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How to solve SSC CGL level School Math problems in a few simple steps, Trigonometry 3

Simple and intelligent approach to solve Trigonometry problems 3

A few simple steps to the solution compared to conventional complex procedure

Simple and intelligent approach to solve Trigonometry problems shown by solving two SSC CGL level school math problems using basic and advanced techniques.

At high school level many times we find math problems are solved following a long series of steps. This is what we call conventional approach to solving problems.

This approach not only involves a large number of steps, in most cases, the steps themselves introduce a higher level of complexity, and increases chances of error. More importantly, the conventional inefficient problem solving approach curbs the out-of-the-box thinking skills of the students.

While dealing with complex Trigonometry problems similar to school level in competitive exam scenario, the student is now forced to solve such a problem in a minute, and not in many minutes. The pressure to find the solution along the shortest path gains immense importance for successful performance in such tests as SSC CGL.

Though at school level, all steps to the solution are to be written down, that does not take up most of the time, the bulk of the time is actually consumed in inefficient problem solving, finding the path and steps to the solution.

We will take up an apparently difficult Trigonometry problem from SSC CGL test level that actually belongs to school level, and appears in MCQ form in the competitive test scenario.

The thinking process that we will highlight here through solution of the problem can help SSC CGL aspirants as well as high school students to solve problems efficiently like a problem solver, using deductive reasoning, powerful strategies, techniques and basic subject concepts, rather than being constrained by the costly routine approach.


Problem example 1

If $\sec\theta = x + \displaystyle\frac{1}{4x}$, where $(0^0 \lt \theta \lt 90^0)$, then $\sec\theta + \tan\theta$ is,

  1. $\displaystyle\frac{x}{2}$
  2. $\displaystyle\frac{1}{2x}$
  3. $x$
  4. $2x$

First try to solve this problem yourself and then only go ahead. You might be able to reach the elegant solution to this problem yourself.


Efficient solution in a few steps

Deductive reasoning:

First stage analysis: one must analyze the problem first.

We know that the basic relation between $\sec\theta$ and $\tan\theta$

$\sec^2\theta = \tan^2\theta$ + 1

will lead us towards the solution whenever in a problem $\sec\theta$ and $\tan\theta$ appear together.

In our problem, though the two terms appear together, these are in unit power form, and so the given expression must be squared, resulting expression simplified using the basic relationship as mentioned above, and then finally a square root is to be taken to arrive at the desired result.

This is what we call deductive reasoning based on problem analysis and using the subject concept and form of the problem.

Outcome of this analysis is finding a clear pathway to the solution.

Think over. Do you find this thread of reasoning sensible? Can you find any flaw in it?

So, we decide that we should square up the given equation first.

Second clue - use of principle of inverses

We find a special property in the given expression - it has an $x$ and also an inverse of $x$. If we square up this expression the middle term won't have any $x$ in it. This property in general helps to reach the solution quickly in so many problems that we have named it as the powerful problem solving principle of inverses and repeatedly used it with great benefits.

You may refer to a detailed treatment of its use here.

So in the first stage action, we will first square up the given equation and use the principle of inverses to simplify further.

Let's see how.

First stage action:

We have the given expression,

$\sec\theta = x + \displaystyle\frac{1}{4x}$.

Squaring both sides,

$\sec^2\theta = x^2 + \displaystyle\frac{1}{16x^2} + \frac{1}{2}$.

By the grace of principle of inverses, the middle term on the RHS has turned to a simple fraction without any trace of $x$.

Continuing further,

$\tan^2\theta + 1 = x^2 + \displaystyle\frac{1}{16x^2} + \displaystyle\frac{1}{2}$

Now we will use another great principle, the principle of collection of friendly terms. In the given expression we spot the possiblity of significant gains if we transfer the 1 from LHS to RHS so that the middle term now changes its sign and forms the expression of another square.

$\tan^2\theta = x^2 + \displaystyle\frac{1}{16x^2} - \displaystyle\frac{1}{2} = \left(x - \frac{1}{4x}\right)^2$,

Or, $\tan\theta = x - \displaystyle\frac{1}{4x}$, as $\tan\theta$ can't be negative as per the given condition.

Summing it up now with $\sec\theta$ from given expression,

$\sec\theta + tan\theta = 2x$.

Answer: d: $2x$.


Conventional solution

We have the given expression,

$\sec\theta = x + \displaystyle\frac{1}{4x}$.

Or squaring up the two sides of the equation we have,

$\sec^2\theta = \displaystyle\frac{(4x^2 + 1)^2}{(4x)^2}$,

Or, $\sec^2\theta - 1 = \displaystyle\frac{(4x^2 + 1)^2 - (4x)^2}{(4x)^2}$,

Or, $\tan^2\theta = \displaystyle\frac{16x^4 + 8x^2 + 1 - 16x^2}{(4x)^2}$,

$=\displaystyle\frac{16x^4 - 8x^2 + 1}{(4x)^2}$

$=\displaystyle\frac{(4x^2 -1)^2}{(4x)^2}$.

So, $\tan\theta = \displaystyle\frac{(4x^2 -1)}{(4x)} = x - \frac{1}{4x}$

and finally,

$\sec\theta + \tan\theta = 2x$.


Compare the two solutions yourself regarding ease, complexity, chances of error and time taken to reach the solution.


Problem example 2

If $tan\theta = \displaystyle\frac{1}{\sqrt{11}}$, and $0 \lt {\theta} \lt \displaystyle\frac{{\pi}}{2}$, then the value of, $\displaystyle\frac{cosec^2\theta - sec^2\theta}{{cosec^2\theta} + sec^2\theta}$ is,

  1. $\displaystyle\frac{3}{4}$
  2. $\displaystyle\frac{6}{7}$
  3. $\displaystyle\frac{4}{5}$
  4. $\displaystyle\frac{5}{6}$

Efficient solution in a few steps

Problem analysis

By looking at the problem, we recognize the target expression to be absolutely ready to be subjected to the well known algebraic technique of componendo dividendo. Though the name is a bit awkward the concept is rather easy.

We will apply the concept but not the formula here. We have a strong apathy to use formulae without using our brains.

The target expression,

$E = \displaystyle\frac{cosec^2\theta - sec^2\theta}{{cosec^2\theta} + sec^2\theta}$

We add 1 to both sides and simplify.

$E + 1 = \displaystyle\frac{cosec^2\theta - sec^2\theta}{{cosec^2\theta} + sec^2\theta} + 1$

$= \displaystyle\frac{2cosec^2\theta}{{cosec^2\theta} + sec^2\theta}$.

Second time we subtract 1 from both sides of the original equation,

$E - 1 = \displaystyle\frac{cosec^2\theta - sec^2\theta}{{cosec^2\theta} + sec^2\theta} - 1$

$=\displaystyle\frac{-2sec^2\theta}{{cosec^2\theta} + sec^2\theta}$.

Dividing the earlier result of $E + 1$ by this result,

$\displaystyle\frac{E + 1}{E - 1} = \frac{cosec^2\theta}{-sec^2\theta} $

$= -cot^2\theta = -11$.

Adding and subtracting 1 to both sides we have,

$\displaystyle\frac{2E}{E - 1} = -10$, and

$\displaystyle\frac{2}{E - 1} = -12$.

Taking the ratio,

$E = \displaystyle\frac{10}{12} = \displaystyle\frac{5}{6}$

Answer: d: $\displaystyle\frac{5}{6}$.


Cumbersome solution

In the most cumbersome solution, you can expand both the terms $cosec^2\theta = 1 + cot^2\theta$ and $sec^2\theta = 1 + tan^2\theta$ and substitute in the already complex target expression to get the target only in terms of $tan^2\theta$ and $cot^2\theta$, value of both of which are known.

We can say for this approach that, you don't have to think at all, you just have to go on deducing mechanically.

Judge and choose yourself.

 

Always think: is there any other shorter better way to the solution? And use your brains more than your factual memory and mass of mechanical routine procedures.


Guided help on Trigonometry in Suresolv

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