TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION

IIT-JEE Syllabus

1. General solution of trigonometric equation

2. Method for finding principal value

3. Find the general solution in the case of more than one equations

Total No. of questions in Trigonometric Equation are:

Solved examples…....…………………………..…24
Exercise # 1 …….……………………………….…29
Exercise # 2 …….……………………………….…39
Exercise # 3 …….……………………………….…28
Exercise # 4 ……………………………………..…06
Exercise # 5 ……………………………………..…12
Total No. of questions………………..138

*** Students are advised to solve the questions of exercises in the same sequence or as
directed by the faculty members.
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 1
 EXERCISE # 1
Q.4 Find the general solution of x when
Questions
based on General Formulas 4tan2 = 3sec2
 
(A) n ± , n  I (B) n ± , n  I
tan 2  tan  4 6
Q.1  f = 0, then the general value
1  tan  tan 2 
(C) n ± , n  I (D) None of these 
of is 3
n Sol.[C] 4 tan2 = 3 (1 + tan2)  tan2 = 3
(A) n ; n  I (B) ;nI  
3    tan2 = tan2  = n ± , nI
n n 3 3
(C) ;nI (D) ;nI
4 6 Questions
tan 2  tan  based on Solved by use of Factorization
Sol.[B] = 0  tan (3) = 0
1  tan  tan 2
Q.5 Find the general solution of x when
n 2cosx . cos2x = cosx
 3 = n = , nI
3  
(A) n  & k ± , n, k  I
2 6
Q.2 Find the general solution of x, 
(B) n ±  & k ± , n, k  I
 x 3 3
cot    
4 3 3 
(C) (2n + 1)& k ± , n, k  I
 2
(A) (12n – 1) ; n  I (D) None of these
2
Sol.[A] 2 cos x. cos 2x = cos x

(B) (12n + 1) ; n  I  cos x (2 cos 2x – 1) = 0
2 1
  cos x = 0 & cos 2x =
(C) (12n + 1) ; n  I 2
4 
 cos x = 0 & cos 2x = cos
 3
(D) (12n + 1); n  I
4  
 x = n + & 2x = 2k ±
 x  2 3
Sol.[C] cot    = cot
4 3 3  
 x = n + & x = k ± ; n, kI
2 6
 x 
  = n + Q.6 The solution set of (2 cos x – 1)(3 + 2 cos x) = 0
4 3 3
in the interval 0  x  2 is -
x    (A) {/3}
 = – n – =– – n
3 4 3 12 (B) {/3, 5/3}
 (C) {/3, 5/3, cos–1(–3/2)}
  x = – (12n + 1), nI
4 (D) None of these
Sol.[B] (2 cos x – 1) (3 + 2 cos x) = 0
Q.3 If tan a – tan b = 0, then the values of  for 1 3
cos x = & cos x = 
a series in – 2 2
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. 3
But cos x =  not possible
(C) H.P. (D) None of these 2
n 1
Sol.[A] tan a = tan b a = n + b = so cos x =
a b 2
clearly values in A.P. In interval 0  x  2

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 2
   5   (tan  – 3 ) (tan  – 1) = 0
  solution are  , 
3 3 
 tan  = 3 & tan  = 1
Q.7 Find the general solution of 2 sinx + tanx = 0  
 tan  = tan & tan  = tan
2 3 4
(A) n, (3k ± 1) ;kI
3  
 = n + &  = n + ; nI
2 3 4
(B) 2n, (3k + 1) ;kI
3
Questions Transformation of sum & difference
2
(C) 2n, (3k ± 1) ;kI based on into product & vice versa
3
(D) None of these
 
Sol.[A] 2 sin x + sin x sec x = 0 Q.10 If x  0,  , the number of solutions of the
 sin x (2 + sec x) = 0  sin x = 0, sec x = – 2  2
equation, sin 7x + sin 4x + sin x = 0 is
2
 x = n, x = 2k± ; n, kI (A) 3 (B) 5
3
(C) 6 (D) None
2
 x = n, x = (3k ± 1) Sol.[B] sin 7x + sin x + sin 4x = 0
3
 2 sin 4x cos 3x + sin 4x = 0
Questions Solution of Equation reducible to  sin 4x (2 cos 3x + 1) = 0
based on Quadratic Equation 1
 sin 4x = 0 or cos 3x = 
2
Q.8 The general solution of the equation  
But interval 0,  therefore
 2
tan2  + 2 3 tan  = 1 is given by -
4x = n
  1
(A)  = (B)  n    ; n  I  
2  12  x = 0, , and
4 2
 n
(C) (6n + 1) (D) 2 2
12 12 cos 3x = cos  3x = 2n ±
3 3
Sol.[B] tan2 + 2 3 tan  = 1

x = (6n ± 2)
 (tan  + 3 ) = 4  tan  +
2
3 =2 9
 2 4
 tan  = 2 – 3  tan  = tan = , when n = 0, 1
12 9 9
  1  So only 5 solution
 = n + =  n    ; nI
12  12 
Q.9 Find the general solution of  when Q.11 sin x, sin 2x, sin 3x are in A.P if x =
(A) n/2, n  I (B) n , n  I
tan2  – (1 + 3 ) tan  + 3 =0
(C) 2n, n  I (D) (2n + 1) , n  I
(A) n + /3 & n + /4, n I
Sol.[A]  2sin 2x = sin x + sin 3x
(B) n + /2 & n + /4, n  I
  2 sin 2x = 2 sin 2x cos x
(C) (2n + 1) & n + /6, n I  sin 2x (cos x – 1) = 0
6
 sin 2x = 0 or cos x = 1
(D) None of these
n
x= or x = 2n, nI
Sol.[A] tan2 – (1 + 3 ) tan  + 3 = 0 2
 tan2 – tan  – 3 tan  + 3 = 0
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 3
 n n 
x= is the solution  x = n or x= 
2 3 9
Q.12 The general solution of
cos2x + cos2 2x + cos2 3x = 1 Q.14 If tan  + tan 4 + tan 7 = tan  tan 4 tan 7,
   then  =
(A)(2n + 1) , (2n + 1) , n ± , n  I n n
6 2 3 (A) , n I (B) , n I
   4 7
(B) (2n + 1) , (2n + 1) , n ± ,nI n
4 2 6 (C) , n I (D) nn I
   12
(C) (2n + 1) , (2n + 1) , n ± ,nI
3 2 4 Sol.[C]  tan  + tan 4 + tan 7 – tan  tan 4 tan 7 = 0
(D) None of these ……(i)
Sol.[B] 2 cos2x + 2 cos22x + 2 cos23x = 2 we know that
 cos 2x + cos 6x + 2 cos22x = 0 tan( + 4 + 7) =
 2 cos 4x cos 2x + 2 cos22x = 0 tan   tan 4  tan 7  tan  tan 4 tan 7
 2 cos 2x ( cos 4x + cos 2x) = 0 1  tan  tan 4  tan 4 tan 7  tan  tan 7
 cos x cos 2x cos 3x = 0
 tan 12 = 0 from (i)
 cos x = 0 or cos 2x = 0 or cos 3x = 0
 12 = n, nI
 
 x = (2n + 1) or 2x = (2n + 1) or n
2 2  = , nI
12

3x = (2n + 1)
2 Questions Solution of Equation in form of
  
based on a sinx + b cosx = c
 x = (2n + 1) , (2n + 1) , n ±
2 4 6
Q.15 sin x + cos x = 1 if -
Q.13 The general solution of 
 1
4 sin x . sin 2x. sin 4x = sin 3x (A) sin  x   =
 4 2
n 
(A) 2n, ± ,nI   1
3 6 (B) sin  x   =
 4  2
n 
(B) n, ± ,nI   1
6 9 (C) cos  x   =
n   4 2
(C) n, ± ,nI
3 9   1
(D) cos  x   =
(D) None of these  4 2
Sol.[C] 4 sin x sin 2x sin 4x = sin 3x Sol.[A,C] sin x + cos x = 1
 (2 cos x – 2 cos 3x) sin 4x = sin 3x
1 1 1
 2 cos x sin 4x – 2 cos 3x sin 4x = sin 3x  sin x + cos x =
2 2 2
 sin 5x + sin 3x – sin 7x – sin x = sin 3x
 – 2 cos 6x sin x – sin x = 0   1   1
 sin  x    and cos  x   
 4 2  4 2
 sin x (2 cos 6x + 1) = 0
1 option A, C are correct
 sin x = 0 or cos 6x = 
2
2 Q.16 The equation a sin x + b cos x = c, where
 x = n or 6x = 2n ±
3
|c| > a 2  b 2 has –
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 4
 (A) A unique solution 2
x= (4n + 1) 
(B) Infinite no. of solutions 5
(C) No solution 2
 x = (20p – 16 + 1) 
(D) None of these 5
Sol.[C] a sin x + b cos x = c  x = (8p – 6) 

But maximum and minimum value of

Q.18 Find the general solution for x when

a sin x + b cos x is ± a 2  b 2 sin 3x + cos 2x = – 2

 
So it given equation has solution then (A) (4p – 3) ,pI (B) (4p – 2) ,pI
3 3
– a 2  b2  c  a 2  b2 
(C) (4p + 1) ,pI (D) None of these
7
But given |c| > a 2  b2 Sol.[D] sin 3x + cos 2x = –2, it is possible only when
sin 3x = – 1 and cos 2x = – 1
 equation has no solution

 3x = (4n – 1) and 2x = (2m – 1), m,nI
2
Questions Trig. Eq. which can be solved by
 
based on Boundness of the Trig. Ratio  x = (4n – 1) and x = (2m – 1)
6 2
4n  1 2m  1
Q.17 Find the general solution for x when    4n – 1 = 6m – 3
6 2
x 4n  2 2n  1
sinx (cos – 2 sin x)  =m m
4 6 3
x  m, nI
+ (1 + sin – 2 cos x) cos x = 0
4  n = 1, 4, 7, ……….or – 2, – 5, …….
(A) 2pp  I (B) (8p – 6)p  I Its general form x = 3p – 2

(C) (3p – 2)p  I (D) (2p + 1)p  I So x = (4n – 1)
6
 x   x   
Sol.[B] sin x  cos  2sin x   1  sin  2 cos x  cosx = 0  x = (12p – 9)  x = (4p – 3)
 4   4  6 2
5x Solution in the case of two Equations
 sin + cos x – 2 = 0 Questions
4 based on are given
it is satisfies only when
5x 1
sin = 1 and cos x = 1 Q.19 If cos = and tan = –1, then the most
4 2
5x  general value of  which satisfies both the
 = (4n + 1) and x = 2m, m, nI
4 2 equations is
8n  2
 = 2m 
5 (A)  = 2n + ,nI
4
4n  1
 =m 7
5 (B)  = 2n + ,nI
4
 m, n  I
7
 n = 1, 6, 11, …….. or – 4, – 9, …….. (C)  = n + ,nI
4
general form x = (5p – 4), nI
(D) None of these
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 5
 1  7     5 
Sol.[B] cos  =  = , x   0,    ,   and when sin x < 0
2 4 4  6  6 
3 7   sin x ( 2 sin x + 1) < 0
tan  = – 1  = , {between 0 to 2}
4 4
 1 
7 sin x    , 0 
common value is  =  2 
4
7  7    11 
general solution is  = 2n +  x   ,   , 2 
4  6   6 
Questions     7 
based on Miscellaneous points From option x   0,    , 
 6  6 
Q.22 Number of solutions of the equation
Q.20 The equation sin6 x + cos6 x = , has a 2 2
solution if - 2 sin x + 5.2 cos x
= 7 in the interval [–, ] is
1  1  (A) 4 (B) 2
(A)   ,1 (B)   4 ,1
2    (C) 6 (D) 0
Sol. [B]
 1
(C)  [–1, 1] (D)  0,   2 2
 2 2 sin x
 5.2 cos x
=7
2x 2x
Sol.[B] sin6x + cos6x =  – 2sin + 5. 21sin = 7
 1 – 3 sin2x cos2x =  2
Let 2 sin x
=t
3
  1 – sin22x =  t –7t + 10 = 0 (t –5) (t –2)  t = 5, t = 2
2
4
2
3  1  cos 4x  But 2 sin x
= 5 not possible
  1 –   =
4  2  2 sin
2
x
= 21
5  3 cos 4x  sin2 x = 1  sin x = ± 1
 =
8 x – , )
8  5  
 cos 4x = But –1  cos x  1 So, x = – , two solution.
3 2 2
8  5 1
 –1  1   1
3 4 Q.23 The general solution of the equation
1  7 cos2 x + sin x cos x – 3 = 0 is given by
  , 1
4  
(A) n + (n  I)
2
Q.21 Set of values of x lying in [0, 2] satisfying the

inequality | sin x | > 2 sin2 x contains (B) n – (n  I)
4
    7   7 
(A)  0,    ,  (B)  0,  4
 6  6   6  (C) n + tan–1 (n  I)
3
(C) /6 (D) None of these
3 4
Sol. [A] (D) n + , k + tan–1 (n, k  I)
4 3
|sinx| > 2 sin2x
Sol. [D]
when sin x > 0 7 cos2x + sin c cos x –3 = 0
 sin x (2 sin x –1) < 0  7 cos2x + sin x cos x – 3 sin2 x – 3 cos2 x = 0
 4 cos2 x + sin x cos x – 3 sin2 x = 0
 1
sin x   0,   3 tan2 x –tan x – 4 = 0 cos2 x  0
 2  (tan x + 1) (3 tan x –4) = 0
 x  [0, 2]
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 6
 4 3 xy xy 3
It gives tan x = –1 or tan x = cos x + cos y =  2 cos cos =
3 2 2 2 2
3 4 2 xy 3
x = n + , x = k + tan–1  2 cos cos =
4 3 6 2 2

 True or False type Questions xy 3

 cos = impossible.
2 2
Q.24 sin 2x + cos 2x + sinx + cos x + 1 = 0 has no So solution is null set.
solution in the first quadrant.
Sol. True  1 
sin 2x + cos 2x + sinx + cos x + 1 = 0 Q.28 If cos 2 = (2 + 1)  cos    , then
 2
 1 + sin 2x + cos 2x + sin x + cos x = 0
(sin x + cos x)  = ...........
[sin x + cos x + cos x – sin x + 1] = 0 1
Sol. (2 cos2 –1) = ( 2 +1) (cos  – )
 (sin x + cos x) (2 cos x + 1) = 0 2
clearly x is not lie in 1st quadrant (True)
 1   1 
 2  cos     cos   
2 2 2 –2
Q.25 The equation 2cos (x/2) sin (x/2) = x + x ,  2  2
0  x /2 has a real solution.
 1 
Sol. False = ( 2 +1)  cos   
 2
x 2 x 1
2 cos2 sin = x2 + 2
2 2 x  1 
  cos    (2 cos  + 2 – 2 –1) = 0
1 2 1   2
 sin x = x2 + 2  0  x 
2 x 2
 1 
1   cos    (2 cos  –1) = 0
 x2 + 2  2  sin2 x  4  2
x
 0  sin2 x  1 1 
 cos  =  = 2n ±
2 4
Then it is not possible (false).
Q.26 For the equation 1 
and cos  =  = 2n ±
sin  + 3 cos  1, – /6 /2. 2 3
Sol. True
Q.29 If 4 cos2 x sin x – 2 sin2 x = 3 sin x,
sin  + 3 cos  1
then x = ...................
  1   5
 sin        +  Sol. sin x (4 cos2 + x –2 sin x –3) = 0
 4 2 6 4 6
 sin x (4 sin2x + 2 sin x –1) = 0
 7
–  sin x = 0  x = n
12 12
 4 sin2 x + 2 sin x –1 = 0
  
clearly  lies between   ,  (True) then from Q.No.43 we get
 6 2
 3
x = n + (–1)n and x = n –(–1)n
10 10
 Fill in The Blanks type Questions

Q.27 The solution set of the system of equations:

x + y = 2/3, cos x + cos y = 3/2, where x and
y are real is ..........
2
Sol. x+y= ... (i)
3

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 7
 EXERCISE # 2
log tan x = 0
Only single correct answer type  
Part-A  tan x = 1  x = n +  x = (4n +1) 
questions
4 4
Q.1 If cos x = 1 sin 2x , 0 < x < , then a value of
Q.4 Find the number of solutions of the equation
x is-
30 |sin x| = x in 0  x  2
(A) tan–1 2 (B) 0
(A) 4 (B) 2 (C) 8 (D) 6
(C)  (D) None of these
Sol. [A]
Sol. [A]
x
cos x = 1 sin 2 x |sinx| = 0  x 2
30
cos x = |cos x – sin x|
  = 3.14
when cos x = cos x – sin x
 sin x = 0; x= 0,  not possible.
or cos x = –cos x + sin x
|sinx| x/30
sin x = 2 cos x
tan x = 2 •
x = tan–1 2 ••
•  
Q.2 Which of the following can be a root of the
equation; sin (x – 2) = sin (3x – 4) in (–, ) This gives four solution in [0, 2]
7 3 5 3
(A) – + (B) – + Q.5 The number of solutions of
2 2 4 2
3 3 tan(5 cos) = cot(5 sin) for  in (0, 2) is
(C) + (D) None of these (A) 7 (B) 14 (C) 21 (D) 28
4 2
Sol. [D] It is easy one. Do yourself.
Sol. [C]
sin (x – 2) = sin (3x– 4) Q.6 The values of x between 0 and 2 which satisfy
(x –2) = n + (–1)n (3x – 4)
the equation sin x 8 cos 2 x = 1 are in A.P.
3 3
Taking n = 3 x= + with common difference
4 2
  3 5
log tan x log cot x
(A) (B) (C) (D)
Q.3 3 +3 = 2 then x is - 4 8 8 8
  Sol. [A]
(A) n + (B) (4n + 1)
2 4 2 2 sin x |cos x| =1
 1
(C) n – (D) n 2 sin x |cos x| =
4 2
Sol. [B]
1 1
3log tan x + 3log cot x = 2 3log tan x + 3  log tan x = 2  sin 2x = and sin 2x = –
2 2
Let 3log tan x = t
when cos x > 0 and when cos x < 0
1
 t + = 2  t2 –2t + 1 = 0 (t –1)2 = 0  3  3
t 2x = , and x = ,
4 4 8 8
 t =1
5 7 5 7
3log tan x = 1 = 30 2x = , and x = ,
4 4 8 8
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 8
  3 5 7 Sol.[A] 4 cos  cos 2 cos 3 = 1
So values , , ,
8 8 8 8  2(cos 3 + cos ) cos 3 = 1
  2 cos2 3 + 2 cos 3 cos  = 1
are in A.P. with c.d. =
4  1 + cos 6 + cos 4 + cos 2 = 1
 2 cos 4 cos 2 + cos 4 = 0
 cos 4(2 cos 2 + 1) = 0
Q.7 The solution of the inequality
1
log1/2 sinx > log1/2 cos x in (0, 2) is  cos 4 = 0 or cos 2 = 
2
 5 
(A) x   ,2   2
 4   4 = (2n + 1) or 2 = 2n ±
2 3
 
(B) x   0,   
 4  = (2n + 1) or  = n ±
8 3
    5  But  lie in 0 to  so
(C) x   0,    , 2 
 4  4 
  3 2 5 7
(D) None of these = , , , , ,
8 3 8 3 8 8
Sol. [B]
log1/2 sin x > log1/2 cos x Q.10 The number of solutions of the equation
sin x < cos x
 x 
  sin   = x2 – 2 3 x + 4
tan x < 1  x   0,  2 3
 4
(A) forms an empty set
Q.8 Find the general solution of x when (B) is only one
3cos2x – 10cos x + 3 = 0 (C) is only two
(D) is greater than 2
(A) 2n± cos–1 (1/3), n I
Sol. [B]
(B) 2n± cos–1 (1/4), n I x
sin = x2 – 2 3 x + 4 ...(i)
(C) 2n± cos (1/5), n I
–1
2 3
(D) None of these x
– 1  sin 1
2
Sol.[A] 3 cos x – 10 cos x + 3 = 0 2 3
 (3 cos x – 1) (cos x – 3) = 0  – 1  x2 –2 3 x + 4 x  1
But cos x  – 3 Taking x –2 3 x + 4  0
2

1
So cos x =  (x – 3 )2  0
3
x= 3
1
 x = 2n ± cos–1 ; nI Taking x –2 3 x + 4  –1
3
Q.9 All value of , between 0 & , which satisfy the  x2 –2 3 + 5  0
D = 12 – 20 = – 8 < 0
1
equation; cos . cos2 . cos 3 = is  x2 –2 3 x +5 always positive
4
Put x = 3 in (1) , we have
  3 5 2 7
(A) , , , , , 
8 3 8 8 3 8 sin = 3 – 6 + 4 =1
2
  5 2 7 So we get, only one value
(B) , , , ,
8 3 8 3 8
  3 5 7
(C) , , , ,
8 3 8 8 8
(D) None of these
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 9
Q.11 If tan2 [ (x + y)] + cot2 [ (x + y)]  cos (x (x + 1) x) = –1
2x n(n +1) x = (2m +1)  mI
=1 + where x, y  R, then least
1  x2 (2m  1)
x=
positive value of y is n (n  1)
5 1
(A) (B)
4 4 Q.13 The set of values of x for which
3 sin x . cos3 x > cos x . sin3 x, 0  x  2, is-
(C) (D) 2
4  
(A) (0, ) (B)  0, 
Sol. [B]  4
2x  
tan2  (x + y) +cot2  (x + y) = 1+ ..(i) (C)  ,   (D) None of these
1  x2 4 
 L.H.S. tan2(x + y) + cot2(x + y)  2 Sol. [B]
AM  GM sin x cos3x –cos x sin3 x > 0, 0  x  2
2x 2x sin x cos x cos 2x > 0
 R.H.S. 1 + 2
2 1
1 x 1 x 2
 sin 4x > 0
But (x –1)2 & 1 + x2 both positive
so x –1 = 0 x=1  sin x > 0 in 0 < x < 
Put x = 1 in (i) we get
 sin 4x > 0 in 0 < 4x <
t4 –2t2 + 1 = 0 where t = tan  (1+y)
  
 t2 – 1 = 0  tan2  (1 + y) = tan2  x   0, 
4  4
1
1+y=n+
4 sin 3  – cos3  cos 
Q.14 If –
1 sin  – cos  1  cot 2 
y= put n = 1 for positive value.
4
– 2 tan  cot  = – 1,   [0, 2], then
n
Q.12 Solve for x,  sin (rx) . sin (r x) = 12    
(A)    0,  –   
r 1  2  4
( 2m  1)  ( 4m  1)     3 
(A) (B)  (B)    ,  –  
n (n  1) (n  1) 2  4
( 2m  1)   3   5 
(C) (D) None of these (C)    , – 
n (n  1)  2  4
Sol. [C]  
(D)  (0, ) –  , 
n 4 2
sin (r x) . sin (r2 x) = 1 Sol. [D]
r 1
sin 3   cos 3  cos 
1 n – – 2 tan  cot  = –1

2
 2 sin (rx) sin (r x) = 12 sin   cos  1  cot 2 
r 1
(sin   cos ) (1  sin  cos )
n =
sin   cos 
  cos((r2 –r)x) – cos ((r2 + r)x) = 2
r 1 – cos . sin  –2 tan  cot  = –1
 cos 0 –cos 2x + cos 2x –cos 6x +  
Clearly  ,
4 2
cos 6x – cos 12x + ..... = 2
 1 – cos ((x2 + x) x) = 2
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 10
   3 1
(0, ) –  ,  (C) – 
4 2 2 2
 5 5  (D) – 11
Q.15 If x   ,  , the greatest positive Sol. [C]
 2 2
solution of 1 + sin4 x = cos2 3x is - sin4x + cos4x + sin 2x +  = 0
(A)  (B) 2 (sin2x + cos2x)2 –2 sin2x cos2x + sin 2x +  = 0
5 1 2
(C) (D) None of these 1– sin 2x + sin 2x +  = 0
2 2
Sol. [B]
sin22x –2 sin 2x –2 (1 + ) = 0
 5 5 
x   ,  sin22x –2 sin2x + 1 = 3 +2
 2 2
1 + sin4 x = cos2 3x sin 2x = 1 ± 3  2
L.H.S. of this equation always greater or equal than one
But sin 2x  1 + 3  2
But R.H.S.is always less or equal then one.
So equality hold only when  sin 2x = 1– 3  2
sin4 x = 0 cos2 3x = 1 Now
so x = – , –2, 2
–1  1 – 3  2  1
 5 5 
x   , 
 2 2 –2  – 3  2  0
greatest positive solution = 2 0  3 + 2 4
Q.16 Find the general solution of x, –3  2 1
cos2 2x + cos2 3x = 1 3 1
 – 
(A) (2k + 1) , k  I 2 2
10
 Q.18 x1 and x2 are two positive values of x for which
(B) (k + 1) ;k  I
10 2 cos x, |cos x| and 3 sin2 x – 2 are in G.P. The
 minimum value of |x1 – x2| is equal to
(C) (2k – 1) , k  I
10 4 
(A) (B)
(D) None of these 3 3
Sol. [A]  2
(C) (D) cos–1  
cos22x + cos23x = 1  cos2 3x = sin22x 6 3
cos23x = cos2(/2–2x) ;3x = k ± (/2 –2x) Sol. [B]
  cos2x = 2 cos x (3 sin2x – 2)
It gives x = (2k –1)
2
 6 cos3x + cos2x – 2 cos x = 0
  cos x (6 cos2x + cos x – 2) = 0
and x = (2k + 1) ,kI
10  cos x (6 cos2x + cos x – 2) = 0
 cos x (2 cos x – 1) (3 cos x + 2) = 0
Q.17 The equation sin4 x + cos4 x + sin 2x +  = 0 is
 x is positive so
solvable for -
1 1 cos x = 0  x1 = /2
(A) – 
2 2 1 
cos x =  x2 =
(B) – 3 1 2 6

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 11
    k  1
| x1 – x2 | =   x= + and sin 3x =
2 6 3 2 4 2
Q.19 The set of values of x satisfying the equation 
3x = n + (–1)n
 
sin 2  x  
6
   4
tan  x  
2  4
– 2.(0.25) cos 2 x
+ 1 = 0 is- n 
x= + (–1)n nI
3 18
  5 
(A) A set of 2 values;  , 
2 4  Q.21 If max {5sin  + 3sin ( – )} = 7 then the set
R
(B) An infinite set
of possible values of  is
(C) An empty set
(D) None of these   
(A) x | x  2n  ; n  Z
Sol. [C]  3 
   2 
 
sin 2  x  
 4 (B) x | x  2n  ; n  Z
tan  x    3 
2  4 – 2.(0.25) cos 2 x
+1=0
  2 
On solving we get (C)  , 
3 3 
2
2tan (x –/4) – tan( x   / 4 )
+1=0 (D) None of these
2
Sol. [A]
Let 2tan (x –/4) = t max.{5 sin  + 3 sin ( – )} = 7
t2 + t – 2 = 0  5 sin  + 3 sin  cos  – 3 cos  sin 
(t + 2) (t –1) = 0  t = –2, 1  (5 + 3 cos ) sin  –3 sin  cos 
But 2tan (x –/4)  –2 Its max. value
so tan (x –/4) = 0  x = /4 = (5  3 cos  ) 2  9 sin 2  = 7 (given)

But at x =  cos 2x = 0 34 + 30 cos  = 49
4
1
So no value of x satisfied. cos  =
2
Q.20 Find the general solution of x, 
 = 2 n ± ; nI
sin 5x + sin x + 2sin2 x = 1 3
n  k 
(A)  (–1) n ,  when n, k  I Q.22 If 0  x  3, 0  y  3 and cos x sin y = 1 then
3 18 2 4
the possible number of values of the ordered
n  k 
(B)  (–1) n ,  ; n, k  I pair (x, y) is
3 9 2 4
(A) 6 (B) 12
n  k 
(C)  (1) n ,  when n, k  I (C) 8 (D) 15
3 9 2 4
Sol. [A]
(D) None of these
0  x  3, 0  y  3
Sol. [A]
cos 3x. sin y = 1
sin 5x + sin x + 2 sin2 x = 1
It is possible when
 2 sin 3x cos 2x – cos 2x = 0
cos x = 1, sin y = 1 or cos x = –1, sin y = –1
 cos 2x (2 sin 3x –1) = 0 From graph
 cos 2x = 0 it gives
2x = k + /2 kI

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 12
 Q.25 The number of real solutions of
sin x cos x sin ex . cos ex = 2x–2 + 2–x–2 is -
(A) Two (B) One
 (C) Zero (D) Infinite
O  
Sol. [C]
Given equation can be written as
2 sin ex. cos ex = 2x + 2–x
Here six pair is possible. 1
 sin 2 ex = 2x + x
2
n 2
1
Q.23 If x  and (cos x ) sin x – 3 sin x  2 = 1, then But we know that 2x + x 2
2 2
all solutions of x are given by But – 1  sin 2ex  1 so there is no solution.
  Q.26 If the equation sin (sin  + 2 cos ) = a has
(A) 2n + (B) (2n + 1) –
2 2 real solution then the shortest interval
 containing ' a ' given by -
(C) n + (–1)n (D) None of these
2 1  3 1  3 
Sol. [D] (A)  , 
 2 2 
2
x – 3 sin x  2
(cos x ) sin =1
1  7 1  7 
taking log both side (B)  , 
(sin2x – 3 sin x + 2) log |cos x| = 0  2 2 

which gives 1  5 1  5 
(C)  , 
sin2 x –3 sin x + 2 = 0 or log |cosx| = 0  2 2 
when (D) None of these
sin2x –3 sin x + 2 = 0
Sol. [C]
(sin x –2) (sin x –1) = 0 Given equation is
But sin x  2 so sin x = 1 sin2  + 2 sin  cos  = a
when sin x = 1 cos x = 0 1  cos 2
 + sin 2 = a  2 sin 2 – cos 2 = 2a –
But definition of log |cos x|  0 2
and when log |cos x| = 0 ; cos x = 1, –1 1

x = 2n, 2n ±  It is true only if |2a –1|  4  1

 (2a –1)2  5  a2 – a – 1  0
Q.24 If   [0, 5] and r  R such that It's roots are
2 sin = r4 – 2r2 + 3 then the maximum number of 1  1  4 1 5
a= =
2 2
value of the pair (r, ) is -
1  5 1  5 
(A) 8 (B) 10 So a   , 
(C) 6 (D) None of these  2 2 
Sol. [C]
Q.27 The general solution of the equation
2sin = r4 – 2r2 + 3  2 sin  = (r2 –1)2 + 2 2
But max. value of sin  = 1; hence r2 –1 = 0 sin100 x – cos100 x = 1 is
r = ± 1 (two values)  
 5 9 (A) 2n + , n  (B) n + , n 
and sin  = 1  = , ,  [0, 5] 3 2
2 2 2
so r = 1  gives three values  
(C) n + , n  (D) 2n – , n 
and r = –1  gives three values ; so (r, ) gives six 4 3
pairs. Sol. [B]
sin100x – cos100x = 1
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 13
  1 + cos100x = sin100x
 –1  cos x  1 and –1  sin x  1  
Q.30 If   [–2, 2] and cos  sin =
2 2
But L.H.S. always  1
So this equality hold only when 2 (cos36º – sin 18º) then a value of  is
cos100x = 0 and sin100 x = 1 7  5 
 (A) (B) (C) – (D) –
x = n + , n  6 6 6 6
2
Sol. [A, D]
Q.28 The number of roots of the equation  
cos + sin = 2 (cos 36° – sin 18°)
x + 2 tan x = /2 in the interval [0, 2] is 2 2
(A) 1 (B) 2    5 1 5  1  1
 sin    =   =
(C) 3 (D) infinite 4 2  4 4  2

Sol. [C]      
Given equation can be written as  + = and + =–
4 2 6 4 2 6
x 
tan x = – + ; From graph  7
2 4  = – and =
6 6
/4 3 1
sin 2 x – sin x 
•   Q.31 If | cos x | 2 2 = 1 then possible values
O /2 •  •
of x are
• (A) n or n + (–1)n /6, n 
x  (B) n or 2n + /2 or n + (–1)n /6, n 
Line is y = – +
2 4 (C) n + (–1)n /6, n 
x y (D) n, n 
 + = 1; So solution is three.
/ 2 / 4 Sol. [C, D]
Taking log, we get
One or more than one correct
Part-B  2 3 1
answer type questions  sin x  sin x   log |cosx| =0
 2 2

Q.29 If 5 cos 2 + 2 cos2 + 1 = 0,– <  < , when log |cos x| = 0
2
then  =  cos x = ± 1  x = n n  I

  3 3 1
(A) (B) , cos–1   when sin2 x – sin x + = 0
3 3 5 2 2

3  3  (2 sin x –1) (sin x –1) = 0

(C) cos–1   (D)  ,  – cos –1  
5 3 5 1 
 sin x =  x = n + (–1)n n  I
Sol. [D] 2 6
We can write given equation as
10 cos2  + cos  – 3 = 0 
and sin x = 1  x = (4n+1)
 10 cos2  + 6 cos  – 5 cos  –3 = 0 2
(2 cos  –1) (5 cos  + 3) = 0
If 2 cos  –1 = 0 
but k = (4n +1)  cos x = 0
1 2
cos  =
2 then log |cos x| undefined

 = ± and if 5 cos  + 3 = 0 so the values of x are
3
3 3 x = n nI
cos  = – ;  =  – cos–1
5 5
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 14
  (A) sin 2x = 1 (B) sin 2x = – 1
and x = n + (–1)n nI
6 (C) cos x = 1/2 (D) cos 2x = – 1/2
Sol. [A, B, C, D]
 (C), (D) are correct.
 1 
 2 sin x 1 cos 2x = 0
Q.32 sin  + 3 cos  = 6x – x2 – 11, 0    4,  2 
when cos 2x = 0 then sin 2x = ± 1
x  R, holds for
1 1 
(A) no value of x and two values of  when sin x =  x =
2 2 3
(B) one value of x and two values of 
 1 2 1
(C) two values of x and one value of  cos x = cos = and cos 2x = cos =–
3 2 3 2
(D) two pairs of values of (x, ) Q.34 In a right angled triangle the hypotenuse is
Sol. [B, D]
we can write given equation as 2 2 times the length of perpendicular drawn
from the opposite vertex on the hypotenuse,
  x2 11
sin     = – + 3x – then the other two angles are
 3  2 2
(A) /3, /6 (B) /4, /4
 
We know that –1 sin      1 (C) /8, 3/8 (D) /12, 5/12
 3
Sol. [C]
x2 11
and max. value of – + 3x – ... (i) B
2 2
9  11 – D
is – = –1
 4 .1 / 2
So this equality hold only when P
 
sin     = –1 
 3 C A
In the interval [0, 4]
 3  5 Given AB = AD +BD = 2 2 P
+ = and  + =
3 2 3 2 2 2 P = P cot  + P cot (90– )
7 13
= and  = 2 2 = cot  + tan 
6 6
1
x2 11 2 2 =
and from (i) Let y = – + 3x – sin  cos 
2 2
dy 1  
=–x+3  sin 2 =  2 =  =
dx 2 4 8
dy   3
for max =0 Then B = – =
dx 2 8 8
 x = 3 (one value)  3
So given equation hold for one value of x and two A= , B =
8 8
values of 
So pair of (x, ) is
 7   13  Part-C Assertion-Reason type questions
  3,  and  3,  two pair
 6   6  The following questions 35 to 37 consists of
 (B), (D) are correct. two statements each, printed as Assertion
Q.33 The equation and Reason. While answering these
2 sin x/2 cos2 x – 2 sin x/2 sin2x = questions you are to choose any one of the
cos2 x – sin2 x has a root for which following four responses.

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 15
 (A) If both Assertion and Reason are true cos x – 1 = 2 sin2x
and the Reason is correct explanation of  2 cos2x + cos x – 3 = 0
the Assertion.  (2 cos x + 3) (cos x – 1) = 0
(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true 3
 cos x – , cos x = 1
but Reason is not correct explanation of 2
the Assertion. 3
 cos x = – not possible
(C) If Assertion is true but the Reason is false. 2
(D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true  cos x = 1
is [0, 2] solution is 0 and 2
 But these are not satisfy (1)
 No solution
Q.35 Assertion (A) : The most general solution of R is false
1
1 n n

2sinx + 2cosx = 2 2
are n +
4
Q.37 Assertion (A) : If  sin x
i 1
i = n, then  cot x
i 1
i

Reason (R) : As A.M.  G.M. is equal to n.

Sol. [D] Reason (R) : Number of solutions of the
 A.M. > G.M. equation cos x = x is one.
2sin x  2 cos x Sol. [D]
 > (2sinx + cosx)1/2 4
2
 2 1 / 2
> (2sinx + cosx)1/2
  sin x = n
i 1
i

 2 2
> 2sinx + cosx which is possible only when
 sin x + cos x < – 2 
But minimum value of x1 = x2 = x3 …….. = xn =
2
sin x + cos x is – 2 n
A is false But R is true   cos x = 0
i 1
i

Q.36 Assertion (A) : The most general values of x

A is false
for which sinx + cosx = min {1, a2 – 4a + 6}
a R  cos x = x which gives
  only one solution
are given by n + (–1)n – .
4 4 R is true
Reason (R) : The number of values of
x  [0, 2] that satisfy cot x – cosec x = 2 sin x
is 2. Part-D Column Matching type questions
Sol. [C]
Clearly Q.38 Solution of
sin x + cos x = 1 Column-1
 
 sin (x + ) = sin (A) sin  + sin 5 = sin 3, 0   is
4 4
(B) sec x cos 5x + 1 = 0, 0 < x < 2 is
 
x+ = n + (–1)n (C) tan  = 3 and cosec  = – 2/3 is
4 4
  (D) cos  = –1/2 and tan  = 1 is
 x = n + (–1)n –
4 4 Column-2
A is true
(P) 2n + 4/3
Now
(Q) /6, /4, /2, 3/4, 7/6, 5/4, 3/2,
 cot x – cosec x = 2 sin x ……(1)
7/4, 11/6
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 16
 (R) (2n + 1)  + /4 (A) sin x cos3 x > cos x sin3x, 0  x  2 is
(S) 0, /6, /3, 2/3,5/6,  (B) 4 sin2 x – 8 sinx + 3  0 is
Sol. (A) – (S), (B) –Q, (C) – (P), (D) – (R) (C) | tan x |  1 and x  [– , ] is
(A) 2 sin 3 cos 2 – sin 3 = 0 (D) cos x – sin x  1 and 0  x  2is
 sin 3 (2 cos 2 –1) = 0 Column-2
 2
sin 3 = 0  = 0, , ,  0    3      3 
3 3 (P)  ,    ,    , 
 4   4 4 4 
1  5
 and cos 2 =  = ,  3 
2 6 6 (Q)  ,2  {0}
 2 
  2 5
solutions = 0, , , , ,  (R) (0, /4)
6 3 3 6
  5 
 (S)  , 
6 6 
(B) cos 5x + cos x = 0
 3 Sol. A  R, B  S, C  P, D  Q
cos x  0 x  , (A) sin x cos x (cos2x – sin2x) > 0
2 2
2 cos 3x cos 2x = 0 0 < x < 2  sin 4x > 0
 cos 3x = 0 in 0  x  2
  5 7 3 11
x= , , , , ,  
6 2 6 6 2 6 4x (0, )  x  0, 
 4
and cos 2x = 0
 3 5 7 (B) 4 sin2x – 8 sin x + 3  0
x= , , ,
4 4 4 4  (2 sin x – 1) (2 sin x – 3)  0
   3 5 But 2 sin x – 3 always – ve
Solutions : , , , , ,
6 4 2 4 6 1
 sin x 
5 7 7 3 11 2
, , , ,
4 6 4 2 6   5 
2  x  , 
(C) tan  = 3 cosec  = – 6 6 
3
(C) | tan x |  1

 = n ± ,  – 1 tan x  1 then in [– , ]
3
     3        3 
 x  ,  ,  ,
 = (2n + 1)
3 3
+ , 2n –
3  4   4 4   4 
But tan  positive in III quadrant   1
(D) cos  x   
 4  4 2
 = (2n+1)  + = 2n +
3 3
 3 
1  x  , 2  {0}
(D) cos  = – , tan  = 1 2 
2
 
 = (2n + 1)  ± ,  = n ±
4 4
But tan  + ve and cos  –ve in III quadrant

 = (2n +1)  +
4

Q.39 The solution of

Column-1

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 17
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 18
 EXERCISE # 3
tan2 2x + cot2 2x + 2 tan 2x + 2 cot 2x = 6
Part-A Subjective Type Questions Sol. Given equation can be written as
Q.1 Find most general value of  (tan 2x + cot 2x)2– 2 + 2 (tan 2x + cot 2x) = 6
 (a) sin 2= cos 3 1 2
 2 2
+ =8
(b) tan ( cot ) = cot ( tan ) sin 2 x cos 2x sin 2 x cos 2x
 1 + sin 4x = 2 sin2 4x
1 3
(c) cos (2x + 3y) = & cos (3x + 2y) =  2 sin2 4x –2 sin 4x + sin 4x – 1 = 0
2 2
 (2 sin 4x + 1) (sin 4x – 1) = 0
Sol.(a) cos 3 = cos (/2 – 2)
1
 3 = 2n ± (/2 – 2)  sin 4x = 1 or sin 4x = –
 3 = 2n + /2 – 2 2

 1   
 =  2n    4x = n + (–1)n or 4x = n + (–1)n+1
2 5 2 6

or n  n 
x= + (–1)n or x = + (–1)n+1
 4 8 4 24
3 = 2n – + 2
2
Q.3 Solve the equation

 = 2n – nI 4 cos2  + 3 = 2( 3 + 1) cos .
2
(b) tan ( cot ) = tan (/2 – tan ) Sol. 4 cos2  –2 ( 3 + 1) cos  + 3=0

 cot  = n + –  tan   (2 cos  – 3 ) (2 cos  –1) = 0
2
2n  1 3 
tan  + cot =  cos  = = cos
2 2 6
2 tan  – (2n +1) tan  + 2 = 0
2
 1 
 = 2n ± or cos  = = cos
2
(2n  1)  (2n  1)  16 6 2 3
tan  =
4 
 = 2n ±
3
(2n  1)  4n 2  4n  15
tan  =
4 Q.4 Find all the solution of the equation
1 
(c) cos (2x + 3y) = = cos 
2 3 sin x + sin   (1 – cos x ) 2  sin 2 x  0 in
8

 2x + 3y = 2n ± ...(i)  5 7  
3 interval  , .
 2 2 
3 
and cos (3x + 2y) = = cos 
2 6 Sol. sin x + sin (1  cos x ) 2  sin 2 x = 0
8

 3x + 2y = 2m ± ... (ii) 
6  sin2 x = sin2 [(1 –cos x)2 + sin2x]
8
where m, nI

Solving (i) and (ii) we get  (1 – cos2x) = (1 – cos ) (1 – cos x)
4
1   2   (1 – cos x ) (1 + cos x –1 + cos /4) = 0
x=  (6m – 4m)    
5  2 3 
(1 – cos x) (cos x + cos )
1   4
or y = (6m – 4m )     3
5  3   cos x = 1 or cos x = cos ( –/4) = cos
4
3
 x = 2n or x = 2n ±
Q.2 Solve the equation 4
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 19
 x = 2n does not exist. 1
3 3 3 ± = (2 –tan x)
then x = 2n ±  x = 2 + , 4 – 1  tan x
4 4 4 1
11 13 11  = 2 – tan x
x= , ,x= does not exist. 1  tan x
4 4 4
13  1 = 2 + 2 tan x – tan x – tan2 x
So x = is only solution.  tan2 x – tan x – 1 = 0
4
 1 5
tan x =
Q.5 Solve for , tan  + tan 2 + tan 3 = 0 2
tan   tan 2  1 5 
Sol. tan  + tan 2 + =0  x = n + tan–1  
1  tan  tan 2
 2 
 (tan  + tan 2) (2 –tan  tan 2) = 0
or
 tan 2 = –tan  = tan (–)
1
 2 = n – 3 = n – = (2 – tan x)
1  tan x
n
 = or tan  tan 2 = 2  tan2 x – tan x – 3 = 0
3
2 tan  1 13
 tan . = 2  2 tan2  = 1 tan x =
2
1  tan 2 
1 1 1  13 
 tan  = ±  tan  = ± = tan  x = m + tan–1  
2 2  2 
1 where m, n  I
 = n + tan–1
2

Q.9 Find the value of  and , 0 < ,  < ;
Q.6 Solve for x 2
3 satisfying the following equations :
2 log25 (52sinx – 4) = 2sin x + sin .
2 1
cos cos cos( + ) = –
Sol. 2 log25 (52sinx – 4) = 2sin x –1 8
5 2 sin x 1
 52 sinx –4 = Sol. cos  cos  cos ( ) = –
5 8
 52 sinx = 5  2sinx = 1 1
1   2 cos  cos  cos ( + ) = –
 sin x =  x = n + (–1) n 4
2 6
1
 [cos ( + ) + cos ( – )] cos ( + ) = –
Q.7 The angle B and C (B > C) of a triangle satisfy 4
the equation 2 tan x –  (1 + tan2 x) = 0 then  4t2 + 4t cos ( – ) + 1 = 0 ...(i)
determine the angle A if 0 <  < 1. where cos ( + ) = t
2 tan x Roots of (i) are real only when D  0
Sol. = 2
= sin 2x < 1
1  tan x  16 cos2 ( – ) – 16  0
If the value of x is B and C then the value of 2x is
2B and 2C which is supplementary angle  – sin2 ( – )  0
 2x = 2B or It is possible when  –  = 0
180° –2B = 2C  =  ...(ii)
 B + C = 90°
Then from (i)
 A = 90°
4t2 + 4t + 1 = 0  (2t + 1)2 = 0
cos x 1 2
Q.8 Solve for x, tan x + =2 t=–  cos ( + ) = cos
1  sin 2x 2 3
cos x 2
Sol. tan x + = 2 and  +  =
1  sin 2 x 3
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 20
   =  from ...(ii) 5x 
 = 2n + and x = 2k
4 2
 
Then  =  =  x = (8n + 2) = 2k K, n  I ..(i)
3 5
4n  1
Q.10 Solve for , 5 sin + 2 cos = 5 or k =
5
(given tan 21°48' = 0.4)
 K, n I then the above relation is true when
5 2 5
Sol. sin  – cos  = n = 1, 6, 11......... or –14, –9, –4,.......
29 29 29  n = 5m + 1
5 2 then from ..(i)
Let cos  = sin  = tan  = 4 (8n  2) 1
29 29 x= = {8(5m + 1) + 2} 
5 5
then sin ( – ) = sin (/2 – )

 –  = n + (–1)n (/2 – ) x = (40m + 10)
5
  = n + (–1)n (68° 12) + 21°48 x = (8m + 2)

Q.11 Let A= {; 2cos2 + sin  2} &

  3  Q.13 Solve the equation
B =  ;     find A  B. 2 2

 2 2 4 sin 2 x  2 cos x  41– sin 2 x  2 sin x

= 65 is satisfied.
Sol. Given equation is
Sol. A = {, 2 cos2+ sin 2}
2 2
 3 4 sin 2 x  2 cos + 4
1sin 2 x  2 sin
x x
= 65
B = {,  }
2 2 Let 4sin2x + cos 2x = t
For A 16
2 –2 sin2  + sin  –2  0 4.t + = 65
t
sin (2 sin  –1)  0
 4t2 – 65t + 16 = 0  (4t – 1) (t – 16) = 0
1
t= , 16  t = 4–1, 42
4
0 1/2  4sin2x + cos 2x = 4–1, 42 when 4sin2x + cos 2x = 4–1
1  sin 2x + cos 2x = –1
 sin  or sin  0
2   3
then from A & B  cos  2 x   = cos
 4  4
 5 3
A  B = {  or 3 
2 6 2  2x = 2n ± +
4 4
 x 
Q.12 Solve the equation  cos  2 sin x  sin x +  
 4   x = n + , x = n –
2 4
 x  and when 4sin 2x + cos 2x = 42
1  sin  2 cos x  cos x = 0.
 4 
 cos (2x – /4) = 2 not possible.
Sol. Given equation
 x Q.14 Find all values of k, x and y for which the
sin  x   + cos x = 2(cos2x + sin2x)
 4 system of equations satisfies
5x sin x cos 2y = (k2 – 1)2 + 1
 sin + cos x = 2
4 cos x sin 2y = k + 1
 In L.H.S. both the term  1 Sol. sin x cos 2y = (k2 – 1)2 + 1 ... (i)
cos x sin 2y = k + 1 ... (ii)
 this equality is true only when
For both the equations L.H.S.  1
5x
sin = 1 and cos x = 1 then
4
–1  (k2 –1)2 + 1  1
– 2  (k2 –1)2  0
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 21
  k2 – 1 = 0  k = +1, –1 1 2
 cos  = 2 not valid  cos  = – = cos
and 2 3
–1k+11 2
–2k0  = 2n ± nI
3
From both we get k = –1 is only solution
 sin x cos 2y = 1 ... (iii) Q.17 Solve for , 4 cot 2 = cot2 – tan2
and cos x sin 2y = 0 ... (iv) 4 1
Adding and subtracting, we get Sol. = –tan2 
tan 2 tan 2 
sin (x + 2y) = 1 and sin (x – 2y) = 1
2 tan 
  put tan 2 = and
 x + 2y = 2n + and x – 2y = 2m + 1  tan 2 
2 2
solving for x and y, we get solve we get

  tan  = 1, –1 = n ± ; nI
x = (n + m) + and y = (n –m) n, m  I 4
2 2

Q.15 Solve the system of equations, Q.18 Determine for which value of 'a' the equation
a2 – 2a + sec2 (a + x) = 0 has solutions and
sin x sin y = 3/4
find the solution.
cos x cos y = 3/4 Sol. a2 – 2a + sec2 (a + x) = 0
Sol. sin x sin y = 3/4 ... (i) a2 –2a + 1 + tan2(a + x) = 0
 (a – 1)2 + tan2  (a + x) = 0
cos x cos y = 3 / 4 ...(ii) For equality hold
Adding and subtracting we have a – 1 = 0  a = 1 and
3 tan2 (a + x) = 0  tan2  (1 + x) = 0
cos (x – y) = and cos (x + y) = 0
2  tan  (1 + x) = 0  (1+ x) = n
   x = n–1; n  I
 x – y = 2n ± and x + y = m +
6 2
  Q.19 If 0  x  2, then solve the inequality
 x – y= 2n + and x + y = m+ ..(iii)
6 2 1
y2 – 2y  2  2
2
  2 sin x
and x – y = 2n– and x + y = m + ... (iv)
6 2 1
y 2  2 y  2 2
2
Solving (iii) we get Sol. 2 sin x

   
x = (2n + m) + , y = (m – 2n) +  y 2  2y  2 = ( y  1) 2  1 1
2 3 2 6
solve (iv) we get 1
 and sin2 x  1  1
    sin 2 x
x = (2n + m) + , y = (m – 2n) + 1
2 6 2 3 2
 2 sin x = 2  sin2 x = 1
m, n  I
 sin x = ± 1
Q.16 If 32tan8 = 2cos2 – 3cos and 3cos2 = 1  3
x= ,
then find the general value of . 2 2
Sol. 32tan8 = 2cos2 – 3cos  ...(i)     3 
 solution will be  , 1  , 1
3cos2 = 1 ...(ii) 2   2 
From (ii)
1  cos 2 2 1 1
tan2  = = =  tan8  =
1  cos 2 4 2 16
From (i)
2 cos2  –3 cos  – 2 = 0
Part-B Passage based objective questions
 (2 cos  + 1) (cos  –2) = 0

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 22
Passage # 1 (Q. 20 to 22) On the basis of above passage, answer the
following questions:
 is root of equation
(2 sinx – cosx ) (1 + cosx) = sin2 x, Q.23 Number of roots of the equation
 is root of equation cos7x + sin4x = 1 in the interval [0, 2] is-
3 cos2x – 10 cosx + 3 = 0 and (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 4
 is root of the equation
Sol. [D] cos7x + sin4x = 1, [0, 2]
1 – sin 2x = cos x – sin x, 0    /2
 cos x  1, sin x 1
2 2

Q.20 cos  + cos  + cos  can be equal to - then equality hold only when
3 6 2 2 6 3 3 8 cos x = 1 or sin x = ± 1
(A) (B)
6 2 6 In [0, 2]
3 32 cos x = 1 x = 0, 2
(C) (D) None of these sin x = ± 1 x = /2, 3/2
6
3
3 6 2 2 6 Four roots are 0, /2, , 2
Sol.[A] cos  + cos  + cos = 2
6 2

Q.24 The smallest positive number p for which the

Q.21 sin  + sin  + sin  can be equal to-
equation cos (p sin x) = sin (p cos x) has a
14  3 2 solution in [0, 2] is -
(A) (B) 5/6
6 2 (A) /4 (B) /3
3 4 2 1 2  
(C) (D) (C) (D)
6 2 4 2 2 2
14  3 2 Sol. [D] cos (p sin x) = sin (p cos x)
Sol.[A] sin  + sin  + sin  =
6 2  cos  = sin  only when  = 
Q.22 sin ( – ) is equal to- It is possible only when
(A) 1 (B) 0  5
== or  =  =
1 2 6 32 2 4 4
(C) (D)
6 6  5
 p sin x = or p sin x =
Sol.[C] sin () = sin  cos  – cos  sin  4 4
1 2 6  5
=  p cos x = or p cos x =
6 4 4
Squaring and adding we get
Passage # 2 (Q. 23 to 25) 2
2 2  5 
Consider an equation sin x + sin y = 2 ...(1) p2 = or p2 = 2  
16  4 
We know that sin x  1 and sin y  1 for all x, y
2 
so, sin x + sin y  2 for all x and y Smallest positive no.  p = =
4 2 2
i.e. sin x + sin y = 2 if and only if sin x = 1 = sin y
Q.25 The value of the k for which the equation
so, x = 2n + /2 and y = 2m + /2.
sin x + cos (k + x) + cos (k – x) = 2 has real
In general, one or more of the following
solutions, satisfy-
extreme value conditions
(A) sin2x  1/2 (B) cos2x  1/4
1) – 1  sin x  1  |sin x| 1 and sin2 x  1
(C) sin2x  1/4 (D) cos2x  ¾
2) –1  cos x 1  |cos x| 1 and cos2 x 1
Sol. [C, D]
3) – a 2  b 2  (a sin x + b cos x)  a 2  b 2 sin x + 2 cos k cos x = 2
This equation is of the form a sin x + b cos x = c
 |a sin x + b cos x|  a 2  b2
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 23
 Sol.[C] 2P6 – 3P4 + 10
Since for real solution |c|  a 2  b2
= 2(cos6 + sin6) – 3(cos4 + sin4) + 10
2
 |2|  1  4 cos k = 2 – 6 sin2 cos2 – 3 + 6 cos2 sin2 + 10 = 9
3 3 1
 cos2 k   1 – sin2 k   sin2 k 
4 4 4 Q.28 If Pn – 2 – Pn = sin2cos2 P then value of  is
Option (C) and (D) are correct. (A) n – 1 (B) n – 2
(C) n – 3 (D) none
Passage # 3 (Q. 26 to 28)
Sol.[D] Pn–2 – Pn = cosn–2  + sinn–2  – cosn  – sinn 
If Pn = sinn + cosn where n  N then
answer the following  1   1 
= cosn   2
 1 + sinn   2  1
 cos    sin  
Q.26 If P1 = m then value of 4(1 – P6) is = cosn–2 sin2 + sinn–2  cos2 
(A) 3(m – 1)2 (B) 3(m2 – 1)2 = sin2  cos2  Pn–4
2 2
(C) 3(m + 1) (D) none  = n – 4
Sol.[B] Pn = sinn + cosn
 4 (1 – P6) = 4 [1 – (sin6 + cos6)]
= 4 [1 – (1 – 3 sin2 cos2)]
= 12 sin2 cos2
  cos  + sin  = m

 1 + 2 cos  sin  = m2
 4 cos2 sin2 = (m2 – 1)2
 12 cos2 sin2 = 3(m2 – 1)2
 4(1 – P6) = 3(m2 – 1)2

Q.27 Value of 2P6 – 3P4 + 10 is-

(A) 0 (B) 6
(C) 9 (D) none

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 24
 EXERCISE # 4
 Old IIT-JEE questions  sin = – 2 not possible.
1
Q.1 If 1+ cos + cos2 + .......... = 2 – 2 , then  sin  = .. (iv)
2
, (0 <  < ) is [REE 2000] from (iii) and (iv), we have
(A) /8 (B) /6 1
sin  =
(C) /4 (D) 3/4 2
In [0, 2]
Sol. [D]
 5
1 = and two values.
=2– 2 6 6
1  cos 
1 2 2
cos  = 1 – =1– Q.4 The number of values of  in the interval
2 2 2
   n
2 1  – ,  such that   for n = 0, ± 1, ± 2
cos  = – =–  2 2  5
2 2
 3 and tan  = cot 5 as well as sin 2 = cos 4 is
=– = [IIT- 2010]
4 4
Q.2 The number of integral values of k for which    
Sol.    ,  ,  
the equation 7 cos x + 5 sin x = 2k + 1 has a  2 2  5
solution is- [IIT 2002]  tan  = cot 5  & sin 2 = cos 4
(A) 4 (B) 8    
tan  = tan   5  & cos 4 = cos   2 
(C) 10 (D) 12 2  2 
Sol. [B]   
We know that  = n + – 5 cos 4 = cos   2 
2 2 
– a 2  b 2  a cos  + b sin  a 2  b2 
6= (2n + 1)  
2 4 = 2k±   2  
then – 74  7cos x + 5 sin x  74 2 

 – 8  2k + 1  8  = (2n + 1) , nI Take positive sign
12
 k takes only integral values. 
5 3  4 = 2k + – 2
 –4.5  k  3.5  – 4  k  3  = – , – , – , 2
12 12 12
k = –4, –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3 
k takes 8 values.  3 5 6 = (4k + 1)
, , 2
12 12 12

Q.3 The number of solutions of the pair of equations as cot 5 will not exist.  = (4k + 1) , kI
12
2sin2  – cos 2 = 0, 2cos2 – 3 sin = 0 in the 3  5
=– , ,
interval [0, 2] is- [IIT- 2007] 12 12 12
(A) zero (B) one Take negative sign
(C) two (D) four 
4 = 2k – + 2
Sol. [C] 2
2sin2  – cos 2  = 0 ... (i) 
2 = (4k – 1)
2cos2 – 3 sin = 0 ... (ii) 2
From (i) we have 
 = (4k – 1) , k  I
1 4
4 sin2  – 1 = 0  sin = ± .. (iii)
2  3
k=– ,
and from (ii) we get 4 4
2 sin2  + 3 sin  – 2 = 0 from (1) & (2)
 2 sin2  + 4 sin  – sin  –2 = 0  5 
 (2 sin  –1) (sin  + 2) = 0 = , ,
12 12 4
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 25
 & from (1) & (3),  =  
Sol. Let =
 Total solution = 3 n
1 1 1
Q.5 Let P = { : sin  – cos  = 2 cos } and = +
sin  sin 2 sin 3
Q = { : sin  + cos  = 2 sin } be two sets. 1 1 1
– =
Then [IIT-2011] sin  sin 3 sin 2
(A) P  Q and Q – P   [sin 3 – sin ] sin 2= sin  sin 3
(B) Q  P 2 sin  cos 2 sin 2 = sin  sin 3
 sin   0
(C) P  Q
(D) P = Q 2 cos 2 sin 2 = sin 3
sin 4 = sin 3
Sol. [D] P : sin  – cos  = 2 cos  so either 4 = 3 or 4 =  – 3
sin  = ( 2 + 1) cos  
so  = 0 or  = so n = 7
tan  = 2+1 7
1
tan  = tan 67 °
2
3
 = n + ,nI ……(1)
8
Q : sin  + cos  = 2 sin 
cos  = ( 2 – 1) sin 
1
tan = = 2 +1
2 1
3
 = n + ,nI ……(2)
8
 P=Q

Q.6 The positive integer value of n > 3 satisfying

1 1 1
the equation = + is
  2   3 
sin   sin   sin  
n  n   n 
[IIT-2011]

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 26
 EXERCISE # 5
tan x
Q.1 Find the general solution of Q.4 Show that the value of , whenever defined
tan 3x
sinx – 3 sin2x + sin3x = cosx – 3 cos2x + cos3x. never lies between 1/3 and 3. [IIT 1992]
[IIT 1989]
tan x tan x
Sol. [B] Sol. y= =
tan 3x 3 tan x  tan 3 x
sin 3x + sin x –3 sin 2x = cos 3x + cos x –3 cos 2x
 2 sin 2x cos x – 3 sin 2x = 2 cos 2x cos x – 3 cos 2x 1  3 tan 2 x
 sin 2x (2 cos x –3) = cos 2x (2 cos x –3) tan x (1  3 tan 2 x )
{ 2 cos x – 3  0} =
3 tan x  tan 3 x
 sin 2x = cos 2x
1  3 tan 2 x
 = [tan 3x  0  3x  0]
 tan 2x = 1  2x = n + 3 tan 2 x
4
n  x0  tan x  0
x= +
2 8 1  3t 2
Let tan x = t  y =
3  t2
Q.2 Find the number of solutions of the equation  3y – t y = 1 –3t
2
 3y – 1 = t2 y – 3t2
2

sin (e)x = 5x + 5–x. [IIT 1991]  3y – 1 = t2 (y –3)

Sol. [A] 3y  1 2 3y  1
 =t  0, t2  0  t  R
Here, L.H.S. = sin (ex) < 1 for all x  R y 3 y 3
and R.H.S. = 5x + 5–x  2 0 

 sin (e ) = 5 + 5 has no solution.

x x –x

+ –
Q.3 If exp. {(sin2x + sin4 x + sin6 x + ......). n 2} +

1/3 3
satisfies the equation x2 – 9x + 8 = 0, find the
cos x   y  (–, 1/3)  (3, )
value of ,0<x< [IIT 1991] Therefore, y is not defined in between (1/3, 3).
cos x  sin x 2
Sol. Exp. {(sin2x + sin4 x + sin6x + ....) loge2 Q.5 Determine the smallest positive value of x
sin 2 x (in degrees) for which
log e 2 sin 2 x / cos2 x
2
 e 1sin x  e log e 2 tan (x + 100°) = tan (x + 50°) tan (x) tan (x – 50°)
tan 2 x
 2 2
satisfy x –9x + 8 = 0 Sol. tan (x+100°) = tan t(x+50°) tan (x) tan (x –50°)
 x = 1, 8 tan ( x  100)
2 2
 = tan (x + 50°) tan (x –50°)
 2 tan x = 1 and 2 tan x = 8 tan x
 tan2 x = 0 and tan2 x = 3 sin ( x  100) cos x
 .
2 cos ( x  100) sin x
  
 x = n and tan2 x =  tan  and x = n ± sin ( x  50) sin ( x  50)
 3  3 =
cos( x  50) cos ( x  50)
   
Neglecting x = nas 0 < x <  x =  0,  sin (2x  100)  sin 100 cos 100  cos 2x
2 3  2  =
sin (2 x  100)  sin 100 cos 100  cos 2x
1
cos x 2 1 3 1  [sin (2x + 100°) + sin 100°] [cos100° + cos 2x]
 = = × = [cos 100°–cos 2x]×[sin (2x + 100°)–sin 100°]
cos x  sin x 1 3 1 3 3 1
  sin (2x+100°).cos 100°+ sin (2x+100°) cos 2x
2 2
+ sin 100° cos 100° + sin 100° cos 2x
3 1 cos x 3 1 = cos 100° sin (2x + 100°) – cos 100° sin 100°
=  =
2 cos x  sin x 2 – cos 2x sin (2x + 100°) + cos 2x sin 100°
 2 sin (2x + 100°) cos 2x+2 sin 100° cos 100°= 0
TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 27
  sin (4x + 100°) + sin 100° + sin 200° = 0 Sol. 5 sin x cos y = 1  sec y = 5 sin x
 sin (4x + 100°) + 2 sin 150° cos 50° = 0
4 tan x = tan y = 25 sin 2 x  1
1
 sin (4x + 100°) + 2 . sin (90° – 50°) = 0 16t2 = (1 – t2) (25t2 –1) where t = sin x
2
 sin (4x + 100°) + sin 40° = 0  25t4 –10t2 + 1 = 0
 sin (4x + 100°) = – sin 40°  (5t2 –1)2 = 0
 sin (4x + 100°) = sin (–40°) 1
 4x + 100° = n + (–1)n (–40°) t2 =
5
4x = n(180°) + (–1)n (–40°) – 100°
1 1
1  sin2 x =  cos2 y =
 x = [n (180°) + (–1)n (–40°) – 100°] 5 5
4
The smallest positive value of x is obtained when  5 sin x cos y = 1
n=1
Then either both are positive or both are negative
1
Therefore, x = [180° + 40° – 100°] 1
4  sin x = = cos y
1 5
or x = [120°] = 30°
4 1 1
 x=2n+sin–1 and y = 2m + cos–1
5 5
Q.6 Find the value of  in the interval (–/2, /2)
1 1
satisfying equation or sin x = – = cos y  x = 2n – sin–1
2
5 5
(1 – tan) (1 + tan) sec2 + 2 tan  = 0 [IIT 96]
 1 
Sol. (1 – tan2) (1 + tan2) + 2 tan
2

=0 y = 2m +    cos 1  where m, n  I
 5
Put tan2  = t
 (1 –t) (1 + t) + 2t = 0  1 – t2 + 2t = 0
It is clearly satisfies by 3
Q.9 Find the smallest positive values of x and y
so t = 3 
satisfying x – y = , cot x + cot y = 2.
4
tan2  = 3
[REE 2000]
tan  = ± 3 Sol. sin (x + y) = 2 sin x sin y
      sin (x + y) = (x – y) – cos (x + y)
= ,– in  , 
3 3  2 2  1
 sin (x + y) + cos (x + y) = cos =
4 2
Q.7 If cos p = sin q, then find the general values 
x–y=
of  . [REE 97] 4
Sol. [C, D] 1 1 1
 sin (x + y + /4) = . =
. cos p = cos (/2 – q)  p = 2n ± (/2 – q) 2 2 2
(4n  1)  5
 p = 2n + /2 – q  =  sin (x + y + /4) = sin , sin
2( p  q ) 6 6
 5
 (4n  1) x + y + =
and p = 2n – + q  = 4 6
2 2( p  q )

 not valid
6
7 
Q.8 Find the general values of x and y satisfying the x+y= and x – y =
12 4
equations 5 sin x cos y = 1, 4 tan x = tan y. Solving, we get
[REE 98]

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 28
 5 
x= ,y=
12 6 Q.12 Find x for
(sin13°)cot3x + cotx
Q.10 Find real value of x for which 27 cos 2 x .81sin 2 x
= sin2(4– x) – cos(3– x).cos(2 + x).
is minimum. Also find this minimum value. Sol. (sin 13º)cot 3x + cot x
= sin2(4 – x) – cos(3 – x) . cos(2 + x)
[REE 2000] = sin2x + cos2x
cos2x sin 2x
Sol. Let P = 27 . 81 (sin 13º)cot 3x + cot x = 1
= 33cos2x+4 sin2x which is true if
Now 3 cos 2x + 4 sin 2x = r cos (2x – ) cot 3x + cot x = 0
cos 3x . sin x + cos x sin 3x = 0
where 3 = r cos , 4 = r sin 
sin 4x = 0
4 4x = n
 r = 5 tan  =
3 n
minimum value of this is – r x= , nI
4
 r cos (2x – ) = –r But n  4k, k  I
cos (2x – ) = –1= cos  as cot 4k do not exist
2x –  = 2n ± ; nI
 1 4
 x = (2n ± 1) + tan–1
2 2 3
So the minimum value of P is
1
= 3–r = 3–5 =
243

Q.11 No. of values of 't' satisfying the equation

cos(sin(cos t)) = 1 for t  [0, 2]. Also find
those values.
Sol. cos(sin cos t) = 1, t  [0, 2]
sin(cos t) = 2n
But sin   [–1, 1]
at n = 0
sin (cos t) = 0
cos t = k
 cos t  [–1, 1]
at k = 0
cos t = 0
 3
 t= ,
2 2

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 29
 ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE # 1
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. B C A C A B A C A B A B C C A,C
Q.No. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Ans. C B D B B A B D
24. True 25. False 26. True 27. Null set
28. 2n ± /4, 2n ± /3 29. n, n + (–1) /10, n – (–1) 3/10
n n

EXERCISE # 2
PART-A
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. A C B A D A B A A B B C B D B
Q.No. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Ans. A C C C A A A D C C C B C

PART-B
Q.No. 29 30 31 32 33 34
Ans. D A,D A,C,D B,D A,B,C,D C

PART-C
Q.No. 35 36 37
Ans. D C D

PART-D
38. A  S, B  Q, C  P, D  R 39. A  R, B  S, C  P, D  Q

EXERCISE # 3
 1   2n  1  4n 2  4n  15
1. (a)  2n   or 2n  where n  I, (b) tan  = where n > 1 or n < –2
 2 5 2 4

1  2  1 
(c) x   (6 m  4 n )     or y  (6n  4m)     where n, m  I
5 2 3 5 3 

n  n 
2. x = + (–1)n   or + (–1)n+1 ; (n  I)
4 8
  4 24
  13
3. 2n ± or 2n ± where n  I 4.
3 6 4

n   2
5.  = or n ± ; also  = n ± , where cos = where n  I
2 3 2 3
6. x = n + (–1)n (/6) ; where n  I 7. A = 90º

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 30
 1  5  1  13 
8. n + tan–1   ; m + tan–1   ; where m, n  I
 2   2 
9.  =  = /3 10.  = – 21º48' + n.180º + (–1)n [68º12'] where n  I
11. {/    3/2 or /2    5/6} 12. 2 + 8m (m  I)
   1
13. x = n + , x = n – ;nI 14. k = – 1, x = (n + m)  + ; y = (n – m)  ; n, m  I
2 4 2 2
       
15. x1 = + (2n + k) ; x2 = + (2n + k), y1 = + (k – 2n) ; y2 = + (k – 2n) ; n, k  I
3 2 6 2 6 2 3 2

16.  = 2n ± 2/3; where n  I 17. n ± where n  I
4
18. a = 1, x = n – 1; where n  I
    3 
19. x = /2; 3/2 and y = 1 and  ,1 ;  ,1
2   2 
20. (A,B) 21. (A,C) 22. (C) 23. (D) 24. (D)
25. (C,D) 26. (B) 27. (C) 28. (D)

EXERCISE # 4
Q.No. 1 2 3
Ans. D B C
4. 3 5. (D) 6. 7

EXERCISE # 5
n  3 1   
1. + 2. 0 3. 5. 30º 6.   , 
2 8 2  3 3
( 4n  1)  ( 4n  1) 
7. ,
2 (p  q) 2 (p  q)

1 1 1
8. x2n± sin–1 , y = 2m + cos–1 , y = 2m ±  – cos–1 where n , m  I
5 5 5
5 
9.x = , y= are the smallest +ve values of x and y
12 6
 1 4 1
10. x = (2n ± 1) + tan–1 where n  I and the minimum value is
2 2 3 243
 3 n
11. 2, , 12. x = , n  4k, k  I
2 2 4

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATION 31