 2 (ii) log1/3(a) = 4
(iii) log1/3(a) = 0 (iv) loga1 = 0
(v) loga(a+2) = 2 (vi) log3(a2+1) = 1

6. Find all values of x for which the following equalities hold true.
(i) log2x2 = 1 (ii) log3x = log3(2 x)
(iii) log4x2 = log4x (iv) log1/2(2x+1) = log1/2(x+1)
(v) log1/3(x2+8) = 2

Logarithm 57
7. Find all the values of x for which the following equalities hold true.
(i) log2x2 = 2 (ii) log1/4x2 = 1
(iii) log1/2x log1/2(3 x) = 0 (iv) log2(x+1) log2(2x 3) = 0

8. Find the logarithms of the following numbers to the base 5.

(i) 1 (ii) 5 (iii) 25 (iv) 625
1 1 1
(v) (vi) (vii) (viii) 5
5 25 5
1 1
4
(ix) 52 (x) 53 (xi) 53 5

9. Find value of the following

(i) log  5−2 6 (ii) log (6+2 5 )

3− 2   5+1
 
(iii) log73. log52.log37.log2(125) (iv) 25 log5 3

1
(v) 6 log6 5 + 3 log9 16 (vi) log64 +
log 9 6

10. Find the value of following:

  
(i) log5   (ii) log3(4 sin2(x) + 4 cos2(x) 1)
 5

500 4
(iii) log128 + log123 + log126 (iv) log5 log5
3 3

15 13 5
(v) log39 + log39 log39 (vi) 2log62 + 3log63 + log612
7 3 21

5 log 4 (3− 6 ) −6 log ( 3− 2 )

11. Calculate: 4 2 8

1 3
log 6 3
 2

( 7)
log5 9
81 +3
− ( 125)
log25 7 log25 6
12. Simplify: . 
409  
 

(1−log7 2) − log5 4
13. Find the value of 49 + 5 .

14. Prove that ax– by = 0 where x = log ab and y = logba , a > 0, b > 0 and a, b  1.

58 Logarithm
15. Solve the following equations:

1
(i) logx 13 = 2 (ii) log4(2 log3(1 + log2(1 + 3log3x))) =
2

(iii) log3(1 + log3(2X 7)) = 1 (iv) log3(3X 8) = 2 x

(v)
(
log 2 9 − 2x )=1 (vi) log5 x(x2 2x + 65) = 2
3−x

(vii) log105 + log10(x +10) 1 = log10(21x 20) log10(2x 1)

(viii) x
1+log10 x
= 10x (ix) 2(logx 5 )2 – 3logx 5 + 1 = 0

(x) 3 + 2logx+13 = 2log3(x + 1)

16. Let a and b be real numbers greater than 1 for which there exists a positive real number c,
different from 1, such that 2(logac + logbc) = 9logabc. Find the largest possible value of log a b.

2 3
17. Find the value of the expression + .
log 4 (2000) log 5 (2000)
6 6

18. If a = log1218 and b = log2454 then find the value of ab + 5(a b).

19. Solve the following inequalities :

 3
(i) log 5  2x2 − x −   1
8 
8 
(ii) log 1 ( x2 − 5 x + 6)  −1
2

2x − 6
(iii) log 7 0
2x − 1
FG 2 IJ
(iv) log1/4(2 x) > log1/4 H x + 1K
(v) log1/3(2x+2 4x )  2
(vi) logx(4x 3)  2

4x + 6
20. Find the number of integers satisfying log1/5  0.
x

21. Find the number of positive integers not satisfying the inequality log 2(4x 2.2x + 17) > 5.

Logarithm 59
 ANSWER KEY

1. (i) 0 (ii) 1 (iii) 2 (iv) 3 (v) 1 (vi) 5

(vii) 4 (viii) 1/2 (ix) 1 (x) 3/2 (xi) 1/5 (xii) 3/7

2. (i) 0 (ii) 1 (iii) 2 (iv) 1 (v) 2 (vi) 4

(vii) 1/3 (viii) 1/7 (ix) 5/2 (x) 9/4

3. (i) 4 (ii) 2 (iii) a > 0, a 1 (iv) 5,2 (v) 2,2

(vi) 3,3

4. (i) 0 (ii) 1 (iii) 3 (iv) 4 (v) 1/2 (vi) 1/2

(vii) 3/2 (viii) 9/4

5. (i) 9 (ii) 1/81 (iii) 1 (iv) a > 0, a  1 (v) 2

(vi) 2, − 2

6. (i) 2, − 2 (ii) 1 (iii) 1 (iv) 0 (v) 1, 1

1 3
7. (i) x = ±2 (ii) x=± (iii) x= (iv) x=4
2 2

8. (i) 0 (ii) 1 (iii) 2 (iv) 4 (v) 1 (vi) 2

(vii) 1/2 (viii) 1/4 (ix) 1/2 (x) 1/3 (xi) 1/3

9. (i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) 9 (v) 9 (vi) 2

−1
10. (i) (ii) 1 (iii) 2 (iv) 3 (v) 1 (vi) 4
2

25
11. 9 12. 1 13.
2

15. (i) {1+ 3} (ii) {3} (iii) {4} (iv) {2}

(v) {0} (vi) { 5} (vii) {3/2, 10} (viii) {10 1, 10}

(ix) { 5 , 5} (x) { (3 3 ) / 3,8}

60 Logarithm
16. 2 17. 1/6 18. 1

19. (i)
 1 1 3 
(ii) (1, 2)  (3, 4) (iii)
FG − , 1IJ
− , −    , 1 H 2K
 2 4  4 

3 
(iv) ( 1, 0)(1, 2) (v) ( , 2) (vi)  , 1  ( 1, 3
4 

20. 1 22. 2

Logarithm 61
 Subjective Exercise - II


( ) ( )  
( ) ( ) 
2 2
 + +  − +
1. Let A denotes the value of log10   + log10   when
 2   2 
   
a = 43 and b = 57 and B denotes the value of the expression 2 ( log 6 18
) · (3 ) . Find the value of
log6 3

(A·B).

2. Compute the following:

logb (logb N)
4 3 logb a
(a) log1/3 729. 9 .27−1 −4/3
(b) a

3. Find the square of the sum of the roots of the equation

log3x.log4 x.log5 x = log3 x.log4 x + log4 x.log5 x + log5 x.log3 x.

 1
log 1/5  
2 4 1
4. Simplify: 5 + log 2
+ log 1/2 .
7+ 3 10 + 2 21

2
5. Given that log2a = s, log4b = s2 and log c2 8 = .
s +1
3

a2b5
Write log2 as a function of 's' (a, b, c > 0, c  1).
c4

log2 24 log2 192

6. Prove that
log96 2 log 12 2

7. Solve the following equations :

 x2 
(i) log 2 1/2 (4x) + log2   = 8 (ii) log0.5x(x2–14) log16x(x3+40) log4x x = 0
8
2+ x  2 
(iii) log3(4.3x 1) = 2x + 1 (iv) log5   = log5  
 10   x + 1
(v) 1 + 2log(x+2)5 = log5(x + 2) (vi) log424x = 2log2 4

(vii) log2(4.3x 6) log2(9x 6) = 1 (viii) 2log8(2x)+log8(x2 + 1 2x) =
3
(ix) log 23 6 log 23 2 = ( log 210 x –2) log312

(x) log62x+3 log6(3x 2) = x (xi) (3 x2 − 7.2x + 3.9

)
− 9 3 log ( 7 − x ) = 0

8. Given that log23 = a, log35 = b and log72 = c, express the logarithm of the number 63 to the base
140 in terms of a, b and c.

62 Logarithm
9. If a, b and c are positive real numbers such that alog3 7 = 27; blog7 11 = 49 and clog11 25 = 11 .

Find the value of  a( 3 ) + b( 7 ) + c( 11 ) .

2 2 2
log 7 log 11 log 25

 

x
10. If 'x' and 'y' are real numbers such that 2log(2y 3x) = logx + logy, find :
y

11. Let 'L' denotes the antilog of 0.4 to the base 1024.

and 'M' denotes the number of digits in 610 (Given log102 = 0.3010, log103 = 0.4771)

and 'N' denotes the number of positive integers which have the characteristic 2, when base

of the logarithm is 6. Find the value of LMN.

12. (a) Given : log1034.56 = 1.5386, find log103.456 ; log100.3456 and log100.003456.

(b) Find the number of positive integers which have the characteristic 3, when the base of

the logarithm is 7.

(c) If log102 = 0.3010 and log103 = 0.4771, find the value of log10(2.25)

(d) Find the antilogarithm of 0.75, if the base of the logarithm is 2401.

13. If (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) are the solution of the system of equation.

log225(x) + log64(y) = 4

logx(225) logy(64) = 1,

then show that the value of log30(x1y1x2y2) = 12.

Logarithm 63
 ANSWER KEY

1. 12

2. (a) 1 (b) logbN

3. 3721 4. 6

5. 2s + 10s2 3(s3 +1)

7. (i) {2 7, 2} (ii) {1/ 2 ,1, 4} (iii) { 1, 0} (iv) {3}

(v) { 9/5, 23} (vi) {2} (vii) {1} (viii) {2}

1
(ix) { 10− 3 , 10 3 } (x) {log34} (xi) x= ,6
5

1 + 2ac
8. 9. 469 10. 4/9 11. 23040
2c + abc + 1

12. (a) 0.5386;  .5386;  .53863 (b) 2058

(c) 0.3522 (d) 343

64 Logarithm
 JEE-Main (Previous Year Questions)

1. If logpx =  and logqx = , then the value of logp/qx is: [KCET-1997]

− −  
(1) (2) (3) (4)
  − −

2. If logxa, ax/2 and logbx are in G.P. Then x is equals to: [KCET-1998]
(1) loga(logba) (2) loga(logea)+logalogbb
(3) loga(logab) (4) none of these

3. If logx256 = 8/5, then x is equals to: [KCET-2000]

(1) 64 (2) 16 (3) 32 (4) 8

4. If log 2, log(2x 1) and log (2x + 3) are in A.P., then x is equals to: [KCET-2000]
(1) 5/2 (2) log25 (3) log23 (4) log32

5. The number log27 is: [DCE-2000]

(1) an integer (2) a rational (3) an irrational (4)a prime number

6. The roots of the equation log2(x2 4x + 5) = (x 2) are: [KCET-2001]

(1) 4, 5 (2) 2, 3 (3) 2, 3 (4) 3, 5

1 1 1
7. If x = 198 !, then value of the expression + + .... + equals: [DCE-2005]
log2 x log 3 x log 198 x

(1) 1 (2) 0 (3) 1 (4) 198

8. If log0.3 (x 1) < log0.09 (x 1), then x lies in the interval: [DCE-2006]

(1) (2, ) (2) (1, 2) (3) ( 2, 1) (4) none of these

ANSWER KEY

1. (4) 2. (1) 3. (3) 4. (2) 5. (3) 6. (3) 7. (3)

8. (1)

Logarithm 65
 JEE-Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

1. Let (x0, y0) be the solution of the following equations:

(2x)n2 = (3y)n3

3nx = 2ny .

Then x0 is: [JEE(Advanced)-2011]

1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) 6
6 3 2

 
1 1 1 1
2. The value of log 3  4− 4− 4− ........  is: [JEE(Advanced)-2012]
3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 
2  
 

3. If 3x = 4x 1, then x = [JEE(Advanced)-2013]

2log 3 2 2 1 2log2 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2log 3 2 − 1 2 − log 2 3 1 − log 4 3 2log2 3 − 1

((log 9) )
1

4. The value of 2
2 log (log 9)
2 2
 ( )
7 log4 7
is ___________. [JEE(Advanced)-2018]

5. Let m be the minimum possible value of log3 (3y1 + 3y2 + 3y3 ) , where y1, y2, y3 are real numbers
for which y1 + y2 + y3 = 9. Let M be the maximum possible value of (log3x1 + log3x2 + log3x3), where
x1, x2, x3 are positive real numbers for which x1+x2+x3 = 9. Then the value of log2 (m3) + log3(M2)
is ______. [JEE(Advanced)-2022]

6. The product of all positive real values of x satisfying the equation [JEE(Advanced)-2022]

( )
x 16 (log 5 x ) − 68log 5 x = 5−16 is_____________.
3

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. 4 3. (ABC) 4. 8 5. 8.00 6. 1

66 Logarithm
 3 Quadratic Equation
Introduction

The algebraic expression of the form ax2 + bx + c, a  0 is called a quadratic expression, because the
highest order term in it is of second degree. Quadratic equation means, ax2 + bx + c = 0.
In general, whenever one says zeroes of the expression ax 2 + bx + c, it implies roots of the equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0, unless specified otherwise.
A quadratic equation has exactly two roots which may be real (equal or unequal) or imaginary.

Solution of Quadratic Equation and Relation Between Roots and Co-efficient

(a) The general form of quadratic equation is ax2 + bx + c = 0, a  0.

The roots can be found in following manner:
2
 b c  b  c b2
a  x2 + x +  = 0  x +  + − 2 =0
 a a  2a  a 4a
2
 b  b2 c −b  b2 − 4ac
x +  = −  x=
 2a  4a 2
a 2a
This expression can be directly used to find the two roots of a quadratic equation.

(b) The expression b2 4 ac  D is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation.

(c) If  and  are the roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then:
(i)  +  = b/a (ii)  = c/a (iii) |−| = D /|a|

(d) A quadratic equation whose roots are  and  is (x ) (x ) = 0 i.e.

x2
( + ) x + = 0 i.e. x 2
(sum of roots) x + product of roots = 0.

Example 1:
If   are the roots of a quadratic equation x2 3x + 5 = 0, then the equation whose roots are
( 3 + 7) and ( 3 + 7) is -
(A) x + 4x + 1 = 0
2
(B) x2 4x + 4 = 0 (C) x2 4x 1=0 (D) x2 + 2x + 3 = 0
Solution:
Since   are the roots of equation x2 3x + 5 = 0
So  
3 + 5 = 0
 3 + 5 = 0
  3 = 5

Quadratic Equation 67
  3 = 5
Putting in ( 3+ 7) and ( 3+ 7) .........(i)

5 + 7, 5+7

 2 and 2 are the roots.

 The required equation is

x2 4x + 4 = 0.

Example 2:

If  and  are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, find the value of (a + b) 2

+(a + b) 2.

Solution:

−b c
We know that +  = and  =
a a

1 1
(a + b) 2 + (a + b) 2 = +
(a + b) (a + b)
2 2

=
a22 + b2 + 2ab + a2 2 + b2 + 2ab
=
( )
a2 2 + 2 + 2ab (  +  ) + 2b2

(a  + ba + ba + b ) (a  + ab (  +  ) + b )
2 2
2 2 2 2

( +  can always be written as ( + )2 2)

 b2 − 2ac   b
a (  +  ) − 2 + 2ab (  +  ) + 2b2
2 2
a2   + 2ab  −  + 2b
2

 a  a
2
   b2 − 2ac
= =
(a  + ab (  + ) + b ) a2c2
2 2
2 2
 2c  b 2
a + ab  −  + b 
 a  a 

Alternatively:

If    are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0

then, a + b+ c = 0

c
 a + b = −


c
same as a + b = −


2 2
 (a + b) 2
+ ( + b) 2
= +
c2 c2

(  + )
2
− 2
=
c 2

( −b / a ) − 2 (c / a )
2
b2 − 2ac
= =
c2 a2c2

68 Quadratic Equation
 Concept Builders - 1

(i) Find the roots of following equations:

(a) x2 + 3x + 2 = 0 (b) x2 8x + 16 = 0 (c) x2 2x 1=0

(ii) Find the roots of the equation a(x2 + 1) (a2 + 1)x = 0, where a  0.

6−x x
(iii) Solve: = 2+
x −4
2
x+2

(iv) If the roots of 4x2 + 5k = (5k + 1)x differ by unity, then find the values of k.

Nature of Roots
(a) Consider the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b, c  R and a  0 then;

−b  D
x=
2a
(i) D>0  roots are real and distinct (unequal).
(ii) D=0  roots are real and coincident (equal)
(iii) D<0  roots are imaginary.
(iv) If p + iq is one root of a quadratic equation, then the other root must be the
conjugate p iq and vice versa. (p, q  R and i = −1 ).

(b) Consider the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b, c Q and a  0 then;

(i) If D is a perfect square, then roots are rational.
(ii) If  = p + q is one root in this case, (where p is rational and q is a surd) then

other root will be p q.

Example 3:
If the coefficient of the quadratic equation is rational and the coefficient of x2 is 1, then find

the equation one of whose roots is tan .
8
Solution:

We know that tan = 2 1
8
Irrational roots always occur in conjugational pairs.
Hence if one root is ( 1 + 2 ), then other root will be ( 1 2 ). Equation is

(x ( 1+ 2 )) (x ( 1 2 )) = 0  x2 + 2x 1=0

Quadratic Equation 69
Example 4:
Find all the integral values of a for which the quadratic equation
(x a)(x 10) + 1 = 0 has integral roots.
Solution:
Here the equation is x2 (a + 10)x + 10a + 1 = 0. Since integral roots will always be rational it
means D should be a perfect square.
From (i) D = a2 20a + 96.
 D = (a 10) 2
4  4 = (a 10)2 D
If D is a perfect square it means we want difference of two perfect square as 4 which is possible
only when (a 10)2 = 4 and D = 0.
 (a 10) = ±2  a = 12, 8 Ans.

Concept Builders - 2

(i) If 2 + 3 is a root of the equation x2 + bx + c = 0, where b, c Q, find b, c.

(ii) For the following equations, find the nature of the roots (real and distinct, real and coincident
or imaginary).
(a) x2 6x + 10 = 0
(b) x2 (7 + 3 ) x + 6(1 + 3 ) = 0
(c) 4x + 28x + 49 = 0
2

(iii) If , m are real and  m, then show that the roots of ( m)x2 5(+m)x 2( m) = 0 are real
and unequal.

Roots Under Particular Cases

Let the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has real roots and
(a) If b = 0  roots are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign
(b) If c = 0  one root is zero other is b/a
(c) If a = c  roots are reciprocal to each other
a  0 c  0
(d) If  roots are of opposite signs
a  0 c  0

a  0, b  0,c  0
(e) If  both roots are negative.
a  0, b  0,c  0

a  0, b  0,c  0
(f) If  both roots are positive.
a  0, b  0,c  0

(g) If sign of a = sign of b  sign of c  Greater root in magnitude is negative.
(h) If sign of b = sign of c  sign of a  Greater root in magnitude is positive.
(i) If a + b + c = 0  one root is 1 and second root is c/a or ( b a)/a.

70 Quadratic Equation
Example 5:
x2 − bx k − 1
If equation = has roots equal in magnitude and opposite in sign, then the value of
ax − c k+1
k is -
a +b a −b a a
(A) (B) (C) +1 (D) −1
a −b a +b b b
Solution:
Let the roots are  and .
given equation is
(x2 bx)(k + 1) = (k 1)(ax c) {Considering, x  c/a and k  1}
 x2(k + 1) bx(k + 1) = ax (k 1) c(k 1)
 x (k + 1)
2
bx(k + 1) ax (k 1) + c(k 1) = 0
Now sum of roots = 0 (  = 0)

a −b
 b(k + 1) + a(k 1) = 0 k = Ans. (B)
a +b

Example 6:
If roots of the equation (a b)x2 + (c a)x + (b c) = 0 are equal, then a, b, c are in
(A) A.P. (B) H.P. (C) G.P. (D) none of these
Solution:
(a b)x2 + (c a)x + (b c) = 0
As roots are equal so
B2 4AC = 0
 (c a) 2 4(a b)(b c) = 0
 (c a) 2
4ab + 4b + 4ac
2
4bc = 0
 (c a) + 4ac
2
4b(c + a) + 4b2 = 0
 (c + a) 2 2 . (2b)(c + a) + (2b) 2 = 0
 [c + a 2b] 2 = 0  c + a 2b = 0
 c + a = 2b
Hence a, b, c is in A. P.
Alternative method
Sum of the coefficients = 0

b−c
Hence one root is 1 and other root is .
a −b
Given that both roots are equal, so
b−c
1= a b=b c 2b = a + c
a −b
Hence a, b, c are in A.P. Ans. (A)

Quadratic Equation 71
 Concept Builders - 3

(i) Consider f(x) = x2 + bx + c.

(a) Find c if x = 0 is a root of f (x) = 0.
1
(b) Find c if  are roots of f (x) = 0.

(c) Comment on sign of b and c, if  < 0 <  and || > ||, where   are roots of
f(x) = 0.

Identity
An equation which is true for every value of the variable within the domain is called an identity, for
example: 5 (a 3) = 5a 15, (a + b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab for all a, b  R.

Note: A quadratic equation cannot have three or more roots and if it has, it becomes an identity. If
ax2 + bx + c = 0 is an identity  a = b = c = 0

Example 7:
If the equation (2 5  + 6)x2 + ( 3  + 2)x + ( 4) = 0 has more than two roots, then find
the value of ?
Solution:
As the equation has more than two roots so it becomes an identity. Hence
 5 + 6 = 0   = 2, 3
and  
3 + 2 = 0   = 1, 2
and  4=0   = 2, 2
So = 2 Ans. = 2

Common Roots of Two Quadratic Equations

(a) Only one common root.
Let  be the common root of ax2 + bx + c = 0 and a'x2 + b'x + c' = 0 then
a  + b + c = 0 and a'  + b' + c' = 0.
2  1
= = =
bc '− b' c a 'c − ac' ab'− a 'b
ca '− c ' a bc'− b'c
Therefore,  = =
ab'− a 'b a 'c − ac'
So the condition for a common root is (ca' c'a)2 = (ab' a'b) (bc' b'c).
a b c
(b) If both roots are same then = =
a ' b' c'

72 Quadratic Equation
Example 8:
Find p and q such that px2 + 5x + 2 = 0 and 3x2 + 10 x + q = 0 have both roots in common.
Solution:
a1 = p, b1 = 5, c1 = 2
a2 = 3, b2 = 10, c2 = q
We know that:
a1 b1 c1 p 5 2
= =  = =
a2 b2 c2 3 10 q

3
p = ;q=4
2

Example 9:
Find the possible value(s) of 'a' for which the equations x 2 + ax + 1 = 0 and x2 + x + a = 0 have
atleast one common root.
Solution:
Let  is a common root
then  + a + 1 = 0
and  +  + a = 0

2  1
= =
a −1
2
1 − a 1 − a
 (1 a)2 = (a2 1)(1 a)
 a = 1, 2

Concept Builders - 4

(i) If x2 + bx + c = 0 and 2x2 + 9x + 10 = 0 have both roots in common, find b and c.

(ii) If x2 7x + 10 = 0 and x2 5x + c = 0 have a common root, find c.

(iii) Show that x2 + (a2 2)x 2a2 = 0 and x2 3x + 2 = 0 have exactly one common root for all
a  R.

Quadratic Expression and It's Graphs

Consider the quadratic expression, y = ax2 + bx + c, a  0 and a, b, c R then;
(a) The graph between x, y is always a parabola. If a > 0 then the shape of the parabola is
concave upwards and if a < 0 then the shape of the parabola is concave downwards.
(b) The graph of y = ax2 + bx + c can be divided in 6 broad categories which are as follows:
(Let the real roots of quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 be  and  where   ).

Quadratic Equation 73
 Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3

y
y y

a>0
a>0 a>0 D<0
D>0 D=0

x
 O 
x
O x
O

Roots are real and distinct Roots are coincident Roots are complex conjugate
ax + bx + c > 0  x (  )  (, )
2
ax + bx + c > 0  x R
2
{} ax2 + bx + c > 0  x R
ax2 + bx + c < 0  x (, ) ax2 + bx + c = 0 for x = = 
Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6

y y
y
x x
O O
a<0 a<0
D>0 D=0
a<0
  D<0
x
O

Roots are real and distinct Roots are coincident Roots are complex conjugate
ax + bx + c > 0  x (, )
2
ax +bx + c < 0  x R
2
{} ax2 + bx + c < 0  x R
ax2 + bx + c < 0x( , )  (, ) ax2 + bx + c = 0 for x =  = 

Important Note
(i) The quadratic expression ax2 + bx + c > 0 for each x R  a > 0, D < 0 and vice-versa
(Fig. 3)
(ii) The quadratic expression ax2 + bx + c < 0 for each x R  a < 0, D < 0 and vice-versa
(Fig. 6)

Maximum and Minimum Values of Quadratic Expressions

y = ax2 + bx + c:


We know that y = ax + bx + c takes following form: y = a  x +
b 
2
b2 − 4ac ( )  ,
 −
2
 2a  4a2 
 
which is a parabola.
 −b −D 
 vertex =  , 
 2a 4a 

74 Quadratic Equation
 −b −D
When a > 0, y will take a minimum value at vertex; x = ; ymin =
2a 4a
−b −D
When a < 0, y will take a maximum value at vertex; x = ; ymax =
2a 4a
If quadratic expression ax +bx +c is a perfect square, then a > 0 and D = 0
2

Example 10:
The value of the expression x2 + 2bx + c will be positive for all real x if-
(A) b2 4c > 0 (B) b2 4c < 0 (C) c2 < b (D) b2 < c
Solution:
As a > 0, so this expression will be positive if D < 0
so 4b2 4c < 0

b2 < c Ans. (D)

Example 11:
The minimum value of the expression 4x2 + 2x + 1 is-
(A) 1/4 (B) 1/2 (C) 3/4 (D) 1
Solution:
Since a = 4 > 0
4 ( 4)( 1) − (2)
2
−D 16 − 4 12 3
therefore its minimum value = = = = = Ans. (C)
4a 4 ( 4) 16 16 4

Example 12:
If y = x2 2x 3, then find the range of y when:
(i) x R (ii) x [0, 3] (iii) x [ 2, 0]
Solution:
We know that minimum value of y will occur at
y

O 1 x

(1, 4)

x= −
b
=
( −2) =1
2a 2 1
D − ( 4 + 3  4)
ymin = − = = 4
4a 4
(i) x R;
y [ 4,) Ans.

(ii) x [0, 3]

f(0) = 3, f(1) = 4, f(3) = 0

Quadratic Equation 75
 f(3) > f(0)

 y will take all the values from minimum to f(3).

y [ 4, 0] Ans.

(iii) x [ 2, 0]
This interval does not contain the minimum x value of y for x R.
y
5

O 1 x
2
(0, 3)

y will take values from f(0) to f( 2)

f(0) = 3
f( 2) = 5
y [ 3, 5] Ans.

Example 13:
If ax2 + bx + 10 = 0 does not have real and distinct roots, find the minimum value of 5a b.
Solution:
Either f(x)  0 x R or f(x)  0 x R
 f(0) = 10 > 0 f(x)    x  R

 f( 5) = 25a 5b + 10  
 5a b 2

Concept Builders - 5

(i) Find the minimum value of:

(a) y = x2 + 2x + 2 (b) y = 4x2 16x + 15

(ii) For following graphs of y = ax2 + bx + c with a, b, c R, comment on the sign of:
(i) a (ii) b (iii) c (iv) D (v) +  (vi) 

y
==
y y
(1) (2) (3) x

  x   x

76 Quadratic Equation
(iii) Given the roots of equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are real and distinct, where a, b, c R+, then the
vertex of the graph will lie in which quadrant.

(iv) Find the range of 'a' for which:

(a) ax2 + 3x + 4 > 0  x  R (b) ax2 + 4x 2 < 0 x R
Maximum and Minimum Values of Rational Algebraic Expressions
a 1x2 + b1x + c 1 1 a 1x + b1 a 1x2 + b1x + c1
y= , , , :
a2 x2 + b2 x + c2 ax2 + bx + c a2x2 + b2x + c2 a2 x + b2

a 1 x 2 + b1 x + c 1
Sometime we have to find range of expression of form .
a2 x2 + b2 x + c2

The following procedure is used:

a 1 x 2 + b1 x + c 1
Step 1: Equate the given expression to y i.e. y =
a2 x2 + b2 x + c2

Step 2: By cross multiplying and simplifying, obtain a quadratic equation in x.

(a1 a2y)x2 + (b1 b2y)x + (c1 c2y) = 0

Step 3: Put Discriminant  0 and solve the inequality for possible set of values of y.

Example 14:

x2 − 3x + 4
For x R, find the set of values attainable by
x2 + 3x + 4
Solution:

x2 − 3x + 4
Let y =
x2 + 3x + 4
x2(y 1) + 3x(y + 1) + 4(y 1) = 0

Case- I : y  1

For y  1 above equation is a quadratic equation.

So, for x R, D 0

 9(y + 1)2 16(y 1)2 0 7y2 50y + 7 0

1 
 (7y 1)(y 7) 0  y   , 7 {1}
7 
Case II : when y = 1

x2 − 3x + 4
=
x2 + 3x + 4

Quadratic Equation 77
  x2 + 3x + 4 = x2 3x+ 4

x = 0

Hence y = 1 for real value of x.

1 
so, range of y is  , 7 
7 
Example 15:
ax2 + 3x − 4
Find the values of a for which the expression assumes all real values for real values
3x − 4x2 + a
of x.
Solution:
ax2 + 3x − 4
Let y =
3x − 4x2 + a
x2(a + 4y) + 3(1 y)x (4 + ay) = 0
If x R, D  0
 9(1 y) 2 + 4(a + 4y)(4 + ay) 0
 (9 + 16a)y2 + (4a2 + 46)y + (9 + 16a) 0
for all y R, (9 + 16a) > 0 and D 0
 (4a2 + 46) 2 4(9 + 16a)(9 + 16a)  0  4(a2 8a + 7)(a2 + 8a + 16)  0
 a2 8a + 7  0  1a 7
9 + 16a > 0 and 1  a  7
Taking intersection, a  [1, 7]
Now, checking the boundary values of a
For a = 1

y=
x2 + 3x − 4
=
( x − 1)( x + 4)
3x − 4x2 + 1 ( x − 1)( 4x + 1)
 x  y 1

 a = 1 is not possible.

if a=7

y=
7x2 + 3x − 4
=
( 7x − 4)( x + 1)  x 1  y 1
3x − 4x + 7
2
( 7 − 4x )( x + 1)
So, y will assume all real values for some real values of x.

So, a (1, 7)

78 Quadratic Equation
 Concept Builders - 6

8x − 4
(i) Prove that the expression cannot have values between 2 and 4, in its domain.
x + 2x − 1
2

x2 + 2x + 1
(ii) Find the range of , where x is real
x2 + 2x + 7
Location of Roots
This article deals with an elegant approach of solving problems on quadratic equations when the roots
are located / specified on the number line with variety of constraints:
Consider the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 with a > 0 and let f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

Type-1:
Both roots of the quadratic equation are greater than a specific number (say d). The necessary
and sufficient condition for this are:
−b
(i) D  0 ; (ii) f(d) > 0 ; (iii) >d
2a

x x
d d

Note: When both roots of the quadratic equation are less than a specific number d then the necessary
and sufficient condition will be:
b
(i) D  0 ; (ii) f(d) > 0 ; (iii) <d
2a

Type-2:
Both roots lie on either side of a fixed number say (d). Alternatively, one root is greater than 'd'
and other root less than 'd' or 'd' lies between the roots of the given equation.
The necessary and sufficient condition for this are: f(d) < 0

 
d

Note: Consideration of discriminant is not needed.

Quadratic Equation 79
 Type-3:
Exactly one root lies in the interval (d, e). The necessary and sufficient condition for this are:
f (d) . f (e) < 0

d e d e

Note: The extremes of the intervals found by given conditions give 'd' or 'e' as the root of the equation.
Hence in this case also check for end points.

d e d e

f(d) = 0 f(e) = 0

Type-4:
When both roots are confined between the number d and e (d < e). The necessary and sufficient
condition for this are

d e

b
(i) D 0; (ii) f (d) > 0; (iii) f (e) > 0 (iv) d < <e
2a

Type-5:
One root is greater than e and the other roots is less than d (d < e).
The necessary and sufficient condition for this are: f(d) < 0 and f(e) < 0

d e

Note: If a < 0 in the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 then we divide the whole equation by 'a'. Now
b c
assume x2 + x+ as f(x). This makes the coefficient of x2 positive and hence above cases are
a a
applicable.

80 Quadratic Equation
Example 16:
Find the values of the parameter 'a' for which the roots of the quadratic equation
x2 + 2(a 1)x + a + 5 = 0 are
(i) real and distinct (ii) equal
(iii) opposite in sign (iv) equal in magnitude but opposite in sign
(v) positive (vi) negative
(vii) greater than 3 (viii) smaller than 3
(ix) such that both the roots lie in the interval (1, 3)
Solution:
Let f(x) = x2 + 2(a 1)x + a + 5 = Ax2 + Bx + C (say)
 A = 1, B = 2(a 1), C = a + 5.
Also D = B2 4AC = 4(a 1) 2 4(a + 5) = 4(a + 1)(a 4)
(i) D>0  (a + 1)(a 4) > 0  a ( , 1) (4, ).
(ii) D=0  (a + 1)(a 4) = 0  a= 1, 4.
(iii) This means that 0 lies between the roots of the given equation.
 f(0) < 0 and D > 0 i.e. a ( , 1) (4, )
 a + 5 < 0 a < 5 a ( , 5).
(iv) This means that the sum of the roots is zero
 2(a 1) = 0 and D > 0 i.e., a  ( , 1)  (4, )  a = 1
which does not belong to ( , 1)  (4, )  a  
(v) This implies that both the roots are greater than zero
B C
 > 0, > D    (a 1) > 0, a + 5 > 0, a ( , 1]  [4, )
A A
 a < 1, 5 < a, a ( , 1]  [4, )  a ( 5, 1].
(vi) This implies that both the roots are less than zero
B C
 < 0, > 0, D    (a 1) < 0, a + 5 > 0, a ( , 1]  [4, )
A A
 a > 1, a > 5, a ( , 1]  [4, )  a  [4, ).
(vii) In this case
B
> 3, A . f(3) > 0 and D  0.
2a
 (a 1) > 3, 7a + 8 > 0 and a ( , 1]  [4, )
 a< 2, a > 8/7 and a ( , 1]  [4, )
Since no value of 'a' can satisfy these conditions simultaneously, there can be no value of a for
which both the roots will be greater than 3.
(viii) In this case

Quadratic Equation 81
 B
< 3, A.f(3) > 0 and D 0.
2a
a > 2, a > 8/7 and a ( , 1]  [4, ) a ( 8/7, 1]  [4, )
(ix) In this case
B
1< < 3, A.f(1) > 0, A.f(3) > 0, D 0.
2A
1 < 1(a 1) < 3, 3a + 4 > 0, 7a + 8 > 0, a ( , 1]  [4, )
 8 
 2 < a < 0, a > 4/ 3, a > 8/7, a ( , 1]  [4, )  a   − , −1
 7 
Example 17:
Find value of k for which one root of equation x 2 (k + 1)x + k2 + k 8 = 0 exceeds 2 and other
is less than 2.
Solution:
4 2 (k+1) + k2 + k 8 < 0  k2 k 6<0
(k 3) (k+2) < 0  2 < k < 3
Taking intersection, k ( 2, 3).

Example 18:
Find all possible values of a for which exactly one root of x 2 (a + 1)x + 2a = 0 lies in interval
(0,3).
Solution:
f(0) . f(3) < 0
 2a (9 3(a + 1)+2a) < 0  2a ( a + 6) < 0
 a(a 6) > 0  a< 0 or a > 6
Checking the extremes.
If a = 0, x2 x=0
x = 0, 1
1 (0, 3)
If a = 6, x2 7x + 12 = 0
x = 3, 4 But 4 (0, 3)
Hence solution set is
a ( , 0]  (6, )

Concept Builders - 7

(i) If   are roots of 7x2 + 9x 2 = 0, find their position with respect to following (  ):
(a) 3 (b) 0 (c) 1

(ii) If a > 1, roots of the equation (1 a)x2 + 3ax 1 = 0 are -

82 Quadratic Equation
 (A) one positive one negative (B) both negative
(C) both positive (D) both non-real

(iii) Find the set of value of a for which the roots of the equation x 2 2ax + a2 + a 3 = 0 are less
than 3.

(iv) If    are the roots of x2 3x + a = 0, a R and < 1 <, then find the values of a.

(v) If    are roots of 4x2 16x + = 0,   R such that 1 << 2 and 2 << 3, then find the range of .
General Quadratic Expression in Two Variables:
f(x, y) = ax2 + 2 hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c may be resolved into two linear factors if;
a h g
 = abc + 2fgh af2 bg2 ch2 = 0 OR h b f = 0
g f c

Example 19:
If x2 + 2xy + 2x + my 3 have two linear factors then m is equal to -
(A) 6, 2 (B) 6, 2 (C) 6, 2 (D) 6, 2
Solution:
Here a =1, h =1, b = 0, g = 1, f = m/2, c = 3
1 1 1
So = 0 1 0 m/ 2 = 0
1 m / 2 −3

m2 m2
 ( 3 m/2) + m/2 = 0  +m+3=0
4 4
 m2 4m 12 = 0  m = 2, 6 Ans. (C)

Concept Builders - 8

(i) Find the value of k for which the expression x2 + 2xy + ky2 + 2x + k = 0 can be resolved into two
linear factors.

Theory of Equations
Let , , , ...... n are roots of the equation, f (x) = a0xn + a1xn-1 + a2xn-2 + .... an-1x + an = 0,
where a0, a1, ......... an are constants and a00.
f(x) = a0(x )(x )(x 3) ......... (x n)
 a0xn + a1xn 1 + ......... an 1x + an = a0(x )(x ) ..... (x n)
Comparing the coefficients of like powers of x, we get

Quadratic Equation 83
 a1
 1
=
a0
= S1 (say)

coefficient of xn-1
or S1 =
coefficient of xn
a2
= ( −1)
2
S2 =  
i j
i j
a0
a3
= ( −1)
3
S3 =   
i  j k
i j k
a0

an constant term
Sn = n = ( 1)n = ( 1)n
a0 coefficient of xn
where Sk denotes the sum of the product of root taken k at a time.
Quadratic Equation
b c
If   are the roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then  +  = and  =
a a
Cubic Equation
b
If    are roots of a cubic equation ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0, then  +  +  = ,
a
c d
 +  +  = and  =
a a
Note: (i) If  is a root of the equation f (x) = 0, then the polynomial f(x) is exactly divisible by
(x ) or (x ) is a factor of f(x) and conversely.
(ii) Every equation of nth degree (n  1) has exactly n root and if the equation has more than
n roots, it is an identity.
(iii) If the coefficients of the equation f (x) = 0 are all real and  + i is its root, then
 i is also a root. i.e. imaginary roots occur in conjugate pairs.
(iv) If the coefficients in the equation are all rational and  +  is one of its roots, then
  is also a root where ,   Q and  is not a perfect square.
(v) and and f(b) are of opposite signs,

(vi) Every equation f(x) = 0 of degree odd has atleast one real root of a sign opposite to that
of its last term.

Example 20:
If two roots are equal, find the roots of 4x3 + 20x2 23x + 6 = 0.
Solution:
Let roots be   and 
20
 ++=  2+ = 5 ............ (i)
4
23 23 6
    +  + = −   +  = − and  =
4 4 4
from equation (i)

84 Quadratic Equation
 23 23
 + 2 ( 5 2 ) =   10 42 =
4 4
  +  −  = 
23
  =  −
6
1
when =
2
1 3
2 = ( 5 1) =
4 2
23
when =
6
23  23   23   3 1
  =  −5 − 2  −    = ,= 6
36   6  2 2
1 1
Hence roots of equation = , , 6
2 2
Example 21:
If    are the roots of x3 px2 + qx r = 0, find:
(i) a 3
(ii)  ( + ) + 2 ( + ) + 2 ( + )
2

Solution:
We know that  +  +  = p
 +  +  = q
 = r
(i) 3 + 3+3= 3 + ( +  +  ){( +  + )2 3( +  + )}
= 3r + p{p2 3q} = 3r + p3 3pq
(ii)  ( + ) +  ( + ) + (+) = 2 (p
2 2 2
) +2 (p ) +2 (p )
= p(2+ 2+2 ) −3r − p3+ 3pq = p(p2 2q) 3r p3 + 3pq = pq 3r

Example 22:
If b2 < 2ac and a, b, c, d R, then prove that ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 has exactly one real root.
Solution:
Let    be the roots of ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0
b
Then  +  +  =
a
c
 +  +  =
a
−d
 =
a
b2 2c b2 − 2ac
 +  +  = ( +  + ) 2( +  + ) = − =
a2 a a2

Quadratic Equation 85
   +  + < 0, which is not possible if all    are real. So atleast one root is non-real,
but complex roots occurs in pair. Hence given cubic equation has two non-real and one real
roots.

Concept Builders - 9

(i) Let   be two of the roots of the equation x3 px2 + qx r = 0. If  +  = 0, then show that
pq = r

(ii) If two roots of x3 + 3x2 9x + c = 0 are equal, then find the value of c.

(iii) If    be the roots of ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0, then find the value of

1
(a) 2 (b)  (c)  ( + )


Transformation of the Equation:

Let ax2 + bx + c = 0 be a quadratic equation with two roots  and . If we have to find an equation
whose roots are f() and f(), i.e. some expression in  and  then this equation can be found by finding
 in terms of y. Now as  satisfies given equation, put this  in terms of y directly in the equation.
y = f ()
By transformation,  = g(y)
a(g(y))2 + b(g(y)) + c = 0
This is the required equation in y.

Example 23:
If the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are  and , then find the equation whose roots are:
−2 −2  
(a) , (b) , (c) 2, 2
  +1 +1
Solution:
−2 − 2
(a) ,
 

−2 −2
put, y=  =
 y
2
 2  2
a−  + b−  + c = 0  cy2 2by + 4a = 0
 y   y
Required equation is cx2 2bx + 4a = 0
 
(b) ,
+1 +1

86 Quadratic Equation
 put, y= 2x   = 2.200 = 400
1 3
 aa = + ba = +c=0
2 4
 (a + c b)y2 + ( 2c + b)y +c = 0
Required equation is (a + c b) x2 + (b 2c) x + c = 0
(c) 2, 2
put y = 2
 =y

ay + b −1 = i + c = 0

b2y = a2y2 + c2 + 2acy

 a2y2 + (2ac b2) y + c2 = 0

Required equation is a2x2 + (2ac b2) x + c2 = 0

Example 24:
If the roots of ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 are , ,  then find equation whose roots are
1 1 1
, ,
  
Solution:
1  a d
Put y = = = − (  = )
  d a
dy
Put x = −
a
3 2
 dy   dy   dy 
 a−  + b−  + c−  +d=0
 a   a   a 
Required equation is d2x3 bdx2 + acx a2 = 0

Concept Builders - 10

(i) If   are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, then find the equation whose roots are
1 1 1 1 1 1
(a) , (B) , (c) + ,+
2 2 a + b a + b  

(ii) If   are roots of x2 px + q = 0, then find the quadratic equation whose root are (2−2)(3−3)
and 23 + 32 .

Miscellaneous Examples

Quadratic Equation 87
Examples 25:
If   are the roots of x2 + px + q = 0, and   are the roots of x2 + rx + s = 0, evaluate ( )
( ) ( ) ( ) in terms of p, q, r and s. Deduce the condition that the equations have a
common root.
Solution:
  are the roots of x2 + px + q = 0
 += p,  = q ........(1)
and ,  are the roots of x + rx + s = 0 2

  + = r,  = s .........(2)
Now, ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
= [ 2
( + ) + ] [ 2
( + ) + ]
= ( + r + s) ( + r + s)
2 2

= 22 +r( + ) + r2 + s(2 + 2) + sr( + ) + s2

= 22 +r( + ) + r2 + s(( + )2 2)) + sr( + ) + s2
= q2 pqr + r2q + s(p2 2q) + sr( p) + s2
= (q s)2 rpq + r2q + sp2 prs
= (q s)2 rq (p r) + sp(p r)
= (q s) + (p
2
r)(sp rq)
For a common root (Let  =  or  = ) .........(3)
then ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) = 0 .........(4)
from (3) and (4), we get
(q s)2 + (p r)(sp rq) = 0
 (q s) = (p
2
r)(rq sp), which is the required condition.

Examples 26:
If (y2 5y + 3) (x2 + x + 1) < 2x for all x  R, then find the interval in which y lies.
Solution:
(y2 5y + 3) (x2 + x + 1) < 2x,  x  R
2x
 y2 5y + 3 <
x +x+1
2

2x
Let =P px2 + (p 2) x + p = 0
x +x+1
2

2
(1) Since x is real, (p 2)2 4p2  0  2p
3
(2) The minimum value of 2x/(x2 + x + 1) is 2.
So, y 2
5y + 3 < 2y 2
5y + 5 < 0
5− 5 5+ 5 
 y  , 
 2 2 


88 Quadratic Equation
 ANSWERS FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

1. (i) (a) 1, 2; (b) 4; (c) 1± 2 ;

1 7 1
(ii) a, ; (iii) (iv) 3, −
a 3 5

2. (i) b= 4, c = 1; (ii) (a)imaginary; (b) real and distinct ; (c) real and coincident

3. (i) (a) c = 0; (b) c = 1; (c) b → negative, c → negative

9
4. (i) b= , c = 5; (ii) c = 0, 6
2

5. (i) (a) 1 (b) 1

(ii) (1) (i) a < 0 (ii) b < 0 (iii) c < 0 (iv) D > 0 (v)  + < 0 (vi) > 0

(2) (i) a < 0 (ii) b > 0 (iii) c = 0 (iv) D > 0 (v)  + > 0 (vi)  = 0

(3) (i) a < 0 (ii) b = 0 (iii) c = 0 (iv) D = 0 (v)  +  = 0 (vi)  = 0

(iii) Third quadrant

(iv) (a) a > 9/16 (b) a< 2

6. (ii) least value = 0, greatest value = 1.

7. (i) 3 <  < 0 <  < 1; (ii) C; (iii) a < 2; (iv) a < 2; (v) 12 << 16

8. (i) 0, 2

1 c 1
9. (ii) 27, 5; (iii) (a) (b2 ac), (b) − , (c) (3ad bc)
a2 d a2

10. (i) (a) c2y2 + y(2ac b2) + a2 = 0 ; (b) acx2 bx + 1 = 0;

(c) acx2 + (a + c)bx + (a + c)2 = 0

(ii) x2 p(p4 5p2q + 5q2)x + p2q2(p2 4q)(p2 q) = 0

Quadratic Equation 89
 Objective Exercise - I

Single Correct Type Questions

1. If the equation x2 m (2x 8) 15 = 0 has equal roots, then m =

(A) 3, 5 (B) 3, 5 (C) 3, 5 (D) 3, 5

2. If ,  are roots of the equation ax2 bx c = 0, then 2  + 2 is equal to-

b2 + 3ac b2 − 3ac b2 + 2ac b2 − 2ac
(A) (B) (C) (D)
a2 a2 a2 a2

3. The roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 will be imaginary if-

(A) a > 0, b = 0, c < 0 (B) a > 0, b = 0, c > 0
(C) a = 0, b > 0, c > 0 (D) a > 0, b > 0, c = 0

q q
4. If ,  are roots of the equation x2 + px + q = 0, then the equation whose roots are , will be
 
(A) x2 qx + p = 0 (B) x2 + px + q = 0 (C) x2 px q=0 (D) qx2 + px + q = 0

5. If p, q are the roots of equation x2 + px + q = 0, then value of p must be equal to-

(A) 0, 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 0, 1

 
6. If , are the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then + is equal to -
a + b a + b
2 2 2 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) −
a b c a

7. If the roots of the equation ax2 + x + b = 0 be real and different, then the roots of the equation
x2 4 abx + 1 = 0 will be-
(A) Rational (B) Irrational (C) Real (D) Imaginary

−1 −1
8. If  and  are roots of x2 2x + 3 = 0, then the equation whose roots are and will be-
+1 +1
(A) 3x2 2x 1=0 (B) 3x2 + 2x + 1 = 0 (C) 3x2 2x + 1 = 0 (D) x2 3x + 1 = 0

1 1
9. If   are the roots of the equation x2 3x + 1 = 0, then the equation with roots ,
−2 −2
will be-
(A) x2 x 1=0 (B) x2 + x 1=0 (C) x2 + x + 2 = 0 (D) None of these

90 Quadratic Equation
10. For what value of the curve y = x2 + ax + 25 touches the x-axis -
(A) 0 (B) ±5 (C) ±10 (D) none

11. The expression a2x2 + bx + 1 will be positive for all x  R if-

(A) b2 > 4a2 (B) b2 < 4a2 (C) 4b2 > a2 (D) 4b2 < a2

12. The adjoining figure shows the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c. Then -

y
vertex

x1 x2 x

(A) a > 0 (B) b > 0, c > 0 (C) c > 0, b < 0 (D) b2< 4ac

13. The graph of curve x2 = 3x y 2 is strictly below the line y = k, then -

1 1
(A) 2<k<4 (B) k > (C) k = (D) k < 1 or k > 0
4 4

14. Ramesh and Mahesh solve a quadratic equation. Ramesh reads its constant term wrongly and
finds its roots as 8 and 2 where as Mahesh reads the coefficient of x wrongly and finds its roots
as 11 and 1. The correct roots of the equation are
(A) 11, 1 (B) 11, 1 (C) 11, − 1 (D) None of these

15. Let P (x) = kx3 + 2k2x2 + k3. Find the sum of all real numbers k for which x 2 is a factor of P(x).
(A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 4 (D) 8

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (B) 4. (B) 5. (A) 6. (D) 7. (D)

8. (C) 9. (A) 10. (C) 11. (B) 12. (B) 13. (B) 14. (C)

15. (D)

Quadratic Equation 91
 Objective Exercise - II

Single Correct Type Questions

1. If the roots of the equation 6x2 7x + k = 0 are rational, then k is equal to-
(A) 1 (B) 1, 2 (C) 2 (D) 1, 2

x−5
2. The least integral value  of x such that > 0, satisfies
x2 + 5x − 14
(A) 2 7 + 6 = 0 (B) 2 + 3 4=0 (C) 2 + 5 6=0 (D) 2 5 + 4 = 0

sin 3x
3. If f(x) = , x  n, then the range of values of f(x) for real values of x is -
sin x
(A) [ 1,3] (B) ( , 1] (C) (3, ) (D) [ 1,3)

3p
4. If  and  are roots of the equation x2 + px + = 0, such that | | = 10 , then p belongs to
4
the set:
(A) {2, 5} (B) { 3, 2} (C) {3, 5} (D) { 2, 5}

5. If p and q are non-zero real numbers and 3 + 3 = p,  = q, then a quadratic equation whose
 2 2
roots are , is -
 
(A) qx2 + px + q2 = 0 (B) px2 + qx + p2 = 0 (C) qx2 px + q2 = 0 (D) px2 qx + p2 = 0

x2 − bx m− 1
6. If the equation = has roots equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, then m is
ax − c m+ 1
equal to -
a +b a −b b−a
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
a −b a +b b+a

7. If both the roots of the equations k(6x2 + 3) + rx + 2x2 1 = 0 and 6k(2x2 +1) + px +4x2 2=0
are common, then 2r p is equal to-
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 0

8. All possible values of a, so that 6 lies between the roots of the equation x 2 + 2(a 3)x + 9 = 0
(A) (  2)  (2, ) (B) (  ) (C) ( ) (D) None of these

9c
9. If a + b + c > and quadratic equation ax2 + 2bx 5c = 0 has non-real roots, then-
4
(A) a > 0, c > 0 (B) a > 0, c < 0 (C) a < 0, c < 0 (D) a < 0, c > 0

92 Quadratic Equation
10. The set of values of K for which both the roots of the equation 4x 2 20Kx+(25K2+15K 66) = 0,
are less than 2, is given by-
(A) (2, ) (B) (4/5, 2) (C) (  −) (D) None of these

One or More than one Correct Type Questions

11. If f (x) = x2 + bx + c and f (2 + t) = f (2 t) for all real numbers t, then which of the following is
true?
(A) (1) <(2) < f(4) (B) (2) <(1) < f(4)
(C) (2) <(4) <(1) (D) (2.1) <(1.5) <(3)

12. For x  [1, 5], y = x2 5x + 3 has -

(A) least value = 1.5 (B) greatest value = 3
5 + 13
(C) least value = 3.25 (D) greatest value =
2

13. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c is given adjacently. What conclusions can be drawn from this graph -

O x

Vertex

(A) a > 0 (B) b < 0 (C) c < 0 (D) b2 4ac > 0

14. The graph of quadratic polynomial f(x) = ax2 + bx + c is shown below.

 
x
1 O 1

Which of the following are correct?

c
(A) < 1 (B) | − | > 2 (C) f(x) > 0  x(0,) (D) abc < 0
a

15. If S is the set of all real x such that (2x − 1)/(2x3 + 3x2 + x) is positive, then S contains
(A) (− , − 3/2) (B) (− 3/2, − 1/4) (C) (− 1/4, 1/2) (D) (1/2, 3)

16. If the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 (a > 0) has sec2 and cosec2 as its roots then which
of the following must hold good?
(A) b + c = 0 (B) b2 4ac  0 (C) c  4a (D) 4a + b  0

Quadratic Equation 93
17. The graph of a quadratic polynomial y = ax2 + bx + c (a, b, c  R) with vertex on y-axis is as
shown in the figure. Then which one of the following statement(s) is CORRECT?

x
O

(A) Product of the roots of the corresponding quadratic equation is positive.

(B) Discriminant of the quadratic equation is negative.
(C) Nothing definite can be said about the sum of the roots, whether positive, negative or zero.
(D) Both roots of the quadratic equation y = 0 are purely imaginary.

Comprehension Type Questions

Graph of f(x) = ax2 + bx + c is shown adjacently, for which l(AB) = 2, l(AC) = 3 and b2 4ac = 4.

A
C
B O

On the basis of above information's, answer the following questions:

18. The value of a + b + c is equal to -

(A) 7 (B) 8 (C) 9 (D) 10

19. The quadratic equation with rational coefficients whose one of the roots is b + a + c , is -
(A) x2 6x + 2 = 0 (B) x2 6x 1=0 (C) x2 + 6x + 2 = 0 (D) x2 + 6x 1=0

 1  1
20. Range of g(x) =  a +  x2 + (b + 2)x  c −  when x  [ 4, 0] is -
 2   2 
 49   49   49 
(A) [ 10, 6] (B) − , −10 (C) − , −6 (D) − , 
 4   4   4 

ANSWER KEY

1. (D) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (D)

8. (B) 9. (B) 10. (C) 11. (BD) 12. (BC) 13. (ABCD) 14. (ABCD)

15. (AD) 16. (ABC) 17. (ABD) 18. (D) 19. (A) 20. (C)

94 Quadratic Equation
 Subjective Exercise - I

1. Find the value of a for which one root of the equation x2 + (2a 1)x + a2 + 2 = 0 is twice as large
as the other.

15
2. Find a such that one of the roots of the equation x 2 x + a = 0 is the square of the other.
4

3. Find k in the equation 5x2 kx + 1 = 0 such that the difference between the roots of the equation
is unity.

4. Find b in the equation 5x2 + bx 28 = 0 if the roots x1 and x2 of the equation are related as
5x1 + 2x2 = 1 and b is an integer.

5. Find the values of the coefficient a for which the curve y = x2 + ax + 25 touches the x-axis.

6. For what values of p does the vertex of the parabola y = x2 + 2px + 13 lie at a distance of 5 from
the origin?

7. If x1,x2 are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, then find the value of

(i) (ax1 + b) 2
+ (ax2 + b) 2, (ii) (ax1 + b) 3
+ (ax2 + b) 3.

8. If   are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, (a  0) and  +   +  are the roots of Ax2+Bx+C = 0,

b2 − 4ac B2 − 4AC
(A  0) for some constant , then prove that, = .
a 2
A2

9. Find integral values of k for which the quadratic equation (k 12)x2 + 2(k 12)x +2 = 0 possess
no real roots?

10. For what values of k is the inequality x2 (k 3)x k + 6 > 0 valid for all real x?

11. Find all values of p for which the roots of the equation (p 3)x2 2px + 5p = 0 are real and
positive.

12. Find all values of 'a' for which the inequality (a + 4)x 2 2ax + 2a 6 < 0 is satisfied for all
x  R.

13. For what values of 'a' do the graphs of the functions y = 2ax + 1 and y = (a 6)x2 2 not
intersect?

Quadratic Equation 95
14. Let the quadratic equation x2 + 3x k = 0 has roots a, b and x2 + 3x 10 = 0 has roots c, d such
that modulus of difference of the roots of the first equation is equal to twice the modulus of
the difference of the roots of the second equation. If the value of 'k' can be expressed as
rational number in the lowest form as m/n then find the value of (m + n).

15. Find the value of m for which the quadratic equations x2 11x + m = 0 and x2 14x + 2m = 0
may have common root.

16. If the quadratic equations x2 + bx + ca = 0 and x2 + cx + ab = 0 (where a  0) have a common

root, prove that the equation containing their other roots is x2 + ax + bc = 0.

17. Consider the quadratic polynomial f(x) = x2 4ax + 5a2 6a

(a) Find the smallest positive integral value of 'a' for which f(x) is positive for every real x.
(b) Find the largest distance between the roots of the equation f(x) = 0
(c) Find the set of values of 'a' for which range of f(x) is [ 8, )

2x2 + 2x + 3
18. We call 'p' a good number if the inequality  p is satisfied for any real x. Find the
x2 + x + 1
smallest integral good number.

 
19. Let ,  and  are the roots of the cubic x3 3x2 + 1 = 0. Find a cubic whose roots are ,
−2 −2

and . Hence or otherwise find the value of ( 2)( 2)( 2).
 −2

x 1
20. If x be real, then prove that must lie between − and 1.
x − 5x + 9
2
11

x+2
21. Find the greatest value of for real values of x.
2x + 3x + 6
2

22. For what values of m will the expression y 2 + 2xy + 2x + my 3 be capable of resolution into two
rational factors?

23. If x and y are two real quantities connected by the equation 9x 2 + 2xy + y2 92x 20y + 244 = 0,
then prove that x will lie between 3 and 6 and y between 1 and 10.
24.

(a2 6a + 5) x2 a2 + 2a x + (6a a2 8) = 0 lie on either side of the origin.

96 Quadratic Equation
25. Find all the values of the parameter 'a' for which both roots of the quadratic equation
x2 ax + 2 = 0 belong to the interval (0, 3).

26. If the quadratic equations, x2 + bx + c = 0 and bx2 + cx + 1 = 0 have a common root then prove
that either b + c + 1 = 0 or b2 + c2 + 1 = b c + b + c.

27. When y2 + my + 2 is divided by (y 1) then the quotient is f (y) and the remainder is R1. When
y2 + my + 2 is divided by (y + 1) then quotient is g (y) and the remainder is R2. If R1 = R2 then find
the value of m.

ANSWER KEY

125 27
1. a= 4 2. − ,a2 = 3. k = 3 5 4. b= 13
8 8

5. a = ±10 6. { 4, 3, 3, 4} 7. (i)
b2 − 2ac
(ii)
(
b2 b2 − 3ac )
a2c2 ac
3 3

 15 
9. k = 13 10. ( 3, 5) 11. For all p  3, 
 4

12. For all a(−, − 6) 13. For all a(−6, 3) 14. 19120.0 or 24

17. (a) 7, (b) 6, (c) 2 or 4 18. 4

1
19. 3y3 9y2 3y + 1 = 0; ( 2)( 2)( 2) = 3 21. 22. 2
3

11
24. ( , 2]  [ 0, 1)  (2, 4)  (5, ) 25. 2 2a < 27. 0
3

Quadratic Equation 97
 Subjective Exercise - II

1. If  are roots of the equation x2 px + q = 0, then find the value of

(i) 2 (2 1
) + 2( 1− ) (ii) ( p) 4
+ ( p) 4.

2. ,  are the roots of the equation K (x2 x) + x + 5 = 0. If K1and K2 are the two values of K for
which the roots ,  are connected by the relation (/) + () = 4/5. Find the value of
(K1/K2) + (K2/K1).

3. (a) If ,  are the roots of the quadratic equation ax2+bx+c = 0 then which of the following
expressions in ,  will denote the symmetric functions of roots. Give proper reasoning.
(i) f (, ) = 2  (ii) f (, ) = 2 + 2

(iii) f(, ) = ln (iv) f (, ) = cos( )

(b) If ,  are the roots of the equation x2 px + q = 0, then find the quadratic equation the
roots of which are ( − ) ( − ) and   + 23.
2 2 3 3 3 2

ax2 + 2 (a + 1) x + 9a + 4
4. Find the range of values of 'a', such that f (x) = is always negative.
x2 − 8x + 32

5. Let a, b be arbitrary real numbers. Find the smallest natural number 'b' for which the equation
x2 + 2(a + b)x + (a b + 8) = 0 has unequal real roots for all a  R.

6. Let P(x) = 4x2 + 6x + 4 and Q(y) = 4y2 12y + 25. Find the unique pair of real numbers (x, y) that
satisfy P(x)· Q(y) = 28.

7. Find the product of the real roots of the equation, x2 + 18x + 30 = 2 x2 + 18x + 45

1 1 1
8. If a and b are positive numbers, prove that the equation + + = 0 has two real
x x−a x+b
roots, one between a/3 and 2a/3 and the other between 2b/3 and b/3.

9. If the roots of x2 − ax + b = 0 are real and differ by a quantity which is less than c (c > 0), prove
that b lies between (1/4) (a2 − c2) and (1/4)a2.

10. If roots of the equation (x ) (x 4 + ) + (x 2 + ) (x + 2 ) = 0 are p and q then find the

absolute value of the sum of the roots of the equations 2(x p) (x q) (x ) (x 4 + ) = 0
and 2(x p)(x q) (x 2 + ) (x + 2 ) = 0.

98 Quadratic Equation
11. Suppose a cubic polynomial f (x) = x3 + px2 + qx + 72 is divisible by both x2 + ax + b and
x2 + bx + a (where a, b, p, q are constants and a  b). Find the sum of the squares of the roots
of the cubic polynomial.

12. At what values of 'a' do all the zeroes of the function, f (x) = (a − 2)x2 + 2ax + a + 3 lie on the
interval (− 2, 1)?

x2 + ax + b
13. If the range of the function f (x) = is [ 5, 4], a, b  N, then find the value of
x2 + 2x + 3
(a2 + b2).
6
 1  6 1 
x +  − x + 6  − 2
x x 
14. Find the minimum value of   
3
for x > 0.
 1 1
x +  + x + 3
3

 x x

ANSWER KEY

1. (i)
( )(
p p2 − 4p p2 − q ) (ii)
p4 − 4p2q + 2q2
2. 254
q q4

3. (a) (ii) and (iv); (b) x2− p(p4− 5p2q + 5q2) x + p2q2(p2− 4q) (p2− q) = 0

 1  3 3
4. a  −,  5. 5 6. − ,  7. 20
 2   4 2

 1
10. 4 11. 146 12.  −, −  {2}  (5, 6] 13. 277
 4

14. ymin = 6

Quadratic Equation 99
 JEE Main (Previous Year Questions)

1. If the equations x2 + 2x + 3 = 0 and ax2 + bx + c = 0, a, b, c  R, have a common root, then

a : b : c is : [JEE(Main)-2013]
(1) 1 : 2 : 3 (2) 3 : 2 : 1 (3) 1 : 3 : 2 (4) 3 : 1 : 2

2. Let  and  be the roots of equation x2 6x 2 = 0. If an = n n, for n  1, then the value of

a 10 − 2a8
is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2015]
2a9

(1) 3 (2) 3 (3) 6 (4) 6

( )
x2 + 4x −60
3. The sum of all real values of x satisfying the equation x2 − 5x + 5 = 1 is: -

[JEE(Main)-2016]
(1) 5 (2) 3 (3) 4 (4) 6

4. If both the roots of the quadratic equation x2 mx + 4 = 0 are real and distinct and they lie in
the interval [1, 5], then m lies in the interval: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) (5, 6) (2) (3, 4) (3) (4, 5) (4) ( 5, 4)

5. The number of all possible positive integral values of  for which the roots of the quadratic
equation, 6x2 11x +  = 0 are rational numbers is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 4 (2) 2 (3) 5 (4) 3

6. Consider the quadratic equation (c 5)x2 2cx + (c 4) = 0, c  5. Let S be the set of all integral
values of c for which one root of the equation lies in the interval (0, 2) and its other root lies in
the interval (2, 3). Then the number of elements in S is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 12 (2) 18 (3) 10 (4) 11

7. The values of  such that sum of the squares of the roots of the quadratic equation,
x2 + (3 ) x + 2 =  has the least value is : [JEE(Main)-2019]
4 15
(1) 1 (2) (3) (4) 2
9 8

8. If one real root of the quadratic equation 81x2 + kx + 256 = 0 is cube of the other root, then a
value of k is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 144 (2) 100 (3) 300 (4) 81

100 Quadratic Equation

9. If  be the ratio of the roots of the quadratic equation in x, 3m2x2 + m(m 4) x + 2 = 0, then the

1
least value of m for which  + = 1 , is : [JEE(Main)-2019]


(1) 2 − 3 (2) −2 + 2 (3) 4 − 2 3 (4) 4 − 3 2

10. The number of integral values of m for which the quadratic expression,
(1 + 2m) x2 2(1 + 3m)x + 4(1 + m), x  R, is always positive, is: [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) 6 (2) 7 (3) 3 (4) 8

n

11. If  and  be the roots of the equation x 2
2x + 2 = 0, the least value of n for which   = 1 is:

[JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) 2 (2) 5 (3) 3 (4) 4

12. The number of integral values of m for which the equation (1 + m2)x2 2(1 + 3m)x + (1 + 8m) = 0
has no real root is : [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) 1 (2) 3 (3) infinitely many (4) 2

13. Let p, q  r. If 2 3 is a root of the quadratic equation, x2 + px + q = 0, then:

[JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) p2 4q + 12 = 0 (2) q2 4p 16 = 0 (3) p2 4q 12 = 0 (4) q2 + 4p + 14 = 0

 
14. If  and  are the roots of the quadratic equation x 2 + x sin  2sin = 0,    0,  , then
 2
 12 + 12
is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
( ) ( − )
−12 24
+ −12

26 212 212 212

(1) (2) (3) (4)
( sin  + 8) ( sin  − 4) ( sin  + 8) ( sin  − 8)
12 12 12 6

15. The number of real roots of the equation 5 + |2x 1 | = 2x (2x 2) is: [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) 4 (2) 3 (3) 2 (4) 1

16. Let  and  be two real roots of the equation (k + 1)tan2x 2 tanx = (1 k), where k( 1) and
 are real numbers. If tan2( + ) = 50, then a value of  is: [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 10 (2) 5 2 (3) 5 (4) 10 2

Quadratic Equation 101

 17. Let  and  be the roots of the equation x2 x 1 = 0. If pk= ()k + ()k, k  1, then which one of
the following statements if not true ? [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) p3 = p5 p4 (2) (p1 + p2 + p3 + p4 + p5) = 26
(3) p5 = 11 (4) p5 = p2 · p3

18. Let S be the set of all real roots of the equation, 3x (3x 1) + 2 = |3x 1| + |3x 2| Then S.
[JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) Contains exactly two elements (2) contains at least four elements

(3) is an empty set (4) is a singleton

19. Let a, b  R, a  0 be such that the equation, ax2 2bx + 5 = 0 has a repeated root , which is
also a root of the equation, x2 2bx 10 = 0. If  is the other root of this equation, then 2 + 2
is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 25 (2) 28 (3) 26 (4) 24

33
20. The least positive value of 'a' for which the equation, 2x2 + (a 10)x + = 2a has real roots
2
is ______. [JEE(Main)-2020]

21. Let  and  be the roots of the equation, 5x2 + 6x 2 = 0. If Sn = n + n

[JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 6S6 + 5S5 = 2S4 (2) 5S6 + 6S5 = 2S4
(3) 6S6 + 5S5 + 2S4 = 0 (4) 5S6 + 6S5 + 2S4 = 0

22. Consider the two sets:

A = {m  R : both the roots x2 (m +1)x + m + 4 = 0 are real} and
B = [ 3, 5).
Which of the following is not true? [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) A  B = R (2) A  B = { 3}
(3) A B = ( , 3)  (5, ) (4) B A = ( 3, 5)

1 1
23. If  and  are the roots of the equation x2 + px + 2 = 0 and and are the roots of the
 
 1  1  1  1
equation 2x2 + 2qx + 1 = 0, then   −    −    +    +  is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2020]
     
9 9 9 9
(1) (9 + q2) (2) (9 p2) (3) (9 q2) (4) (9 + p2)
4 4 4 4

102 Quadratic Equation

24. The set of all real values of  for which the quadratic equations, [JEE(Main)-2020]

(2 + 1)x2 4x + 2 = 0 always have exactly one root in the interval (0,1) is :

(1) (0, 2) (2) (1, 3] (3) (2, 4] (4) ( 3, 1)

25. Let  and  be the roots of x2 3x + p = 0 and  and  be the roots of x2 6x + q = 0. If , , ,

 form a geometric progression. Then ratio (2q + p) : (2q p) is : [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 3 : 1 (2) 5 : 3 (3) 9 : 7 (4) 33 : 31

26. Let   0 be in R. If  and  are the roots of the equation, x2 x + 2 = 0 and  and  are the


roots of the equation, 3x2 10x + 27 = 0, then [JEE(Main)-2020]


(1) 9 (2) 36 (3) 18 (4) 27

27. The product of the roots of the equation 9x2 18|x| + 5 = 0, is: [JEE(Main)-2020]

25 5 25 5
(1) (2) (3) (4)
9 27 81 9

 
28. If  and  are the roots of the equation, 7x2 3x 2 = 0, then the value of + is equal
1−  2
1 − 2

to: [JEE(Main)-2020]

3 1 27 27
(1) (2) (3) (4)
8 24 16 32

29. If  and  be two roots of the equation x2 64x + 256 = 0.

1 1
 3  8  3  8
Then the value of  5  +  5  is [JEE(Main)-2020]
   
(1) 1 (2) 3 (3) 4 (4) 2

30. If  and  are the roots of the equation 2x(2x + 1) = 1, then  is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 22 (2) 2( + 1) (3) 2( + 1) (4) 2( 1)

31. Let p and q be two positive number such that p + q = 2 and p 4 + q4 = 272. Then p and q are
roots of the equation: [JEE(Main)-2021]

(1) x2 − 2x + 2 = 0 (2) x2 − 2x + 8 = 0 (3) x2 − 2x + 136 = 0 (4) x2 − 2x + 16 = 0

Quadratic Equation 103

 32. Let a, b, c be in arithmetic progression. Let the centroid of the triangle with vertices (a, c), (2,

 10  
b) and (a, b) be  ,  . If  ,  are the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + 1 = 0, then the value of
 3 3

2 + 2 −  is: [JEE(Main)-2021]

71 69 69 71
(1) (2) − (3) (4) −
256 256 256 256

33. The coefficients a, b and c of the quadratic equation, ax2 + bx + c = 0 are obtained by throwing
a dice three times. The probability that this equation has equal roots is:
[JEE(Main)-2021]

1 1 1 5
(1) (2) (3) (4)
54 72 36 216

let  and  be two real numbers such that  +  = 1 and  = −1 . Let Pn = () + () ,Pn− 1 = 11 and
n n
34.

Pn+1 = 29 for some integer n  1 . Then, the value of Pn is.

2
[JEE(Main)-2021]

35. The number of elements in the set {x  R : (| x | −3) | x + 4 |= 6} is equal to:

[JEE(Main)-2021]
(1) 3 (2) 2 (3) 4 (4) 1

1
36. Let P (x) =x2 + bx + c be a quadratic polynomial with real coefficients such that  P(x)dx = 1 and
0

P(x) leaves remainder 5 when it is divided by (x 2). Then the value of 9(b+c) is equal to:
[JEE(Main)-2021]
(1) 9 (2) 15 (3) 7 (4) 1

1
37. The value of 4 + : [JEE(Main)-2021]
1
5+
1
4+
1
5+
4 + ......

2 1 4 2
(1) 2 + 30 (2) 2 + 30 (3) 4 + 30 (4) 5 + 30
5 5 5 5

38. If (f) and g(x) are two polynomials such that the polynomial P(x) = f(x3 ) + xg(x3 ) is divisible by

x2 + x + 1 , then P(1) is equal to______. [JEE(Main)-2021]

104 Quadratic Equation

39. The sum of all the real roots of the equation (e2x − 4)(6e2x − 5ex + 1) = 0 is:
[JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) log e 3 (2) − log e 3 (3) − log e 6 (4) − log e 6

81
40. If the sum of all the roots of the equation e2x − 11ex − 45e−x + = 0 is loge P, then P is equal to.
2
[JEE(Main)-2022]

41. Let   be the roots of the equation x2 − 4x + 5 = 0 and   be the roots of the equation

( )
x2 − 3 2 + 2 3 x + 7 + 3 3 =0. If  +  = 3 2 , then ( + 2 +  )2 is equal to.

[JEE(Main)-2022]

42. If for some p,q, r  R, not all have same sign, one of the roots of the equation
q2 + r2
(p2 + q2 )x2 − 2q(p + r)x + q2 + r2 = 0 is also a root of the equation x2 + 2x − 8 = 0 , then is
p2
equal to: [JEE(Main)-2022]

43. The number of distinct real roots of the equation x5 (x3 − x2 − x + 1) + x(3x3 − 4x2 − 2x + 4) − 1 = 0
is: [JEE(Main)-2022]

( )  (log 5)31 
2
log3 5 log5 3
If  ,  are the roots of the equation x − 5 + 3
(log 3)3
44.
2
+5 x + 3  3 3 − 5 5 − 1 = 0 then the
 
 
1 1
equation, whose roots are  + and  + , [JEE(Main)-2022]
 
(1) 3x2 − 20x − 12 = 0 (2) 3x2 − 10x − 4 = 0 (3) 3x2 − 10x + 4 = 0 (4) 3x2 − 20x + 16 = 0

45. Let f(x) = ax2 + bx + c be such that f(1) = 3, f( 2) =  and f(3) = 4. If f(0) + f(1)+f( 2) + f(3) = 14,
then  is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2022]
13 23
(1) 4 (2) (3) (4) 4
2 2

46. Let ,  (  ) be the roots of the quadratic equation x2 x 4 = 0 If Pn = n n, n  N, then

P15P16 − P14P16 − P152 + P14P15

is equal ____. [JEE(Main)-2022]
P13P14

Quadratic Equation 105

 ANSWER KEY

1. (1) 2. (1) 3. (2) 4. (3) 5. (4) 6. (4) 7. (4)

8. (3) 9. (4) 10. (2) 11. (4) 12. (3) 13. (3) 14. (3)

15. (4) 16. (1) 17. (4) 18. (4) 19. (1) 20. 8.00 21. (2)

22. (3) 23. (2) 24. (2) 25. (3) 26. (3) 27. (3) 28. (3)

29. (4) 30. (3) 31. (4) 32. (4) 33. (4) 34. 324 35. (2)

36. (3) 37. (1) 38. 0 39. (2) 40. 45 41. 98 42. 272

43. 3 44. (2) 45. (4) 46. 16

106 Quadratic Equation

 JEE Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

1. (a) Let ,  be the roots of the equation x2 px + r = 0 and 2, 2 be the roots of the equation
x2 qx + r = 0. Then the value of 'r' is

2
(A) (p q)(2q p)
9
2
(B) (q p)(2p q)
9
2
(C) (q 2p)(2q p)
9
2
(D) (2p q)(2q p)
9

Match the Column Type Question

x2 − 6x + 5
(b) Let f (x) =
x2 − 5x + 6
Match the expressions / statements in Column I with expressions / statements in Column II.
Column I Column II
(A) If 1 < x < 1, then f (x) satisfies (P) 0 < f (x) < 1
(B) If 1 < x < 2, the f (x) satisfies (Q) f (x) < 0
(C) If 3 < x < 5, then f (x) satisfies (R) f (x) > 0
(D) If x > 5, then f (x) satisfies (S) f (x) < 1 [JEE(Advanced)-2007]

Assertion and Reason Type Questions

2. Let a, b, c, p, q be real numbers. Suppose ,  are the roots of the equation x2 + 2px+ q = 0 and
, 1/ are the roots of the equation ax2 + 2bx + c = 0, where 2 { 1, 0, 1}
[JEE(Advanced)-2008]
STATEMENT-1: (p2 q)(b2 ac)  0
and
STATEMENT-2: b  pa or c  qa
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for
Statement-1
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True

Quadratic Equation 107

 3. The smallest value of k, for which both the roots of the equation, x 2 8kx + 16(k2 k + 1) = 0
are real, distinct and have values at least 4, is: [JEE(Advanced)-2009]

4. Let p and q be real numbers such that p  0, p3 q and p3 q. If  and  are non zero complex
 
numbers satisfying  +  = p and 3 + 3 = q, then a quadratic equation having and as
 
its roots is: [JEE(Advanced)-2010]
(A) (p3 + q)x2 (p3 + 2q)x + (p3 + q) = 0 (B) (p3 + q)x2 (p3 2q)x + (p3 + q) = 0
(C) (p3 q)x2 (5p3 2q)x + (p3 q) = 0 (D) (p3 q)x2 (5p3 + 2q)x + (p3 q) = 0

5. Let  and  be the roots of x2 6x 2 = 0, with   . If an = n n for n  1, then the value of

a 10 − 2a8
is [JEE(Advanced)-2011]
2a9
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

6. A value of b for which the equations

x2 + bx 1=0
x + x + b = 0,
2

have one root in common is - [JEE(Advanced)-2011]

(A) − 2 (B) − i 3 (C) i 5 (D) 2

7. Let S be the set of all non-zero numbers  such that the quadratic equation x2 x +  = 0 has
two distinct real roots x1 and x2 satisfying the inequality |x1 x2| < 1. Which of the following
intervals is(are) a subset(s) of S?
 1 1   1   1   1 1
(A)  − , −  (B)  − ,0  (C)  0,  (D)  , 
 2 5  5   5  5 2

 
8. Let −    − . Suppose 1 and 1 are the roots of the equation x2 2x sec  + 1= 0 and 2
6 12
and 2 are the roots of the equation x2 + 2x tan  1 = 0. If 1 > 1 and 2 > 2, then 1+ 2 equals
[JEE(Advanced)-2016]
(A) 2 (sec  tan ) (B) 2 sec  (C) 2 tan  (D) 0

Paragraph for Question 9 to 10

Let p, q, be integers and let   be the roots of the equation, x2 x 1 = 0, where   . For
n = 0,1, 2, ....., let an = p + q .
n n

FACT: If a and b are rational numbers and a + b 5 = 0, then a = 0 = b.

108 Quadratic Equation

9. If a4 = 28, then p + 2q = [JEE(Advanced)-2017]
(A) 12 (B) 14 (C) 21 (D) 7

10. a12 = [JEE(Advanced)-2017]

(A) 2a11 + a10 (B) a11 a10 (C) a11 + 2a10 (D) a11 + a10

11. Suppose a, b denote the distinct real roots of the quadratic polynomial x 2 + 20x 2020 and
suppose c, d denote the distinct complex roots of the quadratic polynomial x 2 20x + 2020.
Then the value of ac(a c) + ad(a d) + bc(b c) + bd(b d) is [JEE(Advanced)-2020]
(A) 0 (B) 8000 (C) 8080 (D) 16000

12. For x  , the number of real roots of the equation is [JEE(Advanced)-2021]

3x2 − 4 x2 − 1 + x − 1 = 0 is _____.

ANSWER KEY

1. (a) (D) (b) (A)-P,R,S; (B)-Q,S; (C)-Q,S; (D)-P,R,S

2. (B) 3. 2 4. (B) 5. (C) 6. (B) 7. (AD) 8. (C)

9. (A) 10. (D) 11. (D) 12. 4

Quadratic Equation 109

 4 Complex Number
Definition
Complex numbers are defined as expressions of the form a + ib where a, b  R and i = −1 .

(Im z).

Note: (i) The set R of real numbers is a proper subset of the Complex Numbers. Hence the Complex
Number system is N  W  I  Q  R  C.
(ii) Zero is both purely real as well as purely imaginary but not imaginary.
2 3 4
(iii) i= −1 is called the imaginary unit. Also i = l;i = i ; i = 1 etc.
4n 4n+1 4n+2 4n+3
In general, i = 1, i = i, i = 1, i = i, where n  I
(iv) a b = ab only if atleast one of either a or b is non- negative

Example 1:
57 125
The value of i + 1/i is:
(A) 0 (B) 2i (C) 2i (D) 2
57 125 56 1
Solution: i + 1/i =i .i+
i .i
124

1
( )
14
= i4 i+
(i )
31
4
i

1 i
= i+ = i+ 2 = i−i = 0 Ans. (A)
i i

Argand Diagram
Master Argand had done a systematic study on complex

numbers and represented every complex number z = x + iy as a set

of ordered pair (x, y) on a plane called complex plane (Argand Diagram)

containing two perpendicular axes. Horizontal axis is known as Real axis

and vertical axis is known as Imaginary axis.

All complex numbers lying on the real axis are called as purely real and those lying on imaginary axis

as purely imaginary.

Complex Number 155

 Algebraic Operations
Fundamental operations with complex numbers:
(a) Addition (a + bi) + (c + di) = (a + c) + (b + d)i
(b) Subtraction (a + bi) (c + di) = (a c) + (b d)i
(c) Multiplication (a + bi) (c + di) = (ac bd) + (ad + bc)i
a + bi a + bi c − di ac + bd bc − ad
(d) Division = . = + 2 i
c + di c + di c − di c2 + d2 c + d2

Note: (i) The algebraic operations on complex numbers are similar to those on real numbers
treating i as a polynomial.
(ii) Inequalities in complex numbers (non-real) are not defined. There is no validity if we say
that complex number (non-real) is positive or negative.
e.g. z > 0, 4 + 2i < 2 + 4i are meaningless.
2 2 2 2
(iii) In real numbers, if a + b = 0, then a = 0 = b but in complex numbers, z1 + z2 = 0 does
not imply z1 = z2 = 0.

Example 2:
3 + 2i sin 
will be purely imaginary, if  =
1 − 2i sin 
  
(A) 2n  ,n  I (B) n + ,n  I (C) n  ,n  I (D) none of these
3 3 3
Solution:
3 + 2i sin 
will be purely imaginary, if the real part vanishes, i.e.,
1 − 2i sin 
(3 + 2i sin ) (1 + 2i sin ) (3 − 4sin2 ) + i(8sin )
 =
(1 − 2i sin ) (1 + 2i sin ) (1 + 4sin2 )
3 − 4 sin2  2
=03 4 sin  = 0 (only if  be real)
1 + 4 sin2 
2 2
2
 3  
 sin  =   =  sin 
 2   3
 

  = n ± ,nI Ans. (C)
3

Concept Builders - 1

n
 1+i
(i) Determine least positive value of n for which   =1
 1−i
5
(ii) Find the value of the sum  (in + in+2 ) where i = −1 .
n= 1

156 Complex Number

Equality in Complex Number
Two complex numbers z1 = a1 + ib1 and z2 = a2 + ib2 are equal if and only if their real and imaginary parts
are respectively equal.

Example 3:
(1 + i) x− 2i (2 − 3i) y + i
The values of x and y satisfying the equation + = i are
3+i 3−i
(A) x = 1, y =3 (B) x = 3, y = 1 (C) x = 0, y = 1 (D) x = 1, y = 0
Solution:
(1 + i) x− 2i (2 − 3i) y + i
+ =i  (4 + 2i) x + (9 7i) y 3i 3 = 10i
3+i 3−i
Equating real and imaginary parts, we get 2x 7y = 13 and 4x + 9y = 3.
Hence x = 3 and y = 1. Ans. (B)

Example 4:
Find the square root of 7 + 24 i.
Solution:
Let 7 + 24i = a + ib
2 2
Squaring a b + 2iab = 7 + 24i
2 2
Compare real and imaginary parts a b = 7 and 2ab = 24
By solving these two equations
We get a = ±4, b = ±3
7 + 24i = ± (4 + 3i)

Example 5:
4 3 2
If x = 5 + 2 −4 , find the value of x + 9x + 35x x + 4.
Solution:
We have, x = 5 + 2 −4
2 2
 x + 5 = 4i,  (x + 5) = 16i
2 2
 x + 10x + 25 = 16  x + 10x + 41 = 0
Now,
4 3 2
x + 9x + 35x x+4
2 2 2 2
 x (x + 10x + 41) x(x + 10x + 41) + 4(x + 10x + 41) 160
2
 x (0) x(0) + 4(0) 160 = 160 Ans.

Concept Builders - 2

3 2
(i) Find the value of x + 7x x + 16. Where x = 1 + 2i.
c+i 2 2 b 2c
(ii) If a + ib = , where c is a real number, then prove that: a + b = 1 and =
c−i a c2 − 1
(iii) Find square root of 15 8i

Complex Number 157

 Three Important Terms : Conjugate/Modulus/Argument
(a) Conjugate Complex
If z = a + ib then its conjugate complex is obtained by changing the sign of its imaginary
part and is denoted by z . i.e. z = a ib.
Note That: (i) z + z = 2 Re(z)
(ii) z z = 2i Im(z)
2 2
(iii) z z = a + b , which is purely real
(iv) If z is purely real, then z z= 0
(v) If z is purely imaginary, then z + z = 0
st th
(vi) If z lies in the 1 quadrant, then z lies in the 4
nd
quadrant and −z lies in the 2 quadrant.

(b) Modulus
If P denotes complex number z = x + iy, then the length OP is called modulus of complex
number z. It is denoted by |z|.
OP = |z| = x2 + y2
Geometrically | z | represents the distance of point P from origin. ( |z|  0)

 z if z  0
Note: Unlike real numbers, | z |=  is not correct.
 −z if z  0
(c) Argument or Amplitude
If P denotes complex number z = x + iy and if OP makes an angle 
with real axis, then  is called one of the arguments of z.
1 y
 = tan (angle made by OP with positive real axis)
x

Note: (i) Argument of a complex number is a many valued functions. If  is the argument of a
complex number, then 2n + ; n  I will also be the argument of that complex number.
Any two arguments of a complex number differ by 2n.
(ii) The unique value of  such that <   is called Amplitude (principal value of the
argument).
(iii) Principal argument of a complex number z = x + iy can be found
out using method given below:
y  
(a) Find  = tan−1 such that   0, 
x  2
(b) Use given figure to find out the principal argument according as
the point lies in respective quadrant.
(iv) Unless otherwise stated, amp z implies principal value of the argument.
1 y
(v) The unique value of  = tan such that 0 <  2 is called least positive argument.
x

158 Complex Number

 (vi) If z = 0, arg(z) is not defined
(vii) If z is real and negative, arg(z) =.
(viii) If z is real and positive, arg(z) = 0

(ix) If  = , z lies on the positive side of imaginary axis.
2

(x) If  = − , z lies on the negative side of imaginary axis.
2
By specifying the modulus and argument a complex number is defined completely. Argument
impart direction and modulus impart distance from origin.
For the complex number 0 + 0i the argument is not defined and this is the only complex number
which is given by its modulus only.

Example 6:
Find the modulus, argument, principal value of argument, least positive argument of complex
numbers
(a) 1 + i 3 (b) 1+i 3 (c) 1 i 3 (d) 1 i 3
Solution:
(a) For z = 1 + i 3
z = 12 + ( 3)2 = 2

arg (z) = 2n + ,nI
3

Least positive argument is
3
If the point is lying in first or second quadrant then amp(z) is taken in anticlockwise

direction. In this case amp(z) =
3
(b) For z = 1+i 3
|z| = 2
2
arg (z) = 2n + , n I
3
2
Least positive argument =
3
2
amp(z) =
3
(c) For z = 1 i 3
|z| = 2

arg (z) = 2n ,nI
3
5
Least positive argument =
3
If the point lies in third or fourth quadrant then consider amp(z) in clockwise direction.

In this case amp(z) =
3

Complex Number 159

 (d) For z = 1 i 3
|z| = 2
2
arg (z) = 2n ,nI
3
4
Least positive argument =
3
2
amp(z) =
3

Example 7:

Find modulus and argument for z = 1 sin  + i cos ,   (0, 2)

Solution:

 
z = (1 − sin )2 + (cos )2 = 2 − 2sin  = 2 cos − sin
2 2
 
Case (i) For    0,  , z will lie in I quadrant.
 2
   
cos2 − sin2 cos + sin
cos  2 2 = tan−1 2 2
amp ( z ) = tan  amp(z) = tan−1
1 − sin    
2
 
cos − sin
 cos − sin  2 2
 2 2 
1  
 arg z = tan tan  + 
4 2
    
Since +  , 
4 2 4 2
    
amp (z) =  +  , |z| = 2  cos − sin 
4 2  2 2

Case (ii)

at  = : z = 0 + 0i
2
|z| = 0
amp (z) is not defined.

Case (iii)
  3 
For    ,  , z will lie in IV quadrant
2 2 
1  
so, amp (z) = tan tan  + 
 2 4
   
Since +   , 
2 4 2 
   3    
amp (z) =  + −  = − , z = 2  sin − cos 
 2 4  4 2  2 2

160 Complex Number

 Case (iv)
3
at  = : z = 2 + 0i
2
|z| = 2
amp (z) = 0
Case (v)
 3 
For    ,2 
 2 
z will lie in I quadrant

1  
arg (z) = tan tan  + 
 2 4
   5 
Since +   , 
2 4  4

   3   
 arg z = + −= − , z = 2  sin − cos 
2 4 2 4  2 2

Concept Builders - 3

Find the modulus and amplitude of following complex numbers:

1 + 2i 2 + 6 3i
(i) 2 + 2 3i (ii) 3 i (iii) 2i (iv) (v)
1 − 3i 5 + 3i

Representation of a Complex Number in Various Forms

(a) Cartesian Form (Geometrical Representation)
Every complex number z = x + iy can be represented by a point on the cartesian plane
known as complex plane by the ordered pair (x, y). There exists a one-one
correspondence between the points of the plane and the members of the set of complex
numbers.
y
For z = x + iy; | z |= x2 + y2 ; z = x − iy and  = tan−1
x

Note: (i) Distance between the two complex numbers z1and z2 is given by

|z1 z2|.

(ii) |z z0| = r, represents a circle, whose centre is z 0 and radius is

Complex Number 161

 Example 8:
Find the locus of:
2 2
(a) |z 1| + |z + 1| = 4
2
(b) Re(z ) = 0
Solution:
(a) Let z = x + iy
2 2
 (|x + iy 1|) + (|x + iy + 1|) = 4
2 2 2 2
 (x 1) + y + (x + 1) + y = 4
2 2 2 2 2 2
 x 2x + 1 + y + x + 2x + 1 + y = 4  x + y = 1
Above represents a circle on complex plane with center at origin and radius unity.
(b) Let z = x + iy
2 2 2
 z =x y + 2xyi
2
 Re(z ) = 0
2 2
 x y =0y=±x
2
Thus Re(z ) = 0 represents a pair of straight lines passing through origin.

Example 9:
2
If z is a complex number such that z = (z)2 , then
(A) z is purely real
(B) z is purely imaginary
(C) either z is purely real or purely imaginary
(D) none of these
Solution:
Let z = x + iy, then its conjugate z = x iy
2 2 2 2 2
Given that z = (z)  x 2
y + 2ixy = x y 2ixy  4ixy = 0
If x  0 then y = 0 and if y  0 then x = 0. Ans. (C)

Example 10:
Among the complex number z which satisfies |z 25i|  15, find the complex numbers z having
(A) least positive argument (B) maximum positive argument
(C) least modulus (D) maximum modulus
Solution:
The complex numbers z satisfying the condition
|z 25i|  15
are represented by the points inside and on the circle of radius 15 and centre at the point
C(0, 25).
The complex number having least positive argument and maximum positive arguments in this region
are the points of contact of tangents drawn from origin to the circle

162 Complex Number

 Here  = least positive argument
and  = maximum positive argument
 In OCP,OP = (OC)2 − (CP)2 = (25)2 − (15)2 = 20
OP 20 4
and sin  = = =
OC 25 5
4 14
 tan  =   = tan  
3 3
14
Thus, complex number at P has modulus 20 and argument = tan  
3
3 4
 zp = 20 (cos + i sin) = 20  + i 
5 5
 zp= 12 +16i
Similarly, zQ = 12 + 16i
From the figure, E is the point with least modulus and D is the point with maximum modulus.
Hence, zE = OE = OC − EC = 25i − 15i = 10i

and zD = OD = OC + CD = 25i + 15i = 40i

Concept Builders - 4

(i) Find the distance between two complex numbers z1 = 2 + 3i and z2 = 7 9i on the complex plane.
(ii) Find the locus of |z 2 3i| = 1.
2
(iii) If z is a complex number, then z + z 2 = 2 represents -
(A) a circle (B) a straight line (C) a hyperbola (D) an ellipse

(b) Trigonometric/Polar Representation

z = r (cos  + i sin ) where | z | = r ; arg z =  ; z = r (cos − i sin )
Note: cos  + i sin  is also written as CiS .

Euler's Formula
ix
The formula e = cosx + i sin x is called Euler's formula.

It was introduced by Euler in 1748, and is used as a method of expressing complex numbers.

eix + e−ix eix − e−ix

Also 4 cos x = and sin x = are known as Euler's identities.
2 2i

(c) Exponential Representation

i
Let z be a complex number such that | z | = r and arg z =  , then z = r.e 

Complex Number 163

 Example 11:
Express the following complex numbers in polar and exponential form:
1 + 3i i−1
(i) (ii)
1 − 2i  
cos + i sin
3 3
Solution:
1 + 3i 1 + 3i 1 + 2i
(i) Let z = =  = −1 + i
1 − 2i 1 − 2i 1 + 2i

|z|= (−1)2 + 12 = 2

1  
tan = = 1 = tan   =
−1 4 4

Re(z) < 0 and Im(z) > 0  z lies in second quadrant.

 3
  = arg (z) =  = =
4 4

 3 3 
Hence Polar form is z = 2  cos + i sin 
 4 4
3
i
and exponential form is z = 2e 4
i−1 i−1 2(i− 1)
(ii) Let z = = =
  1 i 3 (1 + i 3)
cos + i sin +
3 3 2 2

2(i− 1) (1 − i 3)  3 − 1  3 + 1
 z=  z=  + i 
(1 + i 3) (1 − i 3)  2   2 
   

Re(z) > 0 and Im(z) > 0  z lies in first quadrant.

2 2
 3 − 1  3 + 1 2(3 + 1)
 | z |=   +  = = 2.
 2   2  4
   

3+1 5 5
tan = = tan =
3−1 12 12

 5 5 
Hence Polar form is z = 2  cos + i sin 
 12 12 
5
i
and exponential form is z = 2e 12

Example 12:
   
If xn = cos  n  + i sin  n  , then x1x2x3......... is equal to
2  2 
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 0 (D) 

164 Complex Number

Solution:

    i
xn = cos  n  + i sin  n  = 1  e 2
n

2  2 
x1x2x3.........
     
i i i i + +−−−+ 
= e 2 .e 2 − − − e 2 = e  2 22 2n 
1 2 n

       
= cos  + 2 + 3 + ..........  + i sin  + 2 + 3 + .......  = −1
2 2 2  2 2 2 
    /2 
 as + 2 + 3 + ....... = =  Ans.
 2 2 2 1 − 1 / 2 

Concept Builders - 5

Express the following complex number in polar form and exponential form:
(1 + 7i)
(i) 2 + 2i (ii) −1 − 3i (iii) (iv) (1 cos + isin),   (0,)
(2 − i)2

Important Properties of Conjugate

(a) z + z = 2 Re (z) (b) z z = 2 i Im (z) (c) (z) = z
(d) z1 + z2 = z1 + z2 (e) z1 − z2 = z1 − z2

(f) z1z2 = z1  z2 . In general, z1z2 .............zn = z1 .z2 ..........zn

 z1  z1
(g)   = ; z2  0 (h) If f( + i) = x + iy  f( i) = x iy
 z2  z2

Important Properties of Modulus

(a) |z|  0 (b) |z|  Re (z) (c) |z|  Im (z)

(d) |z| = | z | = | z| = | − z | (e) zz = | z | 2

(f) |z1 z2| = |z1|. |z2|. In general, |z1z2......... zn| = |z1| · |z2|......|zn|
z1 | z1 |
(g) = ,z2  0
z2 | z2 |
n
(h) zn = z ,n  I
2 2 2 2 2
(i) |z1 + z2| = |z1| + |z2| + 2Re(z1z2 ) = |z1| + |z2| + 2Re(z2 z1 )
2 2 2
(j) |z1 + z2| = |z1| + |z2| + 2|z1||z2| cos( ), where ,  are arg(z1), arg(z2) respectively.
2 2
(k) |z1 + z2| + |z1 z2| = 2 | z1 |2 + | z2 |2 

(l) | z1 | − | z2 |  z1 + z2  | z1 | + | z2 | [Triangle Inequality]

(m) | z1 | − | z2 |  z1 − z2  | z1 | + | z2 | [Triangle Inequality]

Complex Number 165

 Important Properties of Amplitude
(a) amp(z1. z2) = amp z1 + amp z2 + 2k: kI
z 
(b) amp  1  = amp z1 amp z2 + 2k; kI
 z2 
n
(c) amp(z ) = n amp(z) + 2k ; n,k  I
where proper value of k must be chosen so that RHS lies in (  ].

Example 13:
2
 (3 + 4i)(1 + i)(1 + 3 i) 
Find amp z and |z| if z =   .
 (1 − i)(4 − 3i)(2i) 
Solution:
amp z = 2[amp(3 + 4i) + amp(1 + i) + amp(1 + 3i ) amp(1 i) amp(4 3i) amp(2i)] + 2k
where k  I and k chosen so that amp z lies in ( , ].
       3  
 amp z = 2 tan−1 + + −  −  − tan−1  −  −  + 2k
 3 4 3  4  4  2
  4   
 amp z = 2 tan−1 + cot−1 +  + 2k  amp z = 2  +  + 2k
 3 3 3 2 3

 amp z = [at k = 1] Ans.
3
Also,
2
2  | 3 + 4i || 1 + i | 1 + 3i 
(3 + 4i)(1 + i)(1 + 3 i)
z = | z |=  

(1 − i)(4 − 3i)(2i)  | 1 − i || 4 − 3i || 2i | 
 
2
5 2 2
 | z |=   =1 Ans.
 2 52
 
Aliter
2 2
 (3 + 4i)(1 + i)(1 + 3 i)   3 + i 2 − 2 3i 1 3i
z=  z= −  z= = −
 (1 − i)(4 − 3i)(2i)   2  4 2 2

Hence |z| = 1, amp(z) = .
3

Example 14:
z−i
If = 1 , then locus of z is
z+i
(A) x-axis (B) y-axis (C) x = 1 (D) y = 1
Solution:
z−i x + i(y− 1)
We have, = 1 =1
z+i x + i(y+ 1)
2
x + i(y − 1)
 2
= 1  x2 + (y − 1)2 = x2 + (y + 1)2  4y = 0; y = 0
x + i(y + 1)
which is x-axis Ans. (A)

166 Complex Number

Example 15:
2 2 2 z 
If |z1 + z2| = |z1| +|z2| then  1  is
 z2 
(A) zero or purely imaginary (B) purely imaginary

(C) purely real (D) none of these

Solution:

Here let z1 = r1 (cos 1 + isin 1 ), z1 = r1

z2 = r2 (cos 2 + isin 2 ), z2 = r2

2 2
 (z1 + z2 ) = (r1cos 1 + r2cos2 ) + i(r1 sin 1 + r2 sin 2 )

2 2
= r12 + r22 + 2rr
1 2
cos(1 − 2 ) = z1 + z2 if cos(1 2) = 0


 1 − 2 = 
2
 z   z
 amp(z1) amp(z2) =±  amp  1  =   1 is purely imaginary Ans. (B)
2  z2  2 z2

Example 16:
z 1 − 2z2
z1 and z2 are two complex numbers such that is unimodular (whose modulus is one),
2 − z 1 z2
while z2 is not unimodular. Find |z1|.
Solution:
z1 − 2z2 | z1 − 2z2 |
Here = 1 =1
2 − z1 z2 | 2 − z1 z2 |
2 2
 z1 − 2z2 = 2 − z1 z2  z1 − 2z2 = 2 − z1 z2

 (z1 ( ) ( )
2z2) z1 − 2z2 = 2 − z1 z2  2 − z1 z2 
 
 (z − 2z ) (z − 2z ) = (2 − z z )(2 − z z )
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

 z1 z1 − 2z1 z2 − 2z2 z1 + 4z2 z2 = 4 − 2z1z2 − 2z1 z2 + z1 z1z2 z2

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
 |z1| + 4|z2| = 4 + |z1| |z2|  |z1| |z1| |z2| + 4|z2| 4=0

 (z 1
2
)(
− 4 1 − z2
2
)=0
But |z2|  1 (given)
2
 |z1| = 4 Hence, |z1| = 2.

Complex Number 167

 Example 17:
The locus of the complex number z in argand plane satisfying the inequality
 | z− 1 | +4   2
log1/2    1  where | z− 1 |  is -
 3 | z− 1 | −2   3
(A) a circle (B) interior of a circle
(C) exterior of a circle (D) none of these
Solution:
 | z− 1 | +4   1
We have, log1/2    1 = log 1/2  
 3 | z− 1 | −2  2
| z− 1 | +4 1
  [ loga x is a decreasing function if a < 1]
3 | z − 1 | −2 2
 2 |z 1| + 8 < 3|z 1| 2 as |z 1| > 2/3
 |z 1| > 10
which is exterior of a circle. Ans. (C)

Example 18:
4
If z − = 2, then the greatest value of |z| is-
z
(A) 1 + 2 (B) 2 + 2 (C) 3+1 (D) 5 +1
Solution:
4 4 4 4 4
We have z = z − +  z− + = 2+
z z z |z| |z|
2 2
 |z|  2|z| + 4  (|z| 1)  5
 |z| 1 5  |z|  5 + 1
Therefore, the greatest value of | z | is 5 + 1. Ans. (D)

Example 19:
Shaded region is given by

(A) |z + 2|  6, 0  arg(z) 
6

(B) |z + 2|  6, 0  arg(z + 2) 
3

(C) |z + 2|  6, 0  arg (z + 2) 
3
(D) none of these
Solution:
Note that AB = 6 and 1 + 3 3 i = 2+3+3 3i
1 3    
= 2 + 6 + i  = −2 + 6  cos + i sin 
2 2   3 3 
 

 BAC =
3

Thus, shaded region is given by |z + 2|  6 and 0  arg (z + 2)  Ans. (C)
3

168 Complex Number

 Concept Builders - 6

(i) The inequality |z 4| < |z 2| represents region given by -

(A) Re(z) > 0 (B) Re(z) < 0 (C) Re(z) > 3 (D) none
i iz
(ii) If z = re , then the value of |e | is equal to -
rcos rcos rsin rsin
(A) e (B) e (C) e (D) e

Section Formula and Coordinates of Orthocentre, Centroid, Circumcentre, Incentre of a Triangle

nz1 + mz2
If z1and z2 are two complex numbers then the complex number z = divides the join of z1and
m+n
z2 in the ratio m: n.

Note: (i) If a, b , c are three real numbers such that az1 + bz2 + cz3 = 0 ; where a + b + c = 0 and
a,b,c are not all simultaneously zero, then the complex numbers z1, z2and z3 are collinear.
(ii) If the vertices A, B, C of a triangle represent the complex numbers z1, z2, z3 respectively,
then:
z1 + z2 + z3
Centroid of the ABC =
3
Orthocentre of the ABC =
(a sec A)z1 + (b sec B)z2 + (c sec C)z3 z1 tan A + z2 tanB + z3 tanC
or
a sec A + b secB + c secC tan A + tanB + tanC

(az1 + bz2 + cz3 )

Incentre of the ABC =
(a+ b+ c)
(z1sin2 A+ z2sin2B + z3 sin2C)
Circumcentre of the ABC =
(sin2 A+ sin2B+ sin2C)

Vectorial Representation of a Complex Number

(a) In complex number every point can be represented in terms of
position vector. If the point P represents the complex number z

then, OP = z and OP = | z |

(b) If P(z1) and Q(z2) be two complex numbers on argand plane then

PQ represents complex number z2 z1.

Complex Number 169

 Note: (I) If OP = z = r ei then OQ = z1 = r ei( + ) = z. ei. If OP and
 
OQ are of unequal magnitude then OQ = OP ei
z1 z i
i.e., = e
| z1 | |z|

(ii) In general, if z1, z2, z3 be the three vertices of ABC

z3 − z 1 | z3 − z 1 |  z − z1 
then = ei . Here arg  3  = 
z2 − z1 | z2 − z1 |  z2 − z1 

 z − z1 
(iii) Note that the locus of z satisfying arg   =  is:
 z − z2 
Case (a) 0 <  < /2
Locus is major arc of circle as shown
excluding z1 and z2

Case (b) < < 
2
Locus is minor arc of circle as shown
excluding z1 and z2
(iv) If A, B, C and D are four points representing the complex numbers z1, z2, z3 and
z 4 − z3
z4 then AB || CD if is purely real ;
z2 − z 1

z 4 − z3
AB ⊥ CD if is purely imaginary.
z2 − z 1
(v) If z1, z2, z3 are the vertices of an equilateral triangle where z0 is its circumcentre
then
(1) z21 + z22 + z23 − z1z2 − z2z3 − z3z 1 = 0 (2) z21 + z22 + z23 = 3z20

Example 20:
Complex numbers z1, z2, z3 are the vertices A, B, C respectively of an isosceles right angled
2
triangle with right angle at C. Show that (z1 z2) = 2(z1 z3)(z3 z2).
Solution:
In the isosceles triangle ABC, AC = BC and BC⊥ AC. It means that AC is
rotated through angle /2 to occupy the position BC.
z2 − z3
Hence, we have, = e+i/2 = +i  z2 − z3 = +i(z1 − z3 )
z1 − z3
 (
z22 + z23 − 2z2z3 = − z21 + z23 − 2z1z3 )
 z21 + z22 − 2z1z2 = 2z1z3 + 2z2z3 − 2z1z2 − 2z32 = 2 (z1 − z3 )(z3 − z2 )

(z − z2 ) = 2 ( z1 − z3 )( z3 − z2 )
2
 1

170 Complex Number

Example 21:

If the vertices of a square ABCD are z1, z2, z3 and z4 then find z3 and z4 in terms of z1 and z2.

Solution:

Using vector rotation at angle A

z3 − z 1 | z3 − z 1 | i
= e4
z2 − z1 | z2 − z1 |

z3 − z1 = AC and z2 − z1 = AB

Also, AC = 2 AB

 |z3 z1| = 2 |z2 z1|

z3 − z1   
 = 2  cos + i sin 
z2 − z1  4 4

 z3 z1 = (z2 z1)(1 + i)

 z3 = z1 + (z2 z1)(1 + i)

Similarly z4 = z2 + (1 + i)(z1 z2)

Example 22:

  z + 1  2
Plot the region represented by  arg   in the Argand plane.
3  z − 1 3

Solution:

 z + 1  2
Let us take arg  = , clearly z lies on the minor arc of the
 z − 1 3

 z + 1  2
circle passing through (1, 0) and ( 1, 0). Similarly, arg  =
 z − 1 3

means that 'z' is lying on the major arc of the circle passing through

(1, 0) and ( 1, 0). Now if we take any point in the region included

between two arcs say

  z + 1  2
P1(z1) we get  arg  
3  z − 1 3

  z + 1  2
Thus  arg   represents the shaded region (excluding points (1, 0) and ( 1, 0)).
3  z − 1 3

Complex Number 171

 Concept Builders - 7

(i) A complex number z = 3 + 4i is rotated about another fixed complex number z 1 = 1 + 2i in

anticlockwise direction by 45° angle. Find the complex number represented by new position of
z in argand plane.
(ii) If A, B, C are three points in argand plane representing the complex number z 1, z2, z3 such that
z2 + z3
z1 = , where R, then find the distance of point A from the line joining points B and C.
+1
 AB
(iii) If A(z1), B(z2), C(z3) are vertices of ABC in which ABC= and = 2 , then find z2 in terms
4 BC
of z1 and z3.
(iv) If a and b are real numbers between 0 and 1 such that the points z 1 = a + i, z2 = 1 + bi and
z3 = 0 form an equilateral triangle then a and b are equal to-

(A) a = b = 1/2 (B) a = b = 2 3 (C) a = b = 2+ 3 (D) a = b = 2 1

 z − 1 
(v) If arg   = , find locus of z.
 z + 1 4

n n
The value of (cos + isin) is cosn + isinn if 'n' is integer and it is one of the values of (cos + isin)
if n is a rational number of the form p/q, where p and q are co-prime.

Note: Continued product of the roots of a complex quantity should be determined by using theory of
equations.

Example 23:
If cos + cos + cos = 0 and also sin + sin + sin = 0, then prove that
(a) cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = sin2 + sin2 + sin2 = 0
(b) sin3 + sin3 + sin3 = 3sin( +  + )
(c) cos3 + cos3 + cos3 = 3cos( +  + )
Solution:
Let z1 = cos + i sin, z2 = cos + isin and z3 = cos + isin.
 z1 + z2 + z3 = (cos + cos + cos) + i(sin + sin + sin)
=0+i.0=0 ....... (i)
1
(a) Also = (cos  + i sin )−1 = cos  − i sin 
z1
1 1
= cos  − i sin ,. = cos  − i sin 
z2 z3
1 1 1
 + + = (cos  + cos  + cos  ) − i(sin  + sin  + sin  )
z1 z2 z3
=0 i.0=0

172 Complex Number

 Now z21 + z22 + z23 = ( z1 + z2 + z3 ) − 2 (z1z2 + z2z3 + z3z1 )
2

 1 1 1 
=0 2z1z2z3  + +  = 0 − 2z1z2z3 .0 = 0 {using (i) and (ii)}
 z3 z1 z2 
2 2 2
or (cos + isin) + (cos + isin) + (cos + isin) = 0
or cos2 + isin2 + cos2 + isin2 + cos2 + isin2 = 0 + i.0

Equating real and imaginary parts on both sides,

cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = 0 and sin2 + sin2 + sin2 = 0
(b) If z1 + z2 + z3 = 0 then z31 + z23 + z33 = 3z1z2z3
3 3 3
 (cos + isin) + (cos + isin) + (cos + isin)
= 3(cos + isin) (cos + isin) (cos + isin)
or cos3 + isin3 + cos3 + isin3 + cos3 + isin3
= 3{cos( +  + ) + isin( +  + )}
Equating imaginary parts on both sides, sin3 + sin3 + sin3 = 3sin( +  + )
(c) Equating real parts on both sides, cos3 + cos3 + cos3 = 3cos( +  + )

Concept Builders - 8

2r 2r
(i) If zr = cos + i sin , r = 0,1,3, 4,........., then z1z2z3z4z5 is equal to -
5 5
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) none of these
4
(ii) If (x 1) 16 = 0, then the sum of nonreal complex values of x is -
(A) 2 (B) 0 (C) 4 (D) none of these

n n
(iii) If ( 3 i) = 2 , n  Z , then n is a multiple of -
(A) 6 (B) 10 (C) 9 (D) 12

Cube Root of Unity

−1 + i 3 −1 − i 3 2
(a) The cube roots of unity are 1, (), ( ).
2 2
2
(b) If  is one of the imaginary cube roots of unity then 1 +  +  = 0. In general 1 + r + 2r = 0
r 2r
; where r  I but is not the multiple of 3 and 1 +  +  = 3 if r = 3 ;   I
(c) In polar form the cube roots of unity are:
2 2 4 4
1 = cos 0 + i sin 0 ;  = cos + i sin , 2 = cos + i sin
3 3 3 3
(d) The three cube roots of unity when plotted on the argand
plane constitute the vertices of an equilateral triangle.
(e) The following factorisation should be remembered:
(a, b, c  R and  is the cube root of unity)
3 3 2 2 2
a b = (a b) (a b) (a  b) ; x + x + 1 =(x ) (x );
3 3 2
a + b = (a + b) (a + b) (a +  b) ;
3 3 3 2 2
a +b +c 3abc = (a + b + c) (a + b +  c) (a +  b + c)

Complex Number 173

 Example 24:
n n
If  and  are imaginary cube roots of unity then  + is equal to (where n  I)
2n 2n 2n 2n
(A) 2cos (B) cos (C) 2i sin (D) i sin
3 3 3 3
Solution:
2 
 = cos + i sin ;
3 3
2 
 = cos − i sin
3 3
n n
 2    2 2 
n + n =  cos + i sin  +  cos − i sin 
 3 3   3 3 

 2n n   2n  2n    2n 

=  cos + i sin  +  cos − i sin    = 2cos   Ans. (A)
 3 3   3  3   3 

Example 25:
3 2
If , ,  are roots of x 3x + 3x + 7 = 0 (and  is imaginary cube root of unity), then find the
−1 −1 −1
value of + + .
−1 −1 −1
Solution:
3 2
We have x 3x + 3x + 7 = 0
3
 (x 1) + 8 = 0
3 3
 (x 1) = ( 2)
3
 x − 1 x−1 1/3 2
   =1  = (1) = 1, ,  (cube roots of units)
 −2  −2
2
 x= 1, 1 2, 1 2
2
Here  = 1,  = 1 2,  = 1 2
2
 1= 2,  1= 2,  1= 2
 − 1  − 1  − 1  −2   −2   −22  1 1
Then + + = + 2 
+ 2 2 2
= + + = + +
2

 − 1  − 1  − 1  −2   −2   −2   
−1 −1 −1
Therefore + + = 32 . Ans.
−1 −1 −1

Concept Builders - 9

2 2
(i) If  is an imaginary cube root of unity, then (1 +   ) equals: -
2
(A)  (B) 4 (C)  (D) 4
2 4 8
(ii) If  is a non-real cube root of unity, then the expression (1 )(1  )(1 +  )(1 +  ) is equal
to:-
(A) 0 (B) 3 (C) 1 (D) 2

174 Complex Number

nth Roots of Unity
th
If 1, 1, 2, 3..... n 1 are the n, n root of unity then:
i(2/n)
(a) They are in G.P. with common ratio e

2
(b) Their arguments are in A.P. with common difference
n
th
(c) The points represented by n, n roots of unity are located at

the vertices of a regular polygon of n sides inscribed in a unit circle

having center at origin, one vertex being on positive real axis

(d) 1p + p1 + p2 + .... + pn− 1 = 0 if p is not an integral multiple of n

= n if p is an integral multiple of n

(e) (1 1) (1 2)...... (1 n 1 )=n

(f) (1 + 1) (1 + 2)....... (1 + n 1 ) = 0 if n is even and
= 1 if n is odd.
(g) 1. 1. 2. 3......... n 1 = 1 or 1 according as n is odd or even.

Example 26:
6
 2k 2k 
Find the value   sin − cos 
k=1  7 7 
Solution:
6
 2k  6  2k  6
2k 6 2k
  sin  −  cos
7  k =1 
 =  sin
7  k =1
− cos
7 k =0 7
+1
k =1 
6

 ( Sum of imaginary part of seven seventh roots of unity )

k =0

6
− (Sum of real part of seven seventh roots of unity) +1 = 0 0+1=1
k=1

The Sum of The Following Series Should Be Remembered

sin(n  / 2) n + 1
(a) cos + cos2 + cos3 = cos   .
sin( / 2)  2 

sin(n  / 2) n + 1
(b) sin + sin2 + sin3 = sin   .
sin( / 2)  2 

Note: If  = (2/n) than the sum of the above series vanishes.

Complex Number 175

 Straight Lines and Circles in Terms of Complex Numbers
(a) amp(z ) =  is a ray emanating from the complex

point  and inclined at an angle  to the x-axis.

(b) |z a| = | z b| is the perpendicular bisector of the segment joining a and b.

(c) The equation of a line joining z1and z2 is given by; z = z1 + t (z1 z2) where t is a parameter.

(d) z = z1 (1 + it) where t is a real parameter, is a line through the point z1 and perpendicular
to z1.

(e) The equation of a line passing through z1 and z2 can be expressed in the determinant
z z 1
form as z1 z1 1 = 0. This is also the condition for three complex numbers to be
z2 z2 1

collinear.

(f) Complex equation of a straight line through two given points z1 and z2 can be written as
z ( z1 − z2 ) − z (z1 − z2 ) + (z1z2 − z1z2 ) = 0 , which on manipulating takes the form as
z + z + r = 0 , where r is real and  is a non-zero complex constant.

176 Complex Number

 (g) The equation of circle having centre z0 and radius  is: | z − z0 |=  or

zz − z0 z − z0z + z0z0 − 2 = 0 which is of the from zz + z + z + r = 0 r is real centre =

 and radius =  − r . Circle will be real if  − r  0 .

 z − z2  
(h) arg   =  or (z− z1 )(z − z2 ) + (z− z2 )(z − z1 ) = 0 this equation represents the circle
 z − z1  2

described on the line segment joining z1 and z2 as diameter.

(i) Condition for four given points z1, z2, z3 and z4 to be concyclic is, the number is real Hence

the equation of a circle through 3 non-collinear points z1, z2 and z3 can be taken as

(z− z2 )(z3 − z1 )
is real
(z− z1 )(z3 − z2 )

(z− z2 )(z3 − z1 ) (z − z2 )(z3 − z1 )

 =
(z− z1 )(z3 − z2 ) (z − z1 )(z3 − z2 )

Complex Number 177

 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

1. (i) n=4 (ii) 0

2. (i) 17 + 24i (iii) ±(1 4i)

2 5
3. (i) |z| = 4; amp(z) = (ii) |z| = 2; amp(z) =
3 6


(iii) |z| = 2; amp(z) =
2

1 3 
(iv) z = ;amp(z) = (v) |z| = 2; amp(z)=
2 4 3

4. (i) 13 units

(ii) locus is a circle on complex plane with center at (2,3) and radius 1 unit.

(iii) C
 3 
 3 3  i 
5. (i) 2 2  cos + i sin  ;2 2e  4 
 4 4 

 4 
 4 4  i
3 

(ii) 2  cos + i sin  ;2e


 3 3 
 3 
 3 3  i 
(iii) 2  cos + i sin  ; 2e  4 
 4 4 

 
           i − 
(iv) 2sin    cos  −  + i sin  −   ;2sin   e  2 2 
2 2 2  2 2  2

6. (i) (C) (ii) (D)

7. (i) 1+ (2 + 2 2 )i (ii) 0

(iii) z2 = z3 + i(z1 z3) (iv) (B)

(v) Locus is all the points on the major arc of circle as shown excluding points 1 and 1.

8. (i) (C) (ii) (A)

(iii) (D)
9. (i) (D) (ii) (B)

178 Complex Number

 Objective Exercise - I

1. There is only one way to choose real numbers M and N such that when the polynomial
4 3 2 2
5x + 4x + 3x + Mx + N is divided by the polynomial x + 1, the remainder is 0. If M and N
assume these unique values, then M N is
(A) 6 (B) 2 (C) 6 (D) 2

1 + 3i 4 2
2. If x = then the value of the expression, y = x x + 6x 4, equals
2
(A) 1+2 3i (B) 2 2 3i (C) 2 + 2 3 i (D) none

2
3. The complex number z satisfying z + | z | = 1 + 7i then the value of | z | equals
(A) 625 (B) 169 (C) 49 (D) 25

x−3 y−3
4. If + = i where x, y  R then
3+i 3−i
(A) x = 2 and y = 8 (B) x = 2 and y = 8
(C) x = 2 and y = 6 (D) x = 2 and y = 8

13
5. The value of sum  (in + in+ 1 ) , where i = −1 , equals
n= 1

(A) i (B) i 1 (C) 1 (D) 0

6. The diagram shows several numbers in the complex plane. The circle is the unit circle centered
at the origin. One of these numbers is the reciprocal of F, which is

(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D

1 − iz
7. If z = x + iy and  = then || = 1 implies that, in the complex plane
z−i
(A) z lies on the imaginary axis (B) z lies on the real axis
(C) z lies on the unit circle (D) none

Complex Number 179

 8. The complex number z satisfies z + | z | = 2 + 8i. The value of | z | is
(A) 10 (B) 13 (C) 17 (D) 23

9. If z1and z1 represent adjacent vertices of a regular polygon of n sides with centre at the origin
Imz1
and if = 2 − 1 then the value of n is equal to:
Rez1
(A) 8 (B) 12 (C) 16 (D) 24

10. All real numbers x which satisfy the inequality 1 + 4i − 2− x  5 where i = −1 , x  R are
(A) [ 2, ) (B) ( , 2] (C) [0, ) (D) [ 2, 0]

1−i 1−i 1+i

11. For Z1 = 6 ; Z2 = 6 ;Z3 = 6 which of the following holds good?
1+i 3 3 +i 3 −i
2 3 4 4 −8
(A) Z 1
=
2
(B) Z1 + Z2 = Z3
3 3 −6 4 4 8
(C) Z 1
+ Z2 = Z3 (D) Z1 + Z2 = Z3

3
12. Number of real or purely imaginary solution of the equation, z + i z 1 = 0 is:
(A) zero (B) one (C) two (D) three

13. Let zr (1  r  4) be complex numbers such that | zr | = r+1

and | 30 z1 + 20 z2 + 15 z3 + 12 z4| = k | z1z2 z3+ z2z3 z4+ z3z4 z1+ z4z1 z2 |.
Then the value of k equals
(A) | z1z2 z3 | (B) | z2z3z4 | (C) |z3z4 z1| (D) | z4z1 z2 |

2
14. Let i = −1 . The product of the real part of the roots of z z=5 5i is
(A) 25 (B) 6 (C) 5 (D) 25

15. On the complex plane locus of a point z satisfying the inequality 2  | z 1 | < 3 denotes
(A) region between the concentric circles of radii 3 and 1 centered at (1, 0)
(B) region between the concentric circles of radii 3 and 2 centered at (1, 0) excluding the inner
and outer boundaries.
(C) region between the concentric circles of radii 3 and 2 centered at (1, 0) including the inner
and outer boundaries.
(D) region between the concentric circles of radii 3 and 2 centered at (1, 0) including the inner
boundary and excluding the outer boundary.

16. A point 'z' moves on the curve |z 4 3 i| = 2 in an argand plane. The maximum and minimum
values of | z | are
(A) 2, 1 (B) 6, 5 (C) 4, 3 (D) 7, 3

180 Complex Number

17. If z is a complex number satisfying the equation | z + i | + | z i | = 8, on the complex plane
then maximum value of | z | is
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8

18. The minimum value of |z 1 + 2i| + |4i 3 z| is

(A) 5 (B) 5 (C) 2 13 (D) 15

19. Let C1 and C2 are concentric circles of radius 1 and 8/3 respectively having centre at (3, 0) on
 | z − 3 |2 +2 
the argand plane. If the complex number z satisfies the inequality, log 1/3    1 then:
 11 | z− 3 | −2 
(A) z lies outside C1 but inside C2
(B) z lies inside of both C1 and C2
(C) z lies outside both of C1 and C2
(D) none of these

20. The maximum and minimum values of |z + 1| when |z + 3| 3 are:

(A) (5, 0) (B) (6, 0) (C) (7, 1) (D) (5, 1)

31. If |z| = 1 and | 1| = 1 where z,  C, then the largest set of values of

2 2
|2z 1| + |2 1| equals
(A) [1, 9] (B) [2, 6] (C) [2, 12] (D) [2, 18]

22. The locus represented by the equation,  z 1 + | z + 1 | = 2 is:

(A) an ellipse with focii (1, 0); ( 1, 0)
(B) one of the family of circles passing through the points of intersection of the circles |z 1| = 1
and |z + 1| = 1
(C) the radical axis of the circles |z 1| = 1 and |z + 1| = 1
(D) the portion of the real axis between the points (1, 0), ( 1, 0) including both.

23. The locus of z, for arg z = 3 is

(A) same as the locus of z for arg z = 2/3
(B) same as the locus of z for arg z = 3
(C) the part of the straight line 3x + y = 0 with (y < 0, x > 0)
(D) the part of the straight line 3x + y = 0 with (y > 0, x < 0)

3 2
24. The area of the triangle whose vertices are the roots z + iz + 2i = 0 is
3 3
(A) 2 (B) 7 (C) 7 (D) 7
2 4

Complex Number 181

 25. If z1 and z2 are two non-zero complex numbers such that |z1 + z2| = |z1| + |z2|, then Arg z1 Arg z2
is equal to
(A)  (B) /2 (C) 0 (D) /2

3 2
26. Let Z be a complex number satisfying the equation (Z + 3) = 16 then |Z| has the value
equal to:
1/2 1/3 2/3
(A) 5 (B) 5 (C) 5 (D) 5

3 4 5
27. If z1, z2, z3 are 3 distinct complex numbers such that = = , then the value
| z2 − z3 | | z3 − z1 | | z1 − z2 |
9 16 25
of + + equals:
z2 − z3 z3 − z1 z1 − z2
(A) 0 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5

2 2
 a + bi   a − bi 
28. Consider two complex numbers  and  as  =   +  , where a, b  R and
 a − bi   a + bi 
z−1
= , where | z | = 1, then
z+1
(A) Both  and  are purely real
(B) Both  and  are purely imaginary
(C)  is purely real and  is purely imaginary
(D)  is purely real and  is purely imaginary

334 365
 1 i 3  1 i 3
29. If i = −1 , then 4 + 5  − +  + 3− +  is equal to
 2 2   2 2 
 
(A) 1 i 3 (B) 1+i 3 (C) i 3 (D) i 3

z z
30. Number of complex numbers z such that | z | = 1 and + = 1 is
z z
(A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) more than 8

1
31. If the complex number z satisfies the condition |z|  3, then the least value of z + is equal
z
to:
(A) 5/3 (B) 8/3 (C) 11/3 (D) none of these

3
32. The complex number  satisfying the equation  = 8i and lying in the second quadrant on the
complex plane is
3 1
(A) − 3 + i (B) − + i (C) −2 3 + i (D) − 3 + 2i
2 2

182 Complex Number

 7
33. (a) If w( 1) is a cube root of unity and (1 + w) = A + Bw, then A and B are respectively the
numbers
(A) 0, 1 (B) 1, 1 (C) 1, 0 (D) 1, 1
1 1+i+ w w 2 2

(b) If (w  1) is a cube root of unity then 1 − i −1 w2 − 1 =

−i −i + w − 1 −1

(A)0 (B) 1 (C) i (D) w

34. Intercept made by the circle z z +  z +  z + r = 0 on the real axis on complex plane, is
(A) ( + ) − r (B) ( + )2 − 2r (C) ( + )2 + r (D) ( + )2 − 4r

   
35. Given zp = cos  P  + i sin  P  , then Lim(z1z2z3 .........zn ) =
2  2  n→

(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) i (D) i

36. If (2 + i) (2 + 2i) (2 + 3i) ...... (2 + ni) = x + iy, then the value of 5.8.13. .......(4 + n2)

(A) (x2 + y2) (B) (x 2

+ y2 ) (C) 2(x2 + y2) (D) (x + y)

1 n 2n
37. If 1, ,  are the cube roots of unity, then  = n
2
2n 1 is equal to-
2n 1 n
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C)  (D) 2

38. If equation (z 1)n = zn = 1(n  N) has solutions, then n can be :

(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 6 (D) 9

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (B) 6. (C) 7. (B)

8. (C) 9. (A) 10. (A) 11. (B) 12. (A) 13. (D) 14. (B)

15. (D) 16. (D) 17. (B) 18. (C) 19. (A) 20. (B) 21. (A)

22. (D) 23. (D) 24. (C) 25. (A) 26. (C) 27. (B) 28. (A)

29. (C) 30. (C) 31. (C) 32. (A) 33. i. (A) ii. (A)

34. (D) 35. (B) 36. (A) 37. (A) 38. (C)

Complex Number 183

 Objective Exercise - II

Single Correct Type Questions

3
1. If z + z = 0 then which of the following must be true on the complex plane?
4
(A) Re(z) < 0 (B) Re(z) = 0 (C) Im(z) = 0 (D) z = 1

4 2
2. Number of integral values of n for which the quantity (n + i) where i = 1, is an integer is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

3. Number of values of z (real or complex) simultaneously satisfying the system of equations

2 3 17 2 3 13
1 + z + z + z + .......... + z = 0 and 1 + z + z + z + .......... + z = 0 is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

3
4. Number of complex numbers z satisfying z = z is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 5

2 2 3
5. Let z = 9 + bi where b is non-zero real and i = 1. If the imaginary part of z and z are equal,
2
then b equals
(A) 261 (B) 225 (C) 125 (D) 361

6. Let Z1 = (8 + i) sin + (7 + 4i) cos  and Z2 = (1 + 8i) sin  + (4 + 7i) cos  are two complex
numbers. If Z1 · Z2 = a + ib where a, b  R then the largest value of (a + b)  R, is
(A) 75 (B) 100 (C) 125 (D) 130

7. The equation of the radical axis of the two circles represented by the equations,
|z 2| = 3 and |z 2 3 i| = 4 on the complex plane is:
(A) 3y + 1 = 0 (B) 3y 1 = 0 (C) 2y 1 = 0 (D) none

a b
8. z1 = ;z = ; z3 = a bi for a, b  R if z1 z2 = 1 then the centroid of the triangle formed
1−i 2 2+i
by the points z1, z2, z3 in the arg by-
1 1 1 1
(A) (1 + 7i) (B) (1 + 7i) (C) (1 − 3i) (D) (1 − 3i)
9 3 3 9

2 2
9. If z is a complex number satisfying the equation |z (1 + i)| = 2 and  = , then the locus traced
z
by '' in the complex plane is-
(A) x y 1 = 0 (B) x + y 1=0 (C) x y+1=0 (D) x + y + 1 = 0

1 1 1 1
10. If P and Q are respectively by the complex numbers z1 and z2 such that + = − , then
z1 z2 z1 z2
the circumcentre of OPQ (where O is the origin) is-
z − z2 z + z2 z + z2
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) z1 + z2
2 2 3

184 Complex Number

11. A particle starts from a point z0 = 1 + i, where i = −1 . It moves horizontally away from origin
by 2units and then vertically away from origin by 3 units to reach a point z 1. From z1 particle
1
moves 5 units in the direction of 2i + j and then it moves through an angle of cosec 2 in
anticlockwise direction of a circle with centre at origin to reach a point z 2. The arg z2 is
given by-
1 1
 3 − 1  −1 
(A) sec 2 (B) cot 0 (C) sin−1   (D) cos−1  
 2 2  2
 

2 2
12. Consider az + bz + c = 0, where a, b, c  R and 4ac > b .
(i) If z1 and z2 are the roots of the equation given above, then which one of the following
complex numbers is purely real?
(A) z 1 z2 (B) z1z2 (C) z 1 − z2 (D) (z1 − z2 ) i

(ii) In the arg and's plane, if A is the point representing z1, B is the point representing z2 and
OA
z= then
OB
(A) z is purely real (B) z is purely imaginary
(C) |z| = 1 (D) AOB is a scalene triangle.

 2 +
13. If Arg (z + a) = and Arg (z a) = ; a  R , then
6 3
(A) z is independent of a (B) |a| = |z + a|
 
(C) z = a CiS (D) z = a CiS
6 3

2 2
14. Let z1and z2 be non-zero complex numbers satisfying the equation, z1 2z1z2 + 2z2 = 0. The
geometrical nature of the triangle whose vertices are the origin and the points representing
z1 and z2 is:
(A) an isosceles right-angled triangle
(B) a right-angled triangle which is not isosceles
(C) an equilateral triangle
(D) an isosceles triangle which is not right angled.

  1 − i  −i   |z| 
15. If z = (1 + i)4  +  , then   equals
4    amp z 
  + i 1 + i 
(A) 1 (B)  (C) 3 (D) 4

1 2000 1
16. z is a complex number such that z + = 2 cos 3°, then the value of z + 2000 + 1 is equal to
z z
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 3+1 (D) 1 − 3

Complex Number 185

 4
17. If z + 1 = 3i
3
(A) z is purely real
1/4
(B) z represents the vertices of a square of side 2
9
(C) z is purely imaginary
3/4
(D) z represents the vertices of a square of side 2 .

2008
18.
th
If 1, 1, 2.......,  2008 are (2009) roots of unity, then the value of  r(
r=1
r
+ 2009−r ) equals

(A) 2009 (B) 2008 (C) 0 (D) 2009

 
19. If zn = cos + i sin then Limit(z1 .z2 .z3 ......zn ) =
(2n+ 1)(2n+ 3) (2n+ 1)(2n+ 3) n→

    5 5 3 3
(A) cos + i sin (B) cos + i sin (C) cos + i sin (D) cos + i sin
3 3 6 6 6 6 2 2

6 6
20. All roots of the equation, (1 + z) + z = 0:
(A) lie on a unit circle with centre at the origin
(B) lie on a unit circle with centre at ( 1, 0)
(C) lie on the vertices of a regular polygon with centre at the origin
(D) are collinear

21. It is given that complex numbers z1 and z2 satisfy | z1 | = 2 and | z2 | = 3. If the included angle of
z1 + z2 N
their corresponding vectors is 60° then can be expressed as where N is natural
1 2
7
number then N equals
(A) 126 (B) 119 (C) 133 (D) 19

22. If z is a complex number which simultaneously satisfies the equations 3|z 12| = 5 |z 8i| and
|z 4| = |z 8| then the Im(z) can be
(A) 15 (B) 16 (C) 17 (D) 8

One or More Than one Correct Type Questions

4
23. Let z1, z2, z3 be non-zero complex numbers satisfying the equation z = iz.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
 3 1
(A) The complex number having least positive argument is  , .
 2 2
 
3

(B)  Amp(z
k=1
k
)=
2
 1 −1 
(C) Centroid of the triangle formed by z1, z2 and z3 is  , 
 3 3
3 3
(D) Area of triangle formed by z1, z2 and z3 is
2

186 Complex Number

24. If z  C, which of the following relation(s) represents a circle on an Argand diagram?
(A) | z 1|+|z+1|=3 (B) (z 3 + i) ( z 3 i) = 5

(C) 3| z 2+i|=7 (D) | z 3|=2

1
25. The locus of a point P(z) in the complex plane satisfying the z + = 2 are two circles C1 and C2.
z
These circles
(A) have centers on real axis. (B) cut each other orthogonally.
(C) are congruent (D) have exactly two common tangents.

26. Let A and B be two distinct points denoting the complex numbers  and  respectively. A
complex number z lies between A and B where z  , z  . Which of the following relation(s)
hold good?
(A) |  z | + | z  | = |   |
(B)  a positive real number 't' such that z = (1 t)  + t
z− z−
(C) =0
− −
z z 1
(D)   1 = 0
  1

27. Let z1, z2, z3 are the coordinates of the vertices of the triangle A 1A2A3. Which of the following
statements are equivalent?
(A) A1A2A3 is an equilateral triangle.
2 2
(B) (z1 + z2 +  z3)(z1 +  z2 + z3) = 0, where  is the cube root of unity.
z2 − z1 z3 − z2
(C) =
z3 − z2 z 1 − z3
1 1 1
(D) z1 z2 z3 = 0
z2 z3 z1

28. Let tangents at A(z1) and B(z2) are drawn to the circle |z| = 2. Then which of the following is/are
CORRECT?
z z
(A) The equation of tangent at A is given by + = 2.
z1 z1
2z1z2
(B) If tangents at A(z1) and B(z2) intersect at P(zp), then zp = .
z1 + z2
1  z1 + z1 
(C) Slope of tangent at A(z1) is  
i  z1 − z1 
(D) If points A(z1) and B(z2) on the circle |z| = 2 are such that z1 + z2 = 0, then tangents intersect

at .
2

Complex Number 187

 29. Equation of a straight line on the complex plane passing through a point P denoting the complex
number  and perpendicular to the vector OP where 'O' is the origin can be written as
z −  z − 
(A) Im  =0 (B) Re  =0 (C) Re (  z) = 0 (D) z + z − 2 |  |2 = 0
     

n− 1
30.
th
If 1, 2, 3 , .......,n 1 are the imaginary n roots of unity then the product  (i −  )
r=1
r

(where i = −1 ) can take the value equal to

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) i (D) (1 + i)

3
31. If the expression (1 + ir) is of the form of s(1 + i) for some real 's' where 'r' is also real and
i= −1 ,then the value of 'r' can be
  5
(A) cot (B) sec (C) tan (D) tan
8 12 12

32. Let point z moves on |z 1| =1 such that minimum and maximum value of |z 2 6i | are m and
M respectively, then-
2 2 2 2
(A) m + M = 10 (B) m + M = 52 (C) m + M = 8 (D) m + M = 16

2 2
33. Locus of all points z in argand plane which satisfy |z + 1| = |z 1| is -
2
(A) same as Re(z) = 0 (B) same as Re(z ) = 0
(C) a pair of straight lines (D) a circle with unit radius

Comprehension Type Questions

Paragraph for question nos. 34 to 36
z−i
Consider a complex number w = , where z = x + iy and x, y  R.
2z + 1

34. If the complex number w is purely imaginary then locus of z is -

(A) a straight line
 1 1 5
(B) a circle with centre  − ,  and radius .
 4 2 4
1 1
(C) a circle with centre  , −  and passing through origin.
 4 2
(D) neither a circle nor a straight line.

35. If the complex number w is purely real then locus of z is

(A) a straight line passing through origin
(B) a straight line with gradient 3 and y intercept ( 1)
(C) a straight line with gradient 2 and y intercept 1.
(D) none

188 Complex Number

36. If | w | = 1 then the locus of P is
(A) a point circle (B) an imaginary circle
(C) a real circle (D) not a circle.

Paragraph for question nos. 37 to 39

Let A, B, C be three sets of complex numbers as defined below.
 z−1 
A = {z : | z +1 |  2 + Re(z)}, B = {z : | z 1 |  1} and C = z :  1
 z+1 
37. The number of point(s) having integral coordinates in the region AB  C is
(A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 10

38. The area of region bounded by A B  C is

(A) 2 3 (B) 3 (C) 4 3 (D) 2

39. The real part of the complex number in the region A B  C and having maximum amplitude is
−3 1
(A) 1 (B) (C) (D) 2
2 2

ANSWER KEY

1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (B) 6. (C) 7. (B)

8. (A) 9. (A) 10. (B) 11. (B) 12. i. (D) ii. (C) 13. (D)

14. (A) 15. (D) 16. (A) 17. (D) 18. (D) 19. (B) 20. (D)

21. (C) 22. (C) 23. (AB) 24. (BCD) 25. (BCD) 26. (ABCD) 27. (ABCD)

28. (ABC) 29. (BD) 30. (ABCD) 31. (BCD) 32. (AB) 33. (BC) 34. (B)

35. (C) 36. (C) 37. (B) 38. (A) 39. (B)

Complex Number 189

 Subjective Exercise - I

1. Simplify and express the result in the form of a + bi

2
 1 + 2i  1
(a)   (b) i(9 + 6i)(2 i)
 2+i 
2
 4i3 − i  (2 + i)2 (2 − i)2
(c)   (d) −
 2i + 1  2−i 2+i
(e) A square P1P2P3P4 is drawn in the complex plane with P1 at (1, 0) and P3 at (3, 0). Let Pn
denotes the point (xn, yn) n = 1, 2, 3, 4. Find the numerical value of the product of complex
numbers (x1 + i y1) (x2 + i y2) (x3 + i y3) (x4 + i y4).

2. Given that x, y  R, solve:

(a) (x + 2y) + i (2x 3y) = 5 4i
(b) (x + iy) + (7 5i) = 9 + 4i
2 2
(c) x y i (2x + y) = 2i

3. Find the square root of:

(a) 9 + 40 i (b) 11 60 i (c) 50 i
4 3 2
4. (a) If f (x) = x + 9x + 35x x + 4, find f ( 5 + 4i)
4 3 2
(b) If g (x) = x x + x + 3x 5, find g(2 + 3i)

5. Solve the following equations over C and express the result in the form a + ib, a, b  R.
2 2
(a) ix 3x 2i = 0 (b) 2 (1 + i) x 4 (2 i) x 5 3i=0

6. Locate the points representing the complex number z on the Argand plane:
2 2
(a) |z + 1 2i| = 7 (b) |z 1| + |z + 1| = 4
z−3
(c) =3 (d) |z 3| = |z 6|
z+3

7. If a and b are real numbers between 0 and 1 such that the points z1 = a + i, z2 = 1 + bi and z3 =0
form an equilateral triangle, then find the values of 'a' and 'b'.

8. Let z1 = 1 + i and z2 = 1 i. Find z3 C such that triangle z1z2z3 is equilateral.

2 2
9. For what real values of x and y are the numbers 3 + ix y and x + y + 4i conjugate complex?

1/3 2 2 x y
10. If (x + iy) = a + bi, then prove that 4 (a b)= + .
a b

11. (a) Prove the identity, 1 − z1z2 − z1 − z2

2 2
( )( 1 − z )
= 1 − z1
2
2
2

= ( 1 + z )( 1 + z )
2 2 2 2
(b) Prove the identity, 1 + z1z2 + z1 − z2 1 2

= 2  z1 + z2  .
2 2 2 2
(c) For any two complex numbers, prove that z1 + z2 + z1 − z2
 
Also give the geometrical interpretation of this identity.

190 Complex Number

12. Find the Cartesian equation of the locus of 'z' in the complex plane satisfying, |z 4| + |z + 4| = 16.

13. Find the modulus, argument and the principal argument of the complex numbers.
2+i
(i) 6 (cos 310° i sin 310°) (ii) 2 (cos 30° + i sin 30°) (iii)
4i + (1 + i)2

2
14. (a) Let Z is complex satisfying the equation, z (3 + i) z + m + 2i = 0, where m  R. Suppose
the equation has a real root, then find the value of m.
4 3 2
(b) a, b, c are real numbers in the polynomial, P(Z) = 2Z + aZ + bZ + cZ + 3. If two roots of
the equation P(Z) = 0 are 2 and i, then find the value of 'a'.

2 2
15. Find the real values of x and y for which z1 = 9y 4 10 i x and z2 = 8y 20 i are conjugate
complex of each other.

2
16. (a) Solve the following equation z (3 2i)z = (5i 5) expressing your answer in the form of
(a + ib).
3 2
(b) If (1 i) is a root of the equation z 2(2 i)z + (4 5i)z 1 + 3i = 0, then find the other
two roots.

1 + z + z2
17. Let z be a complex number such that z  c\R and  R , then prove that |z| = 1.
1 − z + z2

18. Among the complex numbers z satisfying the condition |z + 3 3i |= 3 , find the number having
the least positive argument.

e−2iA eiC eiB

19. If A, B and C are the angles of a triangle D = eiC e −2iB
eiA , where i = −1 , then find the
eiB eiA
e−2iC
value of D.

20. Dividing f(z) by z i, we get the remainder i and dividing it by z + i, we get the remainder
2
1 + i. Find the remainder upon the division of f(z) by z + 1.

2
21. (a) Find all non-zero complex numbers Z satisfying Z = i Z .
(b) If the complex numbers z1, z2, .................zn lie on the unit circle |z| = 1 then show that
1 1 1
|z1 + z2 + ..............+zn| = |z1 +z2 +................+zn |.

z+1
22. Let |z| = 2 and w = where z, w  C (where C is the set of complex numbers). If M and m
z−1
respectively be the greatest and least modulus of w, then find the value of (2010m + M).

Complex Number 191

 ANSWER KEY

7 24 21 12 22
1. (a) + i; (b) − i; (c) 3 + 4i (d) i;
25 25 5 5 5

(e) 15

 2 2
2. (a) x =1, y = 2; (b) (2,9); (c) ( 2 ,2) or  − , − 
 3 3

3. (a) ± (5 + 4i); (b) ±(5 6i); (c) ± 5(1 + i)

4. (a) 160; (b) (77 +108 i)

3 − 5i 1+i
5. (a) i, 2i (b) or −
2 2

6. (a) on a circle of radius 7 with centre ( 1, 2);

(b) on a unit circle with centre at origin

(c)on a circle with centre ( 15/4, 0) and radius 9/4;

(d) a straight line.

7. a=b=2 3 8. z3= 3 (1 i) and z'3= 3 ( 1+i)

x2 y2
9. x = 1, y = 4 or x = 1, y = 4 12. + =1
64 48

5 5
13. (i) Modulus = 6, Arg = 2k + (k  I), Principal Arg =
18 18
7 5
(ii) Modulus = 2, Arg = 2k+ (k  I), Principal Arg = −
6 6
5 1 1
(iii) Modulus = , Arg = 2k tan 2 (k  I), Principal Arg = tan 2
6

14. (a) 2, (b) 11/2 15. [( 2, 2); ( 2, 2)]

16. (a) z = (2 + i) or (1 3i); (b) z = 1 or 2 i

3 3 3 iz 1
18. − + i 19. 4 20. + +i
2 2 2 2

3 i 3 i
21. (a) − ,− − ,i 22. 673
2 2 2 2

192 Complex Number

 Subjective Exercise - II

1. Match the equation in z, in Column-I with the corresponding values of arg(z) in Column-II.
Column-I Column-II
(equations in z) (principal value of arg (z))
2
(A)z z+1=0 (P) 2/3
2
(B) z + z + 1 = 0 (Q) /3
2
(C) 2z + 1 + i 3 = 0 (R) /3
2
(D) 2z + 1 i 3 =0 (S) 2/3

3 2
2. (a) If i Z + Z Z + i = 0, then find |Z|.
z1 − 2z2
(b) Let z1 and z2 be two complex numbers such that = 1 and | z2 |  1, find | z1 |.
2 − z1z2
2 2 2
(c) Find the minimum value of the expression E = |z| + |z 3| + |z 6i|
(where z = x + iy, x, y R)

3. Show that the product,

  1 + i    1 + i     1 + i   
2 2 2
2n 

1 +   1 + 
    1+    ......  1 +  1 + i   is equal to  1 − 1n  (1 + i) where n  2.
  2     2     2  

  2  
   22 

n
4. Let z = (0, 1)  C. Express  zk in terms of the positive integer n.
k =0

5. If  is the imaginary cube root of unity, then find the number of pairs of integers (a, b) such the
|a + b| = 1.

5
6. Resolve Z + 1 into linear and quadratic factors with real coefficients. Deduce that:
 
4.sin .cos = 1 .
10 5

2
7. Prove that, with regard to the quadratic equation z + (p + ip') z + q + iq' = 0
where p, p', q, q' are all real.
2 2
(i) if the equation has one real root then q' pp' q' + qp' = 0.
2 2
(ii) if the equation has two equal roots then p p' = 4q and pp'= 2q'.
State whether these equal roots are real or complex.

8. Interpret the following locii in z  C.

 z + 2i 
(a) 1 <|z 2i|< 3 (b) Re    4 (z  2i)
 iz + 2 
(c) Arg (z + i) Arg(z i) = /2 (d) Arg (z a) = /3 where a = 3 + 4i.

Complex Number 193

 7 7
9. If the equation (z + 1) + z = 0 has roots z1, z2, .... z7, find the value of
7 7
(a)  Re(Z )
r=1
r
(B)  Im(Z )
r=1
r

10. Let zi(i = 1, 2, 3, 4) represent the vertices of a square all of which lie on the sides of the triangle
with vertices (0, 0), (2, 1) and (3, 0). If z 1 and z2 are purely real, then area of triangle formed by
m
z3, z4 and origin is (where m and n are in their lowest form). Find the value of (m + n).
n

3 2
11. Let f(x) = ax + bx + cx + d be a cubic polynomial with real coefficients satisfying f(i) = 0 and
2 2 2 2
f(1 + i) = 5. Find the value of a + b + c + d . (where i = −1 )

12. A particle starts to travel from a point P on the curve C1 : |z 3 4i| = 5, where | z | is maximum.
3 1
From P, the particle moves through an angle tan in anticlockwise direction on
4
|z 3 4i| = 5and reaches at point Q. From Q, it comes down parallel to imaginary axis by 2
units and reaches at point R. Find the complex number corresponding to point R in the Argand
plane.

ANSWER KEY

1. (A) Q, R; (B) P, S; (C) Q, S; (D) P, R 2. (a) 1, (b) 2 (c) 30

 (1,0) for n = 4k
 (1, 1) for n = 4k + 1
3. T 4.  (0, 1) for n = 4k + 2

(0,0) for n = 4k + 3

5. 6
2 2
6. (Z + 1) (Z 2Z cos 36° + 1) (Z 2Z cos 108° + 1)

8. (a) The region between the concentric circles with centre at (0, 2) and radii 1 and 3 units

1 1
(b) region outside or on the circle with centre + 2i and radius .
2 2
2 2
(c) semicircle (in the 1st and 4th quadrant) x + y = 1

(d) a ray emanating from the point (3 + 4i) directed away from the origin and having equation

3x y+4+3 3=0

7
9. (a) − , (b) zero 10. 41
2

11. 26 12. (3 + 7i)

194 Complex Number

 JEE-Main (Previous Year Questions)

1
1. If z is a complex number such that |z|  2, then the minimum value of z + :
2
[JEE(Main)-2014]
5
(1) is equal to (2) lies in the interval (1, 2)
2
5 3 5
(3) is strictly greater than (4) is strictly greater than but less than
2 2 2

2. A complex number z is said to be unimodular if |z| = 1. Suppose z1 and z2 are complex numbers
z1 − 2z2
such that is unimodular and z2 is not unimodular. Then the point z1 lies on a:
2 − z1z2
[JEE(Main)-2015]
(1) circle of radius 2 (2) circle of radius 2
(3) straight line parallel to x-axis (4) straight line parallel to y-axis

2 + 3i sin 
3. A value of  for which is purely imaginary, is: [JEE(Main)-2016]
1 − 2i sin 
 1     3
(1) sin−1   (2) (3) (4) sin−1  
 3 3 6  4 
 

1 1 1
4. Let  be a complex number such that 2 + 1 = z where z = −3 . If 1 −2 − 1 2 = 3k then k is
1 2 7
equal to: [JEE(Main)-2017]
(1) 1 (2) z (3) z (4) 1

5. If ,  C are the distinct roots, of the equation x2 x + 1 = 0, then 101 + 107 is equal to:
[JEE(Main)-2018]
(1) 2 (2) 1 (3) 0 (4) 1

6. Let  and  be two roots of the equation x2 + 2x + 2 = 0, then 15 + 15 is equal to:
[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 512 (2) 512 (3) 256 (4) 256


    3 + 2i sin  

7. Let A =    − ,   : is purely imaginary  Then the sum of the elements in A is:

  2  1 − 2i sin  

[JEE(Main)-2019]
5 2 3
(1) (2) (3) (4) 
6 3 4

Complex Number 195

 8. Let z0 be a root of the quadratic equation, x2 + x + 1 = 0. If z = 3 + 6i z81
0
6i z93
0
,
Then arg z is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
  
(1) (2) 0 (3) (4)
3 6 4

3z1 2z2
9. Let z1 and z2 be any two non-zero complex numbers such that 3|z1| = 4 |z2|. If z = + then:
2z2 3z1
[JEE(Main)-2019]
17 5
(1) | z | = (2) Im(z) = 0 (3) Re(z) = 0 (4) |z| =
2 2

5 5
 3 i  3 i
10. Let z =  +  + −  . If R(z) and I(z) respectively denote the real and imaginary parts of
 2 2  2 2
   
z, then: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) R(z) > 0 and I(z) > 0 (2) R(z) < 0 and I(z) > 0
(3) R(z) = 3 (4) I(z) = 0

11.


1 
Let  −2 − i  =
3 
x + iy
27
i= ( )
−1 , where x and y are real numbers, then y x equals;

[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 85 (2) 85 (3) 91 (4) 91

12. Let z be a complex number such that |z| + z = 3 + i (where i = −1 ). Then |z| is equal to:
[JEE(Main)-2019]
41 5 34 5
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 3 3 4

z−
13. If ( R) is a purely imaginary number and |z| = 2, then a value of is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
z+
1
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 1 (4)
2

14. Let z1 and z2 be two complex numbers satisfying |z1| = 9 and |z2 3 4i| = 4. Then the minimum
value of |z1 z2| is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 0 (2) 1 (3) 2 (4) 2

3 i
15. If z = + (i = −1) , then (1 + iz + z5 + iz8)9 is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
2 2
(1) 1 (2) ( 1 + 2i)9 (3) 0 (4) 1

196 Complex Number

16.
 + i
All the points in the set S = 
 − i

(
;   R i = −1 lie on a:

) [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) circle whose radius is 1 (2) straight line whose slope is 1

(3) circle whose radius is s 2 (4) straight line whose slope is 1

5 + 3z
17. Let z  C be such that | z | < 1. If = , then: [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) 5 Re() > 1 (2) 4 lm() > 5 (3) 5 Re()>4 (4) 5ln() <1

(1 + i)2 2
18. If a > 0 and z = , has magnitude , then z is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
5
3 1 1 3 1 3 1 3
(1) (2) (3) (4) +
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5


19. If z and w are two complex numbers such that |zw| = 1 and arg(z) arg(w) = , then:
2
[JEE(Main)-2019]
1−i −1 + i
(1) zw = (2) zw = (3) zw = i (4) =
2 2

20. The equation |z i| = |z 1|, i = , represents: [JEE(Main)-2019]

1
(1) a circle of radius . (2) the line through the origin with slop 1.
2
(3) the line through the origin with slope 1. (4) a circle of radius 1.

2z − n
21. Let z  C with Im(z) = 10 and it satisfies = 2i 1 for some natural number n. Then:
2z + n
[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) n = 20 and Re(z) = 10 (2) n = 20 and Re(z) = 10
(3) n = 40 and Re(z) = 10 (4) n = 40 and Re(z) = 10

 z−1 
22. If Re   = 1 , where z = x + iy, then the point (x, y) lies on a: [JEE(Main)-2020]
 2z + i 
5 3
(1) circle whose diameter is . (2) straight line whose slope is .
2 2
 1 3 2
(3) circle whose centre is at  − , −  . (4) straight line whose slope is − .
 2 2 3

3 + i sin 
23. If ,  , 2, is a real number, then an argument of sin + icos is: [JEE(Main)-2020]
4 − i cos 
3 4 4 3
(1) − tan−1   (2) tan 1   (3)  tan 1   (4)  tan 1  
4
  3
  3
  4

24. If the equation, x2 + bx + 45 = 0 (b  R) has conjugate complex roots and they satisfy
|z + 1| = 2 10 , then: [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) b2 + b = 12 (2) b2 b = 30 (3) b2 b = 42 (4) b2 + b = 72

Complex Number 197

 −1 + i 3 100 100
25. Let = , if a = (1 + ) 2k and b =  3k
then [JEE(Main)-2020]
2 k =0 k =0

a and b are the roots of the quadratic equation

(1) x2 + 102x + 101 = 0 (2) x2 + 101x + 100 = 0
(3) x2 102x + 101 = 0 (4) x2 101x + 100 = 0

z−i 5
26. Let z be a complex number such that = 1 and | z |= . Then value of |z + 3i| is
z + 2i 2
[JEE(Main)-2020]
7 15
(1) (2) 10 (3) (4) 2 3
2 4

27. If z be a complex number satisfying |Re(z)| + |Im(z)| = 4, then |z| cannot be: [JEE(Main)-2020]
17
(1) 8 (2) 10 (3) (4) 7
2

3
 2 2 
 1 + sin + icos 
28. The value of  9 9  is: [JEE(Main)-2020]
 1 + sin 2 − icos 2 
 
 9 9 
1 1 1 1
(1) (1 − i 3) (2) − (1 − i 3) (3) ( 3 − i) (4) − ( 3 − i)
2 2 2 2

1 1

29. The imaginary part of 3 + 2 −54 ( ) (

2
− 3 − 2 −54 ) 2
can be: [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 6 (2) −2 6 (3) 6 (4) 6

m/2 n/3
 1+i 1+i
30. If   =  = 1 , (m, n  N) then the greatest common divisor of the least values of m
 1−i i − 1
and n is ______. [JEE(Main)-2020]


31. If z1, z2 are complex numbers such that Re(z1) = |z1 1|, Re(z2) = |z2 1| and arg(z1 z2) = , then
6
Im(z1 + z2) is equal to- [JEE(Main)-2020]
3 2 1
(1) (2) (3) (4) 2 3
2 3 3

2z + i
32. Let u = , z = x + iy and k > 0. If the curve represented by Re(u) + Im(u) = 1 intersects the
z − ki
y-axis at the points P and Q where PQ = 5, then the value of k is- [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 1/2 (2) 3/2 (3) 4 (4) 2

198 Complex Number

 −1 + i 3
33. If a and b are real numbers such that (2 + )4 = a + b, where  = ,then a + b is
2
equal to- [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 33 (2) 9 (3) 57 (4) 24

34. If the four complex numbers z, z , z − 2Re(z) and z 2Re(z) represent the vertices of a square
of side 4 units in the Argand plane, then |z| is equal to- [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 2 (2) 4 2 (3) 2 2 (4) 4

30
 −1 + i 3 
35. The value of   is- [JEE(Main)-2020]
 1−i 
 
(1) 215 i (2) 215 i (3) 65 (4) 215

36. The region represented by [JEE(Main)-2020]

{z = x + iyC : |z| Re(z)  1} is also given by the inequality-
1  1
(1) y2  x + 1 (2) y2  2(x + 1) (3) y2  x + (4) y2  2  x + 
2  2

37. Let z = x + iy be a non-zero complex number such that z2 = i|z|2, where i = −1 , then z lies
on the- [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) imaginary axis (2) real axis (3) line, y = x (4) line, y = x

( −1 + i 3)21 (1 + i 3)21
38. Let i = −1 . If + = k, and n = [|k|] be the greatest integral park of |k|. Then
(1 − i)24 (1 + i)24

 ( j + 5)2 −  j=0 ( j + 5) is equal to.

n+ 5 n+ 5
j=0
[JEE(Main)-2021]

39. Let the lines (2 i) z = (2 + i) z and (2 + i) z + (i 2) z 4i =0, (here i2 = 1) be normal to a circle

C. If the line iz + z + 1 + i = 0 is tangent to this circle C, then its radius is: [JEE(Main)-2021]
3 3 1
(1) (2) 3 2 (3) (4)
2 2 2 2 2
 
40. Let a complex number z,| z | 1, satisfy log  | z | +11   2 . Then, the largest value of |z| is
1  2 
2 (| z | −1)
 
 
equal to: [JEE(Main)-2021]
(1) 8 (2) 7 (3) 6 (4) 5

41. Let z and w be two complex number such that w = z z − 2z + 2 , z + i = 1 and Re(w) has
z − 3i
minimum value. then, the minimum value of n N for which wn is real, is equal to______.
[JEE(Main)-2021]

Complex Number 199

 42. the least value of |z| were z is complex number which satisfies the inequality.

exp 
(
 Z +3 Z −1)( )
log e 2   log 2 5 7 + 9i i = −1 , is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2021]
 z +1 
 
(1) 3 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 8

43. The area of the triangle with vertices A(z), B (iz) and C(z + iz) is : [JEE(Main)-2021]
1 1 1
(1) 1 (2) | z |2 (3) (4) | z + iz |2
2 2 2

44. Let S1, S2 and S3 be three sets defined as

S1 = {z  C :| z − 1 | 2}
S2 = {z  C : Re((1 − i)z)  1}
S3 = {z  C : Im(z)  1}

Then the set S1  S2  S3 [JEE(Main)-2021]

(1) Is a singleton (2) has exactly two elements
(3) Has infinitely many elements (4) has exactly three elements

45. If the equation a | z |2 +az + az + d = 0 represents a circle where a, d are real constants then
which of the following condition is correct? [JEE(Main)-2021]
(1) |  |2 −ad  0 (2) |  |2 −ad  0 and a  R − {0}
(3) |  |2 −ad  0 and a  R (4)  = 0,a,d  R
+

46. Let a circle C in complex plane pass through the points Z1 = 3 + 4i, z2 = 4 + 3i and z3 = 5i. If
z(  z1 ) is point on C such that the line through z and z1 is perpendicular to the line through z 2

and z3, then arg(z) is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2022]

 2   24  3
(1) tan 
−1
 −  (2) tan 
−1
− (3) tan
−1
( 3) −  (4) tan   − 
−1

 5  7  4

  z − 1  2x 
47. Let A = z  C : z + 1  1  and B = z  C : arg   =  . Then A  B is: [JEE(Main)-2022]

 z−1 
   z + 1  3 

1 
(1) A portion of a circle centered at  0, −  that lies in the second and third quadrants only
 3
 1 
(2) A portion of a circle centered at  0, −  that lies in the second quadrant only
 3
(3) an empty set
(4) a portion of a circle of radius 2 that lies in the third quadrant only
3

2
 n n 1 
15

48. If z + z + 1 = 0, x  C,
2
then   Z + ( −1) n  is equal to. [JEE(Main)-2022]
n= 1  Z 

200 Complex Number

 The area of the polygon, whose vertices are the non-real roots of the equation z = iz is:
2
49.
[JEE(Main)-2022]
3 3 3 3 3 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 2 2 4

Sum of squares of modulus of all the complex numbers z satisfying z = iz + z − z is equal.

2 2
50.
[JEE(Main)-2022]

51. Let S = {z  C :| z − 2 | 1, z(1 + i) + z(1 − i)  2 . Let |z 4i| attains minimum and maximum values,

respectively, at z1  S and z2  S. If 5(| z1 | + | z2 | ) =  +  5 , where  and  are integers, then

2 2

the value of  +  is equal to. [JEE(Main)-2022]

52. If  are the roots of the equation x4 + x3 + x2 + x + 1 = 0 , then 2021 + 2021 +  2021 + 2021 is equal
to: [JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) 4 (2) 1 (3) 1 (4) 4

Let the minimum value v0 of v = z + z − 3 + z − 6i , z  C is attained at z = z0. Then

2 2 2
53.
2
2z02 − z03 + 3 + v02 is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) 1000 (2) 1024 (3) 1105 (4) 1196

54. Let S be the set of all ( ),  <  < 2, for which the complex number 1 − i sin  is purely
1 + 2i sin 

1 + icos   1 
imaginary and
1 − 2icos 
is purely real. Let Z = sin 2 + i cos 2, ( )  S . Then   iZ +

(  )S 

iZ 
is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) 3 (2) 3i (3) 1 (4) 2 i

 1
55. Let S1 = z 1  C :| z1 − 3 |=
2
 
 and S2 = z2  C :| z2 − | z2 + 1 || = | z2 + | z2 − 1 || . Then, for z1  S1 and

z2  S2 , the least value of | z2 − z1 | is: [JEE(Main)-2022]
1 3 5
(1) 0 (2) (3) (4)
2 2 2

56. Let z = a + ib, b  0 be complex numbers satisfying z2 = z.2 . Then the least value of
1− z

n  N, such that zn = (z + 1)n , is equal to ______. [JEE(Main)-2022]

Complex Number 201

 ANSWER KEY

1. (2) 2. (1) 3. (1) 4. (2) 5. (4) 6. (3) 7. (2)

8. (4) 9. (1) 10. (4) 11. (3) 12. (2) 13. (2) 14. (1)

15. (1) 16. (1) 17. (1) 18. (3) 19. (4) 20. (3) 21. (4)

22. (1) 23. (3) 24. (2) 25. (3) 26. (1) 27. (4) 28. (4)

29. (2) 30. 4.00 31. (4) 32. (4) 33. (2) 34. (3) 35. (1)

36. (4) 37. (3) 38. 310 39. (3) 40. (2) 41. 4 42. (1)

43. (3) 44. (3) 45. (2) 46. (2) 47. (2) 48. 2 49. (1)

50. 2 51. 26 52. (2) 53. (1) 54. (3) 55. (3) 56. 6

202 Complex Number

 JEE-Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

1
1. Let complex numbers  and lie on circles (x x0)2 + (y y0)2 = r2 and (x x0)2 + (y y0)2=

4r2respectively. If z0 = x0 + iy0 satisfies the equation 2|z0|2 = r2 + 2, then || =
[JEE(Advanced)-2013]
1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 7 3

2. Let  be a complex cube root of unity with   1 and P = [pij] be a n × n matrix with pij = i+j.
Then P2 0, when n = [JEE (Advanced)-2013]
(A) 57 (B) 55 (C) 58 (D) 56

3 +i  1
3. Let w = and P = {wn 1 = z  C : Rez   and
2  2 
 −1 
H2= z  C : Rez   , where C is the set of all complex number. If z1 P  H1, z2  P  H2 and O
 2
represents the origin, then z1Oz2 = [JEE Advanced-2013]
  2 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 6 3 6

Paragraph for Question 13 and 14


  z − 1 + 3i  

Let S = S1 S2 S3, where S1= {z C : |z| < 4}, S2 = z  C : Im    0 and

  1 − 3i  

S3 = {z  C : Re z > 0}.
4. min | 1 − 3i− z |= [JEE(Advanced)-2013]
zS

2− 3 2+ 3 3− 3 3+ 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 2 2

5. Area of S = [JEE(Advanced)-2013]
10 20 16 32
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 3 3

6. The quadratic equation p(x) = 0 with real coefficients has purely imaginary roots. Then the

equation p(p(x)) = 0 has [JEE(Advanced)-2014]

(A) only purely imaginary roots

(B) all real roots

(C) two real and two purely imaginary roots

(D) neither real nor purely imaginary roots.

Complex Number 203

  2k   2k 
7. Let zk = cos   + i sin  ; [JEE(Advanced)-2014]
 10   10 

List-I List-II

P. For each zk there exists a zj such that 1. True

zk · zj = 1

Q. There exists a k  {1, 2, ....., 9} such 2. False

that z1 · z = zk has no solution z in the

set of complex numbers.

1 − z1 1 − z2 ... 1 − z9
R. equals 3. 1
10

 2k 
S. 1  9
K=1
cos   equals 4. 2
 10 

Codes:

P Q R S
(A) 1 2 4 3
(B) 2 1 3 4
(C) 1 2 3 4
(D) 2 1 4 3

8. Column-I Column-II
(A) In 2
, if the magnitude of the projection (P) 1
vector of the vector  i +  j on 3i + j
is 3 and if  = 2 + 3 , then possible
value(s) of || is (are)
(B) Let a and b be real numbers such that (Q) 2
−3ax2 − 2, x  1
the function f(x) = 
 bx + a , x  1
2

is differentiable for all x  . Then

possible value(s) of a is (are)
(C) Let   1 be a complex cube root of (R) 3
unity. If (3 3 + 22)4n+3 +
(2 + 3 32)4n+3 + ( 3 + 2 + 32)4n+3 = 0
then possible value(s) of n is (are)
(D) Let the harmonic mean of two positive real (S) 4
number a and b be 4, If q is a positive real
number such that a, 5, q, b is an arithmetic
progression, then the value(s) of |q a| is (are) (T) 5
[JEE(Advanced)-2015]

204 Complex Number

  k   k 
9. For any integer k, let k = cos   + i sin   , where i = −1 . The value of the expression
 7  7
12

|  k+1
− k |
3
k=1
is: [JEE(Advanced)-2015]
| 
k=1
4k − 1
−  4k −2 |

−1 + 3i (− z)r z2s 

10. Let z = , where i = −1 , and r, s  {1, 2, 3}. Let P =  2s and I be the identity matrix
2  z zr 
of order 2. Then the total number of ordered pairs (r, s) for which P 2 = I is
[JEE(Advanced)-2016]

 1 
11. Let a,b and a2 + b2 0. Suppose S = z  C : z = , t  , t  0 , here i = −1 .
 a + ibt 
If z = x + iy and z  S, then (x,y) lies on [JEE(Advanced)-2016]
1  1 
(A) the circle with radius and centre  ,0  for a > 0, b  0
2a  2a 
1  1 
(B) the circle with radius − and centre  − ,0  for a < 0, b  0
2a  2a 
(C) the x-axis for a  0, b = 0
(D) the y-axis for a = 0, b  0

12. Let a, b, x and y be real numbers such that a b = 1 and y  0. If the complex number z = x + iy
 az + b 
satisfies lm   = y , then which of the following is(are) possible value(s) of x?
 z+1 
[JEE(Advanced)-2017]
(A) −1 − 1 − y2 (B) 1 + 1 + y2 (C) 1 − 1 + y2 (D) −1 + 1 − y2

13. For a non-zero complex number z, let arg(z) denote the principal argument with  < arg(z)  
Then, which of the following statement(s) is (are) FALSE? [JEE(Advanced)-2018]

(A) arg ( 1 i) = , Where i = −1
4
(B) The function f : R → ( ,], defined by f (t) = arg ( 1 + it) for all t  R is continuous at all
points of R, where i = −1
(C) For any two non -zero complex number z1 and z2.
z 
Arg  1  arg (z1) + arg (z2) is an integer multiple of 2
 z2 
(D) For any three given distinct complex numbers z1, z2 and z3 the locus of the point z satisfying
 (z− z1 )(z2 − z3 ) 
the condition arg   =  lies on a straight line
 (z− z3 )(z2 − z1 ) 

Complex Number 205

 14. Let s, t, r be non-zero complex numbers and L be the set of solutions z = x + iy x, y  R,i = −1 of ( )
the equation sz + t z + r = 0 , where z = x iy . Then, which of the following statement(s) is
(are)TRUE? [JEE(Advanced)-2018]
(A) If L has exactly one element, then | s | | t |
(B) If |s| = |t|, then L has infinitely many elements
(C) The number of elements in L  {z : |z 1 + i| = 5} is at most 2
(D) If L has more than one element, then L has infinitely many elements

15. Let S be the set of all complex numbers z satisfying |z 2 + i|  5 . If the complex number z0
1  1 
is such that is the maximum of the set  : z  S , then the principal argument of
| z0 − 1 | | z− 1 | 
4 − z0 − z0
is [JEE (Advanced)-2019]
z0 − z0 + 2i
 3  
(A) − (B) (C) (D)
2 4 4 2

16. Let   1 be a cube root of unity. Then the minimum of the set {|a + b + c2|2 : a, b, c distinct
non-zero integers} equals _____ [JEE (Advanced)-2019]

17. Let S be the set of all complex numbers z satisfying |z2 + z + 1| = 1. Then which of the following
statements is/are TRUE? [JEE (Advanced)-2020]
1 1
(A) z +  for all z  S (B) |z|  2 for all z  S
2 2
1 1
(C) z +  for all z  S (D) The set S has exactly four elements
2 2

18. For a complex number z, let Re(z) denote the real part of z. let S be the set of all complex
numbers z satisfying z4 |z|4 = 4iz2, where i = −1 . Then the minimum possible value of
|z1 z2|2, where z1, z2 S with Re(z1) > 0 and Re(z2) < 0, is____ [JEE (Advanced)-2020]

19. Let 1 , 2 , , 10 be positive valued angles (in radian) such that 1 + 2 + + 10 = 2 . Define the
i1 ik
complex numbers z1 = e , zk = zk-1e for k = 2, 3,  , 10 , where i = −1 . Consider the
statements P and Q given below: [JEE (Advanced)-2021]
P: z2 − z1 + z3 − z2 + + z10 − z9 + z1 − z10  2π
Q : z22 − z21 + z23 − z22 + + z210 − z92 + z21 − z210  4π
Then,
(A) P is TRUE and Q is FALSE

(B) Q is TRUE and P is FALSE

(C) both P and Q are TRUE

(D) both P and Q are FALSE

206 Complex Number

20. For any complex number w = c + id , let  π,π], where i = −1 . Let  and  be real
z +  π
numbers such that for all complex numbers z = x + iy satisfying arg   = , the ordered
z+ 4
pair (x , y) lies on the circle
x2 + y2 + 5x − 3y + 4 = 0

Then which of the following statements is (are) TRUE? [JEE (Advanced)-2021]

(A)  = 1 (B)  = 4 (C)  = 4 (D)  = 4

21. Let z be a complex number with non-zero imaginary part. If

2 + 3z + 4z2
2 − 3z + 4z2
is a real number, then the value of |z|2 is. [JEE (Advanced)-2022]

22. Let z denote the complex conjugate of a complex number z and let i = −1 . In the set of complexes
numbers, the number of distinct roots of the equation
z− z2 = i(z+ z2 )
is _____________. [JEE (Advanced)-2022]

23. Let z denote the complex conjugate of a complex number 𝑧. If 𝑧 is a non-zero complex
number for which both real and imaginary parts of
1
(z)
2
+
z2
Are integers, then which of the following is/are possible value(s) of |𝑧|?
[JEE (Advanced)-2022]
1 1 1 1
 43 + 3 205  4  7 + 33  4  9 + 65  4  7 + 13  4
(A)   (B)   (C)   (D)  
 2   4   4   6 
       

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (BCD) 3. (CD) 4. (C) 5. (B) 6. (D) 7. (C)

8. (A) →(P,Q); (B) →(P,Q); (C) →(P,Q,S,T); (D) →(Q,T)

9. 4 10. 1 11. (ACD) 12. (AD) 13. (ABD) 14. (ACD) 15. (A)

16. 3.00 17. (BC) 18. 8.00 19. (C) 20. (BD) 21. 0.50 22. 04.00

23. (A)

Complex Number 207

 4 Sequence and Series
Definition
Sequence
A succession of terms a1, a2, a3, a4........ formed according to some rule or law.
Examples are: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25
1, 1, 1, 1,........
x x x3 x 4
2
, , , ,......
1! 2! 3! 4!
A finite sequence has a finite (i.e. limited) number of terms, as in the first example above. An infinite
sequence has an unlimited number of terms, i.e., there is no last term, as in the second and third
examples.

Series
The indicated sum of the terms of a sequence. In the case of a finite sequence a 1, a2, a3, ................, the
n
corresponding series is a1 + a2 + a3 + ........ + an =  ak .This series has a finite or limited number of terms
k=1

and is called a finite series.

Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)

A.P. is a sequence whose terms differ by a fixed number. This fixed number is called the common
difference. If a is the first term and d is the common difference, then A.P. can be written as
a, a + d, a + 2d, .............., a + (n 1) d, ..........
(a) n term of A.P., Tn = a + (n
th
1)d, where d = tn tn 1

n n
(b) The sum of the first n terms: Sn= [a+]= [2a + (n 1)d] where  is nth term.
2 2

Note: (i) nth term of an A.P. is of the form An + B i.e. a linear expression in 'n', in such a case the
coefficient of n is the common difference of the A.P. i.e. A.
(ii) Sum of first 'n' terms of an A.P. is of the form An 2 + Bn i.e. a quadratic expression in 'n',
in such case the common difference is twice the coefficient of n2. i.e. 2A
(iii) Also, nth term Tn = Sn Sn 1

Example 1:
If (x + 1), 3x and (4x + 2) are first three terms of an A.P. then its 5 th term is -
(A) 14 (B) 19 (C) 24 (D) 28
Solution:
(x + 1), 3x, (4x + 2) are in A.P.
 3x (x + 1) = (4x + 2) 3x
 x=3
 a = 4, d = 9 4=5
 T5 = 4 + (4)5 = 24 Ans. (C)

Sequence and Series 111

Example 2:
The sum of first four terms of an A.P. is 56 and the sum of it's last four terms is 112. If its first
term is 11 then find the number of terms in the A.P.
Solution:
a + a + d + a + 2d + a + 3d = 56
4a + 6d = 56
44 + 6d = 56 (as a = 11)
6d = 12 hence d = 2
Let total number of terms = n
Now sum of last four terms.

a + (n 1)d + a + (n 2)d + a + (n 3)d + a + (n 4)d = 112

 4a + (4n 10)d = 112  44 + (4n 10)2 = 112

 4n 10 = 34

 n = 11 Ans.

Example 3:
7n + 1
The sum of first n terms of two A.Ps. are in ratio . Find the ratio of their 11th terms.
4n + 27
Solution:
Let a1 and a2 be the first terms and d1 and d2 be the common differences of two A.P.s respectively
then
n n − 1
2a 1 + (n − 1) d1  a1 +   d1
2 
=
7n + 1
  2  =
7n + 1
n 4n + 27  n− 1  4n + 27
2a2 + (n − 1) d2  a2 +   d2
2  
 2 
For ratio of 11 terms
th

n−1
= 10  n = 21
2
7 ( 21) + 1 148 4
so, ratio of 11th terms is = = Ans.
4 ( 21) + 27 111 3

Concept Builders - 1

3 + ( −1)
n
2n
(i) Write down the sequence whose nth terms is: (a) (b)
n 3n

(ii) For an A.P, show that tm + t2n+m = 2tm + n

(iii) If the sum of p terms of an A.P. is q and the sum of its q terms is p, then find the sum of its
(p + q) terms.

112 Sequence and Series

Properties of Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)
(a) If each term of an A.P. is increased, decreased, multiplied or divided by some nonzero
number, then the resulting sequence is also an A.P.
(b) Three numbers in A.P.: a d, a, a + d
Four numbers in A.P.: a 3d, a d, a + d, a + 3d
Five numbers in A.P.: a 2d, a d, a, a + d, a + 2d
Six numbers in A.P.: a 5d, a 3d, a d, a + d, a + 3d, a + 5d etc.
(c) The common difference can be zero, positive or negative.
(d) kth term from the last = (n k + 1)th term from the beginning (If total number of terms = n).
(e) The sum of the two terms of an A.P. equidistant from the beginning and end is constant

and equal to the sum of first and last terms.  Tk + Tn k+1 = constant = a + .

(f) Any term of an A.P. (except the first) is equal to half the sum of terms which are
equidistant from it. an = (1/ 2) (an k + an+k), k < n
For k = 1, an = (1/ 2)(an 1 + an+1) ; For k = 2, an = (1/ 2)(an 2 + an+2 ) and so on.
(g) If a, b, c are in A.P., then 2b = a + c.

Example 4:
Four numbers are in A.P. If their sum is 20 and the sum of their squares is 120, then the middle
terms are -
(A) 2, 4 (B) 4, 6 (C) 6, 8 (D) 8, 10
Solution:
Let the numbers are a 3d, a d, a + d, a + 3d
given, a 3d + a d + a + d + a + 3d = 20  4a = 20  a = 5
and (a 3d) + (a
2
d) + (a + d) + (a + 3d) = 120  4a2 + 20d2 = 120
2 2 2

 4 × 52 + 20d2 = 120  d2 = 1
 d=±1
Hence numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8 or 8, 6, 4, 2 Ans. (B)

Example 5:
If a1, a2, a3,...........,an are in A.P. where ai > 0 for all i, show that:

1
+
1
+ .......... +
1
=
(n − 1)
a 1 + a2 a2 + a 3 an − 1 + an a 1 + an

Solution:
1 1 1
L.H.S. = + + .........+
a 1 + a2 a2 + a 3 an − 1 + an

Sequence and Series 113

 1 1 1
= + + .......+
a2 + a 1 a 3 + a2 an + an − 1

a2 − a 1 a 3 − a2 an − an− 1
= + + ...........+
(a 2
− a1 ) (a 3
− a2 ) an − an− 1

Let 'd' is the common difference of this A.P.

then a2 a 1 = a3 a2 = ....... = an an 1 = d
Now L.H.S.

=
1
d
{ a2 − a1 + a3 − a2 + ........ + an−1 − an−2 + an − an−1 } =
1
d
 an − a 1 
an − a 1 a 1 + (n − 1) d − a 1 1 (n − 1) d n−1
= = = = = R.H.S.
d ( an + a 1 ) d ( an + a 1 ) dd
( an + a 1 ) an + a 1

Concept Builders - 2

(i) Find the sum of first 24 terms of the A.P. a1, a2, a3......, if it is known that
a1 + a5 + a10 + a15 + a20 + a24 = 225.

(ii) Find the number of terms common to the two A.P.'s 3, 7, 11, ...... 407 and 2, 9, 16, ......, 709

Geometric Progression (G.P.)

G.P. is a sequence of non-zero numbers each of the succeeding term is equal to the preceding term
multiplied by a constant. Thus in a G.P. the ratio of successive terms is constant. This constant factor
is called the COMMON RATIO of the sequence and is obtained by dividing any term by the immediately
previous term. Therefore a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4 , .......... is a G.P. with 'a' as the first term and 'r' as common
ratio.
(a) nth term ; Tn = a rn 1

(b) Sum of the first n terms; Sn =

(
a rn − 1 ) , if r  1
r−1
a
(c) Sum of infinite G.P.; S∞ = , 0< |r|< 1
1−r

Properties of Geometric Progression (G.P.)

(a) If each term of a G.P. be multiplied or divided by some non-zero quantity, then the
resulting sequence is also a G.P.
(b) Three consecutive terms of a G.P.: a/r, a, ar ;
Four consecutive terms of a G.P.: a/r3, a/r, ar, ar3 and so on.

114 Sequence and Series

 (c) If a, b, c are in G.P. then b2 =ac.
(d) If in a G.P, the product of two terms which are equidistant from the first and the last
term, is constant and is equal to the product of first and last term.
 Tk. Tn k+1 = constant = a.

(e) If each term of a G.P. be raised to the same power, then resulting sequence is also a
G.P.
(f) In a G.P., Tr2 = Tr k. Tr+k, k < r, r  1
(g) If the terms of a given G.P. are chosen at regular intervals, then the new sequence is
also a G.P.
(h) If a1, a2, a3.....an is a G.P. of positive terms, then log a1, log a2,.....log an is an A.P. and vice-
versa.
a 1 a2 a 3
(i) If a1, a2, a3..... and b1, b2, b3..... are two G.P.'s then a1b1, a2b2, a3b3..... and , , .........is
b1 b2 b3
also in G.P.

Example 6:
If a, b, c, d and p are distinct real numbers such that
(a2+ b2+ c2)p2− 2p (ab + bc + cd)+(b2+ c2+ d2) 0 then a, b, c, d are in
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. (C) H.P. (D) none of these
Solution:
Here, the given condition (a2+ b2+ c2)p2− 2p (ab + bc + ca)+ b2+ c2+ d2  0
 (A.P. b)2 + (bp c )2 + (cp d)2  0

 a square can not be negative

b c d
A.P.− b = 0, bp − c = 0, cp − d = 0  p = = = a, b, c, d are in G.P. Ans. (B)
a b c

Example 7:
If a, b, c are in G.P., then the equations ax2+ 2bx + c = 0 and dx2+ 2ex + f = 0 have a common
d e f
root if , , are in -
a b c
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. (C) H.P. (D) none of these
Solution:
a, b, c are in G.P  b2 = ac

Now the equation ax2+ 2bx + c = 0 can be rewritten as ax2 + 2 acx + c = 0

( ) c c
2
 ax + c =0= ,
a a

Sequence and Series 115

 c
If the two given equations have a common root, then this root must be = .
a
c c d f 2e c 2e 2e d e f
Thus d 2e +f=0 + = = =  , , are in A.P. Ans. (A)
a a a c c a ac b a b c

Example 8:
A number consists of three digits which are in G.P. the sum of the right hand and left-hand digits
exceeds twice the middle digit by 1 and the sum of the left hand and middle digits is two third of
the sum of the middle and right-hand digits. Find the numbers.
Solution:
Let the three digits be a, ar and ar2 then number is
100a + 10ar + ar2 ....(i)
Given, a + ar = 2ar +1
2

or a(r2 2r + 1) = 1
or a(r 1)2 = 1 ....(ii)
2
Also given a + ar = (ar + ar2)
3
 3 + 3r = 2r + 2r2  2r2 r 3 = 0  (r + 1)(2r 3) = 0
 r= 1, 3/2
1 1
for r = 1, a = = I r 1
(r − 1) 4
2

1
for r = 3/2, a = 2
=4 {from (ii)}
3 
 − 1
2 
3 9
From (i), number is 400 + 10.4. + 4. = 469 Ans.
2 4

Example 9:
Find the value of 0.32 58
Solution:
Let R = 0.32 58  R = 0.32585858.... ......... (i)
Here number of figures which are not recurring is 2 and number of figures which are recurring
is also 2.
then 100 R = 32.585858...... ..........(ii)
and 10000 R = 3258.5858...... ..........(iii)
Subtracting (ii) from (iii), we get
1613
9900 R = 3226  R=
4950

116 Sequence and Series

 Aliter Method
R = .32 + .0058 + .0058 + .000058 +...........
58  1 1 
= .32 + 4 
1+ + 4 + ........ 
10  10 10 
 
58  1 
= .32 +  
104  1 
1− 
 100 
32 58 3168 + 58 3226 1613
= + = = =
100 9900 9900 9900 4950

Concept Builders - 3

(i) Find a three-digit number whose consecutive digits form a G.P. If we subtract 792 from this
number, we get a number consisting of the same digits written in the reverse order. Now, if we
increase the second digit of the required number by 2, then the resulting digits will form an A.P.

(ii) If the third term of G.P. is 4, then find the product of first five terms.

(iii) If a, b, c are respectively the pth, qth and rth terms of the given G.P., then show that
(q r) log a + (r p) log b + (p q)log c = 0, where a, b, c > 0.

(iv) Find three numbers in G.P., whose sum is 52 and the sum of whose products in pairs is 624.

(v) The rational number which equals the number 2. 357 with recurring decimal is -
2357 2379 785 2355
(A) (B) (C) (D)
999 997 333 1001

Harmonic Progression (H.P.)

A sequence is said to be in H.P. if the reciprocal of its terms are in A.P.

If the sequence a1, a2, a3, ......., an is an H.P. then 1/a1, 1/a2, ........., 1/an is an A.P. Here we do not have the
formula for the sum of the n terms of an H.P. The general form of a harmonic progression is
1 1 1 1
, , ............
a a + d a + 2d a + (n − 1) d

Note: No term of any H.P. can be zero.

2ac a a −b
(i) If a, b, c are in H.P., then b = or =
a+c c b−c

Sequence and Series 117

Example 10:
The sum of three numbers are in H.P. is 37 and the sum of their reciprocals is 1/4. Find the
numbers.
Solution:
Three numbers are in H.P. can be taken as
1 1 1
, ,
a−d a a+d
1 1 1
then + + = 37 ........(i)
a−d a a+d
1 1
and a d+a+a+d=  a=
4 12
12 12 12 12
from (i), + 12 + = 37  + = 25
1 − 12d 1 + 12d 1 − 12d 1 + 12d
24
 = 25
1 − 144d2
24 1
 1 144d2 =  d2 =
25 25  144
1
 d= 
60

1 1 1 1 1 1
 a d, a, a + d are , , or , ,
15 12 10 10 12 15

Hence, three numbers in H.P. are 15, 12, 10 or 10, 12, 15 Ans.

Example 11:
a−x a−y a−y
Suppose a is a fixed real number such that = =
px qy rz

If p, q, r are in A.P., then prove that x, y, z are in H.P.

Solution:

 p, q, r are in A.P.

 q p=r q ........ (i)

 p q=q r = k (let)

a a a
−1 −1 −1
a−x a−y a −z x y
given = =  = = z
px qy rz p q r

a  a  a  a 
 − 1 −  − 1  − 1 −  − 1
 x  y  = y  z  (by law of proportion)
p−q q−r

118 Sequence and Series

 a a a a
− −
x y y z
 = {from (i)}
k k
 1 1  1 1 1 1 1 1
 a  −  =a  −   − = −
x y  y z x y y z

2 1 1 1 1 1
 = +  , , are in A.P.
y x z x y z

Hence x, y, z are in H.P.

Concept Builders - 4

(i) If the 7th term of a H.P. is 8 and the 8th term is 7. Then find the 28th term.

(ii) In a H.P., if 5th term is 6 and 3rd term is 10. Find the 2nd term.

q−r r −p p−q
(iii) If the pth, qth and rth terms of a H.P. are a, b, c respectively, then prove that + + =0
a b c

Means

(a) Arithmetic Mean

If three terms are in A.P. then the middle term is called the A.M. between the other two,

a+c
so if a, b, c are in A.P., b is A.M. of a and c. So, A.M. of a and c = = b.
2

n-Arithmetic Means Between Two Numbers

If a,b be any two given numbers and a, A1, A2, .........., An, b are in A.P., then
A1, A2,........An and b then.

A1 = a + d, A2 = a + 2d, ......, An = a + nd,

b−a
Where, d =
n+ 1
b−a b − a 
 A1 = a + , A2 = a + 2   ,............
n+ 1  n+ 1
Note: Sum of n A.M's inserted between a and b is equal to n times the single A.M. between a and b
n
i.e. A
r=1
r
= nA where A is the single A.M. between a and b.

Sequence and Series 119

 (b) Geometric Mean(G.M.)
If a, b, c are in G.P., then b is the G.M. between a and c, b2 = ac. So G.M. of a and

c= ac = b

n-Geometric Means Between Two Numbers

If a, b are two given positive numbers and a, G1, G2, ........, Gn, b are in G.P. Then G1, G2,
G3,.......Gn are 'n' G.Ms between a and b. where b = arn+1  r = (b/a)1/n+1
G1 = a(b / a) 1/n +1, G2 = a(b / a) 2/n +1..........., Gn = a(b / a) n/n+1,
= ar, = ar2, ................ = arn = b/r

Note: The product of n G.Ms between a and b is equal to nth power of the single G.M. between a and
n
b i.e. G
r=1
r
= (G)n where G is the single G.M. between a and b.

(c) Harmonic Mean(H.M.)

2ac
If a, b, c are in H.P., then b is H.M. between a and c. So, H.M. of a and c = = b.
a+c
Insertion of 'n' H.M.'s between a and b:
a, H1, H2, H3,........, Hn, b → H.P
     
, , , ,............ , → A.P.
a H1 H2 H3 Hn b
1 1 b a
= + (n + 1)D  D =
b a n+ 1
 1 1
1 1  − 
= + n b a 
Hn a  n+ 1 
 
 

Concept Builders - 5

an + bn
(i) If is the G.M. between a and b then find the value of 'n'.
an− 1 + bn− 1

1 1 1 1
(ii) If b is the harmonic mean between a and c, then prove that + = + .
b−a b−c a c

Arithmetico-Geometric Progression(A.G.P.)
A series, each term of which is formed by multiplying the corresponding term of an A.P. and G.P. is
called the Arithmetico-Geometric Series, e.g. 1 + 3x + 5x2 + 7x3 + .........
Here 1, 3, 5, ........ are in A.P. and 1, x, x2, x3 ............. are in G.P.

120 Sequence and Series

 (a) Sum of n Terms of an Arithmetico-Geometric Progression
Let Sn = a + (a + d)r + (a + 2d) r2 + ..........+ [a + (n 1)d] rn 1

then Sn =
a
+
(
dr 1 − rn− 1 ) a + (n − 1) d rn
  ,r1
1−r ( 1 − r) 1−r
2

(b) Sum to Infinity

a dr
If 0 < |r| < 1 and n → , then lim rn = 0, S = +
1−r (1 − r)
n→ 2

Example 12:
Find the sum of series 4 9x + 16x2 25x3 + 36x4 49x5 + ......... .
Solution:
Let S = 4 9x + 16x2 25x3 + 36x4 49x5 + ......... 
Sx = 4x + 9x2 16x3 + 25x4 36x5 + .......... 
On subtraction, we get
S(1 + x) = 4 5x + 7x2 9x3 + 11x4 13x5 +........ 
S(1 + x)x = 4x + 5x2 7x3 + 9x4 11x5 +........ 
On subtraction, we get
S(1 + x)2 = 4 x +2x2 2x3 + 2x4 2x5 +........ 
2x2 4 + 3x + x2
=4 x + 2x2 (1 x + x2 ..........) = 4 x+ =
1+ x 1+ x
4 + 3x + x2
S= Ans.
( 1 + x)
3

Example 13:
2 3
 2n + 1   2n + 1   2n + 1 
Find the sum of series upto n terms   + 3  + 5  +.......
 2n − 1   2n − 1   2n − 1 
Solution:
For x  1, let

S = x + 3x2 + 5x3 + ....... + (2n 3)xn 1

+ (2n 1)xn ....... (i)

 xS = x2 + 3x3 + ....... + (2n 5)xn 1

+ (2n 3)xn + (2n 1)xn+1 ....... (ii)

Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get

(1 x)S = x +2x + 2x + ......... + 2x

2 3 n 1
+ 2x n
(2n 1)xn+1
=x+
(
2x2 1 − xn− 1 ) (2n 1)xn+1
1− x
x
= [1 x + 2x 2xn (2n 1)xn + (2n 1)xn+1]
1− x
x
 S= [(2n 1)xn+1 (2n + 1)xn + 1 + x]
( 1 − x)
2

Sequence and Series 121

 2 n
 2n + 1   2n + 1   2n + 1 
Thus   + 3  + .............+ (2n 1)  
 2n − 1   2n − 1   2n − 1 

 2n + 1   2n − 1 
2
  2n + 1 
n+ 1
 2n + 1 
n
2n + 1 
=    (2n− 1)   − ( 2n + 1)   + 1+ 
 2n − 1   2    2n − 1   2n − 1  2n − 1 

4n2 − 1 4n
= . = n(2n + 1) Ans.
4 2n − 1

Concept Builders - 6

1 1
(i) Find sum to n terms of the series 3 + 5 × + 7 × 2 + ...........
4 4

44
(ii) If the sum to the infinity of the series 3 + 5r + 7r2 + ........ is , then find the value of r.
9

1 1 44
(iii) If the sum to infinity of the series 3 + (3 + d). + (3 + 2d). 2 + ...... is then find d.
4 4 9

Relation Between Means

(i) If A, G, H are respectively A.M., G.M., H.M. between a and b both being positive, then G² = AH
(i.e. A, G, H are in G.P.) and A  G  H.

Example 14:
8
The A.M. of two numbers exceeds the G.M. by 2 and the G.M. exceeds the H.M. by ; find the
5
numbers.
Solution:
Let the numbers be a and b, now using the relation
 8
G2 = AH = (G + 2)  G −   G = 8 ; A = 10
 5
i.e. ab = 64
also, a + b = 20
Hence the two numbers are 4 and 16.
A.M.  G.M.  H.M.
Let a1, a2, a3, .......an be n positive real numbers, then we define their
a1 + a2 + a3 + ....... + an
A.M. = , their
n
G.M. = (a1 a2 a3 .........an)1/n and their

122 Sequence and Series

 n
H.M. = .
1 1 1
+ + ....... +
a1 a2 an
It can be shown that A.M.  G.M.  H.M. and equality holds at either places iff a1 = a2 = a3 =...= an

Example 15:
ab bc ca
If a, b, c > 0, prove that 2
+ 2
+ 3
c a b2
Solution:
Using the relation A.M.  G.M. we have
ab bc ca
+ + 1
c 2 a2 b2   ab . bc . ca  3  ab + bc + ca 3
 2 2 2
3 c a b  c2 a2 b2

Example 16:
1 1 1 1
If ai > 0  i = 1, 2, 3, ....... prove that (a1 + a2 + a3 .... + an)  + + ..... +   n2
 a1 a2 a3 an 

Solution:
Using the relation A.M.  H.M.
a1 + a2 + a3 ....... + an n

n 1 1 1 1
+ + ..... +
a1 a2 a3 an

1 1 1 1
 (a1 + a2 + a3 .... + an)  + + ..... +   n2
 1
a a 2 a 3 an 

Example 17:
 1 1  1 1   1 1 
If x, y, z are positive then prove that (x + y)(y + z)(z + x)  +  +   +   64
 x y  y z   z x 
Solution:
Using the relation A.M.  H.M.
x+y 2  1 1
  (x + y)  +   4 .... (i)
2 1 1 x y
+
x y

 1 1
similarly (y + z)  +   4 .... (ii)
y z
 1 1
(z + x)  4  +  .... (iii)
z x
 1 1  1 1   1 1 
by (i), (ii) and (iii) (x + y)(y + z)(z + x)  +  +   +   64
 x y  y z   z x 

Sequence and Series 123

 Example 18:
If n > 0, prove that 2n > 1 + n 2n −1
Solution:
Using the relation A.M.  G.M. on the numbers 1, 2, 22, 23, ..........., 2n 1, we have
1 + 2 + 22 + ....... + 2n−1
> (1.2. 22. 23. ......... .2n 1)1/n
n
Equality does not hold as all the numbers are not equal.
1
2n − 1  (n −1) n  n (n −1) (n −1)
 > n 2 2   2n 1>n 2 2
 2n > 1 + n 2 2
.
2 −1  

Example 19:
If x, y, z is positive and x + y + z = 7 then find greatest value of x2 y3 z2.
Solution:
Using the relation A.M.  G.M.
x x y y y z z
+ + + + + +
1

2 2 3 3 3 2 2   x . y . z 7
2 3 2

 
7  4 27 4 
1
 x 2 y3 z2  7
 1  . .   432  x2 y3 z2
 4 27 4 

Concept Builders - 7

(i) If a, b, c are real and distinct, then show that a2 (1 + b2) + b2 (1 + c2) + c2 (1 + a2) > 6abc

(ii) Prove that 2.4.6.8.......2n < (n + 1)n. (n  N)

bcd cda dab abc

(iii) If a, b, c, d are positive real numbers prove that + 2 + 2 + 2 >a+b+c+d
a2 b c d

(iv) If x6 12x5 + ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + 64 = 0 has positive roots then find a, b, c, d,

(v) If a, b > 0, prove that [(1 + a) (1 + b)]3 > 33 a2 b2

Sigma Notations ()

Theorems
n n n
(a)  ( ar  br ) = a ± b
r r
r=1 r=1 r=1

n n n
(b)  kar = k  ar (c)  k = nk ; where k is a constant.
r=1 r=1 r=1

124 Sequence and Series

Results
n n (n + 1)
(a) r =
r=1 2
(sum of the first n natural numbers)

n n (n + 1)(2n + 1)
(b) r
r=1
2
=
6
(sum of the squares of the first n natural numbers)

n2 (n + 1)
2 2
n
n 
(c) r = 3
=   r  (sum of the cubes of the first n natural numbers)
r=1 4  r=1 
n
n
(d) r
r=1
4
=
30
(n + 1)(2n + 1)(3n2 + 3n 1)
n
(e)  (2r − 1)
r=1
= n2(sum of first n odd natural numbers)
n
(f)  2r
r=1
= n(n + 1)(sum of first n even natural numbers)

Note: If nth term of a sequence is given by Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d where a, b, c, d are constants, then
sum of n terms Sn = Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d
This can be evaluated using the above results.

Example 20:
13 13 + 23 13 + 23 + 33
Sum up to 16 terms of the series + + + ........is
1 1+ 3 1+ 3+5
(A) 450 (B) 456 (C) 446 (D) none of these
Solution:

n (n + 1) 
2

n2 (n + 1) (n + 1)
2 2
 
13 + 23 + 33 + ..... + n3  2  4 4 n2 n 1
tn = = = = = + +
1 + 3 + 5 + ... ( 2n − 1) n n2 n2 4 2 4
2

2 + 2 (n − 1) 
1 1 1 1 n (n + 1)(2n + 1) 1 n (n + 1) 1
 Sn =  tn = n + n +  =  +  + n
4 2 4 4 6 2 2 4
16.17.33 16.17 16
 S16 = + + = 446 Ans.(C)
24 4 4

Method of Difference
Sometimes the nth term of a sequence or a series cannot be determined by the method, we have
discussed earlier. So, we compute the difference between the successive terms of given sequence for
obtained the nth terms.
If T1, T2, T3,........,Tn are the terms of a sequence then sometimes the terms T2 T1, T3 T2,.......
constitute an A.P./G.P.. nth term of the series is determined and the sum to nth terms of the sequence
can easily be obtained.

Sequence and Series 125

 Case 1: (a) If difference series are in A.P., then
Let Tn = an2 + bn + c, where a, b, c are constant
(b) If difference of difference series are in A.P.
Let Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d, where a, b, c, d are constant
Case 2: (a) If difference are in G.P., then
Let Tn = arn + b, where r is common ratio and a, b are constant
(b) If difference of difference are in G.P., then
Let Tn = arn + bn + c, where r is common ratio and a, b, c are constant
Determine constant by putting n = 1, 2, 3 ....... n and putting the value of
T1, T2, T3 ...... and sum of series (Sn) =Tn

Concept Builders - 8

1+2 1+2+ 3 1+2+ 3+ 4

(i) Find the sum of the series upto n terms 1 + + + + ...........
2 3 4

(ii) Find the sum of 'n' terms of the series whose nth term is tn = 3n2 + 2n.

Miscellaneous Example

Example 21:
n
n n
1
If T
r=1
r
=
8
(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3), then find T .
r=1 r

Solution:

 Tn = Sn Sn 1

n n− 1 n (n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3) (n − 1)(n + 1)(n + 2) = n (n + 1)(n + 2) [(n + 3)

=  Tr −  Tr = (n 1)]
r=1 r=1 8 8 8
n (n + 1)(n + 2) n (n + 1)(n + 2)
Tn =
8
( 4) =
2


1
=
2
=
(n + 2 ) − n = 1 1
.......(i)
Tn n (n + 1)(n + 2 ) n (n + 1)(n + 2 ) n (n + 1) ( )(n + 2)
n + 1

1
Let Vn =
n (n + 1)

1
 = Vn Vn+1
Tn
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, .... n
1 1 1 1 n
1 n2 + 3n
 + +
T1 T2 T3
+  +
Tn
= (V1 Vn+1)  T
r=1
=
2 (n + 1)(n + 2 )
r

126 Sequence and Series

Example 22:
Find the sum of n terms of the series 1 . 3 . 5 + 3 . 5 . 7 + 5 . 7 . 9 + .......
Solution:
The nth term is (2n 1)(2n + 1)(2n + 3)
Tn = (2n 1) (2n + 1) (2n + 3)
1
Tn = (2n 1) (2n + 1) (2n + 3) {(2n + 5) (2n 3)}
8
1
= (Vn Vn 1) [Let Vn = (2n 1) (2n + 1) (2n + 3) (2n + 5)]
8
1
Sn = Tn= [Vn V0]
8

 Sn =
(2n − 1)(2n + 1)(2n + 3)(2n + 5) +
15
= n (2n3 + 8n2 + 7n 2) Ans.
8 8

Example 23:
Find the sum of n terms of the series 3 + 7 + 14 + 24 + 37 + ..........
Solution:
Clearly here the differences between the successive terms are
7 3, 14 7, 24 14, ........ i.e. 4, 7, 10, 13, ........., which are in A.P.
Let S = 3 + 7 + 14 + 24 + ........ + Tn
S = 3 + 7 + 14 + ....... + Tn 1 + Tn
Subtracting, we get
0 = 3 + [4 + 7 + 10 + 13 +........ (n 1) terms] Tn
 Tn = 3 + Sn 1 of an A.P. whose a = 4 and d = 3.

n − 1 6 + (n − 1)( 3n + 2) 1
 Tn = 3 +   (2.4 (n 2)3) = or, Tn = (3n2 n + 4)
 2  4 2

Now putting n = 1, 2, 3 ,........, n and adding

1
Sn = [3n2 n + 4n]
2

1  n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) n(n+ 1)  n
= 3 − + 4n = (n2 + n + 4) Ans.
2  6 2  2


Aliter Method
Let Tn = an2 + bn + c
Now, T1 = 3 = a + b + c .... (i)
T2 = 7 = 4a + 2b + c .... (ii)
T3 = 14 = 8a + 3 b + c .... (iii)
Solving (i), (ii) and (iii) we get

Sequence and Series 127

 3 1
a= ,b= and c = 2
2 2

1
 Tn = (3n2 n + 4)
2

1 1  n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) n (n + 1)  n
 sn = Tn = [3n2 n + 4n] = 3 − + 4n = (n2 + n + 4) Ans.
2 2  6 2  2


Example 24:

Find the sum of n-terms of the series 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 + ......

Solution:

Let S = 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 +.......+ Tn ........ (i)

S = 1 + 4 + 10 + ....... + Tn 1 + Tn ........ (ii)

(i) (ii)  Tn = 1 + (3 + 6 + 12 + ........ + Tn Tn 1 )

 2n− 1 − 1 
Tn = 1 + 3  
 2−1 
Tn = 3 . 2n 1 2

So, Sn = Tn = 32n 1

2
 2 − 1
n
=3   2n = 3.2
n
2n 3 Ans.
 2−1 
Aliter Method
Let Tn = arn + b, where r = 2
Now T1 = 1 = ar + b .... (i)
T2 = 4 = ar2 + b .... (ii)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get
3
a= ,b= 2
2
 Tn = 3.2n 1
2  Sn = Tn = 32n 1
2
 2n − 1 
= 3  2n = 3.2
n
2n 3 Ans.
 2 − 1 

Example 25:
The series of natural numbers is divided into groups (1), (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) ....... and so on.
Show that the sum of the numbers in nth group is n3 + (n 1)3
Solution:
The groups are (1), (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) .......
The number of terms in the groups are 1, 3, 5......
 The number of terms in the nth group = (2n 1)
the last term of the n group is n th 2

128 Sequence and Series

 If we count from last term common difference should be 1
 2n − 1 
So the sum of numbers in the nth group =   {2n + (2n
2
2)( 1)}
 2 
= (2n 1)(n2 n + 1) = 2n3 3n2 + 3n 1 = n3 + (n 1)3

Example 26:
n
Find the natural number 'a' for which  f(a+ k)
k=1
= 16(2n 1), where the function f satisfied

f(x + y) = f(x). f(y) for all natural number x, y and further f(1) = 2.
Solution:
It is given that
f (x + y) = f (x) f (y) and f (1) = 2
f (1+1) =f (1) f (1)
 f(2) = 22, f(1+2) = f (1) f (2)  f(3) = 23, f(2 + 2) = f(2) f (2)  f(4) = 24
Similarly, f(k) = 2k and f (a) = 2a
n n n
Hence,  f(a + k) =  f(a) f(k) = f (a)  f(k) = 20a{21 + 22 + ......... + 2n}
k=1 k=1 k=1

(
 2 2n − 1

= 2a 
) 
 = 2 (2n 1)
a+1

 2 − 1 
n
But  f (a + k) = 16 (2n
k=1
1)

2a+1 (2n 1) = 16 (2n 1)

 2a+1= 24
 a+1 = 4 a = 3 Ans.

Important Results
 n − 1   n 
sin  +     sin  
  2    2 
(ix) sin + sin ( +) + sin ( +2) +... sin ( + n − 1 ) =

sin  
2
 n − 1   n 
cos  +     sin  
  2    2 
(x) cos + cos ( +) + cos ( + 2) + .... + cos( + n − 1 ) =

sin  
2

Concept Builders - 9

 3 5
Evaluate sin + sin + sin + ......... to n terms
n n n

Sequence and Series 129

 Miscellaneous Example

Example 27:
Prove that
tan + 2 tan2 + 22 tan2 + ...... + 2n 1 tan 2n 1 + 2n cot 2n = cot
Solution:
We know tan  = cot  2 cot 2 ...... (i)
Putting  = , 2, 22, ..............in (i), we get
tan = (cot  2 cot 2)
2 (tan 2) = 2(cot 2 2 cot 22)
22 (tan 22) = 22 (cot 22 2 cot 23)
..........................................................
2n 1 (tan 2n 1) = 2n 1 (cot 2n 1 2 cot 2n)
Adding,
tan + 2 tan2 + 22 tan2 + ...... + 2n 1 tan 2n 1 = cot 2n cot 2n
 tan + 2 tan2 + 22 tan2 + ...... + 2n 1 tan 2n 1 + 2n cot 2n = cot 

130 Sequence and Series

 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

2 4 8 16 2 4 2 4
1. (i) (a) , , , ,........, (b) , , , ,......... (iii) (p + q)
1 2 3 4 3 9 27 81

2. (i) 900 (ii) 14

3. (i) 931 (ii) 45 (iv) 4, 12, 36 (v) C

1
4. (i) 2 (ii) 15 5. (i)
2

8  1   2n + 1  1
6. (i) 4+  1 − n− 1   n− 1 
(ii) (iii) 2
9  4  3 4  4

7. (iv) a = 60, b = 160, c = 240, d = 192

n(n+ 3) n(n+ 1)(2n+ 3)

8. (i) (ii) 9. 0
4 2

Sequence and Series 131

 Objective Exercise - I

1. If a1, a2, a3,...., an,..... are in A.P. such that a4 a7+ a10= m, then the sum of first 13 terms of this
A.P., is:
(A) 15 m (B) 10 m (C) 12 m (D) 13 m

a 1 + a2 + ..... + ap p3 a
2. Let a1, a2, a3, ... be an A.P. such that = ; p  q. Then 6 is equal to:
a 1 + a2 + a3 + .....aq q3
a 21
121 11 121 41
(A) (B) (C) (D)
1861 41 1681 11

3. Given sum of the first n terms of an A. P. is 2n + 3n2. Another A. P. is formed with the same
first term and double of the common difference, the sum of n terms of the new A. P. is:
(A) n + 4n2 (B) n2+ 4n (C) 3n + 2n2 (D) 6n2 n

4. If a, b, c are in A.P., then (a c)2equals:

(A) 4(b2 ac) (B) 4(b2 + ac) (C) 4b2 ac (D) b2 4ac

5. If the sum of n terms of an A.P. is Pn + Qn2, where P, Q are constants, then its common
difference is:
(A) 2Q (B) P + Q (C) 2P (D) P Q

6. If the sum of the first 11 terms of an arithmetic progression equals that of the first 19 terms,

then the sum of its first 30 terms, is:

(A) equal to 0 (B) equal to 1

(C) equal to 1 (D) non-unique

7. The first term of an infinite G.P. is 1 and every term is equal to the sum of the successive terms,
then its fourth term will be-
1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 8 4 16

  

 ( xy )
n
8. If a =  xn ,b =
n=0
 yn , c =
n=0 n=0
where |x|, |y| < 1; then-

(A) abc = a + b + c (B) ab + bc = ac + b (C) ac + bc = ab + c (D) ab + ac = bc + a

a a b b c c
9. If r > 1 and x = a + + 2 + ...... to  , y = b + 2 ... to  and z = c + + +.....to ,
r r r r r2 r 4
xy
then =
z
ab ac bc
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
c b a

132 Sequence and Series

10. In a G.P., first term is 1. If 4T2+ 5T3is minimum, then its common ratio is
 2 3 3
(A) (B) − (C) (D) −
5 5 5 5

  
11. If x = a
n=0
n
,y= b
n=0
n
,z= c
n=0
n
where a, b, c are in A.P. and |a| < 1, |b| < 1, |c| < 1, then x, y, z are

in:
(A) H.P. (B) Arithmetic - Geometric Progression
(C) A.P. (D) G.P.

12. The sum of the first three terms of an increasing G.P. is 21 and the sum of their squares is 189.
Then the sum of its first n terms is
 1   1 
(A) 3(2n 1) (B) 12  1 − n  (C) 6  1 − n  (D) 6(2n 1)
 2   2 

13. Let the positive numbers a, b, c, d be in A.P. Then abc, abd, acd, bcd are:
(A) not in A.P./G.P./H.P. (B) in A.P.
(C) in G.P. (D) in H.P.

1 1
14. If 3 + (3 + d) + 2 (3 + 2d) +...... + up to  = 8, then the value of d is :
4 4
(A) 9 (B) 5 (C) 1 (D) 4

15. Let 'n' Arithmetic Means and 'n' Harmonic Means are inserted between two positive number 'a'
and 'b'. If sum of all Arithmetic Means is equal to sum of reciprocal all Harmonic means, then
product of numbers is
1
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) (D) 3
2

16. Let a1 , a2 a3 ........ be in A.P. and h1, h2, h3,...... in H.P. If a1 = 2 = h1 and a30 = 25 = h30 then
(a7 h24 + a14 h17 ) equal to :
(A) 50 (B) 100 (C) 200 (D) 400

a −b
17. If a, b, c are in H.P., then is equal to:
b−c
a b a c
(A) (B) (C) (D)
b a c b

b+a b+c
18. If a, b, c are distinct positive real in H.P., then the value of the expression, + is equal
b−a b−c
to
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

Sequence and Series 133

 19. If A, G and H are respectively the A.M., G.M. and H.M. of three positive numbers a, b, and c, then
the equation whose roots are a, b, and c is given by :
(A) x3 − 3 Ax2 + 3 G3x − G3 = 0 (B) x3 − 3 Ax2 + 3 (G3/H)x − G3 = 0
(C) x3 + 3 Ax2 + 3 (G3/H) x − G3 = 0 (D) x3 − 3 Ax2 − 3 (G3/H) x + G3 = 0

20. If a, b, c, d are positive real numbers such that a + b + c + d = 2, then M = (a + b) (c + d) satisfies

the relation:
(A) 0  M  1 (B) 1  M  2 (C) 2  M  3 (D) 3  M  4

21. If a + b + c = 3 and a > 0, b > 0, c > 0, the greatest value of a2b3c2.

310.24 39.24 39.25 310.25
(A) (B) (C) (D)
77 77 77 77

22. If P, Q be the A.M., G.M. respectively between any two rational numbers a and b, then P Q is
equal to
2
a−b a+b 2ab  a− b
(A) (B) (C) (D)  
a 2 a+b  2 


k 2

23. For which positive integers n is the ratio, k=1

n
an integer?
k
k=1

(A) odd n only (B) even n only

(C) n = 1 + 6k only, where k  0 and k  I (D) n = 1 + 3k, integer k  0

24. The value of 12 + 32 + 52 + ...........+ 252 is:

(A) 1728 (B) 1456 (C) 2925 (D) 1469

25. The sum of the series : (2)2+ 2(4)2+ 3(6)2+... up to 10 terms is :

(A) 11300 (B) 12100
(C) 12300 (D) 11200

26. If S = 12 + 32 + 52 + ....... + (99)2then the value of the sum 22+ 42+ 62+ ....... + (100)2is
(A) S + 2550 (B) 2S (C) 4S (D) S + 5050

n
1
27. The value of 
r =1 a + r x + a + (r − 1) x
is

n n a + nx − a a + a+n x
(A) (B) (C) (D)
a + a + nx a − a + nx 2x x

134 Sequence and Series

28. 2 + 4 + 7 + 11 + 16 + ........... to n terms =
1 2 n 2 1 2 n 2
(A) (n + 3n + 8) (B) (n + 3n + 8) (C) (n 3n + 8) (D) (n 3n + 8)
6 6 6 6

1 1 1 3 5 2n − 1
29. If Hn = 1 + + + ...........+ , then value of 1 + + + ......... + is
2 3 n 2 3 n
(A) 2n Hn (B) 2n + Hn (C) Hn 2n (D) Hn + n

30. Statement 1 : The sum of the first 30 terms of the sequence 1,2,4,7,11,16, 22,...... is 4520.
Statement 2 : If the successive differences of the terms of a sequence form an A.P., then general
term of sequence is of the form an2 + bn + c.
(A) STATEMENT-1 is true, STATEMENT-2 is true and STATEMENT-2 is correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is true, STATEMENT-2 is true and STATEMENT-2 is not correct explanation
for STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is true, STATEMENT-2 is false
(D) STATEMENT-1 is false, STATEMENT-2 is true

1 1
31. The sum of the series : 1 + + + .... up to 10 terms, is:
1+2 1+2+ 3
22 18 20 16
(A) (B) (C) (D)
13 11 11 9

3 5 7
32. The sum + 2 + 2 +...... up to 11-terms is:
12
1 +22
1 + 22 + 32
11 60 7 11
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 11 2 2

ANSWER KEY

1. (A) 2. (B) 3. (D) 4. (A) 5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (D)

8. (C) 9. (A) 10. (B) 11. (A) 12. (A) 13. (D) 14. (A)

15. (A) 16. (B) 17. (C) 18. (B) 19. (B) 20. (A) 21. (A)

22. (D) 23. (D) 24. (C) 25. (B) 26. (D) 27. (A) 28. (B)

29. (A) 30. (D) 31. (C) 32. (D)

Sequence and Series 135

 Objective Exercise - II

Single Correct Type Questions

1. Along a road lies an odd number of stones placed at intervals of 10 m. These stones have to be
assembled around the middle stone. A person can carry only one stone at a time. A man carried
out the job starting with the stone in the middle, carrying stones in succession, thereby covering
a distance of 4.8 km. Then the number of stones is:
(A) 15 (B) 29 (C) 31 (D) 35

2. In an A.P. with first term 'a' and the common difference d (a, d  0), the ratio '' of the sum of
a
the first n terms to sum of n terms succeeding them does not depend on n. Then the ratio
d
and the ratio '', respectively are:
1 1 1 1 1 1
(A) , (B) 2, (C) , (D) ,2
2 4 3 2 3 2

3. The arithmetic means of the nine numbers in the given set {9, 99, 999, .......999999999} is a
9-digit number N, all whose digits are distinct. The number N does not contain the digit:
(A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 5 (D) 9

4. If for an A.P. a1, a2, a3,...., an,...., a1 + a3 + a5 = 12 and a1a2a3 = 8 then the value of a2 + a4 + a6 equals:
(A) 12 (B) 16 (C) 18 (D) 21

5. Given a sequence of 4 numbers, first three of which are in G.P. and the last three are in A.P.
with common difference six. If first and last terms of this sequence are equal, then the last
term is:
(A) 8 (B) 16 (C) 2 (D) 4

1 1
6. If G be the GM between x and y, then the value of + 2 is equal to
G −x
2 2
G − y2
2 
(A) G2 (B) (C) (D) 3G2
G2 G2

7. An H.M. is inserted between the number 1/3 and an unknown number. If we diminish the
reciprocal of the inserted number by 6, it is the G.M. of the reciprocal of 1/3 and that of the
unknown number. If all the terms of the respective H.P. are distinct then:
(A) the unknown number is 27 (B) the unknown number is 1/27
(C) the H.M. is 15 (D) the G.M. is 21

8. If x  R, the numbers (51+x + 51 x), a/2, (25x + 25 x) form an A.P. then 'a' must lie in the interval:
(A) [1, 5] (B) [2, 5] (C) [5, 12] (D) [12, )

9. Let s1, s2, s3....... and t1, t1, t3....... are two arithmetic sequences such that s1 = t1  0; s2 = 2t2 and
10 15
s − s1
i= 1
si =  ti . Then the value of 2
i= 1 t2 − t 1
is:

(A) 8/3 (B) 3/2 (C) 19/8 (D) 2

136 Sequence and Series

 1 + 3 + 5 + ....upto n terms 20
10. If =
4 + 7 + 10 + ......upto n terms 7log 10 x
1 1 1
and n = log10 x + log10 x 2 + log10 x 4 + log10 x 8 + ....... + , then x is equal to:
(A) 103 (B) 105 (C) 106 (D) 107

11. Let an, n  N is an A.P. with common difference 'd' and all whose terms are non-zero. If n
1 1 1
approaches infinity, then the sum + + .......+ will approach:
a 1a 2 a 2a 3 a na n + 1

1 2 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) a1d
a 1d a 1d 2a 1d

12. If a  1 and n a2+ (n a2)2+ (n a2)3 + ....... = 3(n a + (n a)2 + (n a)3 + (n a)4 + .....). then 'a' is

equal to:
(A) e1/5 (B) e (C) 3
e (D) 4
e

y
13. If sin(x y), sin x and sin (x + y) are in H.P., then sinx. sec =
2

(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) 2

One or More than One Correct Type Questions

14. If 1, logy x, logz y, 15 logx z are in A.P., then
(A) z3 = x (B) x = y 1 (C) z 3 =y (D) x = y 1 = z3

15. If a1, a2, ......., an are distinct terms of an A.P., then

(A) a1+ 2a2 + a3 = 0 (B) a1 − 2a2 + a3 = 0
(C) a1 + 3a2 − 3a3 − a4 = 0 (D) a1 − 4a2 + 6a3 − 4a4 + a5 = 0

16. First three terms of the sequence 1/16, a, b, 1/6 are in geometric series and last three terms are
in harmonic series if
1 1 1 1
(A) a = ,b= (B) a = ,b=
9 12 12 9
1 1
(C) a = 1, b = − (D) a = − ,b=1
4 4

17. Which of the following numbers is/are composite

(A)1111......1 (91 digits) (B)1111......1 (81 digits)
(C)1111......1 (75 digits) (D)1111......1 (105 digits)

Sequence and Series 137

 18. Three numbers a, b, c between 2 and 18 are such that
(i) their sum is 25 (ii) the numbers 2, a, b, are in A.P.
(iii) the number b, c, 18 are in G.P.
then which of the following options are correct.
(A) a = 5 (B) b = 8 (C) b + c = 20 (D) a + b + c = 25

19. Consider an infinite geometric series with first term 'a' and common ratio r. If the sum is 4 and
the second term is 3/4, then:
7 3 3 3 1 1
(A) a = , r = (B) a = 2, r = (C) a = , r = (D) a = 3, r =
4 7 8 2 2 4

 1   1 
20. For the series 2 +  2 +

 +  (2 2 − 1) +  +  3 2 – 2 +
2  2 
1 
2 2
 + .....( )
 
( )
n −1
 2n / 2 − 1 
(A) Sn = (
2 2 + n − 1 −n +  ) n −1 
 1 2
(B) Tn = 2 2 + n − 1 −n +   ( )
 2 − 1 2 2 
 (
 ) 2

 
 (2n/2
−1 )

(C) Sn =
n
(3 + (n − 1) 2 −n + ) n −1 
(D) Sn =
n
(3 + (n − 1) 2 −n +)
2 
 ( )
2 − 1 2 2 

2

p
1 S 2p
21. If ak ak 1 + ak 1 ak 2 = 2ak ak 2
, k  3 and a1 = 1, here Sp = a
k =1
and given that
Sp
does not depend
k

1
on p then may be
a 2016
(A) 4031 (B) 1 (C) 2016 (D) 2017/2

n
a k +1
22. If
ak
is constant for every k  1. If n > m  an > am and a1 + an = 66, a2an 1 = 128 and a
i =1
i = 126

then
a k +1 a k +1
(A) n = 6 (B) n = 5 (C) =2 (D) =4
ak ak

23. The sides of a right triangle form a G.P. The tangent of the smallest angle is
5 +1 5 −1 2 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 5 + 1 5 − 1

24. If b1, b2, b3 (bi > 0) are three successive terms of a G.P. with common ratio r, the value of r for
which the inequality b3 > 4b2 3b1 holds is given by
(A) r > 3 (B) 0 < r < 1 (C) r = 3.5 (D) r = 5.2

25. If a satisfies the equation a2017 2a + 1 = 0 and S = 1 + a + a2 + ..... + a2016. then possible value(s)
of S is/are
(A) 2016 (B) 2018 (C) 2017 (D) 2

138 Sequence and Series

26. Let a, x, b be in A.P; a, y, b be in G.P and a, z, b be in H.P. If x = y + 2 and a = 5z, then

(A) y2 = xz (B) x > y > z (C) a = 9, b = 1 (D) a = 1/4, b = 9/4

27. Which of the following is/are TRUE

(A) Equal numbers are always in A.P. , G.P. and H.P.

b b b
(B) If a, b, c be in H.P., then a − , ,c− will be in A.P.
2 2 2
(C) If G1 and G2 are two geometric means and A is the arithmetic mean inserted between two

G12 G22
positive numbers, then the value of + is 2A.
G2 G1

(D)Let general term of a G.P. (with positive terms) with common ratio r be Tk + 1 and general term

of another G.P. (with positive terms) with common ratio r be Tk + 1, then the series whose

general term Tk + 1 = Tk + 1 + Tk + 1 is also a G.P. with common ratio r.

28. If the arithmetic means of two positive numbers a and b (a > b) is twice their geometric mean,
then a: b is:

(A) 2 + 3 : 2 − 3 (B) 7 + 4 3 : 1 (C) 1: 7 − 4 3 (D) 2: 3

n
29. If  r(r + 1)
r =1
(2r + 3) = an4 + bn3 + cn2 + dn + e, then

(A) a + c = b + d (B) e = 0

(C) a, b 2/3, c 1 are in A.P. (D) c/a is an integer

30. The roots of the equation x4 8x3 + ax2 bx + 16 = 0, are positive, if

(A) a = 24 (B) a = 12 (C) b = 8 (D) b = 32

31. Let a1, a2, a3....... and b1, b2, b3...... be arithmetic progressions such that

a1 = 25, b1 = 75 and a100 + b100 = 100. Then which of the following is true.

(A) the difference between successive terms in progression 'a' is opposite of the difference in
progression 'b'.

(B) an+ bn= 100 for any n.

(C) (a1 + b1), (a2 + b2), (a3 + b3), ....... are in A.P.
100
(D)  (a
r=1
r
+ br ) = 10000

Sequence and Series 139

 Comprehension Type Questions
Comprehension (Q.32 and 33)
In a sequence of (4n + 1) terms the first (2n + 1) terms are in A.P. whose common difference is
2, and the last (2n + 1) terms are in G.P. whose common ratio 0.5. If the middle terms of the
A.P. and G.P. are equal, then
32. Middle term of the sequence is
n . 2n + 1 n . 2n + 1
(A) (B) (C) n . 2n (D) None of these
2n − 1 22n − 1

33. First term of the sequence is

4n + 2n . 2n 4n − 2n . 2n 2n − n . 2n 2n + n . 2n
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2n − 1 2n − 1 2n − 1 2n − 1

Comprehension (Q.34 to 36)

Let  Tn = Tn+1
1
Tn,  Tn =  Tn+1
2 1
 Tn, 3Tn = 2Tn+1 2Tn, ........ , and so on, where T1, T2, T3
1
n 1, Tn,

Tn+1 first term is a natural number and common ratio is equal

to 'r'.

34. If 2 T1 = 36, then sum of all possible integral values of r is equal to :

(A) 8 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 2

T
7 p
35. Let n = and r = then sum of squares of all possible value of p is equal to :
n =1
3 7
(A) 42 (B) 46 (C) 45 (D) 30

36. If 7 Tn = 3 Tn , then 'r' equal to

(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 7 (D) 2

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (C) 7. (B)

8. (D) 9. (C) 10. (B) 11. (A) 12. (D) 13. (B) 14. (ABCD)

15. (BD) 16. (BD) 17. (ABCD) 18. (ABCD) 19. (D) 20. (BC) 21. (AB)

22. (AC) 23. (BC) 24. (ABCD) 25. (CD) 26. (ABC) 27. (CD) 28. (ABC)

29. (ABCD) 30. (AD) 31. (ABCD) 32. (A) 33. (B) 34. (A) 35. (B)

36. (A)

140 Sequence and Series

 Subjective Exercise - I

1. (i) The sum of n terms of two arithmetic series are in the ratio of (7n + 1) : (4n + 27). Find
the ratio of their nth term.

(ii) In an A.P. of which 'a' is the Ist term, if the sum of the Ist p terms is equal to zero, show
 aq (p + q) 
that the sum of the next q terms is  
 p−1 
 

2. The interior angles of a convex polygon form an arithmetic progression with a common
difference of 4°. Determine the number of sides of the polygon if its largest interior angle is
172°.

3. There are n AM's between 1 and 31 such that 7th mean: (n 1)th mean = 5 : 9, then find the
value of n.

359
4. Find the value of the sum  k.cosk .
k =0

5. The first term of an arithmetic progression is 1 and the sum of the first nine terms equal to
369. The first and the ninth term of a geometric progression coincide with the first and the
ninth term of the arithmetic progression. Find the seventh term of the geometric progression.

6. The sequence a1, a2, a3, ....... a98 satisfies the relation an+1 = an + 1 for n = 1, 2, 3, .........97 and has
49
the sum equal to 4949. Evaluate a
k=1
2k
.


1
7. For an increasing G.P. a1,a2,a3........., an, if a6 = 4a4, a9 a7 = 192, then the value of a
i= 1
is
i

8. In a set of four numbers, the first three are in G.P. and the last three are in A.P. with common
difference 6. If the first number is the same as the fourth, find the four numbers.

9. Find three numbers a, b, c between 2 and 18 such that;

(i) their sum is 25
(ii) the numbers 2, a, b are consecutive terms of an A.P. and
(iii) the numbers b, c, 18 are consecutive terms of a G.P.

Sequence and Series 141

 10. If the 10th term of an H.P. is 21 and 21stterm of the same H.P. is 10, then find the 210th term.

11. The pth term Tp of H.P. is q(p + q) and qth term Tq is p(p + q) when p > 2, q > 2. Prove that
(a) Tp+q = pq; (b) Tpq = p + q; (c) Tp+q > Tpq

12. (a) The harmonic mean of two numbers is 4. The arithmetic mean A and the geometric
mean G satisfy the relation 2A + G2 = 27. Find the two numbers.
(b) The AM of two numbers exceeds their GM by 15 and HM by 27. Find the numbers.

13. Using the relation A.M.  G.M. prove that

(i) (x2y + y2z + z2x) (xy2 + yz2 + zx2)  9x2 y2 z2. (x, y, z are positive real number)
(ii) (a + b) . (b + c) . (c + a)  abc ; if a, b, c are positive real numbers

x100
14. If x > 0, then find greatest value of the expression .
1 + x + x 2 + x3 + ..... + x 200

15. If a, b, c are positive real numbers and sides of the triangle, then prove that
(a + b + c)3  27 (a + b c) (c + a b) (b + c a)
(a + b + c)3  27 (a + b c) (c + a b) (b + c a)

16. If ai > 0 for all i = 1, 2, 3 ......... n then prove that

(1 + a1 + a21) (1 + a2 + a22) ......... (1 + an + a2n)  3n(a1 a2 a3 ...... an)

17. If A1, A2, A3, ........ A51 are arithmetic means inserted between the numbers a and b, then find the
 b + A51   A1 + a 
value of     .
 b − A51   A1 − a 

18. If number of coins earned in nth game is n2n+2 2n and total number of coins earned in first 10
games is 10(B.210 + 1), where B  N, then the value of B is:

19. Find the nth term and the sum to n terms of the sequence:
(i) 1 + 5 + 13 + 29 + 61 +...... (ii) 6 + 13 + 22 + 33 +........

20. Sum the following series to n terms and to infinity:

1 1 1 n
(i) +
1.4.7 4.7.10
+
7.10.13
+ ....... (ii) 
r=1
r(r + 1)(r + 2)(r + 3)

n
1
(iii)  4r
r=1
2
−1

142 Sequence and Series

 ANSWER KEY

1. (i) (14n 6)/(8n + 23) 2. 12 3. n = 14 4. 180 5. 27

6. 2499 7. 2 8. (8, 4, 2, 8) 9. a = 5, b = 8, c = 12

1
10. 1 12. (a) 6,3 (b) 120, 30 14. 17. 102 18. 7
201

19. (i) 2n+1 3 ; 2n+2 4 3n (ii) n2+ 4n + 1 ; (1/6) n ( n +1) (2n + 13) + n

20. (i) Sn= (1/24) [ 1/ {6(3n + 1) (3n + 4)}] ; S= 1/24

(ii) (1/5) n (n +1) (n + 2) (n + 3) (n + 4) (iii) n/ (2n +1)

Sequence and Series 143

 Subjective Exercise - II

1. If the first 3 consecutive terms of a geometrical progression are the real roots of the equation
2x3 19x2 + 57x 54 = 0 find the sum to infinite number of terms of G.P.

1.3 3.5 5.7 7.9

2. Find the sum of the infinite series + 2 + 3 + 4 + .......
2 2 2 2

99
5100
3. Let S =  . Find [S]. Where [y] denotes largest integer less than or equal to y.
(25)
n
n= 1 + 5100

4. If 32sin2x 1, 14, 34 2sin2x

form first three terms of an A.P., then find the sum
1 + sin2x + sin 2x +... .
2

      
5. If tan  − x  , tan , tan  + x  in order are three consecutive terms of a G.P. then sum of
 12  12  12 
all the solutions in [0, 314] is k. Find the value of k.

6. If the roots of 10x3 cx2 54x 27 = 0 are in harmonic progression, then find c and all the roots.

7. In a G.P. the ratio of the sum of the first eleven terms to the sum of the last eleven terms is
1/8 and the ratio of the sum of all the terms without the first nine to the sum of all the terms
without the last nine is 2. Find the number of terms in the G.P..

8. In the quadratic equation A ( )

3 − 2 x2 +
B
x + C = 0 with , as its roots
( 3+ 2 )
8 6 16
If A = (49 + 20 6 )1/4; B = sum of the infinite G.P. as 8 3 + + + ....
3 3

( )
k
and | | = 6 6 where k = log610 2 log6 5 + log6 (log 6
18 + log 6 72) ,

then find the value of C.

9. If a, b, c, d, e be 5 numbers such that a, b, c are in A.P. ; b, c, d are in G.P. and c, d, e are in H.P.
then:
(i) Prove that a, c, e are in G.P..
(ii) Prove that e = (2b a)2 /a
(iii) If a = 2 and e = 18, find all possible values of b, c, d.

144 Sequence and Series

10. Prove that the average of the numbers n sin n°, n = 2,4,6,........., 180, is cot 1°.

11. If one AM 'a' and two GM's p and q be inserted between any two given numbers then show that
p3 + q3 = 2A.P.q.

1 2 3
12. Find the sum of the n terms of the sequence + + +.........
1+ 1 + 1
2 4
1+2 +2
24
1 + 3 + 34
2

88
1 cosk
13. Let k = 1°, then prove that  cosnk.cos(n + 1)k = sin
n=0
2
k

6
 (n − 1)   n  
14. If f() =  cosec   + 4 
 cosec   +
4
 , where 0 << , then find the minimum value of
2
n= 1   
f().

5
r 5
r 1   
15. Let x1 =  cos 11
and x2=  cos 11 , then show that x1.x2 = 64
 cosec − 1 , where  denotes
22 
r=1 r=1 
the continued product.

16. Prove that : tan  + 2 tan 2 + 4 tan 4 + 8 cot 8  = cot .

ANSWER KEY

27
1. 2. 23 3. 49 4. 2 5. 4950
2

6. C = 9 ; (3, 3/2, 3/5) 7. n = 38 8. 128

9. (iii) b = 4, c = 6, d = 9 or b = 2, c = 6, d = 18

n(n+ 1)
12. 14. 2 2
2(n2 + n+ 1)

Sequence and Series 145

 JEE-Main (Previous Year Questions)

1. The sum of first 20 terms of the sequence 0.7, 0.77, 0.777, ....., is: [AIEEE-2013]
7 7 7 7
(1) (179 10 20
) (2) (99 10 20
) (3) (179 + 10 20
) (4) (99 + 10 20
)
81 9 81 9

2. If (10)9 + 2(11)1 (10)8 + 3(11)2 (10)7 + . . . . . . . . + 10 (11)9 = k(10)9, then k is equal to

[JEE(Main)-2014]
121 441
(1) 100 (2) 110 (3) (4)
10 100

3. Three positive numbers form an increasing G.P. If the middle term in this G.P. is doubled, the
new numbers are in A.P. Then the common ratio of the G.P. is [JEE(Main)-2014]

(1) 2 3 (2) 2 + 3 (3) 2+ 3 (4) 3 + 2

4. If m is the A. M. of two distinct real numbers l and n(l, n > 1) and G1, G2 and G3 are three
geometric means between l and n, then G14 + 2 G24 + G34 equals: [JEE(Main)-2015]

(1) 4 l2 mm (2) 4 lm2 n (3) 4 lmn2 (4) 4 l2m2n2

13 13 + 23 13 + 23 + 33
5. The sum of first 9 terms of the series + + + ......... is:
1 1+ 3 1+ 3 + 5
[JEE(Main)-2015]
(1) 71 (2) 96 (3) 142 (4) 192

6. If the 2nd, 5th and 9th terms of a non-constant A.P. are in G.P., then the common ratio of this G.P.
is: [JEE(Main)-2016]
4 7 8
(1) (2) 1 (3) (4)
3 4 5

2 2 2 2
 3   2  1  4 16
7. If the sum of the first ten terms of the series  1  +  2  +  3  + 42 +  4  + ...... is m,
 5  5  5  5 5
then m is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2016]
(1) 101 (2) 100 (3) 99 (4) 102

8. For any three positive real numbers a, b and c, 9(25a2 + b2) + 25(c2 3ac) = 15b(3a + c), Then:
[JEE(Main)-2017]
(1) b, c and a are in G.P. (2) b, c and a are in A.P.
(3) a, b and c are in A.P. (4) a, b and c are in G.P.

146 Sequence and Series

9. Let a, b, c  R. If f(x) = ax2 + bx + c is such that a + b + c = 3 and f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + xy,
10
 x,y  R, then  f(n) is equal to:
n =1
[JEE(Main)-2017]

(1) 330 (2) 165 (3) 190 (4) 225

10. If, for a positive integer n, the quadratic equation, x(x + 1) + (x + 1)(x + 2) +.....+(x + n – 1 )
(x + n) = 10n has two consecutive integral solutions, then n is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2017]
(1) 12 (2) 9 (3) 10 (4) 11

12
11. Let a1, a2, a3, 49 be in A.P. such that a
k =0
4k +1 = 416 and a9 + a43 = 66.

If a + a + ...... + a
2
1
2
2
2
17 = 140 m , then m is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2018]
(1) 34 (2) 33 (3) 66 (4) 68

12. Let A be the sum of the first 20 terms and B be sum of the first 40 terms of the series
12+ 2.22 + 32 + 2.42 + 52 + 2. 62 + ... If B 2A = 100 , then  is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2018]
(1) 464 (2) 496 (3) 232 (4) 248

13. The sum of the following series

9(12 + 2 2 + 3 2 ) 12(12 + 2 2 + 3 2 + 4 2 ) 15(12 + 2 2 + ..... + 5 2 )
1+ 6 + + + +
7 9 11
[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 7510 (2) 7830 (3) 7520 (4) 7820

14. If 5, 5r, 5r2 are the lengths of the sides of a triangle, then r cannot be equal to:
[JEE(Main)-2019]
3 3 7 5
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 4 4 4

15. The sum of all two-digit positive numbers which when divided by 7 yield 2 or 5 as remainder is:
[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 1356 (2) 1256 (3) 1365 (4) 1465

16. Find greatest value of k for which 49k + 1 is factor of 1 + 49 + 492 (49)125
[JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 63 (2) 65 (3) 2 (4) 5

Sequence and Series 147

 17.
terms is: [JEE(Main)-2020]
21
(1) (2) 16 (3) 5 (4) 7
2

18. Let 3 + 4 + 8 + 9 [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 20 (2) 25 (3) 10 (4) 5

9
19. a1, a2, a3 9 are in G.P. where a1 < 0, a1 + a2 = 4, a3 + a4 = 16, if a
i =9
i
= 4, then  is equal to:

[JEE(Main)-2020]
511
(1) 513 (2) − (3) 171 (4) 171
3

20. If 21 x
+ 21+x, f(x), 3x + 3 x
are in A.P. then minimum value of f(x) is: [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4

20
21. Find the sum  ( 1 + 2 + 3 + .......... + k )
k=1
[JEE(Main)-2020]

1 1
22. For an A.P. T10 = ; T20 = Find sum of first 200 term. [JEE(Main)-2020]
20 10
1 1 1 1
(1) 201 (2) 101 (3) 301 (4) 100
2 2 2 2

7
n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
23. 
n= 1 4
is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2020]

1 1 1

24. 2 4 .4 16 8. 48 .................  = [JEE(Main)-2020]

1

(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 4

(4) 1

100 100 200

25. Let an is positive term of a G.P. and a
n= 1
2n + 1
= 200 , a
n= 1
2n
= 100 find a
n= 1
2n
[JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 300 (2) 150 (3) 175 (4) 225

26. Let A = {x : |x| < 2} and B = {x : |x 2|  3} then [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) A  B = [ 2, 1] (2) A  B = R (2, 5)
(3) A B = [ 1, 2) (4) B A=R ( 2, 5)

148 Sequence and Series

27.
[JEE(Main)-2020]

65
28. The sum of first four terms of a geometric progression (G.P.) is and the sum of their
12
65
respective reciprocals is . If the product of first three terms of the G.P. is 1, and the third
18
terms is , then 2 is : [JEE(Main)-2021]

29. Let A1, A2, A3  1, the length of the side of An equals the
length of diagonal of An + 1. If the length of A1 is 12 cm, then the smallest value of n for which
area of An is less than one, is : [JEE(Main)-2021]

2 7 12 17 22
30. The sum of the infinite series 1 + + + + + + .... is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2021]
3 32 33 34 35
9 15 13 11
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 4 4 4

31. If the arithmetic mean and geometric mean of the pth and qth terms of the sequence 16, 8, 4,
2
9x + 5 = 0, then p + q is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2021]

 18 
32. If 1, log10(4x 2) and log10  4x +  are in arithmetic progression for a real number x, then the
 5
 1
2  x −  x − 1 x2
 2 
value of the determinant 1 0 x is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2021]
x 1 0

1 1 1 1
33. + 2 + 2 + ... + is equal to [JEE(Main)-2021]
3 −1 5 −1 7 −1
2
(201)2 − 1
101 25 101 99
(1) (2) (3) (4)
404 101 408 400

34. The sum of all the elements in the set n  {1,2,.....,, 100 | H.C.F. of n and 2040 is 1} is equal
to ______. [JEE(Main)-2021]

35. Three numbers are in an increasing geometric progression with common ration r. If the middle
number is doubled, then the new numbers are in an arithmetic progression with common
difference d. If the fourth term of G.P. is 3r2, then r2 d is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2021]
(1) 7 7 3 (2) 7 + 3 (3) 7 3 (4) 7 + 3 3

Sequence and Series 149

 36. The greatest integer less than or equal to the sum of first 100 terms of the sequence
1 5 19 65
, , , ,...... is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2022]
3 9 27 81

37. The sum 1 + 2 · 3 + 3 · 32 + ..... +10 · 39 is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2022]

2  312 + 10 19  310 + 1 9  310 + 1
(1) (2) (3) 5 · 310 2 (4)
4 4 2

38. If a1(> 0), a2, a3, a4, a5 are in a G.P., a2 + a4 = 2a3 + 1 and 3a2 + a3 = 2a4, then a2 + a4 + 2a5 is
equal to ______. [JEE(Main)-2022]

6 12 20 30
39. Let S = 2 + + + + + ..... then 4 S is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2022]
7 72 73 74
2 3
7 73 7 72
(1)   (2) (3)   (4)
3 32 3 33

40. Let for n = 1, 2, ....., 50, Sn be the sum of the infinite geometric progression whose first term is
1 1 50
 2 
n2 and whose common ratio is . Then the value of +   Sn + − n − 1 is equal to :
(n + 1) 26 n= 1  n+ 1
2


[JEE(Main)-2022]

21
3
41. The sum  ( 4n − 1)( 4n + 3)
n= 1
is equal to : [JEE(Main)-2022]

7 7 14 21
(1) (2) (3) (4)
87 29 87 29

42. The series of positive multiples of 3 is divided into sets :

Then the sum of the elements in the 11th set is equal to ___________. [JEE(Main)-2022]

43. Different A.P.'s are constructed with the first term 100, the last term 199, And integral common
differences. The sum of the common differences of all such, A.P's having at least 3 terms and
at most 33 terms is : [JEE(Main)-2022]
6 10 20 40 10240
44. If + 11 + 10 + 9 + ....... = 2n  m, where m is odd, then m.n is equal to ________.
312
3 3 3 3
[JEE(Main)-2022]

1 1 1 1 k
45. If + + + .... + = , then 34 k is equal to ______.
23 4 3 45 456 100  101  102 101
[JEE(Main)-2022]

150 Sequence and Series

 ANSWER KEY

1. (3) 2. (1) 3. (2) 4. (2) 5. (2) 6. (1) 7. (1)

8. (2) 9. (1) 10. (4) 11. (1) 12. (4) 13. (4) 14. (3)

15. (1) 16. (1) 17. (2) 18. (1) 19. (3) 20. (3) 21. 1540

22. (4) 23. 504 24. (1) 25. (2) 26. (4) 27. 14 28. 3

29. 9 30. (3) 31. 10 32. 2 33. (2) 34. 1251 35. (2)

36. 98 37. (2) 38. 40 39. (3) 40. 41651 41. (2) 42. 6993

43. 53 44. 12 45. 286

Sequence and Series 151

 JEE-Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

4n k(k +1)
1. Let Sn =  (–1)
k =1
2
k2 . Then Sn can take value(s) [JEE(Advanced)-2013]

(A) 1056 (B) 1088 (C) 1120 (D) 1332

2. A pack contains n card numbered from 1 to n. Two consecutive numbered card are removed
from the pack and the sum of the numbers on the remaining cards is 1224. If the smaller of the
numbers on the removed cards is k, then k 20 = [JEE(Advanced)-2013]

b
3. Let a, b, c be positive integers such that is an integer. If a, b, c are in geometric progression
a
a2 + a – 14
and the arithmetic mean of a, b, c is b + 2, then the value of is:
a +1
[JEE(Advanced)-2014]

4. Suppose that all the terms of an arithmetic progression (A.P.) are natural numbers. If the ratio
of the sum of the first seven terms to the sum of the first eleven terms is 6 : 11 and the seventh
term lies in between 130 and 140, then the common difference of this A.P. is
[JEE(Advanced)-2014]

5. Let bi e b1,logeb2 e b101 are in Arithmetic progression (A.P.) with

the common difference loge 2. Suppose a1, a2 101 are in A.P. such that a1 = b1 and a51= b51. If
t = b1 + b2 51 and s = a1 + a2 51 , the [JEE(Advanced)-2016]
(A) s > t and a101 > b101 (B) s > t and a101 < b101
(C) s < t and a101 > b101 (D) s < t and a101 < b101

6. The sides of a right-angled triangle are in arithmetic progression. If the triangle has area 24,
then what is the length of its smallest side? [JEE(Advanced)-2017]

7.

the number of elements in the set X  Y is _____. [JEE(Advanced)-2018]

8. Let A.P. (a ; d) denote the set of all the terms of an infinite arithmetic progression with first
term a and common difference d > 0. If
A.P. (1; 3)  A.P.(2; 5)  A.P. (3; 7) = A.P.(a; d)
then a + d equals___ [JEE(Advanced)-2019]

152 Sequence and Series

9. Let a1, a2, a3, be a sequence of positive integers in arithmetic progression with common
difference 2. Also, let b1, b2, b3, be a sequence of positive integers in geometric progression
with common ratio 2. If a1 = b1 = c, then the number of all possible values of c, for which the
equality 2(a1 + a2 + a n ) = b1 + b 2 + + bn holds for some positive integer n, is ______
[JEE(Advanced)-2020]

10. Let l1, l2, 100 be consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression with common difference d 1,
and let w1, w2, 100 be consecutive terms of another arithmetic progression with common
difference d2, where d1d2 = 10. For each i = 1, 2, i be a rectangle with length li, width
wi and area Ai. If A51 A50 = 1000, then the value of A100 A90 is ____________.
[JEE(Advanced)-2022]

11. Let a1, a2, a3, ....be an arithmetic progression with a1 = 7 and common difference 8.
Let T1,T2,T3, .... be such that T1 = 3 and Tn+1 Tn = an
TRUE ? [JEE(Advanced)-2022]

 
20 30
(A) T20 = 1604 (B) k=1
Tk = 10510 (C) T30 = 3454 (D) k=1
Tk = 35610

ANSWER KEY

1. (AD) 2. 5 3. 4 4. 9 5. (B) 6. 6 7. 3748

8. 157 9. 1 10. 18900 11. (BC)

Sequence and Series 153

 6 Trigonometric Equation
Trigonometric Equation
An equation involving one or more trigonometrical ratios of unknown angles is called a trigonometric
equation.

Solution of Trigonometric Equation

A value of the unknown angle which satisfies the given equation is called a solution of the trigonometric
equation.
(a) Principal Solution
The solution of the trigonometric equation lying in the interval [0, 2).
(b) General Solution
Since all the trigonometric functions are many one and periodic, hence there are infinite
values of  for which trigonometric functions have the same value. All such possible
values of  for which the given trigonometric function is satisfied is given by a general
formula. Such a general formula is called general solution of trigonometric equation.
(c) Particular Solution
The solution of the trigonometric equation lying in the given interval.

General Solutions of Some Trigonometric Equations (to be Remembered)

(a) If sin  = 0, then  = n, n  I (set of integers)

(b) If cos  = 0, then = (2n + 1) ,nI
2
(c) If tan  = 0, then = n, n  I
  
(d) If sin  = sin, then = n + ( 1)n where   − ,  , n  I
 2 2
(e) If cos  =cos , then = 2n ±  nI,  [0,]
  
(f) If tan = tan, then = n + ,n I,   − , 
 2 2
 
(g) If sin  =1, then  = 2n + = (4n + 1) , n  I
2 2
(h) If cos  = 1 then  = 2n, n  I
(i) If sin2 = sin2 or cos2 = cos2 or tan2 = tan2, then  = n ± , n  I
(j) For n I, sin n = 0 and cos n = ( 1)n, n I
sin (n+ ) = ( 1)n sin cos (n+ ) = ( 1)n cos
(k) cos n = ( 1)n n I
n− 1
n n
If n is an odd integer, then sin = ( −1) 2 , cos = 0,
2 2
n− 1
 n 
sin  +   = ( −1) 2 cos
 2 
n+ 1
 n 
cos  +   = ( −1) 2 sin
 2 

Trigonometric Equation 191

 Example 1:
tan3x − tan2x
Find the set of values of x for which =1
1 + tan3x. tan2x
Solution:
tan3x − tan2x
We have, = 1  tan(3x 2x) = 1  tan x = 1
1 + tan3x. tan2x
 
 tan x = tan  x = n + , n  I {using tan = tan   = n + }
4 4
But for this value of x, tan 2x is not defined.
Hence the solution set for x is Ans.

Concept Builders - 1

(i) Find general solutions of the following equations:

1  3   3 
(a) sin = (b) cos   = 0 (c) tan   = 0
2  2  4

(d) cos22 =1 (e) 3 sec2 = 2 (f) cosec   = 1
2

Important points to Be Remembered While Solving Trigonometric equations

(a) For equations of the type sin  = k or cos  = k, one must check that |k| < 1.
(b) Avoid squaring the equations, if possible, because it may lead to extraneous solutions.
Reject extra solutions if they do not satisfy the given equation.
(c) Do not cancel the common variable factor from the two sides of the equations which
are in a product because we may lose some solutions.
(d) The answer should not contain such values of , which make any of the terms undefined
or infinite.
(i) Check that denominator is not zero at any stage while solving equations.

(ii) If tan  or sec  is involved in the equations,  should not be odd multiple of .
2
(iii) If cot  or cosec  is involved in the equation,  should not be multiple of  or 0.

Different Strategies for Solving Trigonometric Equations

(a) Solving Trigonometric Equations by Factorization

e.g. (2 sin x cos x) (1 + cos x) = sin2x

(2 sin x cos x) (1 + cos x) (1 cos2x) = 0

(1 + cos x)(2 sin x cos x 1 + cos x) = 0

 (1 + cos x) (2 sin x 1) = 0

192 Trigonometric Equation

 1
 cos x = 1 or sin x =
2
 cos x = 1 = cos x = 2n+ = (2n + 1), n I
1  
or sin x = = sin  x = k + ( 1)k ,k  I
2 6 6

Example 2:
1
If sin, cos and tan are in G.P. then the general solution for  is-
6
  
(A) 2n  (B) 2n  (C) n  (D) none of these
3 6 3
Solution:
1
Since, sin, cos, tan are in G.P.
6
1
 cos2  = sin . tan
6
 6 cos3 + cos2 1=0
 (2cos  1) (3 cos2+ 2 cos + 1) = 0
1
 cos = (other values of cos are imaginary)
2

 cos = cos   = n ± /3, n  I. Ans.
3
(b) Solving of Trigonometric Equation by Reducing It to A Quadratic Equation
e.g. 6 10cosx = 3sin2x
 6 10cosx = 3 3cos2x  3cos2x 10cosx + 3 = 0
1
 (3cosx 1) (cosx 3) = 0  cosx = or cosx = 3
3
Since cosx = 3 is not possible as 1 cosx 1
1  1
 cosx = = cos  cos−1 
3  3 
 1
 x = 2n ± cos-1   , n I
3

Example 3:
1
Solve sin2 cos = for  and write the values of  in the interval 0    2.
4
Solution:
The given equation can be written as
1
1 cos2 cos =
4
 cos2 + cos 3/4 = 0
 4cos  + cos
2
3=0

Trigonometric Equation 193

  (2cos 1) (2cos + 3) = 0
1 1
 cos= , −
2 3
Since, cos = 3/2 is not possible as 1 cos  1
1 
 cos =  cos = cos
2 3

  = n ± ,nI
3
For the given interval, n = 0 and n =1.

  = n+( 1)n , n I
6
 5
 = ,
3 3

Example 4:
Find the number of solutions of tanx + secx = 2cosx in [0, 2].
Solution:
Here, tanx + secx = 2cosx  sinx + 1 = 2 cos2x
1
 2sin2x + sinx 1=0  sinx= , 1
2
3
But sinx = 1, x = for which tanx + secx = 2 cosx is not defined.
2
1  5
Thus sinx =  x= ,
2 6 6
 number of solutions of tanx + secx = 2cos x is 2.

Example 5:

Solve the equation 5sin2x 7sinx cosx + 16cos2x = 4

Solution:

To solve this equation, we use the fundamental formula of trigonometric identities,

sin2x + cos2x = 1

writing the equation in the form,

5 sin2x 7sinx . cosx + 16 cos2x = 4(sin2x + cos2x)

 sin2x 7sinx cosx + 12cos2x = 0

dividing by cos2x on both side we get,

tan2x 7tanx + 12 = 0

Now it can be factorized as:

(tanx 3)(tanx 4) = 0

194 Trigonometric Equation

  tanx = 3, 4
i.e., tanx = tan(tan-13) or tanx = tan(tan-14)
 x = n+ tan-13 or x = n + tan-14, n  I. Ans.

Example 6:
n sin2 x −3 sin x +2
If x  , nI and (cos x ) = 1 , then find the general solutions of x.
2
Solution:
n
As x   cos x  0, 1, 1
2
So, (cos x)sin2 x 3 sin x + 2
=1  sin2x 3sinx + 2 = 0
 (sinx 2) (sinx 1) = 0  sinx = 1, 2
n
where sinx = 2 is not possible and sinx = 1 which is also not possible as x 
2
 no general solution is possible.

Example 7:
7
Solve the equation sin4x + cos4x = sinx . cosx.
2
Solution:
7 7
sin4x + cos4x = sinx. cosx  (sin2x + cos2x)2 2sin2x cos2x = sinx. cosx
2 2
1 7
 1 (sin 2x)2 = (sinx 2x)  2sin22x + 7sin2x 4=0
2 4
1
 (2sin2x 1)(sin2x + 4) = 0  sin2x = or sin2x = 4 (which is not possible)
2

 2x = n+( 1)n ,nI
6
n 
i.e., x= + ( 1)n ,n  I
2 12

Concept Builders - 2

(i) Solve the following equations:

(a) 3sinx + 2cos2x = 0
(b) sec22 = 1 tan2
(c) 7cos2 +3sin2 = 4
(d) 4cos 3sec = tan

(ii) Solve the equation: 2sin2 + sin22 = 2 for ( ,).

Trigonometric Equation 195

 (c) Solving Trigonometric Equations by Introducing an Auxiliary Argument
Consider, a sin  + b cos  = c ............. (i)
a b c
 sin + cos =
2 2 2 2
a +b a +b a + b2
2

equation (i) has a solution only if c  a 2 + b2

a b b
let = cos, = sin and  = tan 1

a +b2 2 2
a +b 2 a

by introducing this auxiliary argument , equation (i) reduces to

c
sin ( +) = Now this equation can be solved easily.
a2 + b2

Example 8:
Find the number of distinct solutions of secx + tanx = 3 , where 0  x  3
Solution:

Here, sec x + tanx = 3  1 + sinx = 3 cosx or 3 cosx sinx =1

dividing both sides by a 2 + b2 i.e. 4 = 2 we get

3 1 1
 cosx − sinx =
2 2 2
  1   1
 cos cosx sin sinx =  cos  x +  =
6 6 2  6 2

As 0  x  3

  
x+  3 +
6 6 6

  5 7   3 13
 x+ = , ,  x= , ,
6 3 3 3 6 2 6

7 / 3
/ 3

/ 6
3  2

3 +  / 6
5 / 3

3
But at x = , tanx and secx is not defined
2

 Total number of solutions are 2. Ans.

196 Trigonometric Equation

Example 9:
Prove that the equation k cosx 3sinx = k + 1 possess a solution if k  ( , 4].
Solution:
Here, k cosx 3sinx = k + 1, could be re-written as:
k 3 k+1
cosx sinx =
2 2
k +9 k +9 k2 + 9
k+1 3
or cos(x+) = , where tan =
2
k +9 k

k+1
which possess a solution only if 1 1
k2 + 9

k+1
i.e. 1
k2 + 9

i.e., (k+1)2 k2 +9

i.e. k2 + 2k + 1  k2 + 9

or k4

 The interval of k for which the equation (kcosx 3sinx + k+1) has a solution is ( ,4).

Concept Builders - 3

(i) Solve the following equations:

(a) sinx + 2 = cosx. (b) cosec = 1 +cot

(d) Solving Trigonometric Equations by Transforming Sum of Trigonometric Functions into

Product.

e.g. cos 3x + sin 2x sin 4x = 0

cos 3x 2 sin x cos 3x = 0

1
 (cos3x) (1 2sinx) = 0  cos3x = 0 or sinx =
2

 1 
 cos3x = 0 = cos or sinx = = sin
2 2 6
 1 
 x = 2n ± or sinx = = sin
2 2 6

2n  
 x= ± or x = m + ( 1)m ; (n, m I)
3 6 6

Trigonometric Equation 197

 Example 10:

Solve: cos + cos3 + cos5 + cos7 = 0

Solution:

We have cos + cos7 + cos3 + cos5 = 0

 2cos4cos3 + 2cos4cos = 0

 cos4 (cos3 + cos) = 0cos4 (2cos2cos) = 0

 Either cos = 0   = (2n1 + 1) /2, n1 I


or cos 2 = 0   = (2n2 + 1) n2 I
4


or cos4 = 0   = (n+) , n3  I Ans.
8

(e) Solving Trigonometric Equations by Transforming A Product into Sum

e.g., sin5x. cos3x = sin6x. cos2x
sin8x + sin2x = sin8x + sin4x
 2sin2x . cos2x sin2x = 0
 sin2x(2 cos 2x 1) = 0
1
 sin2x = 0 or cos2x =
2
1 
 sin 2x = 0 = sin 0 or cos2x = = cos
2 3

 x = n + ( 1)n × 0, nI or 2x = 2m± ,mI
3
n 
 x= ,nI or x = m± ,mI
2 6

Example 11:
1
Solve: cos cos2 cos3 = ; where 0    .
4
Solution:
1 1 1
(2cos cos3) cos2 =  (cos2 + cos4) cos2 =
2 4 2
1 1
 [2cos22 + 2cos4 cos2] =  1 + cos4 + 2cos4 cos2 = 1
2 2
 cos4(1+ 2cos2) = 0
cos4 = 0 or (1 + 2cos2) = 0
Now from the first equation: 2cos4 = 0 = cos(/2)
 1 
  =  n +     = (2n+1) , n I
 2  8

198 Trigonometric Equation

  3 5 7
for n = 0,  = ; n = 1,  = ; n =2,  = ; n =3,  = ( 0     )
8 8 8 8
and from the second equation:
1
cos = = cos(/3) = cos( /3) = cos(2/3)
2
 
  = k ± 2  = k± , k  I
3 3
 2
again, for k = 0,  = ; k = 1,  = ( 0    )
3 3
  3 5 7
 = , , , , Ans.
8 3 8 8 8

Concept Builders - 4

(i) Solve 4sin sin2 sin4 = sin3

(ii) Solve for x: sinx + sin3x + sin5x = 0

(f) Solving Equations by A Change of Variable

(i) Equations of the form P (sin x ± cos x, sin x. cos x) = 0, where P (y, z) is a polynomial,
can be solved by the substitution:
cos x ± sin x = t  1 ±2 sin x. cos x = t2

Example 12:
Solve: sin x + cos x = 1 + sin x. cos x.
Solution:
put sinx + cosx = t
 sin2x + cos2x + 2sinx. cosx = t2
 2sinx cosx = t2 1 ( sin2x + cos2x = 1)
 t2 − 1 
 sinx cosx =  
 2 
 
t2 − 1
Substituting above result in given equation, we get: t = 1 +
2
  t = t2 + 1  t − t +  = 
 (t 1 ) =   t=

Dividing both sides by 12 + 12 i.e. 2 . we get

1 1 1   1
 sin x + cosx =  cosx cos + sinx. sin =
2 2 2 4 4 2

Trigonometric Equation 199

     
 cos  x −  = cos  x = 2n ±
 4 4 4 4
 
 x = 2n or x = 2n + = (4n + 1) , n  I
2 2

(ii) Equations of the form of a sinx + b cosx + d = 0, where a, b and d are real numbers can
be solved by changing sin x and cos x into their corresponding tangent of half the angle.

Example 13:
Solve: 3 cos x + 4 sin x = 5
Solution:
 1 − tan2 x / 2   2 tanx / 2 
   + 4 = 5
 1 + tan2 x / 2  2
 1 + tan x / 2 
 
x x
3 − 3 tan2 8 tan
 2+ 2 =5
2 x 2 x
1 + tan 1 + tan
2 2
x x x
  − tan2 + 8tan = 5 + 5tan2
2 2 2
x x
 8tan2 8tan + 2 = 0
2 2
2
x x  x 
  tan2 4tan +1=0   2 tan − 1 = 0
2 2  2 
x  1 1
 = n + tan-1   , n  I  x = 2n + 2tan 1 , n  I
2 2 2
(g) Solving Trigonometric Equations with The Use of The Boundness of the Functions
Involved

Example 14:
Solve the equation (sinx + cosx)1+sin2x = 2, when 0  x  .]
Solution:
We know, − a2 + b2  a sin + b cos  a 2 + b2 and 1  sin 1.
 (sinx + cosx) admits the maximum value as 2
and (1 + sin 2x) admits the maximum value as 2.

( 2 ) = 2.
2
Also

 the equation could hold only when, sinx + cosx = 2 and 1+ sin 2x =2
Now, sinx + cos x = 2
 
 cos  x −  = 1
 4
 x = 2n +/4, n  I .... (i)
and 1+ sin 2x = 2

200 Trigonometric Equation

 
 sin2x =1 = sin
2

 2x = m +( 1)m I
2
m 
 x= + ( 1)m ..... (ii)
2 4

The value of x in [0,] satisfying equations (i) and (ii) is x =
4
(when n = 0 and m = 0) Ans.

Note: sinx + cosx = 2 and 1 + sin 2x = 2 also satisfies but as x  0, this solution is not in domain.

Example 15:
1
y2 − y + 1 / 2  1
2
Solve for x and y: 2cos x
Solution:
1
y2 − y + 1 / 2  1
2
2cos x .... (i)
1 2 2
2  1  1
2cos x
y −  +    1
 2  2
1
2
Minimum value of 2cos x =2
2 2
 1  1 1
Minimum value of y −  +   =
 2  2
  2
1
1
y2 − y +
2
 Minimum value of 2cos x is 1
2
1 2 2
2  1  1
 (i) is possible when 2cos x y −  +   = 1
 2 2
 cos2x = 1 and y = 1/2
 cosx = ± 1  x = n, where n  I
Hence x = n, n  I and y = 1/2.

Example 16:
x 1 
The number of solution(s) of 2cos2   sin2x = x2 + 2 , 0  x  is/are-
2 x 2
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) infinite (D) none of these

Solution:
x 1 1
Let y = 2cos2   sin2x = x2 + 2  y = (1 + cos x)sin2x and y = x2 + 2
2
  x x
when y = (1 + cosx)sin2x = (a number < 2)(a number  1)  y < 2 ......(i)

Trigonometric Equation 201

 2
1  1
and when y = x2 + =x −  + 2  2 y  2 ......(ii)
x2  x
No value of y can be obtained satisfying (i) and (ii), simultaneously
 No real solution of the equation exists. Ans.(A)

Note: If L.H.S. of the given trigonometric equation is always less than or equal to k and RHS is always
greater than k, then no solution exists. If both the sides are equal to k for same value of , then
solution exists and if they are equal for different values of , then solution does not exist.

Concept Builders - 5

(i) If x2 4x + 5 siny = 0, y  [0,2], then -

(A) x = 1, y = 0 (B) x = 1, y = /2 (C) x = 2, y = 0 (D) x = 2, y = /2

1
(ii) If sinx + cosx = y + , y > 0, x  [0, ], then find the least positive value of x satisfying the given
y
condition.

Trigonometric Inequalities
There is no general rule to solve trigonometric inequations and the same rules of algebra are valid
provided the domain and range of trigonometric functions should be kept in mind.

Example 17:
Find the solution set of inequality sin x > 1/2.
Solution:
1
When sinx = , the two values of x between 0 and 2 are /6 and 5/6.
2
From the graph of y = sin x, it is obvious that between 0 and 2,
1
sin x > for /6 < x < 5/6
2
Hence, sin x > 1/2  2n + /6 < 2n + 5/6, n  I
y

1/ 2
 2
x
– 0   5
–2
6 2 6

–1

  5 
Thus, the required solution set is  2n + ,2n +  Ans.
nI 
6 6 

202 Trigonometric Equation

Example 18:
Find the values of  lying between 0 and  for which the inequality: tan> tan3 is valid
Solution:
We have: tan − tan3  0  tan (1 tan2) > 0
– + – +
 (tan)(tan + 1)(tan 1) < 0 –1 0 1

     3 
So Given inequality holds for   0,    ,  Ans.
 4 2 4 

Concept Builders - 6

(i) Find the solution set of the inequality: cosx 1/2.

(ii) Find the values of x in the interval [0, 2] for which 4sin2x 8sinx + 3  0.

Miscellaneous Example
Example 19:

Solve the following equation: tan2+ sec2 + 3 = 2 ( 2 sec  + tan  )

Solution:
We have tan2 + sec2 + 3 = 2 2 sec + 2tan
 tan2 2tan + sec 2 2 sec +3 = 0
 tan2 + 1 2tan + sec2 2 2 sec + 2 = 0
 (tan 1) + (sec 2 ) = 
 tan = 1 and sec  = 2
As the periodicity of tan and sec are not same, we get

 = 2n+ ,nI Ans.
4

Example 20:
(1+log5 cos x)
Find the solution set of equation 5 = 5/2
Solution:
Taking log to base 5 on both sides in given equation:
(1 + log5cosx) . log5 = log5(5/2)
 log5 5 + log5cosx = log55 log52
 log5 cos x = log52
 cos x = 1/2
 x = 2n ± /3, n  I

Trigonometric Equation 203

 Example 21:
    a b 
If the set of all values of x in  − ,  satisfying |4sin x + 2 | 6 is  ,  then find the value
 2 2  24 24 
a −b
of
3
Solution:
4sinx + 2  6

 − 6 < 4sin x + 2< 6

1
 − 6 2 < 4sin x + x5 + = 1- 2
x5


− ( 6+ 2 ) 6− 2
<sin x <
4 4
5    
 − <x< for x   − , 
12 12  12 2 
a b
Comparing with <x< , we get, a = 10, b =2
24 24
a −b −10 − 2
 = =4 Ans.
3 3

Example 22:
The number of values of x in the interval [0, 5] satisfying the equation
3sin2x 7 sinx + 2 = 0 is- [JEE 98]
(A) 0 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 10
Solution:
3sin2x 7 sinx + 2 = 0
 (3sinx 1)(sinx 2) =0
 sinx 2
1
 sin x = = sin  (say)
3

sin =1/ 3 sin=1/ 3

4+
2+
− 
 
5 3  0 2 4

1
where is the least positive value of x such that sin  = .
3

Clearly 0 <  < . We get the solution,
2
x = ,  a ,2 +, 3  ,  +  and 5 .
Hence total six values in [0, 5] Ans.(C)

204 Trigonometric Equation

 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

 
1. (i) (a)  = n +( 1)n ,nI (b)  =(2n+1) ,nI
6 3

4n n
(c) = ,n I (d) = ,nI
3 2


(e)  = n ± , n I (f)  = 2n +( 1)n+1p,n I
12

 n k 3
2. (i) (a) x = n +(1)n+1 , n I (b) = or  = + , n, k  I
6 2 2 8


(c)  = n ± ,nI
3

 17 − 1   − 17 − 1 
(d)  = n +( 1)n, where  = sin 1   or sin-1  , n  I
 8   8 
   

  3   3  
(ii)  = − , − ,− , , , 
 4 4 2 4 4 2

 
3. (i) (a) x = 2n , n I (b) 2m + ,mI
4 2

m  n 
4. (i)  = n or  = ± ; n,m  I (ii) x= , n  I and k ± , k  I
3 9 3 3


5. (i) D (ii) x=
4

 2 2     
6. (i) 2n − ,2n +  (ii)  , 
nI 
3 3 6 6 

Trigonometric Equation 205

 Objective Exercise - I

1. The number of solutions of the equation sin 2x 2cosx + 4 sinx = 4 in the interval [0,5] is-
(A) 6 (B) 4 (C) 3 (D) 5

2. Let A = {: sin() = tan ()} and B = {: cos() =  be two sets. Then -
(A) A = B (B) A   and   
(C) A  B (D) B  A

4. The general solution of the equation tan2 + 2 3 tam  = 1 is given by-

n 
(A)  = ,(n ) (B)  = (2n+1) ,(n  I)
2 2
 n
(C) a = (6n + 1) ,(n I) (D) a = ,(n  )
12 12

5. If 2 tan2 = sec2, then general solution of -

   
(A) n + (n  I) (B) n (n ) (C) n ± (n  I) (D) 2n ± (n I)
4 4 4 4

2
6. Number of principal solution(s) of the equation 4.16sin x
= 26 sin x is:
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

7. The general solution of equation 4 cos2 x + 6 sin2 x = 5 is-

n
(A)
4
sin20 · cos 10 2cos50 ·cos 30 sin20.cos 10.cos50
(B) · =
sin 10 · cos28 2cos 40 · cos 30 sin 10.cos20.cos 40

n
(C)
12
(D) n
where n  I

1 − cox2
8. If = 3, then the general solution of  is-
1 + cox2
(A) 2n ± /6 (B) n ± /6 (C) 2n ± /3 (D) n ± /3
where n  I

x
9. The number of solutions of the equation 2cos   = 3x + 3-x is-
2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) None

206 Trigonometric Equation

10. The number of real solutions of the equation sin(ex) = 5x+5-x is-
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) infinitely many

 5 5 
11. If x  − ,  , then the greatest positive solution of 1 +sin4x = cos2 3x is-
 2 2
5
(A)  (B) 2 (C) (D) none of these
2

12. The general value of satisfying sin2 + sin = 2is-

   
(A) n + ( 1)n (B) 2n + (C) n + ( 1)n (D) n + ( 1)n
6 4 2 3

13. The solution set of (5 + 4 cos ) (2 cos + 1) = 0 in the interval [0,2] is

       2 4   2 5 
(A)  ,  (B)  ,  (C)  ,  (D)  , 
3 3  3  3 3 3 3

14. The equation sin x cos x = 2 has:

(A) one solution (B) two solutions
(C) infinite solutions (D) no solution

15. If tan (1+ 3 ) tan + 3 = 0. then the general value of is:

   
(A) n + , n + (B) n , n +
4 3 4 3
   
(C) n + ,n (D) n ,n
4 3 4 3
where n  I

16. If 0  x  3, 0  y  3 and cos x . sin y = 1 then the possible number of values of the ordered
pair (x, y) is -
(A) 6 (B) 12 (C) 8 (D) 15

tan2 + tan 
17. If = 0, then the general value of  is
1 − tan  tan2
n n n
(A) n ; n I (B) ; n I (C) ; n I (D) ; n I
3 4 6

18. Number of values of x satisfying the equation log2(sin x) + log1/2( cos x) = 0 in the interval
( ,] is:
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

Trigonometric Equation 207

 19. The set of angles between 0 and 2 satisfying the equation 4cos2 2 2 cos 1 = 0 is
  5 19 23    7 17 23 
(A)  , , ,  (B)  , , , 
 12 12 12 12   12 12 12 12 
 5 13 19    7 19 23 
(C)  , ,  (D)  , , , 
 12 12 12   12 12 12 12 

20. The smallest positive angle satisfying the equation 1 + cos3x 2cos2x = 0, is equal to
(A) 15° (B) 22.5° (C) 30° (D) 45°

21. The number of solutions of the equation sinx = x 2 + x + 1 is-

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) None

22. Number of integral solution(s) of the inequality 2sin2x 5sin2x + 2 > 0 in x [0,2], is-
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

23. If tan 2 sec = 3 , then the general solution of  is

   
(A) n +( 1)n − (B) n + ( 1)n −
4 3 3 4
   
(C) n + ( 1)n + (D) n + ( 1)n +
3 4 4 3
where n  I

ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (C) 3. (C) 4. (C) 5. (C) 6. (C) 7. (B)

8. (D) 9. (A) 10. (A) 11. (B) 12. (C) 13. (C) 14. (D)

15. (A) 16. (A) 17. (B) 18. (B) 19. (B) 20. (C) 21. (A)

22. (C) 23. (D)

208 Trigonometric Equation

 Objective Exercise - II

1. The complete solution set of the inequality tan2x 2 2 tanx + 1  0 is-

 3  3
(A) n + x + n, n I (B) n + x + n, n  I
8 8 4 4
 3  2
(C) n + x + n  I (D) n + x + n  I
16 8 3 3

2. The number of solutions of the equation tan2x sec10 x + 1 = 0 in (0,10) is-

(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 10 (D) 11

3. The most general values of x for which sin x + cos x = min{1, a2 4a + 6}, where aR is given by
  
(A) 2n (B) 2n + (C) n + ( 1)n − (D) none of the
2 4 4

 
4. Given a2 + 2a + cosec2  (a + x)  = 0 then, which of the following holds good?
2 
x x
(A) a = 1 ; I (B) a = 1; I
2 2
(C) a  R; x   (D) a, x is finite but not possible to find

5. If the equation cot4x 2 cosec2x + a2 = 0 has atleast one solution then, sum of all possible
integral values of 'a' is equal to
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 0

6. In which one of the following intervals the inequality, sin x < cos x < tan x < cot x can hold
good?
   3   5 3   7 
(A)  0,  (B)  ,  (C)  ,  (D)  ,2 
 4  4   4 2   4 

7. If the equation sin4 x (k+2) sin2x (k+3) = 0 has a solution then k must lie in the interval:
(A) ( 4, 2) (B) [ 3, 2) (C) ( 4, 3) (D) [ 3, 2]

x 
8. The equation 2cos2   sin2x = x2 + x 2, 0 < x  has
2
  2
(A) one real solutions (B) more than one real solutions
(C) no real solution (D) none of the above

9. sinx, sin2x, sin3x are in A.P if

(A) x = n/2, n   (B) x = n, n   (C) x = 2n, n   (D) x = (2n +1), n  

Trigonometric Equation 209

 10. sin x + sin2x + sin 3x = 0 if
(A) sin x = 1/2 (B) sin 2x = 0 (C) sin 3x = 3 /2 (D) cos x = − 1/2

11. cos4x cos8x − cos5x cos9x = 0 if

(A) cos12x = cos 14 x (B) sin13 x = 0
(C) sinx = 0 (D) cosx = 0

12. sinx − cos2x − 1 assumes the least value for the set of values of x given by:
(A) x = n + (−1)n+1 (/6) , n   (B) x = n + (−1)n (/6) , n  
(C) x = n + (−1)n (/3), n   (D) x = n − (−1)n (/6) , n  


13. Let 0    and x = X cos + Ysin , y = Xsin Ycos such that x2 + 4xy + y2 = aX2 + bY2,
2
where a, b are constants then

(A) a = 1, b = 3 (B)  = /4 (C) a = 3, b = 1 (D)  =
3

14. If the equation sin (x2) sin(x2 + 2x) = 0 is solved for positive roots, then in the increasing
sequence of positive root
−1 + 7 −1 + 3
(A) first term is (B) first term is
2 2
−1 + 11
(C) third term is 1 (D) third term is
2

15. The general solution of the equation cosx . cos6x = 1, is :

(A) x = (2n + 1), n   (B) x = 2n, n  
(C) x = (2n 1), n   (D) none of these

16. Which of the following set of values of x satisfy the inequation sin 3x < sin x.
 ( 8n − 1)    ( 8n − 1)  (8n + 1) 
(A)  , 2n  , n   (B)  ,  , n 
 4   4 4 
   
 ( 8n + 1)  (8n + 3)   (8n + 5)   , n  
(C)  , , n  (D)  ( 2n + 1) ,
 4 4   4 
   

x x
17. The equation 2sin . cos2x + sin2x = 2 sin . sin2x + cos2x has a root for which
2 2
1 1
(A) sin2x = 1 (B) sin2x = 1 (C) cosx = (D) cos2x =
2 2

18. cos 15 x = sin 5x if

 n  n
(A) x = − + ,n   (B) x = + , n 
20 5 40 10
3 n  3 n 
(C) x = + , n  (D) x = − + , n 
20 5 40 10

210 Trigonometric Equation

19. 5 sin2 x + 3 sinx cosx + 6 cos2x = 5 if
(A) tan x = − 1/ 3 (B) sin x = 0
(C) x = n + /2, n   (D) x = n + /6, n  

20. sin2x + 2 sin x cos x − 3cos2x = 0 if

(A) tan x =  (B) tanx = − 1
(C) x = n + /4, n   (D) x = n + tan−1 (−3), n  

21. Solution set of inequality sin3 x cos x > cos3 x sin x , where x  (0, ), is
    3      3 
(A)  ,  (B)  ,  (C)  0 ,  (D)  , 
4 2  4   4 2 4 

22. 4 sin4x + cos4x = 1 if

1  1
(A) x = n ; (n  I) (B) x = n ± cos 1
  ; (n  I)
2 5
n
(C) x = ; (n  I) (D) x = n ; (n  I)
2

23. sin x + sin 2x + sin 3x = cos x + cos 2x + cos 3x if

1
(A) cos x = (B) sin 2x = cos 2x
2
n  2
(C) x = + (D) x = 2n ± , (n  )
2 8 3

ANSWER KEY

1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (C) 4. (B) 5. (D) 6. (A) 7. (D)

8. (C) 9. (ABCD) 10. (BD) 11. (ABC) 12. (AD) 13. (BC) 14. (BC)

15. (AC) 16. (ACD) 17. (ABCD) 18. (ABCD) 19. (AC) 20. (CD) 21. (AB)

22. (ABD) 23. (ABCD)

Trigonometric Equation 211

 Subjective Exercise - I

1 1 1
+log5 (sin x) +log 15 (cos x)
1. Solve the equation for x, 52 + 52 = 152

2. Find all the values of  satisfying the equation; sin + sin 5 = sin 3 such that 0    .

3. Solve the equality: 2sin 11x + cos 3x + 3 sin 3x = 0

4. Find all value of , between 0 and , which satisfy the equation; cos. cos 2. cos 3 = 1/4.

5. Solve for x, the equation 13 − 18tanx = 6tan x 3, where 2 < x < 2.

6. Determine the smallest positive value of x which satisfy the equation, 1 + sin2x − 2 cos3x = 0

7. Find the number of principal solutions of the equation,

sin x sin 3x + sin 5x = cos x cos 3x + cos 5x.

14
8. Find the general solution of the trigonometric equation
5

9. Find the general solution of the equation, sinx + cosx = 0. Also find the sum of all solutions
in [0, 100].

cos  + sin 
10. Find the general values of  for which the quadratic function (sin) x2 + (2cos)x + is
2
the square of a linear function.

212 Trigonometric Equation

 ANSWER KEY

   2 5
1. x = 2n + ,n  I 2. 0, , , , and 
6 6 3 3 6

n  n 7   3 5 2 7
3. x= − or x = + ,n  I 4. , , , , , ,
7 84 4 84 8 3 8 8 3 8

2
5.  2;  , ,  + , where tan  = 6. x = /16
3


7. 10 solutions 8. x = 2n +
12

1 
9. x=n − , n; sum = 5025 10. 2n + or (2n+1) tan-1 2, nI
4 4

Trigonometric Equation 213

 Subjective Exercise - II

1. Find all values of  between 0° and 180° satisfying the equation ; cos 6+ cos 4 +cos2 +1 = 0.

2. Find the range of y such that the equation, y + cos x = sin x has a real solution. For y = 1 find x
such that 0 < x < 2

3. Prove that the equations

(a) sin x  sin 2x  sin 3x = 1 (b) sin x  cos 4x  sin 5x = 1/2
have no solution.

4. Let f (x) = sin6x + cos6x + k (sin4x + cos4x) for some real number k. Determine
(a) all real numbers k for which f (x) is constant for all values of x.
(b) all real numbers k for which there exists a real number 'c' such that f (c) = 0.
(c) If k = 0.7, determine all solutions to the equation f (x) = 0.

 
5. If the set of values of x satisfying the inequality tanx . tan3x < 1 in the interval  0.  is
 2
 35(b − a) 
(a, b), then the value of   is
  

6. Find all the solutions of, 4cos2 x sinx 2 sin2x = 3sinx.

7. Solve for x, (   x  ) the equation; 2 (cos x + cos 2 x) + sin 2 x (1 + 2 cos x) = 2 sin x.

8. Find the general solution of the following equation:

2(sin x cos 2x) sin 2x(1 + 2 sinx) + 2cos x = 0.

3x x
9. Find the values of x, between 0 and 2, satisfying the equation cos 3x + cos 2x = sin + sin
2 2

x
− sec2
10. Solve the equation: 1 + 2 cosec x = 2
2

214 Trigonometric Equation

 ANSWER KEY


1. 30°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 150° 2. − 2  y  2; , 
2

3  1 n 
4. (a) ; (b) k  −1, −  ; (c) x =  5. 3
2  2 2 6

  3   −
6. n ; n +( 1)n or n + ( 1)n  −  7. , , 
10  10  3 2

    5 9 13
8. x = 2n or x = n + ( 1)n  −  or x = n + ( 1)n 9. , , , ,
 2 6 7 7 7 7


10. x = 2n
2

Trigonometric Equation 215

 JEE-Main (Previous Year Questions)

1. If 0  x<2, then the number of real values of x, which satisfy the equation
cosx + cos2x + cos3x + cos4x = 0, is: [JEE(Main) 2016]
(1) 9 (2) 3 (3) 5 (4) 7

2. If 5(tan2x cos2x) = 2cos 2x + 9, then the value of cos4x is: [JEE(Main)-2017]

7 3 1 2
(1) − (2) − (3) (4)
9 5 2 9

3. Let S={  [ 2, 2]: 2cos2  +3sin = 0} [JEE(Main)-2019]

Then the sum of the elements of S is:
5 13
(1)  (2) (3) (4) 2
3 6

sin2 x −2 sin x +5 1
4. All the pairs (x, y) that satisfy the inequality 2 · 2
 1 also satisfy the equation:
4sin y

[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) sin x = 2 sin y (2) sin x = |sin y| (3) 2|sin x| = 3sin y (4) 2sin x = sin y

 5 5 
5. The number of solutions of the equation 1 + sin4x = cos23x, x  − ,  is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
 2 2
(1) 7 (2) 4 (3) 3 (4) 5

6. Let S be the set of all   R such that the equation, cos 2x + sin x = 2 7 has a solution.
Then S is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) [3, 7] (2) [1, 4] (3) [2, 6] (4) R

  
7. The sum of all values of    0,  satisfying sin22 + cos42 = is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
 2 4
 5 3
(1)  (2) (3) (4)
2 4 8

8. If sin4 + 4 cos4 + 2 = 4 2 sin cos; ,  [0, ], then cos( + ) cos( ) is equal to:
[JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 0 (4) − 2

9. The number of distinct solution of the equation, log1/2 |sinx| = 2 log1/2 |cosx| in the interval,
[0, 2]: [JEE(Main)-2020]

216 Trigonometric Equation

10. If the equation cos4 + sin4 +  = 0 has real solutions for , then  lies in the interval:
[JEE(Main)-2020]
 3 5  1 1
(1) − , −  (2)  − , − 
 2 4  2 4
 5   1
(3)  − , −1 (4)  −1, − 
 4   2

(cos2 x +cos4 x +cos6 x....) 2sinx

11. If e loge 2 satisfies the equation t2 − 9t + 8 = 0 , then the value of
sinx + 3 cos x
 
 0  x   is: [JEE(Main)-2021]
 2
3 1
(1) (2) 2 3 (3) (4) 3
2 2

12. All possible values of   [0, 2] for which sin  + tan2  0 lie in: [JEE(Main)-2021]

   3 
(1)  0,    , 
 2  2
    3   5   3 7 
(2)  0,    ,    ,    , 
 4 2 4   4   2 4 
    3   7 
(3)  0,    ,    , 
 2 2 4   6 
    3   3 11 
(4)  0,    ,  , 
 4 2 4   2 6 

 
13. If 3(cos2 x) = ( 3 − 1)cos x + 1 , the number of solutions of the given equation when x  0,  is.
 2
[JEE(Main)-2021]

   
14. Let S =   [−, ] −   : sin  tan  + tan  = sin2  . If T =  cos2 , then T + n (S) is equal:
  2  S

[JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) 7 + 3 (2) 9
(3) 8 + 3 (4) 10

15.
2

The number of elements in the set S =   [−4, 4] : 3cos 2 + 6cos2 − 10cos  + 5 = 0 is.
2

[JEE(Main)-2022]

Trigonometric Equation 217

 16. The number of solutions of |cos x| = sin x, such that −4  x  4 is: [JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) 4 (2) 6 (3) 8 (4) 12

    
17. Let S = {  [0, 2] : 82 sin
2
 2
+ 82 sin 
= 16} . Then n(S) +   sec  + 2  cosec  + 2   is equal to:
S  4  4 
[JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) 0 (2) 2 (3) 4 (4) 12

   9    m  8 
18. Let S =     0,  :  sec   + (m − 1)  sec   + =−  Then. [JEE(Main)-2022]
  2  m= 1  6  6  3 
  2   3
(1) S =   (2) S =   (3)  = (4)  =
 12  3 S 2 S 4

Let S = −,   − −  , −  , − 3 ,   . Then the number of elements in the set

   
19.
 2  2 4 4 4


A =   S : tan (1 + 5 tan(2)) = 5 − tan(2)  is. [JEE(Main)-2022]

ANSWER KEY

1. (4) 2. (1) 3. (4) 4. (2) 5. (4) 6. (3) 7. (2)

8. (4) 9. 8.00 10. (4) 11. (3) 12. (2) 13. 1 14. (2)

15. 32 16. (3) 17. (3) 18. (3) 19. 5

218 Trigonometric Equation

 JEE-Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

6
  (m − 1)   m 
1. For 0 <  <
2
, the solution(s) of  cosec   +
m= 1
4
 cosec   +
 
=4 2
4 
is(are):

[JEE(Advanced)-2009]

   5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 6 12 12

2. The positive integer value of n > 3 satisfying the equation: [JEE(Advanced)-2011]

1 1 1
= + is:
  2   3 
sin   sin   sin  
n  n   n 

   n
3. The number of values of  in the interval  − ,  such that   for n = 0, ±1, ±2 and
 2 2 5

tan = cot 5 as well as sin 2 = cos 4 is: [JEE(Advanced)-2010]

4. Let P = {: sin  cos  = 2 cos } and Q = {: sin  + cos  = 2 sin } be two sets. Then:

(A) P  Q and Q P (B) Q  P

(C) P  Q (D) P = Q [JEE(Advanced)-2011]

5. For x  (0, ), the equation sinx + 2 sin 2x sin 3x = 3 has

[JEE(Advanced)-2014]

(A) infinitely many solutions (B) three solutions

(C) one solution (D) no solution

6. For x  (0,), the equation sinx + 2sin2x sin3x = 3 has: [JEE(Advanced)-2014]

(A) infinitely many solutions (B) three solutions

(C) one solution (D) no solution

5
7. The number of distinct solutions of equation cos22x + cos4x + sin4x + cos6x+ sin6x = 2 in the
4
interval [0, 2] is [JEE(Advanced)-2015]

Trigonometric Equation 219

 Answer the following by appropriately matching the lists based on the information given in the

paragraph

 cos x) and g(x) = cos(2 sin x) be two functions defined for x > 0. Define the following
sets whose elements are written in the increasing order:

X = {x: Y = {x:

Z = {x: g(x) = 0}, W = {x: g'(x) = 0}.

List -1 contains the sets X, Y, Z and W. List - n contains some information regarding these sets.

[JEE(Advanced)-2019]

List-I List-II

  3 
(I) X (P)  , , 4, 7
2 2 

(II) Y (Q) an arithmetic progression

(III) Z (R) NOT an arithmetic progression

  7 13 
(IV) W (S)  , , 
6 6 6 

  2 
(T)   , , 
3 3 

  3 
(U)  , 
6 4 

8. Which of the following is the only CORRECT combination?

(A) (III), (R), (U) (B) (IV), (P), (R), (S)

(C) (IV), (Q), (T) (D) (P), (Q), (U)

9. Which of the following is the only CORRECT combination?

(A) (I), (P), (R) (B) (II), (Q), (T)

(C) (II), (R), (S) (D) (I), (Q), (U)

220 Trigonometric Equation

10. Consider the following lists: [JEE(Advanced)-2022]
List I List II


  2 2  

(I) x   − ,  : cos x + sinx = 1 (P) has two elements

  3 3  



  5 5  

(II) x   − ,  : 3 tan3x = 1 (Q) has three elements

  18 18  



  6 6  

(III) x   − ,  : 2cos(2x) = 3  (R) has four elements

  5 5  



  7 7  

(IV) x   − ,  : sinx − cos x = 1 (S) has five elements

  4 4  


(T) has six elements

The correct option is:

ANSWER KEY

1. (CD) 2. n=7 3. 3 4. (D) 5. (D)

6. (D) 7. 8 8. (2) 9. (2) 10. (B)

Trigonometric Equation 221

 7 Determinant

Introduction
If the equations a1x + b1 = 0, a2x + b2 = 0 are satisfied by the same value of x, then a 1b2 a2b1 = 0. The
a 1 b1
expression a1b2 a2b1 is called a determinant of the second order, and is denoted by:
a2 b2

A determinant of second order consists of two rows and two columns.

Next consider the system of equations a1x+ b1y + c1 = 0, a2x + b2y + c2 = 0, a3x+ b3y + c3 = 0
If these equations are satisfied by the same values of x and y, then on eliminating x and y we get.
a1(b2c3 b3c2) + b1(c2a3 c3a2) + c1(a2b3 a3b2) = 0
a1 b1 c1
The expression on the left is called a determinant of the third order, and is denoted by a2 b2 c2
a 3 b3 c3

A determinant of third order consists of three rows and three columns.

Value of a Determinant
a1 b1 c1
b c2 a c2 a b2
D = a2 b2 c2 = a 1 2 − b1 2 + c1 2
b3 c3 a3 c3 a 3 b3
a3 b3 c3

= a1(b2c3 b3c2) b1(a2c3 a3c2) + c1(a2b3 a3b2)

Note: Sarrus diagram to get the value of determinant of order three:

–ve –ve –ve
a1 b1 c1 a1 b1 c1 a1 b1
D = a2 b2 c2 = a2 b2 c2 a2 b2
a 3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3 a3 b3
+ve +ve +ve
= (a1b2c3 + a2b3c1 + a3b1c2) (a3b2c1 + a2b1c3 + a1b3c2)
Note that the product of the terms in first bracket (i.e, a1a2a3b1b2b3c1c2c3) is same as the product
of the terms is second bracket.

Example 1:
1 2 3
The value of −4 3 6 is-
2 −7 9

(A) 213 (B) 231 (C) 231 (D) 39

Determinant 223
 Solution:

1 2 3
3 6 −4 6 −4 3
−4 3 6 = 1 −2 +3
−7 9 2 9 2 −7
2 −7 9

= (27 + 42) 2 ( 36 12) + 3 (28 6) = 231

Alternative: By sarrus diagram

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2
−4 3 6 = −4 3 6 −4 3
2 −7 9 2 −7 9 2 −7

= (27 + 24 + 84) (18 42 72) = 135 (18 114) = 231 Ans.(C)

Minors and Cofactors

The minor of a given elements of determinant obtained by deleting the row and the column in which

the given element stands.

a1 b1 c1
b c2 a c1
Example, the minor of a1 in a2 b2 c2 is 2 & the minor of b2 is 1 .
b3 c3 a3 c3
a3 b3 c3

If Mij represents the minor of the element belonging to ith row and jth column then the cofactor of that

elements is given by : Cij = ( 1)i + j . Mij

Example 2:

2 −3 1
Find the minors and cofactors of el and 4 0 5
−1 6 7

Solution:

4 5
Minor of 3= = 33; Cofactor of 3= 33
−1 7

2 −3
Minor of 5 = = 9; Cofactor of 5 = 9
−1 6

−3 1
Minor of 1= = −15 ; Cofactor of 1= 15
0 5

2 −3
Minor of 7 = = 12; Cofactor of 7 = 12
4 0

224 Determinant
Expansion of a Determinant in Terms of The Elements of Any Row or Column
a1 b1 c1
Let D = a2 b2 c2
a 3 b3 c3

(i) The sum of the product of elements of any row (column) with their corresponding cofactors is

always equal to the value of the determinant.

D can be expressed in any of the six forms:

a1A1 + b1B1 + c1C1 a1A1 + a2A2 + a3A3,

a2A2 + b2B2 + c2C2, b1B1 + b2B2 + b3B3,

a3A3 + b3B3 + c3C3, c1C1 + c2C2 + c3C3,

where Ai, Bi and Ci (i = 1, 2, 3) denote cofactors of ai, bi and ci respectively.

(ii) The sum of the product of elements of any row (column) with the cofactors of other row
(column) is always equal to zero.
Hence,
a2A1+ b2B1 + c2C1 = 0
b1A1 + b2A2 + b3A3 = 0 and so on.
Where Ai, Bi and Ci(i =1, 2, 3) denote cofactors of ai, bi& ci respectively.

Concept Builders - 1

2 1 3
(i) Find minors and and 6 5 7.
3 0 4

5 −3 7
(ii) Calculate the value of the determinant −2 4 −8
9 3 −10

a b 0
(iii) The value of the determinant 0 a b is equal to-
b 0 a

(A) a3 b3 (B) a3 + b3 (C) 0 (D) None of these

1 2 0
(iv) 2 3 1 =4
3 k 2

Determinant 225
 Properties of Determinants
(a) The value of determinant remains unaltered, if the rows & columns are inter-changed,
a1 b1 c1 a 1 a2 a3
Example. if D = a2 b2 c2 = b1 b2 b3 .
a3 b3 c3 c1 c2 c3

(b) If any two rows (or columns) of a determinant be interchanged, the value of determinant
is changed in sign only. Example
a1 b1 c1 a2 b2 c2
Let D = a2 b2 c2 & D1 = a 1 b1 c1 . Then D1 = D.
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

(c) If all the elements of a row (or column) are zero, then the value of the determinant is
zero.

(d) If all the elements of any row (or column) are multiplied by the same number, then the
determinant is multiplied by that number.
a1 b1 c1 Ka 1 Kb1 Kc1
Example If D = a2 b2 c2 and D1 = a2 b2 c2 . Then D1 = KD
a 3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

(e) If all the elements of a row (or column) are proportional (or identical) to the element of
any other row, then the determinant vanished, i.e. its value is zero.
a1 b1 c1 a1 b1 c1
Example If D = a 1 b1 c1  D = 0; If D1 = ka 1 kb1 kc1  D1 = 0
a 3 b3 c3 a 3 b3 c3

Example 3:
a b c y b q
Prove that x y z = x a p
p q r z c r

Solution:
a b c a x p
D= x y z = b y q (By interchanging rows and columns)
p q r c z r

x a p
= y b q (C1 C2)
z c r

y b q
=x a p (R1 R2)
z c r

226 Determinant
Example 4:
a2 ab ac
Find the value of the determinant ab b2 bc
ac bc c2

Solution:
a2 ab ac a b c a b c
D = ab b 2
bc = a ab b 2
bc = abc a b c = 0
ac bc c 2
ac bc c2 a b c

Since all rows are same, hence value of the determinant is zero.

Concept Builders - 2

a p r n c
(i) Without expanding the determinant prove that b q m + q m b = 0
c r n p a

  2 2
(ii) If D = , then is equal to-
  2 2

(A) D (B) 2D (C) 4D (D) 16D

(f) If each element of any row (or column) is expressed as a sum of two (or more) terms,
then the determinant can be expressed as the sum of two (or more) determinants.
a 1 + x b1 + y c1 + z a1 b1 c1 x y z
Example a2 b2 c2 = a2 b2 c2 + a2 b2 c2
a3 b3 c3 a 3 b3 c3 a 3 b3 c3

f(r) g(r) h(r)

Note that: If Dr = a b c
a1 b1 c1

where r  N and a, b, c, a1, b1, c1 are constants, then

n n n

 f(r)
r=1
 g(r)
r=1
 h(r)
r=1
n

D
r = 1
r
= a b c
a1 b1 c1

(g) Row Column Operation

The value of a determinant remains unaltered under a column (C i) operation of the form
Ci → Ci + Cj + Ck(j, k  i) or row (Ri) operation of the form
Ri → Ri + Rj + Rk (j, k  i). In other words, the value of a determinant is not altered by

Determinant 227
 adding the elements of any row (or column) to the same multiple of the corresponding
elements of any other row (or column)
a1 b1 c1
Example, Let D = a2 b2 c2
a 3 b3 c3

a 1 + a2 b1 + b2 c1 + c2

D= a2 b2 c2 (R1→R1 + R2; R3→R3 + R2)
a3 + a 1 b3 + b1 c3 +  c 1

Note: (i) By using the operation Ri → xRi + yRj + zRk(j, k  i), the value of the determinant becomes
x times the original one.
(ii) While applying this property ATLEAST ONE ROW (OR COLUMN) must remain unchanged.

Example 5:

r r3 2
n
If Dr = n n3
2n , find D .
r=0
r
2
n(n+ 1)  n(n+ 1) 
  2(n+ 1)
2  2 
Solution:
2
n n n
n(n+ 1)  n(n+ 1) 
r  r3 2 2
  2(n+ 1)
n
r=0 r=0 r = 0  2 
D
r=0
r
= n n3 2n = n n3 2n =0 Ans.
2 2
n(n+ 1)  n(n+ 1)  n(n+ 1)  n(n+ 1) 
  2(n+ 1)   2(n+ 1)
2  2  2  2 

Example 6:
32 + k 42 32 + 3 + k
If 42 + k 52 42 + 4 + k = 0, then the value of k is-
52 + k 62 52 + 5 + k

(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) 0

Solution:
Applying (C3→ C3 C1 )
32 + k 42 3
D = 4 +k 5 2 2
4=0
5 +k 6
2 2
5

9 + k 16 3
 7 9 1=0 (R3 → R3 R2 ; R2→ R2 R1)
9 11 1

k 1=0k=1 Ans. (B)

228 Determinant
 Concept Builders - 3

53 106 159
(i) Find the value of 52 65 91
102 153 221

x 2 0
(ii) Solve for x : 2 + x 5 −1 = 0
5−x 1 2

2r 1 n n
(iii) If Dr = 1 −2 3 , then find the value of D .
r=1
r

3 2 1

(h) Factor Theorem

If the elements of a determinant D are rational integral functions of x and two rows (or
columns) become identical when x = a then (x a) is a factor of D.
Note that if r rows become identical when a is substituted for x, then (x a)r 1
is a
factor of D.

Example 7:
a a x
Prove that m m m = m(x a) (x b)
b x b
Solution:
Using factor theorem,
Put x = a
a a a
D= m m m=0
b a b
Since R1 and R2 are proportional which makes D = 0, therefore (x a) is a factor of D. Similarly,
by putting x = b, D becomes zero, therefore (x b) is a factor of D.
a a x
D = m m m = (x a) (x b)
b x b
To get the value of , put x = 0 in equation (i)
a a 0
m m m = ab
b 0 b
amb = ab  = m
 D = m(x a) (x b)

Determinant 229
 Concept Builders - 4

1 a bc
(i) Without expanding the determinant prove that 1 b ca = (a b) (b c) (c a)
1 c ab

1 4 20
(ii) Using factor theorem, find the solution set of the equation 1 −2 5 =0
1 2x 5x2

Multiplication of Two Determinants

a 1 b1 1
m1 a + b1 a 1m1 + b1m2
 = 1 1 2

a2 b2 2
m2 a2 1
+ b2 2
a2m1 + b2m2

Similarly, two determinants of order three are multiplied.

(a) Here we have multiplied row by column. We can also multiply row by row, column by
row and column by column.
(b) If D1 is the determinant formed by replacing the elements of determinant D of order n
by their corresponding cofactors then D1 = Dn 1

Example 8:
Let & be the roots of equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and Sn = n + n for n  1. Evaluate the value
3 1 + S1 1 + S2
of the determinant 1 + S1 1 + S2 1 + S3 .
1 + S2 1 + S3 1 + S4

Solution:

3 1 + S1 1 + S2 1+ 1+ 1 1+  + 1 + 2 + 2
D = 1 + S1 1 + S2 1 + S3 = 1 +  +  1 + 2 + 2 1 +  3 + 3
1 + S2 1 + S3 1 + S4 1 + 2 + 2 1 +  3 + 3 1 +  4 + 4
2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= 1  2  1   = 1  2 = [(1 ) (1 ) ( )]2
1   2
1  2
 2
1  2

D = ( )2 ( +   1)2
  and  are roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0

−b c b2 − 4ac
 += &  = | | =
a a |a|
2
(b2 − 4ac)  a + b + c  (b2 − 4ac)(a + b+ c)2
D=   = Ans.
a2  a  a4

230 Determinant
 Concept Builders - 5

1 1 1 1 0 0
(i) If the determinant D =  +   +  2 2
2 and D1= 0   , then find the determinant D2
+ 2 2
 + 2
0  
D
such that D2 = .
D1

ab2 − ac2 bc2 − a2b a2c − b2c 1 1 1

(ii) If D1 = ac − ab ab − bc bc − ac & D2= a b c , then D1D2 is equal to-
c −b a −c b−a bc ac ab

(A) 0 (B) D21 (C) D22 (D) D23

Special Determinants
(a) Cyclic Determinant

The elements of the rows (or columns) are in cyclic arrangement.

a b c
b c a = (a3 + b3 + c3 3abc) = (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 ab bc ac)
c a b

1
= (a + b + c)× [(a b)2 + (b c)2 + (c a)2]
2
= (a + b + c) (a + b + c2) (a + b2 + c), where , 2 are cube roots of unity

(b) Other Important Determinants

0 b −c
(i) −b 0 a =0
c −a 0
1 1 1 1 1 1
(ii) a b c = a b c = (a b) (b c) (c a)
bc ac ab a2 b2 c 2

1 1 1
(iii) a b c = (a b) (b c) (c a) (a + b + c)
a 3
b 3
c 3

1 1 1
(iv) a 2
b 2
c2 = (a b) (b c) (c a) (ab + bc + ca)
a 3
b 3
c 3

1 1 1
(v) a b c = (a b) (b c) (c a) (a2 + b2 + c2 + ab + bc + ca)
a 4 b4 c4

Determinant 231
 Example 9:

1  2
Prove that  2 1 = (1 3)2.
2 1 

Solution:

This is a cyclic determinant.

1  2
   2
1 = (1 +  + 2) (1 + 2 + 4  2 3)
 2
1 

= (1 +  + 2) ( +1 3 + 4)

= (1 +  + 2) (1 )2 (1 +  + 2)

= (1 )2 (1 +  + 2)2 = (1 3)2

Concept Builders - 6

ka k2 + a2 1
(i) The value of the determinant kb k + b 2 2
1 is
kc k + c2 2
1

(A) k(a + b) (b + c) (c + a)

(B) kabc(a2 + b2 + c2)

(C) k(a b) (b c) (c a)

(D) k(a + b c) (b + c a) (c + a b)

a2 + b2 a2 − c2 a 2 − c2
(ii) Find the value of the determinant −a2 0 c2 − a2 .
b2 −c2 b2

a b c
(iii) Prove that bc ca ab = (a + b +c) (a b) (b c) (c a).
b+c c+a a +b

232 Determinant
 s Rule (System of Linear Equations)

Simultaneous linear equations

Consistent Inconsistent
(at least one solution) (no solution)

Exactly one solution Infinite solutions

or
Unique solution

Trivial solution Non-trivial solution

All variable At least one

zero is the Non-zero variable
only solution Satisfies the system

(a) Equations Involving Two Variables

(i) Consistent Equations : Definite & unique solution (Intersecting lines)
(ii) Inconsistent Equations : No solution (Parallel lines)
(iii) Dependent Equations : Infinite solutions (Identical lines)
Let a1x + b1y + c1 = 0
a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 then:
a1 b1
(1)   Given equations are consistent with unique solution
a2 b2
a1 b1 c1
(2) =   Given equations are inconsistent
a2 b2 c2
a1 b1 c1
(3) = =  Given equations are consistent with infinite solutions
a2 b2 c2

(b) Equations Involving Three Variables

Let a1x + b1y + c1z = d1
a2x + b2y + c2z = d2
a3x + b3y + c3z = d3
D1 D2 D3
Then, x= ,y = ,z = .
D D D
a1 b1 c1 d1 b1 c1 a1 d1 c1 a1 b1 d1
Where D = a2 b2 c2 ; D1 = d2 b2 c2 ; D 2 = a 2 d2 c2 & D3 = a2 b2 d2
a 3 b3 c3 d3 b3 c3 a3 d3 c3 a 3 b3 d3

Determinant 233
 Note: (i) If D  0 and atleast one of D1, D2, D3  0, then the given system of equations is consistent
and has unique non-trivial solution.
(ii) If D  0 and D1 = D2 = D3 = 0, then the given system of equations is consistent and has
trivial solution only
(iii) If D = D1 = D2 = D3 = 0, then the given system of equations is consistent and has infinite
solutions.
a 1x + b1 y + c 1z = d1 

Note that: In case a 1x + b1 y + c 1z = d2  (Atleast two of d1, d2& d3 are not equal)
a 1x + b1 y + c 1z = d 3 

D = D1 = D2 = D3 = 0. But these three equations represent three parallel planes. Hence
the system is inconsistent.
(iv) If D = 0 but atleast one of D1, D2, D3 is not zero then the equations are inconsistent and
have no solution.

(c) Homogeneous System of Linear Equations

If x, y, z are not all zero, the condition for
a1x + b1y + c1z = 0
a2x + b2y + c2z = 0
a3x + b3y + c3z = 0
a1 b1 c1
to be consistent in x, y, z is that a2 b2 c2 = 0.
a 3 b3 c3
Remember that if a given system of linear equations have Only Zero Solution for all its
variables then the given equations are said to have TRIVIAL SOLUTION.

Application of Determinants in Geometry

(a) The lines: a1x + b1y + c1 = 0
a2x + b2y + c2 = 0
a3x + b3y + c3 = 0
a1 b1 c1
are concurrent if a2 b2 c2 = 0.
a 3 b3 c3
This is the condition for consistency of three simultaneous linear equations in 2 variable.
(b) Equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents a pair of straight lines if:
a h g
abc + 2 fgh af 2
bg 2
ch = 0 = h b f
2

g f c
x1 y1 1
1
(c) Area of a triangle whose vertices are (xr, yr); r = 1, 2, 3 is D = x y2 1
2 2
x3 y3 1
If D = 0 then the three points are collinear.
x y 1
(d) Equation of a straight line passing through points (x1, y1) & (x2, y2) is x 1 y1 1 =0
x2 y2 1

234 Determinant
Example 10:
Find the nature of solution for the given system of equations:
x + 2y + 3z = 1; 2x + 3y + 4z = 3; 3x + 4y + 5z = 0
Solution:
1 2 3
D= 2 3 4 =0
3 4 5

1 2 3
Now, D1 = 3 3 4 = 5
0 4 5

 D = 0 but D1 0
Hence no solution. Ans.

Example 11:
Find the value of , if the following equations are consistent:
x+y 3 = 0; (1 + )x + (2 + )y 8 = 0; x (1 + )y + (2 + ) = 0
Solution:
The given equations in two unknowns are consistent, then  = 0
1 1 −3
i.e. 1 +  2+ −8 = 0
1 −(1 + ) 2 + 

Applying C2→C2 C1 and C3→ C3 + 3C1

1 0 0
 1+  1 3 − 5 = 0
1 −2 −  5 + 

 (5 + ) (3 5) ( 2 ) = 0  32 + 2 5=0

  = 1, 5/3

Example 12:
If the system of equations x + y + 1 = 0, x + y + 1 = 0 & x + y +  = 0 is consistent, then find
the value of .
Solution:
For consistency of the given system of equations
1  1
D=  1 1 =0
1 1 

 3 = 1 + 1 + 3 or 3 3 + 2 = 0
 ( 1)2 ( + 2) = 0  = 1 or  = 2 Ans.

Determinant 235
 Concept Builders - 7

(i) Find nature of solution for given system of equations

2x + y + z = 3; x + 2y + z = 4; 3x + z = 2

(ii) If the system of equations x + y + z = 2, 2x + y z = 3 and 3x + 2y + kz = 4 has a unique solution,

then

(A) k  0 (B) 1 < k < 1 (C) 2<k<1 (D) k = 0

(iii) The system of questions x + y + z = 0, x + y + z = 0 and x y + z = 0 has a non-trivial

solution, then possible values of  are-

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 3 (D) 3

236 Determinant
 ANSWERS KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

1. (i) minors : 4, 1, 4, 4; cofactors: 4, 1, 4, 4 (ii) 98 (iii) B (iv) 0

2. (ii) C 3. (i) 0 (ii) 2 (iii) 0

1 1 1
4. (ii) x= 1, 2 5. (i) 1   (ii) D
1  

6. (i) C (ii) 0

7. (i) infinite solutions (ii) A (iii) A

Determinant 237
 Objective Exercise - I

1 3 4
1. If 1 x − 1 2x + 2 = 0, then x is equal to-
2 5 9
(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 4 (D) 0

x2 + 3x x−1 x+3
2. Let px + qx + rx + sx + t =
4 3 2
x+1 −2x x − 4 be an identity,
x−3 x + 4 3x

where p, q, r, s,t are constants. Then the value of t equals

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 1

1 4 20
3. The solution set of the equation 1 −2 5 = 0 is
1 2x 5x2

(A) {1, 2} (B) { 1, 2} (C) {1, 2} (D) { 1, 2}

x 3 7
4. Given x = 9 is a root of the equation, 2 x 2 = 0 the other roots are
7 6 x

(A) 2, 7 (B) 7, 2 (C) 2, 7 (D) 2,7

1 a bc a 2 b2 c2
5. If 1 b ca =  a b c , then  is equal to
1 c ab 1 1 1

(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

1 a a2 − bc
6. 1 b b2 − ca is equal to
1 c c2 − ab

(A) 0 (B) a2(b c) (C) 2a2(b c) (D) 2ab(a - b)

sinx cos x cos x

  
7. The number of distinct real root of the equation cos x sinx cos x = 0in  − ,  is.
cos x cos x sinx  4 4

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

238 Determinant
 cos 2x sin2 x cos 4x
8. If the determinant sin x 2
cos 2x cos2 x is expanded in powers of sinx, then the constant
cos 4x cos2 x cos 2x

term is
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) 2

a −b−c 2a 2a
9. If 2b b−c−a 2b =k (a + b + c)3, then k is equal to
2c 2c c −a −b

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

1 x x+1
10. If f(x) = 2x x ( x − 1) ( x + 1) x , then f(100) is equal to
3x ( x − 1) x ( x − 1)( x − 2 ) ( x + 1) x ( x − 1)

(A) 0 (B) 100 (C) 1 (D) 100

2xy x2 y2
11. x2 y2 2xy is equal to
y 2
2xy x2

(A)(x3 + y3)2 (B) (x2 + y2)3 (C) (x2 + y2)3 (D) (x3 + y3)2

(a x + a − x )2 (a x − a − x )2 1
12. If a, b, c > 0 and x, y, z  R, then the determinant (b + b ) y −y 2
(b − b )
y −y 2
1 is equal to -
(c + c )
z −z 2
(c − c )
z −z 2
1

(A) axbycz (B) a xb yc z

(C) a2xb2yc2z (D) zero

cos (  +  ) − sin (  +  ) cos2

13. The value of sin  cos  sin  is independent of
− cos  sin  cos 

(A)  (B)  (C) both  and  (D) neither  nor 

y+z x x
14. y z+x y equals-
z z x+y
(A) x2y2z2 (B) 4x2y2z2 (C) xyz (D) 4xyz

Determinant 239
 x +1 x + 2 x + a
15. If a, b, c are in AP, then x + 2 x + 3 x + b equals -
x+3 x+4 x+c
(A) a + b + c (B) x + a + b + c (C) 0 (D) none of these

1 log x y log x z
16. For positive numbers x, y and z, the numerical value of the determinant log y x 1 log y z
log z x log z y 1
is-
(A) 0 (B) log xyz (C) log(x + y + z) (D) logx logy logz

a b c p+ x q+ y r +z
17. Let a determinant is given by A = p q r and suppose det. A = 6. If B = a + x b + y c + z then
x y z a +p b+q c +r

(A) det. B = 6 (B) det. B = 6 (C) det. B = 12 (D) det. B = 12

a1 b1 c1
18. If  = a2 b2 c2 and A2, B2, C2 are respectively cofactors of a2, b2, c2 then a1A2 + b1B2 + c1C2 is
a 3 b3 c3

equal to-
(A)  (B) 0 (C)  (D) none of these

19. If A = (aij) is a 4 × 4 matrix and Cij is the co-factor of the element aij in Det (A), then the
expression a11C11 + a12C12 + a13C13 + a14C14 equals-
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) Det.(A)

20. The value of an odd order skew symmetric determinant is-

(A) perfect square (B) negative (C) ± 1 (D) 0

a1 b1 c1
21. If in the determinant  = a2 b2 c2 , A1, B1, C1 etc. be the co-factors of a1, b1, c1 etc., then which
a 3 b3 c3

of the following relations is incorrect-

(A) a1A1 + b1B1 + c1C1 =  (B) a2A2 + b2B2 + c2C2 = 
(C) a3A3 + b3B3 + c3C3 =  (D) a1A2 + b1B2 + c1C2 = 

240 Determinant
 2r x n(n + 1)
n
22. If Sr = 6r − 1 2
y n2 (2n + 3) then S
r=1
r
does not depend on-
4r − 2nr z
3
n (n + 1)
3

(A) x (B) y (C) n (D) all of these

a1 b1 c1
23. If  = a2 b2 c2 and Ai, Bi, Ci denote the co-factors of ai, bi, ci (where i = 1, 2, 3) respectively,
a 3 b3 c3

A1 B1 C1
then the value of the determinant A2 B2 C2 is-
A3 B3 C3

(A)  (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0

a b c
24. If a, b, c are sides of a scalene triangle, then the value of b c a is:
c a b

(A) non-negative (B) negative (C) positive (D) non-positive

25. The value of k for which the set of equations 3x + ky 2z = 0, x + ky + 3z = 0 and 2x + 3y 4z

= 0 has a non-trivial solution is-
(A) 15 (B) 16 (C) 31/2 (D) 33/2

26. If the system of linear equations

x1 + 2x2 + 3x3 = 6 x1 + 3x2 + 5x3 = 9 2x1 + 5x2 + ax3 = b
is consistent and has infinite number of solutions, then:
(A) a R {8} and b  R {15} (B) a = 8, b can be any real number
(C) a = 8, b = 15 (D) b = 15, a can be any real number

27. Consider the system of equations : x + ay = 0, y + az = 0 and z + ax = 0. Then the set of all real
values of 'a' for which the system has a unique solution is:
(A) {1, 1} (B) R { 1} (C) {1, 0, 1} (D) R {1}

x
C1 x
C2 x
C3
28. The determinant y
C1 y
C2 y
C3 is equal to-
z
C1 z
C2 z
C3

1 1
(A) xyz(x + y) (y + z) (z + x) (B) xyz(x + y z)(y + z x)
3 4
1
(C) xyz(x y)(y z)(z x) (D) none
12

Determinant 241
 ANSWER KEY

1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (D) 5. (B) 6. (A) 7. (B)

8. (C) 9. (B) 10. (A) 11. (D) 12. (D) 13. (A) 14. (D)

15. (C) 16. (A) 17. (C) 18. (B) 19. (D) 20. (D) 21. (D)

22. (D) 23. (B) 24. (B) 25. (D) 26. (C) 27. (B) 28. (C)

242 Determinant
 Objective Exercise - II

1 + sin2 x cos2 x 4 sin2x

1. Let f(x) = sin x
2
1 + cos x 2
4 sin2x , then the maximum value of f(x), is-
sin x
2
cos x
2
1 + 4 sin2x

(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8

cos( + ) − sin( + ) cos2

2. The determinant sin  cos  sin  is -
− cos  sin  cos 

(A) 0 (B) independent of 

(C) independent of  (D) independent of  &  both

a a3 a4 − 1
3. If a,b,c are all different and b b3 b4 − 1 = 0, then -
c c3 c4 − 1

(A) abc(ab + bc + ca) = a + b + c (B) (a + b + c) (ab + bc + ca) = abc

(C) abc(a + b+ c) = ab + bc + ca (D) none of these

a +p +x u+f
4. If the determinant b + q m + y v + g splits into exactly K determinants of order 3, each
c+r n+z w +h

element of which contains only one term, then the value of K, is-
(A) 6 (B) 8 (C) 9 (D) 12

a b a +b a c a+c
D1
5. Let D1 = c d c + d and D2 = b d b+d then the value of where b  0 and ad  bc, is
D2
a b a −b a c a +b+c

(A) 2 (B) 0 (C) 2b (D) 2b

1 + a2 x (1 + b2 )x (1 + c2 )x
6. If a2 + b2 + c2 = 2 and f(x) = (1 + a2 )x 1 + b2 x (1 + c2 )x -
(1 + a )x (1 + b )x
2 2
1+c x2

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

7. If the system of equation, a2x ay = 1 a & bx + (3 2b)y = 3 + a possess a unique solution

x = 1, y = 1 then :
(A) a = 1; b = 1 (B) a = 1, b = 1 (C) a = 0, b = 0 (D) none

Determinant 243
 8. The number of values of K for which the system of equations (K 1)x + (3K + 1)y + 2Kz = 0,
(K 1)x + (4K 2)y + (K + 3)z = 0 and 2x + (3K + 1)y + 3(K 1)z = 0 has a common non zero
solution is-
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

x 3x + 2 2x − 1
9. The number of real values of x satisfying 2x − 1 4x 3x + 1 = 0 is -
7x − 2 17x + 6 12x − 1

(A) 3 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) infinite

x − 1 (x − 1)2 x3
10. If D(x) = x − 1 x2 (x + 1)3 then the coefficient of x in D(x) is-
x (x + 1)2 (x + 1)3

(A) 5 (B) 2 (C) 6 (D) 0

a a +b a + 2b
11. The value of the determinant a + 2b a a + b is
a +b a + 2b a

(A) 9a2 (a + b) (B) 9b2 (a + b) (C) 3b2 (a + b) (D) 7a2 (a + b)

One or More Than One Correct Type Questions

a2 a2 − (b − c)2 bc
12. The determinant b2 b2 − (c − a)2 ca is divisible by -
c 2
c − (a − b)
2 2
ab

(A) a + b + c
(B) (a + b) (b + c) (c + a)
(C) a2 + b2 + c2
(D) (a b)(b c) (c a)

13. Suppose a1, a2, a3 are in A.P. and b1, b2, b3 are in H.P. and let

a 1 − b1 a 1 − b2 a 1 − b3
 = a 2 − b1 a2 − b2 a2 − b3 , then
a 3 − b1 a 3 − b2 a 3 − b3

(A)  is independent of a1, a2, a3,

(B) a1 − , a2 − 2, a3 − 3 are in A.P.
(C) b1 + , b2 + 2, b3 +  are in H.P.
(D)  is independent of b1, b2, b3

244 Determinant
   
14. The value of  lying between − & and 0  A  and satisfying the equation
4 2 2
1 + sin2 A cos2 A 2 sin4
sin A 2
1 + cos A 2
2 sin4 = 0 are-
sin A 2
cos A 2
1 + 2 sin4

  3    3
(A) A = ,= − (B) A = = (C) A = ,= − (D) A = ,=
4 8 8 5 8 6 8

15. Which of the following determinant(s) vanish(es)?

1 1
1 ab
+
1 bc bc(b + c) a b 0 a −b a −c log x xyz log x y log x z
1 1
(A) 1 ca ca(c + a) (B) 1 bc + (C) b − a 0 b − c (D) log y xyz 1 log y z
b c
1 ab ab(a + b) 1 1 c −a c −b 0 log z xyz log z y 1
1 ca +
c a

1 a a2
16. The parameter, on which the value of cos (p − d) x cospx cos (p + d) x depend upon, is
sin (p − d) x sinpx sin (p + d) x

(A) a (B) p (C) d (D) x

x 2y − z −z
17. If  = y 2x − z −z , then
y 2y − z 2x − 2y − z

(A) x y is a factor of  (B) (x y)2 is a factor of 

(C) (x y)3 is a factor of  (D)  is independent of z

−x a b
18. Let a, b > 0 and  = b −x a , then
a b −x

(A) a + b x is a factor of  (B) x2 + (a + b)x + a2 + b2 ab is a factor of 

(C)  = 0 has three real roots if a = b (D) a + b + x is a factor of 

a b a + b
19. The determinant b c b + c is equal to zero, if -
a + b b + c 0

(A) a, b, c are in AP
(B) a, b, c are in GP
(C)  is a root of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0
(D) (x ) is a factor of ax2 + 2bx + c

Determinant 245
 ANSWER KEY

1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (A) 6. (C) 7. (A)

8. (C) 9. (D) 10. (A) 11. (B) 12. (ACD) 13. (ABCD) 14. (ABCD)

15. (ABCD) 16. (ACD) 17. (AB) 18. (ABC) 19. (BD)

246 Determinant
 Subjective Exercise - I

a1 a2 a3
1. If a1, a2, a3, 5, 4, a6, a7, a8, a9 are in H.P., then the value of the determinant 5 4 a6 can be
a7 a8 a9

p
expressed in the lowest form as , find (p + q)
q

13 + 3 2 5 5
2. Evaluate 15 + 26 5 10
3 + 65 15 5

r−1 n 6
n
Let r = (r − 1)
2
3. 2n 2
4n − 2 .Find the sum  r
r=1
(r − 1)
3
3n3 3n2 − 3n

bc ca ab
4. Find the numerical value of the determinant p q r , where a,b,c are respectively
1 1 1

pth, qth , rth terms of an H.P.

5. (a) On which one of the parameter out of a, p, d or x the value of the determinant
1 a a2
cos(p − d)x cospx cos(p + d)x does not depend.
sin(p − d)x sinpx sin(p + d)x

x 3 + 1 x2 x
(b) If y + 1 y 3 2
y = 0 and x, y, z are all different then, prove that xyz = 1.
z +1 z
3 2
z

6. Prove that :
a2 + 2a 2a + 1 1
(a) 2a + 1 a+2 1 = (a 1)3
3 3 1

1 1 1
(b) x y z = [(x y)(y z)(z x)(x + y + z)]
x 3
y 3
z 3

Determinant 247
 −3
x 1
2
7. (a) Let f(x) = 2 2 1 . Find the minimum value of f(x) (given x > 1).
1 1
0
x−1 2

(b) If a2 + b2 + c2 + ab + bc + ca  0  a, b, c  R, then find the value of the determinant

(a + b + 2)2 a2 + b2 1
1 (b + c + 2) 2
b + c2
2
.
c +a
2 2
1 (c + a + 2) 2

a b c b+c c +a a +b
8. If D = c a b and D' = a + b b + c c + a , then prove that D' = 2 D.
b c a c +a a +b b+c

( +  −  − )4 ( +  −  − )2 1
9. Prove that (  +  −  − ) 4
(  +  −  − ) 2
1= 64( ) (  )( ) ( )( ) ( )
( +  −  − ) 4
( +  −  − ) 2
1

x+2 2x + 3 3x + 4 x−2 2x − 3 3x − 4
10. (a) Solve for x, 2x + 3 3x + 4 4x + 5 = 0 (b) x − 4 2x − 9 3x − 16 = 0
3x + 5 5x + 8 10x + 17 x − 8 2x − 27 3x − 64

a−x c b
11. If a + b + c = 0, solve for x : c b−x a =0
b a c−x

12. Let a, b, c are the solutions of the cubic x3 5x2 + 3x 1 = 0, then find the value of the
a b c
determinant a − b b − c c − a .
b+c c+a a +b

a2 +  ab ac
13. Show that, ab b +
2
bc is divisible by 2 and find the other factor.
ac bc c2 + 

a2 b2 c2 a 2 b2 c2
14. Prove that: (a + 1)2 (b + 1)2 (c + 1)2 = 4 a b c .
(a − 1) 2
(b − 1) 2
(c − 1)2 1 1 1

248 Determinant
 S0 S1 S2
15. If Sr =  +  +  then show that S1
r r r
S2 S3 = = ( )2 ( )2 ( )2.
S2 S3 S4

16.
x+y+z 6=0 x + 2y + z = 1 7x 7y + 5z = 3
(a) 2x + y z 1=0 (b) 3x + y + z = 6 (c) 3x + y + 5z = 7
x+y 2z + 3 = 0 x + 2y = 0 2x + 3y + 5z = 5

ANSWER KEY

1. 71 2. (
5 3 2 −5 3 ) 3. 0 4. 0 5. (a) p 7. (a) 4 (b) 65

3 2
10. (a)x = 1 or x = 2; (b) x = 4 11. x = 0 or x = ± (a + b2 + c2 ) 12. 80
2

13. 2 (a2 + b2 + c2 + )

16. (a) x = 1, y = 2, z = 3; consistent (b) x = 2, y = 1, z = 1; consistent (c) inconsistent

Determinant 249
 Subjective Exercise - II

0 2x − 2 2x + 8
3 3
1. If (x) = x − 1 4 x2 + 7 and f(x) =  a c
j= 1 i = 1
ij ij
, where aij is the element of ith row and jth
0 0 x+4

column in (x) and cij is the cofactor aij i and j, then find the greatest value of f(x), where
x  [ 3, 18]

1 + a2 − b2 2ab −2b
2. Prove that 2ab 1−a +b
2 2
2a = (1 + a2 + b2)3 .
2b −2a 1−a −b 2 2

A B C
cot cot cot
2 2 2
B C C A A B
3. In a ABC, determine condition under which tan + tan tan + tan tan + tan = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1

(a − p)2 (a − q)2 (a − r)2 (1 + ap)2 (1 + aq)2 (1 + ar)2

4. Prove that : (b − p)2 (b − q)2 (b − r)2 = (1 + bp)2 (1 + bq)2 (1 + br)2 .
(c − p)2 (c − q)2 (c − r)2 (1 + cp)2 (1 + cq)2 (1 + cr)2

5. Given x = cy + bz; y = az + cx; z = bx + ay, where x, y, z are not all zero, then prove that
a2 + b2 + c2 + 2abc = 1.

6. Investigate for what values of ,  the simultaneous equations x + y + z = 6 ; x + 2y + 3z = 10

and x + 2y + z =  have :
(a) A unique solution. (b) An infinite number of solutions. (c) No solution.

7. For what values of p, the equations : x + y + z = 1 ; x + 2y + 4z = p & x + 4y + 10z = p² have a

solution ? Solve them completely in each case.

8. Solve the equations : Kx + 2y 2z = 1, 4x + 2Ky z = 2, 6x + 6y + Kz = 3 considering specially

the case when K = 2.

9. Find the sum of all positive integral values of a for which every solution to the system of
equation x + ay = 3 and ax + 4y = 6 satisfy the inequalities x > 1, y > 0.

250 Determinant
 x y z
10. Given a = ;b= ;c= , where x, y, z are not all zero, prove that :
y −z z−x x−y
1 + ab + bc + ca = 0.

z + ay + a2 x + a 3 = 0

11. Solve the system of equations : z + by + b2 x + b3 = 0 where a  b  c.
z + cy + c2 x + c3 = 0 

12. For what value of K do the following system of equations x + Ky + 3z = 0, 3x + Ky 2z = 0, 2x

+ 3y 4z = 0 possess a non-trivial (i.e. not all zero) solution over the set of rationales Q. For
that value of K, find all the solutions of the system.

13. If the equations a(y + z) = x, b(z + x) = y, c(x + y) = z (where a,b,c  1)have nontrivial solutions,
1 1 1
then find the value of + + .
1+a 1+b 1+c

14. Show that the system of equations 3x y + 4z = 3, x + 2y 3z = 2 and 6x + 5y + z = 3 has

alteast one solution for any real number . Find the set of solutions of  = 5.

ANSWER KEY

1. 0 3. Triangle ABC is isosceles.

6. (a)   3 (b)  = 3,  = 10 (c)  = 3,  10

7. x = 1 + 2k, y = 3K, z = K, when p = 1; x = 2K, y = 1 3K, z = K when p = 2; where K  R

x y z 1
8. If K  2 = = =
2(K + 6) 2K + 3 6(K − 2) 2(K2 + 2K + 15)

1 − 2
If K = 2, then x = , y = and z = 0 where   R
2

9. 4 11. x= (a + b + c), y = ab + bc + ca, z = abc

33 15
12. K= ,x:y:z = − :1: 3 13. 2
2 2

4 9 4 − 5K 13K − 9
14. If   5 then x = ,y= & z = 0; If  = 5 then = x = ;y= and z = K, where
7 7 7 7

KR

Determinant 251
 JEE-Main (Previous Year Questions)

3 1 + f(1) 1 + f(2)
1. If ,   +  and 1 + f(1)
n n
1 + f(2) 1 + f(3) = K(1 )2 (1 )2 ( )2, then K is
1 + f(2) 1 + f(3) 1 + f(4)

equal to : [JEE(Main)-2014]

1
(1)  (2) (3) 1 (4) 1


2. The set of all values of  for which the system of linear equations:
2x1 2x2 + x3 = x1, 2x1 3x2 + 2x3 = x2, x1 + 2x2 = x3
has a non-trivial solution [JEE(Main)-2015]
(1) contains two elements (2) contains more than two elements
(3) is an empty set (4) is a singleton

3. The system of linear equations [JEE(Main)-2016]

x + y z = 0, x y z = 0, x + y z = 0 has a non-trivial solution for :
(1) exactly three values of . (2) infinitely many values of .
(3) exactly one value of . (4) exactly two values of .

4. If S is the set of distinct value of 'b' for which the following system of linear equations:
x+y+z=1
x + ay + z = 1
ax + by + z = 0
has no solution, then S is : [JEE(Main)-2017]
(1) a singleton (2) an empty set
(3) an infinite set (4) a finite set containing two or more elements

5. If the system of linear equations

x + ky + 3z = 0
3x + ky 2z = 0
2x + 4y 3z = 0

xz
has a non-zero solution (x, y, z), then is equal to [JEE(Main)-2018]
y2

(1) 30 (2) 10 (3) 10 (4) 30

252 Determinant
 x−4 2x 2x
6. If 2x x − 4 2x = (A + Bx)(x A)2, then the ordered pair (A, B) is equal to:
2x 2x x − 4

[JEE(Main)-2018]
(1) (4, 5) (2) ( 4, 5) (3) ( 4, 3) (4) ( 4, 5)

7. The system of linear equations. [JEE(Main)-2019]

x+y+z=2
2x + 3y + 2z = 5
2x + 3y + (a2 1)z = a + 1
(1) has infinitely many solutions for a = 4

(2) is inconsistent when |a| = 3

(3) is inconsistent when a = 4

(4) has a unique solution for |a| = 3

8. If the system of linear equations

x 4y + 7z = g
3y 5z = h
2x + 5y 9z = k
is consistent, then: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) g + 2h + k = 0 (2) 2g + h + k =0 (3) g +h + k = 0 (4) g + h + 2k = 0

 −2 4+d (sin ) − 2 
 
9. Let d  R, and A =  1 (sin ) + 2 d  , [0, 2]. If the minimum value of det(A)
 5 (2 sin ) − d (− sin ) + 2 + 2d
 
is 8, then a value of d is: [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) 7 (2) 5 (3) 2( 2 + 1) (4) 2( 2 + 2)

10. The number of values of   (0, ) for which the system of linear equations x + 3y + 7y = 0;
x + 4y + 7 z = 0 ; (sin3)x + (cos2)y + 2z = 0 has a non-trivial solution, is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) four (2) one (3) three (4) two

a −b−c 2a 2a
11. If 2b b−c−a 2b = (a + b + c) (x + a + b + c)2, x  0 and a + b + c  0, then x is
2c 2c c −a −b

equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) abc (2) 2(a + b + c) (3) 2(a + b + c) (4) (a + b + c)

Determinant 253
 12. An ordered pair (, ) for which the system of linear equations. [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1 + )x + y + z = 2
x + (1+ ) y + z = 3
x + y + 2z = 2
has a unique solutions is:
(1) ( 3, 1) (2) ( 4, 2) (3) (1, 3) (4) (2, 4)

13. The set of all values of  for which the system of linear equations [JEE(Main)-2019]
x 2y 2z = x
x + 2y + z = y
x y = z
has a non-trivial solution:
(1) contains exactly two elements (2) is a singleton
(3) contains more than two elements (4) is an empty set

1 1 1
 
14. Let the numbers 2, b, c be in an A.P. and A =  2 b c  . If det(A)  [2, 16], then c lies in the
4 b2 c2 

interval : [JEE(Main)-2019]
(1) (2 + 23/4, 4) (2) [3, 2 + 23/4] (3) [4, 6] (4) [2, 3)

516
1
15. Let  and  be the roots of the equation x2 + x + 1 = 0. Then for y  0 in R,  cos x·sin(f(x))dx
2 1/6

is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]

(1) y3 1 (2) y3 (3) y(y2 1) (4) y(y2 3)

16. If the system of equations 2x + 3y z = 0, x + ky 2z = 0 and 2x y + z = 0 has a non-trivial

x y z
solution (x, y, z) then + + + k is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
y z x

3 1 1
(1) (2) (3) (4) 4
4 4 2

x sin  cos  x sin2 cos2

 
17. If 1=  and 2 =   , then for all    0,  :
cos  1 x cos2 1 x  2

(1) 1 + 2 = 2(x3 + x 1) (2) 1 2 = 2x3 [JEE(Main)-2019]

(3) 1 2 = x(cos2 cos4) (4) 1 + 2 = 2x3

254 Determinant
 x −6 −1
18. The sum of the real roots of the equation 2 −3x x − 3 = 0 , is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2019]
−3 2x x+2

(1) 0 (2) 6 (3) 1 (4) 4

19. Let  be a real number for which the system of linear equations [JEE(Main)-2019]
x+y+z=6
4x + y z =  2
3x + 2y 4z = 5
has infinitely many solutions. Then  is a root of the quadratic equation:
(1) 2 +  6=0 (2) 2 3 4=0 (3) 2 + 3 4=0 (4)   6=0

20. If [x] denotes the greatest integer  x, then the system of linear equations
[sin ]x + [ cos ]y = 0
[cot] x + y = 0 [JEE(Main)-2019]
  2   7 
(1) have infinitely many solutions if    ,  and has a unique solution if    , 
 2 3   6 
  2   7 
(2) has a unique solution if    ,    , .
2 3   6 
  2   7 
(3) have infinitely many solutions if    ,    , .
2 3   6 
  2   7 
(4) has a unique solution if    ,  and have infinitely many solutions if    , .
 2 3   6 

1 + cos2  sin2  4cos6

21. A value of   (0, /3), for which cos 
2
1 + sin  2
4cos6 = 0, is: [JEE(Main)-2019]
cos 
2
sin 
2
1 + 4cos6

7   7
(1) (2) (3) (4)
36 9 18 24

22. If the system of linear equations [JEE(Main)-2020]

2x + 2ay + az = 0
2x + 3by + bz = 0
2x + 4cy + cz = 0
where a, b, c  R are non-zero and distinct; has a non-zero solution, then:
1 1 1
(1) , , are in A.P. (2) a + b + c = 0
a b c
(3) a, b, c are in G.P. (4) a, b, c are in A.P.

Determinant 255
 23. If the system of linear equations,
x+y+z=6
x + 2y + 3z = 10
3x + 2y + z = 
has more than two solutions, then  2 is equal to ........... [JEE(Main)-2020]

24. If for some  and  in R, the intersection of the following three planes
x + 4y 2z = 1
x + 7y 5z = 
x + 5y + z = 5
is a line in R , then  +  is equal to
3
[JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) 0 (2) 10 (3) 10 (4) 2

25. Let a 2b + c = 1.
x+a x+2 x+1
If = + + + , then: [JEE(Main)-2020]
x+c x+4 x+3

50) = 501 (3) 501 50) = 1

26. The following system of linear equations

7x + 6y 2z = 0
3x + 4y + 2z = 0
x 2y 6z = 0, has
(1) infinitely many solution (x, y, z)
(2) only the trivial solution.
(3) only the trivial solution.
(4) infinitely many solutions, (x, y, z) satisfying x = 2z. [JEE(Main)-2020]

27. Let S be the set of all   R for which the system of linear equations
2x y + 2z = 2
x 2y + z = 4
x + y + z = 4
has no solution. Then the set S [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) is a singleton. (2) contains exactly two elements.
(3) is an empty set. (4) contains more than two elements.
x−2 2x − 3 3x − 4
28. If  = 2x − 3 3x − 4 4x − 5 =
3x − 5 5x − 8 10x − 17

Ax3 + Bx2 + Cx + D, then B + C is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2020]

(1) 9 (2) 1 (3) 1 (4) 3

256 Determinant
29. Let S be the set of all integer solutions, (x, y, z), of the system of equations
x 2y + 5z = 0
2x + 4y + z = 0
7x + 14y + 9z = 0
such that 15  x + y + z2  150. Then, the number of elements in the set S is equal to_______.
2 2

[JEE(Main)-2020]

30. If the system of equations [JEE(Main)-2020]

x 2y + 3z = 9
2x + y + z = b
x 7y + az = 24, has infinitely many solutions, then a b is equal to ______.

 
31.  ,  → R, defined by
4 2
− sin2  −1 − sin2  1
) = − cos  −1 − cos 
2 2
1 are m and M respectively, then the ordered pair (m, M) is equal
12 10 −2

to: [JEE(Main)-2020]
(1) (0, 4) (2) ( 4, 0) (3) ( 4, 4) (4) (0, 2 2 )

32. If the system of linear equations [JEE(Main)-2020]

x + y + 3z = 0
x + 3y + k2z = 0
3x + y + 3z =0
y
has a non-zero solution (x, y, z) for some k  R, then x +   is equal to:
z
(1) 9 (2) 3 (3) 3 (4) 9

33. If a + x = b + y = c + z + 1, where a, b, c, x, y, z are non-zero distinct real numbers, then

x a+ y x+a
y b + y y + b is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2020]
z c+ y z+c
(1) y(a b) (2) y(b a) (3) 0 (4) y(a c)

34. The system of linear equations

3x 2y kz = 10
2x 4y 2z = 6
x + 2y z = 5m
is inconsistent if : [JEE(Main)-2021]
4 4 4
(1) k = 3, m = (2) k  3, mR (3) k  3, m  (4) k = 3, m 
5 5 5

Determinant 257
 35. For the system of linear equations: x 2y = 1, x y + kz = 2, ky + 4z = 6, k  R consider the
following statement: [JEE(Main)-2021]
(A) The system has unique solution if k  2, k  2
(B) The system has unique solution if k = 2.
(C) The system has unique solution if k = 2.
(D) The system has no-solution if k = 2.
(E) The system has infinite number of solutions if k  2.
Which of the following statements are correct?
(1) (B) and (E) only (2) (C) and (D) only
(3) (A) and (D) only (4) (A) and (E) only

36. If the system of equations

kx + y + 2z = 1
3x y 2z = 2
2x 2y 4z = 3
has infinitely many solutions, then k is equal to: [JEE(Main)-2021]

(a + 1)(a + 2) a+2 1
37. The value of (a + 2)(a + 3) a + 3 1 is: [JEE(Main)-2022]
(a + 3)(a + 4) a+4 1

(1) 2 (2) (a + 1) (a + 2)(a + 3)

(3) 0 (4) (a + 2) (a + 3)(a + 4)

38. Consider the following system of equations:

x + 2y 3z = a
2x + 6y 11z = b
x 2y + 7z = c
Where a, b and c are real constants. Then the system of equations: [JEE(Main)-2022]
(1) has a unique solution when 5a = 2b + c
(2) has a infinite number of solution when 5a = 2b + c
(3) has no solution for all a, b and c
(4) has a unique for all a, b and c

258 Determinant
 ANSWER KEY

1. (3) 2. (1) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (3) 6. (4) 7. (2)

8. (2) 9. (2) 10. (4) 11. (3) 12. (4) 13. (2) 14. (3)

15. (2) 16. (3) 17. (4) 18. (1) 19. (4) 20. (1) 21. (2)

22. (1) 23. 13 24. (2) 25. (2) 26. (4) 27. (3) 28. (4)

29. 8.00 30. 5.00 31. (2) 32. (3) 33. (1) 34. (4) 35. (3)

36. 21 37. (1) 38. (2)

Determinant 259
 JEE-Advanced (Previous Year Questions)

1. (a) Consider three point P = ( sin( ), cos), Q = (cos( ), sin) and
R = (cos(  + ), sin( )), where 0 < , ,  < /4
(A) P lies on the line segment RQ
(B) Q lies on the line segment PR
(C) R lies on the line segment QP
(D) P, Q, R are non collinear

(b) Consider the system of equations x 2y + 3z = 1; x+y 2z = k; x 3y + 4z = 1.

Statement-I : The system of equations has no solution for k  3.
and
1 3 −1
Statement-II : The determinant −1 −2 k  0, for k  3. [JEE(Advanced)-2008]
1 4 1

(A) Statement-I is true, Statement-II is true; Statement-II is correct explanation for Statement-I
(B) Statement-I is true, Statement-II is true ; Statement-II is NOT a correct explanation for
statement-I.
(C) Statement-I is true, Statement-II is false.
(D) Statement-I is false, Statement-II is true.

2. The number of all possible values of , where 0 <<, for which the system of equations
(y + z)cos3 = (xyz)sin3
2cos 3 2 sin3
xsin3 = +
y z
(xyz)sin3 = (y + 2z)cos3 + ysin3
have a solution (x0, y0, z0) with y0z0  0, is [JEE(Advanced)-2010]

3. Which of the following values of  satisfy the equation

(1 + )2 (1 + 2)2 (1 + 3)2
(2 + )2 (2 + 2)2 (2 + 3)2 = 648? [JEE(Advanced)-2015]
(3 + ) 2
(3 + 2)2
(3 + 3)2

(A) 4 (B) 9 (C) 9 (D) 4

x x2 1 + x3
4. The total number of distinct x  R for which 2x 4x2 1 + 8x3 = 10 is [JEE(Advanced)-2016]
3x 9x 2
1 + 27x 3

260 Determinant
5. Let a, , m  R. Consider the system of linear equations
ax + 2y = 
3x 2y = 
Which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct ?
(A) If a = 3, then the system has infinitely many solutions for all values of  and 
(B) If a  3, then the system has a unique solution for all values of  and 
(C) If  +  = 0, then the system has infinitely many solutions for a = 3
(D) If  +  0, then the system has no solution for a = 3 [JEE(Advanced)-2016]

ANSWER KEY

1. (A) 2. 3 3. (BC) 4. 2 5. (BCD)

Determinant 261