Trigonometrical Ratios & Identities

Trigonometrical Ratios of Functions Let a line OA makes θ angle with a fixed line OX and AM is perpendicular
from A on OX. Then in right-angled triangle AMO, trigonometrical ratios (functions) with respect to θ are
defined as follows

Base(B)
cos θ =
Hypotenuse (H)
Perpendicular (P)
tan θ =
Base (B)
H H B
cos θ = , sec θ = ,cot θ =
P B P
Note : (i) Since r-ratios are ratio between two sides of a right angled triangle with respect to an angle, so they
are real numbers.
(ii) θ may be acute angle or obtuse angle or right angle.

8.Relations between Trigonometrical Ratios

1 1 1
(i) cos ec θ = , sec θ = , cot θ = s
sin θ cos θ tan θ
sin θ
(ii) tan θ =
cos θ
cos θ
(iii) cot θ =
sin θ
(iv) sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1
(v) 1 + tan2 θ = sec 2 θ
(vi) 1 + cot 2 θ = cosec 2 θ
9. Sign of Trigonometric Ratios
(i) All ratios sin θ , cos θ , tan θ , cot θ , sec θ and cosec θ at positive in 1st quadrant.

(ii) sin θ (or cosec θ ) positive in Il quadrant, rest at negative.

nd
rd
(i) tan0 (or cot 0) positive in Ill quadrant, rest at negative.
th
iv) cos 9 (or sec 0) positive in IV quadrant, rest at negative.

10. Domain and Range of a Trigonometrical Function I

f : X → Y is a function, defined on the set X, then the domain of the function f, written as Domain is the set of all
independent variables x, for which the image f(x) is well defined element of Y, called the codomain of f.
 Range of f : X → Y is the set of all images f(x) which belongs to Y, ie
Range f = {f(x) ∈ Y : x ∈ X} ⊆ Y
The domain and range of trigonometrical functions an tabulated as follows

Trigonometric Function Domain Range

sinx
cos x

tan x

cosec x

sec x

cotx

Relation between Trigonometrical Ratios and Identities

sin θ
(i) tan θ =
cos θ
cos θ
(ii) cot θ =
sin θ
(iii) sin A cosec A = tan A cot A = cos A sec A = 1
(iv) sin 2 θ + cos 2 θ =1 or sin 2 θ = 1-cos 2 θ
or cos 2 θ = 1 sin 2 θ
(v) 1+ tan θ = sec 2 θ or sec 2 θ - tan 2 θ = 1
2

or sec 2 θ - 1 - tan 2 θ .
(vi) 1 +cot 2 θ = cosec 2 θ or cosec 2 θ - cot 2 θ = 1
or cosec 2 θ - 1 = cot 2 θ
(vii) Since sin 2 A + cos 2 A = l, hence each of sinA and cosA is numerically less than or equal to unity ie,
sin A ≤ 1 and cos A ≤ 1
or
−1 ≤ sin A ≤ 1 and − 1 ≤ cos A ≤ 1

Note: The modulus of real number .r is defined as x = x if x ≥ 0 and x = − x if x < 0.

(viii) Since sec A and cosec A are respectively reciprocals of cosA and sinA, therefore the values of sec A and
cosec A are always numerically greater than or equal to unity ie.
sec A ≥ 1 or sec A ≤ − 1
and cosec A ≥ 1 or cosec A ≥ 1
In other words, we never have
−1 < cos ec A < 1 and 1 and − 1 sec A < 1
While tan A and cot A may take any real value

Graph of Different Trigonometrical Ratios

Sum and Difference Formulae
(i) sin ( A + B ) = sin A cosB + cos A sinB
(ii) sin ( A − B ) = sin A cosB − cos A sinB
(iii) cos ( A + B ) = cos A cosB − sin A sinB
(iv) cos ( A − B ) = cos A cosB + sin A sinB
tan A − tanB
(v) tan (A+B) =
1 − tan A tanB
tan A − tanB
tan (A-B) =
1 + tan A tanB
π  1 + tan θ
(vi) tan  + θ  =
4  1 − tan θ
 π  1 − tan θ
tan  + θ  =
4  1 + tan θ
cot A − cot B − 1
(vii) cot (A-B) =
cot A + cot B
 cot A − cot B + 1
(viii) cot (A-B) =
cot B + cot A
(ix) sin (A+B) sin (A-B) = sin2 A − sin2 B = cos2 B − cos2 A
(x) cos ( A + B ) cos ( A − B ) = cos2 A − sin2 B = cos2 B − sin2 A
2 tan θ
(xi) sin2θ = 2sin θ cos θ =
(1 + tan θ)
2

( cos A ± sin A )
2
= 1 ± sin 2A
1 − tan2 θ
(xii) cos 2θ = cos2 θ − sin2 θ =
1 + tan2 θ
= 1 − 2 sin2 θ = 2cos2 θ − 1
2 tan θ
(xiii) tan 2θ =
1 − tan2 θ
(1 − cos θ ) θ (1 + cos θ ) θ
= tan = cot
sin θ 2 sin θ 2
(1 − cos θ ) θ (1 + cos θ ) θ
= tan2 = cot 2
(1 + cos θ ) 2 (1 − cos θ ) 2
A 1 − cos A A 1 + cos A
(xiv) sin =± , cos =
2 2 2 2
A 1 − cos A
(xv) tan =±
2 1 + cos A
3
(xvi) sin3A = 3 sin A – 4sin A
1
or sin3 A = ( 3 sin A − sin3A )
4
3 3
(xvi) cos A = 4 cos A-3cosA
1
Or cos3 a = ( cos3A + 3cos A )
4
3 tan A − tan3 A
(xviii) tan 3 A = ( A ≠ nπ + π / 6 )
1 − 3 tan2 A

Formulae for Transformation of Sum of Difference into Product

 ( C + D )   ( C − D ) 
(i) sinC + sinD = 2sin   cos  
 2   2 
 ( C + D )   (D − C ) 
(ii) cosC - cosD = 2sin   sin  
 2   2 
 ( C + D )   ( C − D ) 
(iii) cosC + cosD = 2cos   cos  
 2   2 
 ( C + D )   (D − C ) 
(iv) cosC + cosD = 2sin   sin  
 2   2 

19. Formulae for Transformation of Product into Sum or Difference

(i) 2sin A cosB =sin (A + B) + sin (A - B)
(ii) 2cos A sin B = sin (A + B) - sin (A - B)
(iii) 2cos A cos B = cos (A + B) + cos (A - B)
(iv) 2sin A sinB = cos (A - B) - cos (A + B)

Conditional Identities

(i) If A + B + C-= 180°, then

(a) sin 2A + sin 2B + sin 2C = 4sin A sin B sin C
(b) sin 2A + sin 2B - sin 2C = 4 cos A cos B sin C
(c) sin (B + C - A ) + sin (C + A - B) + sin (A+B+C)=4 sin A sin B sin C
(d) cos2A +cos2B+cos2C = -1-4 cosA cosB cosC
(e) cos2A +cos 2B –cos2C = 1-4 sin A sinB cosC
(ii) If A + B + C-= 180°, then
A B C
(a) sinA + sinB + sinC = 4 cos cos cos
2 2 2
A B C
(b) sinA + sinB + sinC = 4 sin sin cos
2 2 2
A B C
(c) cosA + cosB + cosC =1+4sin sin sin
2 2 2
A B C
(d) cosA + cosB – cosC = -1 + 4 cos cos sin
2 2 2
cos A cosB cosC
(e) + + =2
sinB sinC sinC sin A sin A sinB

Previous Year Questions from KVPY exams

STREAM - B

1. The angles α , β,γ of a triangle satisfy the equations 2sin α + 3cos β = 3 2 and 3 sin β + 2cos α = 1. Then angle
γ equals
0 0 0 0
(A) 150 (B) 120 (C) 60 (D) 30
[2013]
0 0 0 0
2. The value of tan 81 -tan 63 - tan27 + tan9 is
(A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

[2012]
3. Let f (x) = cos 5x + A cos 4x + B cos 3x + C cos 2x + D cos x + E, and
 π   2π   3π   8π   9π 
T = f ( 0 ) − f   + f   − f   + .... + f   − f   . Then T
5  5   5   5   5 
(A) depends on A, B, C, D, E
(B) depends on A, C, E but independent of B and D
(C) depends on B, D but independent of A, C, E
(D) is independent of A, B, C, D, E

[2011]
(
4. The product (1 + tan1)(1 + tan2 )(1 + tan3 ) .... 1 + tan 45 0
) equals
(A) 2 n
(B) 2 n
(C) 223 (D) 226

[2010]
5. If cos ec ( α + β ) − sin (β − α ) + sin ( 2α − β ) = cos ( α − β ) where α, β ∈ ( 0, π / 2 ) , then sin ( α − β ) is equal to
2 2 2 2

−1 1 − 3 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 2 2
[2009]
6. If sinx+ sin y=7/5 and cos x + cos y = 1/5, then sin(x + y) equals
(A) 7/25 (B) 24/25 (C) -7/25 (D) -24/25

[2009]
7. The value of cos5 + cos10 + cos15 + .... + cos 355 is
0 0 0 0

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

[2008]
1
8. If 2 = sin−1 (1/ 4 ) then 64 sin 2 + 64cos2 - 8sec2 – 8cosec2 + tan2+ cot2 equals:
2
(A) 8 (B) 4 (C) 0 (D) -1
 [2007]

ASSIGNMENTS

1. If 2 sin α cos β sin γ = sin β sin (α + γ ). Then tan α, tan β, and tan γ will be in :
(A) AP (B) GP (C) HP (D) none of these

π 5π π 7π
2. If tan , x and tan are in AP and tan , y and tan are also in A.P. find the relation between x and y
9 18 9 18
3
(A) y = x (B) y = x (C) y = 2x (D) y = - 2x
2

1 − sin α
3. Find set of all possible values of α in [ −π, π] such that is equal to (sec α − tan α )
1 + sin α
 −π π   −π π 
(A) ( −π, 0 ) (B)  ,  (C)  ,  (D) (0, π)
 2 2  4 4

sin 3x
4. If f(x) = , x ≠ n π, the find the ray of f(x)
sin x
(A) [ −1, 2 ) (B) [ −2, 3] (C) [ −1, 3 ) (D) [ −1, 4]

 π π
5. If the solution for θ from the equation sin sin 2 θ − 2 sin θ + λ = 0 lie in U  2nπ − , (2n + 1)π + 
n∈z  6 6
then find the possible values of λ
 −5   −5   −3 −1   −5 
(A)  , ∞  (B)  , 1 (C)  ,  (D)  −∞,
 4   4   4 4  4 

6. If 0 ≤ a ≤ 3, 0 ≤ b ≤ 3 and the equation, x 2 + 4 + 3 cos (ax + b) = 2x has atleast one solution, then find the value
of (a + b)
π
(A) 0 (B) (C) π (D) 2 π
2

7. Find the set of values of λ ∈ R such that tan2 θ + sec θ = λ hold for some θ
(A) ( −∞, − 1] (B) [ −1, ∞ ) (C) [0, ∞ ) (D) ( −∞, − 1] U [1, ∞ )

8. In a triangle ABC, tan A + tan B + tan C = k, then find the interval in which k should lie so that there exists exactly
one isosceles triangle ABC.
(A) k ∈ ( −∞, 0) { }
(B) k ∈ ( −∞, 0) U 3 3

(C) k ∈ (0, ∞ ) (D) k ∈ (0, ∞) − {3 3 }

9. Find the solution of (x, y) that satisfy the equation tan 4

x + tan 4 y + 2 cot 2 x cot 2 y = 3 + sin2 (x + y) ∀ x, y ∈
 π
0, 2 
 
 π π π π π π  π π
(A)  ,  (B)  ,  (C)  ,  (D)  , 
4 2 2 2 4 4 3 6

10. The equation cos 2x + a sin x = 2a − 7 possess a solution it:

(A) a < 2 (B) 2 ≤ a ≤ 6 (C) a > 6 (D) none of these

11. If A and B are amt positive angles satisfying the equation 3 sin2 A + 2sin2 B = 1 and 3 sin 2A − 2sin 2B = 0, then A
+ 2B is equal to:
 π π 3π 2π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 2 4 3

12. If sin α + sin β + sin γ = 0 and cos α + cos β + cos γ = 0, then the value of cos (α − β) + cos (β − γ ) + cos ( γ − α )
is :
(A) −3 (B) –1 (C) −1 (D) 0
2 2

π tan A cot A
13. If 0 < A < , then the value of the expression + − sec A cos ec A is equal to :
2 1 − cot A 1 − tan A
(A) –1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) sin A + cos A

14. If A and B are acute angles such that A + B and A – B satisfy the equation tan2 θ − 4 tan ϑ + 1 = 0, then find A and
B:
π π π π π π  π 2π 
(A)  ,  (B)  ,  (C)  ,  (D)  , 
4 3 4 6 3 6  4 3 

n sin α cos α
15. If tan β = then, tan ( α + β ) in equal to :
1 − ncos2 α
1 −1
(A) (n − 1) tan α (B) (n + 1)tan α (C) tan α (D) tan α
n +1 n −1

16. If cos6 α + sin6 α + k sin2 2α = 1, the k =

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

17. If cot α equals the integral solution of the inequality 4x 2 − 16x + 15 < 0 and sin β equals the slope of the bisector
of the first quadrant, then sin ( α + β ) sin ( α − β ) is equal to :
(A) −3 / 5 (B) −4 / 5 (C) 2 (D) 3
5
 3π 
18. The greatest value of f(x) = 2 sin x + sin 2 x on 0,  is :
 2
9
(A) (B) 5/2 (C) 3 3 (D) 3/2
2 2

19. If x1, x2, x3 ……xn are in AP, whose common difference in θ , then the value of sin θ
(sec x1 sec x2 + sec x 2 sec x3 + ......... + sec xn−1 sec xn ) is :
sin n θ sin (n − 1) θ
(A) (B)
cos x, cos xn cos x, cos xn
cos (n − 1) θ
(C) sin n θ cos x1 cos xn (D)
cos x, cos xn

20. The value of x between 0 and 2π which satisfy the equation sin x 8 cos2 x = 1 are in AP. The common
difference of the AP is:
(A) π (B) π (C) 3 π (D) 5 π
8 4 8 8

2 sin 2θ sin λθ
21. Given that f ( nθ ) = and f(θ) + f(2θ) + f(3θ) + .......f(nθ) = , then the value of
cos 2θ − cos 4nθ sin θ sin µθ
µ − λ is :
 (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

22. If log sin x cos x + log cos x sin x = 2, then |tan x|, is equal to :
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

23. Let f(x) = sin x- x cos x, x ∈ R. The least positive value of x, for which f(x) = 0, lies in the quadrant:
(A) 1 (B) II (C) III (D) IV

24. The number of values of x where x ∈ [−2π, 2π] which satisfy cosec x = 1 + cot x
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

25. If y ∈ ( −π, π), then the total number of ordered pairs (x, y) satisfying the equation, sec 2 (x + 2) y + x 2 − 1 = 0 is :
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) infinite

26. If m and n (>m) are positive integers, the number of solution of the equation, n|sin x| = m|cos x| in
[0, 2 π ] is :
(A) m (B) n (C) nm (D) none of these

Trigonometrical Ratios & Identities

Answer key for kvpy questions:

1.C 2.C 3.B 4.C 5.A

6.C 7.B 8.B

Trigonometrical Ratios & Identities

Answer key for assignments:

1.C 2.C 3.B 4.C 5.A

6.C 7.B 8.B 9. 10.B

11.B 12.A 13.C 14.B 15.D

16.C 17.B 18.C 19.B 20.B

21.A 22.B 23.C 24.B 25.B

26.D
 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

Definition The equations involving trigonometric function of unknown angles are known as Trigonometric
equations
eg, cos θ = 0,cos θ 4 cos θ = 1,
2 -

sin2 θ + sin θ = 2,cos2 θ − 4 sin θ = 1

A solution of a trigonometric equation is the value of the unknown angle that satisfies the equation.
1 π π π 3π 9π 11π
Eg, sin θ = ⇒ θ = orθ = or θ = , , , ,....
2 4 4 4 4 4 4

General Solution of Standard Trigonometric Equations

Since, trigonometric functions are periodic. The solution consisting of all possible solutions of a trigonometric
equation is called its general solution.

We use of following results of solving the trigonometric equations

sin θ = 0 ⇔ θ = nπ, n ∈ I
We know that sin θ = 0 for all integral multiples of π . (by graphical approach)

∴ sin θ = 0 ⇒ θ = 0, ± π, ± 2π, ± 3π ...

⇒ θ = nπ, n ∈ I
∴ sin θ = 0 ⇒ θ = nπ, n ∈ I
General solution of the Trigonometrical Equation
sin2 θ = sin2 α, cos2 θ = cos2 α, tan2 θ = tan2 α
(i) sin2 θ = sin2 α s
1 − cos2 θ 1 − cos 2α
⇒ = ⇒ cos 2θ = cos 2α
2 2

⇒ 2θ = 2nπ ± 2α, n ∈ 1
⇒ θ = nπ ± α, n ∈ 1
(ii) cos2 θ = cos2 α
1 − cos 2θ 1 + cos1α
⇒ =
2 2
⇒ cos 2θ = cos 2α
⇒ 2θ = 2nπ ± 2α, n ∈ 1
⇒ θ = nπ ± α, n ∈ 1
(iii) tan2 θ = tan2 α

1 − tan2 θ 1 + tan2 α
⇒ =
tan2 θ 1 + tan α
⇒ cos 2θ = cos 2 α
⇒ 2θ = 2n π = −2α
⇒ θ = nπ ± α,n ∈ I
General Solution of Trigonometrical Equation
a cos θ + b sin θ = c
To solve the equation a cos θ + b sin θ = c, put
a = r cos φ, b = r in φ
b
r = a2 + b2 , φ = tan−1
a
Substituting these values in the equation we have
r cos φ cos θ + r sin φ sin θ = c
c
cos ( θ − φ ) =
r
c
⇒ cos ( θ − φ ) =
a + b2
2

If c > a2 + b2 , then the equation

a cos θ + b sin θ = has no solution
c ≤ a2 + b2 then put
c
= cos α , so that
a + b2
2

cos ( θ − φ ) = cos α
⇒ ( θ − φ ) = 2nπ ± α
⇒ θ = 2nπ ± α + φ

2. Periodic Function

Function Period

sin ( ax + b ) , cos ( ax + b ) , sec ( ax + b ) , cosec ( ax + b )

2π / a
tan ( ax + b ) , cot ( ax + b )
π/a
sin ( ax + b ) , cos ( ax + b ) s ex ( ax + b ) , cos ec ( ax + b ) π/a
tan ( ax + b ) , cot ( ax + b ) π / 2a

Trigonometric Equations with their general Solutions:

Trigonometric Equation with their General solution

Trigonometrical equation General solution

If sin θ = 0 then θ = nπ
If cos θ = 0 then θ = ( nπ + π / 2 ) = ( 2n + 1) π / 2
If tan θ = 0 then θ = nπ
If sin θ = 1 then θ = 2nπ + π / 2 = ( 4n + 1) π / 2
If cos θ = 1
then θ = nπ + ( −1) α where α ∈ [ −π / 2, π / 2]
n
If sin θ = sin α
If cos θ = cos α then θ = 2nπ + α where α ∈ (0, π]
If tan θ = tan α then θ = nπ + α where α ∈ ( −π / 2, π / 2]

If sin2 θ = sin2 α then θ = nπ ± α

then θ = nπ ± α
If cos2 θ = cos2 α then θ = nπ ± α
 If tan2 θ = tan2 α

If sin θ = sin α then θ = 2nπ + α

cos θ = cos α
then θ = 2nπ + α
If sin θ = sin α
tan θ = tan α then θ = 2nπ + α
If tan θ = tan α
cos θ = cos α

Solutions in the Case of Two Equations are Given Two equations are given and we have to find the values of
variable θ which may satisfy both the given equations, like
cos θ = cos α and sin θ = sin α
So, the common solution is θ = 2nπ + α, n ∈ I
Similarly, sin θ = sin α and tan θ = tan α
So, the common solution is, θ = 2nπ + α, n ∈ I
Rule is to find the common values of θ between 0 and 2π and then add 2πn to this common value

Previous Year KVPY questions

STREAM - B

1. The number of solutions to the equation cos4 x +

1
cos2 x
= sin4 x +
1
sin2 x
[ ]
in the interval 0, 2π is:

(A) 6 (B) 4 (C) 2 (D) none of these

[2014]
1  π
2. The sum of all x ∈ [0, π ] which satisfy the equation sin x + cos x = sin2  x +  is
2  4
π 5π
(a)(A) (B) (C) π (D) 2π
6 6
[2012]
3. The number of roots of the equation cos2 θ − sin4 θ = 1 that be in the interval [0,2π ] is
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 8

[2010]
4. The number of solutions to sinx= 6/x with 0 ≤ x ≤ 12π is
(A) 1 (B) 6 (C)10 (D)12
[2009]
5. The number of solutions of the equation : 3cos xsin x -sin x - cos x = 0 in the interval [0, 2 π ] is :
2 2 4 2

(A) 8 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 3

[2007]

ASSIGNMENTS
s
i
n n
,
1
,
c
o 1
s n
2

1. If α α are in G.P, then find the general solution for α

n

1
n

π π π π
2

(A) π + ( − ) (B) π + ( − ) (C) π + ( − ) (D) π + ( − )

1 4
s
i
n

c
o
s

2
2

2. Solve θ− θ= for θ and fin the values of θ in the interval ≤ θ ≤ π.

 2,3

5,3

2 3
5,3

5,6
π π π π π π π π
3

6
(A) (B) (C) (D)
t
a
n

t
a
n
2

t
a
n
.
t
a
n
2

1
θ+ θ+ θ θ=

n 2

n 3

n 3
3. Solve
n

π π π π π π π
1
2

1
2
(A) π + (B) + (C) + (D) +

0
,
2
t
a
n
x
s
e
c
x
2
c
o
s
x
4. Find the number of solutions of + = in [ π]
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

c
o
s
x
s
i
n
x
,
0
x
4
5. Find the number of solution of = ≤ ≤ π
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5

x
0
,
2
4
s
i
n
x
8
s
i
n
x
3
0
2

6. Find the solution set for − + ≤ when ∈[ π]

5 6

2 3

5 6

2 3
x

x
π π π π π π π π
6

6
(A) ≤ ≤ (B) ≤ ≤ (C) ≤ ≤ (D) ≤ ≤
s
e
c
x
t
a
n
x

3
,

0
x
3
7. Find the number of distinct solution of + = where ≤ ≤ π
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5
k
c
o
s
x
3
s
i
nk
x
k4
1
8. Find the range of values of k for which the equation, − = + is solvable.
k

,
4

,
2

k
2
,
(A) ∈ ( −∞ ] (B) ∈ ( −∞ ] (C) ∈ [ ∞) (D) ∈ [ ∞)
2

2
s i
n
x

c
o
s
x

1
1
/
2

−
9. Find the general solution of the equation + =
n

n
π π π π
4

6
(A) π ± (B) π + (C) π + (D) π ±
c
o
s
x
1
1
s
i
n
x
1
,
0
x
3

10. Find the number of solution of = + ≤ ≤ π

(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5
s
i
n
x
c
o
s
x
2
2
s
i
n
x
c
o
s
x
0

0
x
11. Find the number of solution of the equation + − = in the interval ≤ ≤π
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
2 1
9 6
s
i
n
x
c
o
s
x

c n 4
o
s
2
x
1
0

1
0

12. Solve the equation, + =

n 2

n 4

n 4

π π π π π π π π
8

(A) + (B) + (C) + (D) +

1 2

1 3
s
i
n

t
a
n

13. Find the general values of θ which satisfies the equation θ=− and θ= .
7 6

1
1 6

7 6
2
n

2
n

π π π π
6

(A) π+ (B) π+ (C) π + (D) π +

s
i
n
x I
1
c
o
s
3
x
6

14. Solve = +
n
,
n

2
n
1
,
n
I

n
,
n
I

2
n
,
n
I

π π
2

( )
2

(A) ∈ (B) + ∈ (C) π ∈ (D) π ∈

x
0
,
4
3
c
o
s
x
s
i
n
x
2

15. Find the numbers of solution of the inequation − ≥ for ∈[ π]

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6
x
,
y
0
x
3
,
0
y
3

c
o
s
x
.
s
i
n
y
1
,

16. If ≤ ≤ π ≤ ≤ π and = then find the possible number of values of the ordered pair ( ).
(A) 5 (B) 6 (C) 7 (D) 8
t
a
n
x
s
i
n
x
1
t
a
n
x
s
i
n
x

17. Find the general solution for the equation, − = −

 n

n
n

2
n

n
π π π π
)  − 

4
4

2
(A) π + (B) π+ (C) π + ( − (D) π ±
 

1
t
a
n
1
s
i
n
2

1
t
a
n
,2
 π π

2
18. Find all the values of θ in  −  which satisfy the equation ( − θ )( + θ) = ( + θ)
 
0
,

,4

,
0
,4
π π π π π
4

4
(A) − (B) − (C) − (D) no solution

y
c
o
s
x
,
y
s
i
n
3
x

x
π π

2
19. Find the number of points of intersection of the curves = = if − ≤ ≤
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

1 2 ,
s
i
n
2
A
B

.
20. A triangle ABC is such that ( + )= If A, B, C are in AP, then find the value of A, B and C
5,1

7,1
,3

,2

,4

,4
,2
π π π π π π π π π π π π
4

6
3

4
(A) (B) (C) (D)

0
,
2
x
2
x
5
x
2
c
o
s
x
0
3

2
21. Find the number of solution of the equation + + + = in [ π]
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3
s
i
n
2

c
o
s
3
,

2
22. If θ= θ find the number of elements for the set θ in ≤ θ ≤ π .
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6
s
i
n
x
c
o
s
x
0
,

x
t
0
,
2
23. The total number of solutions of [ ]+ = where [ ] denote the greatest integer function, for [ π]
is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 0
c
o
s
x x
c
o 2
s n
6
x

24. The general solution of the equation = − is :

x
2
n
1
x
2
n
1

x
2
n
1

2
(A) =( + )π (B) = π (C) =( − )π (D) =( + )
2
s
i
n
x
c
o
s
x
3

25. Solve = for all r belongs to real numbers.

n

2
n
1

2
n

π π π π
4

4
(A) π + (B) π − (C) ( + )π + (D) π±
t
a
n

t
a
n

π  π 
4

26. Solve :  + +  − =
   
n

2
n
1

2
n

π π π
2

(A) π (B) ( + ) (C) π + (D) π+

16
s
i
n
x
,
c
o
s
x
,
t
a
n
x

27. Determins all values of x for which are consecutive terms of a G.P.
2
n

2
n

π π π π
3

(A) π± (B) π ± (C) π± (D) π ±

w
h
e
r
e
n
z
t
a
n

t
a
n

π 
( )
2

28. If θ+  + θ = then the most general value of θ is : ∈

 
n 2
n

2
n

2
n

1
n

π π π π π
4

(A) π ± (B) π+ (C) π± (D) + (− )

 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

Answer key for KVPY questions

1. D 2.C 3.A 4.C 5.B

TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

Answer Key for Assignments

1. B 2.B 3.B 4.C 5.C

6.A 7.B 8.A 9.B 10.B

11.B 12.C 13.B 14.B 15.B

16.B 17.A 18.A 19.A 20.A

21.A 22.D 23.D 24.A 25.A

26.A 27.A 28.A

 PROPERTIES OF TRIANGLES

Introduction In any ∆ABC, the side BC, opposite to the angle A is denoted by a; the side CA and AB opposite
to the angle B and C respectively are denoted by b and c respectively. Semiperimeter of the triangle is denoted
by s and its area by ∆ or S. In this chapter, we shall discuss various relations between the sides a,b,c and the
angles A,B,C of ∆ ABC .

Sine Rule The sides of a triangle (any type of triangle) are proportional to the sines of the angle opposite to
a b c
them in ∆ABC , = =
sin A sinB sinC
Note (i) The above rule can also be written as
 sin A sinB sinC 
 a = b = c 
 

(ii) The sine rule is very useful tool to express sides of a triangle in A
terms of sines of angle and vice-versa in the following manner.
a b c
= = = k(Let)
sin A sinB sinC c b
⇒ n = k sin A,b = k sinB,c = k sinC
sin A sinB sinC
Similarly, = = = λ (Let)
a b c
B a C
⇒ sin A = λa sinB = λb,sinC = λc

b2 + c 2 − a 2
Cosine formulae In any ∆ABC , cos A=
2bc
c 2 + a2 − b2 a 2 + b2 − c 2
cosB = ,cosC =
2ac 2ab
Note In particular
∠A = 600 ⇒ b2 + c 2 − a2 = bc
∠B = 600 ⇒ c 2 + a2 − b2 = ca
∠C = 600 ⇒ a2 + b2 − c 2 = ab

Projection Formulae
In any
∆ABC , a =b cosC + c cos B
b = c cos A + a cos C, c = acos B + b cosA

Trigonometrical ratios of Half of the Angles of a triangle In any ∆ABC ,

we have

A ( s − b )( s − c ) B ( s − c )( s − a )
(i) sin = ,sin =
2 bc 2 ac
C ( s − a )( s − b )
sin =
2 ab

A s (s − a) B s (s − b)
(ii) cos = ,cos =
2 bc 2 ac
C s (s − c )
cos =
2 ab
A ( s − b )( s − c ) B ( s − c )( s − a )
(iii) tan = ,tan = ,
2 s (s − a) 2 s (s − b)
 C ( s − a )( s − b )
tan =
2 s (s − c )

Area of a Triangle If ∆ be the area of a triangle ABC, then

1 1 1
(i) ∆ = bc sin A = ca sinB = ab sinC
2 2 2
1 a2 sinB sinC 1 b2 sinC sin A
(ii) ∆ = =
2 sin (B + C ) 2 sin ( C + A )
1 c 2 sin A sinB
=
2 sin ( A + B )
(iii) ∆ = s ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c ) (Hero’s formula)

Napier’s Analogy In any ∆ABC ,

B −C b−c A
tan   = cot
 2  b+c 2
C−A  c −a B
tan  = cot
 2  c+a 2
 A −B a −b C
tan  = cot
 2  a+b 2

Circumcircle of a Triangle: A circle passing through the vertices of a triangle is called the circumcircle of the
triangle and The centre of the circumcircle is called the circumcentre of the triangle it is the point of intersection of
the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the triangle.
The radius of the circumcircle is called the circumradius of the triangle and is usually denoted by R and is given by
the following formulae
a b c abc a+b+c
R= = = = where ∆ is area of triangle and s =
2sin A 2sinB 2 sinC 4∆ 2

Incircle of a Triangle The circle which can be inscribed within the triangles so as to touch all the three sides is
called the incircle of the triangle.

The centre of the incircle is called the incentre of the triangle and it is the point of intersection of the internal
bisectors of the angles of the triangle.

The radius of the incircle is called the inradius of the triangle and is ususlly denoted by r and is given by the
following formula.

Inradius The radius r of the inscribed circle of a ∆ABC is given by

∆
(i) r =
s
A b
(ii) r = ( s − a ) tan   ,r = ( s − b ) tan  
2 2
 
C
and r = ( s − c ) tan  
2
B C  A  C
a sin   sin   b sin   sin  
(iii) r =  2  2
,r = 2 2
 
A B
cos   cos  
2 2
 B  A 
c sin   sin  
and r = 2  2
C
cos  
2
 A  B C
(iv) r = 4R sin   sin   sin  
 2 2  2

Previous Year Questions from KVPY exams

STREAM - B

1. Let ABC be a triangle such that AB=BC. Let F be the midpoint of AB and X be a point on BC such that
FX is perpendicular to AB. If BX=3XC then the ratio BC/AC equals:
3
(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) (D) 1 [2014]
2
2. Let ABC be an acute angled triangle and let D be the midpoint of BC. If AB = AD, then
tan ( B )
equals
tan (C )
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 3 [2013]
3. Let XY be the diameter of a semicircle with centre O. Let A be a variable point on the semicircle and B another
point on the semicircle such that AB is parallel to XY. The value of ∠BOY for which the inradius of triangle AOB
is maximum, is
 5 − 1  5 − 1 π π
(A) cos−1  (B) sin−1 
 2   2 
(C) (D) [2013]
    3 5
4. Suppose that the earth is a sphere of radius 6400 kilometers. The height from the earth’s surface from where
exactly a fourth of the earth’s surface is visible, is
(A) 3200 km (B) 3200 2 km (C) 3200 3 km (D) 6400 km [2013]
5. Let H be the orthocentre of an acute-angled triangle ABC and O be its circumcenter. Then HA + HB + HC
(A) is equal to HO (B) is equal to 3HO
(C) is equal to 2HO (D) is not a scalar multiple of HO in general [2012]

6. In triangle ABC, we are given that 3 sin A + 4 cos B = 6 and 4 sin B + 3 cos A = 1. Then the measure of the
angle C is
0 0 0 0
(A) 30 (B) 150 (C) 60 (D) 75 [2011]
7. Let ABC be an equilateral triangle, let KLMN be a rectangle with K, L on BC. M on AC and N on AB.Suppose
AN/NB = 2 and the area of triangle BKN is 6. The area of the triangle ABC is
(A) 50 (B) 108
(C) 48 (D) not determinable with the above data [2010]

8. In a triangle, two vertices are (2,3) and (4,0), and its circumcentre is (2, z) for some real number z. The
circumradius is
6 13
(A) (B) 5 (C) 2 (D) [2009]
2 + 13 6
2 2 2
9. Let a, b, c. be the sides of a triangle. If t denotes the expression (a + b +c ) / (ab + bc + ca), the set of all
possible values of t is
(A) {x ∈ | x > 1} (B) {x ∈ | 1 < x < 2} (C) {x ∈ | 1 ≤ x < 2} (D) {x ∈ | 1 ≤ x ≤ 2}
[2009]
10. The lengths of the sides and the diagonal of an isosceles trapezium form a two-element set {a, b}. If a >b, then
a/b equals
(A)
1
2
( 6+ 2 ) (B) (
1
2
)
5 +1 (C) 3 (D) 2 [2009]
11. In a triangle ABC, AD bisects angle A. Suppose AC = 2, BD = 2, DC = 1. The value of cos B is
6 7 8 9
(A) (B) (C) (D) [2008]
7 8 9 10
12. The sides of a triangle are 9x + 1, 6x + 2, 3x + 3, where x is a positive integer. If the area is also an integer, the
number of admissible values of x in the set {1, 2, 3........., 20} is:
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 12 [2008]

13. Let ABCDEFGHI be a regular nanogon (9-sided polygon). If AB = x, AC = y, AD = z, then x, y, z are related by
2 2 2 2
(A) z = x + xy + y (B) z = x + y (C) y = xz (D) 2y = x + z [2008]
2
14. Let p, q and r denote the lengths of the sides QR, PR and PQ of a triangle PQR respectively. Then pcos (R/2) +
2
rcos (P/2)
p! q!r
(A) equals q (B) equals
2
p! q! r
(C) equals (D) cannot be determined with the given data [2007]
4
B C
15. In a triangle ABC, if b + c = 3a , then the value of cot cot is:
2 2
(A) 2 (B) ½ (C) 1/3 (D) 3 [2007]

16. Let ABCD be a square. E and F be points on AC such that AE = EF = FC = AC/3. Then tan (EBF) equals:
3
(A) (B) 1/ 3 (C)1/2 (D) 1/3 [2007]
4
17. All the inner angles of a heptagon are obtuse, their sizes in degree being distinct integers divisible by 9.
What is the sum (in degree) of the largest two angles?
(A) 300 (B) 315 (C) 330 (D) 335 [2007]

STREAM – A

18. The angle bisectors BD and CE of a triangle ABC are divided by the incentre I in the rators 3:2 and 2 :1
respectively. Then the ratio in which I divides the angle bisector through A is.
(A) 3 : 1 (B) 11 : 4 (C) 6 :5 (D) 7 : 4 [2014]
19. In a triangle ABC with ∠A = 900 , P is a point on BC such that PA : PB = 3:4. If AB = 7 and AC = 5 , then BP
: PC is
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 4 : 3 (C) 4 : 5 (D) 8 : 7 [2014]
20. In a triangle ABC with ∠A < ∠B < ∠C points D, E, F are on the interior of segments BC, CA, AB, respectively.
Which of the following triangles CANNOT be similar to ABC?
(A) Triangle ABD (B) Triangle BCE (C) Triangle CAF (D) Triangle DEF [2013]

21. In an acute-angled triangle ABC, the altitudes from A, B, C when extended intersect the circumcircle again at
points A1, B1, C1, respectively. If ∠ABC = 450 then ∠A1B1C1 equals
(A)45° (B)60° (C)90° (D)135° [2013]
22.A regular octagon is formed by cutting congruent isosceles right-angled triangles from the corners of a square. If
the square has side-length 1, the side-length of the octagon is
2 −1 5 −1 5 −1
(A) (B) 2 − 1 (C) (D) [2012]
2 4 3
23.In the figure, AKHF, FKDE and HBCK are unit squares; AD and BF intersect in x. then the ratio of the areas of
triangles AXF and ABF is
 1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) [2012]
4 5 6 8

24.In a triangel ABC, it is known that AB = AC. Suppose D is the mid-point of AC and BD = BC = 2. Then the area
of the triangle ABC, is
(A) 2 (B) 2 2 (C) 7 (D) 2 7 [2012]

25.Let ABC be a triangle with ∠B = 900 . Let AD be the bisector of ∠A with D on BC. Suppose AC = 6 cm and the
area of the triangle ADC is 10 cm2 . Then the length of BD in cm is equal to
3 3 5 10
(A) (B) (C) (D) [2011]
5 10 3 3

26.The sides of a triangle ABC are positive integers. The smallest side has length l. Which of the following
statement is true?
(A) The area of ABC is always a rational number
(B) The area of ABC is always an irrational number
(C)The perimeter of ABC is an even integer
(D)The information provided is not sufficient to conclude any of the statements A, B or C above [2010]

27.In a right triangle ABC, the incircle touches the hypotenuse AC at D. If AD = 10 and DC = 3, the inradius of ABC is
(A)5 (B)4 (C)3 (D) 2 [2009]

ASSIGNMENTS

1. The sides of a triangle are three consecutive natural numbers and its largest angle is twice the smallest one.
Determine the sides of the triangle.
(A) 3,4,5 (B)4,5,6 (C) 5,6,7 (D) 6,7,8

2. Let O be any point inside triangle ABC, such that ∠OAB = ∠OBC = ∠OCA = W . Then the find the value of
cot A + cotB + cot C .
(A) tanw (B) sin w (C) cos w (D) cot w

A C 3b
3. In a ∆ABC , c cos2 + a cos2 = , then a,b,c are in:
2 2 2
(A) AP (B) GP (C) HP (D) none of these

π
4. In a ∆ABC , a = 2b and A − B = , determine the angle C.
3
π π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 6 4 2

5. Find the ratio of the circumradius and the inradius of ∆ABC, whose sides are in the ratio 4:5:6
(A) 4:7 (B) 16:7 (C) 8:13 (D) 12:7

6. The equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 , where a,b,c are the sides of a ∆ABC, and the equation x 2 + 2 x + 1 = 0 have a
common root, then find the value of ∠C .
0 0 0 0
(A) 45 (B) 30 (C) 60 (D) 90

7. If A 0 ,A1, A 2 , A 3 ,A 4 and A 5 be the consecutive vertices of a regular hexagon inscribed in a unit circle. Then find
the product of length of A 0 ,A1, A 0 ,A 2 and A 0 A 4
3 1
(A) (B) (C) 3 (D) 3
2 2
 3 3
8. If the area of cyclic quadrilateral ABCD is . The radius of the circle circumscribing it is 1. If
4
AB = 1,BD = 3 , then evaluate BC.CD
3
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 2 2 (D)
2

9. A regular pentagon and a regular decagon have the same perimeter, then determine the ratio of their areas.
2 5 5 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 2 2 2

10. The two adjacent sides of a cyclic quadrilateral are 2 and 5 and the angle between them in 600 . If the area of
the quadrilateral is 4 3 , find the remaining two sides.
(A) 2,3 (B) 2,5 (C) 3,4 (D) 2,6

11. Two sides of a triangle are given by the roots of the equation x 2 − 2 3x + 2 = 0 . The angle between the sides is
π
. Find the perimeter of ∆
3
(A) 2 3 + 3 (B) 2 2 + 3 (C) 2 3 + 6 (D) 2 2 + 6

31
12. In a ∆ABC , find side C, when a =5, b = 4 and cos (A-B) =
32
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

2cos A cosB 2cosC a b

13. If in a triangle ABC, + + = + ,then find the value of ∠A .
a b c bc ac
0 0 0 0
(A) 45 (B) 60 (C) 30 (D) 90

14. In a ∆ABC , if cotA + cot B + cot C = 3 , find the ratio of sides of the triangle.
(A) 1: 2 : 3 (B) 1: 2: 3 (C) 1: 1: 1 (D) 3 : 4: 5

15. In a triangle ABC, if cos A + 2cosB + cosC = 2 . Then the sides of the triangle are in:
(A) AP (B) GP (C) HP (D) equal

16. If the length of the sides of the triangle ABC satisfy, 2 (bc 2 + a2c + ab2 ) = b2 c + c 2 a + a2b + 3abc , then triangle
ABC is:
(A) Right angled (B) Isosceles (C) Equilateral (D) none of these

17. The perimeter of a ∆ABC in 3 times the arithmetic mean of the sinof its angles. If the side ‘b’=1, then the angle
B equals to:
π π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
6 3 2 4

18. If D is the midpoint of BC of a right angled triangle ABC, ( ∠BAC = 900 ) such that triangle ADC is an equilateral
triangle, then a2 : b2 : c 2 is:
(A) 1:3:4 (B) 4:3:1 (C) 1:2:3 (D) 3:2:1

19. In a triangle ABC, the length of the bisector of angle A is:

2b A 2bc A 2bc A 2ac A
(A) sin   (B) cos   (C) cos   (D) sin  
b+c 2 a+c 2 b+c 2 a+b 2

A B
20. In a ∆ABC,tan   = pandtan   = q , then sinc in equal to:
2 2
 p q pq
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
p2 + q2 p2 + q2 p2 + q2

1 1 3
21. In a ∆ABC, + = , then ∠c is equal to:
a+c b+c a+b+c
0 0 0 0
(A) 30 (B) 45 (C) 60 (D) 75

π
22. In a ∆ABC, ∠B = , then the value of radius of incircle is:
2
a+b−c a−b+c a+b+c
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
2 2 2

23. If the area of ∆ABC be λ , then a2 sin2B + b2 sin2A is equal to:

(A) 2λ (B) 7 λ (C) 4 λ (D) none

24. If in a triangle ABC, sinA, sinB, sinC are in AP, then the altitude are in:
(A) AP (B) GP (C) HP (D) none

a2 + b2
25. In a triangle ABC, if C = 900 , then sin ( A − B ) =
a2 − b 2
1
(A) 1 (B) (C) 2 (D) 0
2
26. If for a triangle ABC,
a b c
b c a = 0 , then sin3 A + sin3 B + sin3 C =
c a b
(A) sinA + sinB + sinC (B) sin3 A sin3 B.sin3 C (C) 3sinA sinB sinC (D) 0

π
27. The sides of a triangle are sin α,cos α and 1 + sin α.cos α for some 0 < α < , then the greatest angle of the
2
triangle is:
0 0 0 0
(A) 120 (B) 90 (C) 60 (D) 150

3 − 4 sin A sinC
28. In a ∆ABC, angle A,B,C are in AP, then lim is :
A →C A −C
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

29. In a triangle ABC, 2a2 + 4b2 + c 2 = 4ab + 2ac , then numerical value of cosB is equal to:
1 3 7
(A) (B) (C) (D) 0
8 8 8

30. A circle is inscribed in an equilateral triangle of side a. The area of any square inscribed in their incircle is:
a2 a2 a2
(A) a2 (B) (C) (D)
4 3 6

31. If B = 450 ,C = 600 anda = 2 ( )

3 + 1 un, then the area of the triangle ABC in sq.cm is:
(A) 3 +1 (B) 4 (C) 6 + 2 3 (D) 3 + 2 3

0
32. If two sides of a triangle are 12 and 8 and the angle opposite to the shorter side is 45 , the maximum value of
the third side can be:
(A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 6+ 2 (D) 6− 2
 acos A + bcosB + c cosC
33. In a triangle ABC, is equal to:
a+b+c
R r
(A) r+R (B) (C) (D) rR
r R

34. If the area of a triangle ABC is given by ∆ = a2 − ( b − c ) , then tan (A) is equal to:
2

1 8 4 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 15 15 4

35. If two sides of a triangle are roots of the equation 4x 2 − 2 6 x + 1 = 0 and the included angle is 60 , then the
0

third side is:

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

2π
36. In a triangle with one angle , the length of the sides form an AP. If the length of the greatest side is 7cm, the
3
radius of the circumcircle of the triangle is:
7 7 3 3 3
(A) (B) 7 3 (C) (D)
3 3 7

A 5  B  20
37. In a triangle ABC, if tan   = and tan   = , the sides a,b,c of the triangle are in:
2 6  2  37
(A) AP (B) GP (C) HP (D) none

abc
38. In a triangle ABC, AD is the altitude from A. Given b > c, ∠C = 230 and AD = , then ∠B is equal to:
b2 − c 2
0 0 0 0
(A) 90 (B) 109 (C) 113 (D) 73

39. In a triangle ABC, ( a + b + c )(b + c − a ) = λ b.c , if

(A) λ < 0 (B) λ > 6 (C) 0 < λ < 4 (D) λ > 4

40. If twice the square of the diameter of a circle is equal to the sum of the squares on the sides of the inscribed
triangle ABC, then sin2 A + sin2 B + sin2 C is equal to:
1 1
(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) (D)
2 4

PROPERTIES OF TRIANGLES
Answer key for Kvpy questions:
1. C 2.D 3.A 4.D 5.C

6.A 7.B 8.D 9.B 10.B

11.B 12.B 13.A 14.B 15.A

16.A 17.B 18.B 19.A 20.A

21.C 22.B 23.B 24.C 25.D

26.B 27.D
 PROPERTIES OF TRIANGLES

Answer key for assignments:

1. A 2.D 3.A 4.A 5.B

6.A 7.C 8.B 9.A 10.A

11.C 12.D 13.D 14.C 15.A

16.C 17.C 18.B 19.C 20.D

21.C 22.B 23.C 24.C 25.A

26.C 27.A 28.A 29.C 30.D

31.C 32.C 33.C 34.A 35.B

36.C 37.A 38.C 39.C 40.A

 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

In mathematics, the inverse trigonometric functions (occasionally called cyclometric functions) are the inverse
functions of the trigonometric functions (with suitably restricted domains). Specifically, they are the inverses of
the sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant functions. They are used to obtain an angle from
any of the angle's trigonometric ratios. Inverse trigonometric functions are widely used in engineering,
navigation, physics, and geometry.

We know that y = sin x means y is the value of sine of angle x if

we consider domain and co-domain both as set R of a real numbers. Sine
ratio as seen from the fig. is many-one into function.

But it is clear that if we restrict the domain to [-π/2,π/2] and range to [–1, 1], then. Y = sin x is one-one onto and
hence it is invertible.
So, y = sinx x ∈ [ −π / 2, π / 2], y ∈ [ −1,1] ⇒ x = sin−1 y y ∈ [ −1,1]. x ∈ [ −π / 2, π / 2]
This value of x is called the principle value, i.e. belonging to [-π/2,π/2] and [-π/2,π/2] range and it is called principal
value range.

Note: The smallest numerical angle is called principal value.

In general the inverse circular functions with their domain and range can be tabulated as:
Note: Principal value range of all Inverse Circular function is very important as the function is defined only in this
range.

Pause: Odd function are defined as f(–x) = –f(x) and even function as f(–x) = f(x).

The inverse circular functions are defined as below:-

–1 –1
1. sin (–x) = –sin x, –1 < x < 1 Odd function

–1 –1
2. cos (–x) = π –cos x, –1 < x < 1 Neither odd nor even
–1 –1
3. tan 1 (–x) = –tan x, x ∈ R Odd function
–1 –1
4. cot (–x) = π – cot x, x ∈ R Neither odd nor even

–1 –1
5. cosec (–x) = –cosec x, x < –1 or x > 1 Odd function

–1 –1
6. sec (–x) = π –sec x, x < –1 or x > 1 Neither odd nor even

Let us see the proof of any one of the above.

Proof 2: Let cos-1 (–x) = θ, then cos θ = –x

or, – cos θ = x or cos (π – θ) = x

-1 -1 -1
or, π – θ = cos x or cos (–x) = π –cos x

Similarly we can prove other results.

Caution : Instead of taking cos (π – θ) equal to – cos θ, we could have taken cos (π +
θ). We opt for cos (π – θ) because (π – θ) lies in a principal value
-1
range i.e. 0 ≤ cos x ≤ π.

Properties Of Inverse Circular Function:

1. Self adjusting Properties

-1
(a) sin (sin x) = x, x ∈ [–1, 1]

-1
Let sin x = θ, θ &isin (-π/2,π/2) ……… (1)

Then x = sin θ

From (1) putting the value of θ in (2), we get, ……… (2)

sin (sin-1 x) = sin (θ) = x

-1
(b) sin sin x = x, x ∈ [-π/2,π/2].

Let sin x = y, y ∈ [–1, 1] ……… (1)

-1
Then x = sin y ……… (2)
Putting the value of y in (2) from (1), we get,
-1
sin sin x = x

2. Reciprocal Property

-1 -1
sin (1/x) = cosec x, x ≤ –1, or x ≥ 1

-1
let cosec x = θ ⇒ cosec θ, θ ∈ [-π/2,π/2] – {0}
-1
⇒ LHS = sin (1/(cosec θ )) = θ
-1
⇒ sin (sin θ) = θ which is true for above domain of θ
-1
= cosec x = RHS.

Relation between Inverse Trigonometric Functions

-1 -1
1. sin x + cos x = π/2 x ∈ [–1, 1]
Let sin x = θ, θ ∈ [-π/2,π/2] ⇒ x = sin θ, ⇒ x = cos (π/2-θ ),(π/2-θ ) ∈ [0, π] ⇒ cos-1 x = π/2 – θ ⇒ cos-1 x + sin-1 x
-1

= π/2 x ∈ [–1, 1].

We can express any inverse circular function in terms of the

other by drawing a right-angled triangle. Thus, if we have to explain
-1
tan x in terms of the other, then take the perpendicular of the triangle as x and base as 1. Now, hypotenuse is
√(1+x2 )
-1 -1 -1 2 -1 2 -1 2 -1 2
θ = tan x = cot 1/x = sin x/√(1+x )=cos 1/√(1+x )=cosec √(1+x )/x= sec √(1+x )

-1 -1 -1
Theorem: tan x + tan y = tan {(x + y)/(1 – xy)} if xy < 1
 = π –tan-1 (x + y)/(xy – 1) if xy > 1

= π/2 if xy = 1.

Proof:
-1
Let tan x = α so that tan α = x
-1
and tan y = β so that tan β = y
-1
Also let tan ((x+y)/(1-xy)) = γ so that tan γ = (x+y)/(1-xy)

We have then to prove that

α+β=γ

Now tan (α + β) = (tanα +tanβ )/(1-tanα tanβ )=(x+y)/(1-xy) = tan γ

So, the relation is proved

-1 -1 -1
tan x + tan y = tan ((x+y)/(1-xy)) …… (1)

Case I: When x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0 and xy < 1, (x+y)/(1-xy) is positive

-1
∴ tan [(x+y)/(1-xy)] will be positive angle
Case II: When x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0 and xy > 1, (x+y)/(1-xy) is negative
-1
∴ tan ((x+y)/(1-xy)) will be negative angle.
Hence we add π to make it positive
-1 -1 -1
∴ tan x + tan y = π + tan [(x+y)/(1-xy)].
Case III: When xy = 1, (x+y)/(1-xy) = ∞ then
-1 -1 -1
∴ tan x + tan y = tan ∞ = π/2
Previous Year Questions from KVPY exams
STREAM - B

1. What is the angle subtended by an edge of a regular tetrahedron at its center?

 −1   −1   −1   −1 
(A) cos 
−1
 (B) cos −1  
−1
(C) cos   (D) cos −1   [2014]
 2   2  3   3

ASSIGNMENTS

Inverse Trigonometric Function

 x2 
1. Find the domain of the function f(x) = sin−1  
 2
 1 1  1 1 
(A) [1,1] (B)  − ,  (C)  − ,  (d)  − 2, 2 
 2 2  2 2  

 2x 
2. Find the range of f(x) = tan−1  2 
 1+ x 
 π π  π π  π π  π π
(a)  − ,  (B) − 4 , 4  (C)  − ,  (D)  − , 
 3 3    2 2  4 2

(
3. Find the range of f(x) = cot −1 2x − x 2 )
π π π  π 
(A)  ,  (B)  , π  (C) ( 0,π) (D)  , π 
4 2 4  2 
 3π
4. If cos−1 p + cos−1 1 − p + cos−1 1 − q = , then the value of q is:
4
1 1 1
(A) (B) 1 (C) (D)
2 2 3

1  25 
5. Number of solutions of the equation, f ( x ) = f −1 ( x ) , where f(x) = x + sin ( πx ) ; x ∈  −3,  ,
π  2
(A) 13 (B) 14 (C) 15 (D) 16

6. Ehaustive set of values of parameter ‘a’ so that sin−1 x − tan−1 x = a has a solution, is:
 π π  π π  π π
(A)  − ,  (B)  − ,  (C)  − ,  (D) none of these
 6 6  4 4  2 2

7. If α = 2 tan−1 ( )
2 − 1 , β = 3 sin−1
1
2
 1  1
+ sin−1  −  and r = cos −1   then:
 2  3
(A) α < β < r (B) α < r < β (C) β < r < α (D) r < β < α

  2− 3 12  
8. The value of sin−1 cot sin
−1
+ cos−1 + sec −1 2   is:
  4 4  

1
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) -1 (D) −
2

9. Total number of ordered pairs (x,y) satisfying y = cos x and y = sin−1 ( sinx ) , where x ∈ [ −2π,3π] is equal to:
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5

10. If 1 < x < 2 , the number of the solution of equations tan−1 ( x − 1) + tan−1 x + tan−1 ( x + 1) = tan−1 3x is:
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) -1 (D) 2

1 + x2 − 1
11. If tan−1 = γ tan−1 x , then the value of γ is:
x
1
(A) 2 (B) (C) 1 (D) none of these
2
x 3 2x − k
12. If φ = tan−1 and Ψ = tan−1 , then one value of φ − Ψ is:
2k − x k 3
π π 7π 4π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
6 3 6 3

 1
13. If λ is a root of x 2 + 3x + 1 = 0 , then tan−1 λ + tan−1   is equal to:
λ
π π π π
(A) (B) − (C) (D) −
2 2 3 3

14. The equation sin−1 x − 3 sin−1 a = 0 has real solution for x if:
 1  1 1
(A) a ∈ R (B) a ∈ [ −1,1] (C) a ∈ 0,  (D) a ∈  − , 
 2  2 2

1 1
15. Solve: tan−1 3x − tan−1 x = cot −1 + cot −1
x +1 x −1
 1 1  1 1
(A) {0,1, −1} (B) 0, , −  (C) {0, 1, 2} (D) 1, , − 
 2 2  2 2
 π
16. The value of sin−1 cos {cos −1 ( cos x ) + sin−1 ( sin x )} is equal to; where < x < π
2
π π π π
(A) (B) - (C) (D) −
2 2 4 4

( )
17. The numerical value of sec 2 tan−1 2 + cosec 2 cot −1 3 = ( )
(A) 10 (B) 15 (C) 12 (D) 18

b c
18. If in ∆ABC, A = 900 then find the value of tan−1 + tan−1
c +a a+b
π π π 2π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 4 3 3

π
19. If cot −1 x + cot −1 y + cot −1 z = , then x+y+z equals:
2
(A) xyz (B) xy+yz+zx (C) 2xyz (D) none of these

20. Solve for x: tan−1 x + tan−1 (1 − x ) = cot −1   , x ∈ (0,1)

7
9
1 2  1 1  1  1 2
(A)  ,  (B) − ,  (C) 0,  (D) 0, , 
3 3   3 3  3  3 3

1 + x2 − 1 − x2
21. If tan−1 = α , then x 2 is equal to:
1 + x2 + 1 − x2
(A) sin α (B) cos 2α (C) cosα (D) sin 2α

a b c d π
22. If tan−1
x
+ tan−1 + tan−1 + tan−1 = , then x 4 − x 2
x x x 2
∑ ab + abcd is equal to:
(A) -1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) 2

  2x 2 + 4  
23. sin−1  sin  2   < π−3
if :

  1+ x  
(A) −1 ≤ x ≤ 0 (B) 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 (C) −1 < x < 1 (D) x >1



 1
(
24. The value of sin  2 tan−1    + cos tan−1 2 2 is:
 3 
)
12 13 14
(A) (B) (C) (D) none of these
13 14 15

x 1  1 
25. The value of cos−1 x + cos −1  + 3 − 3x 2  where x ∈  ,1 , is equal to:
 2 2  2 
π π
(A) (B) (C) π (D) 0
6 3

 π
26. If sin−1  tan  − sin−1
 4
( 3/x − ) π
6
= 0, then x is a root of the equation:

(A) x 2 − x − 6 = 0 (B) x 2 + x − 6 = 0 (C) x 2 − x − 12 = 0 (D) x 2 + x − 12 = 0

 10
27. x = nπ − tan−1 3 is a solution of the equation 12 tan2x + + 1 = 0 if
cos x
(A) n is any integer (B) n is an even integer
(C) n is a positive integer (D) n is an odd integer

x y
28. If the equation cos−1 + cos−1 = α represents an ellipse if,
a b
π π π
(A) α = 0 (B) α = (C) α = (D) α =
3 3 4
π
29. sin−1 6x + sin−1 6 3 x = − if x is equal to
2
−1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) −
12 6 12 6

30. The sum of the infinite series:

cot −1 2 + cot −1 8 + cot −1 18 + cot −1 32 + ............ is equal to:
π π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 4 6 8

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Answer Key for KVPY questions
1.C

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Answer key for Assignments

1. D 2.B 3.B 4.C 5. C

6. B 7.B 8.A 9.D 10.A

11.B 12.A 13.B 14.D 15.B

16. B 17.B 18.B 19.A 20.A

21. D 22.B 23.C 24.C 25.B

26. C 27.D 28.C 29.A 30.B

 Limits, Continuity and Differentiability

Limit of a function f(x) is said to exist as, x → a when lim f ( x ) = lim+ f(x) = finite quantity.
x →a x →a

Fundamental theorems of limits:- Let lim f ( x ) = l and lim g(x) = m . If l and m exists then
x →a x →a

(i) lim f ( x ) ± g ( x ) = l ± m
x →a

(ii) lim f ( x ) . g ( x ) = l.m

x →a

f (x) 1
(iii) lim = , provided m ≠ 0
x →a g( x) m
(iv) lim kf ( x ) = k lim f(x); where k is a cons tan t
x →a x →a

( )
(v) lim f  g ( x )  = f lim g(x) = f ( m ) ; provided f is continuous at g (x) = m
x →a x →a

For example lim ln f ( x ) = ln lim f ( x )  ln l (l > 0).

x →a  x →a 
Standard Limits:
sin x tan x tan−1 x
(i) lim = 1 = lim = lim
x →0 x x →0 x x →0 x
−1
sin x
= lim [Where x is measured in radians]
x →0 x
x
 1
(ii) lim (1 + x )
1/ x
= e = lim  1 + 
x →0 x →∞
 x
Note however there lim (1 − h ) = 0
n

h →0
n→∞

and lim (1 − h ) → ∞
n

h→0
n→∞
(iii) If lim f ( x ) = 1 and lim φ ( x ) = ∞, then;
x →a x →a

φ( x ) lim φ( x ) [f ( x ) −1]
lim [ f(x)] =e x→a
x →a

(iv) If lim f ( x ) = A > 0 and lim φ ( x ) = B (a finite

x →a x →a
φ (x)
quantity) then: lim  f ( x )  = e z where
x →a

z = lim φ ( x ) .ln  f ( x )  = eB ln A = A B
x →a

ax − 1 ex − 1
(v) lim = ln a(a > 0) . In particular lim =1
x →0 x x →0 x
x n − an
(vi) lim = nan −1
x →a x − a

Some important series expansions:-

x lna x 2 ln2 a x 3 ln3 a

(a) a x = 1 + + + + ...a > 0
1! 2! 3!
x x 2 x3
(b) e x = 1 + + + + ...
1! 2! 3!
x2 x3 x4
(c) ln (1 + x ) = x − + − + .....for − 1 < x ≤ 1
2 3 4
x3 x5 x7
(d) sin x = x − + − + ....
3! 5! 7!
x2 x4 x6
(e) cos x = 1- + − + ....
2! 4! 6!
 x 3 2x 5
(f) tan x = x + + + ....
3 15

Continuity
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = c, if lim f(x) = f(c). symbolically f is continuous at x = c,
x →c

lim f ( c − h ) = lim f ( c + h ) = f ( c )
h →0 h→0
i.e [LHL at x = c] = [RHL at x = c] equals [Value f at x = c]

Types of Discontinuities
Type-1 (Removable type of discontinuities) In case lim f ( x ) exists but is not equal to f(c) then the function is said to
x →c
have a removable discontinuity or discontinuity to the first kind. In this case we can redefine the function such that
lim f ( x ) =f(c) and make it continuous at x = c.
x →c

Removable type of discontinuity can be further classified as

(i) Missing point Discontinuity : where lim f ( x ) exists finitely but f(a) is not defined.
x →a

e.g, f(x) =
(
(1 − x ) 9 − x 2 ) has a missing point discontinuity at x =1 , and f(x) =
sin x
has missing point discontinuity
(1 − x ) x
at x = 0

(ii) Isolated Point Discontinuity Where lim f(x) exists and f(a) also exist but; lim ≠ f(a) .
x →0 x →0

x − 16 2
e.g f(x) = , x ≠ 4 and f(4) =9 has an isolated point discontinuity at x = 4.
x−4
 0 if x ∈ I
Similarly, f(x) = [x] + [-x] =  has an isolated point discontinuity at all x ∈ I .
 −1 if x ∉ I
Type -2 (Non-removable type of discontinuities)

In case lim f(x) does not exist then it is not possible to make the function continuous by redefining it. Such
x →c
nd
discontinuities are known as non-removable discontinuity or discontinuity of the 2 kind. Non-removable type of
discontinuity can be further classified as
(i) Finite discontinuity eg, f(x) = x − [ x ] at all integral x
1 1
f(x) = tan−1 at x = 0 and f(x) = 1
at x = 0
x
1+ 2 x

[note that f(+) =0; f 0 − = 1 ] ( )

1 1 π cos x
(ii) Infinite discontinuity eg, f(x) = or g(x) = at x = 4; f(x) = 2tan x at x = and f(x) = at x = 0 .
x−4 ( )
2
x − 4 2 x
In all these cases the value of f(a) of the function at x = a (point of discontinuity) may or may not exist but lim does
x →a
not exist.

All Polynomials, Trigonometrical functions, exponential and Logarithmic functions are continuous in their domains.

If f and g are two functions that are continuous at x = c then the functions defined by
F1 ( x ) = f ( x ) ± g ( x ) ; F2 ( x ) = Kf ( x ) , K any real number;
F3 ( x ) = f ( x ) . g ( x ) are also continuous at x = c, Further, if g(c) is not zero, then
f (x)
F4 ( x ) = is also continuous at x = c.
g( x)
The intermediate Value Theorem

f(b)

y0

f(a)

0 a c b

Suppose f(x) is continuous on an interval I, and a and b are any two points of I. Then if y 0 is a number between f(a)
and f(b), their exists a number c between a and b such that f(c) = y0.

Note: (i) If f(x) is continuous and g(x) is discontinuous at x = a then the product function φ(x) . g(x) is not
necessarily be discontinuous at x = a eg,
 π
sin x≠0
f ( x ) = x and g ( x ) =  x

 0 x=0
(ii) If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then the product function φ ( x ) = f ( x ) . g ( x ) is not
necessarily be discontinuous at x = a eg,

1 x≥0
= f ( x ) = −g ( x ) = 
 −1 x < 0
(iii) Point functions are to be treated as discontinuous eg, f(x) = 1 − x + x − 1 is not continuous at x =1.
(iv) A continuous function whose domain is closed must have a range also in closed interval.
(v) If f is continuous at x = c and g is continuous at x = f(c) then the composite g  f ( x )  is continuous at x =c.
x sin x x sin x
eg. f(x) = and g(x) = x are continuous at x=0, hence the composite (gof) (x) = 2 will also
x +2
2
x +2
be continuous at x = 0.

Differentiability

1. Right Hand and Left Hand Derivatives:

f ( a + h) − f ( a )
By definition f ' ( a ) = lim if it exist
h→0 h
(i) The right hand derivative of f ' at x =a denote f ' a + ( ) is defined by
f ( a + ) is defined by
'

f (a + h) − f (a)
( )
f ' a + = lim+
h→0 h
Provide the limit exists and is finite.
(ii) The left hand derivative of f at x =a denoted by f ' a+ ( ) is defined by
f (a + h) − f (a)
( )
f ' a − = lim+
h→0 −h
Provided the limit exists and is finite.
( ) ( )
We also write f ' a + = f ' + ( a ) and f ' a − = f ' − ( a )
This geometrically means that a unique tangent with definite slope can be drawn at x = a as shown in the
figure

Note: If f(x) is derivable for every point of its domain of definition, then it is continuous in that domain.
The converse of the above result is not true

“If f is continuous at x, then f is derivable at x” is not true.

1
Eg, the functions f(x) = x and g ( x ) = x sin ; x ≠ 0 and g(0) = 0 are continuous at x = 0 but not derivable at x = 0.
x
(ii) If a function f is not differentiable but is continuous at x = a it geometrically implies a sharp corner at x = a
Note : (i) If f(x) and g(x) are derivable at x =a then the functions f(x) +g (x) , f(x) –g(x), f(x) . g(x) will also be
f ( x)
derivable at x = a and g(a) ≠ 0 , then the function will also be derivable at x = a.
g( x)
(ii) If f(x) is differentiable at x = a and g(x) is not differentiable at x = a, then the product functions
F(x) = f(x) . g(x) can still be differentiable at x = a eg, f(x) = x and g(x) = x .
(iii) If f(x) and g(x) both are not differentiable at x = a. then the product function; F(x) = f(x) .g(x) can
still be differentiable at x = a.
eg, f(x) = x and g(x) = x .

(iv) If f(x) and g(x) both are non-derivable. QH x = a then the sum function F(x) = f(x) + g(x) may be a
different function.
eg, f(x) = x and g(x) = - x

Previous Year Questions from KVPY exams

Stream-B:

1. Consider the function

x+5 
 , x ≠ 2
f ( x) =  x − 2 
1 , x = 2 
Then f(f(x)) is discontinuous
(A) at all real numbers (B) at exactly two values of x
(C) at exactly one value of x (D) at exactly three values of x [2014]

2. Let f : [0, π ] → R be defined as

sin x, if x is irrational and x ∈ [ 0, π ]
f(x)=  
 tan x, if x is rational and x ∈ [ 0, π ] 
2

The number of points in [0, π ] at which the function f is continuous is :

(A) 6 (B) 4 (C) 2 (D) 0 [2014]

3. Let f : R → R be a function such that lim f ( x ) = M > 0. Then which of the following is false?
x →∞

 1
(A) lim x sin   f ( x ) = M (B) lim sin ( f ( x ) ) = sin M
x →∞
x x →∞

x →∞
( )
(C) lim x sin e − x f ( x ) = M (D) lim
x →∞
sin x
x
f (x) = 0 [2013]

x
4. 4.For real x with −10 ≤ x ≤ 10 define f ( x ) = ∫2
[t ]
dt , where for a real number r we denote by [ r ] the largest
−10

integer less than or equal to r. The number of points of discontinuity of f in the interval ( −10,10 ) is
(A) 0 (B) 10 (C) 18 (D) 19 [2013]
5. Define a function f : → by
 sin x 2
 , for x < 0
f ( x) =  x
 x 2 + ax + b, for x ≥ 0

6. Suppose f(x) is differentiable on . Then
(A) a = 0, b = 0 (B) a = 0 , b =1 (C) a= 1,b = 0 (D) a = 1, b = 1 [2009]

7. 6.Define a sequence {an }, n ≥ 0 by

1 + an −1
an = for n ≥ 1, a0 = cos θ ≠ ± 1
2
Then limn→∞ 4n (1 − an ) equals
(A) θ2 (B) θ2 / 2 (C) θ / 2 (D) θ [2009]

8. Consider all natural numbers whose decimal expansion has only the even digits 0,2,4,6, 8. Suppose these are
arranged in increasing order. If a n denotes the n-th number in this sequence, then limn →∞ logan / logn equals
(A)0 (B) log3 10 (C) log2 10 (D) 2 [2009]
9. Consider the following statements:
(I) The derivative of an odd differentiable function is always even.

(II) If f(x) is differentiable at a point x 0 and g(x) is not differentiable at x 0 then f(x) g(x) is not differentiable at
x0 .
Which of the following is true?
(A) I and II are both true (B) I is true and II is false
(C) I is false and II is true (D) I and II are both false [2008]
10. 9.If f(n) = {( 2n + 1)( 2n + 2 ) ........ ( 2n + n )} , then lim f (n ) equals:
1 1/n

n n →0

(A) 4/e (B) 27/4e (C) 27e/4 (D) 4e [2007]

ASSIGNMENTS
 sin [ x ]
 for [ x ] ≠ 0
1. If f(x) =  [ x ] , where [x] denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to x, then lim f (x)
x →0
 0 for [ x ] = 0

equals to
(a) 1 (b) 0 (c) -1 (d) none of these
1
2. The number of points at which the function f (x) = is discontinuous is
log | x |
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
3. If f(x) = [x sin π x], (where [.] denotes the greatest integer function) then f(x) is
(a) continuous in (-1, 1) (b) differentiable at x = -1
(c) differentiable at x = 1 (d) none of these
4. The number of points where f(x) = [sin x + cos x] (where [.] denotes the greatest integer function), x ∈ (0, 2π) is
not continuous is
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6
5. If lim(1 + ax + bx 2 ) 2 / x = e3 , then
x →0
(a) a = 3, b = 0 (b) a = 3/2, b ≠ 1 (c) a = 3/2, b = 4 (d) a = 2, b = 3
(1 − cos 2x)sin 5x
6. lim is equal to
x →0 x 2 sin 3x
(a) 10/3 (b) 3/10 (c) 6/5 (d) 5/6
 f (x)

∫ 2tdt
7. Suppose f : R→R is a differentiable function and f(1) = 4. Then the value of lim 4
is
x →1 x −1
(A) 8 f′ (1) (B) 4f′(1) (C) 2f′(1) (D) f′ (1).

8. The function f(x) = max {1 – x, 1 + x, 2}, x∈ (- ∞, ∞) is

(A) continuous at all points except 0.
(B) differentiable at all points.
(C) differentiable at all points except at x = 1 and x = -1.
(D) none of these.

9. Let f(x) = [5 + 3 sin x] ∀ x ∈ R. then total number of points of discontinuity of f(x) in [0, π] is equal to
(A) 5 (B) 6 (C) 7 (D) 4

ax 2 + bx + c, | x | > 1
10. f(x) =  . If (x) is continuous for all values of x, then;
 x + 1 , | x | ≤1
(A) b = 1, a + c = 0 (B) b = 0, a + c = 2 (C) b = 1, a + c = 1 (D) none of these

sin[x] x <1
11. If f (x) =  , where {.} denotes the fractional part. If f(x) is continuous at x = 1 then
cos x + a, x ≥1
(A) a = sin 1 (B) a cos 1 – sin 1 (C) a = –cos1 (D) a = sin1 – cos 1
2 2
12. f(x) = (x – 4) |x – 5x + 6| + cos(|x|) is non-differentiable at
(A) x = 0 (B) x = 2 (C) x = −2 (D) x = 3
1
13. Value of f(0) so that f (x) = (1 – cos(sinx)) can be made continuous at x = 0, is equal to
x2
(A) 1/2 (B) 2 (C) 8 (D) 4

x a sin b x
14. If lim , where a, b, c ∈ R ~{0}, exists and has non zero value, then
x →0 sin(x c )

(A) a + c = b (B) b + c = a (C) a + b = c (D) non of these

∞
f r (0)
15. If f(x) = (4 + x) , n ∈ N and f (0) represents the r derivative of f(x) at x = 0, then the value of
n r th
∑
r =0 r!
is equal

to
n n n
(A) 2 (B) e (C) 5 (D) none of these
 1 1 
− + 
  x |x| 
x ≠ 0 value of ‘a’ such that f(x) is differentiable at x = 0, equal to
16. f (x) =  xe ,
 a, x=0
(A) 1 (B) – 1 (C) 0 (D) f(x) is not differentiable at 0
 a 1
 x .sin   , x ≠1
17. If f (x) =  x is continuous but non-differentiable at x = 0, then
 x=0
 0,
(A) a ∈ (−1, 0) (B) a ∈ (0, 2) (C) a ∈ (0, 1] (D) a ∈ [1,2)
18. Which of the following is always correct?
(A) If f ′(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ domain, then f(x) must be one-one
(B) If f ′(x) < 0 ∀ x ∈ domain, then f(x) must be one-one
(C) If |f(x)| be continuous at x = a, then f(x) is also continuous at x = a
(D) If f(x) is continuous at x = a, f(a) = 2 and x = a is the point of local minima of f(x), then [f(x)], where [.]
denotes greatest integer function, is discontinuous at x = a
19. f(x) = [sinx] + [cosx], x ∈ [0, 2π], where [.] denotes the greatest integer function. Total number of points where
f(x) is non-differentiable is equal to
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 5 (D) 4
 min imum{f (t) : 0 ≤ t ≤ x}, x ∈ [0, π]
20. Let f(x) = cos x, f (x) =  , Then
 sin x − 1, x>π
(A) g(x) is discontinuous at x = π (B) g(x) is continuous for x ∈ [0, ∞)
(C) g(x) is differentiable at x = π (D) g(x) is differentiable for x ∈ [0, ∞)
 x
 2 , x≠0
21. Let f (x) =  2x + | x | then f(x) is
 1, x=0

(A) Continuous but non-differentiable at x = 0 (B) Differentiable at x = 0
(C) Discontinuous at x = 0 (D) None of these
 x
1+ | x | , | x |≥ 1
22. Let f (x) =  . Then domain of f ′(x) is
 x
, | x |< 1
1− | x |
(A) (−∞, ∞) ~ {−1, 0, 1} (B) (−∞, ∞) ~ {−1, 1}
(C) (−∞, ∞) ~ {−1, 0} (D) (−∞, ∞) ~ {0, 1}

 min imum {f (t) : −2 ≤ t ≤ x}, x ∈ [−2, 0)

2
23. f(x) = x – 2|x|, g(x) = 
 max imum {f (t) : 0 ≤ t ≤ x}, x ∈ [0, 3]
The g(x) is differentiable in
(A) [−2, 3] ~ {−1, 0, 2} (B) [−2, 3] ~ {−1, 2}
(C) [−2, 3] ~ {0, 2} (D) [−2, 3] ~ {−1, 0}

24. If the first derivative of the function f(x) = log2(log3(log1/2(cos x + a))) exists for all real values of x, then
 3 1   5
(A) a ∈  1,  (B) a ∈  ,1 (C) a ∈  1,
 (D) none of these
 2 2   2
ax 2 + bx + c, | x | > 1
25. f(x) =  . If (x) is continuous for all values of x, then;
 x + 1 , | x | ≤1
(A) b = 1, a + c = 0 (B) b = 0, a + c = 2 (C) b = 1, a + c = 1 (D) none of these

26. If f(x) = lim(sin x)2n , then f is

n →∞
(a) continuous at x = π/2 (b) discontinuous at x = π/2
(c) discontinuous at x = π (d) none of these
sin x, x ≠ nπ , n ∈ Z
27. If f (x) = 
 2 otherwise
 x 2 + 1, x ≠ 0, 2

g(x) =  4, x = 0 then lim g(f (x)) =
x →0
5, x = 2

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 4
k
n cos n!
28. lim , 0 < k <1
n →∞ n +1
(A) 0 (B) 1! (C) 2! (D) none of these
1.n + 2(n − 1) + 3(n − 2) + ..... + n.1
29. lim
n →∞ 12 + 22 + 32 + ..... + n 2
(A) 0 (B) 1! (C) 2! (D) ½
 2 4 6

 1  n2  22  n 2  32  n 2 2
30. The value of lim  1 + 2  1 + 2   1 + 2 
.....(2) n
n →∞
 n   n   n 
4 2
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D) none of these
e e

cos −1 (cos x) − π
31. lim is
x →π sin −1 (sin x)
(A) – 1 (B) 1 (C) does not exist (D) none of these

32. If a function f : [-2a, 2a] → R is an odd function such that f(x) = f(2a – x)for x ∈ [a, 2a] and the left hand
derivative at x = a is 0, then find the left hand derivative at x = -a.
(A) – 1 (B) 1 (C) does not exist (D) 0

sin 2x + A sin x + B cos x

33. If f(x) = is continuous at x = 0. Find the values of f(0)
x3
(A) – 1 (B) 1 (C) – 1/2 (D) 0

34. If f is continuous in [0, 2] and f(0) = f(2) then equation f(x) = f(x + 1) has
(A) non real roots in [0, 2]
(B) at least one real root in [0, 1]
(C)at least one real root in [0, 2]
(D) at least one real root in [1, 2]

35. Find the number of points of non-differentiability of the function

  π  π   3π 
f (x) = min .  tan  x +  , cot  x +   ∀x ∈  0, 
  12   12    2 
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

max{f (t) : 0 ≤ t ≤ x ; 0 ≤ x ≤ 1}
36. Let f(x) = x3 – x2 + x + 1 and g(x) = 
3 − x for 1 < x ≤ 2
Which of the following statements are true regarding f(x) in the interval (0, 2)?
(A) discontinuous at x=1 (B) differentiable in the interval (0,2)
(C) not differentiable at x=1 (D) none of these

37. Find the number of points of non differentiability of the function g(x) = f(x + l) + f(x – l), where
  | x |
k  1 −  , for | x |≤ l
f (x) =   l 
0 , for | x |> l

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

38. Let f(x) be a real valued function not identically zero such that f(x+y ) = f(x) + {f(y)} for all x,y∈R.
n n

(where n is an odd integer greater than 1) and f ′(0) ≥ 0. Find the values of f(5).
(A) 3 (B) 4
(C) 5 (D) 6
 m 1
 x sin , x ≠ 0
39. Let f (x) =  x
 0 , x=0
Find the set values of m for which f(x) is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0
(A) m ∈ (0, 1] (B) m ∈ [0, 1] (C) m ∈ (0, 2] (D) m ∈ (1, 2]
  1 − sin x log sin x π
 (π − 2x)2 . log(1 + π2 − 4πx + 4x 2 ) , x ≠ 2
40. If f (x) = 
k, π
x=
 2
π 1
is continuous at x = then find .
2 k
(A)32 (B) 16 (C)64 (D) 128

x m f (x) + h(x) + 1 2
41. If g(x) = lim = { }
,
is continuous at x = 1 and g(1) lim log (ex) log e x then find the value of
2x + 3x + 3
m e
m →∞ x →1

2g(1) + 2f(1) – h(1). Assume that f(x) and h(x) are continuous at x = 1.
(A)1 (B) 6 (C)4 (D) 2
1 1
42. Find the points of discontinuity of the composite function y = 2 , where u = .
u +u−2 x −1
(A) 1,2,-1 (B) 0, 1/2, 2 (C) 1/2, 2, 1 (D) 0, 1, 1/2
xg(x)
43. Given that f (x) = , g(x) = g '(x) = 0 and f(x) is continuous at x = 0 the value of f ′(0) is
|x|
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) -1 (D) 2
  1 
(x − 1) sin   − | x |, x ≠ 1
2

44. If f (x) =   x −1 
 , x =1
 1
Find the set of points where f(x) is not differentiable.
(A) 1, -1, 0 (B) 0, 1 (C) -1, 0 (D) 0

Limits, Continuity and Differentiability

Answer key for Kvpy questions:
1. B 2.B 3.C 4.A 5.B

6. B 7.B 8.A 9.B

Limits, Continuity and Differentiability

Answer key for Assignments:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

D C A C C B C B B D

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

C D B C C D B D C B

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

C B C D C B D A D A

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

C D c C C C B C A C

41 42 43 44

A C B D
 Application of Derivatives
Geometrical Interpretation of derivative:Let AB be the secant line passing through the points (x, f(x)) and (x + ∆x ,
f(x+ ∆x )). If B→A i.e. ∆x approaches zero, the secant approaches
the tangent at (x, f(x)). Hence, when ∆x approaches zero, the slope of
the tangent is the limit of the slope of the secant.

Hence, the derivative f'(x) can be interpreted as the slope of the tangent at point (x, y) on the graph of function y =
f(x). From this interpretation, we get the following results:
(i) When a function is increasing on some interval, it is obvious that the slope of the tangent is positive at every
point of that interval due to which its derivative is positive.
(ii) Similarly, in case a function is decreasing on some interval, the derivative is negative as the slope of the tangent
is negative at every point of the interval.
Rolle's Theorem: Let f be a function which is differentiable on the closed interval [a, b]. If f(a) = f(b) then there
exists a point c in (a, b) such that f '(c) = 0.
Mean Value Theorem. Let f be a function which is differentiable on the closed interval [a, b]. Then there exists a
point c in (a, b) such that
f'(c) = {f(b)-f(a)}/ (b-a)

Monotonicity:
A function f defined on a subset of real numbers is said to be monotonic if it preserves the order. Mathematically, it
is written as For all x and y, such that x≤ y, if f(x) ≤ f(y), then the function f is said to be monotonically
increasing, increasing or non-decreasing.
Similarly, for x≤y, if f(x) ≥ f(y), then the function is monotonically decreasing, decreasing or non-increasing i.e. it
reverses the order.
Illustration:
3 2
Consider the function f(x) = 2x -3x -12x+1.
Since f(x) is a polynomial function so it is continuous and differentiable everywhere. Hence, finding the derivative
we get
2
f(x)= 6x -6x-12 =6(x-2)(x+1).
So we have

Hence, f(x) is increasing on the intervals (- ∞, -1] and [2,∞ ) and decreasing on the interval [-1,2].
Monotonicity
Monotonicity is an important part of application of derivatives. The monotonicity of a function gives an idea about
the behaviour of the function. A function which is either completely non-increasing or completely non-
decreasing is said to be monotonic.
A function is said to be monotonic if it is either increasing or decreasing in its entire domain.
3
eg : f(x) = 2x + 3 is an increasing function while f(x) = -x is a decreasing function.
Increasing Function:
If x1 < x2 and f(x1) < f(x2) then the function is called increasing function or strictly increasing function.

Decreasing Function:
If x1 < x2 but f(x1) > f(x2) in the entire domain, then the function is said to be a decreasing function or strictly
decreasing function.

CONCEPT OF LOCAL MAXIMUM AND LOCAL MINIMUM

Maxima and Minima:
There is a very slight difference between local maxima/minima and global maxima/minima
Local Maximum: A function f is said to have a local maximum (also termed as relative maximum) at x = a if,
f(x) ≤ f(c) , for every x in some open interval around x=c.
Local Minimum: A function f is said to have a relative minimum or a local minimum around x=c if
f(x) ≥ f(c) , for every x in some open interval around x=a.
Global Maximum: A function f is said to have a global maximum (also termed as absolute maximum) at x=a if
f(x) ≤ f(c) , for every x in the domain under consideration
Global Minimum: A function f is said to have a absolute minimum or a global minimum around x=c if
f(x) ≥ f(c) , for every x in the whole domain under consideration.

WORKING RULE TO DETERMINE THE POINTS OF LOCAL MAXIMA AND LOCAL MINIMA
1. First Derivative Test: If f'(a) = 0 and f'(x) changes it’s sign while passing through the point x = a, then
(i) f(x) would have a local maximum at x = a if f'(a–0) > 0 and f'(a+0) < 0. It means that f'(x) should change it’s sign
2
from positive to negative e.g. f (x) = –x has local maxima at x = 0.
(ii) f(x) would have local minimum at x = a if f'(a–0) < 0 and f'(a+0) > 0 . It means that f'(x) should change it’s sign
2
from negative to positive. e.g. f (x) = x has local minima at x = 0.
(iii) If f(x) doesn’t change it’s sign while passing through x = a, then f (x) would have neither a maximum nor
minimum at x = a. e.g. f (x) = x3 doesn’t have any local maxima or minima at x = 0.
2. Second Derivative Test:
Step I: Let f(x) be a differentiable function on a given interval and let f’’ be continuous at stationary point. Find f ‘ (x)
and solve the equation f ‘ (x) = 0 given let x = a, b, … be solutions.
Step II: Case (i) : If f ‘‘ (a) < 0 then f(a) is maximum. (Refer to above figure)
Case (ii): If f ‘’(a) > 0 then f(a) is minimum. (Refer the above figure)
Note:
(i) If f’’(a) = 0 the second derivatives test fails in that case we have to go back to the first derivative test.
(ii) If f’’(a) = 0 and a is not a point of local maximum nor local minimum then a is a point of inflection.

Previous Year Questions from KVPY exams

1 For x, t ∈ R let pt ( x ) = ( sin t ) x 2 − ( 2cos t ) x + sin t be a family of quadratic polynomials in x with

1
variable coefficients. Let A ( t ) = ∫ Pt ( x ) dx. Which of the following statements are true?
0
(I) A(t) < 0 for all t. (II) A(t) has infinitely many critical pts
(III) A(t) = 0 for infinitely many t (Iv) A’(t) < 0 for all t.
(A) (I) and (II) only (B) (II) and (III) only
(C) (III) and (IV) only (D) (IV) and (I) only
[2013]
x x x x x
2. The maximum value M of 3 + 5 -9 + 15 -25 , as x varies over reals, satisfies

(A) 3 < M < 5 (B) 0 < M < 2 (C) 9 < M < 25 (D) 5 < M < 9
[2012]
3 3
3. Let a, b, c be numbers in the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} such that the curves y = 2x + ax + b and y = 2x + cx +d
have no point in common. The maximum possible value of (a - c)2 + b - d is
(A) 0 (B) 5 (C) 30 (D) 36
[2012]
sin ( x − a ) + sin ( x + a )
4. Let f ( x ) = , then
cos ( x − a ) − cos ( x + a )
(A) f ( x + 2π ) = f ( x ) but f ( x + α ) ≠ f ( x ) for any 0 < α < 2π
(B) f is a strictly increasing function
(C) f is strictly decreasing function
(D) f is a constant function
[2012]
5. Let (x, y) be a variable point on the curve 4x + 9y − 8x − 36y + 15 = 0 . Then min
2 2

(x 2
) (
− 2x + y 2 − 4y + 5 + max x 2 − 2x + y 2 − 4y + 5 is )
325 36 13 25
(A) 36 (B) 325 (C) 25 (D) 13

[2012]
x +1
6. Let f(x) = x − 1 for all x ≠ 1 . Let
f1 ( x ) = f ( x ), f 2 ( x ) = f ( f ( x ))
and generally
( )
f n ( x ) = f f n −1 ( x ) for n > 1
. Let P =
f 1 ( 2) f 2 ( 3 ) f 3 ( 4 ) f 4 ( 5 )
which of the following is a multiple of P

(A) 125 (B) 375 (C) 250 (D)147

[2012]
x
7. The minimum distance between a point on the curve y = e and a point on the curve y = logex is
1
(A) (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 2 2
2
[2011]
8. Let f ( x ) = x 3 + ax 2 + bx + c , where a, b, c are real numbers. If f(x) has a local minimum at x = 1 and a local
1
1
maximum at x = − and f ( 2 ) = 0 then ∫ f ( x ) dx equals
3 −1

14 −14 7 −7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 3 3
[2011]
9. The maximum possible value of x + y - 4x - 6y, x, y real, subject to the condition x + y + x − y = 4
2 2

(A) is 12 (B) is 28 (C)is 72 (D) doesn’t exist

[2011]
10. Let f : R → R be a differentiable function such that f ( a ) = 0 = f ( b ) and f ' ( a ) f ' ( b ) > 0 for some a < b. Then
the minimum number of roots of f ' ( x ) = 0 in the interval (a, b) is
(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) 0
[2010]
11. The roots of ( x + 4 ) + ( x + 49 ) + ( x + 2009 )
20 21 2009
= 0 are
(A) all necessarily real
(B) non – real except one positive real root
(C) non real except three positive real roots
(D) non – real except for three real roots of which exactly one is positive
[2010]
12. The figure shown below is the graph of the derivative of some function y = f’ (x)

Then
(A) f has local minima at x = a,b and a local maximum at x = c
(B) f has local minima at x = a,b and a local maximum at x = c
(C) f has local minima at x = c,a and a local maximum at x = b
(D) the given figure is insufficient to conclude any thing about the local minima and local maxima of f
[2010
13. The following figure shows the graph of a differentiable function y = f(x) on the interval [a,b] (not containing 0).

Let g(x) = f(x)/x which of the following is a possible graph of y = g(x)?

(a) Fig. 1 (B) Fig .2 (C) Fig. 3 (D) Fig.4

[2010]
14. Let V1 be the volume of a given right circular cone with O as the centre of the base and A as its apex. Let V2 be
 the maximum volume of the right circular cone inscribed in the given cone whose apex is O and whose base is
parallel to the base of the given cone. Then the ratio V2 / V1 is
3 4 4 8
(A) 25 (B) 9 (C) 27 (D) 27
[2010]

15. The shortest distance from (0,3) to the parabola y 2 = 4 x is

(A). 2 (B). 2 (C) 5 (D) 5

[2009]
f(1 + h)
16. Suppose f is a real function defined on R and lim exists. Then :
h →0 h
(A) f is not continuous at 1 (B) f is not continuous at 1 but not differentiable at 1
(C) f is differentiable at 1 (D) f is differentiable at 0
[2008]
17. Let y = g(x) be a function whose derivative g’(x) has the following graph.
Which of the following values of g is the largest?
2
(A) g(2) (B) g(3) 1
(C g(4) (D) g(5)
-1 1 2 3 4 5
-2
-3
-4

[2008]
3 2
18. If the function f(x) = x – 3ax + b is strictly increasing derivative for x > 0, then which of the following is always
true?
(A) a can take any real value (B) a < 0 (C) a < 0 (D) a = 0
[2007]
19. An open box is constructed by cutting squares of side length x from each of the corners of a square sheet of
side length equal to 2007. Then the sides are folded up to form a box. The volume of the resulting box is
maximum when x equals:
(A) 669 (B) 669/2 (C) 2007/2 (D) 2007/4
[2007]

ASSIGNMENTS
1. The function h(x) = sin −1 x − cos −1 1 − x 2 in its entire domain is
(A) an increasing function (B) a decreasing function
(C) a non increasing function (D) a non decreasing function

2. If the length of sub-normal at any point ‘t’ to the parabola y2 = kx is 2 units, the value of k is
(A) ±1 (B) ± 2 (C) ±3 (D) ± 4

3. The curve x + y – ln(x + y) = 2x + 5 has a vertical tangent at the point (α, β). Then α + β is
(A) – 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) – 2

4. f(x) = αx − x + α x − α, & α > 0. If f(x) > 0 for ∀ x ≥ 2, then α lies in the interval
3 2 2

 1 1 
(A)  0,  (B) (0, 2) (C) (2, ∞) (D)  ,∞
 2 2 
5. Let f[−1, 8) → R be a differentiable function such that f(−1) = 1, f(8) = 10, then there always exists c1, c2, c3 ∈
(−1, 8) such that f ′(c1) + f ′(c2) + f ′(c3) = λ, then λ is equal to
(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D)8

a0 a a a
6. + 1 + 2 + ..... + n −1 + a n = 0 , then the function f(x) = a0xn + a1xn – 1 + a2xn – 2 + ….. + an has in (0, 1) is
n +1 n n −1 2
equal to
 (A) at least one zero (B) two zeros (C) no zero (D) none of these
7. The tangent to the curve y = ex drawn at the point (c, ec) intersects the line joining the points (c – 1, ec – 1) and (c
c+1
+ 1, e ).
(A) on the left of x = c (B) on the right of x = c
(C) at no point (D) at all points

8. The normal to the curve x = a (cos θ + θ sin θ), y = a(sin θ − θcosθ) at any point ‘θ’ is such that
(A) it makes a constant angle with the x-axis (B) it passes through origin
(C) it is at constant distance from origin (D) none of these

(2 + x) , − 3 < x ≤ −1
3
9. The total number of local maxima and local minima of the function f (x) = 
 x
2/3
, −1 < x < 2
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3

10. A function f : R → R satisfying the equation f(x).f(y) – f(xy) = x + y ∀ x, y ∈ R f(1) > 0, also h(x) = f(x). f (x) then
–1

length of longest interval in which h(sin x + cosx) is strictly increasing is

π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D) π
4 3 2

11. Let f″(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ R and g(x) = f(2 – x) + f(4 + x). Then g(x) is increasing in
(A) (−∞, −1) (B) (−∞, 0) (C) (−1, ∞) (D) none of these

12. Find b if f(x) = sin x – bx + c is always an increasing or decreasing function.

(A) (−∞, −1) (B) (−∞, 0) (C) (−1, ∞) (D) ( −∞ , − 1] ∪ [1, ∞ )
3
13. The curves c1, y1 = 1 – cos x, x ∈ (0, π) and c2 : y =| x | + a will touch each other if
2
3 π 3 π 1 π 3 π
(A) a= − (B) a = − (C) a = − (D) a = −
2 3 2 2 3 2 3 4 3
14. F(x) = e .cosx, x ∈[0, 2π]. The slope of tangent of the function is minimum if
x

3π
(A) x = π (B) x = 0 (C) x = (D) x = 2π
2

15. Find the interval in which the function f(x) = 3 cos x + 10cos x + 6cos x – 3, 0 ≤ x ≤ π; is decreasing.
4 3 2

 π 2π   π   2π 
(A) x ∈  , . (B) x ∈ 0, ∪ ,π
2 3    2   3 
(C) ( −∞ , − 1] ∪ [1, ∞ ) (D) none of these
 x2 
16. Find the interval of increase of g(x), where g(x) = 2f   + f (6 − x ) ∀ x ∈ R. It is given that
2

 2 
f ″(x) < 0 ∀ x ∈ R.
A) (B)
(C) (D) none of these
3 2
17. F(x) = x + ax + bx + c attains its local minima at certain negative real no. then
2 2
(A) a – 3b > 0, a < 0, b < 0 (B) a – 3b > 0, a < 0, b > 0
2 2
(C) a – 3b > 0, a > 0, b < 0 (D) a – 3b > 0, a > 0, b > 0

18. Find the cosine of the angle of intersection of curves y = 3x – 1 log x & y = xx – 1 at x = 1.
(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) -1/2 (D) ½
19. The maximum value of the function f(x) = 2x – 15x + 36x – 48 on the set A = {x|x + 20 ≤ 9x} is
3 2 2

(A) 1 (B) – 1 (C) 7 (D) – 7

20. If the tangents to the curve y = cos (x + y), −2π ≤ x ≤ 2π that are parallel to the line x + 2y = 0 are of the form
, find
π π π 3π
(A) (B) − (C) (D) )
2 2 4 4
x
2
23. If f(x) = (ab – b – 2) x + ∫ (cos
4
θ + sin 4 θ )dθ is decreasing function of x for all x ∈ R and b ∈ R, b being
0
independent of x, then
(A) [0,1) (B) (0,2] (C) (D)

24. A window of fixed perimeter (including the base of the arch) is in the form of a rectangle surmounted by a semi-
circle. The semi-circle portion is fitted with coloured glass while the rectangular part is fitted with clear glass.
The clear glass transmits three times as much light per square metre as the coloured glass does. What is the
ratio of the sides of the rectangle so that the window transmits the maximum light.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

25. If f ′(x) > 0, f ″(x) > 0 ∀ x ∈ (0, 1) and f(0) = 0, f(1) = 1, then for all x ∈ (0, 1)
2 –1 2 –1 2
(A) f(x) < x (B) f (x) < x (C) f(x).f (x) < x (D) none of these

26. The tangent represented by the graph of the function y = f(x) at the point with abscissa x = 1 form an angle π/6
and at the point x = 2 an angle of π/3 and at the point x = 3 an angle of π/4. Then find the value of,
3 3

∫ f '(x)f ''(x)dx + ∫ f ''(x)dx .

1 2

(A) (B) (C) (D)

27. The maximum value of the sum of the intercepts made by any tangent to the curve
(a sin θ, 2a sin θ) with the axes is
2

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

28. Let A(p , p), B(q −q) and C(r , −r) be the vertices of the ∆ABC. A parallelogram AFDE is drawn with vertices D,
2 2 2

E, F on the line segments BC, CA and AB respectively. Find the maximum area of such a parallelogram
1
(A) (p – q) (q – r) (r – p) (B) (p – q) (q – r) (r – p)
4
3 1
(C) (p – q) (q – r) (r – p) (D) (p – q) (q – r) (r – p)
4 2

2  2x + 1 
29. f (x) = tan −1   − log e (x + x + 1) + (b − 5b + 3)x + c. If f(x) is a decreasing function of x for all x ∈
2 2

3  3 
R, find the permissible values of parameter b.
5− 5 5+ 5  3− 3 3+ 3
(A)  ,  (B) ,
 2  2 2
 2
2− 3 2+ 3
(C) , (D) none of these
2 2

 π
30. Let f ′(sin x) < 0 and f ″(sin x) > 0, ∀x ∈  0,  and g(x) = f(sin x) + f(cos x), then g(x) is decreasing in
 2
π π  π
(A)  ,  (B)  0, 
4 2  4
  π π π
(C)  0,  (D)  , 
 2 6 2

31. Let f(x) be a monotonic polynomial of 2m – 1 degree when m ∈ N then the equation
f(x) + f(3x) + f(5x) + ….. + f((2m – 1)x) = 2m – 1 has
(A) at least one real root (B) (2m – 1) real roots
(C) exactly one real root (D) none of these

Passage

If f(x) = (x – α) g(x), then f(α) = f ′(α) = f″(α) = ….. = f (α) = 0 where f(x) and g(x) are polynomials.
n n–1

For a polynomial f(x) with rational coefficients

32. If f(x) touches x-axis at only one point, then the point of touching is
(A) always a rational number (B) may or may not be a rational number
(C) never a rational number (D) none of these

33. If f(x) is of degree 3 and touches x-axis, then

(A) all the roots of f(x) are rational (B) only one root is rational
(C) both (A) and (B) may be possible (D) none of these
34. Find the equation of a straight line which is tangent to one point and normal to the other point on the curve x =
2 3
4t + 3, y = 8t – 1.

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

35. A function y = f(x) is represented parametrically as follows :

x = φ(t) = t5 – 5t3 – 20t + 7
y = ψ (t) = 4t – 3t – 18t + 3, −2 < t < 2.
3 2

Find the local maxima of this function.

(A) 25 (B) 31 (C) 17 (D) 19

36. A point P is given on the circumference of a circle of radius r. The chord QR is parallel to the tangent line at P.
Find the maximum area of ∆PQR.
3 3r 2 3 2r 2 3 3r 2 2 3r 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 4 2 3
2 3
37. Find all the values of the parameter a for the point of minimum of the function f(x) = 1 + a x – x satisfy the
x2 + x + 2
inequality <0.
x 2 + 5x + 6
(A) a ∈ (2 3,3 3) ∪ ( −3 3, − 2 3) (B) a ∈ (3 3,5 3) ∪ (−5 3, − 3 3)
(C) a ∈ ( 3,3 3) ∪ (−2 3, − 3) (D) a ∈ (−3 3, − 3) ∪ (2 3,3 3)

7 − x 2 + log1/ 2 (b 2 − 4b + 3) ; 0≤x<2

38. f (x) = 
 x2 − x + 2 ; x≥2
Find the value of b, for which f(x) has least value at x = 2.
4 − 6  2 − 3  3− 2  5 − 6 
(A)  ,1 (B)  ,1 (C)  , 2 (D)  , 2
 2   2   3   2 
1/ x
 f (x) 
39. Find the polynomial f(x) of degree 6, which satisfies lim 1 + 3  = e 2 and has local maximum at x = 1
x →0
 x 
and local minimum at x = 0 and 2.
 12 5 2 6 1 5 2 6
(A) f (x) = 2x 4 − x + x (B) f (x) = 3x 4 −
x + x
5 3 5 3
6 2 2 4 3 5 4 6
(C) f (x) = 4x 4 − x 5 + x 6 (D) f (x) = x − x + x
5 5 3 5 3
40. Find the value of λ for which the equation x – 3x + λ = 0 has two distinct roots lying between 0 and 1.
3

(A) 1 (B) {1,2} (C) (0,1) (D) φ

a 0 2a1 22 a 2 2n −1 a n −1 2n a n
41. For real constants a0, a1, ….., an such that + + + ..... + + = 0, find the interval in
1 2 3 n n +1
n 2
which the function f(x) = anln x + ….. + a2ln x + a1 ln x + a0 has at least one root
2 2 2
(A) (1, e ) (B) (C) (2, e ) (D) (e, e ).
5 3 2 4 5
42. If the equation x – 10a x + b x + c = 0 has three equal roots, then
2 3 2 5 5 5 5 3 2 4 5 4 4
(A) 2b – 10a b + c = 0 (B) 6a + c = 0 (C) 2c – 10a b + b c = 0 (D) b = 15a

Application of Derivatives

Answer key for Previous Year Questions from KVPY exams

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

B C B D A B B B B B

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

B C B C B C A D B

Application of Derivatives

Answer Key for Assignments

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

D D B D A A A C C C

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

C D A A B A D B C B

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

C B C A C D B A A B

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

C A A A B A A A A D

41 42

A D