05

52 CDS P a t h f i n d e r

SEQUENCES
AND SERIES
In NDA exam, generally 2-5 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on general
term and sum of AP/GP, sum of special series and infinite terms of GP, conditions for terms to be
in AP/GP/HP and arithmetic/geometric mean.

A succession of numbers a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , . . . , a n formed according to some definite rule is called a sequence.

The different terms of a sequence are usually denoted by a1 , a 2 , a 3 , . . . or by t 1 , t 2 , t 3 , . . . . The term at
the nth place of a sequence, i.e. t n is called the general term of sequence. A series is obtained by adding
or subtracting the terms of a sequence. If a1 , a 2 , a 3 , a 4 , . . . , a n , ... is a sequence, then the expression
a1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a5 + . . . + a n + . . . is a series. A series can be finite or infinite depending on the
number of terms in the corresponding sequence is finite or infinite.

PROGRESSIONS
The sequences whose terms follow certain patterns are called progressions, but it is not necessary that
the terms of every sequence always follows a certain pattern or they are described by some explicit
formula.

Arithmetic Progression (AP)

A sequence is called an arithmetic progression if the difference of a term and the previous term is
always same, i.e. a n + 1 − a n = constant ( = d ), ∀ n ∈ N.
The constant difference, generally denoted by d is called the common difference.
In other words, if a1 , a 2 , a 3 , . . . , a n are in AP, then a 2 − a1 = a 3 − a 2 = . . . = a n − a n −1 = d
If a is the first term and d is the common difference, then AP can be written as
a, a + d , a + 2d , . . . , { a + ( n − 1) d }
e.g. (i) 1, 4, 7, 10, … is an AP whose first term is 1 and the common difference is 4 − 1 = 7 − 4 = 3.
(ii) 11, 7, 3, 1, … is an AP whose first term is 11 and the common difference is 7 − 11 = 3 − 7 = − 4.
 53

General Term of an AP For y = 8, we get 2x = 8 = 23 or x = 3

When x = 2,log 3 ( 2x − 5) = log 3 ( − 1) is not defined.
Let a be the first term and d be the common difference
of an AP. Then, its nth term is a + ( n − 1) d , Therefore, x = 3 is the only solution.
Selection of Terms in an AP
i.e. Tn = a + ( n − 1) d , where d = Tn − Tn − 1
Number Terms Common
If l is the last term of a sequence, then of terms difference
l = Tn = a + ( n − 1) d 3 a − d , a, a + d d
4 a − 3d , a − d , a + d , a + 3d 2d
nth Term of an AP from the End 5 a − 2d , a − d , a, a + d , a + 2 d d
nth term from the end of an AP consisting of m terms is 6 a − 5 d , a − 3 d , a − d ,a + d , a + 3 d , a + 5 d 2d
( m − n + 1)th term from the beginning. So, nth term from
the end is EXAMPLE 3. If the sum of three numbers of an
Tm − n + 1 = a + ( m − n + 1 − 1) d = a + ( m − n) d . arithmetic sequence is 15 and the sum of their squares
is 83, then the numbers are
or l − ( n − 1) d , whene l is the last term.
a. 4, 5, 6 b. 1, 5, 9
EXAMPLE 1. The 3rd, 15th and the last term of an AP c. 3, 5, 7 d. 2, 5, 8
are 4, 8 and 18, respectively. Find the first term, the Sol. c. Let three numbers are ( a − d), a and ( a + d).
common difference and the number of terms.
∴ a − d + a + a + d = 15 ⇒ a = 5
10 1 1
a. , , 45 b. 10 , , 45 and ( a − d) 2 + a2 + ( a + d) 2 = 83
3 3 3
10 1 ⇒ a2 + d 2 − 2ad + a2 + a2 + d 2 + 2ad = 83
c. , , 50 d. None of these
3 3 ⇒ a2 + 2( a2 + d 2) = 83
Sol. a. Let the first term, common difference and the Put a = 5 in above equation
number of terms of the AP be a, d and n respectively. ⇒ 25 + 2( 25 + d 2) = 83
The nth term of an AP is given by Tn = a + (n − 1) d ⇒ 2d 2 = 8 ⇒ d = 2
Therefore, T 3 = a + 2d = 4, T15 = a + 14 d = 8 Thus, the numbers are 3, 5 and 7.
and Tn = a + (n − 1) d = 18 Trick 3 + 5 + 7 = 15 and 32 + 52 + 72 = 83
We have, T15 − T 3 = ( a + 14d) − ( a + 2d) = 8 − 4
⇒ 12d = 4 ⇒ d = 1/ 3 Sum of n Terms of an AP
2 10 The sum of n terms S n of an AP with first term ‘a’ and
Hence, a = 4 − 2d = 4 − =
3 3
common difference ‘d’ is
10 1 1
Therefore, + (n − 1) = 18 ⇒ (10 + n − 1) = 18 n n
3 3 3 S n = [ 2a + ( n − 1) d ] or S n = [ a + l ],
⇒ 9 + n = 54 2 2
∴ n = 45 where, l = last term = a + ( n − 1) d
Also, Tn = S n − S n − 1
EXAMPLE 2. If log 3 2, log 3 (2 x − 5) and
log 3 (2 x − 7/2) are in AP, then find the value of x. EXAMPLE 4. If the sum of first 10 terms of an
arithmetic progression with first term p and common
a. 2 b. 3 c. 2 or 3 d. None of these
difference q, is 4 times the sum of the first 5 terms,
Sol. b. If the given three numbers a = log 3 2, b = log 3 ( 2x − 5) then what is the ratio of p : q?
and c = log 3 ( 2x − 7 / 2) are in AP, a. 1 : 2 b. 1 : 4 c. 2 : 1 d. 4 : 1
then b − a = c − b ⇒ 2b = a + c Sol. a. Since, first term = p and common difference = q
2 log 3 ( 2x − 5) = log 3 2 + log 3 ( 2x − 7 / 2)
10 5
⇒ log 3 ( 2x − 5) 2 = log 3 [ 2 ( 2x − 7 / 2)] According to the question, [ 2 p + 9 q] = 4 × [ 2 p + 4 q]
2 2
⇒ ( 2x − 5) 2 = 2 ( 2x − 7 / 2)
⇒ 2p + 9q = 4 p + 8q ⇒ 2p = q ⇒ p : q = 1: 2
Let 2x = y, then we have ( y − 5) 2 = 2 ( y − 7 / 2)
⇒ y 2 − 10y + 25 = 2y − 7 Properties of Arithmetic Progression
⇒ y 2 − 12y + 32 = 0 (i) If a constant is added or subtracted from each term
⇒ ( y − 4) ( y − 8) = 0 of an AP, then the resulting sequence is also an AP
Hence, y = 4 or y = 8
with the same common difference.
For y = 4, we get 2x = 4 = 22 or x = 2
54 NDA/NA Pathfinder

(ii) If each term of a given AP is multiplied or divided by Geometric Progression (GP)

a non-zero constant k, then the resulting sequence is A sequence of non-zero numbers is called a geometric
d progression, if the ratio of a term and the term preceding
also an AP with common difference kd or , where d
k it is always constant. The constant ratio, generally
is the common difference of the given AP. denoted by r is called the common ratio of the GP.
(iii) A sequence is an AP if its nth term is of the form In other words, if a1 , a 2 , a 3 , . . . , a n are in GP, then
a2 a3 a
An + B, i.e. a linear expression in n. = = n = r (say ), where r is known as common
a1 a 2 a n − 1
(iv) In a finite AP the sum of the terms equidistant from
the beginning and end is always same. ratio of GP.
i.e. a1 + a n = a 2 + a n − 1 = a 3 + a n − 2 = . . . 1 1 3 9
, − , , − , . . . is a GP with first
e.g. The sequence
3 2 4 8
n Arithmetic Means between Two Numbers
term and common ratio  −    = − .
1 1 1 3
If a, A1 , A 2 , A 3 , . . . , A n , b are in AP, then we say that 3  2   3 2
A1 , A 2 , A 3 , . . . , A n are the n arithmetic means (AM)
between two numbers a and b. The common difference General Term of a GP
b− a The nth term of a GP with first term a and common
(d) of this AP is and mth arithmetic mean is given
n+1 ratio r is given by Tn = ar n − 1 or l = ar n−1 , where l is
m ( b − a) the last term.
by A m = a +
n+1 GP can be written as a, ar , ar 2 , . . . , ar n − 1
By putting m = 1, 2, 3, . . . , n, we can get the values of or a, ar , ar 2 , ar 3 , ar 4 , . . . , ar n − 1 , …
A1 , A 2 , . . . , A n . accordingly they are finite or infinite.
The sum of n arithmetic means between two given
numbers is n times the single AM between them i.e. nth Term from the End of a Finite GP
A1 + A 2 + A 3 + . . . + A n = n (single AM between a and b) The nth term from the end of a finite GP consisting of
If there is only one arithmetic mean ‘A’ between a and b, m terms is ar m − n , where a is the first term and r is the
a+b common ratio of the GP.
then A =
2
EXAMPLE 6. If x, y , z are the pth, qth and rth terms
EXAMPLE 5. If n arithmetic means are inserted of a GP, then the value of x q − r y r − p z p − q is equal
between 20 and 80 such that the ratio of first mean to to
the last mean is 1 : 3, then find the value of n. a. 0 b. 1 c. − 1 d. None of these
a. 12 b. 13 c. 11 d. 14
Sol. b. Let A be the first term and R be the common ratio
Sol. c. Let A1, A2 , A3 , ... , An be n arithmetic means between
of the GP. We have, Tp = AR p − 1 = x
20 and 80, and let d be the common difference of the
AP; 20, A1, A2 , ... , An , 80. Tq = AR q − 1 = y and Tr = AR r − 1 = z
q− r
Now, x = [ AR p − 1]q − r = Aq − r R ( p − 1) ( q − r )
80 − 20 60  b − a
Then, d= = using, d = n + 1 y r − p = [ AR q − 1] r − p = Ar − p R ( q − 1) ( r − p)
n+1 n+1  
z p − q = [ AR r − 1]p − q = Ap − q R ( r − 1) ( p − q)
60  n + 4
Now, A1 = 20 + d ⇒ A1 = 20 + = 20  
n+1  n + 1 ∴ x q − r y r − p z p − q = [ Aq − r + r − p + p − q ]
[R ( p − 1) ( q − r ) + ( q − 1) ( r − p) + ( r − 1) ( p − q) ]
60 n  4n + 1
and An = 20 + nd ⇒ An = 20 + = 20   = A0 R 0 = 1
n+1  n + 1
20 (n + 4) Selection of Terms in GP
A1 1 n+1 1 Number of terms Terms Common ratio
∴ = ⇒ = a
An 3 20 ( 4n + 1) 3 3 , a, ar r
r
n+1
a a
, , ar, ar 3 r2
n+ 4 1 4
r3 r
⇒ =
4n + 1 3 a a
5 , , a, ar, ar 2 r
r2 r
⇒ 4n + 1 = 3n + 12 ⇒ n = 11
MATHEMATICS Sequences and Series 55

6 6 6
+ + + ... ∞
EXAMPLE 7. Find the three numbers in GP, whose 2 3
Sol. d. 7 6 /7 ⋅ 7 6/7 ⋅ 7 6/7 ... ∞ = 7 7 72 73
sum is 19 and product is 216.
1 1 1   1/7 
6 
6  1/7 
a. 4, 6, 9 b. 13, 4, 2 6 + + + ... ∞  
 1 − 1/7 
7 7 7 7   6 /7 
2 3
c. 6, 5, 8 d. None of these = =7 =7 = 71 = 7
a
Sol. a. Let three numbers in GP be , a and ar. Properties of Geometric Progression
r
(i) If all the terms of a GP be multiplied or divided by
According to the given condition,
the same non-zero constant, then it remains a GP
Product of three numbers
a with same common ratio.
⋅ a ⋅ ar = 216 ⇒ a3 = 216 = 63
r (ii) The reciprocals of the terms of a given GP forms a
∴ a=6 GP.
a
and sum of three numbers = + a + ar = 19 (iii) If each term of a GP be raised to the same power,
r
then the resulting sequence also forms a GP.
a  + 1 + r  = 19
1
⇒
 r  (iv) In a finite GP the product of the terms equidistant
1 + r + r 
2 from the beginning and the end is always same and
⇒ 6  = 19 [put a = 6] is equal to the product of the first and the last term.
 r 
(v) Three non-zero numbers a, b, c are in GP, iff b 2 = ac.
⇒ 6 + 6r + 6r 2 = 19r
⇒ 6r + 6r − 19r + 6 = 0
2 (vi) If the terms of a given GP are chosen at regular
⇒ 6r 2 − 13r + 6 = 0 intervals, then the new sequence, so formed also
 forms a GP.
13 ± ( −13) 2 − 4 ⋅ 6 ⋅ 6 − b ± b2 − 4ac 
∴ r= Q r =  (vii) If a1 , a 2 , a 3 , . . . , a n , . . . is a GP of non-zero,
2⋅ 6  2a 
non-negative terms, then
13 ± 5 18 8 3 2
= = , = , log a1 , log a 2 , . . . , log a n , . . . is an AP and vice-versa.
12 12 12 2 3
3 6 3
When r = , then the numbers are , 6, 6 × n Geometric Means between
2 3/ 2 2
i.e. 4, 6, 9. Two Numbers
2 6 6
When r = , then the numbers are ,6 , If a, G1 , G2 , G3 , . . . , Gn , b are in GP, then
3 2/ 3 3/ 2
G1 , G2 , G3 , . . . , Gn are callled n geometric means
i.e. 9, 6, 4.
between two numbers a and b. The common ratio (r) of
Hence, the numbers are 4, 6, 9 or 9, 6, 4. 1 /(n + 1 )
 b
this GP is   and mth geometric mean is given by
Sum of n Terms of a GP  a
The sum of n terms of a GP with first terms ‘a’ and m
 b n + 1
common ratio ‘r’ is given by Gm = a   .
 a
 1 − r n  a − lr
Sn = a  = , for | r | < 1 By putting m = 1, 2, 3, . . . , n, we can get the values of
 1−r  1−r
G1 , G2 , . . . , Gn .
 r n − 1 lr − a The product of n geometric means is equal to the nth
and S n = a  = , for | r | > 1
 r −1 r −1 power of single geometric mean between the two
If number of terms is infinite, then sum of the terms is quantities, i.e. G1 ⋅ G2 ⋅ G3 ⋅ G4 . . . Gn = ( ab ) n .
a If there is only one geometric mean ‘G’ between a and
S= , | r | < 1.
1−r b, then
EXAMPLE 8. What is the value of G = ab
2 3
7 6/7 ⋅ 7 6/7 ⋅ 7 6/7 ... upto ∞?
Note • If A and G are the AM and GM between two positive
a. log7  
6 numbers, then the numbers are A ± A 2 − G 2.
b. ∞
 7 • If A and G are respectively AM and GM between two positive
6 numbers a and b, then the quadratic equation having a, b as
c. d. 7
7 its roots is x 2 − 2 Ax + G 2 = 0.
56 NDA/NA Pathfinder

EXAMPLE 9. If one geometric mean G and two Relation Among Arithmetic, Geometric and
arithmetic means A1 and A2 are inserted between two Harmonic Means
numbers, then (2 A1 − A2 )(2 A2 − A1 ) is equal to Let A , G and H be the arithmetic, geometric and
a. 2G b. G c. G 2 d. G 3 harmonic means between a and b, then
( b − a) 2a + b (i) A ≥ G ≥ H (ii) G 2 = AH
Sol. c. We have, G = ab, A1 = a + =
3 3
2( b − a) a + 2b EXAMPLE 10. If for positive real numbers x, y , z the
and A2 = a + =
3 3 numbers x + y , 2y and y + z are in harmonic
∴ 2A1 − A2 = a and 2A2 − A1 = b progression, then which one of the following is
⇒ ( 2A1 − A2)( 2A2 − A1) = ab = G 2 correct?
a. x, y , z are in GP b. x, y , z are in AP
Harmonic Progression (HP) c. x, y , z are in HP d. None of these
A sequence a1 , a 2 , . . . , a n of non-zero numbers is called a
2 ( x + y) ( y + z)
harmonic progression, if the sequence of reciprocal of Sol. a. Q x + y , 2y and y + z are in HP, 2y =
1 1 1 x+ y + y + z
these numbers, i.e. , , ..., is an AP. ⇒ 2y ( x + 2y + z) = 2 ( xy + xz + y 2 + yz)
a1 a 2 an
⇒ 2xy + 4y 2 + 2yz = 2xy + 2xz + 2y 2 + 2yz
1 1 1
e.g. The sequence 1, , , , . . . is a HP because the ⇒ 2y 2 = 2xz ⇒ y 2 = xz
3 5 7
Hence, x, y , z are in GP.
sequence 1, 3, 5, 7, . . . is an AP.
Their is no formula for finding the sum of HP sequence. Sum to n Terms of Special Series
The sum of first n terms of special series is given below
General Term of a HP n ( n + 1)
If the sequence a1 , a 2 , a 3 , . . . is a HP, then its nth term Σ n = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n =
2
will be n ( n + 1) ( 2n + 1)
1 a1 a 2 Σ n 2 = 12 + 22 + . . . + n 2 =
Tn = = 6
1  1 1  a 2 + ( n − 1)( a1 − a 2 ) 2
+ ( n − 1)  −   n ( n + 1)
a1  a 2 a1  Σ n 3 = 13 + 23 + . . . + n 3 = = ( Σn) 2
 2 
and nth term from end,
a1 a 2 a n Note If nth term of the sequence is Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d . Then,
1
Tn′ = = sum of n terms is given by
1  1 1 a1 a 2 − a n ( n − 1)( a1 − a 2 ) S n = ΣTn = a Σn3 + b Σn2 + c Σn + Σd .
− ( n − 1) − 
an  a 2 a1 
Arithmetico-Geometric
n Harmonic Means between Two Numbers Progression (AGP)
If a, H1 , H 2 , . . . , H n , b are in GP, then H1 , H 2 , . . . , H n A sequence of the form
are called n harmonic means between two numbers a and a, ( a + d ) r , ( a + 2d ) r 2 , . . . , { a + ( n − 1) d } r n − 1 , . . .
b. The common difference of the corresponding AP is is called an arithmetico-geometric sequence, where
a−b
and mth harmonic mean is given by { a + ( n − 1) d }r n − 1 is the nth term of the sequence.
( n + 1) ab
Sum of its n terms is
( n + 1) ab  a dr (1 − r n −1 ) { a + ( n − 1) d} r n
Hm = , m = 1, 2, . . . , n
ma + [ n − ( m − 1)] b 1 − r + (1 − r )2
−
1−r
, r ≠1
Sn = 
By putting m = 1, 2, . . . , n, we can get the values of  n { 2a + ( n − 1) d}, r = 1
 2
H1 , H 2 , . . . , H n . If there is only one harmonic mean H
2ab If this series has infinite terms, then
between a and b, then a, H, b are in HP. Then, H = a dr
a+b S∞ = + , |r |< 1
1 − r (1 − r ) 2
.
MATHEMATICS Sequences and Series 57

Difference Method for Finding Sol. b. Here, the difference in consecutive terms are
3, 5, 7, … which are in AP.
Sum of AGP Series
Let S n = 2 + 5 + 10 + 17 + K + t n − 1 + t n
Suppose a1 , a 2 , a 2 , … is a sequence such that the
On shifting every term one place to the right
sequence a 2 − a1 , a 3 − a 2 , … is either an AP or a GP
S n = 2 + 5 + 10 + K + t n − 1 + t n
The nth term ‘ a’n of this sequence is obtained as follows On subtracting, we get
S = a1 + a 2 + a 3 + K + a n − 1 + a n 0 = ( 2 + 3 + 5 + 7 + K to n terms) − t n
S= a1 + a 2 + K + a n − 1 + a n ⇒ t n = 2 + [ 3 + 5 + 7 + K to (n − 1) terms]
⇒ a n = a1 + [( a 2 − a1 ) + ( a 3 − a 2 ) + K + ( a n − a n − 1 )] n −1
= 2+ [ 2 × 3 + (n − 2) × 2]
Since, the terms within the brackets are either in AP or 2
n −1
in GP, in either case we can find the value of a n , the nth = 2+ ( 2n + 2) = 2 + (n − 1)(n + 1)
term, we can now find the sum of the n terms of the 2
n = 2 + (n2 − 1) = n2 + 1
sequence as S = ∑ a kn Putting n = 1, 2, 3, …, n and adding, we get
k=1 n
n(n + 1) ( 2n + 1)
Sn = ∑ k 2 + n = +n
EXAMPLE 11. Find the sum to n terms of the series k =1
6
2 + 5 + 10 + 17 + K . =
n
( 2n2 + 3n + 1 + 6)
n n 6
a. ( 2n2 + 3n + 7) b. ( 2n2 + 3n + 7)
5 6 n
= ( 2n2 + 3n + 7)
n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 6
c. d. None of these
6

PRACTICE EXERCISE
3 + 5 + 7 +L+ n 7. The sum of n terms of an AP is an ( n − 1). The
1. If = 7, then the value of n
5 + 8 + 11 + L + 10 terms sum of the squares of these terms is equal to
is a2
(a) a2 n2 (n − 1)2 (b) n (n − 1) (2 n − 1)
(a) 35 (b) 36 (c) 37 (d) 40 6
2. If sum of n terms of an AP is 3n 2 + 5n and 2 a2 2 a2
(c) n (n − 1) (2 n − 1) (d) n (n + 1) (2 n + 1)
Tm = 164, then m is equal to 3 3
1 1
(a) 26 (b) 27 (c) 28 (d) None of these 8. If a , b, c are in GP, then + is equal to
a −b
2 2
b2
3. In a GP, if the ( m + n )th term be p and ( m − n )th
(a) 1/(c 2 − b 2 )
term be q, then its mth term is
(a) pq (b) p/q (c) q/p (d) p+ q (b) 4b 2 − c 2
(c) 1/ (c 2 − a2 )
4. The sum of the first ‘n’ terms of the series
1 3 7 15 (d) 1/(b 2 − c 2 )
+ + + + L is
2 4 8 16 9. If S be the sum to infinity of a GP, whose first
(a) 2 n − n − 1 (b) 1 − 2 − n term is a, then the sum of first n terms is
(c) n + 2 − n − 1 (d) 2 n − 1 n
 a 
n
(a) S  1 −  (b) S 1 −  1 −  
a
5. An AP consists of n (odd terms) and its middle  S  S 

term is m. Then, the sum of the AP is  a 
n
1 (c) a 1 −  1 −   (d) None of these
(a) 2mn (b) mn (c) mn (d) mn2  S 
2 
2 3 4 10. If the non-zero numbers a , b, c are in AP and
6. The sum of 1 + + + + L ∞ upto n terms is
5 52 53 tan− 1 a , tan− 1 b, tan− 1 c are also in AP, then
25 15 5 3 (a) a = b = c (b) b 2 = 2 ac (c) a2 = bc (d) c 2 = ab
(a) (b) (c) (d)
16 16 16 2
58 NDA/NA Pathfinder

1 1 3
a a 20. Which term of the sequence 20, 19 , 18 , 17 , ...
11. The harmonic mean of and is equal 4 2 4
1 − ab 1 + ab is the first negative term?
to (a) 27th (b) 28th
a a 1 (c) 29th (d) No such term exists
(a) (b) (c) a (d)
1 − a2 b 2 1 − a2 b 2 1 − a2 b 2 21. If p times the pth term of an AP is q times the qth
term, then what is the ( p + q )th term equal to?
1 1
12. If first three terms of sequence , a , b, are in (a) p + q (b) pq (c) 1 (d) 0
16 6
geometric series and the last three terms are 22. If a , 2a + 2, 3a + 3 are in GP, then what is the
in harmonic series, then the values of a and b fourth term of the GP?
will be (a) − 13.5 (b) 13.5
1 1 1 (c) − 27
(a) a = − , b = 1 (b) a = ,b= (d) 27
4 12 9
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these a n + 1 + bn + 1
23. If is the arithmetic mean between a
a n + bn
13. If a , b, c are in AP, p, q , r are in HP and ap, bq , cr and b, then n is equal to
are in GP, then
p r
+ is equal to (a) − 1 (b) − 2 (c) 0 (d) 1
r p
24. Let a, b, c be three positive real numbers such
a c a c b q b q
(a) − (b) + (c) + (d) − that their product is unity, then the least value
c a c a q b q b of (1 + a )(1 + b)(1 + c) is
14. If x = 1 + a + a 2 + a3 + L ∞ (| a|< 1) and (a) 16 (b) 8 (c) 0 (d) 3
y = 1 + b + b + b + L ∞ (| a|< 1), then
2 3
25. If one AM ‘A’ and two GM p and q be inserted
1 + ab + a 2b2 + a3 b3 + L ∞ is equal to between any two numbers, then the value of
xy x+ y p3 + q3 is
(a) (b)
x+ y−1 x+ y+1 2 pq
(a) (b) 2 Apq
x− y A
(c) (d) None of these
x− y+1
(c) 2 Ap2q 2 (d) None of these
1 1 1 1
15. + = + , then a , b, c are in 26. A square is drawn by joining mid-points of the
b− a b− c a c
sides of a square. Another square is drawn inside
(a) AP (b) GP (c) HP (d) None of these the second square in the same way and the
16. The value of x + y + z is 15, if a , x , y , z , b are in process is continued indefinitely. If, the side of
1 1 1 5 the first square is 16 cm, then what is the sum
AP while the value of + + is , if a , x , y , z , b of the areas of all the squares?
x y z 3
(a) 256 sq cm (b) 512 sq cm
are in HP. Then, a and b are
(c) 1024 sq cm (d) 512 / 3 sq cm
(a) 1, 9 (b) 3, 7
(c) 7, 3 (d) None of these 27. Let a , b and c be in an AP.
17. If ( m + 1)th, ( n + 1)th and (r + 1)th terms of an AP Consider the following statements
are in GP and m , n , r are in HP, then the ratio of 1 1 1
I. , and are in an AP.
the first term of the AP to its common difference ab ca bc
in terms of n is equal to 1 1 1
II. , and are in AP.
(a) n/2 (b) − n/2 (c) n/3 (d) − n/3 b+ c c+ a a + b
18. If the mth and nth term of a HP are n and m Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
respectively, then the mnth term is (a) Only I (b) Only II
1 (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d)
2
28. Let a , b, c be in AP and a 2 , b2 , c2 are in HP.
19. Two AM’s A1 and A2 , two GM’s G1 and G2 and
Consider the following statements.
two HM’s H 1 and H 2 are inserted between any
−1 I. a ≠ b ≠ c
two numbers, then H 1 + H 2−1 is equal to
II. − a / 2, b and c are in GP.
(a) A 1−1 + A 2−1 (b) G 1−1 + G 2−1
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
G 1G 2 A + A2
(c) (d) 1 (a) Only I (b) Only II
A1 + A 2 G 1G 2 (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
MATHEMATICS Sequences and Series 59

29. We have two series, one is AP, i.e. 12, 18, 24, … Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
and another is GP, i.e. 4, 8, 16, … . Now taking (a) Only I (b) Only II
first three terms of each and adding its (c) Both I and III (d) Both II and III
respective middle term to each term. Which
series results into an HP? Directions (Q. Nos. 35-36) Sides of the right angled
I. AP II. GP triangle are in AP with common difference d.
(a) Only I (b) Only II 35. The area of the triangle is
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II 1
(a) d 2 (b) 12d 2 (c) d 2 (d) 6d 2
30. If|x|< 1, then the sum of the series 2
1 + 2x + 3x 2 + 4x3 + ... ∞ will be 36. If sides of the triangle are three arithmetic
1 1 means between two numbers such that sum of
I. II.
(1 + x)2 (1 − x)2 the 5 numbers is 15, then sides of the triangle are
3 5 9 15 3 5 9 15
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (a) , 1, (b) , 3, (c) , 2, (d) , 6,
4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Directions (Q. Nos. 37-38) Let a, b, c be in GP and
31. If a, b, c are distinct positive real numbers and x, y be the AM’s between a, b and b, c respectively.
a 2 + b2 + c2 = 1. Then, ab + bc + ca is a c
37. The value of + is
I. equal to 1. II. less than 1. x y
III. greater than 1. (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 38. Consider the following statements
(a) Only II (b) Only III (c) Only I (d) None of these ( a + c )2
I. The sum of x and y is .
32. If the sum of first ‘n’ natural numbers is 2
n( n + 1) (a + b)2
. Then, what will be the sum of first ‘n’ II. The sum of x and y is .
2 2
terms of the series of alternate positive and Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
negative numbers when ‘n’ is even? (a) Only I (b) Only II
12 − 22 + 32 − 42 + 52 − K (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

n (n + 1) n 2(n + 1) − n (n + 1)
I. II. III. Directions (Q. Nos. 39-41) Given two series
2 2 2
S1 = 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + L 100 terms
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? and S 2 = 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 + L 100 terms.
(a) Only I (b) Only III (c) Only II (d) None of these
33. If general term of a GP with common ratio ‘r’ be 39. Find last term of series S1.
2100
tk + 1 and general term of another GP with (a) 2 98 (b) 2 99 (c) 2100 (d)
common ratio r be t ′ k + 1, then the series whose 2
general term tk′′ + 1 = tk + 1 + t ′ k + 1 is 40. Find the number of common terms in both of the
I. an AP with common difference ‘r’.
series.
(a) 4 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) 7
II. a GP with common ratio ‘r’.
III. a HP. 41. Find the sum of all the terms of series S 2.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (a) 14450 (b) 14590 (c) 14950 (d) 19450
(a) Only III (b) Only I
(c) Only II (d) Both II and III Directions (Q. Nos. 42-44) Read the following
information carefully and answer the question that
34. Let ‘a’ be the first term, ‘d’ be the common follow.
difference, S n denotes the sum of ‘n’ terms and ‘an ’ Consider a sequence whose sum to n terms is given
S
denotes the nth term of an AP, then m equals by quadratic function, S n = 3 n2 + 5n.
Sn
m2 42. The nature of the given series is
to 2 , when m ≠ n for some m, n ∈ N . The ratio (a) AP (b) GP (c) HP (d) AGP
n
am : an is 43. For the given sequence the number 5456 is the
m −1 2m − 1 4S m − a (a) (153)th term (b) (932)th term
I. II. III.
n −1 2n − 1 4S n − a (c) (707)th term (d) (909)th term
60 NDA/NA Pathfinder

44. Sum of the squares of the first 3 terms of the 54. The HM of two numbers is 4 and their AM and
given series is GM satisfy the relation 2 A + G 2 = 27, then the
(a) 100 (b) 660 (c) 799 (d) 1000 number are
Directions (Q. Nos. 45-47) Four different integers (a) − 3 and 1 (b) 5 and − 25 (c) 5 and 4 (d) 3 and 6
form an increasing AP. The largest number is equal
to the sum of the squares of the other three 55. If the ratio of AM between two positive real
numbers a and b to their HM is m : n, then a : b
numbers. Then,
is equal to
45. The smallest number is m− n + n n+ m− n
(a) (b)
(a) − 2 (b) 0 (c) − 1 (d) 2 m− n − n n− m− n
46. The common difference of the four number is m+ m− n m− n + m
(c) (d)
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 3 (d) 4 m− m− n m− n − m

47. The sum of all the four numbers is

(a) 10 (b) 8 (c) 2 (d) 6 PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS
Directions (Q. Nos. 48-51) The sum of n terms of an 56. What is the nth term of the sequence
AP is given by S n = pn + qn2, where p, q are 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, … ? e 2012 I
independent of n. (a) 2 n − 1 (b) 2 n + 1
(c) 4 n − 3 (d) None of these
48. The nth term of the AP is
(a) q + p(2 n − 1) (b) p + q (2 n − 1) 1
57. What does the series 1 + 3−1/ 2 + 3 + +L
(c) q + p(n − 1) (d) p + q (n − 1) 3 3
represent? e 2012 I
49. The common difference of the AP is (a) AP (b) GP (c) HP (d) None of these
(a) p + q (b) q (c) 2q (d) 2 p + 3q 1 1 1
58. What is the sum of the series 1 − + − +L?
2 4 8
50. If S1, S 2, S3 be the sum of n, 2n, 3n terms of AP, e 2012 I
then (a) 1/2 (b) 3/2 (c) 2 (d) 2/3
(a) 2S 2 − S 3 + S1 = pn (b) S 3 − (S 2 + S1 ) = 2qn2
59. If 1/4, 1/x and 1/10 are in HP, then what is the
(c) 2S 2 − S 3 + S1 = 3 pn (d) S 3 − (S 2 + S1 ) = 4qn2 value of x? e 2012 I
(a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8
51. If sum of 7 terms is 77 and 10 terms is 140.
Then sum of 13 terms is 60. If the sequence { S n } is a geometric progression and
(a) 221 (b) 208 (c) 351 (d) 195 S 2S11 = S pS 8, then what is the value of p? e 2012 I
(a) 1 (b) 3
Directions (Q. Nos. 52-55) If A, G and H are (c) 5 (d) Cannot be determined
respectively arithmetic, geometric and harmonic
61. If p, q and r are in AP as well as GP, then which
means between a and b both being unequal and one of the following is correct? e 2012 I
positive, then (a) p = q ≠ r (b) p ≠ q ≠ r (c) p ≠ q = r (d) p = q = r
a+b 2 ab
A= , G = ab and H = 62. What is the sum of first eight terms of the series
2 a+b 1 1 1
The equation having a and b as its roots is 1− + − +L?
2 4 8 e 2012 II
x 2 − 2 A x + G 2 = 0. 89 57 85
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
52. If the geometric and harmonic means of two 128 384 128
4 63. The angles of a triangle are in AP and the
numbers are 16 and 12 , then the ratio of one
5 least angle is 30°. What is the greatest angle
number to the other is (in radian)? e 2012 II
π π π
(a) 1 : 4 (b) 2 : 3 (a) (b) (c) (d) π
(c) 1 : 2 (d) 3 : 1 2 3 4

53. Two numbers whose arithmetic mean is 34 and Directions (Q. Nos. 64-65) The sum of first 10 terms
the geometric mean is 16 are and 20 terms of an AP are 120 and 440,
(a) 16, 16 (b) 64, 4 (c) 32, 36 (d) 48, 20 respectively. e 2012 II
MATHEMATICS Sequences and Series 61

64. What is its first term?

75. What is the value of b?
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
(a) −1 (b) 0 (c) 1
65. What is the common difference? (d) Cannot be determined due to insufficient data
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
76. f ′ ( a ), f ′ ( b), f ′ ( c) are in
66. If the numbers n − 3, 4n − 2 , 5n + 1 are in AP, (a) AP (b) GP (c) HP
what is the value of n? e 2013 I (d) Arithmetico-geometric progression
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
67. What is the seventh term of the sequence 77. f ′ ′ ( a ), f ′ ′ ( b), f ′ ′ ( c) are
(a) in AP only (b) in GP only
0, 3, 8, 15, 24 ? e 2013 II
(c) in both AP and GP (d) Neither in AP nor in GP
(a) 63 (b) 48 (c) 35 (d) 33
68. The sum of the first five terms and the sum of 78. If log10 2, log10( 2 x − 1) and log10( 2x + 3) are
the first ten terms of an AP are same. Which three consecutive terms of an AP, then the value
one of the following is the correct statement? of x is e 2015 I

(a) The first terms must be negative e 2013 II (a) 1 (b) log 5 2 (c) log 2 5 (d) log10 5
(b) The common difference must be negative 79. What is the sum of the series
(c) Either the first term or the common difference is 0 . 5 + 0 . 55 + 0 . 555 + K + n terms? e 2015 I
negative but not both
(a)  n −  1 − n   (b)  5 −  1 − n  
5 2 1 1 2 1
(d) Both the first term and the common difference are
negative 9  9 10   9  9 10  

n −  1 − n   n −  1 − n  
1 5 1 5 1 1
69. What is 0.9 + 0.09 + 0.009 + L equal to? e 2013 II (c) (d)
9  9 10   9  9 10  
(a) 1 (b) 1.01 (c) 1.001 (d) 1.1
70. If the positive integers a, b, c and d are in AP, 80. The value of the infinite product
1 1 3 1
then the numbers abc, abd, acd and bcd are in 6 2 × 6 2 × 6 8 × 6 4 × ... is e 2015 II
e 2013 II
(a) 6 (b) 36 (c) 216 (d) ∞
(a) HP (b) AP (c) GP (d) None of these 3+ n
81. If the nth term of an AP is , then the sum
71. The sum of an infinite GP is x and the common 4
ratio r is such that |r|< 1. If the first term of of first 105 terms is e 2015 II
the GP is 2, then which one of the following is (a) 270 (b) 735 (c) 1409 (d) 1470
correct? e 2014 I
82. What is the sum of n terms of the series
(a) −1 < x < 1 (b) − ∞ < x < 1 2 + 8 + 18 + 32 + L ? e 2015 II
(c) 1< x < ∞ (d) None of these n(n − 1)
(a) (b) 2 n (n + 1)
72. The sum of the series formed by the sequence 2
n(n + 1) n(n − 1)
3, 3, 1, ... upto infinity is e 2014 I (c) (d)
2 2
3 3 ( 3 + 1) 3 3 ( 3 − 1)
(a) (b) 83. If p, q, r are in one geometric progression and
2 2
3( 3 + 1) 3( 3 − 1)
a, b, c are in another geometric progression, then
(c) (d) ap, bq, cr are in e 2015 II
2 2 (a) AP (b) GP
(c) HP (d) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 73-74) Let S n denotes the sum of
first n terms of an AP and 3S n = S 2n. e 2014 II Directions (Q. Nos. 84-85) Given that
log x y, log z x , log y z are in GP, xyz = 64 and
73. What is S3 n : S n equal to?
(a) 4 : 1 (b) 6 : 1 (c) 8 : 1 (d) 10 : 1 x 3, y3, z 3 are in AP. e 2016 I

74. What is S3 n : S 2n equal to? 84. Which one of the following is correct?
x, y and z are
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 3 : 1 (c) 4 : 1 (d) 5 : 1 (a) in AP only (b) in GP only
(c) in both AP and GP (d) Neither in AP nor in GP
Directions (Q. Nos. 75-77) Read the following
information carefully and answer these question 85. Which one of the following is correct?
given below. xy, yz and zx are
Let f ( x ) = ax 2 + bx + c such that f (1) = f ( −1) and a, b, c (a) in AP only (b) in GP only
are in Arithmetic Progression (AP). e 2014 II (c) in both AP and GP (d) Neither in AP nor in GP
62 NDA/NA Pathfinder

ANSWERS
1 a 2 b 3 a 4 c 5 c 6 a 7 c 8 d 9 b 10 a
11 c 12 c 13 b 14 a 15 c 16 a 17 b 18 b 19 d 20 b
21 d 22 a 23 c 24 b 25 b 26 b 27 c 28 b 29 b 30 b
31 a 32 b 33 c 34 d 35 d 36 b 37 b 38 a 39 b 40 b
41 c 42 a 43 d 44 b 45 c 46 b 47 c 48 b 49 c 50 d
51 a 52 a 53 b 54 d 55 c 56 c 57 d 58 d 59 c 60 c
61 d 62 c 63 a 64 b 65 b 66 a 67 b 68 c 69 a 70 a
71 c 72 a 73 b 74 a 75 b 76 a 77 c 78 c 79 d 80 b
81 d 82 c 83 b 84 c 85 c

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (a) 7. (c) Let Sn = an( n − 1), then x −1 y−1
∴ a= , b=
2. (b) Q Tm = Sm − Sm − 1 x y
S = a ( n − 1)( n − 2)
n −1
⇒ 164 = 3 ( 2m − 1) + 5 ⋅ 1 ⇒ 6m = 162 ∴ Tn = Sn − S = 2a ( n − 1) ∴ 1 + ab + a 2 b 2 + … ∞
n −1
∴ m = 27 1 1
Tn 2 = 4a 2 ( n − 1) 2 = =
m + n −1
( n − 1)( n)( 2n − 1) 1 − ab 1 − ( x − 1)( y − 1)
3. (a) T = ar = p,
m + n ∴ Sum = ΣTn2 = 4a 2 xy
Tm − n = ar m − n − 1 = q 6 xy
On multiplying, we get a 2 r 2 m − 2 = pq 2a 2 n( n − 1)( 2n − 1) =
= x + y−1
∴ Tm = ar m − 1 = pq 3
1 3 7 15 15. (c)
4. (c) + + + + ... + n terms 8. (d)
2 4 8 16 9. (b) Let r be the common ratio of GP, 16. (a) Q a, x, y, z, b are in AP.
a + b  a + b
=  1 −  +  1 −  +  1 −  ∴ x + y + z = 3 
1 1 1 then  ⇒ 15 = 3 
 2  4  8 S=
a
, r = 1−
a  2   2 
1− r S
+ ... +  1 − n  ⇒ a + b = 10
1 …(i)
 2  a( 1 − r n ) a
∴ Sn = = (1 − rn ) Also, a , x , y , z , b are in HP.
1− r 1− r
= n −  + + + ... + n 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
n ⇒ , , , , are in AP.
 a 
2 4 8 2  = S  1 −  1 −   a x y z b
  S 
1  1 − ( 1 / 2)n  a + b
+ + = 3
−n 1 1 1
= n−   = n+ 2 − 1 ⇒ 
2  1− 1/ 2  10. (a) 11. (c) x y z  2ab 
1 ⇒
5. (c) Middle term = T 12. (c) Q , a, b are in GP.
n+1 16 5 3 × 10
2 = [Q a + b = 10]
1 3 2ab
n+ 1 ⇒ a2 = × b ⇒ b = 16a 2
∴ a +  − 1 d = m
…(i)
[given]
 2  16 ⇒ ab = 9
1
2a + ( n − 1) d = 2m …(i) Also, a, b, are in HP. On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
n 6 a = 1, b = 9 or b = 1, a = 9
Now, Sn = [ 2a + ( n − 1) d ] = nm 1 1 2 1
2 ⇒ , , 6 are in AP. ⇒ =6+
a b b a 17. (b) Let the first term of AP be a and
6. (a) The given sequence is arithmetico- 2 6a + 1 common difference be d, then
1 ⇒ = ⇒ 8a ( 6a + 1) = 1
geometric series, where r = and d = 1 16a 2 a t = a + md , t = a + nd
5 m +1 n+1
−1 1 and t = a + rd
S∞ =
a
+
dr ⇒ 48a 2 + 8a − 1 = 0 ⇒ a = , r +1
1 − r ( 1 − r )2 4 12 Also, m, n, r in HP.
1 1 2mr
1×
1 ∴ a = − and b = 1 and a = ⇒ n = …(i)
1 5 4 12 m+ r
= + 2 1
1  and b =
1 − 
1− 1 Given, t ,t ,t are in GP.
5   9 m +1 n+1 r +1
5
5 5 25 13. (b) ⇒ ( a + nd ) = ( a + md )( a + rd )
2
= + = ⇒ a 2 + n2 d 2 + 2and
4 16 16 1 1
14. (a) x = , y= = a 2 + ad (m + r ) + mrd 2
1− a 1− b
MATHEMATICS Sequences and Series 63

⇒ n2  d 2 +
2ad  2mr t = a + ( p − 1)d
 = ad × + mrd 2 G
p B
 n 
A
n ⇒ t q = a + ( q − 1)d L K
⇒ n2  d 2 +
2ad 
= mr  + d2
2ad Given,
 n   n  p [ a + ( p − 1)d ] = q [ a + ( q − 1)d ] H F

⇒ ( n − mr ) d +
2 2 2ad 
=0 ⇒ ap + p 2 d − pd = aq + q 2 d − qd
 n  ⇒ ap − aq = d [ q 2 − q − p 2 + p ] I J
2ad a n ⇒ a[ p − q ] = d [( q − p )( q + p − 1)]
⇒ n2 = mr or d 2 = − ⇒ =− D E C
n d 2 ⇒ a( q − p ) + d ( q − p )( q + p − 1) = 0
∴ Required sum
18. (b) Let a be the first term and d the ⇒ ( q − p )[ a + d ( q + p − 1)] = 0 1 1
common difference of corresponding ⇒ q − p = 0 or a + d ( q + p − 1) = 0 = 162 + ( 16)2 + ( 16)2 + …∞
2 4
AP. ⇒ t =0
= ( 16)2  1 + + + … ∞ 
p + q 1 1
mth and nth term of HP are n and m.
1 1 22. (a) a , 2a + 2, 3a + 3 are in GP.  2 4 
So, mth and nth terms of AP are and . ⇒ ( 2 a + 2 ) 2 = (3 a + 3 )a
n m  
⇒ 4a + 4 + 8a = 3a 2 + 3a
2  1 
1 = 162   = 512 sq cm
∴ = a + (m − 1)d …(i)
n ⇒ a 2 + 5a + 4 = 0 ⇒ a = −1, − 4  1 − 1
1  2
and = a + ( n − 1)d …(ii) Now, a = −1 does not satisfy the given
m series. 1 1 1
27. (c) Let , , are in AP.
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get ∴ −4, − 6, − 9 are in GP. ab ca bc
1 1 3 1 1 1 1 b−c a−b
⇒ − = − ⇒ =
d = and a = t = −4  
3
∴ ca ab bc ca abc abc
mn mn 4  2
∴mnth term of AP ⇒ b − c = a − b ⇒ 2b = a + c
= −13.5
1 1 So, a , b , c are in AP.
= + (mn − 1) ×
mn mn 23. (c) 1 1 1
Now, , , are
∴mnth term of HP = 1 b+ c c+ a a+ b
24. (b) Since, abc = 1
19. (d) Sum ofn AM’s = n × single AM in AP.
As, we know AM ≥ GM 2 1 1
a + b ∴ = +
∴ A + A = 2   = a + b …(i) ⇒
1+ a
≥ a c+ a b + c a + b
1 2  2 
2 ⇒ 2 ( b + c) ( a + b)
Product of n GM’s = (single GM) n ⇒ 1+ a≥ 2 a …(i)
= ( c + a) ( a + 2 b + c)
G G = ( ab )2 = ab …(ii) Similarly, 1 + b ≥ 2 b …(ii)
1 2 ⇒ 2b = a + c
1 1 1 1 and 1+ c≥ 2 c …(iii)
, , , are in AP. So, a , b , c are in AP.
a H H b On multiplying Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii),
1 2 we get Hence, both the statements are correct.
1 1 1 1 a+ b a+ c
∴ + = + = ( 1 + a )( 1 + b )( 1 + c ) ≥ 8 abc 28. (b) Given, b = …(i)
H H a b ab 2
1 2 ∴ Least value of
[from Eq. (i)] 2a 2 c 2
( 1 + a )( 1 + b )( 1 + c ) = 8 b2 = 2 …(ii)
−1 −1 A + A a + c2
⇒H + H = 1 2
1 2 25. (b) A is the arithmetic mean of a and b. From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
GG
1 2
a+ b ( a + c )2 2a 2 c 2
[from Eqs. (i) and (ii)] ∴ A= = 2
2 4 a + c2
20. (b) Given, series can be rewritten as p and q are two geometric means between
77 37 71 ⇒ ( a + c + 2ac )( a 2 + c 2 ) = 8a 2 c 2
2 2

20, , , ,… a and b.
4 2 4 1/3 ⇒ ( a 2 + c 2 )2 + 2ac ( a 2 + c 2 )
∴ p = a  
b
= a 2 / 3 ⋅ b1 / 3 + a 2 c 2 = 9a 2 c 2
This is an AP series.  a
3 ⇒ ( a + c + ac ) = 9a c
2 2 2 2 2
Here, a = 20 and d = − 2/3
and q = a  
b
4 = a1 / 3 b 2 / 3 ⇒ a 2 + c 2 + ac = ±3ac
 a
∴ Tn = a + ( n − 1) d ∴ either a 2 + c 2 = 2ac
⇒ p 3 + q 3 = a 2 b + ab 2 = ab( a + b ) ⇒ ( a − c )2 = 0 ⇒ a = c ⇒ a = b = c
= 20 + ( n − 1)  −  =
3 83 3
− n = 2 Aab = 2 Apq
 4 4 4 [from Eq. (i)]
For first negative term, Tn < 0 26. (b) Given, AB = 16 cm or a 2 + c 2 + ac = −3ac
83 3
⇒ − n < 0 ⇒ 83 < 3n ⇒ n >
83
∴ HG = 8 2 =
16
cm ⇒ ( a + c )2 = −2ac
4 4 3 2 ⇒ 4b 2 = −2ac
So, n should be 28. 16 ⇒ 2b 2 = − ac
Similarly, KL = ( 4 2 ) 2 = cm [from Eq. (i)]
2 a
Hence, 28th term is first negative term. ∴ − , b, c are in GP.
2
21. (d) Let a be the first term and d be Thus, only Statement II is correct.
common difference of AP, then
64 NDA/NA Pathfinder

m
29. (b ) Given, 12, 18, 24 are is AP. Now, Sn = [ 2a + (m − 1)2a ] = am 2 39. (b) Last term of series
2
If 18 is added to each term, then the Sm S = 1 × 2100 − 1 = 299
series is ( 12 + 18), ( 18 + 18), ( 24 + 18) ⇒ m= 1

or 30, 36, 42 which is in AP. a 40. (b) For as S (i.e. GP) Tn = 2n − 1

1
Also, 4, 8, 16 are in GP. Sn For as S (i.e. AP)
Similarly, n = 2
If 8 is added to each term, then series is a Tm = 1 + (m − 1) 3 = 3m − 2
12, 16, 24 which is in HP am a + (m − 1)d 4S m − a They are common, if 2n − 1 = 3m − 2
∴ = = 3m
Hence, Statement II is correct. an a + ( n − 1)d 4S n − a ⇒ 2n − 2 + 1 = ≤ 150
30. (b) The given series is an AGP. 2
Let S = 1 + 2x + 3x 2 + K ∞ …(i)
35. (d) Let the sides of triangle in increasing ⇒ n ≤ 9, m ≤ 100
form be ( a − d ), a , ( a + d ). As, 2n − 1 = 3m − 2
⇒ x ⋅ S = x + 2x 2 + 3x 3 + K ∞ …(ii)
∴( a + d )2 = ( a − d )2 + a 2 ∴ ( n = 1, m = 1), ( n = 3, m = 2),
On subtracting Eq. (ii) from Eq. (i),
⇒ a 2 + d 2 + 2ad ( n = 5, m = 6), ( n = 7, m = 22),
we get
1 = a 2 + d 2 − 2ad + a 2 ( n = 9, m = 86),
(1 − x ) S = 1 + x + x 2 + K ∞ = ⇒ a 2 − 4ad = 0 4d

5d
1− x and for n = 2, 4, 6, 8 ; m is a fraction
1 ⇒ a( a − 4d ) = 0 which is not possible.
∴ S= 3d
( 1 − x )2 ⇒ a = 4d [Q a ≠ 0] Hence, number of common terms = 5
∴ Sides of triangle are 3d, 4d and 5d.
31. (a) Since, a and b are unequal. 1 41. (c) Sum of 100 terms of series S
a2 + b2 ∴ Area of triangle = × 3d × 4d = 6d 2 100
2
∴ > a2b2 2 = [ 2 × 1 + ( 100 − 1) × 3]
2 2
36. (b) Since, 3d, 4d and 5d are three
[Q AM > GM for unequal numbers] arithmetic means between two numbers = 50 [ 2 + 99 × 3] = 50 × 299 = 14950
⇒ a 2 + b 2 > 2ab …(i) say x and y. 42. (a) Q Sn = 3n2 + 5n
Similarly, b 2 + c 2 > 2ac …(ii) ∴ x, 3d, 4d, 5d, y are in AP. ∴ Tn = Sn − S
n −1
and c 2 + a 2 > 2ca …(iii) ⇒ x = 2 × (3 d ) − 4 d = 2 d = (3n2 + 5n) − [3( n − 1)2 + 5( n − 1)]
and y = 2 × (5d ) − 4d = 6d
On adding Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii), we get = (3n2 + 5n) − [3( n2 + 1 − 2n) + 5n − 5]
Sum of AP = 15 = 3 n2 + 5 n − 3 n2 − 3 + 6 n − 5 n + 5
2( a 2 + b 2 + c 2 ) > 2( ab + bc + ca ) ⇒ 2d + 3d + 4d + 5d + 6d = 15 = ( 6n + 2)
⇒ ab + bc + ca < 1 [Q a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 1] 3
⇒ 20d = 15 ⇒ d = The nth term is a linear function in n.
4 Hence, sequence must be an AP.
32. (b) When ‘n’ is even. 9 15
∴ Sides of triangle are , 3, .
Let n = 2m, then 4 4 43. (d) Given,
= 12 − 22 + 32 − 42 + 52 − K a+ b b+c T n = 5456
37. (b) Given, x = and y =
= ( 12 − 22 ) + (32 − 42 ) + (52 − 62 ) 2 2 ⇒ 6n + 2 = 5456
+ K + ( 2m − 1)2 − ( 2m )2 Also, a, b, c, are in GP ⇒ 6n = 5454 ⇒ n = 909
= ( 1 + 2)( 1 − 1) + (3 + 4)( − 1) ⇒ b 2 = ac ∴ The number 5456 is (909)th term.
a c a c
+ (5 + 6)( − 1) + K Now, + = + 44. (b) T 2 + T 2 + T 2
x y a+ b b+c 1 2 3
+ ( 2m − 1 + 2m )( − 1)
2 2 = (8)2 + ( 14)2 + ( 20)2
= − ( 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ... + 2m ) 2a 2c 2ab + 2ac + 2ac + 2bc
= + = = 64 + 196 + 400 = 660
= −2m( 2m + 1) = − n ( n + 1) a+ b b+ c ( a + b )( b + c )
2 2 Sol. (Q. Nos. 45-47) Let four integers be a − d ,
2[ ab + 2ac + bc ] a, a + d and a + 2d .
33. (c) Here, t = ar , t ′
k
= br k =
k +1 k +1 ab + ac + b 2 + bc where, a and d are integers and d > 0
∴ t ′′ =t + t′ 2[ ab + 2ac + bc ]
k +1 k +1 k +1 = = 2 [Q b 2 = ac] Q a + 2d = ( a − d )2 + a 2 + ( a + d )2
ab + ac + ac + bc
= ar + br = r ( a + b )
k k k ⇒ 2d 2 − 2d + 3a 2 − a = 0 …(i)
a+ b b+ c 1
which is also a GP. 38. (a) x + y = + ∴ d = [ 1 ± 1 + 2a − 6a ] 2 …(ii)
m 2 2 2
{ 2a + (m − 1)d } a + 2b + c a + 2 a c + c
S m2 = = Since, d is positive integer.
34. (d) m = 2n = 2 2 2
Sn { 2a + ( n − 1)d } n ∴ 1 + 2a − 6a 2 > 0
2 ( a + c )2
= 6a 2 − 2a − 1 < 0
m − 1
a + 
2
d 1− 7 1+ 7
 2  m ∴ Statement I is correct. ⇒ < a<
⇒ = b2 6 6
 n − 1 n a + 2b +
a+  d a + 2b + c Q a is an integer.
 2  Also, x + y = = a
d 2 2 ∴ a = 0 put in Eq. (ii)
⇒ a( n − m ) = {mn − m − mn + n} a 2 + 2ab + b 2 ( a + b )2 ∴ d = 1 or 0 but Eq. (ii) Q d > 0
2 = =
d 2a 2a ∴d = 1
⇒ a = ⇒ d = 2a [Qm ≠ n] ∴ Statement II is not correct.
2 So, the four numbers are − 1, 0, 1, 2.
MATHEMATICS Sequences and Series 65

45. (c) The smallest number is − 1. 55. (c) A = mλ, H = nλ 1 1 1

62. (c) Given series is 1 − + − +L
∴G 2 = AH = mnλ2 2 4 8
46. (b) Common difference = 0 − ( − 1) = 1
Qa, b are the roots of Since, it is a geometric progression.
47. (c) Sum of all the four numbers Here, first term, a = 1
x 2 − ( a + b )x + ab = 0
= − 1+ 0 + 1+ 2 = 2 and common ratio, r = − < 1
1
⇒ x 2 − 2 Ax + G 2 = 0
2
48. (b ) Q Sn = pn + qn2 ⇒ x − 2mλ + mnλ2 = 0
2
∴ Sum of first eight terms of the series,
∴ Tn = Sn − S
x = 2mλ ± 4m λ − 4mnλ
2 2 2
n −1 ∴ a (1 − r8 )
i.e. S =
= ( pn + qn ) − { p( n − 1) + q( n − 1) }
2 2 2 8
( 1 − r)
= pn + qn2 − { pn − p + qn2 + q − 2qn} = λ m( m ± m − n )  a( 1 − rn ) 
= p + q( 2n − 1) a m + m−n  by formula , Sn = , when r < 1
⇒ = 1− r
m − m−n  
b  
49. (c) Common difference = Tn − T
n −1 56. (c) 8
 1 
= p + q( 2n − 1) − [ p + q { 2( n − 1) − 1}] 57. (d) Given series is 1 1 −  −   1 − 1
= p + 2qn − q − { p + 2qn − 3q } = 2q 1 1  2
1+ +3+ +L =  = 256 = 85
3 3 3 
1 − − 
1 1+
1 128
50. (d) S = pn + qn2 , S = 2 pn + 4qn2 Here, between each two consecutive  2 2
1 2
and S = 3 pn + 9qn2 terms, no common difference and
3
common ratio are form. 63. (a) Let the angles of triangle be a,
∴ 2S − S + S = 2( 2 pn + 4qn2 ) a + d and a + 2d .
2 3 1 Hence, the given series does not form
− (3 pn + 9qn2 ) + ( pn + qn2 ) = 2 pn any series. Given, a = 30°
1 1 1 Q a + a + d + a + 2d = 180°
and S − ( S − S ) = (3 pn + 9qn2 ) 58. (d ) Given series is 1 − + − + ...
3 2 1 2 4 8 ∴ 3 a + 3 d = 180°
− ( 2 pn + 4qn2 ) − ( pn + qn2 ) = 4qn2 which form a GP with common ratio ⇒ 3 × 30° + 3 d = 180°
51. (a) Sum of 7 terms, S = 7 p + 49q = 77  − 1. ⇒ 3 d = 90° ⇒ d = 30°
 
7  2 ∴Angles of triangle are 30°, 60° and 90°.
⇒ p + 7q = 11 …(i)
∴ Sum of infinite term of GP π
Also, sum of 10 terms, Hence, the greatest angle = 90° =
a 1 1 2 2
S = 10 p + 100q = 140 = = = =
10 1 − r 1 −  − 1  1 + 1 /2 3 Sol. (Q. Nos. 64-65) Let the first term of an AP
⇒ p + 10q = 14 …(ii)  
 2 is a and common difference is d.
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
59. (c) Given that, 1/4, 1/x and 1/10 are in Given, S = 120 and S = 440
p = 4 and q = 1 HP.
10 n 20
Q Sn = [ 2a + ( n − 1) d ]
∴ S = 13 p + 169q ⇒ 4, x and 10 are in AP, then 2
13
= 13( 4) + 169( 1) = 221 2x = 4 + 10 ⇒ x = 7 ∴ S =
10
[ 2a + ( 10 − 1) d ]
10
2
52. (a) ab = 16 ⇒ ab = 162 = 8 × 32 60. (c) We know that, in a GP the product of
2ab 4 2 × 256 64 two terms equidistant from the beginning ⇒ 120 = 5( 2 a + 9 d )
and = 12 ⇒ =
a+ b 5 a+ b 5 and end is a constant and is equal to the ⇒ 2a + 9 d = 24 ...(i)
product of first term and last term, i.e. if 20
⇒ a + b = 40 = 8 + 32 and S = [ 2a + ( 20 − 1) d ]
20
a 8 1 a , a , a ,..., a ,( a ) an are in GP, 2
∴ = = ⇒ a : b = 1: 4 1 2 2 (n − 2 ) n −1
b 32 4 then a an = a a =a a =K ⇒ 440 = 10 ( 2a + 19 d )
1 2 n −1 3 n− 2
a+ b Given that, ⇒ 2a + 19 d = 44 ...(ii)
53. (b) AM = 34 ⇒ = 34
2 S S = S S ⇒ ( p + 8) = ( 2 + 11) On solving Eq. (i) and Eq. (ii), we get
2 11 p 8
a = 3 and d = 2
⇒ a + b = 68 …(i) ∴ p = 13 − 8 = 5
and GM = 16 ⇒ ab = 16 ⇒ ab = 256 64. (b) 65. (b)
61. (d ) Given that, p, q and r are in AP.
∴ ( a − b )2 = ( a + b )2 − 4ab ∴ 2q = p + r ...(i) 66. (a) Given that, ( n − 3), ( 4n − 2), (5n + 1)
⇒ ( a − b )2 = ( 68)2 − 4 × 256 = 3600 are in AP.
As well as are in GP.
⇒ a − b = 60 …(ii) ∴( 4n − 2) − ( n − 3) = (5n + 1) − ( 4n − 2)
∴ q 2 = pr ...(ii)
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get ⇒3n + 1= n + 3 ⇒3n − n = 3 − 1 ⇒ 2n = 2
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
a = 64 and b = 4 ∴ n=1
p + r = 2 pr
54. (d) We have, H = 4, G 2 = AH ⇒ ( p )2 − 2 p ⋅ r + ( r )2 = 0 67. (b) Given pattern is
⇒ 2 A + G 2 = 27 ⇒ 2 A + AH = 27 ⇒ ( p − r )2 = 0
0 3 8 15 24
9
⇒ 6 A = 27 ⇒ A = ⇒ p = r ⇒ p= r ...(iii) 3 5 7 9
2
From Eq. (ii), we get ∴ Sixth term = 24 + 11 = 35
∴ G 2 = 18 and seventh term = 35 + ( 11 + 2) = 48
q2 = r ⋅ r = r2 ⇒ q = r ...(iv)
∴ a + b = 9 and ab = 18 Now, from Eqs. (iii) and (iv), we get 68. (c) Let a be the first term and d be the
⇒ a = 3, b = 6 or a = 6, b = 3 p=q=r
common difference of an AP.
66 NDA/NA Pathfinder

10  10 −
n
Given, S =S S 6 n2 d 1
5 10 74. (a) 3n = = 2: 1 =
5n
−
5
×  
5 10 S 3 n2 d 9  10n
⇒ ( 2a + 4d ) = ( 2a + 9d ) 2n 9 90
 
2 2
=  n −  1 − n  
75. (b) We have, 5 1 1
⇒ a + 2 d = 2a + 9d ⇒ a + 7d = 0 9  9 10  
f ( x ) = ax 2 + bx + c
∴ a = − 7d ...(i)
f ( 1) = a + b + c 1 1 3 1
Thus, the series is and f ( −1) = a − b + c 80. (b) 6 2 × 6 2 × 6 8 × 6 4 ×... ∞
−7d , − 6d , − 5d , − 4d , − 3d ,... ∴ f ( 1) = f ( −1) 1 1 3 1 1 2 3
(1 + + +
4
+ ... )
+ + + + ... ∞
Hence, either the first term or the ⇒a+ b+ c = a− b+ c = 62 2 8 4 = 62 2 22 23
common difference is negative but not ⇒ b = 0 2 3 4
Let S = 1 + + 2 + 3 + ..., then
both. 2 2 2
76. (a) We have, f ′( x ) = 2ax + b 1 1 2 3
69. (a)
∴ f ′( a ) = 2a 2 , f ′( b ) = 2ab = 0 S = + 2 + 3 +....
2 2 2 2
70. (a)a, b, c, d are in AP. and f ′( c ) = 2ac [Qb = 0] 1 1 1 1
a b c d Now, S − S = 1 + + 2 + 3 + .....
⇒ , , , are in AP. ∴ f ′( a ) = 2a 2 , f ′( b ) = 0 2 2 2 2
abcd abcd abcd abcd
and f ′( c ) = − 2a 2 ⇒
1
S=
1
= 2⇒S = 4
1 1 1 1
⇒ , , , are in AP. [Q 2b = a + c ⇒ c = − a] 2 1
bcd acd abd abc 1−
Hence, f ′( a ), f ′( b ) and f ′( c ) are in AP. 2
⇒ bcd , acd , abd , abc are in HP. 1 1 3 1
77. (c) f ′′( x ) = 2a ∴ 6 2 × 6 2 × 6 8 × 6 4 ... ∞
71 (c) Given that,
sum of an infinite GP = x ⇒
a
=x ∴ f ′′ ( a ) = f ′′ ( b ) = f ′′ ( c ) 1
×4

1− r = 62 = 36
Hence, f ′′ ( a ), f ′′ ( b ) and f ′′( c ) are in
⇒
2
=x 3+ n
…(i) both AP and GP. 81. (d) We have, t n =
1− r 4
[Q given that, a = 2 and |r | < 1 ] 78. (c) 4 + ( n − 1) 1
⇒ tn = = 1 + ( n − 1)
Q |r | < 1 ⇒ − 1 < r < 1 . + 055
79. (d) 05 . + 0555
. + K n terms 4 4
⇒ 1> − r > − 1 ⇒ 1 + 1> 1 − r > 1 − 1 1
=
5
+
55
+
555
+ K n terms ∴First term = 1, Common difference =
⇒ 0 < 1 − r < 2 ⇒ ( 1 − r) < 2 10 100 1000 4
105 
2 + 104 ×  = 1470
5  1
+ K n terms  ∴S =
1 1 2 11 111
⇒ > ⇒ >1 = 1+ +
1− r 2 1− r 10  10 100 
105 2  4 
⇒ x>1
+ K n terms 
[from Eq. (i)] 5 1 99 999 82. (c) We have,
= × 9+ +
Hence, x ∈ ( 1, ∞ ), i.e. 1 < x < ∞. 10 9   2 + 2 2 + 3 2 + 4 2 + L n terms
10 100 
72. (a) 5  (102 − 1) = 2 [ 1 + 2 + 3 + 4+ .... n terms ]
= (10 − 1) + n ( n + 1)  n( n + 1)
73. (b) We have, 90  10 = 2 =
 2  2
Sn = Sum of first n terms of an AP (103 − 1) 
+ +K n terms 
∴
n
Sn = [ 2a + ( n − 1) d ] 102  83. (b)
2 5  102 103  Sol. (Q. Nos. 84-85)
2n =  10 + + + K n terms 
Similarly, S = [ 2a + ( 2n − 1) d ] 90  10 102  Given, log x y , log z x , log y z are in GP.
2n
2 5  1 1 1 ⇒ (log z x )2 = log x y × log y z
3n + −1 − − −
and S =
3n
[ 2a + (3n − 1) d ] 90  10 10−2 10−3 1
2 = log x z =
3 Sn = S − K n terms  log z x
Now, 
2n 
 n
⇒ 3   [ 2a + ( n − 1) d ] 5 ⇒ (log z x )3 = 1 ⇒ log z x = 1 ⇒ x = z
 2 = [10 + 10 + 10 + K n terms]
90 Now, x 3 , y 3 , z 3 are in AP.
= 2   [ 2a + ( 2n − 1) d ]
n
+ ( −1)  1 +
5 1 1 1
 2 + + ∴ 2 y 3 = x 3 + z3 ⇒ 2 y 3 = z3 + z3
90  10 102 103
⇒ 2a = d ( n + 1) ⇒ y 3 = z3 ⇒ y = z [Qx = z ]
n
∴ Sn = [ d ( n + 1) + d ( n − 1)] = n2 d + K n terms  ∴ x = y =z

2 
n Also, xyz = 64 ⇒ xyz = 43
⇒ S = n [ d ( n + 1 + 2n − 1)] = 3n2 d   1 
1−    ⇒ x = y =z= 4
5 
2n
3n
and S = [ d ( n + 1 + 3n − 1)] = 6n2 d 5  10 
3n = × 10n −  
2 90 90  1 − 1  84. (c) x, y, z are in both AP and GP.
S 6 n2 d  10  85. (c) xy, yz and zx are in both AP and GP.
∴ 3n = 2 = 6 : 1
Sn n d
06
MATHEMATICS Decimal Fractions 67

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
AND INEQUALITIES
In NDA exam, generally 4-6 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on nature of
roots, finding roots in different conditions, find equation when roots are given and solving in
equations etc.

When we equate quadratic polynomial of the form ( ax 2 + bx + c ) equal to zero we get a quadratic
equation, where a, b and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

POLYNOMIAL AND POLYNOMIAL EQUATION

An expression of the form a 0 x n + a1 x n− 2 + …+ a n−1 x + a n where a 0 , a1 , a 2 . . . a n are constant ( a ≠ 0 ) and
n is a positive integer is called a polynomial in x of degree n.
If f ( x) is a real or complex polynomial, then f ( x) = 0 is known as a polynomial equation.
e.g. If x 2 + 3x + 2 is a real polynomial, then x 2 + 3x + 2 = 0 is a polynomial equation.

QUADRATIC EQUATION
If f ( x) is a polynomial of degree 2, then f ( x) = 0 is called a quadratic equation. The general form of a
quadratic equation is ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0. Here, x is the
variable and a, b, c are the real coefficients.

Roots of a Quadratic Equation

The values of the variable satisfying the given quadratic equation are called roots of that equation. In
other words, x = α is a root of the equation, f ( x) = 0, if f (α ) = 0.
The set of all roots of an equation, in a given domain, is called the solution set of the equation. The
quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, c ∈ R and a ≠ 0 has two roots, namely
− b+ D − b− D
α= and β =
2a 2a
where, D = b 2 − 4ac is called the discriminant.

Note If one of the root of the quadratic equation is a + ib or a + b , then the other root will be a − ib or a − b.
68 NDA/NA Pathfinder

EXAMPLE 1. If x 2 + x − 6 is a factor of polynomial EXAMPLE 2. If the equation

x 3 + Px 2 + Q then the values of P and Q are respectively (3 x ) 2 + (27 × 31/p − 15) x + 4 = 0
a. 8 and 17 b. 7 and −36 c. − 9 and 4 d. −5 and 14 has equal roots, then p is equal to
1
a. 0 b. 2 c. −
d. None of these
Sol. b. Let P( x) = x 3 + Px 2 + Q 2
Sol. c. The given equation will have equal roots iff
Since, x 2 + x − 6 is a factor of P( x). discriminant = 0
∴ Roots of x 2 + x − 6 = 0 satisfy the equation P( x) = 0. ⇒ ( 27 × 31/ p − 15) 2 − 4 × 9 × 4 = 0 [Q D = b2 − 4ac]
Now, x + x −6 =0
2
⇒ ( 27 × 31/ p − 15) 2 − 144 = 0
⇒ x 2 + 3x − 2x − 6 = 0
⇒ ( 27 × 31/ p − 15) 2 = 144 ⇒ 27 × 31/p − 15 = ± 12
⇒ ( x + 3) ( x − 2) = 0
⇒ 27 × 31/p = 27 or 27 × 31/p = 3
⇒ x = − 3, 2
1 1 1
∴ P ( −3) = 0 ⇒ − 27 + 9P + Q = 0…(i) ⇒ = 3−2 ⇒
31/p = 1 or 31/p = = 0 or =−2
9 p p
and P ( 2) = 0 ⇒ 8 + 4P + Q = 0…(ii) 1 1
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get P = 7 and Q = − 36 But, cannot be zero. So, p = −
p 2

Nature of the Roots of a Relation between Roots and

Quadratic Equation Coefficients
Let the quadratic equation be ax 2 + bx + c = 0, a, b, c ∈ R
1. Quadratic equation Consider the quadratic
and a ≠ 0. The nature of the roots of a quadratic equation
equation is decided by discriminant (i.e. D = b 2 − 4ac ) ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, c ∈ R and a ≠ 0
(i) If b 2 − 4ac > 0, then the quadratic equation has two If α and β are the roots of the equation, then
real and distinct roots. − b − Coefficient of x
(ii) If b 2 − 4ac = 0, then the quadratic equation has two Sum of roots, α + β = =
a Coefficient of x 2
−b
equal roots i.e. α = β = . c Constant term
2a and product of roots, αβ = =
a Coefficient of x 2
(iii) If b 2 − 4ac < 0, then the quadratic equation has two
distinct complex roots, namely 2. Cubic equation If α, β, γ are the roots of the cubic
equation ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = 0, a ≠ 0, then
− b + i 4ac − b 2 − b − i 4ac − b 2
α= and β = Sum of roots, α + β + γ = −b / a
2a 2a
(iv) If a, b, c ∈ Q and D is a perfect square, then equation Sum of product of two roots, αβ + βγ + γα = c / a and
has rational roots. Product of three roots, αβγ = − d / a
(v) The roots are of the form p + q ( p, q ∈ Q) iff a, b, c EXAMPLE 3. If the roots of the equation
are rational and D is not a perfect square. k k +1
4β 2 + λβ − 2 = 0 are of the form and , then
k +1 k +2
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS
what is the value of λ?
(i) If the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are both positives,
then the signs of a and c should be a like and opposite a. 2k b. 7 c. 2 d. k + 1
to the sign as b. k+1
k
(ii) If the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are of opposite signs, Sol. b. Let and be the roots of the equation
k+1 k+2
then the sign of a is opposite to the sign of c .
(iii) If the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are equal in k k+1 λ
4β 2 + λβ − 2 = 0, then + =− ...(i)
magnitude, but opposite in sign, then b = 0. k+1 k+2 4
(iv) If the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are reciprocal of each k k+1 2
and × =−
other, then c = a . k+1 k+2 4
(v) It roots are negative, then a, b, c are of same sign. k 1
⇒ =− ⇒ 2k = − k − 2
(vi) The condition that the roots of the equation k+2 2
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 may be in the ratio m : n is 2
∴ k=−
mnb 2 = ac ( m + n ). 3
MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 69

On putting the value of k in Eq. (i), we get

2 2 2 1
Method to Find Common Root
− − +1 −
3 + 3 λ 3+ 3 =−λ To find the common root of two equations, make the
=− ⇒
2 2 4 1 4 4 coefficient of second degree terms in two equations
− +1 − +2
3 3 3 3 equal and subtract. The value of x, so obtained is the
1 λ required common root.
⇒ − 2+ = − ⇒ λ =7
4 4
Condition for Common Roots
Formation of a Quadratic
When only one root is common If α is common root
Equation from Given Roots of the equations
If α, β are the roots of a quadratic equation, then the a1 x 2 + b1 x + c1 = 0 …(i)
equation is
and a 2 x + b2 x + c 2 = 0
2
…(ii)
x 2 − (sum of the roots) x + (product of roots) = 0
Then, the required condition for one common root is
i.e. x 2 − (α + β ) x + αβ = 0
( a1 b2 − a 2 b1 )( b1 c 2 − b2 c1 ) = ( c1 a 2 − c 2 a1 ) 2
Note If α, β, γ are the roots of a cubic equation, then the equation
is x 3 − (α + β + γ ) x 2 + (αβ + βγ + γα ) x − αβγ = 0. and the value of the common root is
c a − c 2 a1 b c − b2 c1
α= 1 2 or 1 2
Equations in Terms of the Roots of a1 b2 − a 2 b1 c1 a 2 − c 2 a1
Another Equation When both roots are common If the Eqs. (i) and (ii)
If α, β are the roots of the equation ax + bx + c = 0, then
2
have both roots common, then these equations will be
identical. Thus, the required condition for both roots
(i) α ± h, β ± h are the roots of the equation
common is
a ( x m h) 2 + b ( x m h) + c = 0
a1 b1 c1
(ii) αh, βh are the roots of the equation = =
a 2 b2 c 2
ax 2 + bhx + h 2 c = 0
α β Note If two quadratic equations with real coefficients have an
(iii) and are the roots of the equation imaginary root common, then both roots will be common.
h h
ah 2 x 2 + bhx + c = 0 EXAMPLE 5. If x 2 − ax + b = 0 and x 2 − px + q = 0
(iv) − α, − β are the roots of the equation ax 2 − bx + c = 0. have a root in common and the second equation has
equal roots, then
1 1
(v) , are the roots of the equation cx 2 + bx + a = 0. ap ap
α β a. b + q = b. b + q = ap c. b + q = 2ap d. b + q =
2 4

EXAMPLE 4. If α, β are roots of x 2 − 3x + 1 = 0, then Sol. a. Given equations are x 2 − ax + b = 0 …(i)

1 1 and x − px + q = 0
2
…(ii)
the equation whose roots are , is
α −2 β −2 Let α be the common root. Then, roots, of Eq. (ii) will be
α and α.
a. x2 + x − 1 = 0 b. x2 − x − 1 = 0
Let β be the other root of Eq. (i), then
c. x2 + x + 1 = 0 d. None of these
α + β = a , αβ = b
Sol. b. α , β are the roots of the equation x 2 − 3x + 1 = 0, then From Eq. (ii), α + α = 2α = p and α 2 = q
α + β = 3 and αβ = 1. Now,
p
b + q = αβ + α 2 = α (α + β) = × a =
ap
1 1 α + β −4 3− 4 2 2
S= + = = =1
α − 2 β − 2 αβ − 2(α + β) + 4 1− 2( 3) + 4
1 1 Symmetric Function of Roots of a
and p = = =1 Quadratic Equation
(α − 2) (β − 2) αβ − 2 (α + β) + 4
1 Let α and β be the roots of a quadratic equation. An
Hence, the equation whose roots are expression in α and β which remains same when α and β
α −β
are interchanged, is known as a symmetric function in α
1
and is x 2 − Sx + p = 0, i.e. x 2 − x − 1= 0 and β, then
β−2
70 NDA/NA Pathfinder

(i) α 2 + β 2 = (α + β ) 2 − 2αβ Use following steps to solve it.

(ii) (α − β ) = (α + β ) − 4αβ
2 2
Step I Equate the given expression to y.
(iii) α − β = (α − β ) (α + β ) = (α + β ) (α + β ) − 4αβ
2 2 2
Step II Obtain quadratic equation in x by simplifying
(iv) α 3 + β 3 = (α + β ) 3 − 3αβ (α + β ) the expression in step I.
(v) α 3 − β 3 = (α − β ) 3 + 3αβ (α − β ) Step III Put discriminant ≥ 0 of the equation which we
= (α − β ) (α 2 + αβ + β 2 ) get in step II.
(vi) α 4 + β 4 = (α 2 + β 2 ) 2 − 2α 2β 2 Step IV The values of y obtained by D ≥ 0 is the
solution set for the given rational expression.
(vii) α 4 − β 4 = (α + β ) (α − β ) (α 2 + β 2 )
= (α + β ) (α − β ) [(α + β ) 2 − 2αβ ] x 2 − 3x + 4
EXAMPLE 7. The expression lies between
x 2 + 3x + 4
EXAMPLE 6. If α and β are the roots of 1 1 1 1
x β a. and 7 b. and 8 c. and 5 d. and 9
ax 2 + 2bx + c = 0, then + is equal to 7 8 5 9
β α
x2 − 3x + 4
4b2 − 2ac 4b2 − 4 ac 2b2 − 2ac 2b2 − 4 ac Sol. a. Let y =
a. b. c. d. x2 + 3x + 4
ac ac ac ac ⇒ x2( y − 1) + 3x ( y + 1) + 4( y − 1) = 0
Sol. a. α , β are the roots of equation ax + 2bx + c = 0
2
Since, x is real.
−2b c ∴ D ≥ 0 ⇒ 9 ( y + 1) 2 − 16 ( y − 1) 2 ≥ 0
α +β = and αβ =
a a
⇒ −7y 2 + 50y − 7 ≥ 0 ⇒ 7y 2 − 50y + 7 ≤ 0
α β α +β (α + β) 2 − 2αβ
2 2
∴ + = = ⇒ (7y − 1) ( y − 7) ≤ 0
β α αβ αβ
α β ( 4b / a ) − 2c / a 4b − 2ac
2 2 2 1
⇒ + = = ⇒ ≤ y ≤7
β α c/ a ac 7

Maximum and Minimum Value of INEQUATIONS

ax 2 + b x + c A statement involving one or more variables and sign
of inequality >,<,>, or ≤, is called an inequation.
 b
2
 4ac − b2 
Q ax 2 + bx + c = a  x +  +  Note For any real number a
 2a   4a  |x| ≤ a ⇔ − a ≤ x ≤ a
l

Case I If a > 0 |x| ≥ a ⇔ − x ≤ − a or x ≥ a

l

4ac − b 2
Then, minimum value of ax 2 + bx + c is Solution of Quadratic Inequations
4a
b Let f ( x) = ax 2 + bx + c, where a, b, c ∈ R and a ≠ 0.
and this value occurs when x = − . There is no
2a Then, f ( x) ≥ 0, f ( x) > 0, f ( x) ≤ 0, f ( x) < 0 are called
maximum value when a > 0. quadratic inequations.
Case II If a < 0 The set of real values of x, which satisfy the inequation,
4ac − b 2
Then, maximum value of ax 2 + bx + c is is called the solution set.
4a
b
and this value occurs when x = − . There is no Solution of Linear Inequations
2a
minimum value when a < 0. in Two Variables
In order to represent the solution set of linear
Method to Solve Fractional inequation in two variables, we follow the following
Quadratic Polynomial steps
Consider the fractional quadratic polynomial be Step I Convert the given inequation say ax + by ≤ c
a1 x 2 + b1 x + c1 into the equation ax + by = c and draw the
a 2 x 2 + b2 x + c 2 graph.
MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 71

Step II Choose a point not lying on this line ax + by = c 2x + 3y ≤ 6, we first draw the line 2x+3y=6.
substitute its coordinates in the inequation. If Let us take a point (0,0).
Y
the inequation is satisfied, then shade the
B (0, 2)
portion of the plane which contains the chosen
point, otherwise shade the portion which does A(3, 0)
X′ X
not contain the chosen point. O

Step III The shaded region obtained in step II represent

the desired solution set. Y′
Clearly, (0, 0) satisfy the given inequation, so the region
EXAMPLE 8. The number of positive integral containing the origin is represented in the figure.
solutions satisfying the inequation 2x + 3y ≤ 6 is Now, (1, 1), (2,0), (3,0), (0,1), (0,2) are positive integral
a. 2 b. 4 c. 6 d. 5 solutions of 2x + 3y ≤ 6.
∴ Number of positive integral solutions = 6
Sol. c. To represent the solution set of the inequation

PRACTICE EXERCISE
(a) acx 2 + (a2 + bc ) x + bc = 0
1. If x 2 − 2x + sin2 θ = 0, then x belongs to
(b) bcx 2 + (b 2 + ac ) x + ab = 0
(a) [−1, 1] (b) [0, 2 ] (c) [−2, 2 ] (d) [1, 2 ]
(c) abx 2 + (c 2 + ab ) x + ca = 0
2. If p and q are non-zero constants, the equation
(d) None of the above
x 2 + px + q = 0 has roots α and β, then the
equation qx 2 + px + 1 = 0 has roots 8. If the roots of the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are of
1 1 k+1 k+ 2
(a) α and (b) and β the form and , then ( a + b + c)2 is equal
β α k k+1
1 1 to
(c) and (d) None of these
α β (a) b 2 − 4ac (b) b 2 − 2 ac
3. If one root is n times the other root of quadratic (c) 2 b 2 − ac (d) Σa2
equation ax 2 − bx + c = 0, then
(a) na2 = bc (n + 1)2 (b) nb 2 = ca (n + 1)2 9. If the roots of the equation, x 2 + 2ax + b = 0 are
real and distinct and they differ by at most 2m,
(c) nc 2 = ab (n + 1)2 (d) None of these
then b lies in the interval
4. The value of k for which one of the roots of (a) (a2 − m2 , a2 ) (b) [a2 − m2 , a2 )
x − x + 3k = 0 is double of one of the roots of
2
(c) (a , a + m )
2 2 2
(d) None of these
x 2 − x + k = 0 is
10. If a , b and c ∈ R and a + b + c = 0, then the
(a) 1 (b) −2 (c) 2 (d) None of these
quadratic equation 4ax 2 + 3bx + 2c = 0 has
5. If the roots of ax + bx + c = 0 are in the ratio
2
(a) one positive and one negative root
m : n , then (b) imaginary roots
(a) mna2 = (m + n) c 2 (b) mnb 2 = (m + n) ac (c) real roots
(c) mnb = (m + n) ac
2 2
(d) None of these (d) None of the above
11. If one of the roots of the equation
6. If 22x − 2x − 1 = 14, then x x is equal to a ( b − c) x 2 + b ( c − a ) x + c ( a − b) = 0 is 1, then
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 256 (d) 4 what is the second root?
7. If α and β are the roots of the equation b (c − a) b (c − a)
(a) − (b)
ax + bx + c = 0, then the equation whose roots
2 a( b − c ) a( b − c )
c (a − b) c (a − b)
1 1 1 (c) (d) −
are , + is equal to a( b − c ) a( b − c )
α +β α β
72 NDA/NA Pathfinder

12. The coefficient of x in the equation x 2 + px + q = 0 22. If the roots of ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are sin α and cos α
was taken as 17 in place of 13 and its roots were for some α, then which one of the following is
found to be −2 and −15. The roots of the original correct?
equation are (a) a2 + b 2 = 2 ac (b) b 2 − c 2 = 2 ab
(a) −2, 15 (b) −10,−3 (c) 2,15 (d) 10,3 (c) b − a = 2 ac
2 2
(d) b 2 + c 2 = 2 ab
13. Let α , β be the roots of the equation 23. If ( x + a ) is a factor of both the quadratic
x 2 − 3x + p = 0 and let γ , δ be the roots of the polynomials x 2 + px + q and x 2 + lx + m, where
equation x 2 − 12x + q = 0. If the numbers α , β , γ , δ p, q, l and m are constants, then which one of
(in order) form an increasing GP, then the following is correct?
(a) p = 2, q = 16 (b) p = 2, q = 32 (a) a = (m − q ) / (l − p) (l ≠ p)
(c) p = 4, q = 16 (d) p = 4, q = 32 (b) a = (m + q ) / (l + p) (l ≠ − p)
14. If α and β be the roots of the equation (c) l = (m − q ) / (a − p) (a ≠ p)
(d) p = (m − q ) / (a − l ) (a ≠ l )
( x − a ) ( x − b) = c, c ≠ 0. Then, the roots of the
equation ( x − α )( x − β ) + c = 0 are 24. Let α and γ be the roots of Ax 2 − 4x + 1 = 0 and β
(a) a, c (b) b, c (c) a, b (d) a + b, a + c and δ be the roots of Bx 2 − 6x + 1 = 0. If α , β , γ
15. If one root of the equation ax + bx + c = 0, a ≠ 0
2
and δ are in HP, then what are the values of A
is reciprocal of the other root, then which one of and B respectively?
the following is correct? (a) 3, 8 (b) −3, − 8 (c) 3, − 8 (d) −3, 8
(a) a = c (b) b = c (c) a = − c (d) b = 0 1 1 1
25. If the roots of the equation + = are
16. If p, q, r are rational numbers, then the roots of x+ p x+q r
the equation x 2 − 2 px + p2 − q 2 + 2qr − r 2 = 0 are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, then
p + q is equal to
(a) complex (b) pure imaginary 2
(c) irrational (d) rational (a) r (b) 2r (c) r 2 (d)
r
17. If the roots of the equation 26. If a , b ∈ R, then the equation x 2 − abx − a 2 = 0 has
( a 2 + b2 ) x 2 − 2b( a + c) x + ( b2 + c2 ) = 0 are equal,
(a) one positive and one negative root
then which one of the following is correct? (b) both positive roots
(a) 2b = a + c (b) b 2 = ac (c) both negative roots
(c) b + c = 2 a (d) b = ac (d) non-real roots
18. Consider the equation ( x − p) ( x − 6) + 1 = 0 27. The number of real solutions of
having integral coefficients. If the equation has 1 +|ex − 1| = ex ( ex − 2) is
integral roots, then what values can p have? (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 4
(a) 4 or 8 (b) 5 or 10
28. The product of the roots of the equation
(c) 6 or 12 (d) 3 or 6
( x − 2)2 − 3|x − 2| + 2 = 0 is
19. If α and β be the roots of the equation (a) 2 (b) − 4 (c) 0 (d) None of these
x 2 + x + 1 = 0. Then, the equation whose roots are
α19 and β7 is x + 34x − 71
2
29. If x is real, then the values of does
x 2 + 2x − 7
(a) x − x − 1 = 0
2
(b) x 2
− x + 1= 0
not lie in the interval
(c) x 2 + x − 1 = 0 (d) x 2 + x + 1 = 0
(a) [5, 9] (b) (− ∞, 5] (c) [9, ∞) (d) (5, 9)
20. The equation tan4 x − 2 sec2 x + a 2 = 0 will have
30. If the equations x + 2x + 3λ = 0 2
and
atleast one real solution, if
2x 2 + 3x + 5λ = 0 have a non-zero common root,
(a)| a| ≤ 4 (b)|a| ≤ 2
(c)| a| ≤ 3 (d) None of these then λ is equal to
(a) 1 (b) −1 (c) 3 (d) None of these
21. If α , β are the roots of the quadratic equation
x 2 − x + 1 = 0, then which one of the following is
31. If the equations ax 2 + bx + c = 0 and x 2 + x + 1 = 0
have common root, then
correct?
(a) a + b + c = 0 (b) a = b = c
(a) (α − β ) is real
4 4
(b) 2(α + β ) = (αβ )
5 5 5
(c) a = b or b = c or c = a (d) None of these
(c) (α 6 − β 6 ) = 0 (d) (α 8 + β 8 ) = (αβ )8
MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 73

32. If the quadratic equations ax 2 + 2cx + b = 0 and 42. If tan A and tan B are the roots of the quadratic
ax + 2bx + c = 0 ( b ≠ c) have a common root, then
2
equation x 2 − px + q = 0, then consider the
a + 4b + 4c is equal to following statements.
(a) −2 (b) −1 (c) 0 (d) 1 I. The value of tan ( A + B) is
p
.
33. The range of values of m for which the equation 1+ q
( m − 5) x 2 + 2( m − 10) x + m + 10 = 0 has real roots II. The value of (cot A + cot B) is .
p
of the same sign is given by q
(a) m > 10 (b) −5 < m < 5 III. Discriminant of the equation is (tan A − tan B)2.
(c) m < − 10, 5 < m ≤ 6 (d) None of these Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
34. The set of real values of x satisfying the (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I, II and III
inequality|x + x − 6|< 6 is
2
43. If the equation x − px − q = 0 has roots u and v,
2

(a) (– 4, 3) (b) (– 3, 2) where p and q are non-zero constants, then

(c) (– 4, – 3) ∪ (2, 3) (d) (– 4, –1) ∪ (0, 3) consider the following statements
1 1
35. The value of ‘a’ for which the equation I. qx2 + px − 1 = 0 has roots and .
x − 2( a − 1) x + ( 2a + 1) = 0 has both roots
2 u v
positive is II. (x − p)(x + q) = 0 has roots u + v and uv.
(a) a > 0 (b) 0 < a < 4 (c) a ≥ 4 (d) None of these III. x2 + p2x + q2 = 0 has roots u 2 and v2.
36. If the roots of the equation x 2 − 4x − log3 N = 0 Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
are real, then what is the minimum value of N ? (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I, II and III
1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
256 27 64 81 Directions (Q. Nos. 44-45) α and β are the roots of
quadratic equation x 2 + x α + β = 0. Considering
37. If a , b and c are positive and are in AP, the roots of
this statement answer the following questions.
the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are real for
c a 44. The value of α and β is
(a)  − 7 > 4 3 (b)  − 7 < 4 3
a  c  (a) α = 1, β = − 1 (b) α = 1, β = − 2
(c) all a and c (d) no a and c (c) α = 2, β = 1 (d) α = 2, β = − 2

38. If the roots of equation x 2 − px + ( p − 1) = 0 are r1 45. The quadratic equation having roots α + 1 and
and r2, then minimum value of (r12 + r22 ) will be β + 1 is
(a) x 2 − x + 2 = 0 (b) x 2 − x − 2 = 0
for
(a) p = 0 (b) p = − 1 (c) p = 1 (d) p = 2 (c) x 2 + x + 2 = 0 (d) x 2 + x − 2 = 0

39. If α, β are roots of the equation 2x 2 + 6x + b = 0 Directions (Q. Nos. 46-47) Let the quadratic
α β equation ( ab − bc ) x 2 + ( bc − ca) x + (ca − ab) = 0,
( b < 0), then + is greater than
β α a, b, c ∈ R has both the roots equal.
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) None of these 46. a, c, b are in
40. Let α, β be the roots of a( p + x )2 + 2bpx + c = 0, (a) AP (b) GP (c) HP (d) None of these
then consider the following statements
c 2 47. The roots of the equation are equal to
I. αβ = p2 + II. |α − β| = p2 − 4ac (a) − 1 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d)
1
a |a|
2
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) Only II Directions (Q. Nos. 48-49) Let α, β be the roots of
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 such that α > β.
41. α, β are the roots of the equation x 2 + bx + c = 0 48. If both roots are positive, then
and S n = α n + β n . (a) a > 0 and b > 0 (b) a > 0 and b < 0
Consider the following statements (c) a > 0 and c < 0 (d) a < 0 and c > 0
I. S n + 1 + bS n + cS n − 1 = 0 II. S3 = S13 − 3S1c
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
49. If α is positive and β is negative such that α >|β|,
(a) Only I (b) Only II then consider the following statements
I. c and a have opposite sign.
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
II. b and a have same sign.
74 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 59. The value of tan−1 α + tan−1 β is
(a) Only I (b) Only II
 p   p 
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II (a) tan−1   (b) tan−1  
 q − 1  q + 1
Directions (Q. Nos. 50-52) Let a, b and c be real  p 
numbers with a ≠ 0 and let α, β be the roots of the (c) tan−1   (d) 0
1 − q 
equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0.
60. If α = p and β = q and p, q ≠ 0 then the values of
50. The roots of the equation a3 x 2 + abcx + c3 = 0 is p and q are respectively
(a) α 2β, β 2α (b) α, β 2 (a) 2 and − 2 (b) 2 and − 1 (c) 1 and − 2 (d) 1 and 2
(c) α 2β, βα (d) α 3β, β 3α

51. If α = sin θ, β = cos θ, then PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

(a) (a − c )2 = b 2 − c 2 (b) (a − c )2 = b 2 + c 2
61. What is the sum of the squares of the roots of
(c) (a + c )2 = b 2 − c 2 (d) (a + c )2 = b 2 + c 2 the equation x 2 + 2x − 143 = 0? e 2012 I
1 1
52. The equation, whose roots are and is (a) 170 (b) 180 (c) 190 (d) 290
aα + b aβ + b
(a) cax 2 − bx + 1 = 0 (b) cax 2 + bx + 1 = 0
62. If one of the roots of the equation x 2 + ax − b = 0
is 1, then what is the value of ( a − b)? e 2012 I
(c) cax 2 + bx − 1 = 0 (d) None of these (a) −1 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) −2

Directions (Q. Nos. 53-56) Let α and β are the roots 63. If α and β are the roots of the equation
of the equation x + x + 1 = 0.
2
x 2 − q (1 + x ) − r = 0, then what is the value of
53. The roots of the equation x 2 − x + 1 = 0 is (1 + α )(1 + β )? e 2012 I
(a) 1− r (b) q − r (c) 1+ r (d) q + r
(a) α 7 and β13 (b) α13 and β 7
64. If the difference between the roots of
(c) α 20 and β 20 (d) None of these
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 is 1, then which one of the
54. If the ratio of the roots of the equation following is correct? e 2012 I
α (a) b 2 = a (a + 4c ) (b) a2 = b (b + 4c )
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 is equal to , then a, b, c are in
β (c) a2 = c (a + 4c ) (d) b 2 = a (b + 4c )
(a) AP (b) GP
(c) HP (d) None of these Directions (Q. Nos. 65-66) The equation formed by
multiplying each root of ax 2 + bx + c = 0 by 2 is
55. The quadratic equation whose roots are (α + 1)
x 2 + 36 x + 24 = 0. e 2012 I
and (β + 1) is
(a) x 2 + x + 1 = 0 (b) x 2 − x − 1 = 0 65. What is the value of b : c?
(a) 3 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 1 : 3 (d) 3 : 2
(c) x 2 − x + 1 = 0 (d) x 2 + x − 1 = 0
66. Which one of the following is correct?
56. The value of a and b for which the equation (a) bc = a2 (b) bc = 36 a2
( a + b)x 2 − ax + 1 = 0 has roots α 2 and β 2, are (c) bc = 72 a2 (d) bc = 108 a2
1
(a) − 1, 2 (b) − 2, 3 (c) , − 2 (d) None of these 67. If the roots of a quadratic equation are m + n
2
and m − n, then the quadratic equation will be
Directions (Q. Nos. 57-60) Let α, β be the roots of (a) x 2 + 2 mx + m2 − mn + n2 = 0 e 2012 II
the quadratic equation x 2 + px + q = 0. (b) x 2 + 2 mx + (m − n)2 = 0
57. If one root is square of the other root, then (c) x 2 − 2 mx + m2 − n2 = 0 (d) x 2 + 2 mx + m2 − n2 = 0
relation between p and q is 68. If the roots of the quadratic equation
(a) p3 − (3 p − 1)q + q 2 = 0 3x 2 − 5x + p = 0 are real and unequal, then which
(b) p3 − q (3 p + 1) + q 2 = 0 one of the following is correct? e 2012 II
(c) p3 + q (3 p − 1) + q 2 = 0 (a) p = 25 / 12 (b) p < 25 / 12 (c) p > 25 / 12 (d) p ≤ 25 / 12
(d) p3 + q (3 p + 1) + q 2 = 0 69. If α , β are the roots of x 2 + px − q = 0 and γ , δ are
58. If αβ = 3 and 1, p, q are in AP, then α + β is equal to the roots of x 2 − px + r = 0, then what is the
(a) − 4 (b) 1 value of (β + γ ) (β + δ )? e 2012 II

(c) 4 (d) − 2 (a) p + r (b) p + q (c) q + r (d) p − q

MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 75

70. What is the degree of the equation 81. If a and b are rational and b is not perfect
1 1 1 square, then the quadratic equation with
= − ? rational coefficients whose one root is 3a + b is
x−3 x+2 2 e 2013 I
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3 e 2013 II
(a) x 2 − 6ax + 9a2 − b = 0 (b) 3ax 2 + x − b=0
71. If 4 − 6 ⋅ 2 + 8 = 0, then the values of x are
x x
(c) x 2 + 3ax + b=0 (d) bx 2 + x − 3a = 0
e 2013 I
(a) 1, 2 (b) 1, 1 (c) 1, 0 (d) 2, 2 82. If α and β are the roots of the equation
72. If the roots of the equation 3ax + 2bx + c = 0 are
2 α10 + β10
x 2 + x + 2 = 0, then what is equal to?
in the ratio 2 : 3, then which one of the following α −10 + β −10
is correct? e 2013 I e 2013 II
(a) 8 ac = 25 b (b) 8ac = 9b 2 (a) 4096 (b) 2048 (c) 1024 (d) 512
(c) 8b 2 = 9ac (d) 8b 2 = 25ac 83. The quadratic equation x 2 + bx + 4 = 0 will have
real roots, if e 2013 II
73. ( x + 1)2 − 1 = 0 has e 2013 I (a) Only b ≤ −4 (b) Only b ≥ 4
(a) one real root (b) two real roots (c) −4 < b < 4 (d) b ≤ −4, b ≥ 4
(c) two imaginary roots (d) four real roots
84. If α and β are the roots of the equation
74. If the roots of a quadratic equation
ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0, then ( aα + b) ( aβ + b)
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are α and β, then the quadratic
is equal to e 2014 I
equation having roots α 2 and β 2 is e 2013 I (a) ab (b) bc (c) ca (d) abc
(a) x 2 − (b 2 − 2 ac ) x + c = 0
85. The roots of the equation 2a x − 2abx + b2 = 0,
2 2
(b) a2 x 2 − (b 2 − 2 ac ) x + c = 0
when a < 0 and b > 0 are e 2014 I
(c) ax 2 − (b 2 − 2 ac ) x + c 2 = 0 (a) sometimes complex (b) always irrational
(d) a2 x 2 − (b 2 − 2 ac ) x + c 2 = 0 (c) always complex (d) always real

75. If the sum of the roots of a quadratic equation is 86. Every quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where
3 and the product is 2, then the equation is a , b, c ∈ R , a ≠ 0 has e 2014 II
e 2013 I (a) exactly one real root (b) atleast one real root
(a) 2 x2 − x + 3 = 0 (b) x 2 − 3x + 2 = 0 (c) atleast two real roots (d) atmost two real roots
(c) x 2 + 3x + 2 = 0 (d) x 2 − 3x − 2 = 0 87. If α , β are the roots of ax 2 + bx + c = 0 and α + h,
76. If α and β are the roots of the equation β + h are the roots of px 2 + qx + r = 0, then what
x 2 + bx + c = 0, then what is the value of α −1 + β −1? is h equal to? e 2014 II
1 b q 1  b q
e 2013 I (a)  −  (b) − + 
b b c c 2  a p 2  a p
(a) − (b) (c) (d) −
1 b q 1  b q
c c b b (c)  +  (d) − + 
2  p a 2  p a
77. The roots of the equation x 2 − 8x + 16 = 0
e 2013 II
88. Consider the following statements in respect of
(a) are imaginary (b) are distinct and real the given equation ( x 2 + 2)2 + 8 x 2 = 6x ( x 2 + 2).
(c) are equal and real (d) Cannot be determined I. All the roots of the equation are complex.
II. The sum of all the roots of the equation is 6.
78. How many real roots does the quadratic equation
f( x ) = x 2 + 3| x| + 2 = 0 have? e 2013 II
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
e 2015 I
(a) One (b) Two (c) Four (d) No real root
(a) Only I (b) Only II
79. If α and β are the roots of the equation (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
ax 2 + bx + b = 0, then what is the value of 89. In solving a problem that reduces to a quadratic
α β b equation, one student makes a mistake in the
+ + =? constant term and obtains 8 and 2 for roots.
β α a e 2013 II Another student makes a mistake only in the
(a) −1 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) 2 coefficient of first degree term and finds −9 and
80. What is the difference in the roots of the −1 for roots. The correct equation is e 2015 I
equation x 2 − 10x + 9 = 0? (a) x 2 − 10x + 9 = 0 (b) x 2 + 10x + 9 = 0
e 2013 II
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 5 (d) 8 (c) x − 10x + 16 = 0
2
(d) x 2 − 8x − 9 = 0
76 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Directions (Q. Nos. 95-96) Let α and β (α < β) be the

90. If m and n are roots of the equation
roots of the equation x 2 + bx + c = 0, where b > 0
( x + p)( x + q ) − k = 0, then roots of the equation
( x − m )( x − n ) + k = 0 are e 2015 I and c < 0. e 2016 I
(a) p and q 95. Consider the following
1 1 I. β < − α II. β <|α |
(b) and
p q
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(c) − p and −q (a) Only I (b) Only II
(d) p + q and p − q (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
91. If 2 p + 3q = 18 and 4 p2 + 4 pq − 3q 2 − 36 = 0, then 96. Consider the following
what is ( 2 p + q ) equal to? e 2015 I I. α + β + αβ > 0 II. α 2 β + β 2 α > 0
(a) 6 (b) 7
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(c) 10 (d) 20
(a) Only I (b) Only II
92. The number of real roots of the equation (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
x 2 − 3|x| + 2 = 0 is e 2015 II 97. If x 2 − px + 4 > 0 for all real values of x, then
(a) 4 (b) 3 which one of the following is correct? e 2016 I
(c) 2 (d) 1 (a)| p| < 4 (b)| p| ≤ 4
93. If the roots of the equation x 2 − nx + m = 0 differ (c)| p| > 4 (d)| p| ≥ 4
by 1, then e 2015 II 98. If one root of the equation ( l − m ) x 2 + lx + 1 = 0 is
(a) n2 − 4m − 1 = 0 double the other and l is real, then what is the
(b) n2 + 4m − 1 = 0 greatest value of m? e 2016 I
9 9 8 8
(c) m2 + 4n + 1 = 0 (a) − (b) (c) − (d)
8 8 9 9
(d) m2 − 4n − 1 = 0
Directions (Q. Nos. 99-100) Given that tan α and
94. If the sum of the roots of the equation tan β are the roots of the equation x 2+ bx + c = 0 with
ax + bx + c = 0 is equal to the sum of their
2
b ≠ 0. e 2016 I
squares, then e 2015 II
(a) a2 + b 2 = c 2
99. What is tan (α + β) equal to?
(a) b(c –1) (b) c(b –1) (c) c(b − 1)−1 (d) b(c –1) −1
(b) a2 + b 2 = a + b
(c) ab + b 2 = 2 ac 100. What is sin (α + β ) sec α sec β equal to?
(d) ab − b 2 = 2 ac (a) b (b) −b (c) c (d) −c

ANSWERS
1 b 2 c 3 b 4 b 5 c 6 d 7 b 8 a 9 b 10 c
11 c 12 b 13 b 14 c 15 a 16 d 17 b 18 a 19 d 20 c
21 c 22 c 23 a 24 a 25 b 26 a 27 b 28 c 29 d 30 b
31 b 32 c 33 c 34 d 35 c 36 d 37 a 38 c 39 d 40 a
41 c 42 b 43 a 44 b 45 b 46 c 47 b 48 b 49 a 50 a
51 d 52 a 53 d 54 b 55 c 56 a 57 a 58 d 59 a 60 c
61 d 62 a 63 a 64 a 65 a 66 d 67 c 68 b 69 c 70 c
71 a 72 d 73 b 74 d 75 b 76 a 77 c 78 d 79 b 80 d
81 a 82 c 83 d 84 c 85 c 86 d 87 a 88 b 89 a 90 c
91 c 92 a 93 a 94 c 95 c 96 b 97 a 98 b 99 d 100 b
MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 77

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (b) Q x 2 − 2x + sin 2 θ = 0 ⇒ ( 2 y + 7)( y − 4) = 0 Given root is 1.
2 ± 4 − 4 sin 2 θ ⇒
7
y = − or y = 4 Let the other root be α.
∴ x = b( c − a )
2 2 Then, α + 1 = −
⇒ x = 1 ± cos θ 7
⇒ 2 = − or 2x = 4 ⇒ x = 2
x a ( b − c)
−1 ≤ cos θ ≤ 1 2 ( bc − ab )
Q ⇒ α = − 1−
∴ 0 ≤ 1 ± cos θ ≤ 2 ⇒ 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 ∴ x x = ( 2)2 = 4 ( ab − ac )
⇒ x ∈[ 0, 2] 1 α+β a b − ab + ac − bc + ab
7. (b) S = + =− − =
1 α+β αβ b c a ( b − c)
2. (c) Replacing x by in the first equation,
x ( ac + b 2 ) −c ( −a + b) c( a − b )
=− ⇒ α= ⇒α =
we get the second equation and hence, bc a ( b − c) a ( b − c)
1 1 1 α+β 1 a
its roots are and . P= ⋅ = = 12. (b) Let α , β be the roots of the original
α β α + β αβ αβ c
equation, then
3. (b) Let α ,nα be the roots of equation Put the values of P and S in α + β = −13 and αβ = (−2)(−15) = 30
ax 2 − bx + c = 0. x 2 − Sx + P = 0, we get
b b ∴ Original equation is
∴ α + nα = ⇒ α( 1 + n) = bcx 2 + ( b 2 + ac )x + ab = 0
a a x 2 + 13x + 30 = 0
b k+1 k+2 b
⇒ α= …(i) 8. (a) We have, + =− … (i) ⇒ x + 10x + 3x + 30 = 0
2
a( 1 + n) k k+1 a
c c k+1 k+2 c ⇒ ( x + 10)( x + 3) = 0
and α ⋅ nα = ⇒ α 2 n = and ⋅ =
a a k k+1 a ⇒ x = − 10, − 3
k+2 c 2 c c−a
 b 
2
or = ⇒ = − 1=
⇒ n=
c
[from Eq. (i)] k a k a a 13. (b) Here, β = αr , γ = αr 2 , δ = αr 3 , r > 1
 a( 1 + n)  a
∴ k=
2a α + β = 3, αβ = p , γ + δ = 12, γ δ = q
⇒ b 2 n = ac ( 1 + n)2 c−a α ( 1 + r) = 3 
Putting the value of k in Eq. (i),  ⇒ r2 = 4 ⇒ r = 2
4. (b) Let α be a root of x 2 − x + k = 0. 
we get αr 2 ( 1 + r ) = 12
Then, 2α is a root of c+ a 2c b 
+ =− ∴ α=1
x2 − x + 3 k = 0 2a c+ a a
∴ 4α − 2α + 3k = 0 and α 2 − α + k = 0
2
or ( c + a )2 + 4ac = − 2b ( a + c ) p = αβ = α 2 r = 2, q = γδ = α 2 r 5 = 32
α2 α 1 or ( a + c )2 + 2b ( a + c ) = − 4ac 14. (c) Given, quadratic equation is
⇒ = =
−2 k + 3 k 3 k − 4 k − 4 + 2 Add b 2 on both sides, ( x − a ) ( x − b ) = c, c ≠ 0
k k ⇒ x 2 − ( a + b ) x + ( ab − c ) = 0
⇒ α 2 = − and α = ( a + c + b )2 = b 2 − 4ac
2 2 The roots of this equation is (α , β ).
2 9. (b) | α − β | ≤ 2m.
α 2 = (α )2 ⇒  −  =  
k k Then,
Now, On squaring both sides, we get
 2  2 α + β = − { − ( a + b )} = a + b
⇒ k 2 + 2 k = 0 ⇒ k = 0 or −2 (α − β )2 < 4m 2 ⇒ (α + β )2 − 4αβ < 4m 2
and αβ = ab − c
Since, k ≠ 0, 4( a 2 − b ) ≤ 4m 2 ⇒ a 2 − m 2 ≤ b Now, consider the equation,
∴ k = −2 ∴ b ≥ a2 − m2 ( x − α) ( x − β) + c = 0
Also, ∆ > 0 ⇒ x 2 − (α + β ) x + (αβ + c ) = 0
−b + b 2 − 4ac
m
5. (c) Given, = ∴ a2 − b > 0 ⇒ b < a2
− b − b − 4ac 2
n ⇒ x 2 − ( a + b ) x + ( ab − c + c ) = 0
∴ b ∈[a2 − m2 , a2 ) ∴ x 2 − ( a + b ) x + ab = 0
Applying componendo and dividendo
rule, 10. (c) Let D be the discriminant of the So, the roots of this equation is ( a , b ).
−2 b m+ n given quadratic equation, then
= 15. (a) Roots are reciprocal to each other, if
2 b 2 − 4ac m − n D = 9b 2 − 32ac
product of roots is 1.
b2 (m + n)2 = 9( − a − c )2 − 32ac [Q a + b + c = 0] c
⇒ = ∴ = 1⇒a = c
b − 4ac (m − n)2
2 = 9a 2 + 9c 2 2− 14ac a
 a 
= c 2 9   − 14   + 9
a
⇒ b 2mn = ac (m + n)2   c 2  c 
16. (d) The given equation
 3a 7 32 
6. (d) We have, 2 − 2
2x
= 14 x −1 = c 2  −  +  > 0 x 2 − 2 px + p 2 − q 2 + 2qr − r 2 = 0
Let 2x = y , then  c 3  9
and p , q , r are rational numbers.
y Hence, roots are real. Now, D = B 2 − 4 AC
y 2 − = 14
2 11. (c) Given quadratic equation is D = 4 p 2 − 4 { p 2 − ( q − r )2 }
⇒ 2 y 2 − y − 28 = 0 a ( b − c )x 2 + b ( c − a ) x + c ( a − b ) = 0. D = 4 p 2 − 4 p 2 + 4( q − r )2
78 NDA/NA Pathfinder

D = 4 ( q − r )2 = Rational and positive ⇒ 2(α 5 + β 5 ) ≠ (αβ )5 Also, discriminant = a 2 b 2 + 4a 2 > 0

So, the roots of the equation will (c) α 6 − β 6 = ( − ω)6 − ( −ω2 )6 Thus, α , β ∈ R such that αβ < 0
always rational. = ω6 − ω12 = 0 Therefore, one of α and β is positive
17. (b) Hence, option (c) is correct. and other is negative.
18. (a) The given equation can be rewritten 22. (c) Since, sin α and cos α are roots of 27. (b) We have,
as ax 2 + bx + c = 0 1 + |e x − 1| = e x ( e x − 2)
x 2 − ( p + 6) x + ( 6 p + 1) = 0 −b ⇒ |e x − 1| = e 2 x − 2e x − 1
∴ sin α + cos α =
Now, b 2 − 4ac a = ( e x − 1)2 − 2
= ( p + 6)2 − 4( 6 p + 1) and sinα cos α = c / a ⇒ |e − 1| − |e x − 1| − 2 = 0
x 2

[Q equation has integral roots] For any real α, sin 2 α + cos 2 α = 1 ⇒ |e x − 1| = 2, − 1

= p 2 − 12 p + 32 ⇒ (sin α + cos α)2 − 2 sin α cos α = 1 ⇒ |e x − 1| = 2 [Q |e x − 1| > 0]
2
= ( p − 4) ( p − 8) ⇒  −b  − 2 × c = 1 ⇒ e x − 1 = ± 2 ⇒ e x = 3, − 1
 
For integral roots, b 2 − 4ac must be a  a  a ⇒ e x = 3 ⇒ x = log e 3
perfect square ⇒ b 2 − 2ac = a 2 ⇒ b 2 − a 2 = 2ac 28. (c) We have,
∴ Possible values of p are 4 or 8. 23. (a) Since, ( x + a ) is a factor of ( x − 2)2 − 3|x − 2| + 2 = 0
19. (d) The given quadratic equation is x 2 + px + q and x 2 + lx + m. ⇒ |x − 2|2 − 3|x − 2| + 2 = 0
x2 + x + 1 = 0 ∴ a 2 − ap + q = 0 ...(i) ⇒ (|x − 2| − 2)(|x − 2| − 1) = 0
−1 ± 1 − 4 −1 ± i 3 and a 2 − la + m = 0 ...(ii) ⇒ |x − 2| = 1, 2 ⇒ x − 2 = ± 1, ± 2
x = =
2 2 From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get ⇒ x = 3, 1, 4, 0
−1 + i 3 −1 − i 3 − ap + q + la − m = 0 Hence, product of roots
⇒x= , or x = ω, ω2
2 2 ⇒ ( l − p) a = m − q =3 × 1× 4 × 0 = 0
m−q
i.e. α = ω and β = ω2 ∴ a = [Q l ≠ p ] x 2 + 34x − 71
Now, sum of roots l− p 29. (d) Let y = . Then,
x 2 + 2x − 7
= α19 + β 7 = ω′9 + (ω2 )7 = ω + ω2 = −1 24. (a) Since, α and γ are the roots of
[Q1 + ω + ω2 = 0] x 2 ( y − 1) + 2x ( y − 17) − ( 7 y − 71) = 0
Ax 2 − 4x + 1 = 0
and product of roots 4 1 Since, x is real. Therefore, the above
∴ α+ γ= and αγ = equation has real roots.
α19 ⋅ β 7 = (ω)19 (ω2 )7 = ω ⋅ ω2 = ω3 = 1 A A
[Q ω3 = 1] ∴ Discriminant ≥ 0.
and β and δ be the roots of
So, the required quadratic equation is, ⇒ 4( y − 17)2 + 4( y − 1)( 7 y − 71) ≥ 0
Bx 2 − 6x + 1 = 0
x 2 − ( − 1) x + ( 1) = 0 6 1 ⇒ y 2 − 14 y + 45 ≥ 0
∴ β+δ= and βδ =
⇒ x2 + x + 1 = 0 B B ⇒ ( y − 5)( y − 9) ≥ 0
Also, α , β , γ and δ are in HP. ⇒ y ≤ 5 or y ≥ 9 ⇒ y ∈ R − (5, 9)
20. (c) Given equation, 1 1 1 1
tan 4 x − 2 sec 2 x + a 2 = 0 ∴ , , and are in AP. Hence, y does not lie in (5,9).
α β γ δ
⇒ tan x − 2 − 2 tan 2 x + a 2 = 0
4 30. (b) Let α be the common root of the
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
⇒ − = − ⇒ − = − given equation, then
⇒ tan 4 x − 2 tan 2 x + a 2 = 0 β α δ γ β δ α γ
α 2 + 2α + 3λ = 0
2 ± 4 − 4( a 2 − 2) δ −β γ −α
⇒ tan 2 x = ⇒ = 2α 2 + 3α + 5λ = 0
2 βδ αγ
Now, by cross-multiplication method
2 ± 2 1 − a2 + 2 (δ + β )2 − 4βδ ( γ + α )2 − 4αγ
⇒ tan x =
2
⇒ = α2 α 1
2 = =
βδ αγ 10λ − 9λ 6λ − 5λ 3 − 4
= 1 ± 3 − a2 ⇒ 36 − 4B = 16 − 4 A α2 α
⇒ = =−1
For real values of tan 2 x, ⇒ 36 − 4B = 16 − 4 A λ λ
3 − a2 ≥ 0 ⇒ a2 − 3 ≤ 0 ⇒ 4B − 4 A = 20 ⇒ B − A = 5 ⇒ α 2 = − λ and α = − λ
⇒ | a |≤ 3 which is possible only, if A = 3, B = 8. ⇒ ( − λ )2 = − λ ⇒ λ2 + λ = 0
21. (c) Since, α and β are the roots of the 1 1 1
25. (b) Given, + = ⇒ λ( λ + 1) = 0 ⇒ λ = − 1 [Q λ ≠ 0]
equation x 2 − x + 1 = 0. x+ p x+q r
31. (b) Let x be the common root of the
∴ α + β = 1 and αβ = 1 ⇒ r[ 2x + p + q ] = x 2 + ( p + q )x + pq given equations, then
α = − ω and β = − ω2 ⇒ x 2 + ( p + q − 2r )x + pq − r( p + q ) = 0 aα 2 + bα + c = 0 , α 2 + α + 1 = 0
Now, (a) α 4 − β 4 = ( − ω)4 − ( − ω2 )4 As, if roots are equal in magnitude but α2 α 1
opposite in sign, then coefficient of x ∴ = =
= ω4 − ω8 = ω − ω2 = 3i b−c c−a a−b
will be zero. b−c c−a
⇒ α − β 4 is not real.
4
⇒ α2 = and α =
∴ p + q − 2r = 0 ⇒ p + q = 2r a−b a−b
(b) 2(α 5 + β 5 ) = 2[( − ω)5 + ( − ω2 )5 ]
26. (a) Let α , β be the roots of the given c−a
2
b−c
= 2[ − ω2 − ω] = 2 ⇒   =
equation.  a − b
and (αβ ) = [( − ω)( − ω2 )]5 = 1
5 a−b
Then, α + β = ab and αβ = − a 2
MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 79

⇒ ( c − a )2 = ( a − b ) ( b − c ) 37. (a) 2b = a + c , b 2 − 4ac ≥ 0 Thus, Statement I is correct.

2
⇒ a 2 + b 2 + c 2 − ab − bc − ca = 0
⇒  a + c  − 4ac ≥ 0 Now, Sn = α n + β n
⇒
1
[( a − b )2 + ( b − c )2 + ( c − a )2 ] = 0  2  ∴ S =α + β = − b …(i)
1
2 ⇒ a 2 − 14ac + c 2 ≥ 0 S = α3 + β3
Since, each is zero. c 3
⇒ t − 14t + 1 ≥ 0, where t =
2
= (α + β )3 − 3αβ(α + β )
∴ a=b=c a
= ( S )3 − 3S c
⇒ ( t − 7)2 ≥ 48 ⇒ | t − 7 | ≥ 4 3 1 1
32. (c) Since, the coefficient of x 2 in both the Hence, Statement II is also correct.
equations are equal, therefore common ⇒  c − 7 ≥ 4 3
root is obtained by subtracting them a  42. (b) We have, tan A + tan B = p

∴ 2x ( c − b ) + ( b − c ) = 0 ⇒ x = −
1 38. (c) Since, the roots of equation and tan A ⋅ tan B = q
2 x 2 − px + ( p − 1) = 0 are r and r . tan A + tan B p
1 2 ∴ tan ( A + B ) = =
On putting for x in any equation, we ∴ r + r = p and r r = p − 1 1 − tan A ⋅ tan B 1 − q
1 2 1 2
get ∴ Statement I is not correct.
a + 4b + 4c = 0 ∴ r 2 + r 2 = ( r + r )2 − 2r r 1 1
1 2 1 2 1 2
Now, cot A + cot B = +
33. (c) ∆ > 0 ⇒ −25m + 150 ≥ 0 = p2 − 2 p + 2 = p2 − 2 p + 1 + 1 tan A tan B
∴ m≤ 6 = ( p − 1)2 + 1 tan B + tan A p
m + 10 = =
Product of roots = = positive as So, value of r 2 + r 2 will be minimum, if tan A ⋅ tan B q
1 2
m −5 p − 1 = 0, i.e. p = 1
roots are of same sign. ∴ Statement II is correct.
b Now, discriminant = p 2 − 4q
Numerator and denominator both 39. (d) We have, α + β = − 3and αβ =
2 = (tan A + tan B )2 − 4 tan A ⋅ tan B
positive m > 5 [Q m ≠ 5]
Since, b < 0, therefore discriminant,
or both negative m ≤ − 10 D = 36 − 8b > 0 = (tan A − tan B )2
∴ m < − 10 and 5 < m ≤ 6 So, α , β are real. Thus, Statement III is also correct.
34. (d) |x 2 + x − 6|< 6 Now, 43. (a) Given, x 2 − px − q = 0,
⇒ −6 < x 2 + x − 6 < 6 α β α 2 + β 2 (α + β ) 2 1
+ = = −2 On replacing x by , we get
⇒ − 6 < x 2 + x − 6 and x 2 + x − 6 < 6 β α αβ αβ x
⇒ x 2 + x > 0 and x 2 + x − 12 < 6 =
18
− 2< 0 [Q b < 0] qx 2 + px − 1 = 0
⇒ x ( x + 1) > 0 and ( x + 4)( x − 3) < 0 b Thus, Statement I is correct.
⇒ x ∈ ( −∞ ,−1) ∪ ( 0, ∞ ) 40. (a) We have, a( p + x )2 + 2bpx + c = 0 Now, u + v + uv = p − q
and − 4 < x < 3 ⇒ ax 2 + 2( a + b ) px + ap 2 + c = 0 (u + v )uv = − pq
⇒ x ∈ ( − 4, − 1) ∪ ( 0, 3) −2( a + b ) p ∴ The equation whose roots are (u + v)
∴ α+β=
a and (uv ) is x 2 − ( p − q )x − pq = 0
35. (c) The given equation has positive real
ap 2 + c c ⇒ ( x − p )( x + q ) = 0
roots, if (i) Discriminant ≥ 0 and αβ = = p2 +
a a Thus, Statement II is correct.
(ii) Product of roots > 0 Thus, Statement I is correct. Now,
Now, (i) Discriminant ≥ 0 Now, (α − β )2 = (α + β )2 − 4αβ u 2 + v 2 = (u + v )2 − 2uv = p 2 + 2q
⇒ 4( a − 1)2 − 4( 2a + 1) ≥ 0 4( a + b )2 p 2  ap 2 + c 
= − 4 and u 2 v 2 = (uv )2 = q 2
⇒ a 2 − 4a ≥ 0 ⇒ a < 0 or a ≥ 4 
a 2
 a  ∴ The equation whose roots are u 2 and
(ii) Product of roots > 0 4
= 2 [( a + b )2 p 2 − a 2 p 2 − ac ] v 2 is x 2 − ( p 2 + 2q )x + q 2 = 0.
⇒ ( 2a + 1) > 0 a Thus, Statement III is not correct.
⇒ a > −1 / 2 4
= 2 [( 2ab + b 2 ) p 2 − ac ] 44. (b) Since, α , β are the roots of
∴ a≥ 4 a
2 x 2 + x α + β = 0, then α + β = − α
36. (d) Given equation is, ⇒ |α − β| = ( 2ab + b 2 ) p 2 − ac
|a| and αβ = β ⇒ α = 1, β = − 2
x 2 − 4x − log N = 0
3
∴ Statement II is not correct. 45. (b) Now, α + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2,
Then, ∆≥0
β + 1= −2 + 1= −1
⇒ B 2 − 4 AC ≥ 0 41. (c) Since, α, β are roots of equation
Their sum = 2 + ( −1) = 1
⇒ ( − 4)2 − 4 ( 1) ( − log N ) ≥ 0 x 2 + bx + c = 0
3 Their product = 2( −1) = − 2
⇒ 16 + 4 log N ≥ 0 ∴α 2 + bα + c = 0 and β 2 + bβ + c = 0
3 ∴ Required equation
⇒ log (3)16 + log ( N )4 ≥ 0 Also, α + β = − b, αβ = c
3 3 x 2 − ( 1) x + ( −2) = 0
⇒ log {(3)16 ⋅ ( N )4 } ≥ 0 Now, S + bSn + cS
3 n+1 n −1 ⇒ x2 − x − 2 = 0
⇒ 316 ⋅ N 4 ≥ 30 = 1
= (α n + 1 + β n + 1 ) + b(α n + β n ) 46. (c) The given equation has equal roots
1 1 1
⇒ N 4 ≥ 16 ⇒ N ≥ 4 = + c (α n − 1 + β n − 1 )
3 3 81 n −1
∴ Discriminant = 0
=α [α + bα + c ]
2
1 ⇒ ( bc − ca )2 − 4( ab − bc )( ca − ab ) = 0
So, the minimum value of N is . + β n − 1 [β 2 + bβ + c ]
81 n −1
⇒ b 2 c 2 + c 2 a 2 − 2c 2 ab − 4 [ a 2 bc − a 2 b 2
=α ⋅ 0 + βn − 1 ⋅ 0
− c 2 ab + b 2 ac ] = 0
80 NDA/NA Pathfinder

⇒ b 2 c 2 + c 2 a 2 + 4a 2 b 2 + 2c 2 ab  1 1  57. (a) Let β = α 2

x2 −  +  x
− 4a 2 bc − 4b 2 ac = 0  aα + b aβ + b ∴ α + α 2 = − p and α 3 = q
⇒ ( bc + ca − 2ab )2 = 0 1 1 ⇒ α(α + 1) = − p
+ ⋅ =0
⇒ bc + ca = 2ab ⇒ c ( a + b ) = 2ab aα + b aβ + b On cubing both sides, we get
⇒ c=
2b ⇒ { a 2αβ + ab(α + β ) + b 2 } x 2 α 3 [α 3 + 1 + 3α(α + 1)] = − p 3
a+ b ⇒ q( q + 1 − 3 p ) = − p 3
− { a(α + β ) + 2b } x + 1 = 0
∴ a, c, b are in HP. ⇒ p − (3 p − 1)q + q 2 = 0
3

−( bc − ca ) ⇒ ( ca − b 2 + b 2 )x 2 − ( 2b − b )x + 1 = 0
47. (b) The root of the equation = ⇒ cax 2 − bx + 1 = 0 58. (d) Here, α + β = − p and αβ = q
2( ab − bc )
But αβ = 3 ⇒ q = 3
−( bc − 2ab + bc ) 2( ab − bc ) Sol. (Q. Nos. 53-56) Since,α and β are the roots
= = =1 1+ q 1+ 3
2( ab − bc ) 2( ab − bc ) of the equation x 2 + x + 1 = 0 Also, p = ⇒ p= =2
2 2
48. (b) α, β are roots of equation ∴α + β = −1 and αβ = 1 ∴ α+β=−2
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 −1 + 3i −1 − 3i
Also, α = and β = 59. (a) Here, α + β = − p and αβ = q
b c
∴ α+β=− and αβ = 2 2  αβ 
a a
⇒ α = ω and β = ω2 ∴ tan −1 α + tan −1 β = tan −1  
Since, both roots are positive, i.e.  1 − αβ 
 
α > 0, β > 0 53. (d) Let a and b are the roots of equation
b  − p   
∴ α + β> 0 ⇒− > 0 x2 − x + 1 = 0 = tan −1   = tan −1  p 
a ∴ a + b = 1 and ab = 1  1 − q  q − 1
   
⇒ a > 0 and b < 0 or a < 0 and b > 0 None of the option (a), (b), (c) are
60. (c) We have, p + q = − p …(i)
49. (a) Given, α > 0 and β < 0 satisfied for the given equation.
c and pq = q …(ii)
⇒ αβ < 0 ⇒ < 0 Hence, option (d) is correct.
a From Eq. (ii), p = 1 [Q q ≠ 0]
54. (b) Let α′, β′ be the roots of From Eq. (i), q = − 2 p = − 2 [Q p = 1]
∴ c and a have opposite sign.
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 ∴ p = 1 and q = − 2
Thus, Statement I is correct.
α′ α ω
Also, α > |β| ⇒ − α < β < α ⇒ α + β > 0 ∴ = = ⇒ β ′ = α ′ω 61. (d)
β ′ β ω2
∴ b and a have opposite sign. b
Now, α ′ + β ′ = − and α ′β ′ =
c 62. (a) Since, one root of x 2 + ax − b = 0
Thus, Statement II is not correct. a a is 1.
50. (a) Dividing the equation b
⇒ α ′ + α ′ω = − and (α ′ )2 ω =
c ∴ 12 + a ⋅ 1 − b = 0
a 3 x 2 + abcx + c 3 = 0 by c 2 , we get a a ⇒ 1+ a − b = 0 ⇒a − b = −1
b c
2 ⇒ α ′ω2 = and (α ′ )2 ω = 63. (a) Given that, α and β be the roots of
a   + b   + c = 0
ax ax
a a
 c   c  the equation x 2 − q( 1 + x ) − r = 0
b c
ax ⇒ α ′ = ω and (α ′ )2 ω =
⇒ = α, β a a ⇒ x 2 − qx − ( q + r ) = 0
c 2
α+β=q
⇒  ω ω =
c c b c Then,
⇒ x = α, β ⇒ b 2 = ac
a  a and αβ = − ( q + r )
a a
⇒ x = α 2β , αβ 2 ⇒ a, b, c are in GP. Now, ( 1 + α ) ( 1 + β) = 1 + (α + β ) + αβ
Q c = αβ = product of roots  = 1 + q − ( q + r) = 1 − r
55. (c) Sum of roots = (α + 1) + (β + 1)
 a  64. (a) Let the roots of the equation
= (α + β ) + 2
Hence, α 2β and αβ 2 are the roots of ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are α and (α − 1) by
= − 1+ 2 = 1
the equation a 3 x 2 + abcx + c 3 = 0. given condition. Then,
Product of roots = (α + 1)(β + 1) b
b ⇒ α + (α − 1) = −
51. (d) sin θ + cos θ = − = αβ + (α + β ) + 1 a
a b a−b
c = 1− 1+ 1= 1 ⇒ 2α = 1 − ⇒ α=
sin θ cos θ = a 2a
a ∴ Required equation is x 2 − x + 1 = 0. c
Now, (sin θ + cos θ)2 = 1 + 2 sin θ cos θ and α (α − 1) =
56. (a) We have, α = ω and β = ω2 a
b2 2c a + 2c ⇒ α 2 = ω2 and β 2 = ω ( a − b)  a − b = c
⇒ = 1+ = ⇒ − 1
a2  
a a ∴ The equation whose roots are α 2 and 2a  2a  a
⇒ b 2 = a 2 + 2ac β 2 is x2 + x + 1 = 0 …(i) ⇒ − ( a 2 − b 2 ) = 4ac
⇒ b 2 + c 2 = a 2 + 2ac + c 2 = ( a + c )2 Given equation is ⇒ b 2 = a( a + 4c )
∴ b 2 + c 2 = ( a + c )2 ( a + b )x 2 − ax + 1 = 0 …(ii)
Sol. (Q. Nos. 65-66) Let α and β be the roots of
On comparing Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
52. (a) α + β = −
b
, αβ =
c the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0.
a = − 1 and a + b = 1
a a Then, α + β = − b/a
The required equation is ⇒ b = 1 − a = 1 − ( − 1) = 2
and α ⋅β = c/ a
MATHEMATICS Quadratic Equations and Inequalities 81

Also given that, the equation −2 b 80. (d) Given equation, x2 − 10x + 9 = 0
Now, sum of the roots = 2α + 3α =
x 2 + 36x + 24 = 0 is formed by 3a Let (α , β ) be the roots of the given
−2 b −2b
multiplying each root of ⇒ 5α= ⇒ α= ...(i) equation.
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 by 2. 3a 15a
c Then, α + β = 10
and product of the roots = 2α ⋅ 3α =
∴ 2α + 2β = − 36 ⇒ α + β = −18 3a and α ⋅β = 9
2
−b −2 b 
⇒ 
b c c
⇒ = − 18 ⇒ = 18 …(i) ⇒ 6α 2 =  = Now, we use the identity
a a 3a  15a  18a
(α − β )2 = (α + β )2 − 4αβ
and ( 2α )( 2β ) = 24 ⇒ αβ = 6 [from Eq. (i)]
= ( 10) − 4 ( 9) = ( 10)2 − 4 ( 9)
2
c 4b 2 c 4b 2 c
⇒ =6 ...(ii) ⇒ = ⇒ = ⇒ α −β = ± 8
a 225a 2 18a 25a 2 2a
∴ 8 b 2 = 25 ac ∴ |α − β | = 8
65. (a) Now, dividing Eq. (i) by Eq. (ii),
we get 73. (b) 81. (a) If one root of any quadratic equation
b 3
74. (d) α , β are the roots of ax + bx + c = 0
2 is in the form 3a + b , then other root of
= ⇒ b: c = 3 : 1
c 1 −b c this equation should be 3a − b .
∴ α+β = ,αβ =
a a ∴ Required equation is
66. (d) Now, multiplying Eqs. (i) and (ii), we
get We have, α 2 + β 2 = (α + β )2 − 2αβ x2 − (Sum of roots) ⋅ x
b c
× = 18 × 6
2 + (Product of roots) = 0
=  −  − 2 ⋅
b c
a a  a a ⇒ x2 − {(3a + b ) + (3 a − b }⋅ x
⇒ bc = 108 a 2
b 2 2c b 2 − 2ac + {(3a + b )(3a − b )} = 0
67. (c) = 2 − =
a a a2 ∴ x − 6 ax + 9 a − b = 0
2 2
2
68. (b) Since, the roots of the quadratic 2  c c2
and α ⋅ β = (αβ ) =   = 2
2 2
82. (c) Given that, (α , β ) are the roots of the
equation 3x 2 − 5x + p = 0 are real and  a a
unequal. equation x2 + x + 2 = 0, then
∴ Required quadratic equation whose α + β = − 1 and α ⋅ β = 2
∴ Discriminant > 0 ⇒ b 2 − 4 ac > 0 roots are α 2 and β 2 is Now, we have
⇒ ( −5)2 − 4(3)( p ) > 0 x 2 − ( α 2 + β 2 ) x + α 2β 2 = 0 α10 + β10
⇒ 25 − 12 p > 0 ⇒ 25 > 12 p = (αβ )10 = ( 2)10
( b 2 − 2ac ) c2 α −10 + β −10
25 ⇒ x2 − x+ 2 = 0
⇒ 12 p < 25 ⇒ p < a 2
a
12 = 1024
∴ a 2 x 2 − ( b 2 − 2ac )x + c 2 = 0
69. (c) Since, α and β are the roots of 83. (d) Given that, the equation
75. (b) 76. (a)
x 2 + px − q = 0 x2 + bx + 4 = 0 have real roots, if
∴ α + β = − p, αβ = − q 77. (c) Given equation is discriminate (D) = B 2 − 4 AC ≥ 0
Again, since γ,δ are the roots of x2 − 8x + 16 = 0
x 2 − px + r = 0 ⇒ ( x − 4)2 = 0 ⇒ x = 4, 4 + –
∴ γ + δ = p, γδ = r So, the roots of the equation are equal
–∞ –4 +4 +∞
(β + γ )(β + δ) and real.
78. (d) Given quadratic equation, ⇒ b − 4 ( 1) ( 4) ≥ 0
2
= β 2 + β( γ + δ) + γδ
= β 2 + β ( p ) + γδ x 2 + 3 |x | + 2 = 0 ⇒ b 2 − 16 ≥ 0
= β + β ( −α − β ) + r
2 ⇒ |x|2 + 3|x|+2 = 0 ⇒ ( b − 4) ( b + 4) ≥ 0 ∴ b ≤ − 4, b ≥ 4
= β 2 − αβ − β 2 + r = − αβ + r ⇒ (|x|+2)(|x|+1) = 0 84. (c)
= − ( − q) + r = q + r ⇒ |x|= −2,−1
85. (c) Given equation,
Hence, given quadratic equation has no
70. (b)
real roots. 2a 2 x 2 − 2abx + b 2 = 0
71. (a) Given that, When, a < 0 and b > 0
79. (b) Given quadratic equation is
4x − 6 ⋅ 2x + 8 = 0 ⇒ 22 x − 6 ⋅ 2x + 8 = 0 −( −2ab ) ± ( −2ab )2 − 4 ⋅ 2a 2 ⋅ b 2
ax2 + bx + b = 0 ∴ x =
Let 2x = z ⇒ z 2 − 6z + 8 = 0 2 ⋅ 2a 2
Let (α , β ) be the roots of given
⇒ z 2 − 4z − 2z + 8 = 0 equation. 2ab ± 4a b − 8a 2 b 2
2 2
=
⇒ z (z − 4 ) − 2 (z − 4 ) = 0 b b 4a 2
∴ α+β=− and α β =
⇒ (z − 4)(z − 2) = 0 a a 2ab ± −4a 2 b 2 2ab ± i 2ab
= =
∴ z = 2, 4 ⇒ 2x = 21 , 22 Now, we have 4a 2 4a 2
So, the required values of x are 1, 2. α β b α+β b which shows that the roots of the given
+ + = +
72. (d) Given quadratic equation is β α a αβ a equation is always complex.
3ax 2 + 2bx + c = 0 −b a b b b 86. (d)
= × + =− + =0
Let its root are 2α and 3α. a b a a a
82 NDA/NA Pathfinder

b c 288 ∴ Statement I is not correct.

87. (a) Q α + β = − and αβ = ⇒ 324 − 36 = 4 q( 18) ⇒ = 4q
a a 18 Now, α 2β + β 2α = αβ (α + β )
q
Also, α + h + β + h = − ⇒ q=4 As, α + β < 0 and αβ < 0
p
⇒ α + β + 2h = −
q ∴ 2 p + 3 × 4 = 18 ⇒ αβ (α + β ) > 0
p 18 − 12 ∴ Statement II is correct.
⇒ p= =3
b 
Qα + β = − 
q b 2
⇒ 2h = − + 97. (a) Q x 2 − px + 4 > 0
p a  a  ∴ 2 p + q = 2 × 3 + 4 = 10
Here, a > 0 and f ( x ) > 0
1 b q  92. (a) We have, x 2 − 3| x | + 2 = 0 ∴ D<0
⇒ h=  − 
2 a p ∴ p 2 − 16 < 0 ⇒ p 2 < 16 ⇒ | p | < 4
⇒ | x |2 − 3| x | + 2 = 0
88. (b) We have, ⇒ | x |2 − 2| x | − | x | + 2 = 0 98. (b) Given equation is
( x 2 + 2)2 + 8x 2 = 6x ( x 2 + 2) …(i) ⇒ ( | x | − 2) ( | x | − 1) = 0 ( l − m ) x 2 + lx + 1 = 0
Let x 2 + 2 = y , then Let α and 2α be the roots of given
⇒ | x | = 2 or | x | = 1
y 2 + 8x 2 = 6xy equation. Then, we have
⇒ x = ± 2 or x = ± 1 −l
⇒ y − 6xy + 8x 2 = 0
2
α + 2α = 3α =
∴ There are four real roots of the l −m
⇒ ( y − 4x )( y − 2x ) = 0
equation.
⇒ ( x 2 + 2 − 4x )( x 2 + 2 − 2x ) = 0 and α ⋅ 2α = 2α 2 =
1
⇒ x 2 − 4x + 2 = 0 or x 2 − 2x + 2 = 0 93. (a) We have, x 2 − nx + m = 0 l −m
Since, discriminant of x 2 − 4x + 2 = 0 ∴ α + β = n, αβ = m −l 1
is 16 − 8 > 0 and given that, α–β = 1 ⇒ α= and 2α 2 =
3( l − m ) l −m
∴ It has real solutions. So, Statement I We know that, 2
is not correct. (α + β)2 − (α − β)2 = 4αβ  −l 
⇒ 2⋅   = 1
Now, Eq. (i) can be written as ⇒ n2 − 1 = 4m  3( l − m )  l −m
x 4 − 6x 3 + 12x 2 − 12x + 4 = 0  
⇒ n − 4m − 1 = 0
2
2
( −6 ) 2l 1
∴ Sum of all roots = − =6 94. (c) We have, ax 2 + bx + c = 0 ⇒ =
1 9 ( l − m )2 l − m
b
∴ Sum of roots, i.e. α + β = −
So, Statement II is correct. a ⇒ 2l 2 = 9 ( l − m ) [Q l ≠ m ]
c
89. (a) Let the correct equation be and product of roots, i.e. αβ = ⇒ 2l 2 − 9l + 9m = 0
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 a
9 ± 81 − 72m
It is given that, α + β = α 2 + β 2 ⇒ l =
First student roots are 8 and 2. Equation 4
is x 2 − 10x + 16 = 0 ⇒ α + β = (α + β)2 − 2αβ
Q l is real.
2
b  b
a = 1, b = − 10 are correct, c = 16 is =  −  − 2  ∴ D≥0
c
⇒ −
wrong. a  a  a ⇒ 81 − 72m ≥ 0
Second student roots are − 9 and −1 b b 2 2c b b 2 − 2ac 81 9
⇒ − = 2 − ⇒− = ⇒ 81 ≥ 72m ⇒ µ ≤ ⇒µ≤
Equation is x 2 + 10x + 9 = 0 a a a a a2 72 8
⇒ − ab = b − 2ac
2 9
a = 1, c = 9 are correct, b = 10 is wrong Hence, greatest value of m is .
⇒ b 2 = 2ac − ab ⇒ b 2 + ab = 2ac 8
∴ a = 1, b = − 10 and c = 9
Sol. (Q. Nos. 95-96) 99. (d) Given, x 2 + bx + c = 0, b ≠ 0
Hence, correct equation is tan α + tan β = − b
Given, α and β are the roots of
x 2 − 10x + 9 = 0 tan α tan β = c
equation x 2 + bx + c = 0. and
90. (c) Since, m and n are roots of the ∴ α + β = − b and αβ = c tan α + tan β
Now, tan (α + β ) =
equation As b > 0 and c < 0 1 − tan α tan β
( x + p )( x + q ) − k = 0 b
So, α + β< 0 =− = b( c − 1)−1
⇒ x 2 + ( p + q )x + pq − k = 0 ⇒ β< −α 1− c
∴ m + n = − ( p + q ) and mn = pq − k and αβ < 0 100. (b) Q tan α + tan β = −b
Now, ( x − m )( x − n) + k = 0 Also, given that α < β ⇒ α < 0 sin α sin β
⇒ + = −b
⇒ x 2 − (m + n)x + mn + k = 0 and β> 0 cos α cos β
⇒ x 2 + ( p + q )x + pq − k + k = 0 95. (c) α + β < 0 ⇒ β < − α sin α cos β + cos α sin β
...(i) ⇒ = −b
⇒ x 2 + ( p + q )x + pq = 0 ∴ Statement I is correct. cos α cos β
Hence, − p and − q are the required roots. sin(α + β )
As, α < 0 and − α > β ⇒ = −b
91. (c) We have, 2 p + 3 q = 18 ⇒ |α |> β cos α cos β
and 4 p 2 + 4 p q − 3q 2 − 36 = 0 ∴ Statement II is correct. ⇒ sin (α + β ) sec α sec β = − b
⇒ ( 2 p + 3 q ) − 8 p q − 12 q = 36
2 2
96. (b) As,α + β < 0 and αβ < 0
⇒ 182 − 4 q ( 2 p + 3 q ) = 36 ⇒ α + β + αβ < 0
07
83

PERMUTATIONS AND
COMBINATIONS
In NDA exam, generally 2-3 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on
fundamental principle of counting, number of permutation/combination under certain
conditions etc.

In our day-to-day life, we are interested to find the number of ways in which a particular work can be
done. For this, we have to find all the possible ways to do that work and it can be done with the help
of permutation and combination.

FACTORIAL NOTATION
The continued product of first n natural numbers is denoted by n! or it is read as ‘n factorial’.
Thus, n ! = n ( n − 1) ( n − 2)K 3 × 2 × 1 , e.g. 5 ! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120 and 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24

Properties of Factorial Notation

(i) 0 ! = 1
(ii) Factorials of negative integers and fractions are not defined.
n! n!
(iii) = n ( n − 1) ( n − 2) K(r + 1) (iv) = n ( n − 1) ( n − 2) K ( n − r + 1)
r! ( n − r )!
(v) ( m + n)! ≠ m!+ n ! (vi) (mn)! ≠ m! n!
(vii) n ! = n( n − 1)! = n( n − 1)( n − 2)!

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF COUNTING

There are following fundamental principles of counting
1. Fundamental principle of multiplication “If there are two jobs such that one of them can be
completed in mdifferent ways following which a second job can be completed in n different ways,
then the two jobs in succession can be completed in m × n ways. This can be extended to any finite
number of operations.
84 NDA/NA Pathfinder

EXAMPLE 1. How many 3-digit numbers, each less than

600, can be formed from (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9), if repetition of
Permutation Under
digits is allowed? Certain Condition
a. 216 b. 180 c. 144 d. 120 1. The number of all permutations of n different
Sol. c. Unit’s and ten’s place each can be filled by any one of objects taking r at a time
the given numbers, i.e. by 6 × 6 ways. (i) when a particular object is always included
But hundredth place can be filled by only 4 ways (7 and 9 is r ⋅ n − 1 Pr−1 .
cannot be put here).
∴Total required number of ways = 4 × 6 × 6 = 144 (ii) when a particular object is never included is
n−1
2. Fundamental principle of addition If there are mways Pr .
for doing one work and n ways doing another work, 2. Number of permutations of n different things,
then ways of doing either of the two works = m + n. taken r at a time, when s particular things are to
Here, the two works are independent of each other. be always included in each arrangement, is
EXAMPLE 2. In a class there are 10 boys and 8 girls. s ![r − ( s − 1)] ⋅ n − s Pr − s .
The teacher wants to select either a boy or a girl to 3. Number of permutations of n different things,
represent the class in a function. In how many ways can taken all at a time, when mspecified things
the teacher make this selection?
always come together, is m! × ( n − m + 1)!.
a. 80 b. 18 c. 81 d. None of these
4. Number of permutations of n different things,
Sol. b. Here, the teacher has to perform either of the following
taken all at a time, when mspecified things never
two jobs
(i) selecting a boy among 10 boys or
come together, is n ! − m! × ( n − m + 1)!.
(ii) selecting a girl among 8 girls. 5. The number of permutations of n things, of
The first job can be performed in 10 ways and the second which p1 are alike of one kind; p 2 are alike of
in 8 ways. Therefore, by the fundamental principle of second kind; p 3 are alike of third kind; ...; p r are
addition either of the two jobs can be performed in alike of rth kind such that p1 + p 2 + K + p r = n, is
(10 + 8) = 18 ways. Hence, the teacher can make the n!
selection of either a boy or a girl in 18 ways. .
p1 ! p 2 ! p 3 ! K p r !

PERMUTATIONS EXAMPLE 3. The number of arrangements that can

Each of the arrangements which can be made by taking be made with the letters of the word ‘MATHEMATICS’
some or all of a number of things is called a permutation. in which all vowels come together, is
Thus, in permutation the order of arrangement is 8! × 4! 8! × 4! 8! 8!
a. b. c. d.
important. When the order is changed, a different 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 4 ! 2! 2!
permutation is obtained, e.g. The permutations of three Sol. b. There are 4 vowels viz. A, E, A, I. Considering
letters A, B and C taking all at a time are ABC, ACB, these four vowels as one letter we have 8 letters
BCA, BAC, CBA and CAB. (M, T, H, M, T, C, S and one letter obtained by
combining all vowels), out of which M occurs twice,
T occurs twice and the rest all different. These 8
SOME IMPORTANT RESULTS ON PERMUTATION 8!
letters can be arranged in ways. But, the four
(i) Let r and n be positive integers such that 0 ≤ r ≤ n . Then, 2! × 2!
the number of all permutations of n distinct things taken r 4!
vowels (A, E, A, I) can be put together in ways.
at time is given by nPr or p (n, r), where 2!
n!
n
Pr = = n ( n − 1) ( n − 2) … ( n − r + 1) Hence, the total number of arrangements in which
( n − r )!
8! 4!
where n ≥ r . vowels are always together = ×
(ii) The number of all permutations of n distinct things, taken 2! × 2! 2!
all at a time is n Pn = h ! .
(iii) The number of permutations of n different things taken r at Circular Permutations
a time, when each thing may be repeated any number of
times is n r . If we arrange the objects along the circumference of a
(iv) P0 = 1, P1 = n and Pn = n ! ,
n n n n
Pn −1 = n ! circle, then permutations are known as circular
permutations.
SOME IMPORTANT RESULTS ON
MATHEMATICS Permutations and Combinations 85

CIRCULAR PERMUTATION
Properties of n Cr
(i) The number of circular permutations of n distinct
n
objects is ( n − 1) ! . Here, anti-clockwise and clockwise (i) C r is a natural number.
order of arrangements are considered as distinct
permutations. (ii) C r = nC n− r , for 0 ≤ r ≤ n
n

(ii) If anti-clockwise and clockwise order of arrangements (iii) n

C 0 = n C n = 1, nC1 = n
are not distinct, e.g. arrangement of beads in a necklace,
arrangement of flowers in a garland etc., then number
(iv) Let n and r be non-negative integers such that r ≤ n.
n+1
of circular permutations of n distinct items is
( n − 1)!
. Then, n
C r + nC r−1 = Cr [Pascal’s law]
2 n n−1
n
Cr = ⋅ C r−1 [ 1≤ r ≤ n ]
EXAMPLE 4. There are 20 persons among whom r
two are brothers. Find the number of ways in which (v) If 1 ≤ r ≤ n, then n ⋅ n−1C r−1 = ( n − r + 1) ⋅ nC r−1
we can arrange them around a circle, so that there is
exactly one person between the two brothers. (vi) nC x = nC y ⇒ x = y or x + y = n
a. 18! b. 2 × 18 ! c. 17! d. 18 × 17 !  n − r + 1
(vii) n
C r / nC r−1 =  
Sol. b. Let B1 and B2 be two brothers among 20 persons  r 
and let M be the person. Clearly, M can be chosen (viii) n
C 0 + n C1 + n C 2 + . . . + n C n = 2n
from 18 persons (excluding B1 and B2) in 18 ways.
Considering the two brothers B1 and B2 and the person M (ix) n
C 0 + n C 2 + n C 4 + . . . = n C1 + n C 3 + n C5 . . . = 2n−1
2 n+1
as one person, we have 18 persons in all.
(x) C 0 + 2n+1 C1 + 2n+1 C 2 + . . . + 2 n+1
C n = 22n
These 18 persons can be arranged around a circle in
(18 − 1) ! = 17 ! ways. But B1 and B2 can be arranged among
them solve in 2! ways. SOME IMPORTANT RESULTS ON COMBINATIONS
Hence, total number of required ways
(i) Number of combinations of n different things taken r at
= 18 × 17 ! × 2! = 2 × 18 ! a time
(a) When p particular things are always included = n − p C r − p .
COMBINATIONS (b) When p particular things are never included = n − p C r .

Each of the different selections made by taking some or (c) When p particular things are not together in any
all of a number of objects, (irrespective of there selection =n C r −n − p C r − p .
arrangements) is called a combinations. e.g. The different (ii) If there are n person in a room and they shake their
combinations formed of two out of three letters A , B, C hand with others only once, then total number of shake
hands = nC 2 .
are AB, AC, BC.
(iii) The total number of combinations of n different things
n taken one or more at a time or the number of ways of n
Meaning of Cr different things selecting atleast one of them is
The number of combinations of n different things taken
n
C 1 + nC 2 + K + nC n = 2n − 1.
 n (iv) The number of combinations of n identical things taking
r at a time is denoted by n C r or C( n, r ) or   .
r  r ( r ≤ n ) at a time is 1.
n (v) The number of ways of selecting r things out of n alike
n! Pr
Then, n
Cr = = [0 ≤ r ≤ n] things is ( n + 1), (where r = 0, 1, 2, 3, K , n ).
r ! (n − r ) ! r! (vi) If out of ( p + q + r ) things, p are alike of one kind, q are
n ( n − 1) ( n − 2) K ( n − r + 1) alike of second kind and rest are alike of third kind,
= , n ∈ N and r ∈ W
r (r − 1) (r − 2) K 2⋅ 1 then the total number of combinations is
[( p + 1) ( q + 1) ( r + 1)] − 1.
If r > n, then n C r = 0
86 NDA/NA Pathfinder

EXAMPLE 5. From 12 books, the difference between

number of ways a selection of 5 books, when one
Geometrical Applications
specified book is always excluded and one specified of Combinations
book is always included is Some basic geometrical applications of n C r are as follows
a. 64 b. 118 c. 132 d. 330
1. Out of n non-concurrent and non-parallel straight
Sol. c. If a specified book is always included. It means lines points of intersection are n C 2 .
4 books are selected out of the remaining 11 books
2. Out of ‘n’ points the number of straight lines are
∴Number of ways = 11C 4
(when no three are collinear) n C 2 .
If a specified book is always excluded. It means 5 books
are selected out of the remaining 11 books. 3. If out of n points mare collinear, then number of
∴Number of ways = 11C 5 straight lines = nC 2 − mC 2 + 1, where m≥ 3.
Thus, Required number of ways = 11C 5 − 11C 4 4. In a polygon total number of diagonals out of n
11! 11 n ( n − 3)
= − = 132 points (no three are collinear) = nC 2 − n = .
5 !6 ! 4 !7 ! 2
5. Number of triangles formed from n points is nC 3
EXAMPLE 6. How many 5-letter words with or
without meaning can be formed out of letters of the (when no three points are collinear).
word ‘EQUATIONS’ if repetition of letters is not 6. Number of triangles out of n points in which mare
allowed? collinear are n C 3 − mC 3 , where m≥ 3 .
a. 59 b. 9 C5 7. Number of parallelogram in two system of parallel
c. C5 × 5!
9
d. 95 lines (when 1st set contains mparallel lines and 2nd
set contains n parallel lines) = nC 2 × mC 2 .
Sol. c. There are 9 letters in the word ‘EQUATIONS’. In
order to form 5-letter words, we first select 5 letters out
EXAMPLE 7. The number of parallelograms that can
of these 9 letters.
9
be formed from a set of four parallel lines intersecting
Selection of 5 letters out of 9 letter can be done in C 5 another set of three parallel lines is
ways.
a. 6 b. 18 c. 12 d. 9
Arranging of 5 selected letters to form 5-letter words can
be done in 5! ways. Sol. b. Required number of parallelograms
∴Total number of 5 letter words = 9C 5 × 5! 4! 3! 4×3 3
= 4C 2 × 3C 2 = × = × = 18
2! 2! 2!1! 2 × 1 1

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. The product of r consecutive positive integers, 5. All the letters of the word ‘EAMCET’ are
divided by r ! is arranged in possible ways. The number of such
(a) a proper fraction (b) equal to r arrangements in which no two vowels are
(c) a positive integer (d) None of these adjacent to each other is
2. The number of 5 digit telephone numbers having (a) 360 (b) 144 (c) 72 (d) 54
atleast one of their digits repeated is 6. The number of words that can be formed from
(a) 90000 (b) 10000 (c) 30240 (d) 69760 the letters of the word ‘INDRAPRASTHA’ when
3. Four dice (six faced) are rolled. The number of the vowels are never separated, is
possible outcomes in which atleast one die (a) 727560 (b) 725760
shows 2 is (c) 752760 (d) 757260
(a) 1296 (b) 625
7. There are 10 lamp in a hall. Each one of
(c) 671 (d) None of these them can be switched on independently. The
4. In how many ways 4 boys and 3 girls can be number of ways in which the hall can be
seated in a row, so that they are alternate? illuminated is
(a) 108 (b) 144 (c) 96 (d) 72 (a) 102 (b) 1023 (c) 210 (d) 10!
MATHEMATICS Permutations and Combinations 87

2n + 1 2n − 1
8. 20 persons are invited for a party. The number 19. If Pn − 1: Pn = 3 : 5, then consider the
of ways in which they and the host can be seated following statements
at a circular table, if two particular persons be
seated on either side of the host is equal to I. The value of n is 3
(a) 2 ⋅ (18) ! (b) 18 ! ⋅ 3 ! II. P ( 5, n ) = P ( 6, n − 1)
(c) 19 ! ⋅ 2 ! (d) None of these Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
9. Seven women and seven men are to sit round a (a) Only I (b) Only II
circular table such that there is a man on either (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
side of every women, then the number of seating
20. Four-letter words are to be formed using the
arrangements is
letters of the word ‘FAILURE’.
(a) (17 !) 2
(b) (6!) 2
(c) 6! × 7 ! (d) 7!
n
Consider the following statements
P (n , r )
10. What is the value of ∑ r! ? I. Number of words of F is included in each word
is 6C3 × 4 !.
r =1
(a) 2 n − 1 (b) 2 n (c) 2 n − 1 (d) 2 n + 1 II. Number of words, if it contains two different
vowels and two different consonants is
11. How many times does the digit 3 appear while 3
C 2 × 4C 2 × 4 !.
writing the integers from 1 to 1000?
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 269 (b) 271 (c) 300 (d) None of these
(a) Only I (b) Only II
12. The value of (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(7C0 + 7C1 ) + (7C1 + 7C2 ) + K + (7C6 + 7C7 ) is
Directions (Q. Nos. 21-22) Find the number of
(a) 2 7 − 1 (b) 2 8 − 2 (c) 2 8 − 1 (d) 28 numbers between 400 and 4000 that can be formed
13. The solution set of Cx − 1 > 2 ⋅ Cx is10 10 with the digits 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 0.
(a) {1, 2, 3} (b) {4, 5, 6} (c) {8, 9, 10} (d) {9, 10, 11} 21. When number is of 3 digits
(a) 75 (b) 90
14. Given 5 line segments of lengths 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (c) 60 (d) 80
units. Then the number of triangles that can be
formed by joining these lines are 22. When number is of 4 digits
(a) 5C 3 (b) 5C 3 − 3 (a) 120 (b) 150
(c) 180 (d) 160
(c) C 3 − 2
5
(d) 5
C3 − 1

15. The sides AB, BC , CA of a ∆ABC have 3, 5 and 6 Directions (Q. Nos. 23-24) Find the total numbers
interior points, respectively on them. The of four digits number that are greater than 3000,
number of triangles that can be constructed that can be formed using the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
using these points as vertices is given by and 6.
(a) 364 (b) 333 23. If repetition is not allowed
(c) 240 (d) None of these (a) 240 (b) 24
(c) 360 (d) 480
16. Everybody in a room shakehands with everybody
else. The total number of hand shakes is 66. The 24. If repetition is allowed
total number of persons in the room is (a) 486 (b) 864 (c) 240 (d) 1296
(a) 11 (b) 12 (c) 13 (d) 14
Directions (Q. Nos. 25-27) A committee of five
17. In an examination, there are three multiple members is to be made from 4 gentlemen and
choice questions and each question has 4 choices.
6 ladies. Then, find the number of ways in which
Then, the number of ways in which a student
committee can be formed.
can fail to get all answer correct is
(a) 11 (b) 12 (c) 27 (d) 63 25. Gentlemen are in majority
(a) 60 (b) 66 (c) 120 (d) 126
18. A parallelogram is cut by two sets of m lines
parallel to its sides. The number of 26. Ladies are in majority
parallelograms thus formed is (a) 60 (b) 66 (c) 120 (d) 186
(a) m
C 2 × mC 2 (b) 2( m + 2 C 2 ) 27. Exactly 3 ladies are chosen
(c) ( m + 2 C 2 )2 (d) None of these (a) 120 (b) 126 (c) 60 (d) 40
88 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Directions (Q. Nos. 28-30) There are ten points in a PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS
plane, of these ten points four points are in a straight
line and with the exception of these four points, no 38. What is the number of ways that 4 boys and
three points are in the same straight line. On the basis 3 girls can be seated, so that boys and girls sits
of this information answer the following questions. alternate? e 2012 I
(a) 12 (b) 72 (c) 120 (d) 144
28. The number of triangles formed by joining these
ten points is 39. The number of permutations that can be formed
from all the letters of the word ‘BASEBALL’ is
(a) 116 (b) 80 (c) 96 (d) 56 e 2012 II
29. The number of straight lines formed by joining (a) 540 (b) 1260 (c) 3780 (d) 5040
these ten points is 40. What is the number of diagonals which can be
(a) 15 (b) 40 (c) 24 (d) 39 drawn by joining the angular points of a polygon
30. The number of quadrilaterals formed by joining of 100 sides? e 2012 II
these ten points is (a) 4850 (b) 4950 (c) 5000 (d) 10000
(a) 82 (b) 48 (c) 185 (d) 64 41. If P ( 77, 31) = x and C ( 77, 31) = y, then which one
Directions (Q. Nos. 31-33) We have to choose of the following is correct? e 2013 I
(a) x = y (b) 2x = y (c) 77 x = 31y (d) x > y
Eleven players for cricket team from eight batsmen,
six bowlers, four all rounder and two wicket keepers 42. In how many ways can the letters of the word
in the following conditions. ‘GLOOMY’ be arranged so that the two O’s
should not be together? e 2013 I
31. The number of selections, when atmost one all (a) 240 (b) 480 (c) 600 (d) 720
rounder and one wicket keeper will play
(a) 4 C1 × 14
C10 + 2C1 × C10 + 4C1 × 2C1 ×
14
C9 +
14 14
C11
43. If C ( 28, 2r ) = C ( 28, 2r − 4), then what is r equal
to? e 2013 II
(b) C1 ×
4 15
C11 + 15
C11 (c) C1 ×
4 15
C10 + 15
C11 (a) 7 (b) 8 (c) 12 (d) 16
(d) None of the above
44. Out of 7 consonants and 4 vowels, words are to be
32. Number of selections, when two particular formed by involving 3 consonants and 2 vowels.
batsmen do not want to play when a particular The number of such words formed is e 2014 I
bowler will play (a) 25200 (b) 22500 (c) 10080 (d) 5040
(a) 17
C10 + 19
C11 (b) 17
C10 + C11 +
19 17
C11 45. How many different words can be formed by
(c) 17
C10 + 20
C11 (d) 19
C10 + 19
C11 taking four letters out of the letters of the word
‘AGAIN’, if each word has to start with A?
33. Number of selections when a particular batsman e 2012 I
and a particular wicket keeper do not want to (a) 6 (b) 12 (c) 24 (d) None of these
play together
(a) 218 C10 (b) 19
C11 + 18
C10 Directions (Q. Nos. 46-48) Given that, C (n, r): C (n, r + 1)
(c) 19
C10 + 19
C11 (d) None of these = 1: 2 and C (n, r + 1) : C (n, r + 2) = 2 : 3 e 2014 I
46. What is n equal to?
Directions (Q. Nos. 34-37) Different words are being (a) 11 (b) 12 (c) 13 (d) 14
formed by arranging the letters of the word
47. What is r equal to?
‘ARRANGE’
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
34. The number of arrangement in which two R’s are 48. What is P ( n , r ) : C( n , r ) equal to?
never together is
(a) 900 (b) 1080 (c) 1020 (d) 960 (a) 6 (b) 24 (c) 120 (d) 720

35. The number of arrangement in which two A’s are 49. What is the number of ways in which one can
post 5 letters in 7 letter boxes? e 2014 II
together but not the two R’s is
(a) 7 5 (b) 3 5 (c) 57 (d) 2520
(a) 210 (b) 240 (c) 270 (d) 180
36. The number of arrangements in which neither 50. What is the number of ways that a cricket team
the two A’s nor the two R’s are together is of 11 players can be made out of 15 players?
e 2014 II
(a) 840 (b) 540 (c) 720 (d) 660
(a) 364 (b) 1001 (c) 1365 (d) 32760
37. The number of words can be formed without 1
changing the relative order of the vowels and 51. What is ∑ n + r Cn equal to?
r=0 e 2015 I
consonants is n+ 2 n+ 2 n+ 3 n+ 2
(a) 48 (b) 36 (c) 72 (d) 27 (a) C1 (b) Cn (c) Cn (d) Cn + 1
MATHEMATICS Permutations and Combinations 89

52. How many words can be formed using all the 57. The number of ways in which 3 holiday tickets
letters of the word ‘NATION’, so that all the three can be given to 20 employees of an organisation,
vowels should never come together? e 2015 I if each employee is eligible for any one or more
(a) 354 (b) 348 (c) 288 (d) None of these of the tickets, is e 2015 II
(a) 1140 (b) 3420
53. A polygon has 44 diagonals. The number of its (c) 6840 (d) 8000
sides is e 2015 II
(a) 11 (b) 10 (c) 8 (d) 7 58. What is the number of different messages that
can be represented by three 0’s and two 1’s?
54. The number of 3-digit even numbers that can be e 2016 I
formed from the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, (a) 10 (b) 9
repetition of digits being not allowed, is e 2015 II (c) 8 (d) 7
(a) 60 (b) 56 (c) 52 (d) 48
59. What is the number of four-digit decimal numbers
55. If different words are formed with all the letters of (< 1) in which no digit is repeated? e 2016 I
the word ‘AGAIN’ and are arranged alphabetically (a) 3024 (b) 4536
among themselves as in a dictionary, the word at (c) 5040 (d) None of these
the 50th place will be e 2015 II
(a) NAAGI (b) NAAIG (c) IAAGN (d) IAANG 60. What is the number of ways in which 3 holiday
travel tickets are to be given to 10 employees of
56. The number of ways in which a cricket team of an organisation, if each employee is eligible for
11 players be chosen out of a batch of 15 players,
anyone or more of the tickets? e 2016 I
so that the captain of the team is always
(a) 60 (b) 120
included, is e 2015 II
(c) 500 (d) 1000
(a) 165 (b) 364 (c) 1001 (d) 1365

ANSWERS
1 c 2 d 3 c 4 b 5 c 6 b 7 b 8 a 9 c 10 a
11 b 12 b 13 c 14 b 15 b 16 b 17 d 18 c 19 b 20 c
21 c 22 a 23 a 24 b 25 b 26 d 27 a 28 a 29 b 30 c
31 a 32 b 33 b 34 a 35 b 36 d 37 b 38 d 39 d 40 a
41 d 42 a 43 b 44 a 45 c 46 d 47 c 48 b 49 a 50 c
51 a 52 c 53 a 54 c 55 b 56 c 57 d 58 a 59 b 60 d

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (c) Consider r consecutive positive 4. (b) Possible arrangement will be the 6. (b) Required number of ways
integers n + 1, K , n + r − 1, n + r. form B G B G B G B 9! 4!
= ×
( n + 1)K( n + r ) Boys occupy 1, 3, 5, 7 places and girls 2! 3!
Then,
r! occupy 2, 4, 6 places. = 725760
n! ( n + 1)K ( n + r ) n + r
= = Cr ∴ Four boys can be seated in 4! ways. 7. (b) Each bulb has two choices, either
n! r !
which is a positive integer. Three girls can be seated in 3! ways. switched on or off.
∴ Required number = 4! × 3! = 144 ∴ Required number = 210 − 1 = 1023
2. (d) A telephone number can be started
with zero. [Since, in one way when all are
5. (c) Arrangement is × M × C × T × , first
Therefore, the number of numbers switched off, then the hall will
we place 3 consonant in 3! ways and
with at least one digit repeated not be illuminated]
then 3 vowels.
= 105 − 10 P At four ‘×’ places (2 between them and
8. (a) Host can sit on any seat. Two
5
= 105 − ( 10 ⋅ 9 ⋅ 8 ⋅ 7 ⋅ 6) = 69760 particular guests can sit on either
2 on sides) in which one vowel E is sides of host in 2 ! = 2 ways and
3. (c) Total number of possible outcomes repeated can be placed in 4 P / 2! ways. these three persons consider a
3
= 64 single unit and remaining 18 guests
Hence, required number
Number of possible outcomes in
= 3! ⋅ 4 P / 2! = 72 in (18) ! ways. Hence, total ways
which 2 does not appear on any dice 3 = 2 ⋅ ( 18) !.
= 54 . Required number =64 − 54 = 671
90 NDA/NA Pathfinder

9. (c) 7 womens can be seated along a 14. (b) We know that, in a triangle, sum of 20. (c) There are 7 letters in the word
circular table in 6! ways. length of two sides is always greater than ‘FAILURE’.
w the third side. Number of vowels = 4
w w ∴ The triangle will not be formed if Number of consonants = 3
we select segments of lengths. Out of four letters, one letter is F and
( 2, 3, 5), ( 2, 3, 6) and ( 2, 4, 6). Hence, other three letters can be selected from
w
number of triangles formed = 5C − 3 remaining 6 letters in 6 C ways.
3 3
15. (b) Selection of 3 points from given These four letters can be arranged in
w w 14 points can be made in 4! ways.
w 14
C = 364 ...(i) Total number of words = 6C × 4!
3 3
If mens sit at the places marked by ‘×’, So, Statement I is correct.
But selection of 3 points from the
then mens will be on either side of women. Now, 2 vowels and 2 consonants can
points on one line cannot give any
∴ 7 mens can be seated is 7! ways triangle. Such selections are be chosen in 3 C × 4C ways and can
2 2
∴ Required number = 6! × 7! 3
C + 5C + 6C be arranged in 4! ways.
n n 3 3 3
P ( n, r ) 1 n! = 1 + 10 + 20 = 31
10. (a) ∑ =∑ ⋅ ...(ii) Total number of words
r =1 r! r =1 r ! ( n − r )! Hence, total number of triangles that = 3C × 4C × 4 !
2 2
can be formed = 364 − 31 = 333
 n n!  So, Statement II is correct.
Q Pr = ( n − r )!  16. (b) Let there be n persons in a room.
  ∴ Total number of handshakes
21. (c) Since, the number should be greater
n
 n n!  than 400 therefore, hundreds place can
= ∑ Q C r = r !( n − r )! 
1
n
Cr = nC = 66 ⇒ n ( n − 1) = 66 be filled up by any one of the three digits
r =1   2
2 4, 5, 6 in 3 different ways.
⇒ n2 − n − 132 = 0
= ( n C + nC + nC + ... + nC n ) Remaining two places can be filled up
1 2 3 ⇒ ( n + 11)( n − 12) = 0 by remaining five digits in 5 P ways.
= ( 1 + n C + n C + nC + ... + n C n ) − 1 ⇒ n = 12 [Q n ≠ − 11]. ∴ Required number
2
1 2 3
5!
= ( n C + nC + nC + ... + nC n ) − 1 17. (d) Each question can be answered in = 3 × 5 P = 3 × = 60
0 1 2 2
4 ways. 3!
= ( 1 + 1) − 1 = 2 − 1
n n
All questions can be answered in 1 way 22. (a) Thousands place can be filled up by
11. (b) Number of time 3 occurs = (when 3 So, the required number = 43 − 1 = 63 any of two digits 2 and 3 in 2 ways.
occurs exactly at one place) + (when 3 18. (c) The two sets of m parallel lines along Remaining three places can be filled
occurs exactly at two places) + (when 3 with two sets of two parallel lines of the up by remaining five digits in 5 P
3
occurs exactly at three places) given parallelogram will form two sets of ways.
= 3C × 9 × 9 + 3C × 9 + 3C (m + 2) parallel lines. Each parallelogram ∴ Required number
1 2 3 5!
= 243 + 27 + 1 = 271 is formed by choosing two parallel lines = 2 × 5P = 2 × = 120
3
from each of the above. 2!
12. (b) ( 7 C + 7 C ) + ( 7 C + 7 C ) 23. (a) Required number of numbers
0 1 1 2 ∴ Total number of parallelograms
= 4 × 5 × 4 × 3 = 240
+ ...+ ( 7 C + 7 C ) = m + 2C × m + 2 C = ( m + 2 C ) 2
6 7 2 2 2
2n + 1 24. (b) Required number of numbers
= 2[ 7 C + 7 C + ...7 C ] − 7 C P
n −1 3 = 4 × 6 × 6 × 6 = 864
0 1 7 0 19. (b) We have, 2 n −1
=
− C − C
7 7 Pn 5 Sol. (Q. Nos. 25-27) The committee of five
= 2⋅ 27 − 2 = 28 − 2
2 7
( 2n + 1)! ( n − 1)! 3
⇒ × = numbers can be made by choosing
( n + 2)! ( 2n − 1)! 5 gentlemen and ladies in the following
13. (c) For 10
C and 10
C x , 10 ≥ x − 1
x −1 ( 2n + 1)( 2n)( 2n − 1)! ( n − 1)! 3 manner
and 10 ≥ x ⇒ × =
( n + 2)( n + 1)n( n − 1)! ( 2n − 1)! 5 Gentlemen (4) Ladies (6)
∴ x ≤ 10 2( 2n + 1) 3 0 5
⇒ =
Q 10
C > 2 ⋅10 C x ( n + 2)( n + 1) 5 1 4
x −1
2 3
10! 10! ⇒ 10( 2n + 1) = 3( n + 2) ( n + 1)
⇒ > 2⋅ 3 2
( 11 − x )!( x − 1)! ( 10 − x )! x ! ⇒ 3n2 + 9n + 6 = 20n + 10
4 1
1 ⇒ 3n2 − 11n − 4 = 0
⇒ ⇒ ( n − 4) (3n + 1) = 0 ⇒ n = 4 25. (b) Number of ways to make the committee,
( 11 − x ) ⋅ ( 10 − x )!( x − 1)!
10! ∴ Statement I is not correct. when gentlemen are in majority
> 2⋅ = 4C 6C + 4C 6C
( 10 − x )! x ⋅ ( x − 1)! Now, for n = 4, 3 2 4 1
1 2 P(5, n) = 5 P = = 120
5! = 4 × 15 + 1 × 6 = 66
⇒ >
11 − x x 4
1! 26. (d) Number of ways to make a
6!
⇒ x > 22 − 2x [Q x ≥ 0] and P( 6, n − 1) = 6 P = = 120 committee, when ladies are in majority
3
22 1 3! = 4C 6C + 4C 6C + 4C 6C
⇒ x> ⇒x>7 ⇒ P(5, n) = P( 6, n − 1), for n = 4 0 5 1 4 2 3
3 3 = 1 × 6 + 4 × 15 + 6 × 20
∴ x = {8, 9, 10} [Q x ∈ N ] ∴ Statement II is correct. = 6 + 60 + 120 = 186
MATHEMATICS Permutations and Combinations 91

27. (a) Number of ways to make a If the particular bowler does not play, 38. (d ) The required number of ways that
committee, when exactly 3 ladies are then number of selections is 19 C . 4 boys and 3 girls can be seated, so that
11
chosen = 4C 6C = 6 × 20 = 120 If all the three players do not play, boys and girls alternate = 4! × 3!
2 3
= 24 × 6 = 144
28. (a) Total number of selections of then number of selections is 17 C .
11
3 points out of 10 points Total number of selections is 39. (d ) There are 8 letters in word
10 × 9 × 8 ‘BASEBALL’ in which 2B, 2A, 2L, 1S
= 10C = = 120 17
C + 19 C + 17 C
3
3! 10 11 11 and 1E.
When, 3 collinear points are selected 33. (b) If the particular batsman is selected. So, the number of permutations that
no triangle is formed. Then, rest of 10 players can be selected can be formed from all the letters of
in 18 C ways. the word ‘BASEBALL’
Number of selections of 3 points out 10
If particular wicketkeeper is selected. 8!
of 4 collinear points
Then rest of 10 players can be selected = = 5040
= 4C = 4 2! 2! 2!
3 in 18 C ways.
∴ Required number = 120 − 4 = 116 10
40. (a) The number of diagonals which can
If both are not selected, then number
be drawn by joining the angular points
29. (b) Total number of selections of of ways is 18 C .
2 points out of 10 points
11 of a polygon of 100 sides = 100C − 100
Hence, total number of ways is 2
10 × 9 100!
= 10C = = 45 = − 100
2
2 18 C + 18C = 19C + 18C . 2! 98!
2! 10 11 11 10
Sol. (Q. Nos. 34-37) 100 × 99 × 98!
Number of selections of two points, when = − 100
only one straight line is formed = 4C There are 7 letters in the word 2 × 98!
2
[If the 4 collinear points are ‘ARRANGE’ and there are two A’s = 50 × 99 − 100 = 4950 − 100
A , B , C , D, then AB, AC , AD, BC , and two R’s and three different letters. = 4850
BD, CD are the same line] Number of consonants = 4
41. (d) Given that, P ( 77,31) = x
∴ Required number Number of vowels = 3
i.e. 77
P =x ...(i)
Total number of arrangement when 31
= 10C − 4C + 1 = 45 − 6 + 1 = 40
2 2 there is no restriction and C ( 77,31) = y
30. (c) Total number of selections of 4 points 7! 77
C = y
= = 1260 i.e. ...(ii)
out of 10 given points 2! 2!
31
77 !
10! From Eq. (ii), = y
= 10C = 34. (a) Number of arrangement, when two 31 ! ( 77 − 31)!
4
4! 6!
10 × 9 × 8 × 7 R’s are together 77!
= = 210 ⇒ = 31! y ⇒ 77 P = 31! y
6! 2! ( 77 − 31)! 31
24 = = 360
Number of selections of 4 points, 2! 2!
⇒ x = (31! y ) [from Eq. (i)]
when no quadrilateral is formed ∴ Required number = 1260 − 360 = 900
∴ x> y
= 4C ⋅ 6C + 4C ⋅ 6 C 35. (b) Number of arrangement, when two
3 1 4 0 42. (a) First we arrange the four letters G, L,
A’s are together
= 4 × 6 + 1⋅ 1 = 25 M and Y in the alternate position = 4!
6! 2!
Hence, requ ired number = = 360 Now, rest of letters O,O arrange in 5
= 210 − 25 = 185 2! 2!
alternate positions = 5C
2
Number of arrangement, when two A’s
31. (a) When one all rounder and ten ∴ Required number of ways = 4! × 5C
and two R’s are together 2
players from bowlers and batsmen play, 5× 4
=
5! 2! 2!
= 120 = 24 ×
number of ways is 4 C × 14C . 2! 2! 2
1 10
When, one wicketkeeper and ∴ Required number = 360 − 120 = 240 = 24 × 10 = 240
10 players from bowlers and batsmen 43. (b) Given, C ( 28, 2r ) = C ( 28, 2r − 4)
36. (d) Number of arrangement, when two
play, number of ways is 2 C × 14C .
1 10 R’s are not together = 900 ⇒ 28
C = 28C
2r 2r − 4
When one all rounder, one [Q C x = nC y ⇒ x + y = n]
n
Number of arrangements, when two
wicketkeeper and nine players from R’s are not together and two A’s are ⇒ 2r + ( 2r − 4) = 28
batsmen and bowlers play, number of together = 240
ways is 4 C × 2C × 14C . ⇒ 4r = 32
1 1 9 ∴ Required number = 900 − 240 = 660
∴ r =8
When all eleven players play from
37. (b) Relative order of vowels and
bowlers and batsman, then number of 44. (a) In out of 7 consonants, 3 consonants
consonant remains unchanged,
ways is 14 C . can be selected in 7 C ways.
11 therefore, vowels will occupy only 3
Total number of selections is vowel’s place and consonants will In out of 4 vowels, 2 vowels can be
4
C × 14C + 2C × 14C + 4C occupy consonants place. selected in 4 C ways.
1 10 1 10 1 2
4! ∴ Number of such words
×2C × 14
C + 14
C . Now, 4 consonants can be arranged in
1 9 11 2! = 7C × 7C × 5 !
32. (b) If the particular bowler plays, then two 3! 3 2
and 3 vowels can be arranged in . [Since, 5 letters can be selected in 5
batsman will not play. so, rest of 10 players 2!
can be selected from 17 other players. 4! 3! ways]
∴ Required number = × = 36
17 2! 2! = 35 × 6 × 120 = 25200
Number of such selections is C .
10
92 NDA/NA Pathfinder

45. (c) The word ‘AGAIN’ has five letters 49. (a) There are 5 letters and 7 letter boxes. 55. (b) We have, word ‘AGAIN’
2A, 1G, 1I, 1N. Since, A repeat two First letter can be put any 7 letters The letter starts from AAGIN
times and A is fixed at first position boxes = 7 ways
then, we have to arrange remaining 4 = 4! = 24
Similarly, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th letters
letters in three vacant position. The letter starts from GAAIN
be put in 7 ways each, respectively.
∴ Required number of ways =
4!
= 12
= 1 × 4 × 3 × 2 = 24 ∴ Required number of ways 2!
= 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 75
Sol. (Q. Nos. 46-48) The letters starts from IAAGN
Given that, C ( n, r ):C ( n, r + 1) = 12
: 50. (c) 4!
= = 12
1 1 2!
⇒ n
C r :n C = 1: 2
∑ ∑
n+ r n+ r
r +1 51. (a) C n= C
n+ r −n
n! r =0 r =0 Number of total letters = 48
r !( n − r )! 1 ∴ 49th word is NAAGI and 50th
⇒ = 1
∑
n+ r n+1
n! 2 = C r = nC + C word is NAAIG.
0 1
( r + 1)!( n − r − 1)! r =0
56. (c) Total number of selection of 11 players
( r + 1)! ( n − r − 1)! 1 n + 1!
⇒ = = 1+ = 1+ n + 1= n + 2 out of 15 players in which captain is
r ! ( n − r )! 2 n! 1! included = 14C
( r + 1) ⋅ r ! ( n − r − 1)! 1 n+ 2 10
⇒ = = C
r ! ( n − r )! ( n − r − 1)! 2 1 14! 14 × 13 × 12 × 11
= =
r+ 1 1 52. (c) Required number of words 10! 4! 1× 2× 3× 4
⇒ = 6! 4! × 3!
n− r 2 = − = 1001
⇒ 2r + 2 = n − r 2! 2!
= 360 − 72 = 288 57. (d) Since, each employees is eligible for
⇒ n = 3r + 2 …(i)
and C ( n, r + 1) : C ( n, r + 2) = 2 : 3 one or more ticket(s).
53. (a) Let the number of sides of the
⇒ n
C : nC = 2:3 Hence, total number of ways = 203
r +1 r + 2
polygon be n.
n! = 8000
Then, number of diagonals = nC − n
⇒ ( r + 1)!( n − r − 1)! = 2 2
58. (a) Here, we are given three 0’s and two
n! ⇒ 44 = nC − n 1’s.
3 2
n!
( r + 2)!( n − r − 2)! ⇒ 44 = −n Hence, number of ways of different
( r + 2)!( n − r − 2)! 2 2!( n − 2)! messages
⇒ =
( r + 1)!( n − r − 1)! 3 n ( n − 1)( n − 2)! 5! 5× 4
⇒ 44 = −n = = = 10
( r + 2) ⋅ ( r + 1)!( n − r − 2)! 2 2!( n − 2)! 3!× 2! 2
⇒ =
( r + 1)!( n − r − 1)( n − r − 2)! 3 [ n( n − 1)] 59. (b) Clearly, number of four-digit decimal
⇒ 44 = −n
r+ 2 2 2 numbers that can be formed using the
⇒ =
n− r− 1 3 ⇒ n2 − 3n − 88 = 0 digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, when no
⇒ 3 r + 6 = 2n − 2r − 2 digit is repeated, are given by
⇒ ( n − 11)( n + 8) = 0
⇒ 5 r + 8 = 2n …(ii) Number of numbers Number of numbers
⇒ n = 11, − 8 [ n ≠ −8] of the type of the type
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
Hence, polygon has 11 sides. – 0
r=4
46. (d) Put the value of r in Eq. (i), we get 54. (c) We have, digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for
10! 9! 9!
n = 3 ( 4) + 2 3-digit even number. 10
P − 9P = − = ( 10 − 1)
4 3
(i) When 0 is at unit place, then 6! 6! 6!
n = 12 + 2 ⇒ n = 14
9 × 8 × 7 × 6! × 9
47. (c) 0 =
6!
48. (b) We have, P ( n, r ) : C ( n, r ) 4 × 5 × 1 = 20 numbers
= 72 × 7 × 9 = 4536
= n Pr : nC r (ii) When 0 is not at unit place, then
n! n! 60. (d) Since, each ticket can be given to
= : 2 or 4
( n − r )! r !( n − r )! any one of the 10 employees of an
organisation.
1
= 1 : = r! : 1 4 × 4 × 2 = 32 numbers
∴ Required number of ways
r! ∴ Total even numbers
= 4! : 1 = 24 : 1 = 24 = 10 × 10 × 10 = 103 = 1000
= 20 + 32 = 52
09
102 CDS Pathfinder

LOGARITHM
In NDA exam, 1 question can be asked from this chapter which is based on properties of
logarithm.

If a is positive real number other than 1 and x is a rational number such that a x = N, then we say that
logarithm of N to base a is x, written as log a N = x. Thus, a x = N ⇔ log a N = x, where a > 0, a ≠ 1 and
N > 0.
e.g. 10 2 = 100 ⇒ log 10 100 = 2
It is also known as fundamental logarithmic identity. When base is ‘e’ then the logarithmic function is
called natural or Napierian logarithmic function and when base is 10, then it is called common
logarithmic function.
Note• e is the base of natural logarithm (Napier logarithm) log x = loge x.
• Log of negative integers are not defined, loge 0 is not defined.
• Logarithmic function is positive as well as negative but exponential function is always positive.
• The base of a logarithm is never taken as 0, negative number and 1.

Properties of Logarithm
Let m and n be positive number such that a, b, c > 0 and a, b, c ≠ 1
(i) log a a = 1 (ii) log a 1 = 0 (iii) log c a = log b a ⋅ log c b
log b a
(iv) log c a = (v) log b a ⋅ log a b = 1 (vi) log a ( m ⋅ n) = log a m + log a n
log b c
 m p
(vii) log a   = log a m − log a n (viii) log a mn = n log a m (ix) log q ( m p ) = log n m
 n n q
(x) a loga n = n (xi) a loge x = x loge a , x > 0, e > 0
(xii) log a b = − log 1/a b

EXAMPLE 1. What is the value of (log13 625)/(log169 25) ?

1
a. b. 1 c. 2 d. 4
4
log13 625 log 625 log 25 4 log 5 2 log 5 4 log 5 2 log 13
Sol. d. We have, = ÷ = ÷ = × =4
log169 25 log 13 log 169 log 13 2 log 13 log 13 2 log 5
MATHEMATICS Logarithm 103

EXAMPLE 2. If (log 3 x) 2 + log 3 x < 2, then which one Logarithmic Inequalities

of the following is correct? 1. If a > 1, p > 1 ⇒ log a p > 0
1 1 1
a. 0 < x < b. < x < 3 c. 3 < x < ∞ d. ≤ x ≤ 3 2. If 0 < a < 1, p > 1 ⇒ log a p < 0
9 9 9
3. If a > 1, 0 < p < 1 ⇒ log a p < 0
Sol. b. Q (log 3 x) 2 + log 3 x < 2 ⇒ (log 3 x ) 2 + (log 3 x ) − 2 < 0
4. If p > a > 1 ⇒ log a p > 1
⇒ (log 3 x + 2) (log 3 x − 1) < 0 ⇒ −2 < log 3 x < 1
1 5. If a > p > 1 ⇒ 0 < log a p < 1
⇒ 3−2 < x < 31 ⇒ <x<3
9 6. If 0 < a < p < 1 ⇒ 0 < log a p < 1
7. If 0 < p < a < 1 ⇒ log a p > 1
Characteristic and Mantissa
 a > mb , if m > 1
In log 10 N the integral part of N is called the 8. If log m a > b ⇒ 
 a < m , if 0 < m < 1
b
characteristic and decimal part of N is called the
mantissa.  a < mb , if m > 1
9. If log m a < b ⇒ 
(i) (a) If N > 1, then the characteristic of log 10 N is one  a > m , if 0 < m < 1
b

less than the number of digits in integral part of N.

10. log p a > log p b ⇒ a ≥ b if base ‘ p’ is positive and > 1
(b) If 0 < N < 1 , then the characteristic of log 10 N is
or a ≤ b if base p is positive and < 1, i.e. 0 < p < 1.
one greater than the number of zeros
In other words, if base is greater than 1 then
immediately after the decimal point and the first
inequality remains same and if base is positive but
significant digit and is a negative integer.
less than 1, then the sign of inequality is reversed.
(ii) Insert decimal point in antilog of a number
11. For φ( x) > 1, log φ (x) f ( x) ≥ log φ (x) g( x)
(a) When characteristic is n, then insert the decimal ⇔ f ( x) ≥ g( x) > 0
point after ( n + 1)th digit.
12. For 0 < φ( x) < 1, log φ (x) f ( x) ≥ log φ (x) g( x)
−
(b) When characteristic is n, then insert the decimal ⇔ 0 < f ( x) ≤ g( x)
point such that the first significant digit is at nth
13. For φ( x) > 1, log φ (x) f ( x) ≥ a ⇔ f ( x) ≥ a φ (x)
place.
14. For 0 < φ( x) < 1, log φ (x) f ( x) ≥ a ⇔ 0 < f ( x) ≤ a φ (x)
EXAMPLE 3. If 2log 8 N = p, log 2 2N = q and q − p = 4,
then find the value of N? EXAMPLE 5. If log 0. 04 ( x − 1) ≥ log 0. 2 (x + 1), then x
a. 512 b. 536 c. 548 d. 560 belongs to the interval
a. (1, 2] b. ( −∞ , 2] c. [ 2, ∞) d. None of these
Sol. a. We are given that, 2log 8 N = p …(i)
log 2 2N = q …(ii) Sol. c. log 0. 04 ( x − 1) ≥ log 0. 2 ( x − 1) …(i)
and q− p=4 …(iii) For log to be defined x − 1 > 0 ⇒ x > 1
From Eq. (i), 8p = N 2 ⇒ 23p = N 2 …(iv) From Eq. (i), log ( 0. 2) 2 ( x − 1) ≥ log 0. 2 ( x − 1)
2 q 1
From Eq. (ii), 2N = 2q ⇒ N = = 2q − 1 …(v) ⇒ log 0. 2 ( x − 1) ≥ log 0. 2 ( x − 1) ⇒ x − 1 ≤ ( x − 1)
2 2
From Eqs. (iv) and (v), 23p = ( 2q − 1) 2 ⇒ x − 1 (1 − x − 1) ≤ 0 ⇒ 1− x − 1 ≤ 0
⇒ 23p = 22q − 2 ⇒ 3p = 2q − 2 ⇒ 2q − 3p = 2 …(vi) ⇒ x − 1 ≥ 1 ⇒ x ≥ 2 ∴ x ∈[ 2, ∞)
On solving Eqs. (iii) and (vi), we get p = 6 and q = 10
EXAMPLE 6. If log e (x 2 − 16) ≤ log e (4x − 11), then
∴ N = 210 − 1 = 29 = 512
a. 4 < x ≤ 5 b. x < − 4 or x > 4
EXAMPLE 4. If log10 2 = 0. 3010, then what is the c. −1 ≤ x ≤ 5 d. x < − 1or x > 5
number of digits in 20 64 ?
Sol. a. x − 16 ≤ 4x − 11
2
[base = e > 1]
a. 81 b. 82 c. 83 d. 84
⇒ x − 4x − 5 ≤ 0 ⇒ ( x − 5) ( x + 1) < 0 ⇒ −1 ≤ x ≤ 5 …(i)
2
Sol. d. Let x = 2064, Taking log on both sides, we get
Also, x 2 − 16 > 0 ⇒ x < − 4 or x > 4 …(ii)
log10 x = 64 log10 20 = 64 × 1.3010 = 83. 264 11
And 4x − 11 > 0 ⇒ x > …(iii)
∴ Number of digits in 2064 = 83 + 1 = 84 4
From Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii), we get 4 < x ≤ 5
104 NDA/NA Pathfinder

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. If log10 2 = 0.30103, then log10 50 is equal to 12. If log13/ [log4 ( x 2 − 12)] > 0, then x lies in the
interval
(a) 2.30103 (b) 2.69897 (c) 1.69897 (d) 0.69897
(a) (−∞, − 4) ∪ (4, ∞ ) (b) (− ∞, ∞ )
log8 17 log2 2 17 (c) (− ∞, − 2 ) ∪ (2, ∞ ) (d) None of these
2. − is equal to
log9 23 log3 23 13. If loga ( n − k) < loga 2 ( n − k) and a > 1, then n lies
17 23
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) (d) in the interval
8 17
(a) [k, k + 1] (b) (k, k − 1)
3. The value of ( yz )log y − log z × ( zx )log z − log x (c) (k, k + 1) (d) None of these

× ( xy )log x − log y is equal to 14. If x ∈ [− 2π , 2π ] and log0.5 sin x = 1 − log0.5 cos x, then
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 4 (d) 3 consider the following statements
I. Number of solutions in the interval [− 2π , 2π ] is 1.
4. The value of 811/ log5 3 + 27log 9 36 + 34/ log7 9 is equal
II. One solution of the equation is π /4.
to
(a) 49 (b) 625 (c) 216 (d) 890 Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) Only II
5. If a = log24 12, b = log36 24, c = log48 36. Then (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
1 + abc is equal to
(a) 2 ac (b) 2 bc Directions (Q. Nos. 15-16) Let a, b, c ∈ R; a ≠ b ≠ c
log x log y log z
(c) 2 ab (d) None of these and = =
b −c c − a a− b
6. log10 tan 1°+ log10 tan 2° + … + log10 tan 89° is
equal to
15. The value of x a ⋅ y b ⋅ z c is
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 27 (d) 81 (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) None of these
1 1 1
7. If log12 27 = a , then log6 16 is equal to 16. The value of + +
logxy 2 log yz 2 logzx 2
3−a 3−a
(a) 2 ⋅ (b) 3 ⋅
3+ a 3+ a (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) None of these
3−a
(c) 4 ⋅ (d) None of these Directions (Q. Nos. 17-19) Consider the equation
3+ a
log 5 x 2 + (log 5 x )2 − 12 1
1 1 2 x =
8. If + = , then a , b and c are in x4
loga x logc x logb x
17. The number of solutions of the equation is
(a) AP (b) GP
(a) 1 (b) 2
(c) HP (d) None of these
2 (c) 3 (d) 4
log x + log x 4 + log x 9 + … + log x n
9. is equal to 18. The set of all x satisfying the equation is
log x + log x 2 + log x 3 + … + log x n
(a) 1, 25,
1 
(b) 1, 25,
1 1 
2n + 1 2n − 1
,  
(a) (b)  125 625   625 
3 3 (c) {1, 25} (d) {1}
3 (n + 2 ) 3 (n − 1)
(c) (d)
2 2 19. The product of all values of x is
(a) 1 (b) 25
10. If x = y = z , then 3, 3 log y , 3 logz y, 7 logx z
18 21 28 x
1 1
(c) (d)
are in 25 3125
(a) AP (b) GP
(c) HP (d) None of these
PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS
11. If x = log3 5, y = log17 25, then which one of the 1
following is correct? 20. What is the value of 2 log8 2 − log3 9?
3 e 2012 I
(a) x < y (b) x = y
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 1/3
(c) x > y (d) None of these
MATHEMATICS Logarithm 105

21. If (log3 x) ( logx 2x ) ( log2x y ) = logx x 2 , then what is 24. If log8 m + log8
1 2
= , then m is equal to
the value of y? e 2012 II 6 3 e 2015 II
(a) 4.5 (b) 9 (c) 18 (d) 27 (a) 24 (b) 18 (c) 12 (d) 4
22. What is the value of log y x 5 logx y 2 logz z3 ? 25. If loga ( ab) = x, then what is logb( ab) equal to?
e 2013 I e 2016 I
(a) 10 (b) 20 (c) 30 (d) 60 1 x
(a) (b)
23. What is log81 243 equal to? x x+1
e 2013 II x x
(a) 0.75 (b) 1.25 (c) 1.5 (d) 3 (c) (d)
1− x x −1

ANSWERS
1 c 2 a 3 b 4 d 5 b 6 a 7 c 8 b 9 a 10 a
11 c 12 a 13 c 14 b 15 b 16 a 17 c 18 b 19 c 20 a
21 b 22 c 23 b 24 a 25 d

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

100 6. (a) log tan 89° = log cot 1° = − log tan 1° 9. (a) Given expression
1. (c) log 50 = log
10 10
2 ∴ Given expression becomes ( 1 + 4 + 9 + … + n2 ) log x
=
= log 100 − log 2 log tan 1°+ log tan 2°+ … + log tan 44° ( 1 + 2 + 3 + … + n) log x
10 10
= 169897
. + log tan 45°− log tan 44° n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1)
1 2 − … − log tan 2° − log tan 1° Σn2 6
log 17 log 17 = =
3 2
3 2 = log tan 45° = log 1 = 0 Σn n ( n + 1)
2. (a) − =0
1 log 23 4 2
log 23 7. (c) log 16 = log 24 = 4 log 2 =
2 3
3
2n + 1
6 6 6
log 6 =
2 2 2
3
log 17 log 17 4 4
⇒ 3 2
− 3 2
=0 = = …(i) 10. (a) Let x 18 = y 21 = z 28 = k, then
log 23 log 23 log 2 + log 3 1 + log 3
3 3
2 2 2
18 log x = 21log y = 28 log z = log k
and a = log 27 = log 33 = 3 log 3 ⇒ log x =
log x
, log y =
log k
3. (b) 12 12 12
3 3 18 21
4. (d) Let T = 34 log 3 5 = 3log 3 (5 ) =54 = 625
4
= = log k
1 log 12 log 3 + log 4 and log z =
2 3 3 3 28
log 6 3
T = (3 3 ) 2 = 3log 3 6 = 216 3
3
= 3 log x 3 × 21 7
2
1 + 2 log 2 ∴ 3 log y x = = =
1 log y 18 2
4⋅ ⋅ log 7 3
T = 34 log 9 7 = 3 2 3
3 ⇒ a + 2a log 2 = 3 3 log y 3 × 28
3 3 log z y = = =4
3−a
2
= 3log 3 7 = 49 ⇒ log 2 = log z 21
3
∴T +T +T 2a 7 log z 7 × 18 9
1 2 3 2a 7 log x z = = =
= 625 + 216 + 49 = 890 ∴ log 3 = log x 28 2
2
3− a
log 12 log 24 log 36 log 12 7 9
5. (b) abc = ⋅ ⋅ = From Eq. (i), So, 3, , 4, are in AP.
log 24 log 36 log 48 log 48 2 2
4
log 48 + log 12 log 16 =
∴ 1 + abc = 6 2a 11. (c) Given, y = 2 log 5 and x = log 5
log 48 1+ 17 3
3−a 1 1
log ( 48 ⋅ 12) log 24 2
4(3 − a ) ∴ = log 17
= = = y 2 5
log 48 log 48 3+ a 1 1
and = log 3 = log 9
= 2⋅
log 24 log 24 log 36
= × 8. (b) log x a + log x c = 2 log x b x 5 2 5
log 48 log 36 log 48 ⇒ ac = b 2 1 1
Clearly, > ∴ x> y
= 2 log 24 × log 36 = 2bc i.e. a , b and c are in GP. y x
36 48
106 NDA/NA Pathfinder

12. (a) Given expression is Sol. (Q. Nos. 17-19) log y 2 log x
⇒ = [Q log a b = b log a ]
1
log x 2 + (log x ) 2 −12 log 3 log x
log [log ( x − 12)] > 0
2
We have, x 5 5 = 4
1/3 4 x ⇒ log y = 2 log 3
Q x − 12 > 4
2
Taking log to the base 5 of both the
⇒ x 2 − 16 > 0 ⇒ log y = log 32
sides, we get
⇒ | x |> 4 [Q log m = log n ⇒ m = n]
[log x 2 + (log x )2 − 12]log x
⇒ x < − 4 or x > 4 5 5 5 ⇒ log y = log 9
So, x lies in ( − ∞ , − 4) ∪ ( 4, ∞ ). = − 4 log x ∴ y=9
5

13. (c) log a ( n − k ) < log ( n − k ) ⇒ [log x 2 + (log x )2 − 8] log x 22. (c) log y x 5 ⋅ log x y 2 ⋅ log z z 3
5 5 5
a2
⇒ ( n − k )2 < n − k [Q a > 1] =0 = 5 log y x ⋅ 2 log x y ⋅ 3 log z z
⇒ n2 − 2kn + k 2 < n − k ⇒ log x = 0 [Q log a b n = n log a b ]
5
⇒ n2 − kn − ( k + 1) n + k ( k + 1) < 0 or (log x )2 + 2 log x − 8 = 0 = 5 log y x ⋅ 2 log x y ⋅ 3 × 1 [Q log a a = 1]
5 5
⇒ ( n − k ) ( n − k − 1) < 0 ⇒ x =5 0 log x log y  log b 
=5 ⋅ × 2⋅ × 3 Q log a b =
⇒ k < n< k + 1 log y log x  log a 
or (log x − 2)(log x + 4) = 0
So, n lies in ( k , k + 1). 5 5
= 5 × 2 × 3 =30
⇒ x = 1 or log x = 2, − 4
5 5
14. (b) Clearly, log sin x and log cos x 23. (b) log 243 = log (3 ) 5 = log 3
81 (3 ) 4 3
0. 5 0. 5 1 4
are defined, if x ∈ (0, π / 2) ⇒ x = 1, 25,
5 5
625 = × 1 = = 1.25
Now, log sin x = 1 − log cos x 4 4
0. 5 0. 5
⇒ log sin x + log cos x = 1 17. (c) Number of solutions are 3.
0. 5 0. 5
Q log a m = m 
18. (b) Solution set is 1, 25,
1   an n
⇒ log(sin x × cos x) = 1 .
⇒
0. 5
sin x cos x = (0.5)1  625  1 2
24. (a) We have, log m + log =
8 8
⇒ sin2x = 1 19. (c) Product of all values of x 6 3
π 3π m 2
⇒ x = , 1 1 ⇒ log =
= 1 × 25 × = 8
6 3
4 4 625 25
[Q log a m + log a n = log a (m × n)]
Hence, only Statement II is correct. 1
20. (a) 2 log 2 − log 9 m
log x log y log z 8
3 3 ⇒ = (8 ) 2 / 3 = ( 2 3 ) 2 / 3 = 2 2 = 4
15. (b) Let = = =k 6
b−c c−a a−b 1
= 2 log 2 − log (3)2 ⇒ m = 6 × 4 = 24
3
⇒ log x = k( b − c ) ⇒ x = 10k (b − c ) (2 3 ) 3
log y = k( c − a ) ⇒ y = 10k (c − a )
2 1 25. (d) Given, log a ( ab ) = x
= log 2 − ⋅ 2 log 3
log z = k( a − b ) ⇒ z = 10k (a − b ) 3 2
3 3
⇒ log a a + log a b = x
Q log b m = m log b  ⇒ 1 + log a b = x
Now, x a . y b .z c  an a

n
= 10k (b − c )a + k (c − a )b + k (a − b )c 2 2 ⇒ log a b = x − 1
= ( 1) − ( 1) Now, log ab = log a + log b
= 10k [a (b − c ) + b (c − a ) + c (a − b )] 3 3 b b b
= 100 = 1 2 2 1
= − =0 = + 1
1 1 1 3 3 log a b
16. (a) + +
log xy 2 log yz 2 log zx 2 21. (b) (log x ) (log x 2x )(log y ) = log x x 2 1
3 2x = + 1
= log xy + log yz + log zx log x log 2x log y log x 2 x −1
2 2 2
⇒ × × =
= log ( xy × yz × zx )
log 3 log x log 2x log x 1+ x− 1
=
2
 log a  x− 1
= log ( xyz ) = 2 log ( xyz )
2
Q log a =  x
2 2
=
= 2 log 1 = 0 [Q xyz = 1]  b log b 
 x− 1
2
10
107

MATRICES
In NDA exam, generally 1-2 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on equality of
matrices, product of matrices, transpose of a matrix etc.

A rectangular array of mn numbers (real or complex) in the form of m horizontal lines (called rows)
and n vertical lines (called columns), is called an m × n matrix (to be read as m by n matrix) or matrix of
order m × n.
 a11 a12 … a1n 
a a 22 … a 2n 
A m × n matrix is usually written as, A =  21 
 M M M M 
a m1 a m2 … a mn 
m× n
A matrix may be represented by the symbols [ a ij ], ( a ij ) or by a capital letter A, i.e.
A = [ a ij ] m × n or ( a ij ) m × n
The numbers a11 , a12 , . . . etc. are known as elements of the matrix A , a ij belongs to the ith row and jth
column and is called the ( i, j ) th element of matrix A = [ a ij ]
Note A matrix is not a number and it has no numerical value.

EXAMPLE 1. Construct a 2 × 2 matrix A = (a ij ), whose general element is given by a ij = (i + 2 j) 2/2.

9 25 9/2 25/2 9 5 9/2 25
a.  b.  c.  d. 
4 9  8 18  4 18  8 9 

Sol. b. a11 = (1 + 2) 2/ 2 = 9/ 2, a12 = (1 + 4) 2 / 2 = 25 / 2, a21 = ( 2 + 2) 2 / 2 = 8, a22 = ( 2 + 4) 2 / 2 = 18

 a11 a12  9/ 2 25 / 2
∴ A= =
a21 a22   8 18 

Types of Matrices
1. Row matrix A matrix having one row and n columns is called as row matrix. It is of the form
A = [ a11 a12 … a1n ]1 × n or A = [ a1 a 2 … a n ]1 × n
2. Column matrix A matrix having mrows and one column is called column matrix. It is of the form
 a11   a1 
a  a 
A =  21  or A =  2 
 M  M 
a m1  a m
m× 1 m× 1
108 NDA/NA Pathfinder

3. Zero matrix A matrix in which all the elements are y = x − y ⇒ 2y = x = 2 ⇒ y = 1

equal to zero is called zero matrix. It is also called a 2z = z + w ⇒ z = w
null matrix and is denoted by O. 3w = z − w + 3x ⇒ z = 4w − 6
On substituting w in terms of z, we get
4. Singleton matrix A matrix in which there is only
z = 4z − 6 ⇒ 3z = 6 ⇒ z = 2
one element is called singleton matrix.
Hence, we obtain x = 2, y = 1, z = 2 and w = 2
Thus, A = [ a ij ] m × n is singleton matrix, if m = n = 1 .
5. Square matrix A matrix in which the number of rows Algebra of Matrices
is equal to the number of columns, say n, is called a
2 3 Addition of Matrices
square matrix of order n, i.e. m = n. e.g. is a
9 7 If A and B be any two matrices of the same order
( m × n), then their sum A + B = [ a ij + bij ] (m × n)
square matrix of order 2.
6. Diagonal matrix A square matrix in which all its where, A = [ a ij ] (m × n) and B = [ bij ] (m × n)
elements are zero except those in the leading diagonal
Properties of Addition
is called a diagonal matrix, i.e. a ij = 0 for i ≠ j.
(i) Matrix addition is commutative, i.e. A + B = B + A .
d 0
e.g. The matrix, C = 1 is diagonal matrix of
0 d  (ii) Matrix addition is associative.
 2
order 2 and it can be rewritten as C = diag (d 1 , d 2 ) i.e. ( A + B) + C = A + ( B + C )
7. Identity or unit matrix A diagonal matrix in which (iii) A + O = A = O + A
all the diagonal elements are equal to 1 is called an Here, the null matrix O is called additive identity.
identity matrix. It is also called a unit matrix. An (iv) A + ( − A ) = O = ( − A ) + A
identity matrix of order n is denoted by I or I n .
Here, (−A) is called the additive inverse of A.
8. Scalar matrix A diagonal matrix in which all the
(v) Matrix addition follows cancellation law,
diagonal elements are equal is called a scalar matrix.
i.e. A + B = A +C ⇒B =C [left cancellation law]
9. Submatrix Any matrix obtained by omitting some
rows or columns or both from a given m × n matrix and B + A = C + A ⇒ B = C [right cancellation law]
A is called a submatrix of A. As a convention, the
Subtraction of Matrices
given matrix A is also taken as a submatrix of A.
If A and B are any two matrices of same order ( m × n),
10. Upper triangular matrix A square matrix A = [ a ij ]
then their difference A − B = [ a ij − bij ] m × n
is called upper triangular matrix, if a ij = 0 for all i > j. where, A = [ a ij ] m × n and B = [ bij ] m × n
11. Lower triangular matrix A square matrix A = [ a ij ] is
called a lower triangular matrix, if a ij = 0 for all i < j. 2 −1 4
EXAMPLE 3. If 2 A + 3B =  and
3 2 5
Equal Matrices  5 0 3 
Two matrices A = ( a ij ) m × n and B = ( bij ) p × q are said to A + 2B =  , then matrix B is
 1 6 2 
be equal, if
8 −1 2 8 1 2
(i) m = p and n = q (ii) a ij = bij , ∀ i and j a.  b. 
−1 10 −1 −1 10 −1
Thus, two matrices are said to be equal, if they are of −2
8 1 8 1 2
the same order and the corresponding elements are same. c.  d. 
−1 10 −1  1 10 1
EXAMPLE 2. Find x, y , z and w, if  2 −1 4
Sol. b. Given, 2A + 3B =  ...(i)
5
3x y   x + 4 x− y  3 2
= .
2z 3w z + w z − w + 3x 5 0 3 10 0 6
and A + 2B =  ⇒ 2A + 4B =  ...(ii)
a. 2, 1, 2, 2 b. 2, 2, 2, 2 c. 2, 1, 1, 2 d. 1, 2, 1, 2 1 6 2  2 12 4

Sol. a. The matrix on each side is of order 2 × 2. On subtracting Eq. (i) from Eq. (ii), we get
Equating the corresponding elements, we get 8 1 2
B=
3x = x + 4 ⇒ 2x = 4 ⇒ x = 2 −1 10 −1
MATHEMATICS Matrices 109

Scalar Multiplication of Matrices (iii) Multiplication is associative, i.e. if A , B and C are the
If a matrix is multiplied by the scalar k, then each matrices of order m × n , n × p and p × r respectively,
element is multiplied by k. Thus, if A = [ a ij ] m × n then then ( AB) C = A ( BC ).
kA = [ ka ij ] m × n . (iv) If A is a m × n matrix and I n , I m are the identity
matrices of order m × m and n × n, then
Properties of Scalar Multiplication of Matrices
I mA = A = AI n
Let the matrices A and B be of the same order and λ , µ
be scalars. Then, Here, I is the multiplicative identity.
(i) λ ( A + B) = λA + λB (ii) ( λ + µ ) A = λA + µA (v) If AB = O, then it is not necessary that either A or B
(iii) λ (µA ) = µ ( λA ) = ( λ ) µA (iv) ( − λ ) A =− ( λA )= λ ( − A ) is O or both are O.

EXAMPLE 4. Find the value or values of x such that 1 0  1 x 

EXAMPLE 5. Let A =   and B =  .
2  −3  −1 0 −1 0 1
x 2   + x   =  .
1  1  2 If AB = BA, then what is the value of x?
a. 0 b. 1 c. 1/2 d. Both (b) and (c) a. −1 b. 0
c. 1 d. Any real number
Sol. b. From the left hand side, we have
−3 2x  −3x 2x − 3x  1 0  1 x  1 x
2 2
2 AB =  =
x 2   + x   =  2 +  = Sol. b.
1  1  x   x  x + x
 2  0 −1 0 1 0 −1
2x 2 − 3x −1  1 x  1 0  1 − x
∴  x 2 + x  =  2 ⇒ 2x − 3x = − 1
2
…(i) and BA =  =
    0 1 0 −1 0 −1
and x2 + x = 2 …(ii) Q AB = BA
On solving the first equation 2x − 3x + 1 = 0, we get x = 1, 1/ 2
2
1 x  1 − x
The second equation x 2 + x = 2 is satisfied only when x = 1. ∴ 0 −1 = 0 −1
Hence, the solution is x = 1.
⇒ x= −x
Multiplication of Matrices
⇒ 2x = 0 ⇒ x = 0
If A and B are two matrices such that the number of
columns of A is equal to the number of rows in B, i.e. if Transpose of a Matrix
A = [ a ik ] is a m × n matrix and B = [ bkj ] be a n × p matrix, Let A be a m × n matrix. Then, the n × m matrix
then the product AB of these matrices is m × p matrix
obtained by interchanging the rows and columns of A
and is defined as
n is called the transpose of A and is denoted by A ′
( AB) ij = ∑ a ik bkj = a i1 b1 j + a i 2 b2 j + … + a in bnj or A T .
k=1
 b1 j  2 −3 −1  2 4
b2 j  e.g. If A = , then A ′ = −3 2
4 2 3 
= [ a i1 a i 2 . . . a in ]   2× 3 −1 3
3× 2
M 
bnj 
Properties of the Transpose Matrix
= Sum of the product of elements of ith row (i) ( A ′ )′ = A (ii) ( A ± B)′ = A ′ ± B′
of A with the corresponding elements of jth column of B.
(iii) ( kA )′ = kA ′ (iv) ( AB)′ = B′ A ′
Note In the matrix product AB, the matrix A is called pre multiplier
or pre factor and B is called post multiplier or post factor. Symmetric and Skew-symmetric
Properties of Multiplication of Matrices Matrices
(i) Matrix multiplication is not commutative in general A real square matrix A = ( a ij ) is said to be symmetric, if
i.e. AB ≠ BA a ij = a ji , ∀ i and j or A = A T .
(ii) Multiplication is distributive, i.e. if A , B and C are
the matrices of order m × n , n × p and n × p A real square matrix A = ( a ij ) is said to be skew-symmetric
respectively, then A ( B + C ) = AB + AC (anti-symmetric), if a ij = − a ji , ∀ i and j or A = − A T .
110 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Properties of Symmetric and Special Type of Matrix

Skew-symmetric Matrices 1. Orthogonal matrix A square matrix A is called an
(i) In a skew-symmetric matrix A, all its diagonal elements orthogonal matrix if the product of matrix A and its
are zero, i.e. a ii = 0, ∀ i. transpose A ′ (or A T ) is an identity matrix, i.e. AA ′ = I
(ii) The matrix which is both symmetric and
Note If A and B are orthogonal, then AB is also orthogonal.
skew-symmetric is a null matrix.
2. Conjugate of a matrix The matrix obtained from
(iii) For any real square matrix A ; A + A T and AA T or any given matrix A containing complex numbers as
A T A is a symmetric matrix and A − A T is a its elements, on replacing its elements by the
skew-symmetric matrix.
corresponding conjugate complex numbers is called
(iv) A real square matrix A can be expressed as the sum conjugate of A and is denoted by A.
of a symmetric matrix and a skew-symmetric matrix.
1 + 2 i 2 − 3 i
1 1
i.e. A = ( A + A T ) + ( A − A T ) e.g. If A= ,
4 − 5 i 5 + 6 i
2 2
1 − 2 i 2 + 3 i
cos α − sin α  then A=
4 + 5 i 5 − 6 i
EXAMPLE 6. If A =  , then find the
 sin α cos α 
3. Hermitian matrix A square matrix such that
value of AT A. ( A ′ ) = A, then A is known as hermitian matrix.
a. O b. I c. A d. AT
4. Skew-hermitian matrix A square matrix such that
 cos α sin α 
( A ′ ) = − A, then A is known as skew-hermitian
Sol. b. We have, AT = 
− sin α cos α  matrix.
 cos α sin α  cos α − sin α  5. Elementary matrix A square matrix is called an
Therefore, AT A = 
− sin α cos α   sin α cos α  elementary matrix if it can be obtained from identity
cos2 α + sin2 α 0  1 0 matrix I by performing single elementary row or
= 2  = 0 1 = I column operation.
 0 sin α + cos α  
2


PRACTICE EXERCISE
1 2 2 3 4. If α, β are the two roots of 1 + x + x 2 = 0, then
1. If A =   , B = 4 5 and 4 A − 3B + C = O , then
3 4   1 β  α β
matrix product    is equal to
C is equal to α α 1 β
2 −1 2 1 1 1  −1 −1
(a)   (b)   (a)  (b) 
 0 1  0 −1  2 
1 2   −1
 −2 1
 1 −1  −1 −1
(c)   (d) None of these (c)  (d) 
 0 −1 
 −1 2   −1 −2 
 1 0 1 0 1 2 a 0
2. If A =   and I = 0 1, then the value of k, 5. If A = 
−1 7    and B =  0 b, where a, b are natural
 3 4  
so that A2 = 8 A + kI is numbers, then which one of the following is
(a) 4 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) −7 correct?
3. The value of x for which (a) There exist more than one but finite number of B’s
such that AB = BA
1 0 2 1 (b) There exist exactly one B such that AB = BA
[1 1 x ] 0 2 1 1 = 0 is (c) There exist infinitely many B’s such that AB = BA
  
2 1 0 1 (d) There cannot exist any B such that AB = BA

(a) 2 (b) −2 (c) 3 (d) −3

MATHEMATICS Matrices 111

Directions (Q. Nos. 6-8) If A and B are two matrices

of same order, then 15. A square matrix [aij ] such that aij = 0 for i ≠ j
and aij = k, where k is a constant for i = j is
6. ( AB)n = An Bn is called e 2012 II
(a) always true (b) never true (a) diagonal matrix but not scalar matrix
(c) true only when AB = BA (d) None of these (b) scalar matrix
(c) unit matrix
7. If A and B are symmetric matrices, then ( ABA)T (d) None of the above
is
 x  y z
16. If the sum of the matrices  x ,  y and 0 is the
   
(a) symmetric matrix (b) skew-symmetric matrix
(c) diagonal matrix (d) None of these
 y  z  0
8. If AB = BA, then ( A + B)2 is equal to 10
(a) A 2 + 2 AB + B2 (b) A 2 + B2 matrix  5 , then what is the value of y?
 
(c) A 2 + 2 BA − B2 (d) None of these  5  e 2012 II
(a) – 5 (b) 0 (c) 5 (d) 10
Directions (Q. Nos. 9-11) Matrix A has x rows and
x + 5 columns. Matrix B has y rows and 11− y 17. If the matrix AB is a zero matrix, then which
columns. Both AB and BA exist. one of the following is correct? e 2012 II
(a) A must be equal to zero matrix or B must be equal
9. Find the value of x. to zero matrix
(a) 1 (b) 3 (c) 5 (d) 7 (b) A must be equal to zero matrix and B must be equal
to zero matrix
10. Find the value of y. (c) It is not necessary that either A is zero matrix or B is
zero matrix
(a) 8 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2
(d) None of the above
11. The order of AB is 18. Consider the following statements
(a) 3 × 3 (b) 8 × 8 (c) 3 × 8 (d) 8 × 3 I. Every zero matrix is a square matrix.
II. A matrix has a numerical value.
PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS III. A unit matrix is a diagonal matrix.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
12. What is the order of the product e 2012 II
a h g  x (a) Only II (b) Only III
[x y z ] h b f   y? (c) Both II and III (d) Both I and III
   
 g f c  z  i 0 0 −1 0 i
e 2012 I 19. If A =   , B = 1  and C =  , where
(a) 3 × 1 (b) 1 × 1 0 − i  0  i 0
(c) 1 × 3 (d) 3 × 3 i = −1, then which one of the following is
13. The sum and product of matrices A and B exist. correct? e 2013 II
Which of the following implications are (a) AB = − C (b) AB = C
necessarily true? (c) A 2 = B2 = C 2 = I, where I is the identity matrix
I. A and B are square matrices of same order. (d) BA ≠ − C
II. A and B are non-singular matrices. 2 3  5 −2  1 −1
20. If  × =
1 17 λ 
, then what is λ
Select the correct answer using the code given 4 1 −3
below. e 2012 I equal to e 2013 II
(a) Only I (b) Only II (a) 7 (b) – 7 (c) 9 (d) – 9
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
21. Consider the following statements e 2013 II
34 I. The product of two non-zero matrices can never
3 5 7
14. If A = 56 and B = 
  , then
be identity matrix.
4 6 8
8
7 II. The product of two non-zero matrices can never
be zero matrix.
Which one of the following is correct? e 2012 II Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) B is the inverse of A (b) B is the adjoint of A (a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) B is the transpose of A (d) None of these (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
112 NDA/NA Pathfinder

22. If A is any matrix, then the product AA is defined x + y

y   2 3
only when A is a matrix of order m × n, where 28. Let A =   , B =   and C =  . If
 2x x − y −1 2
e 2014 I
(a) m > n (b) m < n AB = C, then what is A2 equal to? e 2015 I
(c) m = n (d) m ≤ n  6 −10  −10 5 
(a)   (b)  
 4 x + 2  4 26   4 24
23. If A =   is symmetric, then what is x
2x − 3 x + 1  −5 −6   −5 −7 
(c)   (d)  
equal to? e 2014 II  −4 −20  −5 20 
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) −1  cos θ sin θ
(d) 5 29. If E(θ) =  , then E(α )E(β ) is equal to
− sin θ cos θ e 2015 I
24. If A and B be two matrices such that AB = A and
(a) E (αβ ) (b) E (α − β )
BA = B. Then, (c) E (α + β ) (d) − E (α + β )
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
0 − 2
1
I. A 2 = A II. B2 = B 30. If A =  , then the matrix X for which
2 − 3 4 
III. ( AB)2 = AB
Select the correct answer using the code given 2X + 3 A = 0 holds true is e 2015 II

below. e 2014 II − 3 0 − 3 3 0 − 3
 2  2 
(a) I and II (b) II and III (a)   (b)  
(c) I and III (d) I, II and III − 3 − 9 − 6  3 − 9 − 6 
 2   2 
25. Which one of the following matrices is an
elementary matrix? e 2015 I  3 0 3  – 3 0 3
   
1 0 0 1 5 0 (c)  2  (d)  2 
3 9 9
(a)  0 0 0 (b)  0 1 0 6  –3 – 6
     2   2 
 0 0 1  0 0 1
1 1 − 1 − 1 − 2 − 1
0 2 0 1 0 0
(c)  1 0 0 (d)  0 1 0
31. If A = 2 − 3 4  and B =  6 12 6  , then
 
   
 0 0 1  0 5 2  3 − 2 3   5 10 5 
Which of the following is/are correct?
 0 −4 + i
26. The matrix   is I. A and B commute. II. AB is a null matrix.
4 + i 0  e 2015 I Select the correct answer using the code given
(a) symmetric (b) skew-symmetric below. e 2015 II
(c) hermitian (d) skew-hermitian (a) Only I (b) Only II (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

3 −4  p q
5 2 32. Consider the following in respect of the matrix
27. If X =  , B = −2 1 and A =  r satisfy
1 −1    s −1 1
A=  
the equation AX = B, then the matrix A is equal  1 −1
to e 2015 I I. A 2 = − A II. A3 = 4 A
 −7 26  7 26 
(a)  (b) 
−5  Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
1  4 17  e 2016 I
 −7 −4  − 7 26  (a) Only I (b) Only II
(c)  (d) 
 26 13   −6 23

(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

ANSWERS
1 b 2 d 3 b 4 b 5 c 6 c 7 a 8 a 9 b 10 a
11 a 12 b 13 a 14 c 15 b 16 b 17 c 18 b 19 a 20 b
21 d 22 c 23 d 24 d 25 b 26 d 27 a 28 a 29 c 30 d
31 b 32 b
MATHEMATICS Matrices

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

a b  1 2  2 3 a b  9. (b) On adding Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get 2x = 6 ⇒ x = 3
1. (b) Let C =  , then 4  −3  +  =0
c d 3 4 4 5 c d 10. (a) On subtracting Eq. (ii) from Eq. (i), we get 2 y = 16 ⇒ y = 8
       
 4− 6+ a 8− 9 + b   0 0 11. (a) Order of AB = (Number of rows in A)
⇒ =
12 − 12 + c 16 − 15 + d   0 0 × (Number of columns in B)
   
= x × ( 11 − y )
⇒ a = 2, b = 1, c = 0 and d = − 1 =3×3
2 1  a h g x 
∴ C =
0 −1    
  12. (b) Here, [ x y z ]
1 ×3 h b f y
g f c z 
 1 0  1 0  3 ×3   3 ×1
2. (d) Q A =   ,I =
−1 7 0 1
    Order of matrix = 1 × 3 : 3 × 3 : 3 × 1 = 1 × 3 : 3 × 1 = 1 × 1
 1 0  1 0  1 0 13. (a)
Now, A 2 =  =
−1 7  −1 7  −8 49 14. (c)
    
a = 0, for i ≠ j
 8 0  k 0 8 + k 0 15. (b) Given, [ a ] =  ij where k is a constant.
and 8 A + kI =  + = a = k , for i = j
−8 56  0 k   −8 56 + k  ij
ij

     
 k 0 0
Q A2 = 8A + k I  
∴ [ a ] of order 3 × 3 =  0 k 0 = Scalar matrix
 1 0 8 + k 0 ij
0 0 k 
∴  = ⇒ 8 + k = 1 ⇒ k = −7
−8 49  −8 56 + k   3 ×3
   
3. (b) 16. (b)
4. (b) α , β are the roots of 1 + x + x = 0
2
17. (c) For the matrix AB is a zero matrix. It is not necessary that
α + β = − 1 and αβ = 1 either A is zero matrix or B is zero matrix.
Also, 1 + α + α 2 = 0 ⇒ α + α 2 = − 1and 1 + β + β 2 = 0  1 0  0 0
e.g. Let A =  and B = 
⇒ β + β2 = − 1 0 0 0 −1
   
 1 β  α β   α + β β + β 2   −1 −1
∴ AB = 0, where A , B ≠ 0
∴    = 2 =
α α 1 β −1 2 
    α + α αβ + αβ    18. (b) I. Every zero matrix is not necessarily a square matrix.
1 2  a 0 II. A matrix does not have a numerical value while every
5. (c) Q A =  and B = 
3 4 0 b determinant have a numerical value.
    III. Unit matrix is a diagonal matrix and scalar matrix also.
1 2  a 0  a 2b 
∴ AB = 
3
=
4  0 b  3a 4b   i 0  0 −1 0 i 
19. (a) Given that, A =  , B= and C = 
     0 −i  1 0 i 0
     
a 0  1 2  a 2a 
and BA =  =  0 −i  0 i 
0 b  3 4 3b 4b  Now, AB =  =− = −C
     −i 0 i 0
   
 a 2 b   a 2a 
If AB = BA, then  = ⇒ a=b
3a 4b  3b 4b  20. (b)
   
From the above it is clear that there exist infinitely many B ’ s such 21. (d) We know that, the product of two identity matrix are always an
that AB = BA. identity matrix, which is non-zero matrices.
6. (c) We know that, ( AB )n = A n B n is true only, when AB = BA  1 0  1 0  1 + 0 0 + 0  1 0
 0 1 ×  0 1 =  0 + 0 1 + 0  =  0 1 = I = Identity matrix
7. (a) 8. (a)        
Sol. (Q. Nos. 9-11) Since, BA is defined. The product of two non-zero matrices can sometimes be zero
∴ Number of columns in B = Number of rows in A matrix.
⇒ 11 − y = x ⇒ x + y = 11 …(i)  0 c −b  a 2 ab ac 
   
Also, AB is defined. −c 0 a  ×  ab b2 bc 
∴ Number of columns in A = Number of rows in B  b −a 0  ac bc c 2
   
∴ x + 5 = y ⇒ x − y = −5 …(ii)
114 NDA/NA Pathfinder

 0 + abc − bac 0 + b2c − b2c 0 + bc 2 − bc 2   2x + 2 y − y  3   2x + y  3 

 2  ⇒  4x =  ⇒  = 
=  − a c + 0 + a 2 c − abc + 0 + abc − ac 2 + 0 + ac 2  − x + y   2 3x + y   2
       
 a 2 b − a 2 b + 0 ab 2 − ab 2 + 0 abc − abc + 0 
  ⇒ 2x + y = 3 and 3x + y = 2 ⇒ x = 2−3= −1
 0 0 0 ∴ y =5
 
=  0 0 0 = 0 = Zero matrix x + y y 2  4 54 5
∴ A2 =  =
 0 0 0 2x x − y −2 −6   −2 −6 
      
So, both the Statements are incorrect.  16 − 10 20 − 30   6 − 10 
= =
22. (c) Given that, A is any matrix. −8 + 12 −10 + 36  4 26 
   
Then, the product AA is defined only when number of columns in
 cos θ sin θ 
A is equal to number of rows in A, i.e. A must be a square matrix. 29. (c) Given, E (θ) = 
− sin θ cos θ
Thus, m = n  
 4 x + 2  4 2x − 3  cos α sin α   cos β sin β 
A = A′ ⇒  = ∴ E (α ) E ( β ) = 
2x − 3 x + 1  x + 2 x + 1 
23. (d) Q
− sin α cos α   − sin β cos β 
      
⇒ 2x − 3 = x + 2 ⇒ x = 5
 cos α ⋅ cos β − sin α ⋅ sin β cos α ⋅ sin β + sin α ⋅ cos β 
=
24. (d) We have, AB = A − sin α ⋅ cos β − sin β ⋅ cos α − sin α ⋅ sin β + cos α ⋅ cos β 
 
∴ A 2 = ( AB ) ⋅ ( AB ) = A ⋅ ( BA ) B
= ABB [QBA = B ]  cos(α + β ) sin(α + β ) 
= = E ( α + β)
= AB = A [Q AB = A ] − sin(α + β ) cos(α + β )
 
Also, B 2 = ( BA ) ⋅ ( BA ) = B ⋅ ( AB ) ⋅ A
= B⋅ A⋅ A [Q AB = A ] 30. (d )
= B⋅ A = B [QBA = B ] 1 1 − 1  − 1 − 2 − 1
   
Again, ( AB )2 = ( AB ) ⋅ ( AB ) = A ⋅ ( BA ) B 31. (b) We have, A =  2 − 3 4  and B =  6 12 6 
= A⋅B⋅B [QBA = B ] 3 − 2 3  5 10 5 
   
= AB
 − 1+ 6 −5 − 2 + 12 − 10 − 1+ 6 −5 
Hence, all statements are correct.  
∴ AB =  − 2 − 18 + 20 − 4 − 36 + 40 − 2 − 18 + 20
 1 5 0
   − 3 − 12 + 15 − 6 − 24 + 30 − 3 − 12 + 15 
25. (b)  0 1 0 is an elementary matrix. Since, it is obtained by  
 0 0 1
   0 0 0
 
performing operation C → C + 5C on identity matrix I . =  0 0 0
2 2 1 3
26. (d) A square matrix A is said to be skew-Hermitian, if A * = − A or  0 0 0
 
a = − a ij , ∀ i and j.
ij
Hence, AB is a null matrix.
Here, a = − 4 + i and a =4+i
12 21 Since, A ≠ 0, B ≠ 0 and AB = 0, therefore BA ≠ 0.
Now, a 12 = ( − 4 + i ) = −4 − i = −( 4 + i ) = − a
21 Thus, A and B do not commute.
Hence, the given matrix is skew-Hermitian matrix.
 −1 1
27. (a) ∴ AX = B 32. (b) Given, A = 
1 −1
 p q  3 −4  5 2 3 p + q −4 p − q   5 2  
∴ r s   = ⇒ =
1 −1  −2 1 3r + s −4r − s   −2 1  −1 1  −1 1  1 + 1 −1 − 1
         A2 = A × A =  =
1 −1  1 −1  −1 − 1 1 + 1
I. Now,
⇒ 3 p + q = 5 and −4 p − q = 2 ⇒ − p = 7 ⇒ p = − 7     
∴ q = 5 + 21 = 26  2 −2   1 −1
A2 =  =2
Also, 3r + 5 = −2 and −4r − s = 1 −2 2 −1 1
⇒ −r = − 1 ⇒ r = 1    
and s = − 2 − 3 = − 5  2 −2  −1 1  −2 − 2 2 + 2
II. A 3 = A 2 ⋅ A =  =
 −7 26  −2 2  1 −1  2 + 2 −2 − 2
∴ A=     
1 −5 
   −4 4  −1 1
= =4
28. (a) We have, AB = C 4 −4  1 −1
   
x + y y   2  3 
⇒ A3 = 4A
∴ =
 2x x − y   −1  2
      Hence, only II is correct.
11
MATHEMATICS Decimal Fractions 115

DETERMINANTS
In NDA exam, generally 4-7 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on
expansion/value of determinant, adjoint/inverse of a matrix, properties of determinant and
solution of system of linear equations.

Every square matrix is associated with a particular expression which is called the determinant. The
determinant of a square matrix A is denoted by det A or | A | . In determinant, horizontal lines and
vertical lines are called rows and columns respectively, as in matrix.
 a11 a12 a13 K a1n 
a a 22 a 23 K a 2n 
A determinant of order n × n is represented as follows, A = 21 


M M M M M 

 a n1 a n2 a n3 K a nn 

Note A matrix is an arrangement of numbers and it has no fixed value but a determinant is a number and it has a fixed value.

Determinant of Square Matrix Order 1

If A = [ a11 ] is a square matrix of order 1, then | A | = a11

Determinant of Square Matrix of Order 2

a a12 
If A =  11 is a square matrix of order 2, then determinant of A is defined as
a 21 a 22 
a a12
| A | = 11 = a11 a 22 − a12 a 21
a 21 a 22

Determinant of Square Matrix of Order 3

 a11 a12 a13 
If A = a 21 a 22 a 23  is a square matrix of order 3, then determinant of A is defined as
 
a 31 a 32 a 33 
a11 a12 a13
| A | = a 21 a 22 a 23
a 31 a 32 a 33
a 22 a 23 a 21 a 23 a 21 a 22
∴ | A | = a11 − a12 + a13
a 32 a 33 a 31 a 33 a 31 a 32
= a11 ( a 22 a 33 − a 23 a 32 ) − a12 ( a 21 a 33 − a 23 a 31 ) + a13 ( a 21 a 32 − a 22 a 31 )
116 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Properties of Determinants  log x log y log z 

 log x log x log x 
(i) If each entry in any row or column of a determinant  1 log x y log x z   
log x log y log z 
is 0, then the value of the determinant is zero. Sol. c.  log y x 1 log y z  = 
   log y log y log y 
(ii) If rows be changed into columns and columns into log z y 1  
 log z x log x log y log z 
rows, then the value of the determinant remains  
unchanged.  log z log z log z 
(iii) If any two adjacent rows (columns) of a
 log x log y log z 
determinant are interchanged, then the determinant 1  log x
= log y log z 
remains its absolute value but changed in sign. log x log y log z  
(iv) If a determinant have any two rows or columns  log x log y log z 
identical, then its value is zero. =0 [since, all rows are identical]
(v) If all the constituents (elements) of one row or of
one column, multiplied by the same quantity, then EXAMPLE 2. If ω is the cube root of unity, then
the value of new determinant is k times the value of what is one root of the equation
original determinant.  x 2 −2x −2ω 2 
ka11 ka12 ka13 a11 a12 a13 2 ω −ω  = 0?
 
i.e. a 21 a 22 a 23 = k a 21 a 22 a 23 ω
0 1 
a 31 a 32 a 33 a 31 a 32 a 33 a. 1 b. −2 c. 2 d. ω
(vi) If each constituent of any row or of any column be x 2
−2ω 
−2x 2

the sum of the two quantities, then the determinant Sol. c.  2 − ω = 0

ω
can be expressed as the sum of the two determinants  
0 ω 1 
of the same order.
ω −ω 2 −ω 2 ω
a11 + a a12 + b a13 + c a11 a12 a13 ⇒ x2 + 2x − 2ω 2 =0
ω 1 0 1 0 ω
i.e. a 21 a 22 a 23 = a 21 a 22 a 23 ⇒ x2 (ω + ω 2) + 2x ( 2) − 2ω 2 ( 2ω) = 0 [Q 1+ ω + ω 2 = 0]
a 31 a 32 a 33 a 31 a 32 a 33 ⇒ − x2 + 4x − 4ω 3 = 0
a b c ⇒ x2 − 4 x + 4 = 0
⇒ ( x − 2) 2 = 0 ⇒ x = 2
+ a 21 a 22 a 23
a 31 a 32 a 33 MINORS AND COFACTORS
(vii) If each element of a row or column of a determinant Minor of an Element of a Determinant
is multiplied by a constant k and then added to the
corresponding elements of some other row or If we delete the row and column passing through the
column, then value of determinant remains same. element a ij , the determinant, thus obtained is called the
a11 a12 a13 a11 a12 a13 minor of a ij and is usually denoted by M ij .
a 21 a 22 a 23 = a 21 a 22 a 23 a11 a12 a13
a 31 a 32 a 33 a 31 + ka 21 a 32 + ka 22 a 33 + ka 23 e.g. For the 3 × 3 determinant a 21 a 22 a 23
a 31 a 32 a 33
(viii) Number of elements in nth order determinant = n 2
(ix) If A and B are two determinants of order n, then a 22 a 23
The minor of a11 is M 11 = .
| AB | = | A | | B | a 32 a 33
(x) det ( kA ) = k n det ( A ), if A is of order n × n.
Cofactor of an Element of a Determinant
(xi) If AB = AC, then B = C is true only, when | A | ≠ 0.
The cofactor of an element a ij is ( −1) i + j M ij and it is
EXAMPLE 1. If x, y and z are all positive, then what is  M ij , when i+ j is even
 1 denoted by C ij . Thus, C ij = 
log x y log x z   − M ij , when i+ j is odd
 
the value of log y x 1 log y z ?  a11 a12 a13 

 

 log x log y 1  Let ∆ = a 21 a 22 a 23 
z z
 
a. 1 b. 3 c. 0 d. −2  a 31 a 32 a 33 
MATHEMATICS Determinants 117

a 22 a 23 a a 23 a a 22 Properties of Adjoint Matrix

= a11 − a12 21 + a13 21
a 32 a 33 a 31 a 33 a 31 a 32
If A , B are square matrices of order n and I n is
∴ ∆ = a11 M 11 − a12 M 12 + a13 M 13 corresponding unit matrix, then
= a11C11 + a12C12 + a13 C13 (i) A (adjA ) = | A | I n = (adj A )A (ii) | adjA | = | A | n − 1
(i) If ∆ ≠ 0 and ∆c denoted the determinant of cofactors, (iii) adj (adjA ) = | A | n − 2 A ; | A | ≠ 0
then ∆c = ∆n − 1 , where n (> 0 ) is the order of ∆. 2
(iv) | adj (adjA )| = | A | (n − 1) (v) adj ( A T ) = (adj A ) T
(ii) If ∆ = 0, then ∆c = 0.
(vi) adj( AB) = (adj B)(adj A )
(iii) The sum of the product of constituents of any row
(column) of a determinant with the cofactors of the (vii) adj ( A m ) = (adj A ) m, m ∈ N
corresponding elements of any other row (column) (viii) adj( kA ) = k n − 1 (adj A ) , k ∈ R
is zero. (ix) adj( I n ) = I n (x) adj(O) = O
i.e. a11C 31 + a12C 32 + a13C 33 = 0 (xi) A is symmetric matrix ⇒adj( A ) is also symmetric
matrix.
EXAMPLE 3. If ∆ is the determinant of the matrix
(xii) A is diagonal matrix ⇒ adj (A) is also diagonal matrix.
a b
 −b −a  and ∆ the determinant of the cofactors of
c
(xiii) A is triangular matrix ⇒ adj (A) is also triangular
  matrix.
the elements of the matrix. Then, which one of the 1 −1 1 
following is correct?  
EXAMPLE 4. If A = 0 2 −3 and B = (adj A) and
1
a. ∆c = ∆ b. ∆c = ∆2 c. ∆c = ∆3 d. ∆c = 2 1 0 
∆
|adj B|
a b  a b C = 5 A, then is equal to
Sol. a. Let A =   , ∆ =  = − a2 + b2 |C|
−b − a  −b −a 
a. 5 b. 25 c. −1 d. 1
 − a b 1 −1
and matrix of cofactors of A =  
1
−b a  Sol. d. | A| = 0 2 −3 = 1( 3) + 1(6) + 1( −4) = 5
 −a b 
∆c =   = − a2 + b 2 ⇒ ∆ = ∆c 2 1 0
 −b a   3 1 1  5 −5 5 
B = adj A = −6 −2 3 , adj B =  0 10 −15 = 5A
 
ADJOINT OF A MATRIX    
−4 −3 2 10 5 0 
Let A = [ a ij ] be a square matrix of order n and C = [ c ij ]
and C = 5A
be its cofactor matrix. Then, matrix C T = [C ji ] , is | adj B| |5A|
called the adjoint of matrix A and is written as ∴ = =1
| C| |5A|
adj ( A ) = C T = [C ij ], 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n.
 1 2 3 INVERSE OF A MATRIX
e.g. If A = −1 0 1 , then C11 = − 3, C12 = 6, C13 = − 3, A non-singular square matrix A = [ a ij ] of order n is said
  to be invertible or has an inverse, if there exists another
 4 3 2 non-singular square matrix B of order n, such that
C 21 = 5, C 22 = − 10, C 23 = 5 AB = BA = I n
C 31 = 2, C 32 = − 4 and C 33 = 2 where, I is an identity matrix of order n. Then, we write
−3 6 −3 B = A −1 or A = B −1

∴ C = 5 −10 5 Hence, we say that A −1 is the inverse of A, if
 
 2 4 2 AA −1 = A −1 A = I
1
−3 5 2 The inverse of a matrix A is given by A −1 = adj ( A ).
|A|
Thus, adj ( A ) = C = 6 −10 −4
T 
  Note Non-singular and singular matrices A matrix A is said to be
−3 5 2 non-singular, if its determinant is non-zero, i.e. | A| ≠ 0. The
matrix whose determinant is zero, i.e. | A| = 0, is called a
singular matrix.
118 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Properties of Inverse Matrices Then , X = A −1 B

If A and B are invertible matrices of the same order, then This method is also known as the matrix method to
−1 −1
(i) ( A ) = A (ii) ( AB) −1
=B A−1 −1 solve a system of equations.
(iii) ( A k ) −1 = ( A −1 ) k , k ∈ N Criterion of Consistency
1 Let A x = B be a system of n linear equation with n variables
(iv) adj ( A −1 ) = (adj A ) −1 (v) | A −1 | = = | A | −1
| A| (i) If | A | ≠ 0 (i.e. A is non-singular), then the system of
equations is consistent and has a unique solution
Note If A is an invertible matrix, then given by X = A −1 B.
• If A is symmetric matrix, then A −1 is also symmetric matrix.
• If A is skew-symmetric matrix, then A −1 is also skew (ii) If | A | = 0 (i.e. A is singular) and [adj ( A )] B = 0, i.e.
symmetric matrix. null matrix, then the system of equations is
consistent and infinitely many solutions.
1 p q 
  (iii) If | A | = 0 and [adj ( A )] B ≠ 0, then the system of
EXAMPLE 5. If the inverse of 0 x 0  is equations is inconsistent and has no solution.
0 0 1 
Homogeneous Equations
 1 − p −q  The system of equations A X = B is said to
 
0 1 0  , then what is the value of x? homogeneous, if B = 0
0 0 1 (i) If | A | ≠ 0, then its only solution X = 0, is called
trivial solution.
1 1
a. 1 b. 0 c. −1 d. + (ii) If | A | = 0, then A X = 0 has a non-trivial solution. It
p q
will have infinitely many solutions.
 1 p q  1 − p − q
Sol. a. Let A = 0 x 0 and B = 0
  1 0 EXAMPLE 6. The equations
    x + 2y + 3z = 1, x − y + 4 z = 0 and 2x + y + 7 z = 1 have
0 0 1 0 0 1
a. only two solutions b. only one solution
 1 p q c. no solution d. infinitely many solutions
Thus, B −1
= 0 1 0  1 2 3
 
0 0 1 Sol. d. We have, | A | = 1 −1 4 = 1( − 11) − 2 ( − 1) + 3 ( 3) = 0
But B is inverse of A, therefore A = B −1 2 1 7
T
 1 p q  1 p q −11 1 3  −11 −11 11
⇒ 0 x 0  = 0 1 0  ⇒ x = 1 adj ( A) = −11 1 3  =  1 1 −1
       
0 0 1 0 0 1  11 −1 −3  3 3 −3
−11 −11 11 1 0
SOLUTION OF SYSTEM ∴ (adj A) B =  1 1 −1 0 = 0 = 0
    
OF LINEAR EQUATIONS  3 3 −3 1 0
So, the given system of equations is consistent and has
(i) Using Matrices infinitely many solutions.
Consider, the system of linear equations
(ii) Cramer’s Rule
a11 x1 + a12 x 2 + a13 x 3 = b1
Case I Let us consider a system of equations in two
a 21 x1 + a 22 x 2 + a 23 x 3 = b2 variables
a 31 x1 + a 32 x 2 + a 33 x 3 = b3 a1 x + b1 y = c1 , a 2 x + b2 y = c 2
We can write these equations in matrix form as a b c b a c
then, ∆ = 1 1 , ∆ 1 = 1 1 and ∆ 2 = 1 1
AX = B …(i) a 2 b2 c 2 b2 a2 c 2
 a11 a12 a13   b1   x1  By Cramer’s rule the solution of system of equation is
∆ ∆
where, A = a 21 a 22   
a 23 , B = b2 and X = x 2  x = 1 , y = 2 , provided ∆ ≠ 0.
      ∆ ∆
a 31 a 32 a 33  b3  x 3 
MATHEMATICS Determinants 119

(i) If ∆ ≠ 0, then the system is consistent and has a

unique solution.
DIFFERENTIATION OF
(ii) If ∆ = 0 and atleast one of the determinants ∆ 1 and DETERMINANTS
∆ 2 is non-zero, then the system is inconsistent. f1 ( x) g1 ( x)
Let ∆( x) = ,
Case II Let us consider a system of equations in three f 2 ( x) g 2 ( x)
variables where f1 ( x), f 2 ( x), g1 ( x) and g 2 ( x) are functions of x.
a1 x + b1 y + c1 z = d 1 , a 2 x + b2 y + c 2 z = d 2
f1′( x) g1′ ( x) f1 ( x) g1 ( x)
a 3 x + b3 y + c 3 z = d 3 Then, ∆ ′( x) = +
f 2 ( x) g 2 ( x) f 2′( x) g 2′ ( x)
 a1 b1 c1   d 1 b1 c1 
Then, ∆ = a 2 b2 c 2 , ∆ 1 = d 2 b2 c 2 , Also, ∆ ′( x) =
f1′( x) g1 ( x)
+
f1 ( x) g1′ ( x)
   
f 2′( x) g 2 ( x) f 2 ( x) g 2′ ( x)
 a 3 b3 c 3   d 3 b3 c 3 
 a1 d 1 c1   a1 b1 d 1  Thus, to differentiate a determinant, we differentiate one
∆ 2 = a 2 d 2 c 2 , ∆ 3 = a 2 b2 d 2  row (or column) at a time, keeping others unchanged.
   
 a3 d 3 c 3   a 3 b3 d 3 
INTEGRATION OF
By Cramer’s rule, the solution of system of equations is DETERMINANTS
∆ ∆ ∆
x = 1 , y = 2 and z = 3 f ( x) g( x)
∆ ∆ ∆ If ∆( x) = ,
(i) If ∆ ≠ 0, then the system is consistent and unique λ1 λ 2
solution exists. b b

(ii) If ∆ = 0 and atleast one of the determinants ∆ 1 , ∆ 2 then

b
∫a ∆( x) dx = ∫a f ( x) dx ∫a g( x)dx
λ1 λ2
and ∆ 3 is non-zero, then the given system is
inconsistent. Here, f ( x) and g( x) are functions of x and λ 1 , λ 2 are
(iii) If ∆ = 0 and ∆ 1 = ∆ 2 = ∆ 3 = 0, then the system is constants.
consistent and dependent and has infinitely many If the elements of more than one column or row are
solutions. functions of x, then the integration can be done only
after evalution/expansion of the determinant.
EXAMPLE 7. For what value of p, is the system of
equations p 3 x + (p + 1) 3 y = (p + 2) 3 , px + (p + 1) y = p + 2 cos x x 1
and x + y = 1 consistent? EXAMPLE 8. If f (x) = 2 sin x x 2
2 , then the value
a. p = 0 b. p = 1 c. p = − 1 d. for all p > 1 tan x x 1
Sol. c. The given system of equations is of f ′(x) at x = 0 is
p3x + ( p + 1) 3 y = ( p + 2) 3 ...(i) a. − 2 b. 2
px + ( p + 1) y = ( p + 2) ...(ii)
x+ y =1 ...(iii) c. 0 d. 1
 p3 ( p + 1) 3 ( p + 2) 3  − sin x 1 0 cos x x 1
This system is consistent, if  p ( p + 1) ( p + 2)  = 0 Sol. a. f ′ ( x) = 2 sin x x2 2 + 2cos x 2x 0
 
 1 1 1  tan x x 1 tan x x 1
p ( p + 1) − p ( p + 2) − p
3 3 3 3 3
cos x x 1
⇒ p 1 2 =0 + 2 sin x x2 2
1 0 0 sec 2 x 1 0
apply C 2 → C 2 − C1
0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
 and C → C − C 
 3 3 1
⇒ f ′ (0) = 0 0 2 + 1 0 0 + 0 0 2
⇒ 2( p + 1) 3 − 2p3 − ( p + 2) 3 + p3 = 0
0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0
⇒2( p3 + 1+ 3p2 + 3p) − 2p3 − ( p3 + 8 + 12p + 6 p2) + p3 = 0
=0 + 0 + −2= −2
⇒ −6 − 6 p = 0
∴ p = −1
120 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Applications of Determinant EXAMPLE 9. The equation of straight line passing

through the points A(3, 1 ) and B (9, 3 ) is
in Geometry a. x − 2 = 0
1. Area of triangle If ( x1 , y1 ), ( x 2 , y 2 ) and ( x 3 , y 3 ) are b. x − 3y = 0
the vertices of a triangle, then
c. y + 2 = 0
x1 y1 1
1 d. y − 2 = 0
Area of triangle = x2 y2 1
2 Sol. b. Let P( x, y) be any point on the line joining A( 3, 1) and
x3 y3 1
B(9, 3).
1
= [ x1 ( y 2 − y 3 ) + x 2 ( y 3 − y1 ) + x 3 ( y1 − y 2 )] Then, the points A, B and P are collinear. Therefore, the
2
area of ∆ABP will be zero.
2. Condition of collinearity of three points Let three 3 1 1
points be A ( x1 , y1 ), B( x 2 , y 2 ) and C( x 3 , y 3 ), then 1
∴ 9 3 1 =0
these points will be collinear, if Area of ∆ABC = 0 2
x y 1
3. Equation of straight line passing through two points 1
Let two points be A ( x1 , y1 ) and B( x 2 , y 2 ) and ⇒ |3( 3 − y) − 1(9 − x) + 1(9y − 3x)| = 0
2
P( x, y) be a point on the line joining points A and B, ⇒ 9 − 3y − 9 + x + 9y − 3x = 0
then the equation of line is given by ⇒ 6y − 2x = 0
x y 1 ⇒ x − 3y = 0
x1 y1 1 =0 Hence, the equation of the line joining the given points is
x − 3y = 0.
x2 y2 1

PRACTICE EXERCISE
 1 sin α 1  5. If p + q + r = a + b + c = 0, then the value of
1. Let ∆ = − sin α 1 sin α , then ∆ lies in  pa qb rc 
 
 qc pb is
 −1 − sin α 1 

ra

the interval  rb pc qa 
(a) [2, 3] (b) [3, 4] (c) [1, 4] (d) [2, 4] (a) 0 (b) ap + bq + cr
2. If f( x ) = x − 4x − 5, then f ( A),
2 (c) 1 (d) None of these

1 2 2  1! 2! 3 !
where A = 2 1 2 , is equal to 6. The value of the determinant ∆ = 2 ! 3 ! 4 ! is
 
2 2 1  3! 4! 5 !
(a) 0 (b) I (c) −I (d) 2I (a) 2! (b) 3! (c) 4! (d) 5!
 x + 2x2
2x + 1 1 7. If A, B and C are the angles of a triangle, then
3. If

2x + 1 x+2

1 = ( x − 1)k , then k equals to

 −1 cos C cos B
  the value of ∆ = cos C −1 cos A is
 3 3 1
 
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4  cos B cos A −1 

 2  (a) cos A cos B cos C (b) sin A sin B sin C

1 a a
4. If ∆ =  (c) 0 (d) None of these
cos ( n − 1) x cos nx cos ( n + 1) x , then ∆

 
 x α 1
 sin ( n − 1) x sin nx sin ( n + 1) x 
8. The roots of the equation β x 1 = 0 are
is β γ 1
(a) independent of x (b) independent of a independent of
(c) independent of n (d) None of these (a) α (b) β (c) γ (d) α, β and γ
MATHEMATICS Determinants 121

9. If 5 and 7 are the roots of the equation

x 4 5 17. If ( a1 / x ) + ( b1 / y ) = c1 , ( a2 / x ) + ( b2 / y ) = c2
7 7 = 0, then what is the third root? a b1  b c1  c a1 
∆ 1 = 1 , ∆ 2 = 1 , ∆3 = 1 ,
x
 
5 8 x  a2 b2   b2 c2   c2 a2 
(a) −12 (b) 9 (c) 13 (d) 14
then ( x , y ) is equal to which one of the following?
 1− i ω2 −ω 
(a) (∆ 2 / ∆1, ∆ 3 / ∆1 ) (b) (∆ 3 / ∆1, ∆ 2 / ∆1 )
10. What is the value of 

ω2 + i ω

−i ,
 (c) (∆1 / ∆ 2 , ∆1 / ∆ 3 ) (d) (− ∆1 / ∆ 2 , − ∆1 / ∆ 3 )
 
 1 − 2i − ω
2
ω −ω
2 i − ω 2 − x 1 1
where ω is the cube root of unity? 
18. If the matrix A =  1 3 − x 0  is singular,
(a) −1 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 0  −1 −3 − x
y y + z
x
then what is the solution set S?
11. If  z x + y  = 0, then which one of the
y (a) S = {0, 2, 3} (b) S = {−1, 2, 3}
 
x z + x
z (c) S = {1, 2, 3} (d) S = {2, 3}
following is correct? −1
1 − tan θ  1 tan θ a − b
19. If  =
1 − tan θ 1 ,
(a) Either x + y = z or x = y (b) Either x + y = − z or x = z
(c) Either x + z = y or z = y (d) Either z + y = x or x = y tan θ   b a
then
k b+ c b2 + c2  (a) a = 1, b = 1 (b) a = cos 2 θ, b = sin2 θ
 
12. What is the value of k, if k c+a c2 + a 2  (c) a = sin2 θ, b = cos 2 θ (d) None of these
k a+b 
 a 2 + b2  20. If a matrix A is such that 3 A3 + 2 A2 + 5 A + I = O ,
= ( a − b) ( b − c) ( c − a )? then what is A−1 equal to?
(a) 1 (b) −1 (c) 2 (d) 0 (a) − (3 A 2 + 2 A + 5) (b) 3 A 2 + 2 A + 5I

13. If T p , Tq , Tr are pth, qth and rth terms of an AP, (c) 3 A − 2 A − 5I

2
(d) − (3 A 2 + 2 A + 5I)

 Tp Tq Tr   cos x sin x 0
then p q r  is equal to 21. If A = − sin x cos x 0 = f ( x ), then A−1 equals

 
  0 0 1
 1 1 1
(a) 1 (b) −1 (c) 0 (d) p + q + r (a) f(− x ) (b) − f(x )
a1 b1 c1 (c) − f(− x ) (d) f(x )

14. If ∆ = a2 b2 c2 and A1 , B1 , C1 denote the 22. If l + m + n = 0, then the system of equations

a3 b3 c3 −2x + y + z = l, x − 2y + z = m, x + y − 2z = n has
(a) a trivial solution
cofactors of a1 , b1 , c1 respectively, then the value (b) no solution
A1 B1 C1 (c) a unique solution
(d) infinitely many solutions
of the determinant A2 B2 C2 is
A3 B3 C3 23. Consider the system of linear equations
a1x + b1 y + c1z + d1 = 0, a2x + b2 y + c2z + d2 = 0
(a) ∆ (b) ∆2 (c) ∆3 (d) 0
and a3 x + b3 y + c3 z + d3 = 0
15. What is the value of Let us denote by ∆ ( a , b, c) the determinant
 cos 15° sin 15°   cos 45° cos 15° 
  × ?  a1 b1 c1 
 45° sin 45°   sin 45° sin 15°  a b2 c2 
cos
1 3 1 3  2 
(a) (b) (c) − (d) −  a3 b3 c3 
4 2 4 4
If ∆ ( a , b, c) ≠ 0, then the value of x has a unique
16. If f ( x ) = ax 4 + bx3 + cx 2 + dx + e solution of the above equation, then
x3 + 3x x−1 x + 3 ∆ (b, c, d ) ∆ (b, c, d )
(a) (b) −
  ∆ (a, b, c ) ∆ (a, b, c )
= x+1 −2x x − 4 , then e equals

 
 ∆ (a, c, d ) ∆ (a, b, d )
(d) −
 x− 3 x+ 4 3x  (c)
∆ (a, b, c ) ∆ (a, b, c )
(a) 1 (b) −1 (c) 2 (d) 0
122 NDA/NA Pathfinder

1+ a 1 1 d
29. The ∆1 is
24. If ∆ = 1 1+ b 1 , then consider the dx
1 1 1+ c (a) ∆ 2 (b) ∆ 2 /2
(c) 3 ∆ 2 (d) None of these
following statements
I. If
1 1 1
+ + = 0, then ∆ = abc. 30. If ∆1 − x∆ 2 + a 2b = 0, then x equals to
a b c a + 2b 2a + b
(a) (b)
II. If a −1 + b−1 + c−1 = − 1, then ∆ = 0. 2 2
a+ b
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (c) (d) None of these
(a) Only I (b) Only II 2
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
Directions (Q. Nos. 31-32) Consider the determinant
a b aα + b
x 2 − 5x + 3 2x − 5 3
25. If the determinant b c bα + c is equal
f ( x ) = 3x 2 + x + 4 6x + 1 9
aα + b bα + c 0
7x − 6 x + 9 14x − 6 21
2
to zero, then consider the following statements.
I. a, b, c are in AP. 31. The value of f( 0) is
II. α is a root of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0. (a) 93 (b) 120 (c) 141 (d) 0
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
32. The value of f ′ ( 0) is
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(a) 0 (b) 7 (c) 19 (d) − 1
(c) I and II (d) Neither I nor II

26. If A and B are square matrices such that Directions (Q. Nos. 33-34) Let
B = A−1BA, then consider the following statements  sin θ i cos θ
A(θ) =   , where i = − 1
I. AB + BA = 0 II. A − B = ( A + B)( A − B) i cos θ sin θ 
2 2

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

π 
(a) Only I (b) Only II 33. If B (θ) = A − θ , then AB equals
  2
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
0 i  0 − i  1 0
(a)  (b)  (c)   (d) None of these
27. Let A be a 2 × 2 matrix with non-zero entries and 
 i 0 − i 0   0 1
let A2 = I , where I is 2 × 2 identity matrix, then
34. Consider the following statements
consider the following statements
I. A(θ ) is invertible for all θ ∈ R II. A (θ )−1 = A (− θ )
I. Sum of diagonal elements of A is 0.
II. Determinant of matrix A is 1. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) Only II
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Directions (Q. Nos. 35-37) Consider the determinant
α β γ
28. Which of the following determinants is purely
real? ∆= β γ α
2 1+ i 3 1 i 2 γ α β
I. 1 − i 0 2+ i II. − i 2 i
35. If α , β , γ are the roots of x3 + ax 2 + b = 0, then the
3 2−i 1 0 i −2
determinant ∆ equals
6 3−i 2 2+ i 6 (a) − a3 (b) a3 − 3b
III. 3 + i 2 0 3−i 8 (c) a − 3b
2
(d) a3
2−i 6 3+ i 8 11
36. If α, β, γ are the roots of x3 + bx + c = 0, then the
(a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I, II and III determinant ∆ equals
(a) − b 3 (b) b 3 − 3c
Directions (Q. Nos. 29-30) Given two determinants (c) b − 3c
2
(d) 0
x b b
x b 37. If α, β, γ are negative distinct real numbers, then
∆1 = a x b and ∆ 2 = .
a x (a) ∆ < 0 (b) ∆ ≤ 0
a a x (c) ∆ ≥ 0 (d) ∆ > 0
MATHEMATICS Determinants 123

Directions (Q. Nos. 38-40) Consider the determinant,

p q r
48. If a matrix A has inverse B and C, then which
one of the following is correct? e 2012 I
∆ = x y z ; Mij denotes the minor of an element (a) B may not be equal to C
l m n (b) B should be equal to C
in ith row and jth column; Cij denotes the cofactor (c) B and C should be unit matrices
of an element in ith row and jth column. (d) None of the above

38. The value of p ⋅ C21 + q ⋅ C22 + r ⋅ C23 is 49. If A is a square matrix such that A2 = I , where I
is the identity matrix, then what is the value of
(a) 0 (b) − ∆ (c) ∆ (d) ∆2
A−1 ? e 2012 I
39. The value of x ⋅ C21 + y ⋅ C22 + z ⋅ C23 is (a) A + i (b) Null matrix (c) A (d) Transpose of A
(a) 0 (b) − ∆ (c) ∆ (d) ∆2 1 2 0 −1
50. If A =   and B =   , then what is the
1 1 1 2
40. The value of q ⋅ M12 − y M 22 + m ⋅ M32 is value of B−1 A−1 ? e 2012 I
(a) 0 (b) − ∆ (c) ∆ (d) ∆2  1 −3  −1 3  −1 3  −1 −3
(a)   (b)   (c)   (d)  
 −1 2   1 −2   −1 −2   1 −2 
Directions (Q. Nos. 41-43) A and B are two
matrices of same order 3 × 3, where 51. If each element in a row of a determinant is
multiplied by the same factor r, then the value of
1 2 3 3 2 5 the determinant e 2012 II
A = 2 3 4 and B = 2 3 8
  (a) is multiplied by r 3 (b) is increased by 3r
5 6 8 7 2 9 (c) remains unchanged (d) is multiplied by r

41. The value of adj ( adj A) equals x2 1 y2 + z 2

(a) − A (b) 4A (c) 8A (d) 16A 52. The value of the determinant y 2
1 z 2 + x 2 is
42. The value of|adj ( B)| equals z2 1 x 2 + y2
(a) 24 (b) 242 (c) 243 (d) 82 e 2012 II
(a) 0 (b) x 2 + y2 + z2
43. The value of|( adj ( adj ( adj ( adj A))))| equals
(c) x 2 + y2 + z2 + 1 (d) None of these
(a) 2 4 (b) 2 9 (c) 1 (d) 219
 α 2 2
PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS 53. If the matrix −3 0 4 is not invertible, then
 1 −1 1 e 2012 II
44. If two rows of a determinant are identical, then (a) α = − 5 (b) α = 5 (c) α = 0 (d) α = 1
what is the value of the determinant?
(a) 0 (b) 1 e 2012 I 54. The inverse of a diagonal matrix is a e 2012 II
(c) −1 (d) can be any real value (a) symmetric matrix (b) skew-symmetric matrix
1 2 1 0 (c) diagonal matrix (d) None of these
45. If A = and B = , then what is the
2 3 1 0 55. The determinant of a orthogonal matrix is
value of determinant of AB? e 2012 I e 2013 I
(a) 0 (b) 1 (a) ± 1 (b) 2 (c) 0 (d) ± 2
(c) 10 (d) 20
m n p
8 −5 1
56. The value of the determinant p m n
46. If 5 x 1 = 2, then what is the value of x?
n p m
6 3 1
e 2013 I
(a) 4 (b) 5 (a) is a perfect cube (b) is a perfect square
(c) 6 (d) 8 e 2012 I (c) has linear factor (d) is zero
−a 2
ab ac 1 t−1 1
47. What is the value of ab −b 2
bc ? 57. The roots of the equation t − 1 1 1 =0
ac bc − c2 1 1 t−1
e 2012 I
(a) 4abc (b) 4a 2 bc are e 2013 I
(c) 4a 2 b 2 c 2 (d) − 4a 2 b 2 c 2
(a) 1, 2 (b) −1 , 2 (c) 1 , − 2 (d) −1 , − 2
124 NDA/NA Pathfinder

58. If D is determinant of order 3 and D′ is the 66. Consider the following statements
determinant obtained by replacing the elements 1 2 1
of D by their cofactors, then which one of the I. The matrix a 2a 1 is singular.
following is correct? e 2013 I  
 b 2b 1
(a) D′ = D2 (b) D′ = D3
 c 2c 1
(c) D′ = 2 D 2
(d) D′ = 3D3
II. The matrix a 2a 1 is non-singular.
 
59. Consider the following statements  b 2b 1
I. A matrix is not a number. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
II. Two determinants of different orders may have e 2013 II
the same value. (a) Only I (b) Only II
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (c) Both I and II (d) Either I or II
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2013 I x + a b c 
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II 67. One of the roots of a x+b c  = 0 is
 
60. What is the value of the minor of the element 9  a b x + c e 2014 I
10 19 2
(a) abc (b) a + b + c
in the determinant 0 13 1 ?
(c) −(a + b + c ) (d) −abc
9 24 2 e 2013 I 68. The determinant of an odd order skew-symmetric
(a) – 9 (b) – 7 (c) 7 (d) 0
matrix is always e 2014 I
61. If A and B are two non-singular square matrices (a) zero (b) one
such that AB = A, then which one of the (c) negative (d) depends on the matrix
following is correct? e 2013 I 69. If any two adjacent rows or columns of a
(a) B is an identity matrix (b) B = A −1 determinant are interchanged in position, the
(c) B = A 2 (d) Determinant of B is zero value of the determinant e 2014 I
(a) becomes zero (b) remains the same
62. The cofactor of the element 4 in the determinant (c) changes its sign (d) is doubled
1 2 3
70. Consider two matrices
4 5 6 is
1 2
1 2 −4
A = 2 1 and B =
5 8 9 e 2013 II
2 1 −4
(a) 2 (b) 4 1 1  
(c) 6 (d) − 6
Which one of the following is correct? e 2014 I
63. What is the value of the determinant (a) B is the right inverse of A
1 bc a ( b + c) (b) B is the left inverse of A
(c) B is the both sided inverse of A
1 ca b ( c + a ) ?
(d) None of the above
1 ab c ( a + b) e 2013 II
71. Consider the following statements in respect of
(a) 0 (b) abc  0 1 2
(c) ab + bc + ca (d) abc(a + b + c ) the matrix A = −1 0 −3
64. If A is a square matrix of order 3 with | A| ≠ 0, −2 3 0
then which one of the following is correct? I. The matrix A is skew-symmetric.
e 2013 II II. The matrix A is symmetric.
(a)|adj = A| | A| (b)|adj A| = | A|2 III. The matrix A is invertible.
(c)|adj A | = | A |3 (d)|adj A|2 =| A|
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
2 1 −1
e 2014 I
65. If 2 A =  , then what is A equal to? (a) Only I (b) Only III (c) I and II (d) II and III
3 2 e 2013 II
72. If A and B are square matrices of second order
 2 −1 1  2 −1 such that | A| = − 1 and | B| = 3, then what is
(a)   (b)
 −3 2  2  −3 2  | 3AB| equal to? e 2014 II
1  2 −1 (a) 3 (b) −9
(c)  (d) None of these
4  −3 2  (c) −27 (d) None of these
MATHEMATICS Determinants 125

1 3 1 1 81. Consider the following in respect of two

73. If the matrix A is such that   A = 0 −1, non-singular matrices A and B of same order
0 1  
then what is A equal to? e 2014 II I. det ( A + B) = det A + det B
 1 4  1 4 II. ( A + B)−1 = A −1 + B−1
(a)   (b)  
 0 −1  0 1 Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
 −1 4  1 −4 (a) Only I (b) Only II e 2015 I
(c)   (d)   (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
 0 −1  0 −1
2 7 −1
74. From the matrix equation AB = AC , where A, B 82. If A =  , then what is A + 3 A equal to?
and C are the square matrices of same order, we 1 5 e 2015 I
(a) 3I (b) 5I (c) 7I (d) None of these
can conclude B = C provided e 2014 II
(a) A is non-singular (b) A is singular Where, I is the identity matrix of order 2.
(c) A is symmetric (d) A is skew-symmetric 83. If A is an invertible matrix of order n and k
75. If A is an invertible matrix, then what is det ( A−1 ) is any positive real number, then the value of
equal to? e 2014 II
[det ( kA)]−1 det (A) is e 2015 II
1 (a) k − n (b) k −1 (c) k n (d) nk
(a) det (A) (b)
det ( A) a 1 1
(c) 1 (d) None of these 84. If the value of the determinant 1 b 1 is
 6i −3i
1 1 1 c
76. If  4 −1 = x + iy , where i = −1, then
3i positive, where a ≠ b ≠ c, then the value of abc
 
e 2015 II
 20 3 i 
(a) cannot be less than 1 (b) is greater than − 8
what is x equal to? e 2014 II
(c) is less than − 8 (d) must be greater than 8
(a) 3 (b) 2
(c) 1 (d) 0 85. If a, b and c are real numbers, then the value of
 a b 0 1− a a− b− c b+ c
77. If  0 a b  = 0, then which one of the following the determinant 1 − b b − c − a c + a is
  1− c c−a−b a+b
 b 0 a e 2015 II
is correct? e 2014 II
(a) 0 (b) (a − b )(b − c )(c − a)
(a) a / b is one of the cube roots of unity (c) (a + b + c )2 (d) (a + b + c )3
(b) a / b is one of the cube roots of −1
(c) a is one of the cube roots of unity
86. Consider the following statements in respect of
α α
(d) b is one of the cube roots of unity cos2 sin2
the determinant 2 2 where α, β are
78. Consider the following statements 2β 2 β
sin cos
I. Determinant is a square matrix. 2 2
II. Determinant is a number associated with a complementary angles.
square matrix. 1  α − β
I. The value of the determinant is cos  .
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 2  2 
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2014 II 1
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II II. The maximum value of the determinant is .
2
79. If a ≠ b ≠ c all are positive, then the value of Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
a b c (a) Only I (b) Only II e 2015 II
determinantb c a is (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
 
c a b 1 3 2 
e 2014 II
(a) non-negative (b) non-positive 87. The matrix A = 1 x − 1 1  will have inverse

(c) negative (d) positive
2 7 x − 3
1 1 1 
for every real number x except for e 2015 II

80. The value of 1 1 + x 1  is 11 ± 5 9± 5
  (a) x = (b) x =
1 1 1+ y e 2015 I
2 2
(a) x + y (b) x − y 11 ± 3 9± 3
(c) x = (d) x =
(c) xy (d) 1 + x + y 2 2
126 NDA/NA Pathfinder

88. If A is an orthogonal matrix of order 3 and 90. What is the value of f ′ ( 0)?
 1 2 3 (a) p3 (b) 3 p3 (c) 6 p3 (d) −6 p3
B = − 3 0 2, then which of the following is/are
 2 5 0 91. What is the value of p for which f ′ ′ ( 0) = 0 ?
1 1
correct?. (a) − or 0 (b) −1 or 0 (c) − or 1 (d) −1 or 1
6 6
I. | AB| = ± 47 II. AB = BA 92. Which of the following determinants have value
Select the correct answer using the code given ‘zero’?
below. e 2015 II
 41 1 5  1 a b + c   0 c b
(a) Only I (b) Only II
I.  79 7 9    
II. 1 b c + a III. − c 0 a
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II      
 29 5 3  1 c a + b   −b −a 0 
89. If A is a square matrix, then what is Select the correct answer using the code given
adj ( A−1 ) − ( adj A)−1 equal to? e 2016 I below. e 2016 I
(a) 2| A | (b) Null matrix (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I, II and III
(c) Unit matrix (d) None of these
93. The system of linear equations kx + y + z = 1,
Directions (Q. Nos. 90-91) Consider the function x + ky + z = 1 and x + y + kz = 1 has a unique
x solution under which one of the following
3
sin x cos x 
  conditions? e 2016 I
f (x ) = 6 −1 0 , where p is a constant. (a) k ≠ 1 and k ≠ − 2 (b) k ≠ 1 and k ≠ 2

 3 

p2 (c) k ≠ − 1 and k ≠ − 2 (d) k ≠ − 1 and k ≠ 2
p p 
e 2016 I

ANSWERS
1 d 2 a 3 c 4 c 5 a 6 c 7 c 8 a 9 a 10 d
11 b 12 a 13 c 14 b 15 c 16 d 17 d 18 a 19 b 20 a
21 a 22 d 23 a 24 c 25 d 26 b 27 a 28 d 29 c 30 b
31 c 32 a 33 a 34 a 35 d 36 d 37 c 38 a 39 c 40 b
41 a 42 b 43 c 44 a 45 a 46 d 47 c 48 b 49 c 50 b
51 d 52 a 53 a 54 c 55 a 56 c 57 b 58 a 59 c 60 b
61 a 62 c 63 a 64 b 65 d 66 a 67 c 68 a 69 c 70 b
71 a 72 c 73 a 74 a 75 b 76 d 77 b 78 b 79 c 80 c
81 d 82 c 83 a 84 b 85 a 86 c 87 a 88 a 89 b 90 d
91 a 92 d 93 a

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (d) By expansion ∆ = 2 + 2 sin 2α 4. (c) We have, = ( 1 − 2a cos x + a 2 )[cos nx ⋅ sin( n + 1)x
∴ ∆ ∈[ 2, 4] as sin α ∈ [ 0, 1]
2 2 − sin nx ⋅ cos ( n + 1)x ]
1 a a
2. (a) Given, f ( x ) = x 2 − 4x − 5 ∆ = cos ( n − 1)x cos nx cos ( n + 1)x = ( 1 − 2a cos x + a 2 ) sin x
∴ f ( A) = A2 − 4 A − 5 sin ( n − 1)x sin nx sin ( n + 1)x ∴ ∆ is independent of n.
Here, | A |= 5 5. (a) Since, a + b + c = 0 = p + q + r
∴ f ( A ) = 25 − 20 − 5 = 0 Since, cos ( n − 1)x + cos ( n + 1)x
= 2 cos nx ⋅ cos x ∴ a 3 + b 3 + c 3 = 3abc
3. (c) Applying R → R − R and
1 1 2 and sin ( n − 1)x + sin ( n + 1)x and p 3 + q 3 + r 3 = 3 pqr
R → R − R and taking ( x − 1)
2 2 3
= 2 sin nx ⋅ cos x Expanding the given determinant along
common from R and R , we get
1 2
Applying C → C − 2 cos x ⋅ C + C , first row, we get
x + 1 1 0 we get
1 1 2 3
∆ = pa [ qra 2 − p 2 bc ] − qb[ q 2 ac − b 2 pr ]
 
∆ = ( x − 1)2  2 1 0  = ( x − 1)3∴ + rc [ c 2 pq − r 2 ab ]
1 − 2a cos x + a 2 a a2
  ∆ = pqr ( Σa ) − abc ( Σp )
3 3
3 3 1 ∴∆ = 0 cos nx cos ( n + 1)x
  = pqr (3abc ) − abc (3 pqr ) = 0
k =3 0 sin x sin ( n + 1)x
MATHEMATICS Determinants 127

1! 2! 3! y x y+z a b c A B C
1 1 1 1 1 1
6. (c) ∆ = 2! 3 ⋅ ( 2!) 4 ⋅ (3!) 11. (b) Let ∆ = z y x + y 14. (b) Q ∆∆′ = a b c A B C
2 2 2 2 2 2
3! 4 ⋅ 3 ⋅ ( 2!) 5 ⋅ 4 ⋅ (3!) x z z+ x a b c A B C
3 3 3 3 3 3

1 1 1 Applying R → R + R + R , and Σa1 A1 0 0

1 1 2 3
= ( 2!)(3!) 2 3 4 taking ( x + y + z ) common from R = 0 Σa A 0
1 2 2
6 12 20 1 1 2 0 0 Σa A
3 3

= ( 2!)(3!)[( 60 − 48) − ( 40 − 24) ∆ = ( x + y + z) z y x + y

∆ 0 0
+ ( 24 − 18)] x z z+ x
= 0 ∆ 0 = ∆3
= ( 2!)(3!)( 2) = 4!
Applying C → C − (C + C ), we get 0 0 ∆
3 3 1 2
7. (c) In a triangle, A + B + C = π 1 1 0 ∴ ∆′ = ∆ 2
∴ cos ( A + B ) = cos ( π − C ) = − cos C ∆ = ( x + y + z) z y x − z ,
⇒ cos A cos B + cos C = sin A sin B cos 15° sin 15°
x z 0 15. (c) ∆ =
and sin ( A + B ) = sin C cos 45° sin 45°
∆ = ( x + y + z )( x − z )2
Expanding the given determinant, cos 45° cos 15°
Thus, ∆=0 ×
∆ = − ( 1 − cos 2 A ) sin 45° sin 15°
+ cos C [cos C + cos A cos B ] ⇒ x + y + z = 0 or ( x − z )2 = 0
+ cos B [cos B + cos A cos C ] ⇒ x + y = − z or x = z cos 15°⋅ cos 45° + sin 15°⋅ sin 45°
= − sin 2 A + cos C (sin A sin B ) =
k b+c b +c 2 2
cos 2 45° + sin 2 45°
+ cos B (sin A sin C )
12. (a) Let ∆ = k c + a c2 + a 2
= − sin 2 A + sin A sin ( B + C ) cos 2 15° + sin 2 15°
k a + b a2 + b2
= − sin 2 A + sin 2 A = 0
cos 45°⋅ cos 15° + sin 45°⋅ sin 15°
x α 1  1 0  0
8. (a) Given, β x 1 = 0 = k b + c a−b a−c  cos ( 45° − 15° ) 1

2 
 =
β γ 1 b + c2 a − b2
2
a + b2
2
1 cos ( 45° − 15° )
 
Applying R → R − R Applying C → C − C and 3
2 2 1 2 2 1 1
and R → R − R , we get C → C − C , we get = 2 =
3
− 1= −
1
3 3 1 3 3 2
3 4 4
x α 1  1 0 0  1
 2
β−x x −α 0 = 0 =k b+c a−b a−c

 2 
 16. (d ) Putting x = 0 in given equation,
β−x γ −α 0 b + c a −b
2 2 2
a 2 − c2
 
0 −1 3
Expanding with respect to C , = k( a − b ) ( b − c ) ( c − a )
3 we get e= 1 0 −4 = 0
(β − x ) ( γ − α) − ( x − α) (β − x ) = 0 But ∆ = ( a − b ) ( b − c ) ( c − a )
⇒ (β − x ) { − α + γ − x + α } = 0 Thus, k = 1 −3 4 0
⇒ (β − x ) ( γ − x ) = 0 13. (c) Let a be the first term and d be [since, skew-symmetric determinant of
∴ x = β, γ the common difference of given AP. odd order is zero]
So, roots of the given equation is Then, 1 1
17. (d ) Let = u , = v,
independent of α. T = a + ( p − 1) d , Tq = a + ( q − 1) d , x y
p
x 4 5 a u + b v = c and a u + b v = c
Tr = a + ( r − 1) d 1 1 1 2 2 2
9. (a) Given determinant is, 7 x 7 = 0
∴T − Tr = ( p − r )d and Tq − Tr = ( q − r )d Using the method of cross-multiplication,
p
5 8 x
Applying C → C − C and u v −1
1 1 3 = =
Expanding with respect to R , C → C − C in given determinant, b c −b c c a −c a a b −a b
1 2 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1
we have
x ( x 2 − 56) − 4( 7x − 35) +5(56 − 5x ) = 0 1 1
⇒ x 3 − 109x + 420 = 0 ( p − r )d ( q − r )d Tr y −1
⇒ = x =
If (5, 7) are the roots of above equation, ∆= p−r q−r r  b1 c   c1 a
1   a1 b 

1
   1
then 0 0 1
b c   c2 a
2 a b

x 2 ( x − 5) + 5x ( x − 5) − 84( x − 5) = 0  2 2
  2 2
d d Tr 1 1
⇒ ( x − 5) ( x 2 + 5x − 84) = 0 −1
= ( p − r )( q − r ) 1 1 r ⇒ x =
y
=
⇒ ( x − 5) ( x − 7) ( x + 12) = 0
0 0 1 ∆ ∆ ∆
⇒ x = 5, 7, − 12 2 3 1

10. (d) =0 [Q C and C are identical]

1 2
128 NDA/NA Pathfinder

1 ∆ 1 ∆  cos x − sin x 0 Applying R → R − (αR + R ), we get

∴ =− 2 and =− 3   3 3 1 2
x ∆ y ∆ =  sin x cos x 0
1 1 a b aα + b
∆ ∆  0
⇒ x =− 1 and y=− 1 0 1 ∆= b c bα + c
∆ ∆  
2 3  cos ( − x ) sin ( − x ) 0 0 0 − ( aα + 2bα + c )
2

18. (a) For the singular matrix,  

=  − sin ( − x ) cos ( − x ) 0 = f ( − x ) = − ( aα + 2bα + c )( ac − b 2 )
2

2−x 1 1  0 0 1 Hence, ∆ is zero, if ac − b 2 = 0

  or aα 2 + 2bα + c = 0
1 3−x 0 =0
 −2 1 1 ⇒ a, b, c are in GP.
−1 −3 −x   or α is a root of ax 2 + 2bx + c = 0
22. (d) ∆ =  1 −2 1
⇒ ( 2 − x ) [ x ( x − 3)] − [ − x ] So, both statements are not correct.
 1 1 −2 
+ [ −3 + (3 − x )] = 0   26. (b) B = A −1 BA
⇒ x ( x − 3) ( x − 2) = 0 ⇒ x = 0, 2, 3
= −2( 4 − 1) − 1( −2 − 1) + 1 + 2 = 0 ⇒ AB = AA −1 BA ⇒ AB = I ( BA )
So, the solution set is, S = { 0, 2, 3}.
−1 l 1 1 l +m+ n 0 0 ⇒ AB = ( BA ) ⇒ AB − BA = 0
 1 − tan θ  1 tan θ
19. (b)  ∆ = m −2 1 = −2 1 ∴ Statement I is wrong.
tan θ 1   − tan θ 1  m
Now, ( A + B )( A − B )
    n 1 −2 n 1 −2
 a − b  = A( A − B ) + B( A − B )
= [R → R + R + R ] = A 2 − AB + BA − B 2
b a 1 1 2 3
  =0 [Q l + m + n = 0] = A 2 − AB + AB − B 2 [Q AB = BA]
 1 − tan θ 1 Similarly, ∆ = ∆ = 0 = A2 − B2
⇒ 
1  1 + tan 2 θ
2 3
tan θ Hence, the given system of equations ∴ Statement II is correct.
 
has infinitely many solutions. a b
 1 − tan θ  a − b  27. (a) Let A = 
 tan θ = c d
1  b a   
d b c
1 1 1
    d b c
1 2 2 2 a b  a b 
Then, A 2 = 
⇒ d b c c d c d
1 + tan 2 θ 23. (a) We know that, x =
3 3 3    
a b c  a 2 + bc ab + bd 
 1 − tan θ −2 tan θ   a − b 
2
1 1 1
 = = 2
a
a b c
 2 tan θ 1 − tan 2 θ  b 
2 2 2
 ac + cd bc + d 
  a
3
b
3
c
3
 1 − tan θ2
−2 tan θ  ∆ ( d, b, c ) ∆ ( b, c, d ) Given, A 2 = I
 1 + tan 2 θ 1 + tan 2 θ   a − b  = =
∆ ( a, b c ) ∆ ( a, b, c )  a 2 + bc ab + bd   1 0
⇒  = 
 2 tan θ b a ⇒  2 =  
1 − tan 2 θ    1+ a 1 1  ac + cd bc + d   0 1
 
 1 + tan θ 1 + tan θ 
2 2
24. (c) We have, ∆ = 1 1+ b 1
⇒ b( a + d ) = 0 and c ( a + d ) = 0
 cos 2 θ − sin 2 θ  a − b  1 1 1+ c
⇒  = ⇒ a+ d =0 [Q b ≠ 0, c ≠ 0]
sin 2 θ cos 2 θ  b a
    Expanding with respect to R1 , So, sum of diagonal elements of A is 0.
⇒ a = cos 2 θ, b = sin 2 θ ∆ = ( 1 + a )[( 1 + b )( 1 + c ) − 1] So, Statement I is correct.
− 1( 1 + c − 1) + ( 1 − 1 − b )
20. (a) Q 3 A + 2 A + 5 A + I = O
3 2
= ( 1 + a )( b + c + bc ) − c − b Now, | A| = ad − bc = − a 2 − bc
⇒ 3 A 3 A −1 + 2 A 2 A −1 = bc + ab + ac + abc = − ( a 2 + bc ) = − 1 [Q a 2 + bc = 1]
+ 5 AA −1 + IA −1 = O = abc  + +  + abc
1 1 1 So, Statement II is incorrect.
⇒ 3 A 2 + 2 A + 5 + A −1 = O  a b c 2 1+ i 3
⇒ A −1 = − ( 3 A 2 + 2 A + 5 ) 1 1 1
If + + = 0, 28. (d) I. Let z = 1 − i 0 2+i
cos x sin x 0 a b c 3 2−i 1
then ∆ = abc ( 0) + abc = abc
21. (a) | A | = − sin x cos x 0 ∴ Statement I is correct. 2 1−i 3
0 0 1 1 1 1
Now, + + =−1 Then, z = 1 + i 0 2−i
a b c
= cos 2 x + sin 2 x = 1 ≠ 0 ⇒ ∆ = abc( − 1) + abc = 0 3 2+i 1
Now, c = cos x , c = sin x , c =0 ∴ Statement II is correct.
11 12 13 2 1+ i 3
c = − sin x , c = cos x , c =0 25. (d) We have,
21 22 23 = 1− i 0 2+ i
c = 0, c = 0, c =1
31 32 33 a b aα + b 3 2− i 1
1
∴ A −1 = adj ( A ) = adj ( A ) ∆= b c bα + c
|A| [interchanging rows and columns]
aα + b bα + c 0
⇒ z = z ⇒ z is purely real.
MATHEMATICS Determinants 129

1 i 2 2x − 5 2x − 5 3 35. (d ) We have, α + β + γ = −a and

βγ + γα + αβ = 0
II. Let ∆ = − i 2 i 32. (a) f ′( x ) = 6x + 1 6x + 1 9
0 i −2 14x − 6 14x − 6 21 1 β γ
∴ ∆ = −a 1 γ α
= 1( − 4 − i 2 ) − i ( 2i − 0) +2( − i 2 − 0) x 2 − 5x + 3 2 3 1 α β
= −3+ 2+ 2= 1 + 3x 2 + x + 4 6 9
So, ∆ is purely real. 1 β γ
7x − 6x + 9 14 21
2

III. Let = −a 0 γ − β α − γ
= 0+ 0 = 0
6 3−i 2 2+i 6 π 0 α −β β − γ
33. (a) We have, B(θ) = A  − θ
z = 3+i 2 0 3 −i 8 2 
[C → C − C and C → C − C ]
 sin  π − θ i cos  π − θ 
2 2 1 3 3 1
2 −i 6 3 − i 8 11
     = − a[ − ( γ − β )2 − (α − γ )(α − β )]
2  2 
=  = a [α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 − (βγ + αγ + αβ )]
Then,  π   π 
3+i 2 2−i 6 i cos  − θ sin  − θ 
6  2 2  = a[(α + β + γ )2 − 3(βγ + αγ + αβ )]
z= 3−i 2 0 3+i 8  cos θ i sin θ = a [( − a )2 − 3( 0)] = a 3
=
2+i 6 3−i 8 i sin θ cos θ  36. (d) We have, α + β + γ = 0
11  
Now, 1 β γ
6 3−i 2 2+i 6
 sin θ i cos θ  cos θ i sin θ ∴ ∆ = (α + β + γ ) 1 γ α = 0
AB = 
= 3+i 2 0 3−i 8 i sin θ sin θ  i sin θ cos θ  1 α β
   
2−i 6 3+ i 8 11  sin θ cos θ + i 2 sin θ cos θ
[interchanging rows and columns] = 37. (c) On expanding, we get
 i cos 2 θ + i sin 2 θ 1
=z ∆ = − (α + β + γ )[(α − β )2 + (β − γ )2
2

i sin 2 θ + i cos 2 θ + ( γ − α )2 ]
So, z is purely real.
 Since, α, β, γ are distinct negative real
i cos θ sin θ + sin θ cos θ
2
 numbers.
1 0 0 x b b 0 i  Hence, ∆≥0
=
d i 0
29. (c) ∆ = a x b + 0 1 0   38. (a) p, q, r are the entries of first row and
dx 1 C , C ,C are cofactors of second row.
a a x a a x 34. (a) | A(θ)| = sin θ − i cos θ
2 2 2 21 22 23
∴ p ⋅C + q ⋅C + r ⋅C =0
x b b = sin 2 θ + cos 2 θ = 1 21 22 23

+ a x b ∴ A(θ) is invertible for all θ ∈ R 39. (c) x, y, z are the entries of second row
So, Statement I is correct. and C ,C ,C are cofactors of second
0 0 1 21 22 23
 sin θ − i cos θ row.
x b x b x b Now, A(θ)−1 = 
sin θ 
, ∴ x ⋅C + y ⋅C + z ⋅C =∆
= + + = 3∆ − i cos θ
a x a x a x 2   21 22 23

 − sin θ i cos θ  40. (b) q ⋅ M − y ⋅ M + m⋅M

A( − θ) =  12 22 32
x b b i cos θ − sin θ = −q ⋅ C − y ⋅C − m ⋅C
  12 22 32
30. (b) ∆ = a x b = −( q ⋅ C + y ⋅C + m ⋅ C ) = −∆
1
a a x ∴ A(θ)−1 ≠ A( − θ) 12 22 32
[Q q , y , m are entries of second
So, Statement II is not correct. column and C , C ,C are cofactor
= x ( x 2 − ab ) + b( ab − ax ) + b( a 2 − ax ) 12 22 32
= x ( x 2 − ab ) + ab( a + b ) −2abx α β γ of second column]
x b Sol. (Q. Nos. 35-37) ∆ = β γ α 41. (a) adj (adj A)
and ∆ = = x 2 − ab = | A |n − 2 A = | A | A = − A
2 a x γ α β
42. (b) |adj B | = |B |n − 1 = |B |2 = 242
Given, ∆ − x∆ + a 2 b = 0 Applying C → C + C + C , we get
1 2
1 1 2 3 43. (c) |(adj (adj (adj (adjA))))|
⇒ ab( a + b ) − 2abx + a 2 b = 0 2
2a + b α+β+ γ β γ = |adj (adj( − A ))| = |− A |(n −1 ) = |− A |4
⇒ ab[ a + b − 2x + a ] = 0 ⇒ x =
2 ∆= α+β+ γ γ α
= (| A |)4 = ( −1)4 = 1
3 −5 3 α+β+ γ α β
44. (a) 45. (a) 46. (d )
31. (c) We have, f ( 0) = 4 1 9
1 β γ − a2 ab ac
9 −6 21
= (α + β + γ ) 1 γ α 47. (c) Let ∆ = ab −b 2 bc
= 3( 21 + 54) + 5(84 − 81) + 3( − 24 − 9)
1 α β ac bc −c2
= 225 + 15 − 99 = 141
130 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Taking common a , b and c from rows 53. (a) If the matrix is not invertible, then Applying R → R − R and
2 2 1
R , R and R respectively, determinant of this matrix must be zero. R → R − R , we get
1 2 3
α 2 2 3 3 1
−a b c
i.e −3 0 4 = 0 1 t−1 1
∆ = abc a −b c
1 −1 1 ( t + 1) 0 2 − t 0 =0
a b −c
0 2−t t−2
⇒ α ( 0 + 4) − 2( −3 − 4) + 2(3 − 0) = 0
Again, taking common a , b and c from ⇒ ( t + 1)( 2 − t )( t − 2) = 0
columns C , C and C respectively, ⇒ 4α + 14 + 6 = 0
1 2 3 ⇒ ( t + 1)( t − 2)2 = 0
⇒ 4α = − 20 ⇒α = − 5
−1 1 1 ∴ t = − 1, 2
54. (c)
∆ = a 2 b 2 c2 1 −1 1 58. (a) Given that, D is determinant of order
55. (a) We know that, a square matrix ‘A’ is 3 and D′ is the determinant obtained by
1 1 −1 an orthogonal matrix, if AAT = I . replacing the elements of D by their
= a 2 b 2 c 2 ( 0 + 2 + 2) ⇒ | AAT |= |I | ⇒ | A || AT |= 1 cofactors.
⇒ | A || A |= 1 [Q | A | = | AT | ] ∴ D′ = Cofactor of D
= 4a 2 b 2 c 2 ⇒ |D ′|= |Cofactor of D |
⇒ |A| = 1 2
⇒ |D ′|= |adj (D )|
48. (b) We know that, every matrix possesses ∴ | A |= ± 1
a unique inverse. [Q|Cofactor of D |= |adj (D )|]
m n p
Hence, B and C should be equal. ⇒ |D ′|= |D |(3 −1 ) [Q|adj( A )|= | A | n −1
]
56. (c) Let ∆ = p m n ⇒ |D ′|= |D |2
49. (c) Given condition is A 2 = I n p m ∴ D ′ =D 2
−1 −1
⇒ A ⋅A = A 2
⋅I Applying C → C + C + C , we get 59. (c) I. A matrix is only an arrangement of
1 1 2 3
⇒ A −1 ( A ⋅ A ) = A −1 [Q A ⋅ I = a ] numbers, it has no definite value.
(m + n + p ) n p
⇒ ( A −1 A ) ⋅ A = A −1 Since, determinant is a value of the
−1 −1
∆ = (m + n + p ) m n matrix. Hence, two determinants of
⇒ I⋅A= A [Q A A = I]
(m + n + p ) p m different orders may have the same value.
−1
⇒ A = A
60. (b) Minor of element 9
1 2  0 −1 1 n p 19 2
50. (b) Given A =  and B =  = = 19 − 26 = − 7
1 1 1 2 = (m + n + p ) 1 m n 13 1
   
1 p m
 1 2  0 −1  2 3 61. (a) Given that, A and B are two
AB =  = Applying R → R − R
1 1  1 2   1 1 and non-singular square matrices.
      2 2 1
So, A −1 and B −1 must be exist.
R → R − R , we get
3 3 1
∴| AB|= 2 − 3 = −1 We have, AB = A
1 n p
Thus, B −1 A −1 = ( AB )−1 =
adj ( AB ) ( A −1 ) operating in left side on both
| AB| ∆ = (m + n + p ) 0 m − n n− p sides, we get A −1 ( AB ) = ( A −1 ) ( A )
0 p−n m− p ⇒ ( A −1 A ) B = ( A −1 A )
 1 −3   −1 3 
= ( −1) = [Q AA −1 = I and IB = B ]
−1 2   1 −2  = (m + n + p )
    ⇒ IB = I ⇒ B = I = Identity matrix
[(m − n)(m − p ) − ( n − p )( p − n)]
51. (d) 62. (c) Cofactor of the element 4
= (m + n + p )(m 2 + n2 + p 2
2 3
x 2
1 y +z
2 2
− mn − np − pm) = ( −1)2 + 1 = − ( 18 − 24) = 6
1 8 9
52. (a) Let ∆ = y 2
1 z2 + x 2 = (m + n + p )[(m − n)2 + ( n − p )2
2
z2 1 x2 + y2 + ( p − m )2 ] = A linear factor 1 bc a ( b + c )
1 t−1 1 63. (a) Let ∆ = 1 ca b ( c + a )
Applying C → C + C , we get
3 3 1
57. (b) Given that, t − 1 1 1 =0 1 ab c ( a + b )
x 2
1 x 2 + y 2 + z2 1 1 t−1 Applying R → R − R and
2 2 1
∆ = y2 1 x 2 + y 2 + z2 R →R −R ,
Applying C → C + C + C , we get 3 3 1
z2 1 x 2 + y 2 + z2 1 1 2 3
t+ 1 t−1 1 1 bc ab + ac
x 2
1 1 t+1 1 1 =0 ∆ = 0 c ( a − b) ( b − a) c
∆ = ( x 2 + y 2 + z2 ) y 2 1 1 =0 t+1 1 t−1 0 b ( a − c) b ( c − a )
z2 1 1 1 t−1 1 Expanding along C ,
1
⇒ ( t + 1) 1 1 1 =0 ∆ = bc ( a − b ) ( c − a ) − bc ( a − c ) ( b − a )
[Q C and C are identical]
2 3
1 1 t−1 = bc ( a − b ) ( c − a ) − bc ( a − b ) ( c − a )
=0
MATHEMATICS Determinants 131

64. (b) If A is a square matrix of order n Now, expanding along C , 76. (d) 77. (b) 78. (b)
1
with | A| ≠ 0, then |adj A | = | A |n −1 ( x + a + b + c) ⋅ 1 ⋅ ( x 2 ) = 0 a b c 1 b c
For order 3 matrix, Put n = 3, ⇒ x 2 ⋅ ( x + a + b + c) = 0 79. (c) b c a = ( a + b + c ) 1 c a
|adj A| = | A|3 −1 =| A|2 ⇒ x = 0 or x = − ( a + b + c )
c a b 1 a b
 2 1 68. (a) 69. (c)
65. (d) Given that, 2 A = 
3 2  1 2 [apply C → C + C + C and take
   
1 1 2 3
common ( a + b + c ) ]
70. (b) Given matrices, A =  2 1
1 2 1  1 1 / 2
 1 1
= ( a + b + c)
⇒ A=   = 
2  3 2 3/2 1   [ bc − a 2 − b 2 + ab + ac − c 2 ]
 
 1 2 − 4 = ( a + b + c)
Now | A| = 1 − 3 / 4 = 1 / 4 and B = 
2 1 − 4 [ −( a 2 + b 2 + c 2 − ab − bc − ca )]
∴ A −1 =
adj( A )   1
 1 2 = − ( a + b + c)
| A| 2
 1 −1 / 2   4 −2     1 2 − 4
=4 = Now, AB =  2 1  2 1 − 4 [( a − b )2 + ( b − c )2 + ( c − a )2 ]
−3 / 2 1  −6 4  1 1   2 × 3 = Negative value
   
 3 ×2
 1 2 1 5 4 − 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
    80. (c) 1 1 + x 1 = 0 x 0
66. (a) I. Let A =  a 2a 1 =  4 5 − 12
 b 2b 1 3 3 − 8  1 1 1+ y 0 0 y
   3 ×3
Now, | A| = 1 ( 2a − 2b ) − 2( a − b )  1 2  apply R2 → R2 − R1 
+ 1 ( 2ab − 2ab )  1 2 − 4    
And, BA =   and R3 → R3 − R1 
= 2a − 2b − 2a + 2b + 0 = 0 2 1 − 4  2 1
  2 × 3  1 1
i.e. A is a singular matrix.  3 ×2 = 1 ( xy − 0) = xy
 c 2c 1  1 0 [expanding along first column]
= =I
  0 1
II. Let B =  a 2a 1   2 × 2 81. (d)
 b 2b 1 Now, we observe that B is not the right  2 7
82. (c) We have, A = 
  inverse of A but B is the left inverse of A. 1 5
 
Now, |B | = c ( 2a − 2b ) − 2c ( a − b )
71. (a) The matrix A is skew-symmetric ⇒ | A | = 10 − 7 = 3
+ 1 ( 2 b − 2ab )
matrix of order 3 which is odd. Thus,
= 2ac − 2bc − 2ac + 2bc + 0 = 0 1 1  5 −7 
determinant of A is zero. Now, A −1 = adj (A) =  
which is also represent a singular Hence, matrix A is non-invertible. |A| 3  −1 2 
matrix. So, Statement I is correct and
72. (c) A and B are square matrices of order 2.  2 7 1  5 −7 
Statement II is incorrect. ∴ A + 3 A −1 =  +3× 
We know that, | kA | = k n | A | , where n 1 5 
3  −1 2 
67. (c) Given that,  
is order of matrix A.
x + a  7 0
b c ∴ |3 AB | = 32 | A || B | = = 7I
0 7
a x + b c =0 [Q | AB | = | A || B |]  
a b x + c = 9( −1) (3) = − 27 83. (a) [det ( kA )]− 1 det (A)
[Q | A | = − 1, | B | = 3] 1
Applying C → C + C + C , = × det ( A )
 1 3 det ( kA )
1 1 2 3
73. (a) Let B= , then | B | = 1
we get 0 1
  =
1 1
× det ( A ) = n = k – n
x + a+ b+ c b c k n det ( A )
 1 −3   1  k
⇒ x + a+ b+ c x + b c =0 ∴ B −1 =   Q A −1 = adj( A ) a 1 1
0 1  |A| 
   
x + a+ b+ c b x + c 84. (b) Let ∆ = 1 b 1
Now, 1 1 c
1 b c 1 1  1 1 
BA =  ⇒ B −1 BA = B −1  = a ( bc − 1) − 1 ( c − 1) + 1( 1 − b )
⇒ ( x + a + b + c) 1 x + b c =0 0 −1 0 −1
    = abc − a − b − c + 2
1 b x + c
 1 −3  1 1  1 4 Q∆ > 0
⇒ A= =
Applying R → R − R 0 1  0 −1  0 −1 ∴ abc − a − b − c + 2 > 0
2 2 1
and       ⇒ abc + 2 > a + b + c …(i)
R → R − R , we get 74. (a) Q a≠b≠c
3 3 1
75. (b) Since, A −1 A = I n ⇒ AM of a , b , c > GM of a , b , c
1 b c
∴ det ( A −1 A ) = det ( I n )
⇒ ( x + a + b + c) 0 x 0 = 0 a+ b+ c
⇒ det ( A −1 ) × det ( A ) = 1 ⇒ > ( abc )1 / 3
0 0 x 1 3
⇒ det ( A −1 ) =
det( A ) ⇒ a + b + c > 3( abc )1 / 3 …(ii)
132 NDA/NA Pathfinder

From Eqs. (i) and (ii), α −β  6x − sin x − cos x 

II. The maximum value of cos is 1.
abc + 2 > 3( abc )1 / 3 2 ⇒ f ′ ′( x ) =  6 −1 0 
∴ The maximum value of the 
 

Now, let x = ( abc )1 / 3 , then we have 1 p p2 p3
determinant is .  
x 3 + 2 > 3x 2
⇒ x − 3x + 2 > 0
3 Since, we have f ′ ′( 0) = 0
Hence, both statements are correct.
⇒ ( x − 1)2 ( x + 2) > 0 0 0 1
1 2 
f ′ ′ ( 0 ) =  6 −1 0  = 0
3
⇒ x + 2 > 0 [Q ( x − 1)2 > 0 ]   ⇒
87. (a) We have, A =  1 x − 1 1 , 
 

⇒ x>−2 p p2 p3
2 7 x − 3  
⇒ ( abc )1 / 3 > − 2   1
⇒ abc > − 8 A has inverse, if | A | ≠ 0 ⇒ 6 p + p = 0 ⇒ p = − or 0
2
6
85. (a) We have, ∴| A |= 1{( x − 1) ( x − 3) − 7}
 41 1 5  1 1 5
1− a a − b − c b+ c −3( x – 3 – 2) + 2 { 7 – 2( x – 1)} ≠ 0
⇒ x 2 − 4x − 4 − 3x + 15 92. (d) I. Now, 79 7 9 = 7 7 9 = 0
∆ = 1− b b − c − a c+ a 
 
 
 

+ 14 − 4x + 4 ≠ 0 29 5 3 5 5 3
1− c c−a−b a+ b    
⇒ x 2 − 11x + 29 ≠ 0 [QC and C are identical]
Applying C → C + C , we get 11 ± 121 − 116 11 ± 5 1 2
2 2 3 ⇒x ≠ ⇒x ≠ 1 a b + c  1 a a + b + c 
1− a a b+ c 2 2
   
∆ = 1− b b c+ a II. 1 b c + a = 1 b a + b + c
88. (a)Q A is an orthogonal matrix. 
 
  

1− c a+ b | AB | = ± | B | 1 c a+ b 1 c a+ b+ c
c    
Now, applying C →C + C ,
1 2 3 [apply C → C + C ]
3 2 3
1 1 2
∴ | B | = − 3 0 2 = 47  1 a 1
C → C + C and taking common
3 3 2
2 5 0 = ( a + b + c ) 1 b 1 = 0
a + b + c from C , we get 
 

3
| AB | = ± 47 1 c 1
1 a 1
Now,  
Also, AB ≠ BA [Q C and C are identical]
∆ = ( a + b + c) 1 b 1 1 3
89. (b)  0 c b
1 c 1
 x 3 sin x cos x  
III. − c 0 a
Q C and C are identical.  
1 3 90. (d) Given, f ( x ) =  6 −1 0  
−b −a 0

Hence, the determinant is 0. 
 2

  
p p p3
α α   = 0( 0 + a ) − c ( 0 + ab ) + b( ac − 0)
cos 2 sin 2
2 2  3x 2 cos x − sin x  = 0 − c( ab ) + b( ac )
86. (c) I. We have, ∆ =
β β = − abc + abc = 0
sin 2 cos 2 f ′( x ) =  6 −1 0 
2 2 
 
 Hence, I, II and III determinants have
p p2 p3 value ‘zero’.
α β α β  
= cos 2 cos 2 − sin 2 sin 2
2 2 2 2 0 1 0 93. (a) Given linear equations
 α β
=  cos cos + sin sin 
α β ⇒ f ′ ( 0 ) =  6 −1 0  k x + y + z = 1 ⇒ x + ky + z = 1
 
 
 x + y + kz = 1
2 2 2 2 p p2 p3
and
   k 1 1
 cos α cos β − sin α sin β 

 2 2 2 2
 = ( −1) ( 6 p 3 − 0) = − 6 p 3 For unique solution, 1 k 1  ≠ 0

 

91. (a) From question 90, 1 1 k
= cos  α − β  cos  α + β   
     3x 2 − sin x 
 2   2  cos x
⇒ k( k 2 − 1) − 1( k − 1) + 1( 1 − k ) ≠ 0
= cos 

α − β  cos 45°
 f ′( x ) =  6 −1 0  ⇒ k( k − 1) ( k + 1) − 2( k − 1) ≠ 0
 2  
 

p p2 p3 ⇒ ( k − 1) ( k − 1) ( k + 2) ≠ 0
α −β  
cos 
1
=  [Q α + β = 90°] ⇒ k ≠ 1 and k ≠ − 2
2  2 
16
178 CDS Pathfinder

COORDINATE SYSTEM AND

STRAIGHT LINES
In NDA exam, generally 5-7 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on section
formula, area of triangle, equation of straight line in different conditions, angle between two
lines, distance of a point from a line, etc.

COORDINATE SYSTEM
A system in which points are defined as the ordered pair ( x, y) is called the coordinate system. Here, x
and y are called abscissa and ordinate, respectively.

Cartesian Coordinates
In coordinate system, there are two mutually perpendicular straight lines
XOX ′ and YOY ′, called X and Y-axes, respectively.
These axes divide the coordinate plane into four parts called quadrants. OX
and OX ′ are called positive and negative directions, respectively of X-axis
and similarly OY and OY ′ are called positive and negative directions,
respectively of Y-axis.

Distance Formula
The distance between any two points in the plane is the length of the line segment joining them.

Let P ( x1 , y1 ) and Q ( x 2 , y 2 ) be any two points in the XY-plane, then

| PQ | = ( x 2 − x1 ) 2 + ( y 2 − y1 ) 2

or | PQ | = (Difference of abscissas) 2 + (Difference of ordinates) 2

Note Distance between the origin O(0, 0) and the point P ( x , y) is OP = x 2 + y2 .

MATHEMATICS > Coordinate System and Straight Lines 179

EXAMPLE 1. Find a point P, which is equidistant from Sol. Let A = (1, − 2), B = ( 3, 6), C = ( 5, 10) and D = ( 3, 2)
the three points A (0, 1), B (1, 0) and C (4, 3). Now, using distance formula
a. (1, 2) b. ( 2, 2)
AB = (1 − 3) 2 + ( − 2 − 6) 2 = 2 17
c. ( 2, 3) d. ( 3, 3)
BC = ( 3 − 5) 2 + (6 − 10) 2 = 2 5
Sol. . Let P ( a, b) be the required point.
CD = ( 5 − 3) 2 + (10 − 2) 2 = 2 17
Then, PA = PB = PC or PA2 = PB 2 = PC 2.
Now, PA2 = PB 2 ⇒ a2 + ( b − 1) 2 = ( a − 1) 2 + b2 AD = (1 − 3) 2 + ( − 2 − 2) 2 = 2 5
⇒ a2 + b2 − 2b + 1 = a2 − 2a + 1+ b2 ⇒ b = a
AC = (1 − 5) 2 + ( − 2 − 10) 2 = 4 10
and PA2 = PC 2
⇒ a + ( b − 1) 2 = ( a − 4) 2 + ( b − 3) 2
2 and BD = ( 3 − 3) 2 + (6 − 2) 2 = 4
⇒ a + b2 − 2b + 1 = a2 − 8a + 16 + b2 − 6b + 9
2
Clearly, we have
⇒ 8a + 4b − 24 = 0 AB = CD, BC = AD and AC ≠ BD
On substituting b = a, we get 12a − 24 = 0 Thus, ABCD is a parallelogram.
⇒ a=2
Hence, the required point is P ( 2, 2). Section Formulae
Let A ( x1 , y1 ) and B ( x 2 , y 2 ) be the two given points
Applications of Distance Formula
and the point P ( x, y) divide the line joining the points
1. Collinear Points A and B in the ratio m : n, then
Three points in α − y plane will be collinear, if sum of
distances between two pairs of points is equal to
third pair of points.
2. Three Points In A Plane
Any three non-collinear points always form a
(i) Point of internal division
triangle. Given three points would form a
 mx 2 + nx1 my 2 + ny1 
(i) Isosceles triangle If lengths of any two sides ( x, y) =  , 
 m+ n m+ n 
are equal.
(ii) Equilateral triangle If lengths of all three (ii) Point of external division
sides are equal.  mx 2 − nx1 my 2 − ny1 
( x, y) =  , 
(iii) Right angled triangle If sum of squares of  m− n m− n 
lengths of two sides is equal to length of third
side.
3. Four points in a plane
Any four non-collinear points form a quadrilateral.
Given four points would form
x + x 2 y1 + y2 
(i) Square If all four sides are equal and diagonals Note If P is the mid-point of AB, then P( x , y) =  1 , .
 2 2 
are also equal.
(ii) Rhombus If all four sides are equal. EXAMPLE 3. The coordinates of the point dividing
(iii) Rectangle If opposite sides are equal and internally the lines joining the points (4, − 2) and (8, 6)
diagonals are equal. in the ratio 7 : 5 will be
c.  ,  d.  , 
19 8 8 19
(iv) Parallelogram If opposite sides are equal. a. (16, 18) b. (18, 16)
 3 3 3 3 
Note In a parallelogram, diagonals cut each other at mid-point.
l
Sol. c. Let the coordinates of the required point be ( x, y).
l In a rhombus, diagonals bisect each other at right angles.
4 × 5+ 8 ×7 19 − 2× 5+ 6 ×7 8
Then, x = = and y = =
EXAMPLE 2. Figure formed from the four 7+ 5 3 7+ 5 3
coordinates (1, − 2), (3, 6), (5, 10) and (3, 2) is  19 8
∴ Required coordinates =  , 
a. Square b. Rectangle  3 3
c. Rhombus d. Parallelogram
180 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Area of a Triangle Incentre of a Triangle

Let A ( x1 , y1 ), B ( x 2 , y 2 ) and C ( x 3 , y 3 ) be the vertices of If (x, y) is the incentre of the ∆ABC, where A ( x1 , y1 ),
a ∆ ABC, then
B ( x 2 , y 2 ), C ( x 3 , y 3 ) are coordinates and a, b, c are the sides
x1 y1 1
1  ax + bx 2 + cx 3 ay1 + by 2 + cy 3 
Area of ∆ ABC = x 2 y 2 1 of the triangle, then  1 , 
2  a+ b+ c a+ b+ c 
x3 y3 1
1 will be incentre of a triangle.
∆ = | x1 ( y 2 − y 3 ) + x 2 ( y 3 − y1 ) + x 3 ( y1 − y 2 ) |
2 Circumcentre of a Triangle
Note The three points A ( x 1, y1 ), B ( x 2, y2 ) and C ( x 3, y3 ) are collinear,
If P ( x, y) is the circumcentre of ∆ABC, then
if the area of ∆ABC is zero. PA = PB = PC …(i)
We can determine the coordinates of P by simplifying
EXAMPLE 4. For what value of k are the points Eq. (i) for x and y.
(k , 2 − 2k ), (− k + 1, 2k ) and (− 4 − k , 6 − 2k ) are collinear?
1 1 Note The circumcentre of a right angled triangle is the mid-point of
a. b. 1 c. or − 1 d. − 1 its hypotenuse.
2 2
Sol. c. Let three given points be A = ( x1, y1) = ( k , 2 − 2k) Orthocentre of a Triangle
B = ( x 2 , y 2) = ( − k + 1, 2k) The coordinates of the orthocentre of a triangle,
and C = ( x 3 , y 3) = ( −4 − k , 6 − 2k). whose vertices are A ( x1 , y1 ), B ( x 2 , y 2 ) and C ( x 3 , y 3 )
If the given points are collinear, then ∆ = 0. is given by
⇒ x1( y 2 − y 3 ) + x 2 ( y 3 − y1) + x 3 ( y1− y 2 ) = 0  x1 tan A + x 2 tan B + x 3 tan C
 ,
⇒ k(2k − 6 + 2k) + ( − k + 1)(6 − 2k − 2 + 2k)  tan A + tan B + tan C
+ ( − 4 − k)(2 − 2k − 2k) = 0 y1 tan A + y 2 tan B + y 3 tan C 
⇒ k(4 k − 6) − 4( k − 1) + (4 + k)(4 k − 2) = 0 
tan A + tan B + tan C 
⇒ 4 k 2 − 6 k − 4 k + 4 + 4 k 2 + 14 k − 8 = 0
⇒ 8k 2 + 4 k − 4 = 0 ⇒ 2k 2 + k − 1 = 0
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS
⇒ (2k − 1)( k + 1) = 0
1 (i) Orthocentre of the right angled ∆ABC , right angled at A,
⇒ k = or − 1 is A.
2
1 (ii) Orthocentre of a triangle will lie inside, if triangle is
Hence, the given points are collinear for k = or k = − 1. acute and in case of obtuse triangle, orthocentre will lie
2
outside.
Area of Quadrilateral (iii) In a ∆ABC , the circumcentre S, centroid G and
orthocentre O are collinear and SG : GO = 1 : 2
Area of quadrilateral ABCD with vertices A ( x1 , y1 ),
(iv) In equilateral triangle, orthocentre, centroid, circumcentre
B( x 2 , y 2 ), C( x 3 , y 3 ) and D( x 4 , y 4 ) taken in order is and incentre coincide.
1 x1 − x 3 y1 − y 3
Area =
2 x2 − x4 y2 − y4 Excentre of Triangle
There are three excentres in a triangle. Coordinate of
DIFFERENT POINTS RELATED each can be obtained by changing the sign of a, b, c
respectively in the formula of incentre as given by I1 , I 2
TO TRIANGLE and I 3 . The coordinates of I1 are given by
Centroid of a Triangle  − ax1 + bx 2 + cx 3 − ay1 + by 2 + cy 3 
The coordinates of the centroid G of a triangle, whose  , 
 − a+ b+ c − a+ b+ c 
vertices are A ( x1 , y1 ), B ( x 2 , y 2 ) and C ( x 3 , y 3 ) is given
 x + x 2 + x 3 y1 + y 2 + y 3  EXAMPLE 5. The vertices of a triangle are
by  1 , . A (5, − 1), B (−1, 5) and C (6, 6). Find the coordinates of
 3 3 
the circumcentre.
 10 10   23 23  28 28 
Note If D, E and F are the mid-points of sides BC, CA and AB of a a.  ,  b.  ,  c.  ,  d. None of these
∆ABC, then centroid of ∆ABC = centroid of ∆DEF.  3 3  8 8  3 3
MATHEMATICS > Coordinate System and Straight Lines 181

Sol. . Let P ( x, y ) be the circumcentre of the ∆ABC. Slopes in Different Conditions

Then, PA = PB = PC or PA = PB = PC
2 2 2
(i) Slope of X-axis or a line parallel to X-axis is
Now, PA2 = PB 2 , m = tan 0 ° = 0
we get ( x − 5) 2 + ( y + 1) 2 = ( x + 1) 2 + ( y − 5) 2
(ii) Slope of Y-axis or a line parallel to Y-axis is
⇒ x + y 2 − 10x + 2y + 26 = x 2 + y 2 + 2x − 10y + 26
2
π
⇒ x − y =0 …(i) m = tan = ∞
Now, PB 2 = PC 2, we get 2
( x + 1) 2 + ( y − 5) 2 = ( x − 6) 2 + ( y − 6) 2 (iii) The slope of the line joining the points ( x1 , y1 ) and
⇒ x + y 2 + 2x − 10y + 26 = x 2 + y 2 − 12x − 12y + 72
2 ( x 2 , y 2 ) is obtained as
y − y1 Difference of ordinates
⇒ 7x + y − 23 = 0 …(ii) m= 2 =
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get x = 23 / 8 and y = 23 / 8 x 2 − x1 Difference of abscissas
Hence, the coordinates of the circumcentre are (23/8, 23/8).
Angle between Two Lines
LOCUS OF A POINT Let θ be the angle between two lines of slopes m1 and
m − m1
The curve described by a point which moves under m2 , then tan θ = ± 2
1 + m1 m2
given condition or conditions is called its locus. The
equation of the locus of a point is the relation which is Above lines are parallel, if m1 = m2
satisfied by the coordinates of every point on the locus and lines are perpendicular, if m1 m2 = −1
of the point.
Some Facts about General
EXAMPLE 6. The sum of the squares of the distances Equation of Line ax + by + c = 0
of a moving point from two fixed points (p, 0) and
(i) The slope of the line ax + by + c = 0 is
(−p, 0) is equal to a constant quantity 2λ 2 , find the
a Coefficient of x
equation of the locus. m= − = −
b Coefficient of y
a. x2 + y2 = λ2 − p2 b. x2 + y2 = λ2 + p2
c. x2 − y2 = λ2 − p2 d. x2 − y2 = λ2 + p2 (ii) Let two straight lines be given by
a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 and a 2 x + b2 y + c 2 = 0
Sol. . Let P (h, k) be any position of the moving point and
Then, the lines are
A ( p, 0), B ( − p, 0) be the given points.
a1 b1 c1
Then, PA2 + PB 2 = 2λ2 (a) coincident or identical, if = =
⇒ (h − p) + ( k − 0) + (h + p) + ( k − 0) 2 = 2λ2
2 2 2 a 2 b2 c 2
⇒ h − 2ph + p2 + k 2 + h2 + 2ph + p2 + k 2 = 2λ2
2
(b) parallel, if their slopes are equal, i.e.
⇒ 2h2 + 2 k 2 + 2p2 = 2λ2 a a a1 a 2
m1 = m2 or − 1 = − 2 or =
⇒ h2 + k 2 = λ2 − p2 b1 b2 b1 b2
Hence, the locus of (h, k) is x + y = λ2 − p2.
2 2
(c) perpendicular, if the product of their slopes is
−1, i.e. m1 m2 = − 1
STRAIGHT LINES  a  a 
A straight line is the locus of all those points which are or  − 1   − 2  = − 1 or a1 a 2 + b1 b2 = 0
collinear with two given points.  b1   b2 
The equation of a straight line l is a linear relationship a1 b1
(d) intersecting, if ≠
in x and y, i.e. it is a first degree polynomial equation in a 2 b2
x and y. An equation of the form ax + by + c = 0, where (iii) The equation of a line which is
a, b and c are constants, represents a straight line in (a) parallel to ax + by + c = 0 can be written as
general form.
ax + by + k = 0 [Q m1 = m2 ]
Slope or Gradient of a Line (b) perpendicular to ax + by + c = 0 can be written
The trigonometrical tangent of the angle α (α ≠ π / 2) as bx − ay + k = 0 [Q m1 m2 = − 1]
which a given line makes with the positive direction of where, k is an arbitrary constant to be
X-axis, is called the slope or gradient of the line. It is determined using given condition.
generally denoted by m, i.e. m = tan α.
182 NDA/NA Pathfinder

x y
Equations of Line in Different Forms Sol. Let the equation of the line be
a b
+ =1 …(i)
1. Slope-intercept form y = mx + c, is called the slope 3 2
This passes through (3, 2), therefore + = 1 …(ii)
form or slope intercept form or the tangent form a b
of the equation of the line, the constant c is called It is given that a + b = 12 or b = 12 − a
the intercept made by the line on the Y-axis. To find Putting b = 12 − a in Eq. (ii), we get
the slope and the intercept on theY-axis of a line given 3 2
+ = 1 ⇒ a2 − 13a + 36 = 0 ⇒ a = 9, 4
in the form ax + by + c = 0, we write it in the form a 12 − a
a c For a = 9, b = 12 − 9 = 3 For a = 4, b = 12 − 4 = 8
y=− x− Putting the values of a and b in Eq. (ii), we get the
b b x y x y
equations of the lines + = 1 and + = 1
Therefore, the slope of the line is m = − a / b and the 9 3 4 8
intercept of the line on the Y-axis is − c / b. i.e. x + 3y = 9 and 2x + y = 8
2. Slope-point form The equation of a line passing 5. Normal or perpendicular form If p is the normal
through the point ( x1 , y1 ) and having the slope ‘m’ is from the origin to the line AB and if the normal
makes an angle α with Y
y − y1 = m ( x − x1 )
X-axis, then the equation of A
the line in the form,
EXAMPLE 7. What will be the equation of a line that p
has y-intercept 4 and is perpendicular to the line x cos α + y sin α = p is called a
X′ B X
joining (2, − 3) and (4, 2)? the normal form of the line. O
Y′
a. 2x + 5y − 20 = 0 b. 5x + 2y − 20 = 0
Note In the normal form of a straight line the sum of the squares
c. 5x − 2y + 20 = 0 d. 2x − 5y + 20 = 0 of the coefficient of x and y is equal to one.

Sol. . Let m be the slope of the required line.

Since, the required line is perpendicular to the line
FAMILY OF LINES
joining A( 2, − 3) and B( 4, 2). Let L1 = a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 and L2 = a 2 x + b2 y + c 2 = 0 be
2+ 3 two given lines. Then, the equation, L1 + λL2 = 0
Therefore, m × slope of AB = − 1⇒ m × = −1
4−2
i.e. a1 x + b1 y + c1 + λ ( a 2 x + b2 y + c 2 ) = 0 …(i)
−2
⇒ m= represents the equation of a line, passing through the
5
The required line cuts-off an intercept 4 on Y-axis. So, c = 4. point of intersection of the given lines, where λ ∈ R.
Hence, the equation of the required line is EXAMPLE 9. Find the equation of the line joining
2
y = − x + 4 ⇒ 2x + 5y − 20 = 0 the points (3, − 1) and (2, 3). Also, find the equation of
5 another line perpendicular to this line and passing
3. Two points form The equation of a line passing through the point (5, 2).
through the points ( x1 , y1 ) and ( x 2 , y 2 ) is a. 4 x + y − 11 = 0 , x − 4 y + 3 = 0
y − y1 b. 4 x + y + 11 = 0 , x − 4 y + 3 = 0
( y − y1 ) = 2 ( x − x1 )
x 2 − x1 c. x + 4 y − 11 = 0 , 4 x − y + 3 = 0
4. Intercept form If a line cuts
Y d. x − 4 y + 11 = 0 , 4 x − y + 3 = 0
x
the intercepts a and b on the a+ y
b= Sol. Equation of line passing through ( 3, − 1) and ( 2, 3).
b 1
axes, then the equation of 3+ 1
line is y + 1= ( x − 3)
X′
O a X 2− 3
x y
+ =1 Y′ ⇒ y + 1 = − 4 ( x − 3)
a b
⇒ 4x + y − 11 = 0
EXAMPLE 8. What will be the equation of the line which is the required equation.
passes through the point (3, 2) and the sum of its Equation of line perpendicular to it x − 4y + k = 0
intercepts on the axes is 12? But it passes through the point ( 5, 2). So, it will satisfy this
I. 2x + y = 8 II. x + 3y = 9 equation.
a. Only I b. Only II ∴ 5 − 4 ( 2) + k = 0 ⇒ k = 3
c. Both I and II d. None of these Hence, the another required equation is x − 4y + 3 = 0.
MATHEMATICS > Coordinate System and Straight Lines 183

EXAMPLE 10. Find the equation of the line which Perpendicular Distance of
passes through the point of intersection of the lines a Point from a Line
x − 2y + 3 = 0 and 2x + y − 4 = 0 and
The perpendicular distance d from P ( x1 , y1 ) to the line
(i) has slope 2.
a. x + y + 2 = 0 b. 2 x − y = 0 ax1 + by1 + c
ax + by + c = 0 is given by d =
c. 2 x + y = 0 d. x + 2 y + 2 = 0 a 2 + b2
(i) is parallel to the line 3x + 5y − 1 = 0. The perpendicular distance from the origin to the line
a. 3x + 5 y + 1 = 0 b. 3x + y + 13 = 0 c
c. 3x + 5 y + 13 = 0 d. None of these ax + by + c = 0 is d =
a + b2
2
Sol. (i) → b (ii) → d
The equation of the line which passes through the point EXAMPLE 11. The intercepts of a straight line upon
of intersection of the lines the coordinate axes are a and b. If the length of the
x − 2y + 3 = 0 and 2x + y − 4 = 0 perpendicular on this line from the origin be 1, then
can be written as ( x − 2y + 3) + λ ( 2x + y − 4) = 0 which one of the following relations is correct?
⇒ (1 + 2λ ) x + ( −2 + λ ) y + 3 − 4λ = 0 …(A) a.
1
+
1
=2 b.
1
+
1
=
1
where λ is an arbitrary constant to be determined. a2 b2 a2 b2 2
− (1+ 2λ ) 1 1 1 1 1
c. + = d. + =1
(i) Slope of the line (A) is m = =2 a2 b2 2 a2 b2
−2 + λ
⇒ −1 − 2λ = − 4 + 2λ ⇒ 4λ = 3 ⇒ λ = 3/ 4 Sol. The equation of line passing through A and B is
x y x y Y
The equation of the required line becomes + = 1 ⇒ + − 1 = 0 ...(i)
 3  3 a b a b B (0, b)
 1 +  x +  −2 +  y + 3 − 3 = 0
 2  4 Length of perpendicular from
5 5 (0, 0) to the Eq. (i) b
⇒ x − y = 0 ⇒ 2x − y = 0 1 A (a, 0)
2 4 0 0 X′ X
+ −1 O a
(ii) The line (A) is parallel to the line 3x + 5y − 1 = 0 a b
= Y′
Therefore, their slopes are equal. 1 1
2 + 2
− (1 + 2λ ) 3 a b
Hence, = − ⇒ 5 + 10λ = − 6 + 3λ 1 1 1
−2 + λ 5 Given that, 1 = ⇒ 2 + 2 =1
1 1 a b
⇒ 7λ = − 11 ⇒
λ = − 11/ 7 +
a2 b2
The equation of the
line becomes
 22
1 −  x +
 11
 −2 −  y + 3 +
44
=0 Distance between Two Parallel Lines
 7  7 7 The distance between the parallel lines ax + by + c1 = 0
15 25 65 c1 − c 2
⇒ − x− y+ = 0 ⇒ 3x + 5y − 13 = 0
7 7 7 and ax + by + c 2 = 0 is given by d =
a 2 + b2
Concurrency of Three Lines
To find, whether three lines are concurrent or not, we Image of a Point about a
find the point of intersection of any two lines. If this Straight Line or Mirror
point lies on the third line, i.e. the coordinates of this
Let AB be a given line and P be any point in the plane.
point of intersection satisfy the equation of the third
line, then the given straight lines are concurrent. Draw PM perpendicular to AB. Extend PM to Q such
that PM = MQ. P(x1, y1)
The condition that the three lines B
a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 …(i) Then, the point Q is called the image
a 2 x + b2 y + c 2 = 0 …(ii) of the point P about the straight line M
and a 3 x + b3 y + c 3 = 0 …(iii) AB, where M is the mid-point of PQ.
A
a1 b1 c1 The image (or reflection) of the point Q
are concurrent, is a 2 b2 c 2 = 0 P( x1 , y1 ) in the given line AB,
a3 b3 c3 ax + by + c = 0, is ( h, k), where
h − x1 k − y1 −2( ax1 + by1 + c )
Note Three or more straight lines are said to be concurrent lines, if = =
they meet at a point.
a b a 2 + b2
184 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Note The foot of the perpendicular ( h, k ) from ( x1, y1 ) to the line a1 x + b1 y + c1 a 2 x + b2 y + c 2

ax + by + c = 0 is given by =±
h − x1 k − y1 −( ax1 + by1 + c ) a12 + b12 a 22 + b22
= =
a b a2 + b 2
Conditions Acute angle bisector Obtuse angle bisector
a1a2 + b1b 2 > 0 − +
EXAMPLE 12. Find the image of the point P (2, 1)
about the straight line x − y + 5 = 0. a1a2 + b1b 2 < 0 + −

a. ( − 4, 7 ) b. (4, 7 ) c. (4, − 7 ) d. (− 4, − 7 )
Note A line which is equally inclined to given two lines is parallel
Sol. The slope of the given line is 1. Therefore, slope of to the angle bisectors of the given lines.
the perpendicular line from P to the line is −1. Hence,
the equation of the line PM, passing through P ( 2, 1) and EXAMPLE 13. Find the equations of the bisector of
having slope −1, is the angles between the straight lines 3x + 4y + 7 = 0
y − 1 = − 1( x − 2) or x + y − 3 = 0
and 12x + 5y − 8 = 0.
a. 7 x + 9 y + 17 = 0, 99x + 77 y + 51 = 0
On solving the equations, x − y + 5 = 0 and x + y − 3 = 0,
we obtain the coordinates of the point M as ( −1, 4). b. 7 x − 9 y − 17 = 0, 99x + 77 y − 51 = 0
Let the coordinates of the point Q be (h, k). Since, Q is c. 7 x − 9 y + 17 = 0, 99x + 77 y + 51 = 0
the image of P, M is the mid-point of PQ. d. None of the above
We have, (h + 2) / 2 = −1and ( k + 1) / 2 = 4, Sol. Equations of the bisectors of the angles between the
⇒ h = − 4 and k = 7 given straight lines are given by
Therefore, ( −4, 7) is the image point of ( 2, 1) about the line 3x + 4y + 7 12x + 5y − 8
=±
x − y + 5 = 0. 9 + 16 144 + 25
⇒ 13 ( 3x + 4y + 7) = ± 5 (12x + 5y − 8)
Equations of the Bisectors of
⇒ 39x + 52y + 91 = ± (60x + 25y − 40)
Angles between Two Lines Taking positive signs, 39x + 52y + 91 = 60x + 25y − 40
Let AB and CD be two given lines represented by ⇒ − 21x + 27y + 131 = 0
a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 and a 2 x + b2 y + c 2 = 0 ⇒ 21x − 27y − 131 = 0
Then, equation of the bisector of the angle between them Taking negative signs, ( 39x + 52y + 91) = − (60x + 25y − 40)
are ⇒ 99x + 77y + 51 = 0

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. The coordinates of the middle points of the sides 4. If t1 ≠ t2 and the points A( a , 0), B( at12 , 2at1 ) and
of a triangle are (4, 2), (3, 3) and (2, 2), then find C( at22 , 2at2 ) are collinear, then t1t2 is equal to
the coordinates of its centroid are
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) − 1 (d) − 2
(a)  3, 
7
(b) ( 3, 3) 5. The area of quadrilateral ABCD whose vertices in
 3
(c) (4, 3) (d) None of these order are A(1, 1), B( 7, − 3), C(12, 2) and D( 7, 21) is
(a) 66 sq units (b) 132 sq units
2. The co-ordinates of incentre of ∆ABC with (c) 124 sq units (d) 86.5 sq units
vertices A( 0, 6), B( 8, 12) and C( 8, 0) is
6. The distance between the lines 4x + 3 y = 11 and
(a)  , 0
16
(b) (8, 11) (c) (− 4, 3) (d) (5, 6) 8x + 6 y = 15 is
 3 
(a) 7/2 (b) 7/3 (c) 7/5 (d) 7/10
3. The middle point of the segment of the straight
line joining the points ( p, q ) and ( q , − p) is 7. The equation of line parallel to the line
(r/ 2, s / 2). What is the length of the segment? 2x + 3 y + 5 = 0 and sum of whose intercepts on
the axes is 15 is
(a) [(s 2 + r 2 )1 / 2 ]/ 2 (b) [(s 2 + r 2 )1 / 2 ]/ 4
(a) 2 x + 3 y = 15 (b) 3x − 2 y + 2 = 0
(c) (s 2 + r 2 )1 / 2 (d) s + r (c) 3x − 2 y + 8 = 0 (d) 2 x + 3 y − 18 = 0
MATHEMATICS > Coordinate System and Straight Lines 185

8. The line x + y = 4 divides the line joining the 19. If ( a cos θ1 , a sin θ1), ( a cos θ2 , a sin θ2 ) and
points ( −1, 1) and ( 5, 7) in the ratio ( a cos θ3 , a sin θ3 ) represents the vertices of an
(a) 2 : 3 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 1 : 1 (d) 4 : 3 equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle, then
consider the following statements.
9. Foot of perpendicular drawn from (0, 5) to the
line 3x − 4 y − 5 = 0 is I. cos θ1 + cos θ 2 + cos θ3 = 0
(a) (1, 3) (b) (2, 3) (c) (3, 2) (d) (3, 1) II. sin θ1 + sin θ 2 + sin θ3 = 0
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
10. A point P ( h , k) lies on the straight line (a) Only I (b) Only I
x + y + 1 = 0 and is at a distance 5 units from the (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
origin. If k is negative, then h is equal to 20. Consider the following statements
(a) −3 (b) 3 (c) −4 (d) 4
I. The area of equilateral triangle is a rational
11. The area of a triangle is 5 and two of its vertices number.
are A ( 2, 1), B ( 3, − 2). Then, the third vertex, in II. In a triangle, the centroid divides the joint of
Ist quadrant which lies on the line y = x + 3 is circumcentre and orthocentre in the ratio 1 : 2.
(a)  ,  (b)  ,  (c)  , 
7 13 5 5 3 3 III. Circumcentre is the only point which is
(d) (0, 0)
2 2  2 2 2 2 equidistant from all the three vertex of a
12. The diagonals of a quadrilateral ABCD are along triangle.
the lines x + 3 y = 4 and 6x − 2 y = 7. Then, ABCD Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
must be a (a) I and III are correct (b) I, II and III are correct
(a) rectangle (b) parallelogram (c) II and III are correct (d) I and II are correct
(c) cyclic quadrilateral (d) rhombus
Directions (Q. Nos. 21-22) The sides of a rectangle
13. The equation of straight line passing through the are represented by lines x = a, x = a ′, y = b and y = b ′.
point of intersection of the straight line
3x − y + 2 = 0 and 5x − 2 y + 7 = 0 and having
21. The point of intersection of the diagonals of the
rectangle is
infinite slope is
a + a′ b + b ′  a + b a′ + b ′ 
(a) x = 2 (b) x + y = 3 (c) x = 3 (d) x = 4 (a)  ,  (b)  , 
 2 2   2 2 
14. If ( −5, 4) divides the line segment between the (c) 
a + a′ a′ + b 
,  (d) None of these
coordinate axes in the ratio 1 : 2, then what is its  2 2 
equation? 22. Area of the rectangle is
(a) 8x + 5 y + 20 = 0 (b) 5x + 8 y − 7 = 0 (a) a − b a′ − b ′ (b) b ′ − b a′ − a
(c) 8x − 5 y + 60 = 0 (d) 5x − 8 y + 57 = 0 (c) a − b ′ a′ − b (d) None of these
15. What is the locus of a point which is equidistant
from the point ( m + n , n − m ) and the point Directions (Q. Nos. 23-24) Let ABCD be a
( m − n , n + m )? parallelogram whose equations for the consecutive
(a) mx = ny (b) nx = − my (c) nx = my (d) mx = − ny sides AB and AD are 4x + 5y = 0 and 7x + 2y = 0. The
equation of one of the diagonal is 11x + 7y = 9.
16. If x cos θ + y sin θ = 2 is perpendicular to the line
x − y = 3, then what is one of the value of θ? 23. The equation of the other diagonal is
(a) π/6 (b) π/4 (c) π/2 (d) π/3 (a) x + y = 0 (b) x − y = 0
(c) 2 x + y = 0 (d) x − 3 y = 0
17. The two points ( 2, 1) and ( 3, − 1) with respect to 24. Area of parallelogram ABCD is
the line 3x − 5 y + 7 = 0 7
(a) 8 sq units (b) sq units (c) 3 sq units (d) 6 sq units
(a) on the line (b) on same side of the line 2
(c) on opposite side of the line (d) None of these
18. ABC is a triangle formed by the lines xy = 0 and Directions (Q. Nos. 25-26) Consider the line segment
x + y = 1. Consider the following statements L : x sec θ + y tan θ = p.
I. Orthocentre of ∆ABC is at the origin. 25. The locus of mid-point of the portion of the line L
II. Circumcentre of ∆ABC is at the point intercepted between the axes is
(1 / 2, 1 / 2). p2 p2 p2 p2
(a) 2
− 2
=1 (b) 2
+ =1
4x 4y 4x 4 y2
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
p2 p2
(a) Only I (b) Only II (c) − =1 (d) None of these
(c) Both I and II (d) None of these 2 x2 2 y2
186 NDA/NA Pathfinder

26. The equation of line perpendicular to line L and 36. Area of ∆PQR : Area of ∆OAB is
passing through ( p cot θ, 2 p cos3 θ) is (a) 2 : 3 (b) 2 : 9 (c) 3 : 4 (d) 1 : 3
(a) x tan θ − y sec θ + p cos 2θ = 0
(b) x tan θ − y sec θ − p cos 2 θ = 0
37. If S is the mid-point of PR, then QS is equal to
1 2 3
(c) x tan θ + y sec θ + p sin2 θ = 0 (a) OQ (b) AB (c) OQ (d) AB
2 3 2
(d) None of the above
38. Consider the following statements
Directions (Q. Nos. 27-28) The equation of an  5 13
altitude of an equilateral triangle is 3x + y = 2 3 I. Centriod of ∆PQR is  ,  .
 18 9 
and one of the vertices is (3, 3). II. ∆OAP is right angled triangle.
27. The possible number of triangles is Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
28. The area of equilateral triangle is (in sq units)
(a) 3 3 (b) 3
(c) 6 3 (d) 2 3
Directions (Q. Nos. 39-43) Let L be the line
belonging to the family of the straight lines
( a + 2 b) x + ( a − 3b)y + a − 8 b = 0, a, b ∈ R which is
Directions (Q. Nos. 29-31) The lines
farthest from the point (2, 2).
L1 : 4x − 3y + 7 = 0 and L2 : 3x − 4y + 14 = 0, intersect
the line L3 : x + y = 0 at P and Q, respectively. The 39. The equation of line L is
bisectors of the acute angle between L1 and L2 (a) x + 4 y + 7 = 0 (b) 2 x + 3 y + 4 = 0
intersect L3 at R. (c) 4x − y − 6 = 0 (d) 3x − 2 y + 7 = 0
29. The equation of the bisector of acute angle is 40. Area formed by the line L with coordinate axes
(a) x + y + 3 = 0 (b) x − y − 3 = 0 is
(c) x − y + 3 = 0 (d) 3x − y − 7 = 3 (a)
4
sq units (b)
9
sq units
3 2
30. The ratio PR : RQ equals to 49 5
(c) sq units (d) sq units
(a) 2 2 : 5 (b) 2 : 1 (c) 1 : 1 (d) 5 : 2 8 6
31. Area of triangle formed by lines L1 , L2 and L3 is 41. If L is concurrent with the lines x − 2 y + 1 = 0
(a)
13 7 9
sq units (b) sq units (c) sq units (d) 8 sq units and 3x − 4 y + λ = 0, then the value of λ is
2 2 2 (a) 2 (b) 1 (c) − 4 (d) 5

Directions (Q. Nos. 32-34) Given two points 42. The image of the point (2, 2) in the line L is
A ( −2, 0) and B (0, 4), M is a point with coordinates (a) (1, − 2 ) (b) (0, − 6) (c) (2, − 4) (d) (4, − 7 )
( x, x), x ≥ 0. P divides the joining of A and B in the 43. The distance of point ( 2, 2) from the line L is
ratio 2 : 1. C and D are the mid-points of BM and (a) 5 units (b) 17 units
AM, respectively. (c) 19 units (d) None of these
32. Area of the ∆AMB is minimum, if the coordinates
of M are
(a) (1, 1) (b) (0, 0) (c) (2, 2) (d) (3, 3)
PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS
33. Ratio of the areas of the ∆’s APM and BPM is 44. What is the distance between the lines
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 2 : 3 (d) 1 : 3 3x + 4 y = 9 and 6x + 8 y = 18 ? e 2012 I
(a) 0 (b) 3 units (c) 9 units (d) 18 units
34. Perimeter of the quadrilateral ABCD is
(a) 2 5 (b) 3 + 3 5 (c) 2 + 5 (d) None of these 45. What is the equation of line passing through
( 0, 1) and making an angle with the Y -axis equal
Directions (Q. Nos. 35-38) O(0, 0), A (1, 1,) B(0, 3) are to the inclination of the line x − y = 4 with
the vertices of a ∆OAB. P divides OB in the ratio X-axis? e 2012 I
1: 2, θ is the mid-point of AP, R divides AB in the (a) y = x + 1 (b) x = y + 1
ratio 2 : 1. (c) 2 x = y + 2 (d) None of these

35. If α(QR )2 = β( PR )2, then 46. What is the perpendicular distance of the point
( x , y ) from X-axis? e 2012 I
α 68 α 17
(a) = (b) = (c) α = β (d) α = 3β (a) x (b) y (c) |x| (d) | y|
β 65 β 19
MATHEMATICS > Coordinate System and Straight Lines 187

47. The equation of a straight line which makes 58. A straight line passes through the points ( 5, 0)
an angle 45° with the X-axis with y-intercept and ( 0, 3). The length of the perpendicular from
101 units is e 2012 II the point ( 4, 4) on the line is e 2013 I
(a) 10x + 101y = 1 (b) 101x + y = 1 17 17 15 17
(c) x + y − 101 = 0 (d) x − y + 101 = 0 (a) (b) (c) (d)
2 2 34 2
48. The line y = 0 divides the line joining the points 59. What is the equation of a straight line which
( 3, − 5) and ( −4, 7) in the ratio e 2012 II passes through ( 3, 4) and the sum of whose x and
(a) 3 : 4 (b) 4 : 5 (c) 5 : 7 (d) 7 : 9 y-intercepts is 14? e 2013 I
49. What is the value of λ , if the straight line (a) 4x + 3 y = 24 (b) x + y = 14
( 2x + 3 y + 4) + λ ( 6x − y + 12) = 0 is parallel to (c) 4x − 3 y = 0 (d) 3x + 4 y = 25
Y-axis? e 2012 II
(a) 3 (b) −6 (c) 4 (d) −3
60. What is the angle between the line x + y = 1 and
x − y = 1? e 2013 II
50. From the point ( 4, 3) a perpendicular is dropped π π π π
(a) (b) (c) (d)
on the X-axis as well as on the Y -axis. If the 6 4 3 2
lengths of perpendiculars are p and q 61. What is the equation of the straight line passing
respectively, then which one of the following is through ( 5, − 2) and ( −4, 7)? e 2013 II
correct? e 2012 II (a) 5x − 2 y = 4 (b) − 4x + 7 y = 9
(a) p = q (b) 3 p = 4q (c) 4 p = 3q (d) p + q = 5
(c) x + y = 3 (d) x − y = − 1
51. If p, q , r and s be the distances from origin of the 62. The equation of the line, the reciprocals of whose
points ( 2, 6), ( 3, 4), ( 4, 5) and ( −2, 5), respectively. intercepts on the axes are m and n, is given by
Which one of the following is a whole number? e 2013 II
(a) nx + my = mn (b) mx + ny = 1
e 2012 II
(c) mx + ny = mn (d) mx − ny = 1
(a) p (b) q (c) r (d) s
52. What is the perpendicular distance between the 63. The equation of the locus of a point which is
parallel lines 3x + 4 y = 9 and 9x + 12 y + 28 = 0? equidistant from the axes is e 2013 II
(a) y = 2x (b) x = 2 y (c) y = ± x (d) 2 y + x = 0
. e 2012 II
(a) 7/3 units (b) 8/3 units (c) 10/3 units (d) 11/3 units 64. A points P moves such that its distances from
53. The points ( 5, 1), (1, − 1) and (11, 4) are (1, 2) and ( − 2, 3) are equal. Then, the locus of P is
e 2012 II
(a) collinear e 2013 II
(a) straight line (b) parabola (c) ellipse (d) hyperbola
(b) vertices of right angled triangle
(c) vertices of equilateral triangle 65. What angle does the line segment joining ( 5, 2)
(d) vertices of an isosceles triangle and ( 6, − 15) subtend at ( 0, 0)? e 2013 II
π π π 3π
54. The equation to the locus of a point which is (a) (b) (c) (d)
6 4 2 4
always equidistant from the points (1, 0) and
( 0, − 2) is e 2012 II 66. The value of k for which the lines 2x + 3 y + a = 0
(a) 2 x + 4 y + 3 = 0 (b) 4x + 2 y + 3 = 0 and 5x + ky + a = 0 represent family of parallel
(c) 2 x + 4 y − 3 = 0 (d) 4x + 2 y − 3 = 0 lines is e 2013 II
55. The locus of a point equidistant from three (a) 3 (b) 4.5 (c) 7.5 (d) 15
collinear points is e 2012 II 67. What is the equation of the line which passes
(a) a straight line (b) a pair of points through ( 4, − 5) and is perpendicular to
(c) a point (d) the null set 3x + 4 y + 5 = 0? e 2013 II
(a) 4x − 3 y − 31 = 0 (b) 3x − 4 y − 41 = 0
56. Two straight line paths are represented by the
equations 2x − y = 2 and − 4x + 2 y = 6. Then, the (c) 4x + 3 y − 1 = 0 (d) 3x + 4 y + 8 = 0
paths will e 2013 I 68. For what value of k are the two straight lines
(a) cross each other at one point 3x + 4 y = 1 and 4x + 3 y + 2k = 0, equidistant from
(b) not cross each other the point (1, 1)? e 2013 II
(c) cross each other at two points (a) 1/2 (b) 2 (c) −2 (d) −1 / 2
(d) cross each other at infinitely many points
69. If the three vertices of the parallelogram ABCD
57. What is the inclination of the line 3x − y − 1 = 0? are A (1, a ), B ( 3, a ), C ( 2, b), then D is equal to?
e 2013 I e 2013 II
(a) 30° (b) 60° (c) 135° (d) 150° (a) (3, b ) (b) (0, b ) (c) (4, b ) (d) (5, b )
188 NDA/NA Pathfinder

70. What is the equation of the line through (1, 2), 81. A line passes through ( 2, 2) and is perpendicular
so that the segment of the line intercepted between to the line 3x + y = 3, its y-intercept is e 2015 I
the axes is bisected at this point? e 2014 I 3 4 1
(a) 2 x − y = 4 (b) 2 x − y + 4 = 0 (a) (b) (c) (d) 3
4 3 3
(c) 2 x + y = 4 (d) 2 x + y + 4 = 0
82. The area of a triangle, whose vertices are ( 3, 4),
71. What is the equation of straight line passing ( 5, 2) and the point of intersection of the lines
through the point (4, 3) and making equal
x = a and y = 5, is 3 square units. What is the
intercepts on the coordinate axes? e 2014 I
value of a? e 2015 I
(a) x + y =7 (b) 3x + 4 y =7 (c) x − y =1 (d) None of these
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
72. What is the equation of the line midway between 83. The length of perpendicular from the origin to a
the lines 3x − 4 y + 12 = 0 and 3x − 4 y = 6? e 2014 I
line is 5 units and the line makes an angle 120°
(a) 3x − 4 y − 9 = 0 (b) 3x − 4 y + 9 = 0
with the positive direction of X-axis. The
(c) 3x − 4 y − 3 = 0 (d) 3x − 4 y + 3 = 0
equation of the line is e 2015 I
73. Consider the following points (a) x+ 3 y = 5 (b) 3x+ y =10
I. (0, 5) II. (2, –1) III. (3, –4) (c) 3x− y =10 (d) None of these

Which of the above lie on the line 3x + y = 5 and 84. The equation of the line joining the origin to the
x y
at a distance 10 from (1, 2)? e 2014 I point of intersection of the lines + = 1 and
(a) Only I (b) Only II (c) I and II (d) I, II and III a b
x y
+ = 1 is
74. Which one of the following is correct in respect of b a e 2015 I
x−1 y− 2 (a) x − y = 0 (b) x + y = 0 (c) x = 0 (d) y = 0
the equations = and 2x + 3 y = 5?
2 3 e 2014 II
(a) They represent two lines which are parallel 85. If a line is perpendicular to the line 5x − y = 0
(b) They represent two lines which are perpendicular and forms a triangle of area 5 sq units with
(c) They represent two lines which are neither parallel coordinate axes, then its equation is e 2015 II
nor perpendicular (a) x + 5 y m 5 2 = 0 (b) x − 5 y ± 5 2 = 0
(d) The first equation does not represent a line (c) 5x + y ± 5 2 = 0 (d) 5x − y ± 5 2 = 0
75. A( 3, 4) and B ( 5, − 2) are two points and P is a 86. The area of the figure formed by the lines
point such that PA = PB. If the area of ∆PAB is ax + by + c = 0, ax − by + c = 0, ax + by − c = 0 and
10 sq units, then what are the coordinates of P? ax − by − c = 0 is e 2015 II
e 2014 II c2 2c 2 c2 c2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) Only (1, 0) (b) Only (7, 2) ab ab 2 ab 4ab
(c) Either (1, 0) or (7, 2) (d) Neither (1, 0) nor (7, 2)
87. The three lines 4x + 4 y = 1, 8x − 3 y = 2, y = 0 are
76. What is the product of the perpendiculars drawn (a) the sides of an isosceles triangle e 2015 II
from the points ( ± a 2 − b2 , 0) upon the line (b) concurrent
bx cos α + ay sin α = ab? e 2014 II (c) mutually perpendicular
(a) a2 (b) b 2 (c) a2 + b 2 (d) a + b (d) the sides of an equilateral triangle
88. The line 3x + 4 y − 24 = 0 intersects the X-axis at
Directions (Q. Nos. 77-79) Consider the ∆ABC with A and Y-axis at B. Then, the circumcentre of the
vertices A ( −2, 3), B (2, 1) and C (1, 2). e 2015 I ∆OAB, where O is the origin, is e 2015 II
77. What is the circumcentre of the ∠ABC ? (a) (2, 3) (b) (3, 3)
(a) (−2, − 2 ) (b) (2, 2 ) (c) (−2, 2 ) (d) (2, − 2 ) (c) (4, 3) (d) None of these

78. What is the centroid of the ∆ABC ? 89. The product of the perpendiculars from the two
points ( ± 4, 0) to the line 3x cos φ + 5 y sin φ = 15 is
(a)  , 1 (b)  , 2  (c)  1,  (d)  , 3
1 1 2 1
3  3   3 2  e 2015 II
(a) 25 (b) 16 (c) 9 (d) 8
79. What is the foot of the altitude from the vertex A
of ∆ABC? 90. Two straight lines passing through the point
(a) (1, 4) (b) (−1, 3) (c) (−2, 4) (d) (−1, 4) A(3, 2) cut the line 2 y = x + 3 and X-axis
perpendicularly at P and Q, respectively. The
80. The perpendicular distance between the straight equation of the line PQ is e 2015 II
lines 6x + 8 y +15= 0 and 3x + 4 y + 9= 0 is e 2015 I (a) 7 x + y − 21 = 0 (b) x + 7 y + 21 = 0
(a) 3/2 units (b) 3/10 unit (c) 3/ 4 unit (d) 2 /7 unit (c) 2 x + y − 8 = 0 (d) x + 2 y + 8 = 0
MATHEMATICS > Coordinate System and Straight Lines 189

Directions (Q. Nos. 91-92) Consider the lines y = 3x,

96. A straight line intersects X and Y-axes at P and
y = 6 x and y = 9. e 2016 I
Q, respectively. If (3, 5) is the middle point of
91. What is the area of the triangle formed by these PQ, then what is the area of the ∆OPQ?
lines? (a) 12 sq units (b) 15 sq units e 2016 I
27 27 (c) 20 sq units (d) 30 sq units
(a) sq units (b) sq units
4 2
19 19
(c) sq units (d) sq units Directions (Q. Nos. 97-98) Consider the two lines
4 2 x + y + 1 = 0 and 3x + 2y + 1 = 0. e 2016 I
92. The centroid of the triangle is at which one of 97. What is the equation of the line passing through
the following points? the point of intersection of the given lines and
(b)  , 6 (d)  , 9
3 3 parallel to X-axis?
(a) (3, 6) (c) (3, 3)
2  2  (a) y + 1 = 0 (b) y − 1 = 0
(c) y − 2 = 0 (d) y + 2 = 0
Directions (Q. Nos. 93-95) Consider a parallelogram,
whose vertices are A(1, 2), B( 4, y), C( x, 6) and D(3, 5)
98. What is the equation of the line passing through
the point of intersection of the given lines and
taken in order. e 2016 I
parallel to Y-axis?
93. What is the value of AC 2 − BD 2? (a) x + 1 = 0 (b) x − 1 = 0 (c) x − 2 = 0 (d) x + 2 = 0
(a) 25 (b) 30 (c) 36 (d) 40
99. ( a , 2b) is the mid-point of the line segment
94. What is the point of intersection of the diagonals? joining the points (10, − 6) and ( k, 4). If a − 2b = 7,
(a)  , 4 (c)  , 5
7 7 then what is the value of k? e 2016 I
(b) (3, 4) (d) (3, 5)
2  2  (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5

95. What is the area of the parallelogram? 100. What is the acute angle between the lines
7
(a) sq units (b) 4 sq units represented by the equations y − 3x − 5 = 0 and
2 3 y − x + 6 = 0? e 2016 I
11 (a) 30° (b) 45° (c) 60° (d) 75°
(c) sq units (d) 7 sq units
2

ANSWERS
1 a 2 d 3 c 4 c 5 b 6 d 7 d 8 b 9 d 10 b
11 a 12 d 13 c 14 c 15 c 16 b 17 b 18 c 19 c 20 c
21 a 22 b 23 b 24 c 25 a 26 a 27 b 28 a 29 c 30 c
31 b 32 b 33 a 34 b 35 a 36 b 37 c 38 c 39 a 40 c
41 d 42 b 43 b 44 a 45 a 46 d 47 d 48 c 49 a 50 c
51 b 52 d 53 a 54 a 55 d 56 b 57 b 58 b 59 a 60 d
61 c 62 b 63 c 64 a 65 c 66 c 67 a 68 d 69 b 70 c
71 a 72 d 73 c 74 b 75 c 76 b 77 a 78 b 79 d 80 b
81 b 82 d 83 b 84 a 85 a 86 b 87 b 88 c 89 c 90 a
91 a 92 b 93 c 94 a 95 d 96 d 97 d 98 b 99 a 100 a

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (a) Centroid of ∆ABC coincide with the Incentre is 3. (c) Mid-point of ( p , q ) and ( q , − p ) is
centroid of triangle formed by
 ax1 + bx 2 + cx 3 ay1 + by 2 + cy 3   p + q , q − p  , which is given  r , s .
mid-points of AB, BC and CA.  ,   2 2   2 2
 a+ b+ c a+ b+ c 
∴ Required coordinates p+ q r
∴ =
12 × 0 + 10 × 8 + 10 × 8
≡ 
4 + 3 + 2 2 + 3 + 2
,  ≡ (3,7 / 3) i.e.  , 2
q− p s
2
 3 3   12 + 10 + 10 and =
12 × 6 + 10 × 12 + 10 × 0  2 2
2. (d) a = BC = 02 + ( 12 − 0)2 = 12 
12 + 10 + 10  Now, length of segment
b = AC = ( 0 − 8)2 + ( 6 − 0)2 = 10  160 192  = ( p − q )2 + ( q + p )2 = s 2 + r2
= ,  = (5 , 6 )
 32 32 
c = AB = 8 + 6 = 10
2 2
190 NDA/NA Pathfinder

a 0 1 10. (b) Since, the point ( h , k ) lies on ⇒ h 2 + (m + n)2 − 2h(m + n) + k 2

1 x + y + 1 = 0. ⇒ h + k + 1 = 0 + ( n − m )2 − 2k( n − m ) = h 2 + (m − n)2
4. (c) ∆ = at 2 2at 1
2 1 1 −2h(m − n) + k 2 + ( n + m )2 − 2k(m + n)
at 2 2at 1 and h 2 + k 2 = 25
2 2
( −1 − k )2 + k 2 = 25 ⇒ −2[ h(m + n) + k( n − m )]
1 0 1 = −2[ h(m − n) + k(m + n)]
⇒ 2k 2 + 2k − 24 = 0
1
= × ( 2a ) × a × t 2 ⇒ mh + nh + nk − mk
t 1 ⇒ k 2 + k − 12 = 0
2 1 1 = mh − nh + mk + nk
t2 t 1 ⇒ k = −4 or k = 3 [rejected as k < 0]
2 2 ⇒ 2nh = 2mk ⇒ nh = mk
∴ h = −1 − ( −4 ) = 3 ∴ Required locus is nx = my
∴∆ = 0 ⇒ (t − t ) + (t 2t − t 2t ) = 0
1 2 1 2 2 1 11. (a) Let the third vertex be ( p , q ), then 16. (b) Since, slope of line
⇒ (t − t ) + t t (t − t ) = 0
1 2 1 2 1 2 q = p+3 …(i) x cos θ + y sin θ = 2 is − cot θ
⇒ (t − t ) (1 + t t ) = 0 Also, ∆ = |5 | = ± 5 and slope of line x − y = 3 is 1.
1 2 1 2
⇒ t t =−1 ∴ q + 3 p − 7 = ± 10 Also, these lines are perpendicular to
1 2
∴ 3 p + q = 17 …(ii) each other.
5. (b) Area of quadrilateral ABCD
3 p + q = −3 ∴ ( − cot θ) ( 1) = − 1
1 x1 − x 3 y1 − y 3
and …(iii)
= π π
⇒ cot θ = 1 = cot ⇒ θ =
2 x 2 − x 4 y2 − y4
On solving Eq. (i) with Eq. (ii) and Eq.
4 4
(iii), we get  ,  and  − , 
7 13 3 3
1 ( 1 − 12) ( 1 − 2) 2 2   2 2 17. (b)
=
2 ( 7 − 7) ( − 3 − 21) 18. (c) The equations of the sides of ∆ABC
∴ Required vertex =  , 
7 13
are x = 0, y = 0 and x + y = 1. Clearly,
2 2 
1 − 11 − 1 1 ∆ABC is right angled triangle with right
= = ( 264 − 0) 12. (d) Slope of line x + 3 y = 4 is m = −1 / 3 angle at the origin and coordinates the
2 0 − 24 2 1
−6 end-points of hypotenuse as ( 1, 0) and
= 132 sq units Slope of line 6x − 2 y = 7 is m = =3 ( 0, 1). So, orthocentre of the triangle
2
−2
is at the origin and circumcentre at
6. (d) Given lines are 4x + 3 y = 11 Q m m = −1
1 2 the mid-point of its hypotenuse, i.e. at
and 4x + 3 y = 15 / 2. ∴The given diagonals are perpendicular (1/2, 1/2).
Distance between them to each other.
15 So, both statements are correct.
11 − Thus, ABCD is a rhombus.
2 = 7 7
= = 19. (c) Vertices
16 + 9 2×5 10 13. (c) Required line should be ( a cos θ , a sin θ ), ( a cos θ2 , a sin θ2 )
1 1
(3x − y + 2) + λ(5x − 2 y + 7) = 0 …(i) and ( a cos θ3 , a sin θ3 ) are equidistant
7. (d) Equation of line parallel to
⇒ (3 + 5λ )x − ( 2λ + 1) y + ( 2 + 7λ ) = 0 from origin (0, 0). Hence, the origin is
2x + 3 y + 5 = 0 is 2x + 3 y = λ
⇒
x
+
y
=1 3 + 5λ 2 + 7λ circumcentre (centroid) of circumcircle.
⇒ y= x + …(ii)
( λ / 2) ( λ / 3) 2λ + 1 2λ + 1 Therefore, the coordinates of centroid
λ λ are
Given, + = 15 ⇒ λ = 18 As, the Eq. (ii) has infinite slope,
2 3  a(cos θ1 + cos θ2 + cos θ3 )
2 λ + 1 = 0 ⇒ λ = −1 / 2  ,
∴ Required line is 2x + 3 y = 18 On putting the value of λ in Eq. (i), 
 3
8. (b) Let required ratio be λ : 1. Then, the we get a(sin θ + sin θ + sin θ ) 
x =3
1 2 3

coordinates of point which divides the 
line joining ( −1, 1) and (5, 7) in the ratio
3 
14. (c) Let A ( a , 0) and B ( 0, b ) be two
5 λ − 1 7 λ + 1 But as the centroid is the origin ( 0, 0),
λ : 1, is  , . points on respective coordinate axes and
therefore cos θ + cos θ + cos θ = 0
 λ+ 1 λ+ 1 ( −5, 4) divides AB in the ratio 1 : 2. 1 2 3
1× 0 + 2 × a −15 and sin θ + sin θ + sin θ = 0.
But it lies on x + y = 4 ∴ −5= ⇒a = 1 2 3
3 2 Hence, both statements are correct.
5λ − 1 7λ + 1
∴ + =4 1× b + 2 × 0 20. (c) Area of equilateral triangle is
λ+ 1 λ+ 1 and 4 = ⇒ b = 12
3 3
⇒ 12λ = 4λ + 4 ⇒ λ = 1/ 2 (side)2 which is an irrational
Hence, equation of line joining 4
∴ Required ratio = 1 : 2
 − 15 , 0 and ( 0, 12) is number. So, Statement I is false.
9. (d) Equation of perpendicular line from  2  In a triangle, the circumcentre(S),
3x − 4 y − 5 = 0 …(i) 12 − 0  15  centroid (G), and orthocentre (O) are
( y − 0) = ⋅ x + 
15  2 collinear and
is 4x + 3 y + c = 0 0+
2 SG : GO = 1 : 2 or OG : GS = 2 : 1
Since it passes through (0, 5).
⇒ 8x − 5 y + 60 = 0 So, Statement II is true.
∴ c = −15 In a triangle, circumcentre is the only
15. (c) Let the coordinate of the moving
⇒ 4x + 3 y − 15 = 0 …(ii) point P be ( h , k ).
point which is equidistant from all the
three vertex of the triangle.
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get (3, 1) Then, [ h − (m + n)]2 + [ k − ( n − m )]2
So, Statement III is true.
= [ h − (m − n)]2 + [ k − ( n + m )]2
MATHEMATICS Coordinate System and Straight Lines 191

21. (a) Let ABCD be the rectangle the 1  35 8  3 30. (c) Let O be the points of intersection of
= − = sq units
equation of whose sides AB, BC ,CD and 2  9 9  2 lines L and L .
1 2
DA, respectively are x = a, y = b, x = a ′ Solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
∴ Area of ||gm ABCD = 2 × ar( ∆ABD )
and y = b ′ O ≡ ( 2, 5)
3
y = b′ = 2 × = 3 sq units Equation of L is x + y = 0 ...(iii)
A D 2 3
Solving Eqs. (i) and (iii), we get P ≡( −1, 1)
25. (a) The equation of the given line is
x=a x = a′ x y Solving Eqs. (ii) and (iii), we get
+ =1 …(i) Q ≡ ( − 2, 2)
p cos θ p cot θ
∴ OP = ( 2 + 1)2 + (5 − 1)2 = 5
B y=b C Let the line (i) cuts X-axis and Y-axis at
Then, its vertices are the points A and B respectively, then and OQ = ( 2 + 2)2 + (5 − 2)2 = 5
A( a , b ′), B( a , b ),C ( a ′ , b ) and D( a ′ , b/ ′). A ≡ ( p cos θ, 0) and B ≡ ( 0, p cot θ)
∴ In any triangle, bisector of an angle
Since, diagonals of rectangle bisect each If P( x , y ) is the mid-point of AB, then divides the triangle into two similar
other. Therefore, coordinates of point of 2x = p cos θ and 2 y = p cot θ triangles.
a + a′ b + b′ ∴ sec θ =
p
and tan θ=
p
∴
PR OP 5 1
= = = = 1: 1
intersection are x = and y =
2 2 2x 2y RQ OQ 5 1
22. (b) AB = ( a − a )2 + ( b ′− b )2 = |b ′ − b | Since sec 2 θ − tan 2 θ = 1 2 5 1
p2 p2 31. (b) Area of ∆OPQ =
1
−1 1 1
and BC = ( a − a ′ ) + ( b − b ) =|a ′− a |
2 2 ⇒ 2
− =1
4x 4y2 2
−2 2 1
∴ Area of rectangle ABCD = AB × BC 26. (a) Equation of line perpendicular to 1 7
= |b ′ − b ||a ′ − a | line L is x tan θ − y sec θ + k = 0 = |[ − 2 − 5 + 0]| = sq units
2 2
23. (b) Equations for sides AB and AD are Since, this line passes through
x x 1
4x + 5 y = 0 ...(i) ( p cot θ, 2 p cos 3 θ) 1
32. (b) Area of the ∆AMB = −2 0 1
and 7x + 2 y = 0 ...(ii) ∴ p cot θ ⋅ tan θ − 2 p cos 3 θ ⋅ sec θ + k = 0 2
0 4 1
The point of intersection of AB and AD ⇒ p − 2 p cos 2 θ + k = 0
is A( 0, 0), clearly A( 0, 0) does not lie on 1
⇒ k = p( 2 cos 2 θ − 1) = p cos 2θ = ( −4 x + 2 x − 8 ) = | − ( x + 4 ) |
diagonal 2
11x + 7 y = 9 ...(iii) ∴ Required equation is
which is minimum for x = 0 and thus
On solving Eqs. (i) and (iii), we get x tan θ − y sec θ + p cos 2θ = 0 the coordinates of M are (0, 0).
5 −4
B ≡  , 
27. (b) 33. (a) As P divides AB in the ratio 2 : 1.
3 3  A The base of the ∆’s APM and BPM are
On solving Eqs. (ii) and (iii), we get C(3,√3) in the ratio 2 : 1 and the length of the
perpendicular from the vertex M on the
D ≡  − , 
2 7
 3 3 √3
base is same. So, the ratio of the areas of
C x+ the ∆ APM and ∆BPM is also 2 : 1.
D y=
D 2√ Y
3 B (0, 4)
H P
B C
A′
11x + 7y=9 Two equilateral triangles ABC and X′ X
B
A D M (0, 0)
A (0,0) A ′ BC are possible with one vertices (–2, 0)
(3, 3 ) and AD as an altitude.
Since, H is the middle point of BD. Y′
28. (a)
5 − 2 − 4 + 7 34. (b) ABCD is a quadrilateral with
  29. (c) The equations of lines L and L by
∴ H =  3 3 , 3 3  ≡  , 
1 1 1 2
 making constant term positive, are AD = 1, BC = 2
 2 2  2 2
  4x − 3 y + 7 = 0 ...(i) 1 1 2
DC = AB = 2 + 42 = 5
and 3x − 4 y + 14 = 0 ...(ii) 2 2
Equation of diagonal AC is
So, the required perimeter is
1 Q 4 × 3 + ( − 3) ( − 4) = 24 > 0
0− 1+ 2 + 5 + 2 5 =3+ 3 5
y −0= 2 ( x − 0) ⇒ x − y = 0 i.e. aa + bb >0
1 2 1 2
1 Sol. (Q. Nos. 35-38)
0− So, the bisector of the acute angle is
2 given by We have, O( 0, 0), A( 1, 1) and B( 0, 3)
0 0 1 4x − 3 y + 7 3x − 4 y + 14
Coordinates of P =  ,  = ( 0, 1)
0 3
=−
4 + ( −3 )
2 2
3 2 + ( −4 ) 2  3 3
1 5 4
24. (c) Area of ∆ABD = − 1 Coordinates of Q
2 3 3 ⇒ 4x − 3 y + 7 = − 3x + 4 y − 14
1 + 0 1 + 1  1 
−
2 7
1 ⇒ x − y +3=0 =  ,  =  , 1
3 3  2 2  2 
192 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Coordinates of R 39. (a) ( a + 2b )x × ( a − 3b ) y + a − 8b = 0 Q θ = 45° and c = 101 unit

0+ 1 6+ ⇒ a( x + y + 1) + b( 2x − 3 y − 8) = 0 ∴ y = tan 45° x + 101
= 
1  1 7
,  = , 
 3 3  3 3 These lines are concurrent at point of ⇒ y = 1 ⋅ x + 101 ⇒ x − y + 101 = 0
2 2 intersection of the lines x + y + 1 = 0
35. (a) ( PR)2 =  0 −  +  1 − 
1 7 and 2x − 3 y − 8 = 0, which is ( 1, − 2). 48. (c) Let the line y = 0 divides the line
 3  3 joining the points (3, − 5) and ( −4, 7) in
Now, line through A( 1, − 2) which is
1 16 17 farthest from the point B( 2, 2) is the ratio n : m, then
= + = perpendicular to AB.
9 9 9 By internal section formula,
2+ 2
2 2
Slope of AB = =4 −5m + 7n
(QR) =  −  +  1 − 

2 1 1 7 = 0 ⇒ 5 m = 7n
 2 3  2−1
3 ∴ Required equation of line is
m+ n
1 16 65 −1 n 5
= + = y + 2 = ( x − 1) ⇒ x + 4 y + 7 = 0 ⇒ = or n : m = 5 : 7
36 9 36 4 m 7
Now, α(QR)2 = β( PR)2 40. (c) Also this line x + 4 y + 7 = 0 meet 49. (a) Given,
α 68 X-axis at C ( − 7, 0) and Y-axis at ( 2x + 3 y + 4) + λ( 6x − y + 12) = 0
α   = β   ⇒
65 17
⇒ = 2x + 6λx + 3 y − λy + 4 + 12λ = 0
 36   9 D  0, −  .
β 65 7
 4 2x (3λ + 1) + y(3 − λ ) + 4 + 12λ = 0
36. (b) Area of ∆OAB ...(i)
∴ Area of ∆OCD
1 3 Since, line (i) is parallel to Y -axis.
= × 1 × 3 = sq units
2 2 So, the coefficient of y must be zero.
0 0 1
1 1 49 49 ∴ 3− λ = 0⇒ λ =3
0 1 1 = −7 0 1 = × =
2 2 4 8 50. (c) 51. (b)
1 1 7
Area of ∆PQR = 1 1 0 − 1
2 2 52. (d) Given lines are,
4
1 7
1 3x + 4 y − 9 = 0 …(i)
3 3 41. (d) The point of intersection of lines and 9x + 12 y + 28 = 0
x + 4 y + 7 = 0 and x − 2 y + 1 = 0 is 28
1  −  + 1  −  
1 1 1 7 1 ⇒ 3x + 4 y + =0 …(ii)
= − ( − 3, − 1) which must satisfy the line
2   2 3  6 3   3
1 3x − 4 + λ = 0. 28
+ 9
= sq units
3 ∴ − 9+ 4+ λ = 0 ⇒λ =5 ∴ Distance between them = 3
1 9 + 16
42. (b) Let P( x , y ) be the image of ( 2, 2)
ar( ∆PQR) 3 2 with respect to the line x + 4 y + 7 = 0
∴ = = 55 1 11
ar( ∆OAB ) 3 9 = × = units
∴ Point ( 1, − 2) is the mid-point of 3 5 3
2
37. (c) Coordinates of S ( 2, 2) and ( x , y ) 53. (a) Let the points be A(5, 1), B( 1, −1)
0 + 1 1+ 7 x+2 y+2 and C ( 11, 4).
 ∴ = 1 and =−2
= 3, 3  =  1 , 10  2 2 AB = (5 − 1)2 + ( 1 + 1)2 = 2 5
 
 2 2  6 6
  ⇒ x = 0 and y = − 6 BC = ( 11 − 1)2 + ( 4 + 1)2 = 5 5
2 2 Hence, P( 0, − 6) and CA = ( 11 − 5)2 + ( 4 − 1)2 = 3 5
∴ QS =  1 − 1  +  1 − 10 
 2 6  6 43. (b) Length of perpendicular Clearly, AB + CA = BC
5 2 × 1+ 4 × 2 + 7
= = = 17 units Hence, they are collinear.
3 12 + 42 54. (a) Let A ( 1, 0) and B ( 0, − 2) are two
2
given points and P ( h , k ) be any variable
OQ =  0 −  + ( 0 − 1)2
1 44. (a) Since, both lines are coincident to
 2 each other. Hence, the distance between point.
two coincident line is zero. According to the question,
5
= PA = PB ⇒ PA 2 = PB 2
2 45. (a) Since, the line passes through the
2 point (0, 1) and making an angle with ⇒ ( h − 1)2 + ( k − 0)2 = ( h − 0)2 + ( k + 2)2
Clearly, QS = OQ
3 Y -axis which is equivalent to the slope of ⇒ 2h + 4k + 3 = 0
the line y = x − 4. Hence, locus of point P ( h , k ) is
38. (c) Centroid of ∆PQR
i.e. θ = 45° ⇒ tan θ = 1 = m 2x + 4 y + 3 = 0.
0 + 1 + 1 1+ 1+ 7
 2 3, 3  =  5 , 13  ∴ Equation of line is 55. (d) 56. (b)
=  
 3 3  18 9  ( y − 1) = m ( x − 0) = 1 ( x ) ⇒ y = x + 1 57. (b) Given equation of line,
 
46. (d) 3x − y − 1 = 0 ⇒ y = 3x − 1
So, Statement I is true.
47. (d) We know that, if the line making an On compairing with y = mx + c, we get
Q OP = 1, AP = 1 and OA = 2
angle θ with the positive direction of m= 3 [Q m = tanθ]
∴OP 2 + AP 2 = OA 2
∴OAP is right angled triangle.
X -axis with y intercept. ⇒ tan θ = 3 = tan 60° ⇒ θ = 60°
Then, equation of the line is So,the inclination of the given line is 60°.
So, Statement II is also true.
y = mx + c = tanθ ⋅ x + c
MATHEMATICS Coordinate System and Straight Lines 193

58. (b) A line which passes through the 66. (c) If the lines 2x + 3 y + a = 0 73. (c) Let S ≡ 3x + y − 5 = 0
points (5, 0) and ( 0,3) is and 5x + ky + a = 0 are parallel lines, Also, let A ≡ ( 0, 5), B ≡ ( 2, − 1)
x y
+ = 1 ⇒ 3x + 5 y − 15 = 0 ...(i) 2 3 a 15 C ≡ (3,−4)
5 3 then = ≠ ⇒ k = = 75. and
5 k a 2 S = 0 + 5 −5 = 0
Now, length of the perpendicular from A
the point ( 4,4) on the line (i) is 67. (a) Since, the required line is S = 6 − 1− 5 = 0
perpendicular to the line B
|3( 4) + 5( 4) − 15| 17 17 and S = 9 − 4 −5 = 0
= = = 3x + 4 y + 5 = 0. C
(3 ) 2 + (5 ) 2 34 2 So, the slope of required line is Thus, all three points lie on line
 −1  = 4 3x + y − 5 = 0
59. (a) The equation of line in intercept
form is x y  ( −3 / 4)  3 Now, let D ≡ ( 1,2)
+ =1 ...(i) AD = ( 1 − 0)2 + ( 2 − 5)2 = 10
a b Also, required line passing through the
Given, a + b = 14 ...(ii) point ( 4, − 5) . Then, its equation BD = ( 2 − 1) + ( −1 − 2) =
2 2
10
Since, the line (i) passes through the 4
3 4 ( y + 5) = ( x − 4) ⇒ 4x − 3 y = 31 and CD = ( 1 − 3) + ( 2 + 4) =
2 2 2
10
point (3, 4), then + = 1 3
a b Thus, only points A and B at a distance
3 4 68. (d) Perpendicular distance of the line
⇒ + = 1 [from Eq. (ii)] 3x + 4 y − 1 = 0 from the point ( 1, 1) 10 from (1, 2). Hence, correct option is
a ( 14 − a ) = Perpendicular distance of the line (c).
⇒ ( a − 6)( a − 7) = 0 ⇒ a = 6, 7 4x + 3 y + 2k = 0 from the point (1, 1) 74. (b) Given, equations of lines are
⇒ b = 8, 7 |3 × 1 + 4 × 1 − 1| |4 × 1 + 3 × 1 + 2k | x −1 y−2
⇒ = =
Hence, equations of straight lines are 9 + 16 16 + 9 2 3
1 ⇒ 3x − 2 y + 1 = 0 …(i)
4x + 3 y − 24 = 0 and x + y = 7 ⇒ 6 = 7 + 2k ⇒ 2k = − 1 ⇒ k = −
2 and 2x + 3 y = 5 .…(ii)
60. (d) 3
69. (b) ∴ Slope of line (i), m =
1
61. (c) Equation of straight line which 2
passes through the points (5, − 2) and 70. (c) Let the required equation be, 2
x y
+ =1 …(i) and slope of line (ii), m = −
7+ 2 2
3
( − 4, 7) is ( y + 2) = ( x − 5) a b
−4 − 5 ∴ mm = −1
whose intercept on X and Y-axes are a 1 2
∴ x+ y = 3 and b, respectively. Hence, two lines are perpendicular to
62. (b) We know that, the equation of Y′ each other.
straight line in intercept form is 75. (c) We have, A(3, 4) and B(5, − 2)
x y
+ =1 ...(i) (0, b)
Let P( x , y )
a b Given that, PA = PB
1 1
By given condition, a = and b =
m n (1, 2) ⇒ PA 2 = PB 2
∴ Required equation of line is (a, 0) ∴( x − 3)2 + ( y − 4)2
x y X′ X′
+ = 1 ⇒ mx + ny = 1 O Y′ = ( x − 5)2 + ( y + 2)2
( 1 / m ) ( 1 / n)
⇒ x − 3y = 1 ...(i)
63. (c) By the given condition, Area of ∆PAB = 10
a + 0 0 + b a
64. (a) Let the coordinates of point P is ( 1, 2) =  ,  ⇒ = 1⇒ a = 2 x y 1
( h, k ).  2 2  2 1
Now, by given condition, ∴ 3 4 1 = ± 10
and
b
= 2⇒b = 4 2 5 −2 1  
( h − 1)2 + ( k − 2)2 2  
= ( h + 2)2 + ( k − 3)2
Put the value of a and b in Eq. (i), we get ⇒ x ( 4 + 2) − y(3 − 5) + 1 ( −6 − 20)
x y
+ =1 = ± 20
⇒ 3h − k + 4 = 0 2 4 ⇒ 6x + 2 y − 26 = ± 20
So, the locus of P is 3x − y + 4 = 0, ⇒ 2x + y = 4 ⇒ 6x + 2 y = 46 ...(ii)
which represent a straight line. 71. (a) or 6x + 2 y = 6 ...(iii)
65. (c) Let A ≡ (5,2) and B ≡ ( −2,3) On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
2−0 2 72. (d) The given equation of lines are x = 7, y = 2
Slope of OA (m ) = =
1
5−0 5 3x − 4 y + 12 = 0 …(i) Similarly, solving Eqs. (i) and (iii),
−15 − 0 −5 and 3x − 4 y − 6 = 0 …(ii) we get x = 1, y = 0
and slope of OB (m ) = =
2
6−0 2 So, the equation of line mid way Hence, coordinates of P are (7, 2) and
between the given lines is (1, 0).
2 −5
Q m ⋅m = × =−1 12 + ( −6)
1 2
5 2 3x − 4 y + =0 76 (b) We have, equation of line is
2
i.e. angle between OA and OB is π/ 2. ⇒ 3x − 4 y + 3 = 0 bx cos α + ay sin α − ab = 0
194 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Perpendicular distance from point 2−1 Equation of line passing through point
y−2= ( x − 1) ⇒ x + y − 3 = 0
( a − b , 0) is d
2 2 1− 2 of intersection of these two lines is
1
∴ Coordinates of point is given by ( bx + ay − ab ) + λ( ax + by − ab ) = 0
 b cos α a 2 − b 2 + 0 − ab  x + 2 y − 3 −( −2 + 3 − 3) Since, it passes through origin (0, 0).
=  = =
1 1 12 + 12 ∴ − ab + λ( − ab ) = 0 ⇒ λ = −1
 b cos α + a sin α 
2 2 2 2
⇒ x + 2 = 1 and y − 3 = 1 Hence, required equation of line is
Similarly, perpendicular distance from
⇒ x = −1 and y = 4 ( bx + ay − ab ) − ( ax + by − ab ) = 0
point ( − a 2 − b 2 ,0) is Hence, the required foot of altitude is ⇒ ( b − a )x − ( b − a ) y = 0
 − b cos α a 2 − b 2 + 0 − ab  ( −1, 4).
d =  ∴ x−y=0
2
b 2 cos 2 α + a 2 sin 2 α  80. (b) We have, 6x + 8 y + 15 = 0
 85. (a) Equation of the line perpendicular to
Now, d × d and 6x + 8 y + 18 = 0 5x − y = 0 is x + 5 y = λ.
1 2
∴ Perpendicular distance between Y
λ
( b cos α a 2 − b 2 − ab )  18 − 15 3 B 0,
  them is = unit 5
36 + 64 10
( b cos α a 2 − b 2 + ab ) 
A (λ, 0)
=   81. (b) Equation of line perpendicular to the X′
O X
( b 2 cos 2 α + a 2 sin 2 α ) line 3x + y − 3 = 0 is x − 3 y + k = 0 Y′
  Since, it passes through point (2, 2). Now, area of ∆AOB = 5 sq units
( b 2 cos 2 α + a 2 sin 2 α ) 1 λ
  ∴2 − 6 + k = 0 ⇒ k = 4 ⇒ λ × =5 ⇒ λ = ± 5 2
2 5
b 2 cos 2 α( a 2 − b 2 ) − a 2 b 2 ∴ Required equation of the line is
= x y ∴Equation of the lines are
b 2 cos 2 α + a 2 sin 2 α ⇒ x − 3y + 4 = 0 ⇒ + =1 x + 5y = ± 5 2
−4 4 / 3 i.e. x + 5 y m 5 2 = 0
a 2 b 2 (cos 2 α − 1) − b 4 cos 2 α 4
= So, y-intercept is . 86. (b) The figure formed by the lines
b 2 cos 2 α + a 2 sin 2 α 3 ax + by + c = 0, ax − by + c = 0,
− b 2 [ a 2 sin 2 α + b 2 cos 2 α ] 82. (d) We have, ∆ = 3 sq units ax + by − c = 0 and ax − by − c = 0 is
= shown below
b 2 cos 2 α + a 2 sin 2 α 5 2 1
1 B 0, c
= −b 2 = b 2 ∴ 3 4 1 =3 b
2
77. (a) Let P( x , y ) is the circumcentre of a 5 1 c
– ,0 c, 0
the ∆ ABC . 1
[5( 4 − 5) − 2(3 − a ) + 1 ( 15 − 4 a )] = 3 a C A a
∴ AP 2 = PB 2 ⇒ ( x + 2)2 + ( y − 3)2 2
= ( x − 2)2 + ( y − 1)2 ⇒ 2 − a = ± 3 ⇒ a = 5 or −1 0, –
c
∴ a =5 b
⇒ 2x − y + 2 = 0 …(i) D
Also, AP 2 = PC 2 ⇒( x + 2)2 + ( y − 3)2 83. (b) Clearly, ABCD is a rhombus and its area
Y
= ( x − 1)2 + ( y − 2)2 1
= × Product of diagonals
2
⇒ 3x − y + 4 = 0 …(ii)
5 1 2c 2c 2c 2
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get = × × = sq units
60° 120° X 2 b a ab
x = − 2 and y = − 2 X′
(a, 0) 87. (b) Since, the point of intersection of
y = 0 and 4x + 4 y = 1 is  , 0 and
Hence, the required circumcentre is 1
Y′
( −2, − 2). 4 
Let the required line intercept X-axis at a.
78. (b) Given, vertices of a triangle are  1 , 0 lies on the line 8x − 3 y = 2.
Slope of the line is 4 
A( −2, 3), B( 2, 1) and C ( 1, 2).
Centroid of the ∆ABC m = tan 120° = − 3 Hence, the given lines are concurrent.
−2 + 2 + 1 3 + 1 + 2   1  5 10
=  ,  =  , 2 Also, sin 60° = ⇒ a= 88. (c) Given, 3x + 4 y − 24 = 0
 3 3  3  a 3
Y
∴ Equation of line passing through B (0, 6)
79. (d) Let D be the foot of altitude from A
 10 ,0 and having slope − 3 is
in ∆ABC and D ≡ ( x , y )  
 3  A(8, 0)
(1, 2) C X′ X
O
y − 0 = − 3  x −
10 

D  3
Y′
⇒ 3x + y = 10 Its x-intercept A = (8, 0)
A B 84. (a) We have,
x y
+ =1 …(i) and y-intercept B = ( 0, 6)
.
(–2, 3) (2, 1) a b Since, AOB is a right angled triangle.
x y
Equation of line BC is and + =1 …(ii) So, the mid-point of hypotenuse is the
b a circumcentre.
⇒ bx + ay = ab and ax + by = ab Hence, circumcentre
MATHEMATICS Coordinate System and Straight Lines 195

8+ 0 0+ 6
= , = ( 4, 3) 0 0 1 Y
2 2 1 (0, y)
Area of ∆OAB = 3 9 1 Q
89. (c) Given, 3x cos φ + 5 y sin φ = 15 2
3/ 2 9 1 (3, 5)
Lengths of perpendicular from the point
( ± 4, 0), 1 27 27
= 27 −  = sq units X′
5
X
2  2  4 O 3 P
12 cos φ − 15
p = …(i) (x,0)
1
9 cos 2 φ + 25 sin 2 φ 92. (b) Let C ( x , y ) be the centroid of the
triangle. Y′
−12 cos φ − 15 3
and p = …(ii) 0+3+ 0+ y
2
9 cos 2 φ + 25 sin 2 φ Then, x = 2 =3 and = 5 ⇒ y = 10
3 2 2
On multiplying Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get 0+ 9+ 9 1
and y = =6 ∴ Area of ∆POQ = × OP × OQ
− ( 12 cos φ − 15)( 12 cos φ + 15) 3 2
p p =
Coordinates of the centroid is  , 6 .
3 1
1 2
9 cos 2 φ + 25 sin 2 φ 2  = × 6 × 10 = 30 sq units
2
144 cos 2 φ − 225 Sol. (Q. Nos. 93-95) Since, in a parallelogram Sol. (Q. Nos. 97-98) Consider the two lines
= =9 diagonals bisect each other. x + y + 1 = 0 and 3x + 2 y + 1 = 0
9 + 16 sin 2 φ A(1, 2) B(4, y)
97. (d) Given lines are
90. (a) Equation of line passing through
x + y + 1= 0 ...(i)
(3,2) and perpendicular to line
2 y = x + 3 is and 3x + 2 y + 1 = 0 ...(ii)
O
y − 2 = − 2 ( x − 3) Point of intersection of these two lines is
⇒ 2x + y − 8 = 0 …(ii) ( 1, − 2).
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get Y

P ≡  , 
13 14 D(3, 5) C(x, 6)
X′ X
 5 5 O
∴ Mid-point of AC = Mid-point of DB
x + 1 6 + 2  4 + 3 y + 5 y = –2
Equation of line passing through (3,2) ⇒  ,  ≡ ,  –1 (1, –2)
and perpendicular to X - axis is x = 3  2 2   2 2 
Y′
Coordinate at point Q = (3, 0) x+1 7
⇒ = ⇒ x =6
Now, equation of line PQ is 2 2 ∴ Required equation of line,
0−
14 and y + 5 = 6 + 2 ⇒ y = 3 y = − 2 or y + 2 = 0
y−
14
= 5  x − 13  ∴ Coordinates of O are  , 
7 8
98. (b) Equation of line parallel to Y-axis is
5 13  5  2 2
3− x = c, since this line passes through
i.e.  , 4 .
5 7 ( 1,−2).
⇒ 7x + y − 21 = 0 2 
∴ Required equation is x − 1 = 0
91. (a) Given, lines are y = 3x ...(i) 93. (c) Now, AC 2 = ( 6 − 1)2 + ( 6 − 2)2 = 41 Y
y = 6x ...(ii) and y = 9 ...(iii) and BD = ( 4 − 3) + (3 − 5) = 5
2 2 2

Y y=6x ∴ AC 2 − BD 2 = 41 − 5 = 36
y=3x
3 ,9 94. (a) X′ X
2 O
B A y=9
(3, 9) 95. (d) Vertices of parallelogram ABCD in (1, –2)
(0, 0) order are (1,2), (4,3), (6,6), and (3,5)
X′ X x =1
O M
1 ( 1 − 6) ( 2 − 6) Y′
∴ Area of parallelogram =
2 ( 4 − 3 ) (3 − 5 ) 99. (a) Since, ( a , 2b ) is the mid-point of the
line segment joining the points ( 10, − 6)
1 −5 −4 14 and ( k , 4), therefore we have
= = = 7 sq units
Y′ 2 1 −2 2 ( a , 2b ) = 
10 + k −6 + 4 
, 
On solving Eqs. (i) and (iii), we get  2 2 
x = 3, y = 9
96. (d) Let coordinates of P and Q be ( x , 0) 10 + k
and ( 0, y ), respectively. ⇒ a=
∴ Coordinates of A = (3, 9) 2
x+0 Also, it is given that a − 2b = 7
On solving Eqs. (ii) and (iii), we get ∴ Mid-point of PQ is =3
2 10 + k
− 2  −  = 7
3 1
x =
,y=9 ⇒ x =6 ⇒
2  2
2
⇒ 10 + k + 2 = 14 ⇒ k = 2
∴ Coordinates of B =  , 9
3
2  100. (a)
17
196 NDA/NA Pathfinder

CIRCLE
In NDA exam, generally 2-3 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on finding
radius of circle, distance between centre of two circles, condition for touching two circles/a line
and a circle etc.

A circle is defined as the locus of a point which Then, the equation of circle is
moves in a plane such that its distance from a ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k) 2 = k 2
fixed point in that plane is always constant. The
fixed point is called the centre and the constant or x 2 + y 2 − 2hx − 2ky + h 2 = 0
distance is called the radius of the circle. 2. Circle touching the Y-axis Let the circle
Equation of a Circle in Standard touches theY-axis and has its centre C ( h, k).
Y
Form
Let C( h, k) be the centre of the
r=h
circle and the radius of the r P(x, y)
C(h, k)
circle be r, then equation of C(h,k)
circle in standard form X′
O
X

( x − h) + ( y − k) = r
2 2 2 Y′
Then, the equation of circle is
Note Above equation is known as the central form of the ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k) 2 = h 2
equation of a circle.
or x + y 2 − 2hx − 2ky + k 2 = 0
2

Equation of Circle in 3. Circle touching both the axes Let the circle
Particular Cases touches both the axes.
Y
1. Circle touching the X-axis Let the circle
touches the X-axis and has its centre C ( h, k).
Y
r C(h, k)
r
X′ X
C(h, k) O r=h=k
Y′
r=k
X′ X Then, the equation of circle is
O
( x − r ) 2 + ( y − r ) 2 = r 2 or
Y′
x 2 + y 2 − 2rx − 2ry + r 2 = 0
MATHEMATICS Circle 197

4. Circle centre at origin If the Y

Intercepts on the Axes
centre of the circle is at origin Y
The lengths of intercepts made B2
and radius is ‘r’, then the
r=k by the circle
equation of the circle is X′ X
C(0, 0) x 2 + y 2 + 2g x + 2 fy + c = 0 with
(x − 0 ) + ( y − 0 ) = k
2 2 2
B1
⇒ x 2 + y 2 = k2 X - axis = A1 A 2 = 2 g 2 − c X′ O
A1 A2
X
Y′ Y′
Y - axis = B1 B2 = 2 f 2 − c
General Equation of a Circle
The general second degree equation in x and y is Note Intercepts are always positive.
ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2 f y + c = 0, represents a circle Concentric Circle
whose centre is ( − g , − f ) and radius = g 2 + f 2 − c , when Two circles having the same centre C ( h, k) but
a = b and h = 0. different radii r1 and r 2 , respectively are called
concentric circles.
EXAMPLE 1. The equation of the circle which touches Equation of concentric circle with
X-axis at (3, 0) and passes through (1, 4) is given by x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is
a. x2 + y 2 − 6 x − 5y + 9 = 0 b. x2 + y 2 + 6 x + 5y − 9 = 0
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c1 = 0
c. x2 + y 2 − 6 x + 5y − 9 = 0 d. x2 + y 2 + 6 x − 5y + 9 = 0
Therefore, the equations of concentric circles differ
5 Y only in constant term.
Sol. k 2 = 4 + ( k − 4) 2 ⇒ k =
2
(1, 4) (3, k)
Hence, the required equation of Equation of Circle if Coordinates of
5 2 5 2 End Points of Diameter are Known
circle is ( x − 3) 2 +  y −  =  
X′ X
(3, 0)
 2   2 Y′
If ( x1 , y1 ) and ( x 2 , y 2 ) are the end points of the
⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 6x − 5 y + 9 = 0 diameter of a circle, then equation of circle is
( x − x1 ) ( x − x 2 ) + ( y − y1 ) ( y − y 2 ) = 0
Nature of Circle
1. If g 2 + f 2 − c > 0, then the radius of the circle is real
C
and circle is also real. A(x1, y1) B(x2, y2)

2. If g + f − c = 0, then radius of circle is zero and

2 2

circle is known as a point circle.

3. If g 2 + f 2 − c < 0, then radius is imaginary but the Position of a Point with
centre is real and such circle is called imaginary Respect to the Circle
circle, not possible to draw such a circle.
Let S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 be the equation of a
EXAMPLE 2. Find the equation of the circle, whose circle, then a point P ( x1 , y1 ), in the XY-plane lies
centre is at (−1, 2) and which passes through the point (i) on the circle, if S1 = 0
(3, 5). (ii) outside the circle, if S1 > 0
a. x2 + y 2 + 2x + 4 y + 20 = 0 b. x2 + y 2 + 2x − 4 y + 20 = 0
(iii) inside the circle, if S1 < 0
c. x2 + y 2 − 2x + 4 y + 20 = 0 d. x2 + y 2 + 2x − 4 y − 20 = 0
where, S1 ≡ x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2 fy1 + c
Sol. . The centre of the circle is at ( −1, 2). Since, the point
(3, 5) lies on the circle, the distance of the centre from this Equation of Tangent
point is the radius r of the circle. Therefore, we obtain 1. Equation of tangent at the point P ( x1 , y1 ) to a
r = ( −1 − 3) 2 + ( 2 − 5) 2 = 16 + 9 = 5 circle x 2 + y 2 + 2g x + 2 fy + c = 0 is
The equation of the circle with centre at ( −1, 2) and radius 5 xx1 + yy1 + g ( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c = 0
is given by 2. Equation of tangent to circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 at
( x + 1) 2 + ( y − 2) 2 = 52 or x2 + y 2 + 2x − 4y − 20 = 0
( x1 , y1 ) is given by xx1 + yy1 = a 2 .
198 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Length of Tangent Sol. Let S1 ≡ x2 + y 2 − 6x = 0

and S 2 ≡ x2 + y 2 + 6x + 2y + 1 = 0
1. The length of tangent from an external point
The coordinates of the centres of the given circles are
( x1 , y1 ) to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0, is
C1( 3, 0) and C 2( − 3, − 1).
x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2 fy1 + c . Radius of S1 = r1 = 32 + 0 − 0 = 3
2. The length of the tangent from an external point Radius of S 2 = r2 = ( − 3) 2 + ( − 1) 2 − 1 = 3
( x1 , y1 ) to the circle
Now, C1 C 2 = ( 3 + 3) 2 + (0 + 1) 2 = 37 > r1 + r2
x 2 + y 2 = a 2 is x12 + y12 − a 2
So, 4 common tangents can be drawn to the given circles.
EXAMPLE 3. The equations of the tangents to the Common Chord of Two Circles
circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 parallel to the line 3x + y + 3 = 0
Let the two circles be
are
S1 ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 = 0
a. 3x + y ± 2a b. 3x + y ± a = 0
S 2 ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2g 2 x + 2 f 2 y + c 2 = 0
c. 3x + y ± 4 a = 0 d. None of these
The equation of the common chord of the above two
Sol. Equation of line parallel to the 3x + y + 3 = 0
circles
is 3x + y + k = 0.
S1 = 0 and S 2 = 0, is S1 − S 2 = 0.
But it is a tangent to the circle x2 + y 2 = a2, then
or 2( g1 − g 2 )x + 2 ( f1 − f 2 ) y + 2 ( c1 − c 2 ) = 0
k
=a ⇒ k = ± 2a
1+ 3 EXAMPLE 5. Find the length of common chord of the
Hence, the required equation is 3x + y ± 2a = 0 circles x 2 + y 2 + 2x + 6 y = 0 and x 2 + y 2 − 4x − 2y − 6 = 0.
2 3 2
Contact of Two Circles a. 106 b. 107 c. 108 d. None of these
5 5 5
Different cases at intersection at two circles Let the Sol. The equation of common chord of the circles
equation of two circles be
S1 ≡ x12 + y 2 + 2x + 6y = 0
( x − h1 ) + ( y − k1 ) = a12
2 2
...(i) and S 2 ≡ x2 + y 2 − 4x − 2y − 6 = 0
( x − h2 ) 2 + ( y − k2 ) 2 = a 22 ...(ii) is S1 − S 2 = 0 or 6x + 8y + 6 = 0 or 3x + 4y + 3 = 0
with centres C1 ( h1 , k1 ) and C 2 ( h2 , k2 ) and radii a1 and Centre of s1 is ( −1, − 3), radius = 1+ 9 = 10
a 2 , respectively, then the following cases of intersection Length of perpendicular from ( −1, − 3) to 3x + 4y + 3 = 0
at these two circles may arise |−3 − 12 + 3| 12
= = …(i)
9 + 16 5
(i) C1 C 2 > a1 + a 2 : two circles do not touch each
other. Length of common chord = 2 (radius) 2 − [by Eq. (i)]2
Number of common tangents = 4 = 2 10 −
144 2
= 106
(ii) When C1C 2 = a1 + a 2 : two circles touch each other 25 5
externally. Number of common tangents = 3
Angle of Intersection of Two Circles
(iii) When C1C 2 < a1 + a 2 : two circle intersect each other.
The angle of intersection θ of the two circles with
Number of common tangents = 2
centres at C1 and C 2 and the respective radii r1 and r 2 is
(iv) When C1C 2 = a1 − a 2 : two circles touch each given by
other internally.
r12 + r 22 − (C1C 2 ) 2 r12 + r 22 − d 2
Number of common tangents = 1 cos θ = =
2r1r 2 2r1r 2
EXAMPLE 4. How many common tangents can be where C1C 2 = d
drawn to the following circles x 2 + y 2 = 6 x and Two circles intersect orthogonally, if angle of
x 2 + y 2 + 6 x + 2y + 1 = 0? intersection between them is 90°, i.e. if
a. 4 b. 3 c. 2 d. 1
MATHEMATICS Circle 199

A
r1 r2
⇒ ( g12 + f12 − c1 ) 2 + ( g 22 + f 22 − c 2 ) 2
θ

C1 C2 = ( g12 + f12 + g 22 + f 22 − 2g1 g 2 − 2 f1 f 2 ) 2

⇒ 2g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 = c1 + c 2
r12 + r 22 − (C1C 2 ) 2 Equation of a Circle in Parametric Form
cos 90 ° = 0 =
2r1r 2 Let P ( x, y) be any point on the circle with centre at
Thus, r1 + r 2 − (C1C 2 ) = 0
2 2 2
C ( h, k) and radius r, then x = h + r cos α and
y = k + r sin α. So, these are the parametric equations of
i.e. (C1C 2 ) 2 = r12 + r 22 the circle, where α is called parameter.

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. For the equation ax 2 + by 2 + 2hxy + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0, 8. Locus of the centre of the circle which always
where a ≠ 0, to represent a circle, the condition passes through the fixed points ( a , 0) and ( −a , 0) is
will be (a) x = 1 (b) x + y = 6 (c) x + y = 2 a (d) x = 0
(a) a = b and c = 0 (b) f = g and h = 0 9. Under which one of the following conditions does
(c) a = b and h = 0 (d) f = g and c = 0 the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 meet the
2. The equation of the circle passing through (4, 5) X-axis in two points on opposite sides of the
having the centre at (2, 2) is origin?
(a) x2 + y2 + 4x + 4 y − 5 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 − 4x − 4 y − 5 = 0 (a) c > 0 (b) c < 0 (c) c = 0 (d) c ≤ 0
(c) x2 + y2 − 4x = 13 (d) x2 + y2 − 4x − 4 y + 5 = 0 10. The centre of the circle ( x − α )2 + ( y − β )2 = 9 lies
3. Equation of circle which passes through the on the straight line x = y and the circle touches
points (1, − 2) and ( 3, − 4) and touch the X-axis is the circle x 2 + y 2 = 1 externally. What are the
(a) x2 + y2 + 6x + 2 y + 9 = 0 values of α , β?
(b) x2 + y2 + 10x + 20 y + 25 = 0
(a) α = ± 2 2 , β = ± 2 2 (b) α = ± 2 , β = ± 2
(c) x2 + y2 + 6x + 4 y + 9 = 0
(c) α = 0, β = 0 (d) α = 2 , β = 2
(d) None of the above
4. A square is inscribed in the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx 11. Consider a circle of radius R. What is the length
of a chord which subtends an angle θ at the centre?
+ 2 fy + c = 0 of radius r, then length of its side is θ θ
(a) r (b) r 2
1
(c) r (d) 2 (a) 2 Rsin   (b) 2Rsin θ (c) 2 R tan   (d) 2R tan θ
2 2
2
5. The lines 2x − 3 y = 5 and 3x − 4 y = 7 are 12. What is the equation to the circle which touches
diameters of a circle of area 154 sq units. Then, both the axes and has centre on the line
the equation of this circle is x + y = 4?
(a) x2 + y2 + 2 x − 2 y = 62 (b) x2 + y2 + 2 x − 2 y = 47 (a) x2 + y2 − 4x + 4 y + 4 = 0
(c) x + y − 2 x + 2 y = 47
2 2
(d) x + y − 2 x + 2 y = 62
2 2
(b) x2 + y2 − 4x − 4 y + 4 = 0
6. The radius of the circle passing through the (c) x2 + y2 + 4x − 4 y − 4 = 0
point P ( 6, 2), two of whose diameter are x + y = 6 (d) x2 + y2 + 4x + 4 y − 4 = 0
and x + 2 y = 4 is
(a) 10 (b) 2 5 (c) 6 (d) 4
13. A square is inscribed in a circle
x 2 + y 2 − 2x + 4 y + 3 = 0. Its sides are parallel to
7. Equation of a circle passing through ( −1, − 2) and
the coordinate axes. Then, one of the vertex of
concentric with the circle x 2 + y 2 − 3x + 4 y − c = 0 the square is
is (a) (1 + 2 , − 2 )
(a) x2 + y2 − 3x + 4 y − 1 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 − 3x + 4 y = 0 (b) (1 − 2 , − 2 )
(c) x2 + y2 − 3x + 4 y + 2 = 0 (d) None of these (c) (1, − 2 + 2 )
(d) None of the above
200 NDA/NA Pathfinder

(a) x2 + y2 = a2 (b) x2 + y2 + a2 = 0
14. Consider the following statements
I. Number of circles touching the given three (c) x + y + 2 x + 2 y = a
2 2 2
(d) x2 + y2 − 2 x − 2 y = a2
non-concurrent lines is 4. 22. How many tangents can be drawn from the
II. Number of circles passing through (1, 2), (4, 8) origin to the circle that we get in above question?
and (0, 0) is one. (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) Only II Directions (Q. Nos. 23-25) Consider the two circles
(c) Both I and II (d) None of these S1 ≡ x 2 + y 2 = 16 and S 2 ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 10y = 23
15. Consider the following statements with centres C1 and C 2, respectively and radius r1 and r2,
I. The equation x2 + y2 + 2x − 10 y + 30 = 0, respectively.
represents the equation of a circle. 23. Which of the following is true?
II. If point (0, g ) lies inside the circle (a) r1 > r2 (b) r1 < r2 (c) r1 = r2 (d) r2 > r1
x2 + y2 + 2 gx + c = 0, then c < 0. 24. Find C1 C2.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (a) 2 (b) 29 (c) 41 (d) 5
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
25. Find the number of common tangents drawn to
S1 and S 2.
16. Consider the following circles (a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 3 (d) 4
I. x2 + y2 + 4x − 6 y − 12 = 0
II. x2 + y2 − 12x − 14 y + 60 = 0 Directions (Q. Nos. 26-28) Consider the two circles
III. x2 + y2 − 10x + 8 y + 18 = 0 S1 ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4y + 11 = 0 and
Which of the above circles has equal area? S 2 ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 4x + 6y + 9 = 0.
(a) I, II (b) I, III (c) II, III (d) I, II, III
26. The equation of common chord is
Directions (Q. Nos. 17-18) Consider the circle (a) y − x = 1 (b) x − y = 1
(c) x + y − 1 = 0 (d) x + y = 1
S ≡ x + 4x + (y − 3) = 0.
2 2

27. The angle of intersection of the two circle is

17. From the point A( 0, 3) on the circle a chord AB is (a) 30° (b) 45° (c) 60° (d) 90°
drawn and extended to a point P. Such that
AP = 2 AB. The locus of P is 28. The value of k so that x + y + kx + 3 y + k = 0
2 2

(a) x + ( y − 3) = 0
2 2
(b) x + 4x + ( y + 3) = 0
2 2 and circle S1 cut orthogonally, is
8 8 5 5
(c) x2 + 8x + ( y − 3)2 = 6 (d) (x + 4)2 + ( y − 3)2 = 16 (a) (b) − (c) (d) −
3 3 4 4
18. The distance of the origin from the centre of S is
7 Directions (Q. Nos. 29-32) Consider the two circles
(a) (b) 4 (c) 13 (d) 15
2 S1 ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 4 = 0 and S 2 ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 6 x − 8y − 24 = 0.

Directions (Q. Nos. 19-20) Consider the circle 29. The two circles S1 and S 2
S ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 12y + 15 = 0. (a) touch each other externally
(b) touch each other internally
19. The equation of circle which is concentric with (c) cuts each other at two points
circle S and has area double of its area is
(d) None of the above
(a) x2 + y2 − 6x + 12 y − 15 = 0
(b) x2 + y2 − 6x + 12 y + 40 = 0 30. The number of common tangents to the given
circles is
(c) x2 + y2 − 6x + 12 y + 45 = 0
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 3 (d) 4
(d) None of the above
31. The number of tangents from centre of circle S 2
20. Which of the following line is a diameter of the
to the circle S1 is
circle S?
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) None of these
(a) 2 y + 3x + 3 = 0 (b) 3 y + 2 x + 7 = 0
(c) x + y − 3 = 0 (d) x − y + 9 = 0 32. Consider the following statements
I. Equation of common chord is 3x + 4 y + 10 = 0.
Directions (Q. Nos. 21-22) A circle always passes
II. Equation of common tangent is 4 y + 3x = 5.
through the fixed points (a, 0) and ( −a, 0).
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
21. If given points are the ends of diameter, then the (a) Only I (b) Only II
equation of circle is
(c) Both I and II (d) None of these
MATHEMATICS Circle 201

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS 40. If the centre of the circle passing through the
origin is (3, 4), then the intercepts cut-off by the
33. What is the radius of the circle touching X-axis circle on X-axis and Y-axis, respectively are
at (3, 0) and Y-axis at (0, 3)? e 2012 II
e 2015 II
(a) 3 units (b) 4 units (c) 5 units (d) 6 units (a) 3 units and 4 units (b) 6 units and 4 units
34. The angle subtended at the centre of a circle of (c) 3 units and 8 units (d) 6 units and 8 units
radius 3 cm by an arc of length 1 cm is e 2012 II 41. If a circle of radius b units with centre at ( 0, b)
30° 60°
(a) (b) (c) 60° (d) 30° touches the line y = x − 2, then what is the
π π
value of b? e 2016 I
35. Which one of the following points lies inside a (a) 2 + 2 (b) 2 − 2 (c) 2 2 (d) 2
circle of radius 6 and centre at (3, 5)? e 2013 I
(a) (−2, − 1) (b) (0, 1) (c) (−1, − 2 ) (d) (2, − 1) Directions (Q. Nos. 42-43) Consider the two circles
36. The radius of the circle x + y2 + x + c = 0
2 ( x − 1) 2 + (y − 3) 2 = r 2 and x 2 + y 2 − 8 x + 2y + 8 = 0
e 2016 I
passing through the origin is e 2013 II
(a)
1
(b)
1
(c) 1 (d) 2
42. What is the distance between the centres of the
4 2 two circles?
(a) 5 units (b) 6 units (c) 8 units (d) 10 units
Directions (Q. Nos. 37-38) Read the following
information carefully and answer the questions
43. If the circles intersect at two distinct points,
then which one of the following is correct?
given below.
(a) r = 1 (b) 1 < r < 2 (c) r = 2 (d) 2 < r < 8
Consider the circles x 2 + y 2 + 2 ax + c = 0 and
x 2 + y 2 + 2 by + c = 0. e 2014 II Directions (Q. Nos. 44-45) Consider a circle passing
37. What is the distance between the centres of the through the origin and the points ( a, b) and ( − b, − a).
two circles? e 2016 I
(a) a2 + b 2 (b) a2 + b 2 44. On which line does the
(c) a + b (d) 2(a + b ) centre of the circle lie?
38. The two circles touch each other, if (a) x + y=0
1 1 1 (b) x − y=0
(a) c = a2 + b 2 (b) = + 2 (c) x + y=a+ b S=0
c a2 b L=0
1 1 1 (d) x − y = a2 − b 2 S + λL = 0
(c) c = + (d) c = 2
a2 b2 a + b2 45. What is the sum of the squares of the intercepts
cut-off by the circle on the axes?
39. A straight line x = y + 2 touches the circle 2 2
4 ( x 2 + y 2 ) = r 2. The value of r is  a2 + b 2   a2 + b 2 
e 2015 II (a)  2  (b) 2  
(a) 2 (b) 2 2  a − b2   a−b 
2
(c) 2 (d) 1  a2 + b 2 
(c) 4   (d) None of these
 a−b 

ANSWERS
1 c 2 b 3 b 4 b 5 c 6 b 7 b 8 d 9 b 10 b
11 a 12 b 13 d 14 a 15 b 16 a 17 d 18 c 19 a 20 a
21 a 22 a 23 b 24 c 25 b 26 c 27 b 28 d 29 b 30 b
31 c 32 a 33 a 34 b 35 b 36 b 37 a 38 b 39 b 40 d
41 a 42 a 43 b 44 a 45 b
 HINTS AND SOLUTIONS
1. (c) The general equation of circle is 7. (b) The terms of x and y will remain ∴ Length of the chord
x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0. …(i) the same as the two circles are θ
concentric. The new constant λ = 0 as it AB = 2 AD = 2R sin  
Hence, on comparing the given equation  2
passes through ( −1, − 2 ). By putting
with Eq. (i), we get point (−1, −2) in the equation. 12. (b) We know that, the equation of circle,
a = b and h = 0 which touches both the axes, is
8. (d) If ( h , k ) is centre C and A , B be the
2. (b) Here, r = Distance between (4, 5) x 2 + y 2 − 2rx − 2ry + r 2 = 0 …(i)
given points, then
and (2, 2) The centre ( r , r ) of this circle lies on the
∴ r 2 = 4 + 9 = 13 CA 2 = CB 2 ⇒ 4ah = 0 ⇒ h = 0 line x + y = 4.
⇒ ( x − 2)2 + ( y − 2)2 = 13 ∴ x =0 ∴ r + r = 4 ⇒r = 2
⇒ x + y − 4x − 4 y − 5 = 0
2 2
9. (b) The circle On putting the value of r in Eq. (i), we
get x 2 + y 2 − 4x − 4 y + 4 = 0
3. (b) Since, the circle touches X-axis. x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0,
which is the required equation of the
∴ ( x − h) + ( y − k ) = k
2 2 2
…(i) meets X-axis ( y = 0) in two points on circle.
Also, it passes through given points opposite sides of origin.
13. (d) Centre of the circle is ( 1, − 2) and
( 1 − h ) 2 + ( −2 − k ) 2 = k 2 …(ii) It means x 2 + 2 gx + c = 0 sides of the inscribed square are parallel
and (3 − h )2 + ( −4 − k )2 = k 2 …(iii) − 2g ± 4 g 2 − 4c to the coordinate axes. Hence, no vertex
On subtracting Eq. (iii) from Eq. (ii), we ⇒ x = of the square can have its coordinates x
2 as 1 and y as − 2.
get h = k + 5
On solving these equations, we get =− g± g2 − c
14. (a)
k = −10,−2 and h = − 5, 3
Circle meets the X-axis in two points on 15. (b) I. The radius of this circle
By putting the values of opposite side of origin = 12 + ( −5)2 − 30 = ( −4)
( h , k ) = ( −5, − 10) or (3, − 2) in Eq. (i),
Hence, which is imaginary.
we get x 2 + y 2 + 10x + 20 y + 25 = 0
− g+ g 2 − c > 0, − g − g 2 − c < 0 So, Statement I is false.
4. (b) If a is the side of the square inscribed II. Since, ( 0, g ) lies inside
in a circle of radius r, then a 2 + a 2 = ⇒ g2 − c > g ⇒ g2 − c > g2 ⇒ c < 0
S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + c = 0
(Diameter)2
∴ 2a 2 = 4r 2 10. (b) The centre and radius of circle ∴ S = 0 + g2 + 0 + c < 0
1
⇒ a=r 2 ( x − α )2 + ( y − β )2 = 9 are (α , β ) and
⇒ g2 + c < 0 ⇒ c < 0 [Q g 2 > 0]
5. (c) If r is radius of the circle, 3, respectively.
So, Statement II is true.
then πr 2 = 154 Since, (α , β ) lies on the straight line
y = x. 16. (a) I. Centre = ( − 2, 3)
= 49  taking π =
7 22 
∴ r 2 = 154 × Radius = ( −2)2 + 32 + 12
22  7  ∴ α =β …(i)
= 25 = 5
⇒ r=7 Now, this circle touches the circle
∴ Area = 25 π
x 2 + y 2 = 1 externally.
Also, solving the equation of two given II. Centre = ( 6, 7)
diameters, we get the coordinates of the ∴α 2 + β 2 = 3 + 1 ⇒ α 2 + β 2 = 4 Radius = 62 + 72 − 60 = 25 = 5
centre as ( 1, − 1).
⇒ 2α 2 = 4 [using Eq. (i)] ∴ Area = 25 π
Hence, the equation of the circle is
⇒ α=± 2 III. Centre = (5, − 4)
( x − 1)2 + ( y + 1)2 = 72 = 49
∴ α=± 2 and β = ± 2 Radius = 52 + ( − 4)2 − 18 = 23
⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 2x + 2 y = 47 ∴ Area = 23 π
11. (a) In ∆ADO,
6. (b) The centre of circle is the intersection So, I and II have equal area.
θ AD AD
of equations of the diameter sin = = 17. (d) Let the coordinates of P be ( h , k ).
x + y=6 ...(i) 2 OA R
Then, B is the mid-point of AP. So, the
and x + 2y = 4 ...(ii) h k + 3
coordinates of B are  , .
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get 2 2 
x =8 O Since, B lies on the circle.
and y=−2
R R
∴ Radius of circle is the distance θ/2 θ/2
between P( 6, 2) and C (8, − 2)
A D B
Radius = (8 − 6)2 + ( 2 + 2)2 (h , k )
θ A(0, 3)
⇒ AD = R sin B P
=2 5 2
MATHEMATICS Circle 203

x 2 + 4x + ( y − 3)2 = 0 P tangent is same as equation of

2
k+3
2 common chord.
+ 4  +  − 3 = 0
h h (r2)
∴ 2 √2 (r1)
4  2  2  θ So, Statement II is false.
⇒ h 2 + 8h + ( k − 3)2 = 0 C2 C1 33. (a) Radius of the circle, AC = BC
Hence, the locus of P ( h , k ) is Y
x 2 + 8x + ( y − 3)2 = 0.
Let r and r be their radii
18. (c) We have, 1 2
C(3, 3)
(0, 3) B
S ≡ x 2 + 4x + y 2 + 9 − 6 y = 0 r = 9 + 4 − 11 = 2
1
or S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 4x − 6 y + 9 = 0 and r = 4+ 9−9 = 2 3
2
Centre of circle, S = ( − 2, 3) Also,
O 3 A (3, 0) X
Required distance from origin C C = (3 − 2 ) 2 + ( −2 + 3 ) 2 = 2
1 2
= ( −2 ) + (3 ) =
2 2
13 AC = OB = 3 and BC = OA = 3
Suppose, two circles intersect at P.
∴ Radius = 3 units
19. (a) Equation of circle concentric to given Then,
circle is C P2 + C P2 − C C 2 34. (b) Length of arc = angle subtended at
cos ∠C PC =
1 2 1 2 l 1
S ≡ x + y − 6x + 12 y + k = 0 ...(i)
2 2 centre × radius ⇒ Angle = =
1
1 2
2C P ⋅ C P r 3
1 2
As, area of circle (S ) 2+ 4−2 1 1 180° 60°
1
= = ⇒ Angle = × =
= 2 area of (given) circle (S) 2× 2 ×2 2 3 π π
∴ Radius of circle (S ) = 2 ⇒ cos ∠C PC = cos 45° 35. (b) The equation of the circle of radius 6
1
1 2
[radius of given circle] and centre at (3, 5) is
⇒ ∠C PC = 45°
1 2 ( x − 3)2 + ( y − 5)2 = ( 6)2
⇒ 9 + 36 − k = 2 9 + 36 − 15 28. (d) The equations of the circles are Let S ≡ ( x − 3)2 + ( y − 5) 2 − 36 = 0
⇒ 45 − k = 60 ⇒ k = − 15 S ≡ x 2 + y 2 − 6x + 4 y + 11 = 0 (a) At point ( − 2, − 1),
1
Hence, the required equation of circle is S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + kx + 3 y + k = 0 S ≡ ( − 2 − 3)2 + ( −1− 5)2 − 36
3
x + y − 6x + 12 y − 15 = 0
2 2
These two circles cut orthogonally, if = 25 + 36 − 36 = 25 > 0
20. (a) Centre of the circle S is (3, − 6). which represents the point lies outside
2  − 3 × + 2 ×  = 11 + k
k 3
 the circle.
Since, centre (3, − 6) is satisfying only 2 2
(b) At point ( 0, 1),
2 y + 3x + 3 = 0 [Q 2( g g + f f ) = C C ]
1 2 1 2 1 2 S ≡ ( 0 − 3)2 + ( 1− 5)2 − 36
∴ 2 y + 3x + 3 = 0 is the required line. ⇒ − 3k + 6 = 11 + k ⇒ k = −
5 = 9 + 16 − 36 = − 11 < 0
4 which represents the point lies inside
21. (a) Since, (a, 0) and ( −a , 0) are the end
29. (b) Centre of circle S is C ( 0, 0). the circle.
points of diameter, then equation of the 1 1
Centre of circle S is C (3, 4). (c) At point ( −1, − 2),
circle is 2 2
( x − a ) ( x + a ) + ( y − 0) ( y − 0) = 0 S ≡ ( −1− 3)2 + ( − 2 − 5)2 − 36
r = 2 and r = 32 + 42 + 24 = 7
⇒ x 2 − a2 + y 2 = 0 ⇒ x 2 + y 2 = a2
1 2 = 16 + 49 − 36 = 29 > 0
Now, C C = 32 + 42 = 5 which represents the point lies outside
22. (a) Since, origin lies inside the circle 1 2 the circle.
x 2 + y 2 = a 2 . Hence, no tangent can be C C < Sum of the radii (d) At point (2, −1),
drawn. 1 2
S ≡ ( 2 − 3)2 + ( −1 − 5)2 − 36
Also, C C = Difference of the radii
23. (b) From circle S , r = 16 = 4
1 2 = 1 + 36 − 36 = 1 > 0
1 1 Thus, the two circles touch each other
which represents the point lies outside
From circle S , r = 16 + 25 + 23 = 8 internally.
2 2 the circle.
Clearly, r <r 30. (b) Since, the two circles touch each
1 2 Hence, point ( 0, 1) lies inside the circle S.
24. (d) Here, C ( 0, 0) and C ( 4, 5) other internally. Therefore, there is only
1 2 36. (b) Given equation of circle is
∴ CC = 16 + 25 = 41 one common tangent.
1 2 x2 + y 2 + x + c = 0 ...(i)
25. (b) Here, |r − r |< C C < | r + r | 31. (c) We have,
1 2 1 2 1 2 Since, the equation of circle passes
Clearly, circles cut each other at two S = (3)2 + ( 4)2 − 4 = 21 > 0 through the origin.
1
points. Hence, number of common ∴ Point (3, 4) lies outside the circle S . ∴( 0)2 + ( 0)2 + 0 + c = 0 ⇒ c = 0
1
tangents will be 2. ∴Two tangents can be drawn from (3, 4). From Eq. (i), we get
26. (c) Equation of common chord is given by 32. (a) I. Equation of common chord is x2 + y 2 + x = 0
S −S =0 given by S − S = 0
1 2 1 1
⇒ − 6x + 4 y + 11 − ( − 4x + 6 y + 9) = 0
1 2
i.e. − 4 + 6x + 8 y + 24 = 0 ⇒ x2 + y 2 + x + =
4 4
⇒ − 2x − 2 y + 2 = 0 ⇒ x + y − 1 = 0 or 3x + 4 y + 10 = 0 2 2
⇒  x +  + ( y − 0)2 =  
1 1
27. (b) Centre of circle S is C (3, − 2). So, Statement I is true.  2  2
1 1
Centre of circle S is C ( 2, − 3) II. Since, two circles touch each other 1
2 2 So, the required radius of circle is .
internally, equation of common 2
204 NDA/NA Pathfinder

37. (a) Equations of circle are Hence, the x-intercept is 6 and x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0

x 2 + y 2 + 2ax + c = 0 y-intercept is 8. When x = 0, y = 0
and x 2 + y 2 + 2by + c = 0 41. (a) Here, radius of circle = b and centre ⇒ c=0 ...(i)
Q Centres of two circles are ( −a , 0) and = ( 0, b ) and the equation of line touches
( 0, − b ). When x = a, y = b
the circle is y = x − 2
∴ Distance between two centres a 2 + b 2 + 2 ga + 2 fb = 0 [Q c = 0] ...(ii)
= a2 + b2 When x = − b, y = − a
38. (b) Two circles touch each other, iff y = x – √2 b 2 + a 2 − 2 gb − 2 fa = 0 …(iii)
(0, b)
Distance between two centres A Subtracting Eq. (iii) from Eq. (ii), we get
O b
= Sum of radius of two circles 2 g( a + b ) + 2 f ( a + b ) = 0
⇒ a2 + b2 = a2 − c + b2 − c ⇒ 2( g + f )( a + b ) = 0
On squaring both sides, we get ⇒ g + f = 0 ⇒ g = − f …(iv)
∴ Perpendicular drawn from centre to
a2 + b2 = a2 − c + b2 − c Putting g = − f in Eq. (ii), we get
the line is
+ 2 ( a 2 − c )( b 2 − c ) a 2 + b 2 − 2 fa + 2 fb = 0
0−b− 2  −( b + 2 ) 
 =
b = 
⇒ c = ( a 2 − c )( b 2 − c ) 1  a2 + b2 
 2   2  ⇒ f =  
2 a−b 
Again, squaring both sides, we get ⇒ 2b = b + 2 ⇒ b( 2 − 1) = 2
Putting f = − g in Eq. (ii), we get
c2 = a 2 b 2 − a 2 c − b 2 c + c2 2 ( 2 + 1)
⇒ b= × a 2 + b 2 + 2 ga − 2 gb = 0
1 1 1 2 − 1 ( 2 + 1)
⇒ a2b2 = ( a2 + b2 ) c ⇒ = 2 + 2
c a b 1  a2 + b2 
2+ 2 ⇒ g=−  
r2 = = (2 + 2) 2 a−b 
39. (b) Given, x2 + y 2 = 2− 1
4
44. (a) From Eq. (iv), we have
We know that, the line y = mx + c meets 42. (a) Given circle are
g = − f ⇒ y = −x
the circle in unique real point or touch ( x − 1)2 + ( y − 3)2 = r 2 ...(i)
the circle x2 + y 2 = r 2 , if ∴Required equation of line is x + y = 0
and x 2 + y 2 − 8x + 2 y + 8 = 0 ...(ii)
c 45. (b) Intercept on
r= Centre of circle (i) = (1, 3)
1+ m 2 X - axis = g 2 − c = 2 g 2 [Q c = 0]
and radius r =r
1
Since, the straight line x = y + 2 Intercept on Y - axis
Centre of circle (ii) = ( 4, − 1)
touches the given circle. = 2 f 2 −c = 2 f 2
[Q c = 0]
2 r and radius ( r ) = 16 + 1 − 8 = 9 =3
Hence, = ⇒r = 2 2 2
Sum of square of intercepts
2 2 ∴ Distance between centres
= ( x -intercept)2 + ( y - intercept)2
40. (d) We have, centre = (3, 4) = (1 − 4)2 + (3 + 1)2 = 4g2 + 4 f 2
and radius = 5
= 9 + 16 = 25 = 5 units 1  a2 + b2 
2
Equation of circle having centre ( h , k ) =4 ×  
and radius a is 43. (b) Condition for two circles intersect at 4 a−b 
( x − h )2 + ( y − k )2 = a 2 two distinct points. 2
1  a2 + b2 
⇒ ( x − 3) + ( y − 4) = 25
2 2 + 4× × 
Distance between centre < Sum of radius 4  a−b 
For x-intercept 5< r + 3 ⇒ 2< r 2
a + b 
2 2
Put y = 0, we get ( x − 3)2 + 16 = 25
But r > 1 because 5 </ 1 + 3 =2 
⇒ ( x − 3)2 = 9  a−b 
⇒ x − 3 = 3 and − 3 ⇒ x = 6 and 0 Sol. (Q. Nos. 44-45) Given that circle passes
For y-intercept through (0, 0), ( a , b ) and ( − b , − a ).
Put x = 0, we get 9 + ( y − 4)2 = 25 Now, equation of circle is
⇒ y − 4 = 4 and − 4 ⇒ y = 8 and 0
18
MATHEMATICS Conic Section 205

CONIC SECTION

In NDA exam, generally 2-4 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on finding
equation of conics, eccentricity conics, various terms related to conics etc.

A conic section or conic is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a
fixed point always bears a constant ratio to its perpendicular distance from a fixed line, all being in the
same plane. Shape of the conic section obtained depends on the position of cutting plane. This section
deals with parabola, hyperbola and ellipse etc.

Various Terms Related to Conic Section

1. Focus The fixed points is called the focus of the conic section.
2. Directrix The fixed straight line is called the directrix of the conic section.
3. Eccentricity The constant ratio of distance of point lying on conic, from focus to its perpendicular
distance from directrix is called the eccentricity of the conic section and is denoted by e.
(i) For an ellipse, e < 1 (ii) For a parabola, e = 1 (iii) For hyperbola, e > 1
(iv) For a circle, e = 0 (v) Pair of straight lines, e = ∞
4. Axis The straight line passing through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix, is called the axis
of the conic section.
5. Vertex The point of intersection of the conic section and its axis, is called vertex of the conic section.
6. Centre The point which bisects every possible chord of the conic passing through it, is called the
centre of conic.
7. Latusrectum The latusrectum of a conic is the chord passing through the focus and perpendicular to
the axis.
8. Focal chord Any chord passing through the focus of a conic is called the focal chord of the conic.
9. Double ordinate Any chord perpendicular to the axis of a conic is called the double ordinate of that
conic.
10. Focal distance or focal length The distance between the focus and a point lying on the conic, is
known as focal distance or focal length of the given point.

General Equation of Conics of Second Degree

General equation of conics of second degree viz.
ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0
where, discriminant ∆ = abc + 2 fgh − af 2 − bg 2 − ch 2
206 NDA/NA Pathfinder

The above equation represents a non-degenerate 2. Form x 2 = 4ay In this form the focus of the
conic whose nature is as follows parabola lie in the positive side of Y-axis
S.No. Condition Nature of conic Y

1. ∆ ≠ 0, h = 0, a = b, e = 0 A circle
S (0,a)
2. ∆ ≠ 0, ab − h = 0, e = 1
2
A parabola

3. ∆ ≠ 0, ab − h2 > 0, e < 1 An ellipse

4. ∆ ≠ 0, ab − h < 0, e > 1
2
A hyperbola
X′ X
O (0, 0)
5. ∆ ≠ 0, ab − h < 0, a + b = 0,
2
A rectangular a
e = 1/ 2 hyperbola
y=–a
Y′
x = 4ay
PARABOLA 2

A parabola is the locus of a point which is equidistant 3. Form x 2 = − 4 ay In this form the focus of the
from a fixed point called focus and from a fixed straight parabola lie in the negative of Y-axis.
line called directrix. Y y=a
Directrix
Z Y a
(x, y) L(a, 2a) O (0, 0)
P X′ X
M Latusrectum

Vertex Focus axis

X′ X
O (0 , 0) S(a, 0)
S (0, – a)
a
x = –a y2 = 4ax
Y′
Z′ Y′ L′ (a,– 2a) x 2 = – 4ay

Since, point P( x, y) lies on the parabola. Some Important Results Related to Parabola
PS
∴ =e =1 [here, e = 1] y 2 = 4 ax y 2 = − 4 ax x 2 = 4 ay x 2 = − 4 ay
PM
⇒ PS 2 = PM 2 Eccentricity e =1 e =1 e =1 e =1

⇒ ( x − a) + ( y − 0 ) = ( x + a)
2 2 2 Coordinates of ( 0, 0) ( 0, 0) ( 0, 0) ( 0, 0)
vertex
⇒ y 2 = 4ax Coordinates of ( a, 0) ( −a, 0) ( 0, a ) ( 0, − a )
which is the equation of parabola in standard form. focus
Equation of x= −a x=a y= −a y=a
Note The distance between vertex of parabola and focus is equal the directrix
to perpendicular distance of vertex from directrix.
or Vertex is the mid-point of line joining focus and point of Equation of y=0 y=0 x=0 x=0
intersection of directrix and axis. the axis
Length of the 4a 4a 4a 4a
Other Standard Forms of Parabola latusrectum

1. Form y 2 = − 4 ax In this form the focus of the Focal distance

of a point x+ a a−x y+ a a− y
parabola lie in the negative side of X-axis. P( x, y)
Y
Directrix Extremities of ( a, ± 2 a ) ( − a, ± 2 a ) ( ± 2 a, a ) ( ± 2 a, − a )
latusrectum
a Parametric
X′ ( at 2, 2 at ) ( − at 2, 2 at ) (2 at , at 2 ) (2 at , − at 2 )
X coordinates
S (– a, 0) O(0,0)
x=a Parametric x = at 2, x = − at 2, x = 2 at , x = 2 at ,
equation y = 2 at y = 2 at y = at 2 y = − at 2
Y′
y 2 = – 4ax
MATHEMATICS > Conic Section 207

Parabolas with Vertex Other than (0, 0) Shifting the origin to the point (3, 4) without rotating the
axes and denoting the new coordinates with respect to
If the vertex of the parabola is at the point A ( h, k) and these new axes by X and Y , we have
its latusrectum is of length 4a, then its equation is Y y2 – 8y – x + 19 = 0
(i) ( y − k) 2 = 4a( x − h), if its axis is parallel to OX, i.e.
parabola opens rightward.
A(3, 4)
(ii) ( y − k) 2 = − 4a( x − h), if its axis is parallel to OX ′,
S 13 , 4
i.e. parabola opens leftward. 4

(iii) ( x − h) 2 = 4a ( y − k), if its axis is parallel to OY, i.e. X′

O x=3 X
Y′
parabola opens upward.
X =x−3 …(ii)
(iv) ( x − h) 2 = − 4a ( y − k), if its axis is parallel to OY ′, Y=y−4
i.e. parabola opens downward. Using these relations, Eq. (i) reduces to Y 2 = X …(iii)
This is of the form Y 2 = 4aX. On comparing, we get
EXAMPLE 1. Find the equation of the parabola, 4a = 1 or a = 1/ 4
whose focus is at (−1, − 2) and the directrix on the line (i) Vertex
x − 2y + 3 = 0. The coordinates of the vertex with respect to the new
a. x2 + 4 y 2 + 4 xy + 32x + 16 = 0 axes are ( X = 0, Y = 0).
So, the coordinates of the vertex with respect to the
b. 4 x2 + y 2 + 4 xy + 32y + 16 = 0
old axes are (3, 4). [putting X = 0, Y = 0 in Eq. (ii)]
c. 4 x2 + y 2 + 4 xy + 32x + 16 = 0 (ii) Focus
d. None of the above The coordinates of the focus with respect to the new
axes are ( X = a, Y = 0), i.e.  X = , Y = 0 .
1
Sol. Let P( x, y) be any point on the parabola, whose focus
 4 
is S( −1, − 2) and the directrix x − 2y + 3 = 0. Draw PM
perpendicular from P( x, y) on the directrix x − 2y + 3 = 0. So , the coordinates of the focus with respect to the
old axes are  , 4 . [putting X = and Y = 0 in Eq. (ii)]
Then by definition, 13 1
4  4
SP = PM ⇒ SP 2 = PM 2
2
 x − 2y + 3 (iii) Directrix
⇒ ( x + 1) 2 + ( y + 2) 2 =  
 1+ 4  The equation of the directrix with respect to the new
1
⇒ 5[( x + 1) 2 + ( y + 2) 2 ] = ( x − 2y + 3) 2 axes is X = − a i.e. X = −
4
⇒ 5( x2 + y 2 + 2x + 4y + 5)
So, the equation of the directrix with respect to the old
= ( x2 + 4y 2 + 9 − 4xy + 6x − 12y) −1 11  −1
⇒ 4x + y + 4xy + 4x + 32y + 16 = 0
2 2 axes is x = + 3⇒ x = putting x = in Eq. (ii ) 
4 4  4 
Which is the equation of the required parabola.
Position of a Point with
EXAMPLE 2. If the equation of parabola
y 2 − 8y − x + 19 = 0, find Respect to a Parabola
(i) vertex Let S ≡ y 2 − 4ax = 0 be the equation of a parabola, then
a. ( 0 , 0) b. ( 3, 4) c. ( 4 , 4) d. ( 4 , 3) a point P ( x1 , y1 ) in the XY-plane lies
(ii) focus (i) on the parabola, if S1 = 0
3   13   4 (ii) outside the parabola, if S1 > 0
a. (1, 4) b.  , 3 c.  , 4 d.  3, 
4  4   3
(iii) inside the parabola, if S1 < 0
(iii) directrix
11 11 4 4 where, S1 ≡ y12 − 4ax1
a. x = b. y = c. x = d. y =
4 4 11 11
EXAMPLE 3. The portion of point (1, 4) with respect
Sol. We have, the equation of parabola y 2 − 8y − x + 19 = 0 to the parabola y 2 + 9 − 6 y = 5x, is
y 2 − 8y − x + 19 = 0 ⇒ y 2 − 8y = x − 19 a. on curve/parabola b. outside parabola
⇒ y 2 − 8y + 16 = x − 19 + 16 ⇒ ( y − 4) 2 = ( x − 3) ...(i) c. inside parabola d. None of these
208 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Sol. . Let S = y 2 + 9 − 6y − 5x So, the PQ and AP are perpendicular to each other

 y − 2
Now, point (1, 4) lies on S. ∴  1  = − 1 ⇒ y1 − 2 = − x1 + 2 ⇒ x1 + y1 = 4…(ii)
Thus, S1 = ( 4) 2 + 9 − 6( 4) − 5(1) = 16 + 9 − 24 − 5  x1 − 2 
= 25 − 29 = − 4 < 0 From Eqs. (i) and (ii), y1 = − 4 and 2
Hence, the point lies inside the parabola. So, the coordinates of point Q are (8, −4).
Equation of Chord ∴ Required distance, PQ = (8 − 2) 2 + ( −4 − 2) 2
The equation of chord joining the points ( x1 , y1 ) and = 36 + 36 = 72 = 6 2
( x 2 , y 2 ) on the parabola y 2 = 4ax is
y ( y1 + y 2 ) = 4ax + y1 y 2
ELLIPSE
An ellipse is the locus of that point which moves in a
Condition for the Chord to be a Focal Chord plane such that the ratio of its distance from a fixed
The chord joining the points ( at 12 , 2at 1 ) and ( at 22 , 2at 2 ) point (focus) to a fixed straight line (directrix) is
constant and less than unity. This constant ratio is called
passes through focus provided t 1t 2 = −1
eccentricity and denoted by e.
Tangents and Normals to the Parabola Or
The locus of a point whose sum of distance from two
Equation of tangent to the parabola y 2 = 4ax fixed points remains constant is called an ellipse.
(i) at ( x1 , y1 ) is y y1 = 2a( x + x1 ) Y
Z' Z
(ii) at ( at 2 , 2at ) is ty = x + at 2 Minor axis
B (0, b)

A′ (–a,0)
P (x, y)
(iii) If m is the slope of tangent to the parabola y 2 = 4ax, then M
a  a 2a  A(a,0)
its equation is y = mx + . Point of contact is  2 ,  . X′ X
m  m m S′(– ae, 0) O (0, 0) S (ae, 0) Major
axis
Equation of normal to the parabola y = 4ax 2
x=
a
Directrices B′ (0, –b) Directrices e
y
(i) at ( x1 , y1 ) is y − y1 = − 1 ( x − x1 ) x = a–
e Y′
2a 2
= e, PS 2 = e2PM 2, ( x − ae) 2 + ( y − 0) 2 = e2  − x
PS a
(ii) at ( at 2 , 2at ) is y + tx = 2at + at 3
PM e 
(iii) If m is the slope of normal to the parabola y 2 = 4ax, x2 y2 x2 y 2
then its equation is given as y = mx − 2am − m3 . ⇒ + =1 ⇒ 2 + 2 =1
a 2 a2(1 − e2) a b
Where, b = a (1 − e ), b < a
2 2 2
EXAMPLE 4. Let P(2, 2) is a point on the parabola
This is the equation of ellipse in standard form. Here,
y 2 = 2x and A is its vertex. If Q is another point on the
AA′ = 2a and BB′ = 2 b are called major and minor axes,
parabola such that PQ is perpendicular to AP, then respectively.
what is the length of PQ?
a. 2 b. 2 2 c. 4 2 d. 6 2 Another Form of Ellipse
x2 y2
The another equation of the ellipse is 2 + 2 = 1
Sol. Equation of parabola is y = 2x. 2
a b
Y
[where, b > a].
) Y
2 ,2 Z y = b/e
P(
Directrix Major axis
B
X′ X
A(0, 0) S S
(0, be)
A′ A
Q (x1, y1) X′ X
Y′ (– a,0) O (0, 0) (a, 0)
So, the coordinates of vertex are A(0, 0). (0, –be) Minor axis
Let ( x1, y1) be the coordinates of the point Q. S'
∴ y12 = 2x1 …(i) B'
y −2 y = –b/e
and slope of PQ = 1 , Z′
x1 − 2 Directrix Y′
2−0 Here, AA ′ = 2a and BB′ = 2b are minor and major axes,
Also, slope of AP = =1
2−0 respectively.
MATHEMATICS > Conic Section 209

Some Important Results Related to Ellipse (ii) outside the ellipse, if S1 > 0
x12 y12
x2
+
y2
= 1, a > b
x2
+
y2
= 1, a < b (iii) inside the ellipse, if S1 < 0 where, S1 ≡ + −1
a2 b2 a2 b2 a2 b2
Coordinates of the
centre
(0, 0) (0, 0) Equation of Ellipse in
Coordinates of the ( a, 0) and ( −a, 0) ( 0, b ) and ( 0, − b ) Parametric Form
vertices
x2 y2
Coordinates of foci ( ae, 0) and ( −ae, 0) ( 0, be ) and ( 0, − be ) Parametric equation of ellipse = 1 is +
Length of major axis 2a 2b
a 2 b2
x = a cos θ, y = b sin θ and parametric coordinates of
Length of minor axis 2b 2a
point lying on it is given by (a cos θ, b sin θ). The
Equation of the major
axis
y=0 x=0 angle θ is called the eccentric angle of the point
( a cos θ, b sin θ) on the ellipse.
Equation of the minor x=0 y=0
axis
Equation of the a a b b
Equation of Chord
x= and x = − y= and y = −
directrices e e e e Q(x2, y2)
b2 a2
Eccentricity e = 1− e = 1−
a2 b2
P(x1, y1)
2 2
2b 2a
Length of latusrectum
a b
R(x3, y )
Focal distances of a b ± ey
3
a ± ex
point ( x, y)
The equation of the chord of the ellipse
 b2   a2 
Extremities of  ± ae, ±   ± , ± be  x2 y2
latusrectum  a  b  + = 1, whose mid-point be ( x1 , y1 ) is T = S1 ,
a2 b2
Note If the centre of ellipse is at (h, k) and its axis are parallel to xx1 yy1 x2 y2
the coordinate axes, then the equation of ellipse is given as
where T = + − 1, S1 = 12 + 12 − 1.
a b a b
( x − h)2 ( y − k )2
+ = 1
a 2
b2 The equation of the chord joining the points
P ( a cos θ1 , b sin θ1 ) and Q ( a cos θ 2 , b sin θ 2 ) is
EXAMPLE 5. The equation of the ellipse, whose centre is
1 x  θ + θ 2  y  θ1 + θ 2   θ1 − θ 2 
at origin (0, 0), foci (+1, 0) and eccentricity , is cos  1  + sin   = cos  
2 a  2  b  2   2 
x2 y2 x2 y2
a. + =1 b. + =1
3 4 4 3 Tangents and Normals to the Ellipse
2 2
x y x2 y2
c. + = 12 d. x 2 + y 2 = 12
3 4 Equation of tangent to the ellipse + =1
1 a2 b2
Sol. Here, foci = ( + 1, 0) and eccentricity, e = xx1 yy1
2 (i) at the point ( x1 , y1 ) is + = 1.
1 a2 b2
∴ ae = 1 and e = ⇒ a = 2
2
(ii) having slope m is y = mx + a 2 m2 +b 2 and
b = a (1 − e ) ⇒ b2 = 4 1 −  = 4 × = 3
1 3
∴ 2 2 2
 4 4 coordinates of point of contacts are
x2 y2  a2m b2 
So, the equation of required ellipse is + = 1. + ,+ .
4 3  
 a 2 m2 + b 2 a 2 m2 + b 2 
Position of a Point with x2 y2
Equation of normal to the ellipse =1 +
Respect to an Ellipse a 2 b2
x2 y2 a 2 x b2 y
If S ≡ + − 1 = 0, is the equation of an ellipse, then a (i) at the point ( x1 , y1 ) is − = a 2 − b2 .
a 2 b2 x1 y1
point P( x1 , y1 ) in the XY-plane lies m (a 2 − b2 )
(ii) having slope m is y = mx ±
(i) on the ellipse, if S1 = 0 a 2 + b 2 m2
210 NDA/NA Pathfinder

HYPERBOLA Conjugate Hyperbola

A hyperbola is the locus of that point which moves in The hyperbola whose transverse and conjugate axes are
a plane such that the ratio of its distance from a fixed respectively the conjugate and transverse axes of the
point (focus) to a fixed straight line (directrix) is given hyperbola is called the conjugate hyperbola of the
constant and greater than unity. This constant ratio is given hyperbola. The equation of conjugate hyperbola
called eccentricity and denoted by e. x2 y2 x2 y2
of the given hyperbola 2 − 2 = 1 is − 2 + 2 = 1.
Or a b a b
The locus of points difference of whose distance from Y Transverse axis
two fixed points remain constant.
S(0, be)
Y
Z′ Z Conjugate axis
B(0, b) y = b/e
M′ M
P(x, y) A′(–a, 0) A(a,0)
X′ X
Transverse axis O (0, 0) Conjugate axis
X′ X y = –b/e
S'(– ae, 0) O (0,0) A S(ae, 0) B'(0, –b)
A′

S'(0, –be)
(a ,
)
,0

0)
(–a

x = – a/e x = a/e Y′
Y′
PS Rectangular Hyperbola
= e ⇒ PS 2 = e 2 PM 2
PM It is a particular kind of hyperbola which has its
2
 a transverse and conjugate axis of equal length. It is also
⇒ ( x − ae ) 2 + y 2 = e 2  x −  known as equilateral hyperbola. The eccentricity of
 e
rectangular hyperbola is 2.
⇒ x 2 (e 2 − 1) − y 2 = a 2 (e 2 − 1)
x2 y2 x2 y2 Some Important Results Related to
⇒ − = 1 ⇒ − =1 Hyperbola and Conjugate Hyperbola
a 2 a 2 (e 2 − 1) a 2 b2
Hyperbola Conjugate hyperbola
where, b 2 = a 2 (e 2 − 1) x2 y2
− 2 =1 x2 y2
2
− + =1
This equation is called the equation of hyperbola in a b a2
b2
standard form. Coordinates of the
(0, 0) (0, 0)
centre
EXAMPLE 6. Find the equation of the hyperbola, the Coordinates of the ( a, 0) and ( −a, 0) ( 0, b ) and ( 0, − b )
length of whose latusrectum is 8 and eccentricity is 3/ 5. vertices
x 2 y2 x 2 y2 Coordinates of foci ( ± ae,0) ( 0, ± be )
a. − =1 b. − =1
25 15 25 20 Length of the
2a 2b
2 2 transverse axis
x y
c. − =1 d. None of these Length of the
20 15 conjugate axis
2b 2a
2 2
x y Equations of the a b
x=± y=±
Sol. Let the equation of the hyperbola be 2 − 2 = 1 …(i) directrices e e
a b
Then, length of the latusrectum = 8 a2 + b 2 b 2 + a2
e = 2
or e = or
2b2 Eccentricity a b2
⇒ = 8 ⇒ b2 = 4a ⇒ a2( e2 − 1) = 4a b 2 = a 2(e 2 − 1) a 2 = b 2(e 2 − 1)
a
⇒ a( e2 − 1) = 4 Length of the 2 b2 2 a2
a − 1 = 4 ⇒ a = 5
9 latusrectum
⇒ a b
5 
Equation of the y=0 x=0
On putting a = 5 in b2 = 4a, we get b2 = 20 transverse axis
Hence, the equation of the required hyperbola is Equation of the x=0 y=0
2 2
conjugate axis
x y
− = 1. Focal distance ex = ± a ey = ± b
25 20
MATHEMATICS > Conic Section 211

Note If centre of hyperbola is at point (h,k) and its axes are Let ∠QCN = θ. Here, P and Q are the corresponding
parallel to the coordinate axes, then the equation of
( x − h)2 ( y − k )2
points on the hyperbola and the auxiliary circle
hyperbola is given as 2
− = 1 (0 ≤ θ < 2π ).
a b2

Equation of Hyperbola Equation of Chord

The equation of chord joining the points
in Parametric Form P ≡ ( a sec θ1 , b tan θ1 ) and Q = ( a sec θ 2 , b tan θ 2 ) is
x2 y2
Parametric equation of the hyperbola = 1, is − x θ − θ2  y  θ1 + θ 2   θ1 + θ 2 
a 2 b2 cos  1  − sin   = cos  
a  2  b  2   2 
x = a sec θ, y = b tan θ and parametric coordinates of point
lying on it is given by (a sec θ, b tan θ).
Tangents and Normals
Position of a Point with x2 y2
Equation of tangent to the hyperbola − =1
Respect to a Hyperbola a2 b2
x2 y2 xx1 yy1
Let the equation of hyperbola be S ≡ − −1=0 (i) at the point ( x1 , y1 ) is 2
− = 1.
a2 b2 a b2
Then, the point P ( x1 , y1 ) lies (ii) having slope m is y = mx ± a 2 m2 − b 2
(i) on the hyperbola, if S1 = 0 x2 y2
Equation of normal to the hyperbola − =1
(ii) outside the hyperbola, if S1 > 0 a2 b2
(iii) inside the hyperbola, if S1 < 0 a 2 x b2 y
(i) at the point ( x1 , y1 ) is + = a 2 + b2 .
x12 y12 y1
where, S1 ≡ 2
− 2
−1 x1
a b m (a 2 + b2 )
(ii) having slope m is y = mx ±
Intersection of a Line and a Hyperbola a 2 − b 2 m2
The straight line y = mx + c will cut the hyperbola
x2 y2 EXAMPLE 7. If the eccentricity and length of
− = 1 in two points which may be real, coincident 13 10
a 2 b2 latusrectum of a hyperbola are and units
3 3
or imaginary, as c 2 > 1 = 1 < a 2 m2 − b 2 .
respectively, what is the length of the transverse axis?
7 15 15
Auxiliary Circle of Hyperbola a. units b. 12 units c. units d. units
2 2 4
Y
13 10
P (x, y) Sol. Here, e = and length of latusrectum =
3 3
Q 90º
2
2b 10 5a
θ ⇒ = ⇒ b2 =
X′ A′ (–a,0) C A (a N X a 3 3
(0,0) ,0)
= a2 
5a 13 
We know that, b = a ( e − 1) ⇒
2 2 2
− 1
3 9 

Y′ 5a 4a2 15
⇒ = ⇒ a=
2 2 3 9 4
x y
Let −
= 1 be the hyperbola, then equation of the 2 × 15 15
a 2
b2 ∴ Length of transverse axis = 2a = = units
4 2
auxiliary circle is x 2 + y 2 = a 2 .
212 NDA/NA Pathfinder

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. The two ends of latusrectum of a parabola are 10. In an ellipse, the distance between its foci is 6
the points (3, 6) and ( −5, 6), then the focus is and its minor axis is 8. Then, its eccentricity is
(a) (1, 6) (b) (−1, 6) (a)
4
(b)
1
(c)
3
(d)
1
(c) (1, − 6) (d) (−1, − 6) 5 52 5 2

2. The parametric representation ( 2 + t 2 , 2t + 1) 11. If e1 , e2 be the eccentricities of ellipse 9x 2 + 4 y 2 = 36

represents and hyperbola 9x 2 − 4 y 2 = 36, respectively then
(a) a parabola with focus at (2,1) (a) e12 + e 22 > 3 (b) e12 + e 22 = 2
(b) a parabola with vertex at (2,1)
(c) e12 + e 22 > 4 (d) e12 + e 22 < 3
(c) an ellipse with centre at (2,1)
(d) None of the above 12. In an ellipse, the distance between the foci is 8
and the distance between the directrices is 25.
3. The equation y − 2x − 2 y + 5 = 0 represents
2
The length of major axis is
(a) circle centred at (1,1) (a) 10 2 (b) 20 2 (c) 30 2 (d) 50 2
3
(b) parabola with directrix at x =
2 13. A circle is drawn with the two foci of an ellipse
(c) parabola with focus at (1, 2) x2 y2
+ = 1 at the end of the diameter. What is
1 a 2 b2
(d) parabola with directrix at x = −
2 the equation of the circle?
4. If (0, 4) and (0, 2) are respectively, the vertex (a) x2 + y2 = a2 + b 2 (b) x2 + y2 = a2 − b 2
and focus of a parabola, then its equation is (c) x + y = 2 (a + b )
2 2 2 2
(d) x2 + y2 = 2(a2 − b 2 )
(a) x + 8 y = 32
2
(b) y + 8x = 32
2
14. A man running around a race course notes that
(c) x2 − 8 y = 32 (d) y2 − 8x = 32 the sum of the distances of two flag posts from
him is always 10 m and the distance between the
5. The coordinates of a point on the parabola
flag posts is 8 m. The area of the path, he
y 2 = 8x, whose focal distance is 4, is
encloses in square metres is
(a) (2, 4) (b) (4, 2) (c) (−2, − 4) (d) (4, − 2 ) (a) 15 π (b) 12 π (c) 18π (d) 8π
6. An equilateral triangle is inscribed in a parabola x 2
y 2
y 2 = 4ax, whose vertex is at the vertex of the 15. If the foci of the ellipse + = 1 and the
16 b2
parabola. The length of each side of the triangle x2 y2 1
is hyperbola − = coincide, then the value of
144 81 25
(a) 2 a 3 (b) 4a 3 (c) 6a 3 (d) 8a 3
b2 is
7. In the parabola y = 4ax, the length of chord
2
(a) 1 (b) 5
passing through the vertex and inclined to the (c) 7 (d) 9
 π
axis at an angle   is 16. The eccentricity of the hyperbola with
 4 latusrectum 12 and semi-conjugate axis 2 3, is
(a) 2 a 2 (b) 2a (c) 2a (d) 4a 2 3
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) (d) 2 3
2
8. Equation of the ellipse, whose focus is (6,7), 17. If e and e′ be the eccentricities of a hyperbola
directrix is x + y + 2 = 0 and e = 1/ 3 is 1 1
(a) 5x2 + 2 x y + 5 y2 − 76x − 88 y + 506 = 0
and its conjugate, then + is equal to
e 2
e′ 2
(b) 5x2 − 2 x y + 5 y2 − 76x − 88 y + 506 = 0 (a) 0 (b) 1
(c) 5x2 − 2 x y + 5 y2 + 76x + 88 y − 506 = 0 (c) 2 (d) −1
3
(d) None of the above 18. Equation of the hyperbola with eccentricity and
2
9. The eccentricity of ellipse, if length of major axis foci at ( ± 2, 0) is 5x − 4 y = k . What is the value
2 2 2

is three times the length of minor axis, is of k?

(c)   5 (d)   5
1 1 1 2 2 4 3 4 3
(a) (b) (c) (d) (a) (b)
3 3 2 3 3 4  3  4
MATHEMATICS > Conic Section 213

x2 y2
19. Consider the following statements Directions (Q. Nos.27-29) P : y 2 = 8 x ; E : + =1
I. The area of the ellipse 2x2 + 3 y2 = 6 is more than 4 15
the area of the circle x2 + y2 − 2x + 4 y + 4 = 0. 27. Equation of a tangent common to both the
II. The equation 3x2 + 4 y2 − 18x + 16 y + 43 = k parabola P and the ellipse E is
represents an ellipse if k < 0. (a) x − 2 y + 8 = 0 (b) x ± 2 y + 8 = 0
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (c) x + 2 y − 8 = 0 (d) x ± 2 y − 8 = 0
(a) Only I (b) Only II
28. Equation of the normal at the point of contact of
(c) Both I and II (c) None of these
the common tangent, which makes an acute
angle with the positive direction of X-axis, to the
Directions (Q. Nos. 20-21) The parametric equation parabola P is
of the hyperbola are x = 5 sec φ and y = 3 tan φ (a) 2 x + y = 24 (b) 2 x + y + 24 = 0
20. Distance between the foci is (c) 2 x + y = 48 (d) 2 x + y + 48 = 0
(a) 34 (b) 2 34 (c) 4 34 (d) None of these 29. Point of contact of a common tangent to P and E
21. If y = mx − 3 is a tangent to the given hyperbola, on the ellipse is
(a)  ,  (b)  ± , 
then m is 1 15 1 15
2 3 2 3 3 2 2 4   2 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(c)  , −  (d)  − , ± 
5 5 5 5 1 15 1 15
2 4  2 4
Directions (Q. Nos. 22-23) If a hyperbola passes
x2 y2 Directions (Q. Nos. 30-33) Consider the equation of
through the foci of the ellipse + = 1 and its
25 16 parabola 25 [( x − 2) 2 + (y − 4) 2] = ( 4x − 3y + 12) 2
transverse and conjugate axis coincide with major 30. The coordinates of the focus are
and minor axes of the ellipse and product of the (a) (3, − 2 ) (b) (2, 4) (c) (− 1, 1) (d) None of these
eccentricities is 1, then
31. Length of latusrectum is
22. The equation of hyperbola is (a)
8
(b)
4
(c)
16
(d) None of these
x2 y2 x2 y2 5 5 5
(a) − =1 (b) − =1
9 16 9 25 32. The equation of the axis is
2 2 2 2
(c) −
x
+
y
=1 (d)
x
−
y
=1 (a) 4x + 3 y + 15 = 0 (b) 4x + 3 y + 10 = 0
9 25 16 25 (c) 3x + 4 y − 22 = 0 (d) None of these
23. The focus of hyperbola is 33. The equation of the latusrectum is
(a) (5, 0) (b) (5 3, 0) (c) (0, 5) (d) (0, 5 3 ) (a) 4x − 3 y + 4 = 0 (b) 4x − 3 y + 8 = 0
(c) 4x + 3 y + 7 = 0 (d) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 24-26) Consider the equation of
hyperbola 3x 2 − 24x + 40y − 4y 2 − 88 = 0. Directions (Q. Nos. 34-37) Consider the equation of
ellipse 12 x 2 + 4y 2 + 24x − 16y + 25 = 0
24. The eccentricity of the hyperbola is
(a) 2 7 (b)
7
(c) 2 (d)
13 34. The centre of the ellipse is
2 2 (a) (4, − 1) (b) (2, 1) (c) (− 1, 2 ) (d) (− 3, 2 )
25. The equation of directrices is 35. The length of major and minor axes are
12
(a) x = 5 ± 2 (b) x = 5 ± 3 (a) 2, 4 (b) 3, 1 (c) 2, 2 3 (d) 4, 6
7
12 36. The eccentricity of the ellipse is
(c) x = 4 ± 2 (d) x = 4 ± 3
7 1 3 2 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 4 3 4
26. The equation of hyperbola, whose latusrectum is
6 and eccentricity is same as eccentricity of given 37. Coordinates of the foci are
 1
(a)  0, 1 ±
hyperbola is 1 
 (b)  0, 2 ± 
x2 y2 x2 y2  3  3
(a) − =1 (b) − =1
18 10 20 16
(c)  1, 2 ±
1 
(d)  −1, 2 ±
1 
2 2  
(c)
x
−
y
=1 (d) None of these  2  2
16 12
214 NDA/NA Pathfinder

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS 47. What is the sum of the major and minor axes of
the ellipse, whose eccentricity is 4/5 and length
38. What is the eccentricity of the conic of latusrectum is 14.4 units? e 2014 I
4x + 9 y 2 = 144?
2
e 2012 I
(a) 32 units
5 5 3 2
(a) (b) (c) (d) (b) 48 units
3 4 5 3 (c) 64 units
39. The eccentricity e of an ellipse satisfies the (d) None of the above
condition e 2012 II
(a) e < 0 (b) 0 < e < 1 (c) e = 1 (d) e > 1 48. What is the equation of parabola, whose vertex
is at (0, 0) and focus is at ( 0, − 2)? e 2014 I
40. The sum of the focal distances of a point on the (a) y 2 + 8x = 0 (b) y 2 − 8x = 0
x2 y2
ellipse + = 1 is (c) x 2
+ 8y = 0 (d) x 2
− 8y = 0
4 9 e 2012 II
(a) 4 units (b) 6 units (c) 8 units (d) 10 units 49. What is the length of the latusrectum of an
ellipse 25x 2 + 16 y 2 = 400? e 2014 II
41. The difference of focal distances of any point on
a hyperbola is equal to e 2012 II (a) 25/2 (b) 25/4
(a) latusrectum (b) semi-transverse axis (c) 16/5 (d) 32/5
(c) transverse axis (d) semi-latusrectum 50. The point on the parabola y 2 = 4x nearest to
42. The equation of the ellipse, whose vertices are at focus has its abscissa e 2015 I
( ± 5, 0) and foci at ( ± 4, 0) is e 2013 I (a) x = 0 (b) x = a
x2 y2 x2 y2 a
(a) + =1 (b) + =1 (c) x = (d) x = 2a
25 9 9 25 2
x2 y2 x2 y2 x2 y2
(c) + =1 (d) + =1 51. The hyperbola −
= 1, passes through the
16 25 25 16 a 2
b2
43. The axis of the parabola y 2 + 2x = 0 is e 2013 II
point ( 3 5 , 1) and the length of its latusrectum is
(a) x = 0 (b) y = 0 (c) x = 2 (d) y = 2 4
units. The length of the conjugate axis is
3 e 2015 I
44. The length of latusrectum of the ellipse
(a) 2 units (b) 3 units
4x 2 + 9 y 2 = 36 is e 2013 II (c) 4 units (d) 5 units
4 8
(a) (b) (c) 6 (d) 12 x2 y2
3 3 52. Consider any point P on the ellipse + = 1,
25 9
45. The foci of the hyperbola 4x 2 − 9 y 2 − 1 = 0 are in the first quadrant. Let r and s represent its
e 2013 II distances from (4, 0) and (−4, 0) respectively,
 13  then (r + s) is equal to e 2015 II
(a) (± 13, 0) (b)  ± , 0
 6  (a) 10 units (b) 9 units
 13  (c) 8 units (d) 6 units
(c)  0, ±  (d) None of these
 6  53. The eccentricity of the hyperbola 16x 2 − 9 y 2 = 1, is
e 2015 II
46. A point P moves such that its distances from 3 5
(1, 2) and (−2, 3) are equal. Then, the locus of P (a) (b)
5 3
is e 2013 II 4 5
(a) straight line (b) parabola (c) (d)
5 4
(c) ellipse (d) hyperbola

ANSWERS
1 b 2 b 3 b 4 a 5 a 6 d 7 d 8 b 9 d 10 c
11 a 12 a 13 b 14 a 15 c 16 a 17 b 18 c 19 a 20 b
21 d 22 a 23 a 24 b 25 c 26 c 27 b 28 a 29 d 30 b
31 c 32 c 33 a 34 c 35 b 36 c 37 d 38 a 39 b 40 b
41 c 42 a 43 b 44 b 45 b 46 a 47 c 48 c 49 d 50 a
51 c 52 a 53 b
MATHEMATICS > Conic Section 215

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (b) Focus is the mid-point latusrectum.  3 1  5 13 137
B b , b  lies on y 2 = 4ax e2 + e2 = + = > 3 but < 4
1 2
Let the two end points of latusrectum  2 2  9 4 36
be L (3, 6) and L ( −5, 6 ). b2 12. (a) 2ae = 8 ,
2a
= 25 ⇒ 4a 2 = 200
1 2
∴ = 2 3 ab ⇒ b = 8 3 a
3 + ( −5 ) 4 e
∴ Focus, x = = −1,
2 ∴ a =5 2
7. (d) Let AP be the chord of length p,
6+ 6 ∴ 2a = 10 2
y= =6 π
2 making an angle of   with the axis. x2 y2
 4 13. (b) Q Foci of an ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 are
Focus = ( x , y ) = ( −1, 6) Y a b
2. (b) Let x = 2 + t 2 , y = 2t + 1 ( ae , 0) and ( − ae ,0). Equation of circle
P
Eliminating t, we get with centre ( 0,0) and radius ae is
( y − 1)2 = 4( x − 2) x 2 + y 2 = ( ae )2 [where, ( ae )2 = a 2 − b 2 ]
which is a parabola with vertex at (2, 1). π/4 ∴ x 2 + y 2 = a2 − b2
X′ X
A M
3. (b) Given equation can be rewritten as 14. (a) Clearly, the race course will be an
( y − 1)2 = 2( x − 2) ellipse with the flag posts as its foci. If a
or Y 2 = 4 AX , where Y = y − 1 Y′ and b are the semi-major and
semi-minor axes of the ellipse, then
X = x − 2, 4 A = 2 Then, coordinates of P are
π π 2a = 10 and 2ae = 8
i.e. 
p 
P  p cos , p sin ,
1 p
i.e. Directrix is X = − A ⇒ x − 2 = − ,  4
2  4 4  2 2 ∴ a = 5, e = and b 2 = a 2 ( 1 − e 2 ) = 9
5
∴ x =− + 2=
1 3 Since, this point lies on y = 4ax ,
2

2 2 p2 p ∴ Area of the ellipse

we have = 4a ⋅ ⇒ p = 4a 2 = πab = π ⋅5 ⋅ 3 = 15 π sq m
4. (a) AS = 2a. Vertex (0, 4) lies on Y-axis. 2 2
The parabola is of the form 15. (c) For hyperbola,
8. (b) By the definition, SP = e ⋅ PM b2
X 2 = − 4 AY (downward parabola) as e2 = 1 + 2 = 1 +
81
=
225
focus is below the vertex. {( x − 6)2 + ( y − 7)2 } a 144 144
Y 1 x+ y+ 2 15 5
= ⋅ ∴ e= = , i.e. e > 1
A (0, 4) 3 ( 1 + 1) 12 4
144
On squaring both sides, we get Also, a2 =
6 ( x 2 + y 2 − 12x − 14 y + 85) 25
S (0, 2) Hence, the foci are ( ± ae ,0)
= x 2 + y 2 + 4 + 2xy + 4 y + 4x
i.e.  ±
12 5 
∴5x + 5 y 2 − 76x − 88 y −2xy + 506 = 0
2 ⋅ , 0 = ( ± 3, 0)
 5 4 
X 9. (d) Given, 2a = 3( 2b ) Now, the foci coincide, therefore for ellipse
b2 1  b2 
∴ = ae = 3 or a 2 e 2 = 9 ⇒ a 2  1 − 2  = 9
( x − 0)2 = − 4 × 2 ( y − 4) a 2
9  a 
∴ x 2 + 8 y = 32 b2 b2 8
⇒ e = 1− 2 = 1− 2 =
2 ⇒ a 2 − b 2 = 9 ⇒ 16 − 9 = b 2
5. (a) Given, a + x = 4 or 2 + x = 4 a 9b 9 ∴ b2 = 7
∴ x =2 2 2 b2
∴ e= 16. (a) We have, 2 ⋅ = 12 and b = 2 3
On putting x = 2 in y 2 = 8x , we get 3 a
y=±4 10. (c) Distance between foci = 2ae = 6 ∴ a=2
⇒ a = 3 / e, b2
6. (d) Let ∆OAB be the equilateral ∴ e2 = 1 + 2 ⇒e=2
triangle. Minor axis = 2b = 8 ⇒ b = 4 a
9 x2 y2
Y Now, b 2 = a 2 ( 1 − e 2 ) ⇒16 = 2 ( 1 − e 2 ) 17. (b) For the hyperbola, 2 − 2 = 1
e a b
⇒ 16e 2 = 9( 1 − e 2 ) ⇒ e = 3 / 5
B b2 a2 + b2
x2 y2 x2 y2 or e = 1+ 2 =
2
11. (a) + = 1, − =1 a a2
4 9 4 9
30º C For conjugate hyperbola,
X Major axes along Y-axis, a 2 = 9, b 2 = 4 y2 y2 x2
O 30º 1 1 x2
Transverse axes along X-axis 2
− 2 = − 1 or − 2 =1
a b b2 a
a = 4, b = 9
2 2
2 2 a2 a2 + b2
A
b2 ∴ e′ = 1 + 2 =
2
4 5 b2
Then, ∠COB = 30° e2 = 1 − 1 = 1− = b
Let OA = OB = AB = b
1
a2 9 9 1 1 a2 + b2
1 ∴ + 2 = 2 =1
Then, B is B (b cos 30°, b sin 30°) b2 9 13 e2 e′ a + b2
 3 1  e2 = 1 + 2 = 1+ =
i.e. B  b, b
2
a2 4 4
2
 2 2 
216 NDA/NA Pathfinder

18. (c) Given equation of hyperbola Sol. (Q. Nos. 24-26) The given hyperbola can Similarly, the point of contact of the
other tangent is  − , −  .
x2 y2 be written as 1 15
5x 2 − 4 y 2 = k 2 ⇒ − 2 =1  2 4
k2 k 3( x − 4)2 − 4( y − 5)2 = 36
( x − 4)2 ( y − 5)2 30. (b) The given equation of parabola can
5 4 or − = 1
k k 12 9 be written as
∴ a= and b = 2 2 2
5 2 ⇒
X
−
Y
=1  4x − 3 y + 12 
3 ...(i) ( x − 2)2 + ( y − 4)2 =  
The eccentricity and foci are and 12 9
 4 + ( − 3) 
2 2
2 where, X = x − 4, Y = y − 5
( ± 2,0), respectively. ∴ The coordinates of focus are ( 2, 4)
3 24. (b) From Eq. (i), we have and the equation of directrix is
∴ e = and ± ae = 2
2 a 2 = 12 and b 2 = 9 4x − 3 y + 12 = 0
⇒
k 3
⋅ =2 ⇒ k=
4 a2 + b2 21 7
5 ∴ e = = = 31. (c) The distance of the focus from the
5 2 3 a 12 2 directrix
x2 y2 25. (c) Equation of the directrices is given by 4( 2) − 3( 4) + 12 8
19. (a) I. Given ellipse is + = 1, = =
3 2 a 12 4 2 + ( − 3)2 5
X =± ⇒ x −4=± ×2
whose area is = π 3 ⋅ 2 = π 6 e 7 ∴ The length of latusrectum
Circle is x 2 + y 2 − 2x + 4 y + 4 = 0 12 =2× =
8 16
⇒x =4± 2
or ( x − 1)2 + ( y − 2)2 = 1 7 5 5
Its radius is 1. Hence, area is π. x2 y2 32. (c) Axis of parabola is perpendicular to
So, Statement I is true. 26. (c) Let the equation be 2 − 2 = 1
a b the directrix.
II. The given equation can be written as 1 1
∴ Equation of line perpendicular to
3( x − 3)2 + 4( y + 2)2 = k 2b 2
We have, = 6 ⇒ b 2 = 3a 4x − 3 y + 12 = 0 is 3x + 4 y + k = 0.
So, no locus for k < 0 a
Since, 3x + 4 y + k = 0 passes through
Hence, Statement II is false. Now, b 2 = a 2 ( e 2 − 1) ( 2, 4).
3a 2
⇒ 3a = a 2  − 1 ⇒3a =
x y 7
20. (b) sec φ = , tan φ = ⇒a = 4 ∴ 3( 2) + 4( 4) + k = 0 ⇒ k = − 22
5 3 4  4
∴ Equation of axis is 3x + 4 y − 22 = 0
x2 y2 ∴ b = 3a = 3 × 4 = 12
2
∴ − =1 33. (a) Equation of the latusrectum is
25 9 Hence, the equation of the hyperbola is
This gives, a = 25, b 2 = 9
2 parallel to the equation of directrix.
x2 y2
− =1 So, equation of line parallel to
∴ a = 5 and b = 3, 16 12
a2 + b2 25 + 9 34 4x − 3 y + 12 = 0 is 4x − 3 y + k = 0
e = = = 27. (b) Equation of any tangent to the
Since, it passes through focus (2, 4)
a2 25 5 parabola P : y 2 = 8x is y = mx +
2
Distance between the focii = 2ae m ∴ 4( 2) − 3( 4) + k = 0 ⇒ k = 4
34 ∴ Required equation is 4x − 3 y + 4 = 0
= 2×5× = 2 34 where, m is the slope of tangent.
5 x2 y2 Sol. (Q. Nos. 34-37) The given equation can be
Since, it touches E : + =1 written as
21. (d) y = mx − 3 will be a tangent to the 4 15
2 12 ( x + 1)2 + 4 ( y − 2)2 = 3
x2 y2  2  = 4m 2 + 15 ⇒ m = ± 1
hyperbola − = 1, if ( x + 1)2 ( y − 2)2
25 9 m 2 or + =1
4 3/ 4
( − 3)2 = 25m 2 − 9 Equations of the tangents are
18 3 2 x ± 2 y + 8 = 0. 34. (c) Coordinates of centre of the ellipse
⇒ 9 + 9 = 25m 2 ⇒ m = = are given by
25 5 1
28. (a) When m = , the slope of the x + 1 = 0 and y − 2 = 0
22. (a) Eccentricity of ellipse 2 ⇒ x = − 1 and y = 2
normal is −2 and equation of the normal ∴ Centre of the ellipse is ( − 1, 2).
25 − 16 3
= = to the parabola is
25 5 35. (b) Let a and b the length of the
5 y = −2x − 2( 2)( −2) − 2( −2)3 semi-minor and semi-major axes, then
∴ Eccentricity of hyperbola = ⇒ 2x + y = 24 1 3
3 a 2 = and b 2 =
Foci of ellipse ( ± 3,0). 29. (d) Equation of the tangent at 4 4
x2 y2 ( 2 cos θ, 15 sin θ) on the ellipse E to ∴ Length of major axis
∴ Equation of hyperbola 2 − 2 = 1 x
the ellipse is cos θ +
y
sin θ = 1, 3
9 b = 2b = 2 × = 3
2 15 4
where, b 2 = 9( e 2 − 1) if it represents the tangent 1
Length of minor axis = 2a = 2 × =1
= 9 − 1 = 16
25 x − 2 y + 8 = 0, then 4
 9  cosθ sinθ −1
= = 1
x2 y2 2 −2 15 8
∴Equation of hyperbola is − =1 a2 4
9 16 1 15 36. (c) Eccentricity = 1 − 2 = 1 −
⇒ cos θ = − , sin θ = b 3
23. (a) Focus of hyperbola is 4 4 4
and the point of contact is  − ,  .
 ± 3 × 5 , 0 = ( ± 5, 0) 1 15
1 2
 3   2 4 = 1− =
3 3
MATHEMATICS > Conic Section 217

37. (d) We have, be =

3
×
2
=
1 ∴ Foci of the hyperbola = ( ± ae , 0) Let P be any point on the parabola, then
 equation directrix is y − 2 = 0
2 3 2 a2 + b2 
=  ± a , 0 =( ± a 2 + b 2 , 0) ∴ Equation of parabola is PS = PM
Coordinates of foci are given by  a  |y − 2|
x + 1 = 0, y − 2 = ± be ⇒ ( x − 0)2 + ( y + 2)2 =
 1 1   13  1
Thus, foci are  − 1, 2 ±
1 
. = ± + , 0 =  ± , 0
 2  4 9   6  ⇒ ( x 2 + ( y + 2)2 )2 = | y − 2|2
38. (a) The given conic equation is 46. (a) Let the coordinates of point P is
⇒ x 2 = − 8 y,
x2 y2 ( h, k ).
4x 2 + 9 y 2 = 144 ⇒ + =1 Now, according to given condition
which is the required equation of
36 16 parabola.
a = 36 ⇒ a = 6 and b = 16 ⇒ b = 4
2 2 Distance between ( h , k ) and (1, 2)
49. (d) Equation of ellipse is
Thus, represent an ellipse, as a > b. = Distance between ( h , k ) and (−2,3)
x2 y2
Now, eccentricity, b 2 = a 2 ( 1 − e 2 ) ⇒ ( h − 1)2 + ( k − 2)2 25x 2 + 16 y 2 = 400 ⇒ + =1
16 25
⇒ 16 = 36 ( 1 − e 2 ) = ( h + 2)2 + ( k − 3)2 Here, a 2 = 16 and b 2 = 25
4
⇒ = 1 − e2 ⇒ e =
5 2a 2 32
⇒ h 2 + 1 − 2h + k 2 + 4 − 4k ∴ Length of latusrectum = =
9 3 b 5
= h 2 + 4 + 4h + k 2 + 9 − 6k
39. (b) The eccentricity of ellipse lies ⇒ − 2h − 4k + 5 = 4h − 6k + 13 50. (a) Let P ( x , y ) be the required point on
between 0 and 1. the parabola which is nearest to the focus.
⇒ 6h − 2k + 8 = 0 ⇒ 3h − k + 4 = 0
40. (b) Since, the sum of focal distances of a So, the locus of P is 3x − y + 4 = 0, Then, D = ( x − a )2 + y 2
x2 y2
point on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 is which represent a straight line. = ( x − a )2 + 4ax
a b 47. (c) We know that, length of major axes
equal to 2b. When b > a. of an ellipse = 2a = ( x + a )2 = ( x + a )
Q a 2 = 4, b 2 = 9 ⇒ a = 2, b = 3 and length of minor axes of an ellipse Now, distance will be shortest, when
∴ Sum of the focal distances = 2b x = 0.
= 2 × 3 = 6 units Given that, 51. (c) Since, hyperbola passes through
eccentricity of an ellipse = 4 / 5 = e … (i) (3 5 , 1).
41. (c) and length of latusrectum of an ellipse
(3 5 ) 2 1
42. (a) Given that, = 14.4 units ∴ − 2 =1
Foci of an ellipse = ( ± 4, 0) = ( ± ae , 0) 2b 2 b2 a2 b
⇒ = 14.4 ⇒ = 7. 2
⇒ ae = 4 ...(i) a a ⇒ 45b 2 − a 2 = a 2 b 2 ...(i)
⇒ b = 7. 2 a
2
…(ii) 2b 2 4
and vertices of an ellipse Also, = ⇒ 6b 2 = 4a
= ( ± 5, 0) = ( ± a , 0) ⇒ a = 5 ...(ii) Since, eccentricity of an ellipse, a 3
b 2 = a 2 ( 1− e 2 ) 6b 2
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
2
⇒ a= …(ii)
4  4  4
e= ...(iii) ⇒ 7. 2a = a 2  1 −    On putting the value from Eq. (ii) in
5  5 
Eq. (i), we get
Now, we have a relation [from Eqs. (i) and (ii)] 2 2
b 2 = a 2 ( 1− e 2 )  6b 2   6b 2  2
⇒ 7. 2a = a 2  1 −  ⇒ 7. 2a = a 2 ×
16 9 45b 2 −   =  b
 25   4   4 
⇒ b = 25  1−  ⇒ b 2 = 9 ⇒ b = ± 3

2 16 25
 25  36b 4 2
⇒ 9a 2 − 7. 2 × 25a = 0 ⇒ 45b 2 = [ b + 1]
∴ Required equation of an ellipse, ⇒9a 2 − 36 × 5a = 0 ⇒ 9a ( a − 20) = 0 16
x2 y2 x2 y2 ⇒ b 4 + b 2 = 20
+ = 1 ⇒ + =1 ⇒ a = 20 [Q a ≠ 0] ∴ b=2
a2 b2 25 9 Put the value of a in Eq. (ii), we get ∴ 2b = 4 = length of conjugate axis.
43. (b) Given, equation of parabola is b 2 = 7. 2 × 20 ⇒ b 2 = 72 × 2 = 144 x2 y2
y 2 + 2x = 0 ⇒ y 2 = − 2x Hence, the sum of the major and minor 52. (a) We have, an ellipse + =1
25 9
which is of the form y 2 = − 4ax. axes = 2a + 2b = 2( 20 + 12) = 64 units
Clearly, its foci are ( 4, 0) and ( − 4, 0).
So, axis of the parabola is y = 0. 48. (c) Given, vertex of the parabola = (0, 0) [ Q foci = S (ae, 0), S′ (ae, 0)]
and focus of the parabola = ( 0, − 2)
44. (b) Given equation of ellipse is ∴ PS + PS ′ = 2a = Major axis
x2 y2 Y ⇒ r + s = 2(5) = 10 units
4x2 + 9 y 2 = 36 ⇒ + =1
9 4 x2 y2
Directrix, y – 2 = 0 53. (b) Given, − =1
Here, a 2 = 9 and b 2 = 4 ; ( a > b ) M 1 / 16 1 / 9
∴ Length of latusrectum b2
2 ∴ Eccentricity, e 2 = 1 + 2
2b 2 2× 4 8 (0, 0) a
= = = X´ X
1/ 9
a 3 3 2
(0, –2) = 1+
1 / 16
45. (b) Given, equation of hyperbola is S P (x, y)
16
x2 y2 = 1+
4x 2 − 9 y 2 = 1 ⇒ − =1 9
( 1 / 4) ( 1 / 9) 5
1 1 ⇒ e=
Here, a2 = and b 2 = Y´ 3
4 9
28
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 345

STATISTICS
In NDA exam, generally 6-8 questions are asked from this chapter which are based on central
tendency, variance and standard deviation, correlation and lines of regression.

Statistics is the science of collection, organisation, (ii) Ungrouped data A data which cannot be
presentation, analysis and interpretation of the organised into classes or it just a list of
numerical data. number is called ungrouped data.
(i) Data The word data means, a set of useful e.g. 3, 5, 11, 15, ...
information from the given facts.
(ii) Primary and secondary data The data collected Frequency Distribution
by the investigator himself is known as the There are two types of frequency distribution
primary data, while the data, which is already which are as follow
collected by other persons is know as secondary
data. e.g. As investigator collects data related to (i) Discrete frequency distribution A
industries through the government organisations. frequency distribution is called a discrete
(iii) Variable or Variate A characteristics that varies in frequency distribution, if data is presented
magnitude from observation to observation. e.g. in such a way that exact measurements of
Weight, height, income, age, etc. are variables. the units are clearly shown.
(iv) Frequency The number of times an observation Marks Number of students (Frequency)
occurs in the given data, is called the frequency 40 7
of the observation. 60 3
80 3
Classification of Data 100 2
(i) Grouped data A data which can be organised Total 15
into classes is called grouped data.
e.g. 0-10 3 (ii) Continuous frequency distribution A
10-20 4 frequency distribution in which data are
20-30 5 arranged in classes groups which are not
(a) Continuous data If the upper limit of first exactly measurable.
interval is equal to the lower limit of second
Marks Number of students (Frequency)
interval, then it is called continuous data.
Above example is for continuous data. 10-20 1
20-30 2
(b) Discontinuous data If the upper limit of first
30-40 3
interval is not equal to lower limit of second
interval, then it is called discontinuous data. 40-50 4
e.g. 0-9 3 50-60 6
10-19 2 60-70 7
20-29 1 Total 23
346 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Cumulative Frequency Distribution proportional the frequency of the class. Such

The frequency of the first class is added to that of the representation gives a bar diagram.
second and this sum is added to that of the third and so
on, then the frequencies so obtained are known as 30
cumulative frequency (cf ).

Bus
There are two types of cumulative frequency viz. less 20

Scooter
than and greater than. For less than cumulative

Car
frequency, we add up the frequency from above and for 10
greater than cumulative frequency, we add up
0
frequencies from below.
The cumulative frequency distributions are as follow 2. Pie diagrams A pie diagram consists of a circle
Less than cumulative frequency distribution divided into as many sectors as there are classes in a
frequency distribution. Each part of a data, marks a
Wages (in `) Number of workers certain central angle and sum of all the angles of
(Cumulative frequency)
sector is 360°. We divide 360° in the proportion of
Less than 1099.5 125
the various relative frequencies. i.e.
Less than 1199.5 275
Frequency × 360 ° 
Less than 1299.5 475 Central angle =  
Less than 1399.5 725
 Total frequency 
Less than 1499.5 900
Less than 1599.5 1000
Cars
Bike
Greater than cumulative frequency distribution 60°
160°
Wages (in `) Number of workers
(Cumulative frequency) 140°
Scooter
Greater than 999.5 1000
Greater than 1099.5 875
Greater than 1199.5 725
Greater than 1299.5 525
3. Histogram A histogram is a set of adjacent
Greater than 1399.5 275 rectangles, whose area is proportional to the
Greater than 1499.5 100 frequencies at a given continuous frequency
distribution. There is no gap between any two
Relative Frequency Distribution successive rectangles
Relative frequencies are very useful for the comparison
of two or more frequency distributions. To find the 40
percentage of relative frequency to the total frequency,
Frequency

30
given formula is used i.e.
20
 Class frequency 
Relative frequency % =   × 100
 Total frequency  10 20 30 40
10
0 10 20 30 40 50
Graphical Representation of Runs
Frequency Distribution 4. Frequency polygon To draw the frequency
1. Bar diagrams In bar diagrams, only the length of polygon of an ungrouped frequency distribution,
the bars are taken into consideration. The width at we plot the points with abscissae as the variate
each bar can be any but widths at all the bars is same. values and the ordinate as the corresponding
On each of these lengths on the horizontal axis, we frequencies. These plotted points are joined by
erect (vertical) a rectangle, whose height is straight lines to obtain the frequency polygon.
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 347

5. Ogive (Cumulative Frequency Curve) When we (ii) Shortcut method

plot the upper class limits along X-axis and 1 n
cumulative frequencies along Y-axis and on joining X =A+ ∑di
n i =1
them, we get a curve called an ogive.
We have two types of ogive curves where, A = Assumed mean and d i = x i − A
(i) Less than ogive, i.e. the rising curve EXAMPLE 1. If the heights of 5 persons are 144 cm,
(ii) More than ogive, i.e. falling curve 152 cm, 150 cm, 158 cm and 155 cm, respectively.
(i) Less than type In this type, we mark the upper Find the mean height.
class limits along X-axis and the corresponding a. 152.5 cm b. 150 cm c. 149.8 cm d. 151.8 cm
cumulative frequencies along Y-axis. The points 144 + 152 + 150 + 158 + 155
Sol. d. Mean height =
with abscissae as the upper limit of the classes and 5
ordinate as the cumulative frequencies are plotted 759
= = 151.8 cm
to get a rising curve. 5
(ii) More than type In this type, we subtract the Weighted Arithmetic Mean
frequency of each class. Now, we mark the lower
If w1 , w 2 , w 3 , K, w n are the weights assigned to the n
class limits along X-axis and the corresponding
cumulative frequencies along Y-axis. The points values of x1 , x 2 , K, x n , respectively, then the weighted
with abscissae as the lower class limits and ordinate average of AM is given by
n
as the cumulative frequencies are plotted to get a ∑ w i xi
declining curve. w1 x1 + w 2 x 2 + L + w n x n i =1 Σ wx
X = = n
or X =
w1 + w 2 + L + w n Σw
MEASURES OF ∑ wi
i =1
CENTRAL TENDENCY
EXAMPLE 2. Students of two schools appeared for a
An average or central value of a statistical series is the
common test carrying 100 marks. The arithmetic
value of the variable which describes the characteristic
means of their marks for schools I and II are 82 and
of the entire distribution. 86, respectively. If the number of students of school II
The following are the five measures of central tendency is 1.5 times, the number of students of school I, then
1. Mathematical averages what is the arithmetic mean of the marks of all the
students of both the schools?
(i) Arithmetic Mean or Mean (ii) Geometric Mean
a. 84 b. 84.2
(iii) Harmonic mean c. 84.4 d. Data insufficient
2. Positional averages
Sol. c. Let the number of students of school I = x
(i) Median (ii) Mode
∴ Number of students of school II = 1.5x
Out of these measures of central tendency, arithmetic Mean of marks of school I = 82
mean, median and mode are sometimes known as and mean of marks of school II = 86
measures of location. x × 82 + 15. x × 86
∴ Combined mean =
x + 15
. x
Arithmetic Mean (AM) x (82 + 129) 211
It is the sum of all the numbers in the series is divided by = = = 84.4
2.5 x 2.5
the total number of series is called the arithmetic mean.

Arithmetic Mean of Ungrouped Arithmetic Mean of a Discrete

or Individual Observations Frequency Distribution
If x1 , x 2 , …, x n are n values of a variable X, then the In a discrete frequency distribution, the arithmetic mean
arithmetic mean of these values is given by may be computed by anyone of the following methods
(i) Direct method (i) Direct method If a variable X takes values
x1 , x 2 , …, x n with corresponding frequencies
x1 + x 2 + … + x n 1 n 
f1 , f 2 , …, f n , respectively, then the arithmetic mean
X = or X = ∑ xi 
n n  i =1  of the values is
348 NDA/NA Pathfinder

n
EXAMPLE 4. Apply the step deviation method to find
∑ fi xi
the arithmetic mean of the distribution.
f1 x1 + f 2 x 2 + … + f n x n i=1
X = or X =
f1 + f 2 + … + f n N Variate 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
n Frequency 20 43 75 67 72 45 39 9 8 6
where, N = f1 + f 2 + … + f n = ∑ f i
i =1
a. 22.214 b. 28.346
c. 30.125 d. None of these
(ii) Shortcut method If the values of x or (and) f is
Sol. a. Let the assumed mean be A = 25 and h = 5.
large, the calculation of arithmetic mean by the
formula used above is quite tedious and time The calculations are
consuming. In such a case, we use the formula Variate Frequency ( fi ) Deviation, xi − A fi ui
n
ui =
1 ( xi ) di = xi − A h
X =A+
N
∑ fi d i 5 20 –20 –4 –80
i =1
10 43 –15 –3 –129
where, d i = x i − A and A is assumed mean.
15 75 –10 –2 –150
EXAMPLE 3. Find the mean wage from the data 20 67 –5 –1 –67
given below.
25 72 0 0 0
Wages (in `) 800 820 860 900 920 980 1000
30 45 5 1 45
Number of workers 7 14 19 25 20 10 5
35 39 10 2 78
a. 890 b. 890.5 c. 891.2 d. 891.8 40 9 15 3 27
Sol. c. Let the assumed mean be A = 900. 45 8 20 4 32
The given data can be written as under 50 6 25 5 30
Wages (in `) Number of di = xi − A fi di Total N = Σ f i = 384 Σ f i u i = − 214
( xi ) workers ( fi )
1 
800 7 – 100 – 700 ∴ Mean ( X ) = A + h  Σf i ui 
N 
820 14 – 80 –1120
214
860 19 – 40 – 760 ⇒ X = 25 + 5  − 
 384 
900 25 0 0
= 25 − 2.786 = 22.214
920 20 20 400
980 10 80 800 Arithmetic Mean of a Grouped or
1000 5 100 500
Continuous Frequency Distribution
Total N = Σ f i = 100 Σ f i d i = − 880 For computing arithmetic in a continuous frequency
distribution, we need to compute the mid-point of class
Here, A = 900 intervals (x). The mid-points are multiplied by the
 880 891.2 corresponding frequencies ( f x ).
∴Mean = X = A + 1/ N ( Σ f i d i ) = 900 +  −  =
 100
The sum of this product is obtained and is divided by
Hence, mean wage = ` 891.2
the sum of frequencies. The arithmetic mean may be
(iii) Step deviation method Sometimes during the computed by applying any of the methods used in a
application of shortcut method of finding the mean, discrete frequency distribution.
the deviations d i are divisible by a common number
h (say). In such a case, the arithmetic is reduced to a EXAMPLE 5. Calculate the arithmetic mean for the
great extent by taking following frequency distribution.
x −A
ui = i , i = 1, 2, …, n Class 0-8 8-16 16-24 24-32 32-40 40-48
h Frequency 8 7 16 24 15 7
1 n 
X = A + h  ∑ fi ui  a. 22.404 b. 24.202
 N i =1  c. 25.404 d. 27.202
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 349

Sol. c. Let the assumed mean be A = 28 and h = 8. (ii) Geometric mean for grouped data If x1 , x 2 . . . , x n
The calculations are are n observations whose corresponding frequencies
Class Mid-value Frequency ui =
xi − A fi ui are f1 , f 2 , . . . , f n , then geometric mean is given by
( xi ) ( fi ) h
GM = ( x1f1 ⋅ x 2f2 . . . x nfn )1/N
0-8 4 8 –3 –24
1
8-16 12 7 –2 –14 log GM = ( f1 log x1 + f 2 log x 2 + L + f n log x n )
N
16-24 20 16 –1 –16 n
1 1 n 
24-32 28 24 0 0 log GM = ∑ f i log x i , G = antilog  ∑ f i log x i 
32-40 36 15 1 15 n i =1  N i =1 
40-48 44 7 2 14
(iii) Combined geometric mean If G1 and G2 are the
Total N = Σfi = 77 Σfi u i = − 25
geometric means of two series of sizes n1 and n2
Here, A = 28 and h = 8 respectively, then the geometric mean GM of the
1 combined series is given by
∴ X = A + h ⋅ ( Σf i ui )
N n1 log G1 + n2 log G2
25 200 log GM =
= 28 + 8  −  = 28 − = 25.404 n1 + n2
 77 77
as median divides as distribution into two equal
Combined Mean parts, when N = f1 + f 2 + . . . + f n
If we are given the AM of the two data sets and their
sizes, then the combined AM of two data sets can be EXAMPLE 6. Find the geometric mean for the
obtained by the formula following distribution of student’s marks.
n x + n2 x 2
x12 = 1 1 Marks 0-30 30-50 50-80 80-100
n1 + n2 Number of students 20 30 40 10
where, x12 = Combined mean of two data sets 1 and 2
x1 = Mean of the first data a. 43.92 b. 43.43
x 2 = Mean of the second data c. 43.13 d. 43.29
x1 = Size of the first data Sol. d.
x 2 = Size of the second data Marks Number of Mid-points f log x
students
Properties of Arithmetic Mean
0-30 20 15 23.5218
(i) Mean is dependent of change of origin but it is
30-50 30 40 48.0168
independent of change of scale.
50-80 40 65 72.5165
(ii) Algebraic sum of the deviations of a set of values
80-100 10 90 19.5424
from their arithmetic mean is zero.
Total Σf = 100 Σf log x = 163.6425
(iii) The sum of the squares of the deviations of a set of
values is minimum, when taken about mean.  Σf log x 163.6425
GM of x = x = antilog   = antilog  
 Σf  100 
Geometric Mean (GM)
= antilog(16364
. ), x = 43.29
The nth root of the product of the values is called
geometric mean. Harmonic Mean (HM)
(i) Geometric mean for ungrouped data If The harmonic mean of any series is the reciprocal of the
x1 , x 2 , . . . , x n are n non-zero values of a variate X, arithmetic mean of the reciprocals of the observations.
then geometric mean is (i) Harmonic mean for ungrouped data
GM = ( x1 ⋅ x 2 . . . x n )1/n If x1 , x 2 , . . . , x n are n non-zero values of a variate
1 X, then harmonic mean is
log GM = (log x1 + log x 2 + L + log x n )
n n n
HM = = n
1 n 1 n  1 1 1  1
+ +K+
log GM = ∑ log x i , G = antilog  ∑ log x i 
n i=1 x1 x 2 x n ∑  x i 
n i=1  i =1
350 NDA/NA Pathfinder

(ii) Harmonic mean for grouped data If x1 , x 2 , . . . , x n  n + 1

(ii) If n is odd, then median is the value of   th
are n observations, whose corresponding  2 
frequencies of each variate is f1 , f 2 , . . . , f n , then observation. If n is even, then median is the values
n
 n th and  n + 1 th
∑ fi  
 2

2 

f + f2 + . . . + fn N i=1 of observations.
HM = 1 = n
= n 2
f1 f f f  f
+ 2 + ... + n ∑  x i  ∑ xi
x1 x 2 xn EXAMPLE 8. Find the median of the daily wages
i=1 i i=1 i
(in `) of ten workers 29, 25, 17, 18, 8, 15, 22, 11, 9
where, N = f1 + f 2 + . . . + f n and 14.
a. 8 b. 15 c. 16 d. 17
Note If Geometric Mean (GM) and Harmonic Mean (HM) of a
statistical sequence in known, then Arithmetic Mean (AM) can Sol. c. Arranging the wages in ascending order of magnitude,
(GM)2
be obtained as AM = or (GM)2 = (AM) × (HM) we have 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 25, 29
(HM)
Since, there are 10 observations, therefore median is the
10 10
EXAMPLE 7. The harmonic mean for the given data, arithmetic mean of   th and  + 1 th observations.
 2  2 
will be
15 + 17
∴ Median = = 16
Marks 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99 2
f 2 3 11 20 32 25 7 Median of Discrete Frequency Distribution
a. 66.90 b. 69.60 c. 60.96 d. 60.69 In case of a discrete frequency distribution
Sol. b. The necessary calculations are as follows x i , f i , i = 1, 2, …, n, we calculate the median by using the
following method
Marks x f f/x
(i) First arrange the data in ascending or decending
30-39 34.5 2 0.0580
order and then find the cumulative frequencies ( cf ).
40-49 44.5 3 0.0674 n
N
50-59 54.5 11 0.2018 (ii) Find , where N = ∑ f i .
2 i =1
60-69 64.5 20 0.3101
(iii) See the cumulative frequency (cf ) just greater than
70-79 74.5 32 0.4295 N
. The corresponding value of x is median.
80-89 84.5 25 0.2959 2
90-99 94.5 7 0.0741
EXAMPLE 9. Obtain the median for the following
Σf = 100 f frequency distribution.
Σ   = 14368
.
 x
x 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Σf 100 f 8 10 11 16 20 25 15 9 6
Harmonic mean, x = = = 69.60
f
  14368
.
Σ  a. 5 b. 6 c. 4 d. None of these
 x
Sol. a. x f cf
Median 1 8 8
Median of a distribution is the value of the variable such 2 10 18
that the number of observations above it is equal to the 3 11 29
number of observations below it. 4 16 45

Median of Ungrouped Individual 5 20 65

Observations 6 25 90
7 15 105
In case of individual observations, x1 , x 2 , …, x n to find
8 9 114
the median, we use the following method 9 6 120
(i) Arrange the observations x1 , x 2 , …, x n in ascending Total N = 120
or descending order.
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 351

N The cumulative frequency just greater than N / 2 is 26 and

Here, N = 120 ⇒ = 60
2 the corresponding class is 15-20.
We find that the cumulative frequency just greater than Thus, 15-20 is the median class such that
N / 2 is 65 and the value of x corresponding to 65 is 5. l = 15, f = 15, C = 11 and h = 5
Therefore, median is 5.
 N / 2 − C × h
∴ Median = l +  
Median of a Grouped or Continuous  f 
24.5 − 11 13.5
Frequency Distribution = 15 +   × 5 = 15 + = 19.5
 15  3
To calculate the median of a grouped or continuous
frequency distribution, we use the following method Mode
(i) Prepare the cumulative frequency column and Mode is the observation with maximum frequency,
N whenever the other observations have for less frequencies.
obtain N = Σf i and find .
2
Mode of Individual Observation
N
(ii) See the cumulative frequency just greater than The value which is repeated maximum number of times
2
and determine the corresponding class. This class is is called mode of the series.
known as the median class. EXAMPLE 11. Find the mode for the following series.
(iii) Use the following formula, Median 2.5, 2.3, 2.2, 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 2.7, 2.5, 2.3, 2.2, 2.6, 2.2
 N / 2 − C a. 2.2 b. 2.3 c. 2.7 d. 2.6
=l+  ×h
 f  Sol. a. Arranging the data in the form of a frequency table, we
where, have
Value Frequency
l = Lower limit of the median class 2.2 4
f = Frequency of the median class 2.3 2
h = Width (size) of the median class 2.4 1
2.5 2
C = Cumulative frequency of the class preceding
2.6 1
the median class
2.7 2

EXAMPLE 10. Calculate the median from the We see that the value 2.2 has the maximum frequence 4.
following distribution. So, the mode for the given series is 2.2.
Class 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-25 25-30 30-35 35-40 40-45
Mode of a Discrete Series
Frequency 5 6 15 10 5 4 2 2
Mode of a discrete series is the value of variable
a. 18.5 b. 18 c. 19 d. 19.5 consisting highest frequency.
Sol. d. EXAMPLE 12. Compute the modal value for the
Class Frequency Cumulative frequency following frequency distribution.
5-10 5 5 x 95 105 115 125 135 145 155 165 175
10-15 6 11 f 4 2 18 22 21 19 10 3 2
15-20 15 26
a. 115 b. 125 c. 22 d. 120
20-25 10 36
Sol. b. From the given table, it is clear that 125 has the
25-30 5 41
highest frequency 22. Hence, modal value of the given
30-35 4 45 frequency distribution is 125.
35-40 2 47
Mode of a Continuous Series
40-45 2 49
To calculate the mode of a grouped or continuous
Total N = 49
frequency distribution, we use the following method.
We have, N = 49
(i) First find the modal group which has maximum
N 49
∴ = = 24.5 frequency.
2 2
352 NDA/NA Pathfinder

(ii) Use the following formula,

 f1 − f 0 
VARIANCE AND STANDARD
Mode = l +   ×h
 2 f1 − f 0 − f 2 
DEVIATION
The variance of a variable is the arithmetic mean of the
where,
squares of all deviations of x from the arithmetic mean
l = Lower limit of modal group
of the observations and is denoted by var( x) or σ 2 .
h = Size of modal group
f1 = Frequency of modal group The positive square root of the variance of a variable x
f 0 = Frequency of group before to modal group is known as the standard deviation and is denoted by σ.
f 2 = Frequency of group next to modal group Thus, standard deviation = var( x).
The calculation of variance and standard deviation can
EXAMPLE 13. Find the mode of following
be done by using the following formulas.
distribution.
(i) For individual series,
Class interval Frequency
 n 2 
0-20 17
1 n
  ∑ xi 
20-40 28 SD = σ =  ∑ ( x i − x ) 2  or σ =  i =1 − x 2
40-60 32  n i =1   n 
 
60-80 24  
80-100 19 Let A be any assumed mean and d i = x i − A.
2
a. 40 b. 45.32 c. 46.67 d. 49.82  n  n  
 ∑ d i2  ∑ d i  
Sol. c. From the given table, it is clear that modal group is
40-60. Then, σ =  i =1 −  i =1  
 n  n  
Here, l = 40, f 0 = 28, f1 = 32 , f 2 = 24, h = 20    
 f1 − f 0     
∴Mode = l +   × h 
 2f1 − f 0 − f 2  (ii) For frequency distribution,
 32 − 28  1 n 
= 40 +   × 20 = 40 + 6.67 = 46.67 σ =  ∑ f i (x i − x )2 
 64 − 28 − 24  N i =1 
Variance = σ 2
Symmetric Distribution
For grouped data, it becomes
A distribution is a symmetric distribution, if the values
2
of mean, mode and median coincide. In a symmetric  n  n  
2
distribution, frequencies are symmetrically distributed ∑ fi d i  ∑ fi d i   n
 i =1
−  i =1  , N =
on both sides of the centre point of the frequency curve. SD = σ =
 N  N   ∑ fi
i=1
   
   

Mean = Median = Mode where, N = ∑ f i
σ
Relationship between Mean, ∴ Coefficient of dispersion =
x
Median and Mode σ
and coefficient of variation = × 100
Mean – Mode = 3 (Mean – Median) x
⇒ Mode = 3 Median – 2 Mean
Properties of Standard Deviation
EXAMPLE 14. If the arithmetic mean and mode of (i) SD is independent of change of origin.
data are 24 and 12 respectively, then the median of (ii) If the values of the variate x are multiplied by a
the data is constant, then the SD of the new observation can be
a. 20 b. 18 c. 21 d. 22 obtained by multiplying the initial SD by the same
Sol. a. We have, mean = 24 and mode = 12 constant, i.e. if y = kx, then σ y = kσ x . Thus, SD is
Q Mode = 3 Median − 2 Mean not dependent of change in scale.
⇒ 12 = 3 Median − 2 × 24
⇒ Median = 20 Thus, if y = ax + b, σ y = | a | σ x
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 353

Combined Standard Deviation Methods of Calculating

for Two Series Correlation Coefficients
Let x1 , x 2 be the respective means and σ 1 , σ 2 be the 1. Karl Pearson’s Coefficient of Correlation
respective SD of the two given series. Let x12 be the Covariance ( x, y) = cov ( x, y)
combined mean. Also, let D1 = ( x1 − x12 ) and 1 n 1 n
D2 = ( x 2 − x12 ). Then, = ∑ (x i − x ) ( y i − y) = ∑ x i y i − x y
n i=1 n i=1
 n (σ 2 + D12 ) + n2 (σ 22 + D22 )
Combined SD = σ 12 =  1 1  Let σ x and σ y be the SD of variables x and y,
 n1 + n2  respectively. Then, coefficient of correlation
1 n
2 2 2 2 2
Variance (σ ) = [ n1 (σ 1 + D1 ) + n2 (σ 2 + D2 )] ∑ (x i − x ) ( y i − y)
n 1 + n2 cov ( x, y) i =1
r ( x, y) = =
σ xσ y n n
EXAMPLE 15. Compute the variance and standard ∑ (x i − x )2 ∑ ( y i − y )2
deviation of the following observations of marks of i =1 i =1
5 students out of 25 of a tutorial group. 8, 12, 13, 15, 22 n Σx i y i − ( Σx i ) ( Σy i )
=
a. 21.2 and 4.604 b. 20.6 and 5.534 { nΣx i2 − ( Σx i ) 2 } { nΣy i2 − ( Σy i ) 2 }
c. 19.8 and 4.322 d. None of these
8 + 12 + 13 + 15 + 22 2. Rank Correlation (Spearman’s) Let d be the
Sol. a. We have, x = = 14 difference between paired ranks and n be the
5
number of items ranked. Then, ρ the coefficient of
xi (x i − x ) (xi − x )2 n
8 –6 36 6∑ d 2
12 –2 4 i =1
rank correlation is given by ρ = 1 −
13 –1 1 n( n 2 − 1)
15 1 1
22 8 64 Note The rank correlation coefficient lies between − 1 and 1.
Total Σ( x i − x )2 = 106 EXAMPLE 17. Find Karl Pearson’s coefficient of
Here, 2
n = 5, Σ ( xi − x) = 106
correlation between x and y for the following data.
1 106 x 2 10 8 6 8
∴ var ( x) = Σ ( xi − x) 2 = = 21.2
n 5 y 4 6 7 10 6
and SD = var ( x) = 21.2 = 4.604
a. 0.186 b. 0.286 c. 0.382 d. 0.492
EXAMPLE 16. The standard deviation of n Sol. b. Here, n = 5 , We shall use the change of variables
observations x1 , x 2 , …, x n is 6. The standard deviation ui = xi − 8 and v i = y i − 7
of another set of n observations y 1 , y 2 , …, y n is 8. We obtain,
What is the standard deviation of n observations
xi yi ui vi u2i v2i ui v i
x1 − y 1 , x 2 − y 2 , …, x n − y n ?
2 4 –6 –3 36 9 18
a. 10 b. 7 c. 14 d. 2
10 6 2 –1 4 1 –2
Sol. d. The standard deviation of n observations x1, x2 , … , xn 8 7 0 0 0 0 0
is 6 and of y1, y 2 , … , y n is 8, then the standard 6 10 –2 3 4 9 –6
deviation of n observations x1 − y1, x2 − y 2 , 8 6 0 –1 0 1 0
x3 − y 3 , … , xn − y n is 8 − 6 = 2.
We have, Σxi = 34, Σy i = 33, Σui = − 6, Σv i = − 2
CORRELATION Σui2 = 44, Σv i2 = 20 and Σuiv i = 10
The tendency of simultaneous variation between two Hence, we obtain
n Σuiv i − [ Σui ][ Σv i ]
variables is called correlation or covariation. It denotes ρ ( x, y) =
the degree of inter-dependence between variables. [n Σ ui − ( Σ ui ) 2 ][n Σ v i2 − ( Σ v i ) 2 ]
2

5 (10) − ( − 6) ( − 2)
=
Correlation Coefficient [ 5 ( 44) − ( − 6) 2 ][ 5 ( 20) − ( − 2) 2 ]
The number showing the degree or extent to which x 50 − 12 38 38
are related to each other is called correlation coefficient. = = = = 0.286
It is denoted by P( x, y) or r xy or simply r. ( 220 − 36) (100 − 4) 184 × 96 16 69
354 NDA/NA Pathfinder

M 2 − M1
Properties of Correlation where, tan θ =
(i) − 1 ≤ r ( x, y) ≤ 1 1 + M1 M 2
(ii) If r = 1 , then the coefficient of correlation is π
(a) If r = 0, θ = , then the two regression lines are
perfectly positive. 2
(iii) If r = − 1 , the correlation is perfectly negative. perpendicular to each other.
(iv) The correlation coefficient is a pure number (b) If r = 1 or − 1, θ = 0, π, then the regression lines
independent of the unit of measurement. coincide.
(v) The coefficient of correlation is independent of the Properties of the Regression
change in origin and scale.
Coefficients
(vi) If − 1 < r < 1 , it indicates the degree of linear
relationship between x and y, where as its sign tells (i) Both regression coefficients and correlation
about the direction of relationship. coefficient r have the same sign.
(vii) If x and y are two independent variables, r = 0. (ii) Coefficient of correlation is the geometric mean
between the regression coefficients.
(viii) If r = 0, x and y are said to be uncorrelated. It does
not imply that the two variates are independent. (iii) If one of the regression coefficient is greater than
r ( x, y) = 0 unity, the other must be less than unity
(ix) If x and y are random variables and a, b, c and d are 0 < | bxy b yx | ≤ 1 , if r ≠ 0
any numbers such that a ≠ 0, c ≠ 0, then i.e. if | bxy | > 1 , | b yx | < 1
| ac | (iv) Regression coefficients are independent of the
r ( ax + b, cy + d ) = r ( x, y)
ac change of origin but not of scale.
(v) Arithmetic mean of the regression coefficient is
LINES OF REGRESSION greater than the correlation coefficient.
The line of regression is the line which gives the best (vi) The two lines of regression cut each other at the
estimate to the value of one variable for any specific point ( x, y ). Thus, on solving the two lines of
value of the other variable. Therefore, the line of regression, we get the values of means of the
regression is the line of best fit and is obtained by the variables in the bivariate distribution.
principle of least squares.
EXAMPLE 18. Find the equations of the lines of
Regression Analysis regression on the basis of the following data.
(i) The line of regression of y on x or regression line of x 4 2 3 4 2
y on x is given by y 2 3 2 4 4
σy
y− y =r (x − x ) a. x + 4 y = 15 b. x + 4 y = 45
σx 4 x + y = 45 4 x + y = 15
(ii) The line of regression of x on y or regression line of c. x + 4 y = 45 d. None of these
σ
x on y is given by x − x = r x ( y − y ) 4 x + y = 45
σy
Sol. d. Here, Σx = 15, Σy = 15, Σx2 = 49, Σy 2 = 49,
(iii) Regression coefficient of y on x, is denoted by yx,
σ y cov( x, y) Σxy = 44 and n = 5
b yx = r = n Σxy − ( Σx) ( Σy) 5( 44) − (15) (15) 5 1
σx σ 2x ∴ bxy = = =− =−
n Σy 2 − ( Σy) 2 5 ( 49) − (15) 2 20 4
(iv) Regression coefficient of x on y, is denoted by xy,
σ cov( x, y) n Σxy − ( Σx) ( Σy) 5( 44) − (15) (15) 1
bxy = r x = and byx = = =−
n Σx2 − ( Σx) 2 5 ( 49) − (15) 2 4
σy σ 2y
15 15
(v) If θ is the angle between the two regression lines, Also, x = = 3 and y = =3
5 5
then 1
The lines of regression are y − 3 = − ( x − 3) ⇒ x + 4y = 15
(1 − r 2 ) σ xσ y 1
4
tan θ = ⋅ 2 and x − 3 = − ( y − 3) ⇒ 4x + y = 15
|r | σ x + σ 2y 4
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 355

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. The curve given below represent a/an 6. The standard deviation in a variable x is σ. The
ax + b
60 standard deviation of the variable ; where
c
50 a , b and c are constants, is
Cumulative frequency

a a
40 (a)   σ (b)   σ
c c 
30  a2 
(c)  2  σ (d) None of these
20 c 

10 7. If x = y = 0, Σxi yi = 12, σ x = 2, σ y = 3 and n = 10,

then the coefficient of correlation is
10 20 30 40 (a) 0.4 (b) 0.3 (c) 0.2 (d) 0.1
Class
(a) pie diagram (b) bar diagram 8. If byx and bxy are regression coefficients of y on x
(c) ogive (d) histogram and x on y respectively, then which of the
2. Cumulative frequency curve of given table is following statements is true?
(a) bxy = 15
. and byx = 14 . (b) bxy = 15
. and byx = 0.9
Class interval 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50
(c) bxy = 1.5 and byx = 0.8 (d) bxy = 15
. and byx = 0.6
Frequency 4 10 25 8 2
9. If n = 10, Σx = 4, Σy = 3, Σx 2 = 8, Σy 2 = 9 and
Y Y
Σxy = 3, then coefficient of correlation is
1 7 15 14
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 12 4 3

10. The standard deviation of some consecutive

O X O X integers is found to be 2. Which of the following
(a) (b) statements best describes the nature of the
Y Y
consecutive integers?
(a) The integers are any set of eight consecutive
integers
(b) The integers are any set of eight consecutive
positive integers
O X O X (c) The integers are any set of seven consecutive
(c) (d) integers
3. If the values of a set are measured in cm, what (d) None of the above
will be the unit of variance? 11. The two lines of regression are 8x − 10 y = 66 and
(a) cm (b) cm2 40x − 18 y = 214 and variance of x series is 9.
(c) cm3 (d) No unit
What is the standard deviation of y series?
4. Consider the following frequency distribution (a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 9
Class interval 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 12. What is the standard deviation of numbers 7, 9,
Frequency 14 f2 28 f4 15 11, 13 and 15?
If the sum of the frequencies is 100 and median (a) 2.2 (b) 2.4 (c) 2.6 (d) 2.8
is 25, then f2 and f4 will be
13. If the monthly expenditure pattern of a person who
(a) 15 and 28 (b) 20 and 23 earns a monthly salary of ` 15000 is represented in
(c) 22 and 21 (d) 21 and 22 a pie diagram, then the sector angle of an item on
5. If the standard deviation of 15 items is 6 and transport expenses measures 15°. What is his
each item is decreased by 1, then standard monthly expenditure on transport?
deviation will be (a) ` 450 (b) ` 625
(a) 5 (b) 7 (c) 9 (d) 6 (c) ` 675 (d) Insufficient data
356 NDA/NA Pathfinder

14. In a study on the relationship between 21. The frequency curve for the distribution of
investment ( x ) and profit ( y ), the two regression income in a region is positively skewed as shown
equations 3x + y − 12 = 0 and x + 2 y − 14 = 0 were in the figure below.
obtained based on the data on x and y. What is
the mean x?
(a) 6 (b) 5 (c) 4 (d) 2 Then, for this distribution
n n (a) Mean < Mode < Median (b) Mode < Median < Mean
15. If ∑ ( xi − 2) = 110, ∑ ( xi − 5) = 20, then what is (c) Mode < Mean < Median (d) Median < Mean < Mode
i =1 i =1
the mean?
22. If n1 and n 2 are the sizes, G1 and G2 the
11 2 17 17 geometric means of two series respectively, then
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 11 3 9 which one of the following expresses the
geometric mean (G ) of the combined series?
16. The marks scored by two students A and B in six n1G1 + n2G2 n2 log G1 + n1 log G2
(a) log G = (b) log G =
subjects are given below n1 + n2 n1 + n2
A 71 56 55 75 54 49 n1 log G1 + n2 log G2
(c) G = (d) None of these
B 55 74 83 54 38 52 n1 + n2
Which one of the following statements is most 23. The distributions X and Y with total number of
appropriate? observations 36 and 64 and means 4 and 3,
(a) The average scores of A and B are same but A is respectively are combined. What is the mean of
consistent
the resulting distribution X + Y ?
(b) The average scores of A and B are not same but
A is consistent (a) 3.26 (b) 3.32 (c) 3.36 (d) 3.42
(c) The average scores of A and B are same but B is 24. Consider the two series of observations A and B
consistent as follows
(d) The average scores of A and B are not same but B
Series A 1019 1008 1015 1006 1002
is consistent
Series B 1.9 0.8 1.5 0.6 0.2
17. The average age of 20 students in a class is
15 yr. If the teacher’s age is included, the average If the standard deviation of the series A is 38,
increase by one. What is the teacher’s age? then what is the standard deviation of the series
(a) 30 yr (b) 21 yr (c) 42 yr (d) 36 yr B?
(a) 3.8 (b) 0.38 (c) 0.38 (d) 38
18. A class consists of 3 sections A, B and C with 35,
35 and 30 students, respectively. The arithmetic 25. Consider the following data
Factory A Factory B
means of the marks secured by students of
sections A and B, who appeared for a test of 100 Mean wage of workers ` 540 ` 620
marks are 74 and 70, respectively. The arithmetic Standard deviation of wages ` 40.50 ` 31
mean of the marks secured by students of section What is the variability in the wages of the
C, who appeared for a test in the same subject workers in Factory A?
which carried 75 marks is 51. What is the
(a) 100% more than the variability in the wages of the
average percentage of marks secured by all the workers in factory B
100 students of the three sections? (b) 50% more than the variability in the wages of the
(a) 70 (b) 70.80 (c) 65 (d) 67.50 workers in factory B
(c) 50% less than the variability in the wages of the
19. The frequency distribution of a discrete variable workers in factory B
X with one missing frequency f is given below. (d) 150% more than the variability in the wages of the
workers in factory B
X 1 2 3 4
Frequency 2 3 f 5 26. The mean of 7 observations is 10 and that of 3
observations is 5. What is the mean of all the
23 10 observations?
If the arithmetic mean of X is , then what is
8 (a) 15 (b) 10 (c) 8.5 (d) 7.5
the value of the missing frequency?
(a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 8 (d) 10
27. The coefficient of regressions byx and byx from
the set of observations
20. What is the value of n for which the numbers {( x , y )} = {( 4, 2), ( 2, 3), ( 3, 2), ( 4, 4), ( 2, 4)} will be
1, 2, 3, …, n have variance 2? 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 −1
(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) ,
(a) 4 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) 8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 357

28. Consider the following statements with regard to 34. The value of missing frequency x is
correlation coefficient r between random variables (a) 35 (b) 24 (c) 34 (d) 44
x and y.
I. r = + 1 or − 1 means there is a linear relation 35. The median of the given distribution is
between x and y. (a) 46 (b) 48 (c) 36 (d) 50
II. − 1 ≤ r ≤ 1 and r 2 is a measure of the linear 36. The mean of the given distribution is
relationship between the variables.
(a) 47.3 (b) 45.8 (c) 42 (d) 40
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) Only II Directions (Q. Nos. 37-39) The table below gives
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II an incomplete frequency distribution with two
29. Consider the following statements missing frequencies f1 and f2.
The appropriate number of classes while Value of x Frequency
constructing a frequency distribution should be 0 f1
chosen such that 1 f2
I. The class frequency first increases to a peak and 2 4
then declines. 3 4
II. The class frequency should cluster around the
4 3
class mid-point.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? The total frequency is 18 and the arithmetic mean of x
(a) Only I (b) Only II is 2.
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II 37. What is the value of f2?
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1
Directions (Q. Nos. 30-31) The following table gives
the continuous frequency distribution of a continuous 38. What is the standard deviation?
variable X. 5 5 4 16
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Class interval 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 2 3 3 9
Frequency 5 10 20 5 10
39. What is the coefficient of variance?
30. What is the median of the above frequency (a)
200
(b)
50 5
(c)
600
(d) 150
distribution? 3 9 5
(a) 23 (b) 24 (c) 25 (d) 26
31. What is the mean of the above frequency Directions (Q. Nos. 40-43)
distribution? Study the pie chart given E
below and answer the B
(a) 25 (b) 26 (c) 27 (d) 28 45°
questions that follow. A 90°
Directions (Q.Nos 32-33) A scientist is weighing 30° C
The following pie chart gives
each of 30 fishes. Their mean weight worked out is the distribution of funds in a
120°
30 g and standard deviation of 2g. Later it was five year plan under the major D
found that the measuring scale was misaligned and heads of development
always under reported every fish weight by 2g. expenditures Agriculture (A), Industry (B), Education
32. The correct mean of the fishes is (C), Employment (D) and Miscellaneous (E).
(a) 32 (b) 28 (c) 30 (d) 31 The total allocation is 36000 (in crore of rupees).
33. The standard deviation of the fishes is 40. Which head is allocated maximum funds?
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 1 (d) 2 (a) Agriculture (b) Industry
Directions (Q. Nos. 34-36) An incomplete frequency (c) Employment (d) Miscellaneous
distribution is given below. 41. How much money (in crore) is allocated to
Variate Frequency Education?
10-20 12 (a) 3000 (b) 6000 (c) 9000 (d) 10800
20-30 30 42. How much money (in crore) is allocated to both
30-40 x Agriculture and Employment?
40-50 65
(a) 20000 (b) 21000 (c) 24000 (d) 27000
50-60 45
60-70 25 43. How much excess money (in crore) is allocated to
70-80 18 Miscellaneous over Education?
Total of the frequency is 229. (a) 3600 (b) 42000 (c) 4500 (d) 4800
358 NDA/NA Pathfinder

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS 54. What is the mean of first n odd natural
numbers? e 2012 II
44. What is the mode for the data 20, 20, 20, 21, 21, (a) n (b) (n + 1)/2 (c) n(n + 1)/2 (d) n + 1
21, 21, 21, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 22, 23, 23, 23,
23, 23, 24, 24 and 25? e 2012 I
55. The mean of 10 observations is 5. If 2 is added to
each observation and then multiplied by 3, then
(a) 7 (b) 21 (c) 22 (d) 25
what will be the new mean? e 2012 II
45. The geometric mean and harmonic mean of two (a) 5 (b) 7 (c) 15 (d) 21
non-negative observations are 10 and 8, 56. The standard deviation of the observations
respectively. Then, what is the arithmetic mean 5,5,5,5,5 is e 2013 I
of the observations? e 2012 I (a) 0 (b) 5 (c) 20 (d) 25
(a) 4 (b) 9 (c) 12.5 (d) 25
57. If two lines of regression are perpendicular, then
46. What is the arithmetic mean of first 16 natural the correlation coefficient r is e 2013 I
numbers with weights being the number itself? 1
(a) 2 (b) (c) 0 (d) None of these
e 2012 I 2
(a) 17/2 (b) 33/2 (c) 11 (d) 187/2 58. The average marks obtained by the students in a
47. Consider the following statements class are 43. If the average marks obtained by
25 boys are 40 and the average marks obtained
I. A continuous random variable can take all
by the girl students are 48, then what is the
values in an interval.
number of girl students in the class? e 2013 I
II. A random variable which takes a finite number (a) 15 (b) 17 (c) 18 (d) 20
of values is necessarily discrete.
III. Construction of a frequency distribution is based 59. Variance is always independent of the change of
on data which are discrete. (a) origin but not scale (b) only scale e 2013 I
(c) both origin and scale (d) None of these
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Both I and II (b) Both II and III e 2012 I
60. The harmonic mean H of two numbers is 4 and
the arithmetic mean A and geometric mean G
(c) Both I and III (d) All of these
satisfy the equation 2 A + G 2 = 27. The two
48. If values of variable X are 2, 9, 3, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 numbers are e 2013 I
and 10, then what is its median? e 2012 I (a) 6, 3 (b) 9, 5 (c) 12, 7 (d) 3, 1
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 7 (c) 9 61. Consider the following frequency distribution
49. What is the standard deviation of 7, 9, 11, 13 Class interval 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50
and 15? e 2012 II Frequency 14 x 27 y 15
(a) 2.4 (b) 2.5 (c) 2.7 (d) 2.8
If the total of the frequencies is 100 and mode is
50. Frequency curve may be e 2012 II 25, then which one of the following is correct?
(a) symmetrical (b) positive skew e 2013 I
(c) negative skew (d) All of these (a) x = 2 y (b) 2x = y (c) x = y (d) x = 3y

51. The median of 27 observations of a variable is 62. The marks obtained by 13 students in a test are
18. Three more observations are made and the 10, 3, 10, 12, 9, 7, 9, 6, 7, 10, 8, 6 and 7. The
values of these observations are 16, 18 and 50. median of this data is e 2013 I
What is the median of these 30 observations? (a) 7 (b) 8 (c) 9 (d) 10
(a) 18 (b) 19 e 2012 II 63. Consider the following statements
(c) 25.5 (d) Cannot be determined I. Both variance and standard deviation are
measures of variability in the population.
52. The algebraic sum of the deviations of 20 II. Standard deviation is the square of the variance.
observations measured from 30 is 2. What would
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
be the mean of the observations? e 2012 II
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2013 I
(a) 30 (b) 32 (c) 30.2 (d) 30.1 (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
53. The arithmetic mean of numbers a, b, c, d and e 64. Coefficient of correlation is the measure of
is M. What is the value of (a – M) + (b –M) (a) central tendency e 2013 II
+ (c – M) + (d – M) + (e – M)? e 2012 II (b) dispersion
(a) M (b) a + b + c + d + e (c) Both central tendency and dispersion
(c) 0 (d) 5 M (d) Neither central tendency nor dispersion
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 359

II. If the numbers xi is squared, the variance of the

65. Which one of the following measures is
new set is V 2.
determined only after the construction of
cumulative frequency distribution? e 2013 II
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2014 I
(a) Arithmetic mean (b) Mode
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(c) Median (d) Geometric mean
75. What is the mean of the squares of the first 20
66. The arithmetic mean of the squares of the first n natural numbers? e 2014 I
natural numbers is e 2013 II
(a) 151.5 (b) 143.5 (c) 65 (d) 72
n(n + 1) (2 n + 1) n(n + 1) (2 n + 1)
(a) (b)
6 2
(n + 1) (2 n + 1) (n + 1) (2 n + 1)
Directions (Q. Nos. 76-78) The mean and standard
(c) (d) deviation of 100 items are 50, 5 and that of 150
6 3
items are 40, 6 respectively. e 2014 I
67. The mean of 20 observations is 15. On checking,
it was found that two observations were wrongly
76. What is the combined mean of all 250 items?
(a) 43 (b) 44 (c) 45 (d) 46
copied as 3 and 6. If wrong observations are
replaced by correct values 8 and 4, then the 77. What is the combined standard deviation of all
correct mean is e 2013 II 250 items?
(a) 15 (b) 15.15 (c) 15.35 (d) 16 (a) 7.1 (b) 7.3 (c) 7.5 (d) 7.7
68. Consider the following statements 78. What is the variance of all the 250 items?
I. Both the regression coefficients have same sign. (a) 50.6 (b) 53.3 (c) 55.6 (d) 59.3
II. If one of the regression coefficients is greater
than unity, the other must be less than unity. 79. The cumulative frequency of the largest observed
value must always be e 2014 I
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (a) less than the total number of observations
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2013 II (b) greater than the total number of observations
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(c) equal to total number of observations
69. p, q, r, s and t are five numbers such that the (d) equal to mid-point of the last class interval
average of p, q and r is 5 and that of s and t is
80. Consider the following statements in respect of
10. What is the average of all the five numbers?
histogram
e 2014 I
(a) 7.75 (b) 7.5 (c) 7 (d) 5 I. The histogram is a suitable representation of a
frequency distribution of a continuous variable.
Directions (Q. Nos. 70-72) The number of telephone II. The area included under the whole histogram is
calls received in 245 successive, one minute the total frequency.
intervals at an exchange is given below in the Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
following frequency distribution. e 2014 I (a) Only I (b) Only II e 2014 II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
Number 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frequency 14 21 25 43 51 40 39 12 81. The regression lines will be perpendicular to
each other, if the coefficient of correlation r is
70. What is the mean of the distribution? equal to e 2014 II
(a) 3.76 (b) 3.84 (c) 3.96 (d) 4.05 (a) 1 (b) 1 or −1 (c) −1 (d) 0

71. What is the median of the distribution? 82. If x and y are the means of two distributions
(a) 3.5 (b) 4 (c) 4.5 (d) 5 such that x < y and z is the mean of the
combined distribution, then which one of the
72. What is the mode of the distribution? following statements is correct? e 2014 II
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6 x+ y
(a) x < y < z (b) x > y > z (c) z = (d) x < z < y
73. For two variables x and y, the two regression, 2
coefficients are byx = − 3/2 and bxy = − 1/6. The 83. What is the mean deviation about the mean for
correlation coefficient between x and y is the data 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 17? e 2014 II
e 2014 I
(a) 2.5 (b) 3 (c) 3.5 (d) 4
(a) –1/4 (b) 1/4 (c) –1/2 (d) 1/2
84. The variance of 20 observations is 5. If each
74. The variance of numbers x1 , x 2 , x3 , K , x n is V. observation is multiplied by 2, then what is the
Consider the following statements. new variance of the resulting observations?
I. If every xi is increased by 2, the variance of the e 2014 II
new set of numbers is V. (a) 5 (b) 10 (c) 20 (d) 40
360 NDA/NA Pathfinder

85. The ‘less than’ ogive curve and the ‘more than’ 93. The geometric mean of the observations
ogive curve intersect at e 2015 I x1 , x2 , x3 , ... , xn is G1. The geometric mean of the
(a) Median (b) Mode observations y1 , y2 , y3 , ... , yn is G2. The geometric
(c) Arithmetic mean (d) None of these x x x x
mean of observations 1 , 2 , 3 ,... , n is
86. Which of the following statements is/are correct y1 y2 y3 yn e 2015 II
in respect of regression coefficients? (a) G1G2 (b) ln (G1G2 ) (c)
G1 G 
(d) ln  1 
I. It measures the degree of linear relationship G2  G2 
between two variables.
II. It gives the value by which one variable changes 94. The regression coefficients of a bivariate
for a unit change in the other variable. distribution are − 0. 64 and − 0. 36. Then, the
correlation coefficient of the distribution is
Select the correct answer using the code given
e 2015 II
below. e 2015 I
(a) Only I (b) Only II (a) 0.48 (b) − 0.48 (c) 0.50 (d) − 0.50
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II 95. If m is the geometric mean of
87. Which one of the following measures of central  y
log ( yz )
 z
log ( zx )
 x
log ( xy )
tendency is used in construction of index   ,  and  
 z  x  y
numbers? e 2015 I
(a) Harmonic mean (b) Geometric mean then what is the value of m? e 2016 I
(c) Median (d) Mode (a) 1 (b) 3 (c) 6 (d) 9
88. A set of annual numerical data, comparable over 96. What is the mean deviation from the mean of the
the years, is given for the last 12 yr. numbers 10, 9, 21, 16, 24? e 2016 I
Consider the following statements (a) 5.2 (b) 5.0
I. The data is best represented by a broken line (c) 4.5 (d) 4.0
graph, each corner (turning point) representing
the data of one year. 97. If the total number of observations is 20,
II. Such a graph depicts the chronological change and
Σxi = 1000 and Σxi2 = 84000, then what is the
also enables one to make a short term forecast. variance of the distribution? e 2016 I
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (a) 1500 (b) 1600
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2015 I (c) 1700 (d) 1800
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
98. The mean of the series x1 , x2 , K , xn is X . If x2 is
89. The mean and the variance of 10 observations replaced by λ, then what is the new mean?
are given to be 4 and 2 respectively. If every e 2016 I
observation is multiplied by 2, the mean and the X − x2 − λ
variance of the new series will be respectively (a) X − x2 + λ (b)
n
e 2015 I
X − x2 + λ nX − x2 + λ
(a) 8 and 20 (b) 8 and 4 (c) 8 and 8 (d) 80 and 40 (c) (d)
n n
90. The mean of five numbers is 30. If one number is
excluded, their mean becomes 28. The excluded 99. For the data 3, 5, 1, 6, 5, 9, 5, 2, 8, 6, the mean,
number is e 2015 I
median and mode are x, y and z, respectively.
Which one of the following is correct? e 2016 I
(a) 28 (b) 30 (c) 35 (d) 38
(a) x = y ≠ z (b) x ≠ y = z (c) x ≠ y ≠ z (d) x = y = z
91. The correlation coefficient between two variables 100. Consider the following statements in respect of a
X and Y is found to be 0.6. All the observations
histogram.
on X and Y are transformed using the
I. The total area of the rectangles in a histogram is
transformations U = 2 − 3X and V = 4Y + 1. The
equal to the total area bounded by the
correlation coefficient between the transformed
corresponding frequency polygon and the X-axis.
variables U and V will be e 2015 I
II. When class intervals are unequal in a frequency
(a) − 0.5 (b) + 0. 5 (c) − 0.6 (d) + 0.6
distribution, the area of the rectangle is
92. The arithmetic mean of 1, 8, 27, 64 ,… upto n proportional to the frequency.
terms is given by e 2015 II Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
n(n + 1) n(n + 1)2 n(n + 1)2 n2 (n + 1)2 (a) Only I (b) Only II e 2016 I
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 2 4 4 (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 361

ANSWERS
1 c 2 a 3 b 4 c 5 d 6 b 7 c 8 d 9 a 10 c
11 b 12 d 13 b 14 d 15 c 16 b 17 d 18 b 19 b 20 b
21 d 22 b 23 c 24 b 25 c 26 c 27 c 28 c 29 b 30 c
31 b 32 b 33 d 34 c 35 a 36 b 37 a 38 c 39 a 40 c
41 a 42 b 43 c 44 c 45 c 46 c 47 a 48 b 49 d 50 d
51 a 52 d 53 c 54 a 55 d 56 a 57 c 58 a 59 a 60 a
61 c 62 b 63 d 64 d 65 c 66 c 67 b 68 c 69 c 70 a
71 b 72 b 73 c 74 c 75 b 76 b 77 c 78 c 79 a 80 a
81 d 82 d 83 b 84 c 85 a 86 c 87 b 88 b 89 c 90 d
91 c 92 c 93 c 94 b 95 a 96 a 97 c 98 d 99 d 100 c

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

1. (c) (l − l ) n Σ( x − x ) ( y − y )
×  − C 
2 1 i i
∴ Median = l + 7. (c) Q r =
2. (a) 1
f 2  nσx σ y
Class interval Frequency Cumulative 10
frequency
⇒ 20 +
28
× [50 − ( 14 + x )] = 25
=
∑(xi − 0) ( y − 0)
i
=
∑ ( x i )( y i )
0-10 4 4 [given] ( 10)( 2)(3) ( 10)( 2)(3)
10-20 10 14
20-30 25 39
⇒ x = 22
=
∑ x i yi =
12
= 0.2
∴ f = 22 ( 10)( 2)(3) ( 10)( 2)(3)
30-40 8 47 2
40-50 2 49 and f = ( 43 − 22) = 21
4 8. (d) In option (d),
E(50, 49) 5. (d) If each item of a data is increased or r= 1.5 × 0.6 = 0.9 < 1
60
decreased by the same constant, then nΣxy − ΣxΣy
D(40, 47) 9. (a)r =
50 standard deviation of the data remains
Cumulative frequency

unchanged, i.e. SD is 6. { n Σx 2 − ( Σx )2 }{ n Σy 2 − ( Σy )2 }
40
ax + b 10 × 3 − 4 × 3
6. (b) Let y = =
30
C(30, 39)
c { 10 × 8 − ( 4) 2 } { 10 × 9 − ( 3) 2 }
20 a b
⇒ y= x + 18 18 1
c c = = =
10 A(10, 4) 64 × 81 8 × 9 4
B(20, 14) ⇒ y = Ax + B,
a b 10. (c)
10 20 30 40 50 where A = , B =
c c 11. (b) The regression coefficient y on x on
Class interval
the line 8x − 10 y = 66,
3. (b) So, y = Ax + B
b yx = 4 / 5
4. (c) Median = 25, median class = 20 −30, ∴ y − y = ( Ax + B ) − ( Ax + B )
l = 20, l = 30, f = 28. The regression coefficient x on y on the line
1 2 = A (x − x ) 9
Let f = x , 40x − 18 y = 214 , b yx =
2
then f = 43 − x , C = ( 14 + x ) ⇒ ( y − y )2 = A 2 ( x − x )2 20
4 36
⇒ Σ ( y − y )2 = A 2 Σ ( x − x )2 ⇒ r2 = ⇒ r = 0.6
Class interval Frequency Cumulative 100
frequency ⇒ n σ 2y = A 2 ( n σ 2x ) r σy
0-10 14 14 ⇒ b yx =
⇒ σ y = | A | σx σx
10-20 x 14 + x
20-30 28 42 + x a 4
∴ σ y =  σ ×3
30-40 43 − x 85 c 5 12
∴ σy = = =4
40-50 15 100 0.6 3
362 NDA/NA Pathfinder

7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15 55 2 × 1 + 3 × 2 + 3f + 4 × 5
12. (d) Q x = = = 11 19. (b) Arithmetic mean =
5 5 2+3+ f +5
Now, 23 28 + 3 f
( 7 − 11)2 + ( 9 − 11)2 + ( 11 − 11)2 + ( 13 − 11)2 + ( 15 − 11)2 ⇒ =
SD = 8 10 + f
5
16 + 4 + 0 + 4 + 16 ⇒ 230 + 23 f = 224 + 24 f ⇒ f = 6
= = 8 = 2.8 (approx) n (n + 1)
5
2 n+ 1
13. (b) Since, monthly salary = ` 15000 20. (b) Mean of the numbers = =
2
n 2
2 2
and sector angle of expenses = 15°  1 − n + 1 +  2 − n + 1 +… +  n − n + 1
     
15°  2   2   2 
∴ Amount = × 15000 = ` 625 ∴ Variance =
360° n
2
n + 1  n + 1
14. (d) Since, lines of regression passes through ( x , y ). ( 12 + 22 + 32 +…+ n2 ) + n  − 2 
 2   2 
∴ 3x + y − 12 = 0 …(i)
( 1 + 2 + 3+… )
and x + 2 y − 14 = 0 …(ii) ⇒ 2=
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get x = 2 and y = 6 n
1 n ( n + 1)2 n + 1  n (n + 1) 
−2
n
⇒ 2n = n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1) + 
15. (c) Q ∑ ( x − 2) = 110
i 6 4  2   2


i =1
2 n + 1 n + 1 n + 1
∴ x + x + … + x n − 2n = 110 ⇒ 2n = n ( n + 1)  + − 
1 2  6 4 2 
⇒ x + x +… + x n = 2n + 110 …(i)
1 2 4n + 2 − 3n − 3 
n ⇒ 2 = ( n + 1) 
and ∑ ( x − 5) = 20 ⇒
i
x + x + … + x n − 5n = 20
1 2  12 
i =1 ⇒ 24 = ( n + 1) ( n − 1)
⇒ x + x + … + x n = 5n + 20 …(ii)
1 2 ⇒ n2 − 1 = 24 ⇒ n2 = 25 ⇒ n = ± 5
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get 5n + 20 = 2n + 110 ∴ n=5 [since, n cannot be negative]
⇒ 3n = 90 ⇒ n = 30 21. (d)
x + x + … + x n 5 × 30 + 20 170 17 n log G + n log G
1 2 2 1 1 2
Now, mean = = = = 22. (b) Required expression is log G =
n 30 30 3 n + n
1 2
16. (b) Average marks of A 36 × 4 + 64 × 3 144 + 192 336
23. (c) Required mean = = = = 3.36
71 + 56 + 55 + 75 + 54 + 49 360 36 + 64 100 100
= = = 60
6 6 24. (b) Standard deviation of the series B
121 + 16 + 25 + 225 + 36 + 121 544 2
and SD = = = 952
. 1 19
. + 08
. + 15
. + 0.6 + 0.2 
6 6 = . 2 + 08
( 19 . 2 + 0.62 + 0.22 ) − 
. 2 + 15 
5  5 
Also, average marks of B 6.9
55 + 74 + 83 + 54 + 38 + 52 356 = − 1 = 138 . − 1 = 038 .
= = . ≈ 59
= 5933 5
6 6
25. (c) The availability in the wages of the workers in factory A is 50%
16 + 225 + 576 + 25 + 441 + 49 1332
and SD= = = 222 ≅ 14.9 less than the variability in the wages of the workers in factory B.
6 6
952
. 26. (c) Given, mean of 7 observations = 10
Now, CV = × 100 = 1587
. 7
A 60 ∑ Xi 7
14.9 i =1
and CV = × 100 = 25.25 ⇒ = 10 ⇒ ∑ X = 70 …(i)
B 59 7 i
i =1
Thus, the average scores of A and B are not same but A is consistent as 3

coefficient of variable is less than that of B. ∑ Xi

i =1
17. (d) Let the teacher’s age be x yr. and mean of 3 observations = 5 ⇒ =5
3
20 × 15 + x 3
∴ 15 + 1 = ⇒ 16 × 21 = 300 + x ⇒
21
⇒ ∑ Xi = 15 …(ii)
i =1
x = 336 − 300 = 36 yr On adding Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
18. (b) Since, section C carried 51 average marks out of 75. 7 3 10
51
∴ C carried
75
× 100 i.e. 68 average marks out of 100. ∑ Xi + ∑ Xi = 70 + 15 ⇒ ∑ Xi = 85
i =1 i =1 i =1
35 × 74 + 35 × 70 + 30 × 68 10
So, average percentage marks = ∑ Xi
100 i =1 85
2590 + 2450 + 2040 ∴ Mean of 10 observations = = = 8 .5
= = 7080
. 10 10
100
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 363

27. (c) For calculation of b yx and bxy we have Sol. (Q. Nos. 32-33) Let x , x , … , x be Now, f + f + 11 = 18
1 2 30 1 2
to calculate Σx, Σy, Σxy, Σx 2 and Σy 2 . actual weights of 30 fishes and
We have ⇒ f + f =7 …(i)
y , y ,... y be the weights of fishes 1 2
1 2 30 32 + f
x 4 2 3 4 2 Σx = 15 taken from misaligned increasing scale. and 2 =2
y 2 3 2 4 4 Σy = 15 Then, y = x + 2; i = 1, 2, … , 30 18
i i
xy 8 6 6 16 8 Σxy = 44 ⇒ Y = X + 2 and σ y = σ x ⇒ f = 36 − 32 = 4
2
x2 16 4 9 16 4 Σx 2 = 49 ⇒ 30 = x + 2 and σ y = σ
2 On putting the value of f in Eq. (i),
2
y2 4 9 4 16 16 Σy 2 = 49 [Standard deviation is independent of
we get f = 7 − 4 = 3
1 change of origin] 1
Σ xy − ΣxΣy ⇒ x = 28 and σ y = 2 37. (a) f = 4
∴ b yx = n 2
1 Hence, correct mean is 28 and standard
Σx 2 − ( Σx )2 38. (c) Q x = 2 [given]
n deviation is 2.
1 x x−x (x − x )2 f f (x − x )2
44 − ( 15)( 15) 32. (b) 33. (d)
5 44 − 45 −1 n
= = = 0 –2 4 3 12
1 2 49 − 45 4 34. (c) ∑ f = 229
49 − ( 15) i
5 i =1
1 –1 1 4 4
1 2 0 0 4 0
Σxy − ΣxΣy ⇒ 12 + 30 + x + 65 + 45 + 25 + 18 = 229
n 44 − 45 −1
bxy = = = ⇒ x + 195 = 229 ⇒ x =34 3 1 1 4 4
2 1 2 49 − 45 4
Σy − ( Σy ) 4 2 4 3 12
n 35. (a)
Total 18 32
28. (c) We know that, when two lines are Class xi Frequency cf fi xi
coincident linearly, then r = ± 1. interval (fi )
Also, if r ∈ [ − 1, 1], then there is a 10-20 15 12 12 180 Σ f ( x − x )2
Now, SD =
relation measure of the linear 20-30 25 30 42 750 N
relationship between the variables. 32 16 4
30-40 35 34 76 1190 = = =
29. (b) 18 9 3
40-50 45 65 141 2925
30. (c) σ
50-60 55 45 186 2475 39. (a) Coefficient of variance = × 100
x
Class Frequency Cumulative 60-70 65 25 211 1625
interval (f ) frequency (cf) 4 1 200
70-80 75 8 229 1350 = × × 100 =
0-10 5 5 3 2 3
Total Σ fi = 229 10495 Σ fi xi
10-20 10 15 40. (c) Employment is allocated maximum
20-30 20 35 N 229 funds.
Here, = = 114.5
30-40 5 40 2 2 41. (a) Money allocated to Education
40-50 10 50 Hence, the cumulative frequency just 30°
= × 36000 = 3000
Total N = 50 greater than 114.5 is 141. Median group 360°
is 40-50 class. 42. (b) Money allocated to both Agriculture
∴
N 50
= = 25  N − cf  and Employment
 
2 2 ∴ Median = l + h  2  90° + 120° 
Here, f = 20, l = 20, h = 10, cf = 15 f =   × 36000
k h N  360° 
Now, median = l +  − cf   229 − 76 210
f  2   
= × 36000 = 21000
10 = 40 + 10  2 360
= 20 + ( 25 − 15) 65
20 ( 1145
. − 76) 43. (c) Required value of money
10 = 40 + 10 45.9 ≈ 46 75° − 30° 
= 20 + ⋅ 10 = 20 + 5 = 25 65 =   × 36000
20 Σf x  360° 
36. (b) Mean = i i = 10495 = 458 .
31. (b) 45
Σf 229 = × 36000 = 4500
i
Class Frequency Mid-value fx 360
63. (b) Sol. (Q. Nos. 37-39)
interval (f ) (x) 44. (c)
0-10 5 5 25 x f fx 45. (c) Given, geometric mean (G ) = 10 and
10-20 10 15 150 0 f1 0 harmonic mean (H) = 8
20-30 20 25 500
1 f2 f2 Let A be the arithmetic mean, then
30-40 5 35 175 G 2 = AH
2 4 8
40-50 10 45 450 G2
3 4 12 ⇒ A=
Total N = 50 Σ fx = 1300
4 3 12 H
Now, mean =
Σfx 1300
= = 26 ( 10)2 100
Total f1 + f2 + 11 32 + f2 ⇒ A= = = 12.5
N 50 8 8
364 NDA/NA Pathfinder

46. (c) We know that, the arithmetic mean of n natural numbers with 55. (d) Let obser vations be x , x ,..., x .
1 2 10
weights being the number itself x + x + x + ...+ x
1 2 3 10
n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1) Given, =5
Σn2 n( n + 1)( 2n + 1) 2 ( 2n + 1) 10
= = 6 = × =
Σn n( n + 1) 6 n ( n + 1) 3 ⇒ x + x + x + ...+ x = 50 …(i)
1 2 3 10
2 According to the question,
2 × 16 + 1 33
For 16 natural numbers, put n = 16 = = = 11 New mean
3 3
[( x + 2) + ( x + 2) + ( x + 2) + ... + ( x10 + 2)] × 3
47. (a) 48. (b) = 1 2 3
10
7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15 55 [( x + x + x + ... + x ) + 20] × 3
49. (d) Mean of given observation x = = = 11 1 2 3 10
5 5 =
10
∑|x − x |2
Standard deviation = (50 + 20) × 3 70 × 3
n = = = 21 [from Eq. (i)]
10 10
1
= {( 7 − 11)2 + ( 9 − 11)2 + ( 11 − 11)2 + ( 13 − 11)2 + ( 15 − 11)2 } 56. (a) Given observations are 5, 5, 5, 5 and 5.
5 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 25
1 ∴ Mean ( x ) = = =5
= × 40 = 8 = 2.8 5 5
5
5 ( x − x )2
1
50. (d) Frequency curve may be symmetrical, positive skew and Now, SD = ∑ N
negative skew. i =1

For symmetry, Mean = Median = Mode ⇒ x = M = M o (5 − 5)2 + (5 − 5)2 + (5 −5) 2 + (5 − 5)2 + (5 − 5)2
d
=
For positive skew, Mean > Median > Mode 5
i.e. x > M > Mo
d =0
For negative skew, Mean < Median < Mode
1 − r2 σx ⋅ σ y
i.e. x < M < Mo 57. (c) We know that, tan θ = ⋅ , where θ is the angle
d |r| σ 2x + σ y 2
51. (a) Median of 27 observations = 18
between the two regression lines.
27 + 1
Then,   th observation = 18 and 14th observation = 18 Given that, two lines of regression are perpendicular.
 2 
i.e. θ = 90°
Then, observation whose value is 16 come before 18, i.e. 1 − r2 σx ⋅ σ y 1
∴ tan 90° = ⋅ = ∞=
14th observation. |r| σ 2x + σ 2y 0
Now, number of observation is even 30 observations.
⇒ |r | ⋅ σ 2x + σ 2y = 0 ⇒ |r|= 0 [Qσ 2x + σ 2y ≠ 0]
 30  th +  30 + 1 th
    ∴ r=0
   2 
Median = 2
2 i.e. correlation coefficient, r = 0
15th observation + 16th observation 18 + 18 58. (a) Given that, average marks obtained by the students in a class
= = = 18
2 2 ( x ) = 43
BG
20
Total number of boys ( n ) = 25
52. (d) According to the question, ∑ ( x − 30) = 2 [given] B
i
i =1 Average marks obtained by boys ( x ) = 40
B
20
Average marks obtained by girls ( x ) = 48
20 20
∑x i
G
i =1 602 Let the total number of girls = n
⇒ ∑ x − 600 = 2 ⇒ ∑ x = 602 ⇒ Mean =
i i 20
=
20
= 30.1
n ⋅x +n ⋅x
G
i =1 i =1 B B G G
Now, by formula, x =
BG n +n
a+ b+ c+ d+ e
53. (c) Given, =M B G
5
25 ⋅ 40 + n ⋅ 48
G
⇒ a + b + c + d + e = 5M ⇒ 43 =
25 + n
∴ (a − M) + (b − M) + (c − M) + (d − M) + (e − M) G

= ( a + b + c + d + e ) − 5M = 5M − 5M = 0 1075 + 43 ⋅ n = 1000 + 48 ⋅ n
G G
54. (a) 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + ... n terms ⇒ 75 = 5 n ⇒ n = 15
n n G G
= [ 2 × 1 + ( n − 1) 2] = × 2n = n2 ∴ Required number of girls = 15
2 2
Sum of odd natural numbers n2 59. (a) Variance is always independent of the change of origin but not
∴ Mean = = =n scale.
Total numbers n
e.g. var ( ax + b ) = a 2V ( x )
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 365

60. (a) Given that, Harmonic mean H of two numbers = 4 67. (b) Given that,
Let the two numbers be a and b. Mean of 20 observations = 15
Also, given that, 2 A + G 2 = 27 ...(i) ∴ Sum of 20 observations = 20 × 15 = 300
∴ Sum of actual (correct) observations
We know that, relation between arithmetic mean ( A ), geometric
mean (G ) and harmonic mean ( H ) is G 2 = AH = 300 − (3 + 6) + (8 + 4) = 300 − 9 + 12 = 303
303
which satisfy the Eq. (i). ∴ Correct mean = = 15.15
20
∴ 2 A + AH = 27 1
68. (c) Let b yx > 1 ⇒ <1 ...(i)
⇒ 2 A + A ⋅ 4 = 27 ⇒ 6 A = 27 ...(ii) b xy
Arithmetic mean ‘A’ of two numbers a and b is 1
We have, b yx ⋅ bxy = r 2 ≤ 1 ⇒ bxy ≤ <1 [from Eq. (i)]
a+ b 9 b yx
= A= [from Eq. (ii)]
2 2
Hence, if one of the regression coefficients is greater than one, the
⇒ a+ b=9 ...(iii) other must be less than one. So, both statements are true.
2ab 2ab 69. (c) Given that, p , q , r , s and t are five numbers,
Q H= = = 4 ⇒ ab = 18 ...(iv)
a+ b 9 p+ q+ r
∴ Average of p , q and r = 5 ⇒ =5
We have, ( a − b )2 = ( a + b )2 − 4 ab 3
⇒ p + q + r = 15 … (i)
= (9)2 −4.18 = 81 − 72 = 9 s+ t
and average of s and t = 10 ⇒ = 10 ⇒ s + t = 20 … (ii)
⇒ a−b = ±3 ...(v) 2
From Eqs. (iii) and (v), Now, average of all five numbers
Case I a + b = 9 and a − b =3 ⇒ 2a = 12 ⇒ a = 6 and b = 3 p + q + r + s + t ( p + q + r) + ( s + t )
= =
5 5
Case II a + b = 9 and a − b = − 3 ⇒ 2a = 6 ⇒ a = 3 and b = 6
15 + 20 35
Hence, the required numbers are 6 and 3 or 3 and 6. = = =7
5 5
61. (c) Class interval 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 Sol. (Q. Nos. 70-72) Given frequency distribution is
Frequency 14 x 27 y 15
Number of calls (xi ) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Given that, Sum of frequencies = 100 Frequency (f i ) 14 21 25 43 51 40 39 12
⇒ 14 + x + 27 + y + 15 = 100
Σf x
⇒ x + y + 57 = 100 ⇒ x + y = 43 ...(i) i i
70. (a) Mean =
Σf
For mode, f m = 27, f = x and f = y , l = 20, h = 10 i
1 2 1
Clearly, 20-30 is the modal class. [( 0 × 14 + 1 × 21 + 2 × 25 + 3 × 43 + 4 × 51 + 5 × 40 + 6 × 39 + 7 × 12)]
=
Since, mode lies between 20-30. ( 14 + 21 + 25 + 43 + 51 + 40 + 39 + 12)
( 0 + 21 + 50 + 129 + 204 + 200 + 234 + 84) 922
 fm − f  = = = 3.76
1
∴ Mode = l +   ×h 245 245
1 2f − f − f 
 m 1 2
71. (b) Number of Frequency (fi ) Cummulative
 27 − x  calls (xi ) Frequency (cf )
Given, 25 = 20 +   × 10 ⇒ 5 = 270 − 10x
 54 − x − y  54 − x − y 0 14 14
 
1 21 35
⇒ 270 − 10x = − 5x − 5 y + 270 2 25 60
⇒ 5x − 5 y = 0 ⇒ x = y ...(ii) 3 43 103
43
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get 2x = 43 ⇒ x = = 21.5 4 51 154
2
5 40 194
∴ x = y = 21. 5
6 39 233
62. (b) Arrange the given data in ascending order, we get
7 12 245
3, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 12 Total N = ∑ fi = 245
Total terms, n = 13 (odd)
n + 1 N 245
Median =  Here, = = 122 . 5
∴  th term 2 2
 2 
N
13 + 1 The cumulative frequency 154 which is equal or just greater than .
=   th term = 7th term =8 2
 2  ∴Required median = Value of the variable corresponding to
63. (d) 64. (d) 65. (c) 66. (c) the cumulative frequency 154
=4
366 NDA/NA Pathfinder

72. (b) We see that in the frequency distribution the higher frequency 100 {(5)2 + 36} + 150 {(6)2 + 16}
σ =
is 51. 250 100 + 150
∴ Required mode = Value of variable corresponding to the
higher frequency 100 (25 + 36) + 150 (36 + 16) 100 × 61 + 150 × 52
= =
=4 250 250
10 × 61 + 15 × 52 610 + 780 1390
73. (c) Given that, two regression coefficients are, = = =
5 5 5
b yx = − 3 / 2 and bxy = − 1 / 6 37.28
= = 7.456 ≈ 7.5
Now, correlation coefficient between x and y i.e. 5
1 1 1 78. (c) Variance of all the 250 items
r= bxy ⋅ b yx = ( − 1 / 6) × ( − 3 / 2) = × =±
2 2 2 = ( σ )2 = ( 7.456)2 = 55.59 ≈ 55.6
250
Here, we have to take negative sign because bxy and b yx both have
79. (a) The cumulative frequency of the largest observed value must
negative sign.
always be less than the total number of obser vations. e.g.
Hence, correlation coefficient (r) = − 1 / 2.
Marks obtained Number of Cummulative
74. (c) students frequency
I. We know that, variance is not dependent on change of origin, 0-10 2 2
i.e. independent on change of origin.
10-20 18 20
So, if every x is increased by 2, the variance of the new set of
i 20-30 30 50
numbers is not change, i.e. V.
II. We know that, variance is dependent on change of scale. So, if 30-40 45 95
the number x is squared, the variance of the new set V 2 . 40-50 35 130
i
i.e. if V (x ) = V 50-60 20 150
i
Then, V =V V = V ⋅V = V 2 60-70 6 156
(x ×x ) (x ) (x )
i i i i

75. (b) Mean of first 20 natural numbers 70-80 3 159

Sum of the squares first of 20 natural numbers Total N = 159
=
Number of observations (i) 95 < N = 159 (ii) 95 >/ N = 159
(12 + 22 + 32 + L + 202 )
= (iii) 95 ≠ 159 (iv) Mid-point of ( 70 - 80) = 75 ≠ 95
20
80. (a)
1 20 (20 + 1) (20 × 2 + 1)  n( n + 1)( 2n + 1) 
= × Q ∑ n2 = 81. (d) Angle between the regression lines will be
20 6  6 
21 × (40 + 1) 21 × 41 7 × 41 287  1 − r 2   σx σ y   σ ⋅σ 
= = = = = 143.5 2
6 6 2 2

tan θ =      ⇒ tan π =  1 − r   x y 
 σ2 + σ2    σ2 + σ2 
∴ Required mean = 143.5  r   x y   2  r   x y 
Sol. (Q. Nos. 76-78) Given that, mean of 100 items, x = 50 ⇒ r ⋅ ( σ 2x + σ 2y ) = 0 ⇒ r = 0
100
Mean of 150 items, x = 40 82. (d) It is obvious that x < z < y
150
and standard deviation of 100 items, σ =5 Σ|x − x |
100
Standard deviation of 150 items, σ =6 83. (b) Mean deviation about the mean = i
150 N
76. (b) Here, n = 100, x = 50 and n = 150, x = 40 4 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 12 + 13 + 17
1 100 2 150 Here, x = = 10
n ⋅x + n ⋅x 8
1 100 2 150
∴ Combined mean of all 250 items, x = ∴ Mean deviation about mean
250 n + n
1 2 | 4 − 10 | + | 7 − 10 | + | 8 − 10 | + | 9 − 10 |+ | 10 − 10 |
100 × 50 + 150 × 40 5000 + 6000 11000
= = = = 44 + | 12 − 10 | + | 13 − 10 |+ | 17 − 10 |
100 + 150 250 250 =
8
77. (c) We know that, if n and n are the sizes, X 100 , X 150 are the 6 + 3 + 2 + 1+ 0 + 2 + 3 + 7 24
1 2
means and σ , σ are the standard deviation of the series, then = = =3
100 150 8 8
the standard deviation of the combined series is
84. (c) Let x , x , K , x be the given observations.
1 2 20
n (σ2 + d 2 ) + n (σ2 + d2) 20
1 100 1 2 150 2 1
σ= … (i) We have, ∑ ( x − x )2 = 5
n +n 20 i =1
i
1 2

where, d = X 100 − X 250 and d = X 150 − X 250 To find variance of 2x , 2x , 2x , K , 2x , let x denotes the
1 2 1 2 3 20
mean of new observation.
Here, d = 50 − 44 = 6 ⇒ d 2 = 36 20
20

and
1
d = 40 − 44 = − 4 ⇒ d2
1
= 16 ∑ 2x 2 ∑ x
i
i i =1
2 2 i =1
Clearly, X = = = 2x
From Eq. (i), 20 20
Combined standard deviation of all 250 items i.e.
MATHEMATICS > Statistics 367

20
1 93. (c) Geometric mean of x , x , x , ..., x n is G .
Now, variance of new observation = ∑ ( 2x − 2x )2 1 2 3 1
i 1
20 i =1 ⇒ G =( x , x , ..., x n ) n
20 20 1 1 2
1  1 
= ∑ 4( x − x )2 = 4  ∑ ( x − x )2  = 4 × 5 = 20 Geometric mean of y , y , y , ..., y n is G .
20 i i 1 2 3 2
 20 
i =1 i =1
⇒ G = ( y , y , y , ..., y n )1 / n
2 1 2 3
1
85. (a) The median of grouped data is the x-coordinate of the point of
intersection of ‘less than’ and ‘more than’ ogive curves. x x x x
x x n
x xn
∴ GM of 1 , 2 , 3 , ..., =  1 , 2 , 3 , ..., n 
y y y y n  y y y y n 
86. (c) Both Statements are true. 1 2 3 1 2 3

87. (b) Geometric mean is used in construction of index numbers. ( x , x , x , ..., x n )1 / n G

1 2 3 1
= 1/n
=
88. (b) Only Statement II is correct. ( y , y , y , ..., y n ) G
1 2 3 2

89. (c) Let the obser vations be x ′ s , i = 1, 2, ..., 10 and the mean and 94. (b) We have, bxy = − 0. 64, b yx = − 0.36
i
variance of y ′ s are x = 4 and σ 2 = 2. ∴ Correlation coefficient ( σ) = bxy × b yx = ± (− 0. 64) ( − 0.36)
i
Now, let y = 2x ′ s and the mean and variance of y ′s and y and = ± 0. 48 ⇒ σ = − 0.48
i i i
σ 2 then Because bxy and b yx both are negative.
1
Σ2x Σ2x 1/3
log ( xy ) 
y= i =2 i = 2x = 8 and σ 2
= var( y ′s ) = var( 2x ′s )  y log ( yz )  z  log (zx )  x 
10 10 1 i i 95. (a) Here, m =    ×  ×  
  x
= 4 var( x i′ s ) = 4 × 2 = 8  z  y 
Thus, the mean and variance of new series are 8 and 8. ∴ m 3 = x log ( xy ) − log ( zx )
× y log ( yz ) − log (xy ) × z log (zx ) − log ( yz )
y z  x
log   log   log  
90. (d) Let the numbers are x , x , x , x and x . Then, ⇒ m3 = x  z ×y  x ×z  y
1 2 3 4 5
x + x + x + x + x Taking log on both sides, we get
1 2 3 4 5
we have, = 30
5 y z x
3 log m = log   log x + log   log y + log   log z
z x  y
⇒ x + x + x + x + x = 150 …(i)
1 2 3 4 5
x +x +x +x ⇒ 3 log m = log y log x − log z log x + log z log y
2 3 4 5
Now, suppose x is excluded, then = 28 [given] − log x log y + log x log z − log y log z
1
4
⇒ 3 log m = 0 ⇒ log m = 0 ⇒ m = e 0 = m = 1
⇒ x + x + x + x = 112 …(ii)
2 3 4 5
96. (a) Given, x = 10, 9, 21, 16, 24
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get x = 150 − 112 = 38 i
1
∴ Σx = 10 + 9 + 21 + 16 + 24 = 80
91. (c) We have, r( x , y ) = 0.6 i
Σx 80 Σ|x − X |
i i
To find r(U, V), where U = 2 − 3x and V = 4 y + 1 Now, X = = 16 ⇒ MD =
=
n 5 n
cov (U, V )
Clearly r(U , V ) = …(i) |10 − 16|+ |9 − 16|+21 − 16|+ |16 − 16|+ |24 − 16|
var(U ) ⋅ var(V ) =
5
Now, var(U ) = var ( 2 − 3x ) = ( −3)2 var( x ) = 9 var( x ) 6 + 7 + 5 + 0 + 8 26
= = = 5. 2
var(V ) = var ( 4 y + 1) = var( 4 y ) = 16 var( y ) 5 5
97. (c)
cov(U , V ) = E [(U − U ) (V − V )] x + x + K + xn
1 2
= E [((2 − 3x ) − (2 − 3x )) (( 4 y + 1) − ( 4 y + 14))] 98. (d) We know, X = ⇒x + x + K + x n = nX
1 2
n
= E [( −3 × + 3x ) ( 4 y − 4 y )] ⇒ x + x + K + x n = nX − x
1 3 2
= ( −3) ( 4) E [( x − x ) ( y − y )] = − 12 cov( X , Y ) ⇒ x + x + K + x n + λ = nX − x + λ
1 3 2
Sum of all values x + x + K + xn + λ
1 3
Thus, from Eq. (i), we have ⇒ Mean = =
−12 cov (X, Y ) −12 cov(X, Y ) Total number of values n
r(U , V ) = = nX − x + λ
9 var( x ) ⋅ 16 var( y ) 3 ⋅ 4 var( x ) ⋅ var( y ) 2
=
n
= − r ( X , Y ) = − 0.6
Σx 3 + 5 + 1 + 6 + 5 + 9 + 5 + 2 + 8 + 6 50
92. (c) Given, 1, 8, 27, 64, ... upto n terms = 13 , 23 , 33 , 43 , ... upto n 99. (d) Mean = i = = =5
n 10 10
terms
2 Now, the data in ‘Ascending’ order is 1, 2, 3, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 8, 9
 n( n + 1) 
3 3 3 3
1 + 2 + 3 + ...+ n   n2 ( n + 1)2 Clearly, median (mid value) is 5 and mode (most appeared value)
∴ AM = =  2  = is also 5.
n n 4n
n( n + 1)2  n
2
 ∴x = y =z
= Q Σn3 = 13 + 23 + ... + n3 =  ( n + 1) 
4  2  100. (c)
 
29
368 NDA/NA Pathfinder

PROBABILITY
In NDA exam, generally 8-10 questions are asked from this chapter, which are based on addition
theorem, conditional probability and mean and variance of binomial distribution.

Principle of probability is the most interesting branch of Modern Mathematics and it is used in various
fields of knowledge. It is not only used in insurance principle and statistics but also used in Biology
and Physics.

Some Useful Terms

Experiment
An operation which can produce some well defined outcomes is called an experiment.
There are two types of experiments
1. Deterministic experiment Those experiments which when repeated under identical conditions produce the
same result or outcome are known as deterministic experiment. e.g. When a stone is thrown upwards, it is
sure that the stone will fall downward.
2. Random experiment An experiment whose outcome cannot be predicted with certainty is called a
random experiment.

Sample Space
The set of all possible outcomes is called sample space. It is usually denoted by S.
e.g. In tossing a fair coin, sample space is S = { H, T }, if we throw a die, then sample space is
S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}.

Event
The possible subsets of the sample space associated with a random experiment is called the event of
that experiment. It is usually denoted by E.
e.g. If we throw a die, then event of getting an even number is E = { 2, 4, 6}.
Various types of events are given below
1. Elementary event An event containing only a single sample point is called an elementary event or
simple event.
2. Compound events Events obtained by combining together two or more elementary are known as the
compound events.
MATHEMATICS > Probability 369

3. Equally likely events A set of events is said to EXAMPLE 1. Two dice are thrown. What is the probability
be equally likely, if they all have equal possibility that sum of the numbers appearing on the dice is 8?
to occur. e.g. If we throw a die, then we cannot 1 4 5 7
a. b. c. d.
say which one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 occur. Here, all the 6 9 36 36
events have equal possibility to occur. Sol. c. Let S be the sample space, then the following are the
4. Exhaustive events A set of events is said to be (1, 1), ( 2, 2),... ,(1, 6) 
exhaustive, if atleast one of them necessarily ( 2, 1), ( 2, 2),... ,( 2, 6) 
 
possible outcomes S =  
occurs whenever the experiment is performed, i.e.  M M M 
union of all the events gives sample space. (6, 1), (6, 2),... ,(6, 6) 
5. Mutually exclusive events A set of events is
∴ n( s) = 6 × 6 = 36
said to be mutually exclusive, if the occurrence of
one of the events excludes the possibility of the Let A be the event that the sum of the numbers appearing on
the dice is 8.
occurrence of any other, i.e. they cannot occur ∴ A = {( 3, 5), ( 5, 3), ( 2, 6), (6, 2), ( 4, 4)} ⇒ n ( A) = 5
simultaneously. Thus, E1 and E2 are mutually n ( A) 5
∴ Required probability = =
exclusive, if and onlyif E1 ∩ E2 = φ. n ( S) 36
6. Complementary event The complement of an
event E is the set of all sample points of space EXAMPLE 2. A bag contains 5 red, 4 white and 6 green
other than the sample points in E. It is denoted by balls. Three balls are drawn at random. What is the
E, E ′ or E c . probability that a red, a white and a green balls are drawn?
24 25 29 31
7. Independent event A set of events is said to be a. b. c. d.
91 91 91 91
independent, if the occurrence of an event is
not influenced by the occurrence of the rest of Sol. a. Total number of balls in the bag = 5 + 4 + 6 = 15
the sets. Let S be the sample space, then the number of ways in
If two event A and B are independent, then the which 3 balls can be drawn out of 15 ball = n ( S) = 15C 3
joint probability is Let A be the event of drawing one red, one white and one
P (A and B)= P (A ∩ B) = P(A) P(B) green ball, then the required number of ways
= n ( A) = 5C1 × 4C1 × 6C1
Probability of Occurrence an event n ( A) 5C1 × 4C1 × 6C1 24
The probability of an event to occur is the ratio of ∴ Required probability = = 15 =
n ( S) C3 91
the number of cases in its favour to the total number
of cases. Let S be a sample space and E be an event of Odds in Favour and Odds in Against
which probability is to be known, such that
If in a random experiment, total number of outcomes is
n (S ) = n, n ( E) = m and each outcome is equally likely,
n out of which m are favourable to an event A, then
then m
m odds in favour of A =
P(E) = n− m
n n− m
and odds against of A =
Number of favourable outcomes of E m
=
Total number of possible outcomes Number of favourable cases to A m
∴ P( A ) = =
Total number of cases n
Here, P( E) is the probability of happening of an
event E and m n− m
and P( A ) = 1 − P( A ) = 1 − =
P( E ) = Probability of not happening of an event E n n

m n− m EXAMPLE 3. The odds in favour of an event are 2 : 7. Find

=1− =
n n the probability of occurrence of this event.
2 5 7 2
From the definition, it follows that 0 ≤ P( E) ≤ 1, a. b. c. d.
9 12 12 5
and P( E) + P( E) = 1
i. e. probability of an event lies between 0 and 1, Sol. a. Q Total number of outcomes = 2 + 7 = 9
where 0 and 1 are the probabilities of impossible 2
and favourable number of cases = 2, then P (E) =
event and sure event, respectively. 9
370 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Addition Theorem EXAMPLE 5. If A and B are two independent events

1 1
(i) If A and B are two events associated with a random such that P ( A) = and P (B) = , then which of the
2 5
experiment, then
following is correct?
P( A ∪ B) = P( A ) + P( B) − P( A ∩ B)  A 1  A  5
a. P   = b. P  =
If A and B are mutually exclusive events i.e.  B 2  A ∪ B 6
A ∩ B = φ, then  A∩B 
c. P   =0 d. All of these
P( A ∩ B) = 0  A′ ∪ B′ 
∴ P( A ∪ B) = P( A ) + P( B) Sol. d. SInce, A and B are independent events
(ii) For any three events, A , B and C 1
∴ P( A / B) = P( A) =
2
P( A ∪ B ∪ C ) = P( A ) + P( B) + P(C ) A  P [ A ∩ ( A ∪ B)]
P   =
− P( A ∩ B) − P( B ∩ C )  A ∪ B P ( A ∪ B)
− P( A ∩ C ) + P( A ∩ B ∩ C ) 1
 A  P( A) 2
If A, B and C are mutually exclusive events, then ⇒ P = =
1 1 1
 A ∪ B  P ( A ∪ B) + −
P ( A ∪ B ∪ C ) = P ( A ) + P ( B) + P (C ) 2 5 10
1 1
EXAMPLE 4. Two cards are drawn from a pack of 52 5
cards. What is the probability that either both are red = 2 = 2 =
1 1 1 6 6
or both are kings? + −
2 5 10 10
7 63 55 3
a. b. c. d.  A∩B  A∩ B 
13 221 221 26 Similarly, P   = P  =0
 A′ ∪ B′   ( A ∩ B)′ 
Sol. c. Let E1 = Event of getting both red cards
E 2 = Event of getting both kings Multiplication Theorem
and E1 ∩ E 2 = Event of getting 2 kings of red cards If A and B are two events associated with a random
26 4 experiment then
C2 325 C2 6
∴ P(E1) = 52 = ⇒ (E 2) = 52 = P( A ∩ B) = P( A / B) P( B), if P( B) ≠ 0
C 2 1326 C 2 1326
2 = P( B / A ) P( A ), if P( A ) ≠ 0
C2 1
and P(E1 ∩ E 2) = 52 =
C 2 1326 EXAMPLE 6. Two cards are drawn from deck of 52
∴ P(both red or both kings) = P(E1 ∪ E 2) cards. Find the probability that both the cards are aces
= P(E1) + P(E 2) − P(E1 ∩ E 2) (i) when first card is put back before drawing the
second card.
325 6 1 330 55
= + − = = (ii) when first card is not returned into the pack.
1326 1326 1326 1326 221 Compare the two results.
Conditional Probability Sol. There are 4 aces in a deck of 52 cards.
Let A and B are two events associated with a random Let event A : First drawn card is an ace.
experiment. Then, the probability of occurrence of an event B : Second drawn card is an ace.
(i) It is the case of ‘with replacement’
event A under the condition that B has already been 4 1 4 1
occurred such that P( B) ≠ 0, is called the conditional P( A) = = , P ( B) = =
52 13 52 13
probability and denoted by P( A / B) Since, both the events are independent,
P( A ∩ B) 1 1 1
P( A / B) = P( A ∩ B) = P ( A) ⋅ P ( B) = × =
P( B) 13 13 169
(ii) It is the case of ’without replacement‘.
P( A ∩ B) 4 1
Similarly, P( B / A ) = , where P ( A ) ≠ 0 P ( A) = =
P( A ) 52 13
Since, the second trial is made without replacement, only
If A and B are independent events, then
3 aces and 51 cards are left after the first trial.
P( B / A ) = P( B) [Q P ( A ∩ B) = P( A ) ⋅ P( B)]
MATHEMATICS > Probability 371

∴
B
P   =
3
=
1 P ( Ei ) P ( A / Ei )
 A 51 17 P ( Ei / A ) = n

So,
B
P ( A ∩ B) = P ( A) ⋅ P   =
1
×
1
=
1 Σ P ( Ei ) P ( A / Ei )
i=1
 A 13 17 221
The probability is less when the cards are drawn without i = 1, 2, K , n
replacement, i.e. the probability in the second case is less
when compared to the first case. EXAMPLE 8. The chances of defective screw in three
1 1 1
boxes A, B, C are , and , respectively. A box is
Law of Total Probability 5 6 7
Let E1 , E2 , . . . , En be n mutually exclusive and selected at random and a screw drawn from it at
exhaustive events associated with a random experiment. random is found to be defective. Find the probability
If A is any event which occurs with E1 or E2 or ... or that it came from box A.
40 41
En , then a. b.
A A 107 107
P ( A ) = P ( E1 ) P   + P ( E2 ) P   42 43
 E1   E2  c. d.
107 107
A
+ . . . + P ( En ) P   Sol. c. Let E1, E 2 and E 3 denote the events of selecting box
 En  A, B , C respectively and A be the event that a screw
n A selected at random is defective.
= ∑ P( Er ) P   1
r =1  Er  Then, P(E1) = P(E 2) = P(E 3) = 1/ 3, P( A/ E1) =
5
EXAMPLE 7. In a bolt factory machines A, B and C 1 1
P( A/ E 2) = ⇒ P( A/ E 3) =
manufactures respectively 25% , 35% and 40% of the 6 7
total bolts out of their total output 5%, 4% and 2% Then, by Baye’s theorem, required probability = P(E1 / A)
are respectively defective bolts. A bolt is drawn at P(E1) P( A/ E1)
=
random from the product. What is the probability that P(E1) P( A/ E1) + P(E 2) P( A/ E 2) + P(E 3) P( A/ E 3)
the bolt drawn is defective? 1 1
⋅
a. 0.0345 b. 0.0446 c. 0.0246 d. 0.0256 3 5 42
= =
1 1 1 1 1 1 107
Sol. a. Let E1, E 2 , E 3 and A be the events defined as follows ⋅ + ⋅ + ⋅
3 5 3 6 3 7
E1 = The bolts is manufactured by machine A
E 2 = The bolt is manufactured by machine B Binomial Distribution
E 3 = The bolt is manufactured by machine C If the probability of success of an event in a single trial
A = The bolt is defective, then is p so that the probability of failure q = 1 − p, then the
25 1 35 40 probability p of exactly x successes of the event in
P (E1) = = , P (E 2) = , P (E 3) = n independent trials is given by
100 4 100 100
P(A/E1) = Probability that the bolt drawn is defective when P( x : n, p) = nC x p x q n − x
5 n!
it is manufactured by machine A = where, n C x = is the selection of x things from
100 x ! ( n − x) !
4 2
Similarly, P ( A / E 2) = and P ( A / E 3) = n things and x can take the values 1, 2, K, n.
100 100
Using the law of total probability, Mean and Variance of Binomial Distribution
P ( A) = P (E1) P ( A / E1) + P (E 2) P ( A / E 2) + P (E 3) P( A / E 2)
Let x ~ B( n, P ), then P( X = x) = nC x p x q n− x
25 5 35 4 40 2
= × + × + × = 0.0345
100 100 100 100 100 100 where, x = 0, 1, 2, …, n and p + q = 1
∴ Mean X = E( x) = np and variance Var ( x) = npq
Baye’s Theorem
∴ Standard deviation = npq
Let E1 , E2 , K, En be n mutually exclusive and exhaustive
events associated with a random experiment and let S be Note Mode of Binomial distribution is that value of r for which
the sample space. Let A be any event which occurs P( X = r ) is maximum. i.e.
together with any one of E1 , E2 , . . . or En such that ( n + 1) p − 1 ≤ r ≤ ( n + 1) p
P ( A ) ≠ 0. Then,
372 NDA/NA Pathfinder

EXAMPLE 9. In a Binomial Distribution (BD) the Sol. a. Clearly, x is a binomial variate with parameters n and
mean is 15 and variance is 10, then parameter is p = 1/ 2 such that
a. 28 b. 16 c. 45 d. 25 1 r  1
n−r
1 n
P ( x = r) = nC r pr qn− r = nC r   = nC r  
Sol. c. Given, mean of BD = np = 15  2  2  2

and variance of BD = npq = 10 Now, P ( x = 4) , P ( x = 5) and P ( x = 6) are in AP.

∴ 2P ( x = 5) = P ( x = 4) + P ( x = 6)
⇒ n p (1− p) = 10 [Q p + q = 1]
1 n 1 n 1 n
∴ 1− p =
10 2
= ⇒ P = 1−
2
⇒ p=
1 ⇒ 2⋅ nC 5   = nC 4   + nC 6  
 2  2  2
15 3 3 3
15 ⇒ 2⋅n C 5 = nC 4 + n C 6
∴ x= = 15 × 3 = 45 n! n! n!
1/ 3 ⇒ 2. = +
(n − 5) ! 5! (n − 4) ! 4 ! (n − 6) !6 !
EXAMPLE 10. Let x denotes the number of times 2 1 1
⇒ = +
heads occur in n tosses of a fair coin. If P(x = 4) , 5(n − 5) (n − 4) (n − 5) 6 × 5
P(x = 5) and P(x = 6) are in AP, then the value of n is
⇒ n2 − 21n + 98 = 0 ⇒ (n − 7) (n − 14 ) = 0
a. 7 b. 10
∴ n =7
c. 12 d. 15

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Two cards are drawn at random from a deck of 8. The probabilities of solving a problem by three
52 cards. The probability of these two being aces is students A, B and C are 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4,
(a) 1/26 (b) 1/221 (c) 1/2 (d) 1/18 respectively. The probability that the problem
will be solved is
2. A card is drawn from a well-shuffled deck of
(a) 1/4 (b) 1/2 (c) 3/4 (d) 1/3
cards. The probability of getting a queen of club
or king of heart is 3
9. The probability that a man can hit a target is .
(a) 1 /52 (b) 1/26 (c) 1/13 (d) 1/56 4
He tries 5 times. The probability that he will hit
3. In shuffling a pack of cards 3 are accidently the target atleast three times is
dropped, then the chance that missing card
(a) 291/364 (b) 371/464 (c) 471/502 (d) 459/512
should be of different suits is
(a) 169/425 (b) 261/425 (c) 104/425 (d) 425/169 10. A draws two cards with replacement from a deck
of 52 cards and B throws a pair of dice. The
4. If there are 4 addressed envelopes and 4 letters. chance that A gets both cards of same suit and B
Then, the chance that all the letters are not gets total of 6 is
mailed through proper envelope is
(a) 1/144 (b) 1/4 (c) 5/144 (d) 7/144
(a) 1/24 (b) 1 (c) 23/24 (d) 9/2
5. A and B are two events such that P ( A) = 0.3 and 11. If A and B are such events that P ( A) > 0 and
P ( A ∪ B) = 0.8. If A and B are independent, then P ( B) ≠ 1, then P ( A / B ) is equal to
P ( B) is (a) 1 − P( A / B) (b) 1 − P( A / B)
(a) 2/3 (b) 3/8 (c) 2/7 (d) 5/7 1 − P ( A ∪ B) P( A )
(c) (d)
P (B ) P(B )
6. A speaks truth in 60% cases and B speaks truth
in 70% cases. The probability that they will say 12. In solving any problem, odds against A are 4 to 3
the same thing while describing single event, is and odds in favour of B in solving the same is 7
(a) 0.56 (b) 0.54 (c) 0.38 (d) 0.94 to 5. Then, probability that problem will be
7. The probability that in the toss of two dice, we solved is
obtain an even sum or a sum less than 5 is (a) 5/21 (b) 16/21
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/6 (c) 1/3 (d) 5/9 (c) 15/84 (d) 69/84
MATHEMATICS > Probability 373

13. Two events A and B have probability 0.25 and 21. If the letters of the word ‘REGULATION’ be
0.50. The probability that both occur arranged at random, the probability that there
simultaneously is 0.14. Then, probability that will be exactly 4 letters between R and E is
neither A nor B occur is 1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) 0.75 (b) 0.61 (c) 0.39 (d) None of these 10 9 5 2

14. A contest consists of predicting the results (win, 22. A box contains 6 distinct dolls. From this box,
three dolls are randomly selected one by one
draw or defeat) of 8 matches played by the
with replacement. What is the probability of
Indian cricket team. A person sent his entry by
selecting 3 distinct dolls?
predicting at random. The probability that his
(a) 5/54 (b) 12/25 (c) 1/20 (d) 5/9
entry contains 4 correct predictions is
12 70 1120 70 23. An experiment consists of flipping a coin and
(a) (b) (c) (d)
38 38 38 312 then flipping it a second time if head occurs. If a
tail occurs on the first flip, then a six-faced die is
15. Of cigarette smoking population 70% are men tossed once. Assuming that the outcomes are
and 30% are women, 10% of these men and 20% equally likely, what is the probability of getting
of these women smoke Wills. The probability one head and one tail?
that a person seen smoking a Wills to be men is (a) 1/4 (b) 1/36 (c) 1/6 (d) 1/8
(a) 1/5 (b) 7/13 (c) 5/13 (d) 7/10
24. In an examination, there are 3 multiple-choice
16. Two friends P and Q have equal number of questions and each question has 4 choices. If a
daughters. The two friends have three cinema student randomly selects an answer for all the
tickets which are to be distributed among their three questions, what is the probability that the
daughters. If the probability that all the tickets students will not answer all the three questions
go to daughters of P be 1 / 20, then the number of correctly?
daughters each has is (a) 1/64 (b) 63/64 (c) 1/12 (d) 11/12
(a) 5 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6
25. If A and B are events such that
17. A cricket team has 15 members, of whom only P ( A ∪ B) = 0.5, P ( B ) = 0.8 and P ( A / B) = 0.4, then
5 can bowl. If the names of the 15 members are what is P ( A ∩ B) equal to?
put into a bat and 11 drawn at random, then
(a) 0.08 (b) 0.02 (c) 0.8 (d) 0.2
the chance of obtaining an eleven containing
atleast 3 bowlers is 26. Three digital numbers are formed using the
(a) 7/13 (b) 11/15 (c) 12/13 (d) 15/14 digits 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. A number is chosen at random
18. The probability of India winning a test match out of these numbers. What is the probability
against England is 1 / 2. Assuming independence that the number has the same digits?
of the result of various matches, the chance that (a) 1/16 (b) 1/25 (c) 16/25 (d) 1/645
in a 5 match series, India’s second win occur at 27. What is the probability of having 53 Sundays or
3rd test is 53 Mondays in a leap year?
2 1 1 1 (a) 2/7 (b) 3/7 (c) 4/7 (d) 5/7
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 4 8 2
28. An observed event B can occur after one of the
19. There is a point inside a circle. What is the three events A1 , A 2 , A3 . If
probability that this point is close to the
P ( A1 ) = P ( A 2 ) = 0.4, P ( A3 ) = 0. 2
circumference than to the centre?
3 1 1 1 and P ( B/ A1 ) = 0.25, P ( B/ A 2 ) = 0.4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 2 4 3 P ( B / A3 ) = 0 .125,
20. A husband and wife appear in an interview for what is the probability of A1 after observing B?
two vacancies in the same post. The probability 1 6 20 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
of husband’s selection is 1 / 5 and that of wife 3 19 57 5
selection is 1 / 3. What is the probability that only 29. Two balls are selected from a box containing
one of them will be selected? 2 blue and 7 red balls. What is the probability
1 2 that atleast one ball is blue?
(a) (b)
5 5 2 7 5 7
3 4 (a) (b) (c) (d)
(c) (d) 9 9 12 12
5 5
374 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Directions (Q. Nos. 35-36) There are four boxes A1,

30. The probability of guessing a correct answer is
x A2, A3 and A4 . Box Ai has i cards and on each card
. If the probability of not guessing the correct a number is printed, the numbers are from 1 to i. A
12
box is selected randomly, the probability of
answer is 2 / 3, then what is x equal to?
selection of box Ai is i / 10 and then a card is
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6
drawn. Let Ei represents the event that a card with
31. Three letters are randomly selected from the number i’ is drawn.
26 capital letters of the English alphabet. What
is the probability that the letter A will not be 35. P ( E1 ) is equal to
included in the choice? 1 1 2 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) 1/2 (b) 23/26 (c) 12/13 (d) 25/26 5 10 5 4

32. The probability distribution of random variable 36. P ( A3 / E2 ) is equal to

X with two missing probabilities p1 and p2 is 1 1 1 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
given below 4 3 2 3
X P( X )
Directions (Q. Nos. 37-39) There are 4 red, 5 blue
1 k
and 3 green marbles in a basket.
2 p1
3 4k 37. If two marbles are picked randomly, then the
4 p2 probability that both marbles are red is
3 1 1 1
5 2k (a) (b) (c) (d)
7 2 11 6
It is further given that P ( X ≤ 2) = 0. 25 and
P ( X ≥ 4) = 0. 35. 38. If three marbles are picked randomly, then the
Consider the following statements probability that atleast one of them is blue, is
7 37 5 7
I. p1 = p2 II. p1 + p2 = P (X = 3) (a) (b) (c) (d)
12 44 12 44
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
39. If three marbles are picked randomly, then the
(a) Only I (b) Only II
probability that either all are red or all are
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
green, is
33. A and B are two events with positive probability, 7 7 5 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
P ( A / B) is the conditional probability of A given 44 12 12 44
B, and A is the complement of A.
Consider the following statements Directions (Q. Nos. 40-43) If A and B are two
independent events such that P ( A) = 1/ 2 and
I. P ( A / B) = P ( A ) ⇒ P (B / A ) = P (B)
1
II. P (B / A ) = P (B ) ⇒ P (B / A ) = P (B) P (B) = , then
5
III. P ( A ∩ B) = P ( A ) ⋅ P (B) ⇒ P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( A ) ⋅ P (B )
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
40. P ( A ∪ B) is equal to
1 2 3 4
(a) I and II (b) I and III (a) (b) (c) (d)
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III 5 5 5 5
A
34. Let U = { 1, 2, 3, K , 20}. Let A, B and C be the 41. P   is equal to
 B
subsets of U . Let A be the set of all numbers,
1 2 2 5
which are perfect squares, B be the set of all (a) (b) (c) (d)
2 3 5 3
numbers, which are multiples of 5 and C be the
set of all numbers, which are divisible by 2 and 3?  A 
42. P   is equal to
Consider the following statements  A ∪ B
I. A , B and C are mutually exclusive. 1 5 3 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
II. A , B and C are mutually exhaustive. 6 6 5 5
III. The number of elements in the complement set  A ∩ B
of A ∪ B is 12. 43. P   is equal to
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?  A ∪ B
(a) Both I and II (b) Both I and III 1 2
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) (d)
(c) Both II and III (d) I, II and III 2 3
MATHEMATICS > Probability 375

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS 53. A fair coin is tossed repeatedly. The probability
of getting a result in the fifth toss different from
Directions (Q. Nos. 44-45) Two dice each those obtained in the first four tosses is e 2013 I
numbered from 1 to 6 are thrown together. Let A (a) 1/2 (b) 1/32 (c) 31/32 (d) 1/16
and B be two events given by 54. If A and B are any two events such that
A : even number on the first die P ( A ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 0.3, P ( A ∪ B) = 0.9, then what
B : number on the second die is greater than 4 is the value of P ( A ∪ B )? e 2013 I
e 2012 I (a) 0.2 (b) 0.5 (c) 0.6 (d) 0.7
44. What is the value of P ( A ∪ B)? 55. A bag contains 5 black and 3 white balls. Two
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/4 (c) 2/3 (d) 1/6 balls are drawn at random one after the other
without replacement. What is the probability
45. What is the value of P ( A ∩ B)? that both are white? e 2013 I
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/4 (c) 2/3 (d) 1/6 (a) 1/28 (b) 1/14 (c) 3/28 (d) 1/21
56. What is the probability of getting a sum of 7
Directions (Q. Nos. 46-47) An urn contains one with two dice? e 2013 I
black ball and one green ball. A second urn (a) 1/6 (b) 1/3 (c) 1/12 (d) 5/36
contains one white and one green ball. One ball is
drawn at random from each urn. e 2012 I 57. Four coins are tossed simultaneously. What is
the probability of getting exactly 2 heads?
46. What is the probability that both balls are of e 2013 I
same colour? (a) 1/2 (b) 1/4 (c) 1/8 (d) 3/8
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/3 (c) 1/4 (d) 2/3
58. Consider a random experiment of throwing
47. What is the probability of getting atleast one together a dice and two coins. The associated
green ball? sample space has e 2013 I
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/3 (c) 2/3 (d) 3/4 (a) 8 points (b) 12 points (c) 24 points (d) 36 points
48. What is the most probable number of successes 59. Two numbers are successively drawn from the
in 10 trials with probability of success 2/3? set U = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}, the second being
e 2012 II drawn without replacing the first. The number of
(a) 10 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4
elementary events in the sample is e 2013 I
49. Which one of the following is correct? e 2012 II (a) 64 (b) 56
(a) An event having no sample point is called an (c) 32 (d) 14
elementary event
(b) An event having one sample point is called an 60. If X follows a binomial distribution with
elementary event parameters n = 100 and p = 1 / 3, then P ( X = r ) is
(c) An event having two sample points is called an maximum when e 2013 I
elementary event (a) r = 16 (b) r = 32 (c) r = 33 (d) r = 34
(d) An event having many sample points is called an
elementary event
61. The binomial distribution has e 2013 I
(a) only one parameter (b) two parameters
50. Three coins are tossed simultaneously. What is (c) three parameters (d) four parameters
the probability that they will fall two heads and 62. What is the number of outcomes when a coin is
one tail? e 2012 II
tossed and then a dice is rolled only in case a
(a) 1/3 (b) 1/2 (c) 1/4 (d) 3/8
head is shown on the coin? e 2013 II
51. If P ( E ) denotes the probability of an event E, (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (d) 5
then E is called certain event, if e 2012 II 3 2 2
63. If P ( A) = , P ( B) = and P ( A ∪ B) − P ( A ∩ B) = ,
(a) P(E ) = 0 (b) P(E ) = 1 2 5 5
(c) P(E ) is either 0 or 1 (d) P(E ) = 1 / 2 then what is P ( A ∩ B) equal to? e 2013 II
3 5
52. In throwing a six faced die, let A be the event (a) (b)
5 11
that an even number occurs, B be the event that 1 3
an odd number occurs and C be the event that a (c) (d)
3 11
number greater than 3 occurs. Which one of the
following is correct? e 2013 I 64. A die is tossed twice. What is the probability of
(a) A and C are mutually exclusive getting a sum of 10? e 2013 II
1 1 1 5
(b) A and B are mutually exclusive (a) (b) (c) (d)
(c) B and C are mutually exclusive 18 6 12 12
(d) A, B and C are mutually exclusive
376 NDA/NA Pathfinder

65. If three events A, B and C are mutually Directions (Q. Nos. 74-77) Number X is randomly
exclusive, then which one of the following is selected from the set of odd numbers and Y is
correct? e 2013 II randomly selected from the set of even numbers of
(a) P ( A ∪ B ∪ C ) = 0 (b) P ( A ∪ B ∪ C ) = 1 the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}. Let Z = ( X + Y ). e 2014 I
(c) P ( A ∩ B ∩ C ) = 0 (d) P ( A ∩ B ∩ C ) = 1 74. What is P ( Z = 5) equal to?
66. Three dice are thrown. What is the probability of (a) 1/2 (b) 1/3 (c) 1/4 (d) 1/6
getting as triplet? e 2013 II
75. What is P ( Z = 10) equal to?
1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 18 36 72 (a) 0 (b) 1/2 (c) 1/3 (d) 1/5

67. If A and B are independent events such that 76. What is P ( Z > 11) equal to?
1 7 (a) 0 (b) 1/4 (c) 1/6 (d) 1/12
P ( A) = , P ( A ∪ B) = , then what is P ( B) equal
5 10 77. What is P ( Z is the product of two prime
to? e 2013 II
2 3 3 7 numbers) equal to?
(a) (b) (c) (d)
7 7 8 9 (a) 0 (b) 1/2 (c) 1/4 (d) None of these
68. Consider the following statements 78. Suppose A and B are two events. Event B has
I. If A and B are exhaustive events, then their occurred and it is known that P ( B) < 1. What is
union is the sample space. P ( A / B′ ) equal to? e 2014 II
II. If A and B are exhaustive events, then their P( A) − P(B) P( A) − P( AB)
(a) (b)
intersection must be an empty event. 1 − P(B) 1 − P(B)
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? P( A) + P(B′)
(c) (d) None of these
e 2013 II 1 − P(B)
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II 79. For any two events A and B, which one of the
following holds? e 2014 II
69. Which one of the following may be the parameter (a) P( A ∩ B) ≤ P( A) ≤ P( A ∪ B) ≤ P( A) + P(B)
of a Binomial distribution? e 2013 II (b) P( A ∪ B) ≤ P( A) ≤ P( A ∩ B) ≤ P( A) + P(B)
3
(a) np = 2, npq = 4 (b) n = 4, p = (c) P( A ∪ B) ≤ P(B) ≤ P( A ∩ B) ≤ P( A) + P(B)
2
(c) n = 8, p = 1 (d) np = 10, npq = 8 (d) P( A ∩ B) ≤ P(B) ≤ P( A) + P(B) ≤ P( A ∪ B)

70. In a binomial distribution, the occurrence and 80. The probability that in a random arrangement of
the non-occurrence of an event are equally likely the letters of the word ‘UNIVERSITY’, the two
and the mean is 6. The number of trials required I’s do not come together is e 2014 II
is e 2013 II (a) 4/5 (b) 1/5 (c) 1/10 (d) 9/10
(a) 15 (b) 12 (c) 10 (d) 6 81. There are 4 white and 3 black balls in a box. In
71. A box contains 3 white and 2 black balls. Two another box, there are 3 white and 4 black balls.
balls are drawn at random one after the other. If An unbiased die is rolled. If it shows a number
the balls are not replaced, what is the less than or equal to 3, then a ball is drawn from
probability that both the balls are black? e 2014 I the second box, otherwise from the first box. If the
(a) 2/5 (b) 1/5 (c) 1/10 (d) None of these ball drawn is black, then the probability that the
ball was drawn from the first box, is e 2014 II
72. It has been found that, if A and B play a game
(a) 1/2 (b) 6/7 (c) 4/7 (d) 3/7
12 times, A wins 6 times, B wins 4 times and
they draw twice. A and B take part in a series of 82. Two students X and Y appeared in an
3 games. The probability that they win examination. The probability that X will qualify
alternately, is e 2014 I the examination is 0.05 and Y will qualify the
(a) 5/12 (b) 5/36 (c) 19/27 (d) 5/27 examination is 0.10. The probability that both
73. Let X denotes the number of scores which exceed will qualify the examination is 0.02. What is the
4 in 18 tosses of a symmetrical die. probability that only one of them will qualify the
Consider the following statements examination? e 2014 II
(a) 0.15 (b) 0.14 (c) 0.12 (d) 0.11
I. The arithmetic mean of X is 6.
II. The standard deviation of X is 2. 83. A fair coin is tossed four times. What is the
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? probability that atmost three tails occur?
e 2014 II
(a) Only I (b) Only II e 2014 I
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II (a) 7/8 (b) 15/16 (c) 13/16 (d) 3/4
MATHEMATICS > Probability 377

84. Two cards are drawn successively without 92. If x ∈ [0, 5], then what is the probability that
replacement from a well-shuffled pack of x 2 − 3x + 2 ≥ 0 ? e 2015 II
52 cards. The probability of drawing two aces is 4 1 2 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
e 2015 I 5 5 5 5
1 1 4 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
26 221 223 13 93. Three digits are chosen at random from 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 without repeating any digit.
85. Two similar boxes Bi ( i = 1, 2) contain ( i + 1) red What is the probability that the product is odd?
and ( 5 − i − 1) black balls. One box is chosen at e 2015 II
random and two balls are drawn randomly. What 2 7 5 5
is the probability that both the balls are of (a) (b) (c) (d)
3 48 42 108
different colours? e 2015 I
(a)
1
(b)
3
(c)
2
(d)
3 94. What is the probability that the sum of any two
2 10 5 5 different single digit natural numbers is a prime
number? e 2015 II
86. The mean and the variance in a binomial 5 7 1
distribution are found to be 2 and 1, respectively. (a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
27 18 3
The probability P ( X = 0) is e 2015 I
(a)
1
(b)
1
(c)
1
(d)
1 95. A problem in Statistics is given to three students
2 4 8 16 A, B and C whose chances of solving it
1 1 1
87. If A and B are two events such that independently are , and , respectively. The
3 1 2 2 3 4
P ( A ∪ B) = , P ( A ∩ B) = and P ( A ) = , then probability that the problem will be solved, is
4 4 3
what is P ( B) equal to? e 2015 I e 2015 II
1 2 1 2 1 11 1 3
(a) (b) (c) (d) (a) (b) (c) (d)
3 3 8 9 12 12 2 4

88. In throwing of two dice, the number of 96. A bag contains 4 white and 2 black balls and
exhaustive events that ‘5’ will never appear on another bag contains 3 white and 5 black balls.
any one of the dice is e 2015 I If one ball is drawn from each bag, then the
(a) 5 (b) 18 (c) 25 (d) 36 probability that one ball is white and one ball is
black, is e 2015 II
1
89. Two men hit at a target with probabilities and (a)
5
(b)
13
(c)
1
(d)
2
2 24 24 4 3
1
, respectively. What is the probability that
3 97. Seven unbiased coins are tossed 128 times. In
exactly one of them hits the target? e 2015 I how many throws would you find atleast three
1 1 1 2 heads? e 2015 II
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 3 6 3 (a) 99 (b) 102 (c) 103 (d) 104

90. If A ⊆ B, then which one of the following is not 98. Two events A and B are such that P (not B) = 0.8,
correct? e 2015 I P ( A ∪ B) = 0.5 and P ( A / B) = 0.4. Then, P ( A) is
P( A) equal to e 2015 II
(a) P( A ∩ B ) = 0 (b) P( A / B) =
P(B) (a) 0.28 (b) 0.32
P(B) P( A) (c) 0.38 (d) None of these
(c) P(B/ A) = (d) P( A /( A ∪ B)) =
P( A) P(B)
99. An insurance company insured 2000 scooter
91. In an examination, the probability of a candidate drivers, 4000 car drivers and 6000 truck drivers.
1 The probabilities of an accident involving a
solving a question is . Out of given 5 questions scooter driver, car driver and a truck driver are
2 0.01, 0.03 and 0.15, respectively. One of the
in the examination, what is the probability that insured persons meets with an accident. The
the candidate was able to solve atleast 2 probability that the person is a scooter driver, is
questions? e 2015 I
1 3 1 13 e 2015 II
(a) (b) (c) (d)
64 16 2 16 1 3 15 19
(a) (b) (c) (d)
52 52 52 52
378 NDA/NA Pathfinder

100. If mean and variance of a binomial variate X are 105. A point is chosen at random inside a rectangle
2 and 1 respectively, then the probability that X measuring 6 inches by 5 inches. What is the
takes a value greater than 1, is e 2015 II probability that the randomly selected point is
2 4 7 11 atleast one inch from the edge of the rectangle?
(a) (b) (c) (d) e 2016 I
3 5 8 16 2 1 1 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
101. An unbiased coin is tossed until the first head 3 3 4 5
appears or until four tosses are completed,
106. For two mutually exclusive events A and B,
whichever happens earlier. Which of the
P ( A) = 0.2 and P ( A ∩ B) = 0.3. What is
following statement(s) is/are correct?
P ( A|( A ∪ B)) equal to? e 2016 I
I. The probability that no head is observed is 1 / 16. 1 2 2 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
II. The probability that the experiment ends with 2 5 7 3
three tosses is 1 / 8.
107. What is the probability of 5 Sunday in the month
Select the correct answer using the code given of December? e 2016 I
below. e 2015 II (a) 1 / 7 (b) 2 / 7
(a) Only I (b) Only II (c) 3 / 7 (d) None of these
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
108. Three dice are thrown simultaneously. What is
102. A coin is tossed 5 times. The probability that the probability that the sum on the three faces is
tail appears an odd number of times, is atleast 5? e 2016 I
e 2015 II 17 53
(a) (b)
1 1 2 1 18 54
(a) (b) (c) (d) 103 215
2 3 5 5 (c) (d)
108 216
103. A fair coin is tossed 100 times. What is the
probability of getting tails an odd number of 109. Two independent events A and B have
times? e 2016 I P ( A) = 1 / 3 and P ( B) = 3 / 4. What is the
(a) 1 / 2 (b) 3 / 8 (c) 1 / 4 (d) 1 / 8 probability that exactly one of the two events A
or B occurs? e 2016 I
104. A certain type of missile hits the target with (a) 1 / 4 (b) 5 / 6 (c) 5 / 12 (d) 7 / 12
probability p = 0.3. What is the least number of
missiles should be fired so that there is 110. A coin is tossed three times. What is the
atleast an 80% probability that the target is hit? probability of getting head and tail alternately?
e 2016 I
e 2016 I
(a) 5 (b) 6 (a) 1 / 8 (b) 1 / 4 (c) 1 / 2 (d) 3 / 4
(c) 7 (d) None of these

ANSWERS
1 b 2 b 3 a 4 c 5 d 6 b 7 d 8 c 9 d 10 c
11 c 12 b 13 c 14 c 15 b 16 b 17 c 18 b 19 a 20 b
21 b 22 a 23 d 24 b 25 a 26 b 27 b 28 c 29 a 30 c
31 b 32 d 33 d 34 b 35 c 36 b 37 c 38 b 39 d 40 c
41 a 42 b 43 a 44 c 45 d 46 c 47 d 48 b 49 b 50 d
51 b 52 b 53 d 54 c 55 c 56 a 57 d 58 c 59 b 60 c
61 b 62 b 63 c 64 c 65 c 66 c 67 c 68 a 69 d 70 b
71 c 72 b 73 c 74 d 75 a 76 d 77 c 78 b 79 a 80 a
81 d 82 d 83 b 84 b 85 d 86 d 87 b 88 c 89 a 90 c
91 d 92 a 93 c 94 b 95 d 96 b 97 a 98 c 99 a 100 d
101 c 102 a 103 a 104 a 105 d 106 b 107 c 108 b 109 d 110 b
MATHEMATICS > Probability 379

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

4
C = 0.42 + 0.12 = 054
. P( A ∩ B )
1. (b) Required probability = 2 11. (c) P ( A /B ) =
C 52
7. (d) Let A = Event of getting an even P (B)
2 Sum
4 ×3 1 P( A ∪ B) 1 − P( A ∪ B)
= = = {( 1, 1), ( 1, 3), (3, 1), ( 2, 2), = =
52 × 51 221 P(B ) P(B )
( 1, 5), (5, 1), ( 2, 4), ( 4, 2), (3, 3),
( 2, 6), ( 6, 2), (3, 5), (5, 3), ( 4, 4), 3 7
2. (b) Here, n ( S ) = 52, 12. (b) Here, P ( A ) = , P ( B ) = ,
( 4, 6), ( 6, 4), (5, 5), ( 6, 6)} 7 12
n( E ) = 1, n( E ) = 1, n( E ∩ E ) = φ 4 5
1 2 1 2 P ( A) = , P (B ) =
∴ P(E ∪ E ) = P(E ) and B = Event of getting sum less than 5
1 2 1
7 12
= {( 1, 1), ( 2, 1 ), ( 1, 2),
+ P(E ) − P(E ∩ E ) Problem will be solved if atleast one
2 1 2 ( 1, 3), (3, 1), ( 2, 2)
1 1 1 person solves it.
= + −0= ⇒ A ∩ B = { ( 1, 1),( 1, 3),(3, 1),( 2, 2)}
52 52 26 ∴ Required probability
∴ P( A ∪ B ) = P( A ) + P( B ) − P( A ∩ B )
3. (a) Total ways = 52
C = 22100 = 1 − [ P ( A ) ⋅ P ( B )]
3 18 6 4 5
= + − = 4 5 5 16
There are 4 suits in a pack of cards, so 36 36 36 9 = 1− ⋅ = 1− =
three suits can be selected in 4 C ways 7 12 21 21
3 1 1
and one card each from different suits 8. (c) P ( A ) = , P ( A ) = 13. (c) P ( A ) = 0.25, P ( B ) = 0.50
2 2
can be selected in C × C × 13C
13 13
1 2 P ( A ∩ B ) = 0.14
1 1 1
ways. P ( B) = , P ( B ) = Probability (Neither A nor B occur)
3 3
So, favourable ways 1 3 = 1 − Probability (either A or B occur)
= 4C × 13
C × 13
C × 13
C P (C ) = , P (C ) = = 1 − P ( A ∪ B)
3 1 1 1 4 4
= 8788 Problem will be solved, if even one of = 1 − [ P ( A ) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )]
8788 169 them solve it; so first we calculate = 1 − 0.25 − 0.50 + 0.14 = 0.39
∴ Required probability = = 1
22100 425 probability that it is not solved. 14. (c) Here, n = 8, p = , q = 1 − p
1 2 3 1 3
4. (c) Sample space = 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24 P ( A ) ⋅ P ( B ) ⋅ P (C ) = × × = 1 2
2 3 4 4 = 1− =
1 3 3 3
If all letter mailed right addressed ∴ Required probability = 1 − = [out of 3 possibilities, only one is correct]
envelopes, favourable outcomes 4 4
= 1× 1× 1× 1= 1 ∴ Required probability = 8C p 4 q 4
3 1 4
Favourable outcomes 1 9. (d) Here, p = , q = and n = 5 1
4
2
4
1120
P(E )= = 4 4 = 70     = 8
Total outcomes 24 ∴ Required probability 3  3  3
The chance that all the letters not 3 3 1 2 3
4
1 15. (b) Let E and E denote the cigarette
= 5C     + 5C     1 2
mailed through proper envelope 3
 4  4
4  4  4 smoking population of men and women,
1 23 5 respectively.
P(E′) = 1− P(E ) = 1− = 3
24 24 + 5C   Given, P( E ) = 0.7, P ( E ) = 03
.
5  4 1 2
5. (d) P ( A ∪ B ) = 0.8 10 ⋅ 27 5 ⋅ 81 243    
= + 5 + 5  A   A 
⇒ P ( A ) + P ( B ) − P ( A ∩ B ) = 08 . 45 4 4 P  = 0.1 , P   = 0.2
E
 1 E2
⇒ P ( A ) + P ( B ) − P ( A ) ⋅ ( B ) = 08
. 270 + 405 + 243    
=
[Q A and B are independent events] 1024
Using Baye’s theorem, P( E / A )
⇒ 0.3 + P ( B ) { 1 − P ( A )} = 08
. 459 1
=
⇒ P ( B ) ( 1 − 03
. ) = 05
. 512 P ( E )P ( A / E )
= 1 1

⇒ 0.7 P ( B ) = 05
. 10. (c) The probability of drawing two cards P ( E ) × P ( A / E ) + P ( E )P ( A / E )
1 1 2 2
0. 5 5 13 13 0.7 × 0.1
∴ P ( B) = = of same suit = × and it can be of =
0.7 7 52 52 0.7 × 0.1 + 03 . × 0.2
any suit out of 4. 0.07 0.07 7
6. (b) Given, P ( A ) = 0.6 , P ( B ) = 0.7 4 × 13 × 13 1 = = =
So, P ( A ) = = 0.07 + 0.06 0.13 13
Here, A and B are independent events. 52 × 52 4
∴ P ( A ∩ B) = P ( A) × P ( B) 5 16. (b) Let each of the friends have n
P ( B) =
= 0.6 × 0.7 = 0.42 36 daughters. Then, the probability that all
n
Since, A and B independent events. C
P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( A) × P ( B ) the tickets go to daughters of P is 2 n 3 .
= 0.4 × 0.3 = 0.12 Thus, required probability C
3
Probability that A and B will say same = P ( A) ⋅ P ( B) n
C
1 5 5 ∴ 3 = 1
thing = Probability that both speak = × = 2n
truth or false 4 36 144 C 20
3
= P ( A ∩ B) + P ( A ∩ B )
380 NDA/NA Pathfinder

n ( n − 1)( n − 2) 1 n− 2 1 ∴ Probability for third doll = 4 / 6

⇒ = ⇒ =
2n ( 2n − 1)( 2n − 2) 20 4 ( 2n − 1) 20 1 5 4 5
∴ Required probability = ⋅ ⋅ =
⇒ 5n − 10 = 2n − 1 ⇒ 3n = 9 6 6 6 54
∴ n=3
23. (d) The favourable events to comes head at flipping a first coin
17. (c) Required probability
= { HT , HH }
5 10 5 10 5 10
C × C C × C C × C
=
3 8
+
4 7
+ 5 6 The favourable events to comes tail at flipping a first coin
15 15 15
C C C = {T 1, T 2, T 3, T 4, T 5, T 6}
11 11 11
1 The total favourable events
= 15
( 10 × 45 + 5 × 120 + 1 × 210)
C = { HT , HH , T 1, T 2, T 3, T 4, T 5, T 6 }
11
1
1260 × 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 12 ∴ Required probability =
= = 8
15 × 14 × 13 × 12 13
1 1 1 1
24. (b) P (All three questions are correct) = ⋅ ⋅ =
18. (b) Required probability = P (India wins first and third test) 4 4 4 64
+ P (India wins second and third test) 1 63
P (All three questions will not correct) = 1 − =
1 1  1  1 1 1 1 1 1 64 64
=  1 −    +  1 −      = + =
2 2  2  2  2  2 8 8 4 25. (a) Given, P ( A / B ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 0.8 , P ( A ∪ B ) = 0 .5
19. (a) Let the radius of given circle be r. Now make a concentric circle Q P ( B) + P ( B ) = 1
with radius r / 2. ⇒ P ( B ) = 1 − P ( B ) = 1 − 0.8 = 0. 2
We know that, multiplication theorem of probability,
P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( B ) ⋅ P ( A / B ) = 0. 2 × 0.4 = 0. 08
O r/2
26. (b) Favourable numbers = { 222, 444, 666, 888 }
r Total digit numbers = 4 × 5 × 5
4 1
∴ Required probability = =
4 × 25 25
The given point is close to the circumference than to the centre, if 27. (b) A leap year has 366 days, in which 2 days may be anyone of the
it lies in the shaded region. following pairs.
π { r 2 − ( r / 2)2 } 3 / 4 r 2 3 (Sunday, Monday), (Monday, Tuesday), (Tuesday, Wednesday),
∴ Required probability = = =
πr 2 r2 4 (Wednesday, Thursday), (Thursday, Friday), (Friday, Saturday),
1 (Saturday, Sunday).
20. (b) Probability of selection of husband P ( H ) =
5 2 2 1 3
∴ Required probability = + − =
1 4 7 7 7 7
∴ P (H ) = 1− =
5 5 28. (c) Required probability = P ( A / B )
1
1
and probability of selection of wife P (W ) = P ( A )P (B/ A )
1 1
3 =
1 2 P ( A )P ( B / A ) + P ( A )P ( B / A ) + P ( A )P ( B / A )
∴ P (W ) = 1 − = 1 1 2 2 3 3
3 3 0 .4 × 0 .25
=
∴ Probability that only one of them is selected 0 .4 × 0 .25 + 0 .4 × 0 .4 + 0 .2 × 0 .125
= P ( H ) P (W ) + P ( H )P (W ) 0 .1 0.1 20
= = =
1 2 4 1 2 4 6 2 0 .1 + 0 .16 + 0 . 025 0. 285 57
=     +     = + = =
5  3   5  3 15 15 15 5
29. (a) Required probability = P (one ball is blue) +
21. (b) There are 10 letters in the word ‘‘REGULATION’’. These 10
P (both balls are blue)
letters can be arranged in 10! ways.
2 7 2 1 14 2 16 2
Exactly 4 letters can be placed between R and E in = × + × = + = =
8 9 8 9 8 72 72 72 9
C × 4!× 2!× 5! ways.
4
8
C × 4!× 2!× 5! 1 30. (c) Let E denotes the event of guessing a correct answer. Then,
Hence, required probability = 4 = P( E ) + P( E ) = 1
10! 9 x 2
⇒ + =1 ⇒ x =4
22. (a) Q Favourable event for first doll = 1 12 3
∴ Probability for first doll = 1/ 6 25
C
3 23
Favourable event for second doll = 5 31. (b) Required probability = 26
=
C 26
3
∴ Probability for second doll = 5 / 6
Favourable event for third doll = 4
32. (d) Q P ( X ≤ 2) = 0.25
MATHEMATICS > Probability 381

⇒ P( X = 1) + P ( X = 2) = 0.25 1 2 1 46. (c) Probability that both balls are of

35. (c) P ( E ) = × 1+ ×
1
⇒ k + p = 0.25 ⇒ p = 0.25 − k 10 10 2 same colour = P (one green ball from
1 1 3 1 4 1 2 urn I) × P (One green ball from urn II)
+ × + × =
and P ( X ≥ 4) = 0.35 10 3 10 4 5 1 1 1
= × =
⇒ P ( X = 4) + P ( X = 5) = 0.35 36. (b) P ( A / E ) 2 2 4
3 2
⇒ p + 2k = 035
. 3 1 47. (d) Probability of getting atleast one
2 ×
⇒ p = 035
. − 2k ⇒ p ≠ p 10 3 1 green ball = P (one green ball from urn I
2 1 2 = =
2 1 3 1 4 1 3 and one white ball from urn II) + P(one
and p + p = 0.25 − k + 035
. − 2k × + × + ×
1 2 10 2 10 3 10 4 green ball from urn I and one green ball
= 0.6 − 3k ≠ P ( X = 3) 4 from urn II ) + P (one black ball from
C 1
Hence, neither I nor II is correct. 37. (c) Required probability = 2 = urn I and one green ball from urn II)
12 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 3
P( A ∩ B ) C = × + × + × =
33. (d) I. P ( A / B ) = 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 4
P( B ) 38. (b) Required probability
P( A ∩ B ) 7 37 48. (b) We have,
⇒ P( A ) = = 1 −P (none is blue) = 1 − = 2 22
44 44 ( n + 1) p = ( 10 + 1) × =
P( B ) 3 3
39. (d) Required probability which is not an integer.
[Q P( A / B ) = P( A ), given]
3
C + 4C 1+ 4 5 1 ∴ Required number of successes
⇒ P( A ∩ B ) = P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) = 3 3 = = =
12
C 220 220 44 22
∴ P( B / A ) =
P( A ∩ B ) 3 = =7
 3 
P( A ) 40. (c) Since, A and B are independent
P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) events, therefore 49. (b) 50. (d) 51. (b)
= = P( B ) 1 1 1
P( A ) P( A ∩ B ) = P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) = × = 52. (b) We have, A = { 2, 4, 6}, B = { 1, 3, 5]
2 5 10 and C = { 4, 5, 6} since A ∩ B = φ,
Hence, Statement I is correct.
Now, P( A ∪ B ) = P( A ) + P( B ) therefore A and B are mutually exclusive.
P( B ∩ A ) 1 1 1 3
II. P( B / A ) = −P ( A ∩ B ) = + − = 53. (d) Probability of getting head in a single
P( A ) 2 5 10 5 toss, P ( H ) = 1 / 2
P( A ) − P( A ∩ B ) A 1
⇒ P( B ) = 41. (a) P   = P ( A ) = Probability of getting tail in a single
P( A ) B 2 toss, P (T ) = 1 / 2
[Q P( B / A ) = P( B ), given] [since, A and B are independent] ∴ Required probability
⇒ P( A )[ 1 − P( B )] = P( A ) − P( A ∩ B )   = P( HHHHT or TTTTH )
A  P [ A ∩ ( A ∪ B )]
⇒ P( A ∩ B ) = P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) 42. (b) P  = = P( HHHHT ) + P(TTTTH )
 A ∪ B P( A ∪ B)
P( A ∩ B )   = P ( H ) ⋅ P ( H ) ⋅ P ( H ) ⋅ P ( H ) ⋅ P (T )
∴ P( B / A ) = P( A) 1/2 5 + P (T ) ⋅ P (T ) ⋅ P (T ) ⋅ P (T ) ⋅ P ( H )
P( A ) = = =
P( A ∪ B) 3/5 6 1 1 1 1 1
=
P( A ) ⋅ P( B )
= P( B ) =          
P( A ) A ∩ B  A ∩ B  2  2  2  2  2
43. (a) P   = P  =0 1 1 1 1 1
Hence, Statement II is correct.
A ∪ B  A ∩ B +          
 2  2  2  2  2
III. Given, P( A ∩ B ) = P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) 44. (c) Let S be the sample space. 1 1
= 2× =
⇒ A and B are independent events. ∴ n ( S ) = 36 32 16
⇒ A and B are independent events. A : even number on the first die 54. (c) Given that, P ( A ) = 0.4, P ( B ) = 03
.
B : number on the second die is greater and P ( A ∪ B ) = 0.9
∴ P( A ∩ B ) = P( A ) ⋅ P( B )
than 4 By addition theorem of probability,
Hence, Statement III is also correct. ∴ n( A ) = 18, n( B ) = 12, P ( A ∪ B ) = P ( A ) + P( B ) − P ( A ∩ B )
34. (b) U = { 1, 2, 3, K , 20} 18 1
P ( A) = = ⇒ P ( A ∪ B ) = 1− P ( A ) + 1− P ( B )
A = Set of all natural numbers which are 36 2 − { 1 − P ( A ∩ B )}
perfect square = { 1, 4, 9, 16} 12 1
and P ( B) = = ⇒ P ( A ∪ B) = 2 − P ( A) − P ( B)
36 3
B = Set of all natural numbers which are − 1 + P ( A ∪ B)
Also, A ∩ B = {(2, 5), (2, 6), (4, 5),
multiples of 5 = {5, 10, 15, 20}
(4, 6) , (6, 5), (6, 6)} ⇒ P ( A ∪ B) = P ( A ∪ B)
C = Set of all natural numbers which are 6 1
P ( A ∩ B) = = + P ( A) + P ( B) − 1
divisible by 2 and 3 = { 6, 12, 18} 36 6
Here, P ( A ∪ B) = P ( A) + P ( B) − P ( A ∩ B) [by De-Morgan’s law,
A ∪ B = { 1, 4, 9, 16, 5, 10, 15, 20} 1 1 1 P( A ∩ B ) = P ( A ∪ B ) ]
= + −
⇒ n ( A ∪ B) = 8 2 3 6 ⇒ P ( A ∪ B ) = 0.9 + 0.4 + 03
. − 1 = 0.6
⇒ n( A ∪ B )′ = 20 − 8 = 12 3 + 2− 1 4 2 3 2 3
= = = 55. (c) Required probability = × =
6 6 3 8 7 28
Hence, Statements I and III are correct.
45. (d) 56. (a)
382 NDA/NA Pathfinder

57. (d) Probability of getting a head in a 67. (c) Given that, = P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) ⋅ P( A ) + P( B ) ⋅ P( A ) ⋅ P( B )

single coin, p = 1 / 2 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 1
P ( A) = , P ( A ∪ B) = = ⋅ ⋅ + ⋅ ⋅
Probability of getting a tail in a single 5 10 2 3 2 3 2 3
1 Also, A and B are independent events, 1 1 3+ 2 5
coin, q = ∴ P ( A ∩ B) = P ( A) ⋅ P ( B) = + = =
2 12 18 36 36
⇒ P ( A) + P ( B) − P ( A ∪ B)
∴ Probability of getting exactly two heads 73. (c) Given that, n = Total number of
2 4 −2
= P ( A) ⋅ P ( B)
1 1 tosses = 18 and X = Number of scores
= C ×   ×  
4
⇒
1
+ P ( B) −
7 1
= × P ( B) which exceed 4 in 18 tosses of a
2    2
2 5 10 5
2 2 symmetrical die = {5,6}.
4 × 3  1  1 1 1 3 P( B) 7 1 5
= ×   ×   = 6× × = ⇒ P ( B) − = − = ⇒ n( X ) = 2
2  2  2 4 4 8 5 10 5 10
4P (B) 1 5 n(X ) 2 1
58. (c) For a dice, sample space ⇒ = ⇒ P ( B) = ∴ p= = =
5 2 8 n (s ) 6 3
= { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}
5 3 1 2
Total number = 6 ∴ P ( B) = 1 − P ( B) = 1 − = and q = 1 − p = 1 − = [Qp + q = 1 ]
8 8 3 3
For a coin, sample space = { H ,T }
Total number = 2 68. (a) Two or more events associated to a Now, arithmetic mean of X
random experiments are exhaustive, if at 1
Therefore, associated sample space of = np = 18 × = 6
throwing together a dice and two coin least one of them necessarily occurs i.e. 3
their union is the sample space. and standard deviation of X
= 6 × 2 × 2 = 24 points.
i.e. A ∪ A ∪ ... ∪ An = S Variance of X = npq
=
59. (b) First number is drawn from given set 1 2
in 8 C ways. Hence, only Statement I is correct. 1 2
1 = 18 × ×
69. (d) (a) np = 2 and npq = 4 3 3
And, second number is drawn from the
2q = 4 ⇒ q = 2 = 4=2
set in 7 C ways. ⇒
1 Hence, both Statements I and II are
Hence, number of elementary events Which is not possible.
correct.
8 7 (b) n = 4 and p = 3 /2
= C × C = 8 × 7 = 56 Sol. (Q. Nos. 74-77) Given that, X = Set of
1 1 Here, p > 1, which is not possible.
odd numbers from the set A.
101 (c) n = 8 and p = 1
60. (c) We have, ( n + 1) p = which is not Y = Set of even numbers from
3 Here, p = 1, this is also not possible.
an integer. the set A.
(d) np = 10 and npq = 8
∴ P( X = r ) is maximu when 4 Let set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} and
⇒ 10q = 8 ⇒ q =
5 Z=X +Y
101
r= = 33 and p = 1 − q = 1 − 4 / 5 = 1 / 5 74. (d) Now, Z = 5 is only possible
 3 
∴ n = 50 when X = 1, 3 and Y = 4, 2
61. (b) 62. (b) which is possible.
Sample space = {(1, 2), (1,4), (1,6), (3,2),
2 2 Hence, correct option is (d).
63. (c) Given that, P ( A ) = , P ( B) = (3,4), (3,6), (5,2), (5,4), (5,6), (7,2), (7,4),
3 5 1
2 70. (b) Given, p = q = (7,6)}
and P ( A ∪ B ) − P ( A ∩ B ) = 2
5 ∴ n ( S ) = 12
and mean of Binomial distribution
2 = np = 6 and favourable space = {(1,4), (3,2)}
⇒ P ( A) + P ( B) − 2 P ( A ∩ B) =
5 1 ∴ n (E) = 2
2 2 2 ⇒ n × = 6 ⇒ n = 12
⇒ + − 2 P ( A ∩ B) = 2 n( E ) 2 1
3 5 5 So, P (Z = 5 ) = = =
n( S ) 12 6
1 71. (c) Total sample space, n ( S ) = 5C ,
∴ P ( A ∩ B) = 2
3 75. (a) We know that, sum of even and odd
Now, favourable events, numbers can never be an even number.
3 1
64. (c) Required probability = = n ( E ) = Two selected balls are black.
36 12 ∴ P(Z = 10) = 0
= 3C × 2C
65. (c) 0 2
n (E) 76. (d) Now, Z > 11 is only possible when
∴ Required probability =
66. (c) Total sample space, n (S) X = 7 and Y = 6
3
n ( S ) = 6 × 6 × 6 = 216 C × 2C ∴ Favourable case = { 7, 6}
= 0 2 = 1 × 1 = 1
Favourable cases, 5
C (5 × 4) 10 ⇒ n (E ) = 1
3
E = {( 1, 1, 1), ( 2, 2, 2), (3, 3, 3), 2 n (E )
2 ∴ P (Z > 11) = 3 = 1
( 4, 4, 4), (5, 5, 5), ( 6, 6, 6)} 6 1 n (S) 12
72. (b) ∴ P (A wining) = =
∴ n( E ) = 6 12 2 77. (c) ∴ Z = Product of two prime numbers
∴ Required probability 4 1 = { 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 5 × 5, 7 × 7, 2 × 3,
and P (B wining) = =
n(E ) 6 1 12 3 2 × 5, 2 × 7, 3 × 5, 3 × 7, 5 × 7}
= = =
n ( S ) 216 36 ∴ Required probability = (4, 9, 25, 49, 6, 10, 14, 15, 21, 35)
Q Z = X + Y ≤ 13
MATHEMATICS > Probability 383

[Q maximum of X is 7 and = P( A ∩ B ) + P( B ∩ A ) [Q p + q = 1]
maximum of Y is 6] = P( A ) − P( A ∩ B ) + P( B ) − P( A ∩ B ) Now, on substituting the value of p in
∴ Z ≠ 25, 49, 14, 15, 21, 35 = P( A ) + P( B ) − 2P( A ∩ B ) Eq. (i), we get n = 4
Also, we know that, sum of the odd and = 0.05 + 0.1 − 2(0.02) 0 4 −0
1 1
even number is always an odd number. = 0.15 − 0.04 = 0.11 Thus, P( X = 0) = 4 C    
0   
[Q Z = X + Y ] 2 2
83. (b) Let S be the sample space of the 1
4
1
So, Z ≠ 4, 6, 10
experiment and E be the event that = 1 × 1 ×   =
∴ Z = 9 is only remaining case.  2 16
atmost three tails occur.
Favourable case = {(3, 6), (5, 4), (7, 2)} 87. (b)
∴ n (E ) = 3 Clearly, n ( S ) = 24 and
4
So, required probability n ( E ) =4 C + 4 C + 4 C + 4 C 88. (c) Since, 5 will never appear on any one
n (E ) 3 1
0 1 2 3 of the dice, so number of exhaustive
4
= = = 4×3 events are
n (S) 12 4 = 1+ 4 + + 4
2× 1 = 36 − 6 − 6 + 1 = 36 − 11 = 25
P( A ∩ B ′ ) = 1 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 15
78. (b) P( A / B ′ ) = 89. (a) Let A be the event that Mr. A hit the
P( B ′ ) n ( E ) 15 target and B be the event that Mr. B hit
P( A ) − P( A ∩ B ) P( A ) − P( AB ) ∴ P( E ) = =
= = n ( S ) 16 the target
1 − P( B ) 1 − P( B ) 1 1
∴ P ( A ) = and P ( B ) =
84. (b) Total number of ways drawing 2 2 3
79. (a) Clearly, A ∩ B ⊆ A cards successively without replacement Now, P
⇒ P( A ∩ B ) ≤ P( A ) ...(i) 52 51
= C × C (exactly one of them hits the target)
A⊆ A∪B 1 1
⇒ P( A ) ≤ P( A ∪ B ) ...(ii) and number of ways 2 aces without = P ( A ∩ B or A ∩ B )
We know that, replacement = 4C × 3C = P( A ∩ B ) + P ( A ∩ B )
1 1
P( A ∪ B ) = P( A ) + P( B ) − P( A ∩ B ) ∴ Required probability = P( A ) ⋅ P( B ) + P( A ) ⋅ P( B )
4
⇒ P( A ∪ B ) ≤ P( A ) + P( B ) ...(iii) C × 3C 4×3
1 2 1 1 3 1
= ⋅ + ⋅ = =
1 1
From Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii), = 52 = 2 3 2 3 6 2
C × 51C 52 × 51
P( A ∩ B ) ≤ P( A ) ≤ P( A ∪ B ) 1 1
90. (c) As, A ⊆ B , then A ∪ B = B
≤ P( A ) + P( B ) 1 1
= = and A ∩ B = A.
13 × 17 221
80. (a) Q 1U, 1N, 2I, 1V, 1E, 1R, 1S, 1T, 1Y Clearly, P ( A ∩ B ) = P ( φ) = 0
85. (d) Let E be the event that box B is A P( A ∩ B ) P( A )
∴ Total number of possible
chosen,
1 1 Now, P   = =
10! B P( B ) P( B )
arrangements = E be the event that box B is chosen
2! 2 2  
and A be the event that balls are of A  = P  A  = P( A )
and favourable arrangements =
10!
− 9! ⇒ P  
different colours.  ( A ∪ B)   B  P( B )
2! 1  
10! Clearly, P( E ) = P( E ) = ,
− 9! B P( B ∩ A ) P( A )
but P   =
1 2
2 = =1
∴ Required probability = 2!  A
2
C × 3C  A P( A) P( A )
10! 1 1 6 3
P  = = = Hence, option (c) is not correct.
2! E  5
C 10 5
  1 2
9! (5 − 1) 4 3 91. (d) Let solving a question is success and
= × 2 =  A C × 2C 6 3
9! × 10 5 and P   = 1 1
= = not solving a question is failure.
E  5
C 10 5 1
81. (d) Box I → 4 W, 3 B , Box II → 3  2 2
Let probability of success = p = and
2
W, 4 B Now, by the theorem of total probability, 1
Probability for choosing first box we have probability of failure = q =
2
3 1  A Let X be random variable that denotes
= = P ( A ) = P( E ) ⋅ P  
6 2 1 E  the number of success in
1  1  A
Probability for choosing second box = 5 trials.
2 + P( E ) ⋅ P  
∴ Required probability 2 E  Required probability = P ( X ≥ 2)
 2
1 3 3 1 3 1 3 1  2 × 3 3 = 1 − [ P ( X = 0) + P ( X = 1)]
× = ⋅ + ⋅ =   = 5 5
2 7 14 2 5 2 5 2 5   1 1 
=
1 3 1 4
=
3 4
5 = 1 −  5 C   + 5C   
× + × + 86. (d) Let X be a random variable that  0  2 1  
2 

2 7 2 7 14 14 follows binomial distribution with 6 26 13
3 / 14 3 = 1− = =
= = parameter n and p. 32 32 16
7 / 14 7 Then, Mean = E( x ) = np = 2 …(i) 92. (a) Total length of interval in which x
82. (d) Let A and B be the events that X and and variance = var ( x ) = npq = 1 …(ii) lies = 5 − 0 = 5
Y qualify the examination, respectively.
On dividing Eq. (ii) by Eq. (i), we get Given, x 2 − 3x + 2 ≥ 0 …(i)
We have, P( A ) = 0.05, P( B ) = 0.10 and
1 1
P( A ∩ B ) = 0.02 q= ⇒ p= ⇒ ( x − 2)( x − 1) ≥ 0 ⇒ x ≤ 1 or
Required probability 2 2 x≥2
384 NDA/NA Pathfinder

But x ← [ 0, 5], therefore solution of Eq. (i) is x ∈ [ 0,1] ∪ [ 2, 5] 2000 1

99. (a) Let P( A ) = P(scooter) = =
∴ Total length of interval = ( 1 − 0) + (5 − 2) = 1 + 3 = 4 12000 6
4000 1
4 P( B ) = P (car) = =
∴ Required probability = 12000 3
5
6000 1
93. (c) Here, n ( S ) = 9C , Let favourable event = E and P(C ) = P (truck) = =
3 12000 2
∴ n ( E ) = 5C ,
3
5 Let E = Event that person meets with accident.
n (E) C 5 E 1 E 3 E 15
Now, P ( E ) = = 9 3 = Then, P   = , P   = , P   =
n (S) C 42  A  100  B  100  C  100
3

94. (b) We have, single digit natural numbers = { 1, 2, 3, ..., 9} ∴ Required probability
E
P( A )⋅ P  
9
∴ n ( S ) = C = 36
2
 A
The sum of two different numbers which are prime 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, =
E E E
13, 17, 19. P( A )⋅ P   + P ( B )⋅ P   + P (C ) ⋅ P  
 A B C 
Favourable outcomes = ( 1, 2), ( 1, 4), ( 1, 6), ( 2, 3), ( 2, 5), 1 1 1
( 2, 9), (3, 2), ( 4, 1), ( 6, 1), ( 9, 2), ( 7, 4), ( 4, 7),( 7, 6), ( 6, 7) ×
= 6 100 = 6
∴ n ( E ) = 14 1 1 1 3 1 15 1 15
× + × + × + 1+
n ( E ) 14 7 6 100 3 100 2 100 6 2
Hence, P( E ) = = =
n ( S ) 36 18 1
95. (d) P (problem will be solved) 6 1
= =
1 + 6 + 45 52
= 1 − P (problem will not solved by A, B and C )
6
1 1 1
= 1 −  1 −   1 −   1 −   1
  2   3   4  100. (d) Given, np = 2 and npq = 1 ⇒ 2 × q = 1 ⇒ q =
1 2 3 1 3 2
= 1− × × = 1 − = 1 1 1
2 3 4 4 4 ⇒ p + q = 1⇒ p = ⇒ n × × = 1⇒n = 4
2 2 2
96. (b)
∴ P( X > 1) = 4C p 2 q 2 + 4C p 3 q1 + 4C p 4 q 0
1 2 3 4
97. (a) Given, p = q = , n = 7, N = 128 and r = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 2 2 3 1 4 4
1 1 1 1 1 1 11
2 = 6    + 4    + 1 ×   =   ( 6 + 4 + 1) =
Required number of throws = 128 ⋅ P( X ≥ 3)  2  2  2  2  2  2 16
= [ 7 C p 3 q 4 + 7C p 4 q 3 + 7C p 5 q 2 1 1 1 1 1
3 4 5 101. (c) Q Probability of no head = × × × =
+ 7C p 6 q1 + 7C p 7 q 0 ] 2 2 2 2 16
6 7 Probability of the experiments end with three tosses, if TTH comes.
  1 3  1 4 4
 1  1
3  1 1 1 1
35     + 35      ∴ Required probability = × × =
 2  2  2  2 2 2 2 8
= 128  
 5 2 6 1 7 Hence, both statements are correct.
 1   1   1  
 + 21    + 7     +    1   1 
  2  2  2   2   2   102. (a) We have,
1
p = Probability of tail appear =
 1 7  2
= 128   [35 + 35 + 21 + 7 + 1]
 2  1
  q = Probability of tail not appear = 1 − p =
2
1
= × 99 × 128 = 99 Now, P (tail appear odd number of times)
 128 
= P( X = 1) + P( X = 3) + P( X = 5)
98. (c) Given, P( B ) = 08
. 1
1
1
4
1
3
1
2
1
5
= 5C     + 5C     + 5C  
⇒ P( B ) = 1 − P( B ) = 1 − 08
. = 0.2 1    
2 2 3    
2 2 5  2

P( A ∪ B ) = 0.5, P( A / B ) = 0.4 5 10 1 16 1
= + + = =
P( A ∩ B ) 32 32 32 32 2
∴ P( A / B ) =
P( B ) 103. (a) Clearly, total number of outcomes = 2100 and number of
P( A ∩ B ) favourable outcomes
⇒ 0.4 =
100 100 100
0.2 = C + C + K+ C = 2100 − 1
1 3 99
⇒ 0. 08 = P( A ∩ B ) [Q n C + nC + nC + K = 2n − 1 ]
1 3 5
Hence, P( A ∪ B ) = P( A ) + P( B ) − P( A ∩ B ) = 299
99
⇒ 05
. = P( A ) + 0. 2 − 0. 08 2 1
Hence, required probability = =
⇒ 05
. = P( A ) + 0.12 ⇒ P( A ) = 038
. 2100 2
MATHEMATICS > Probability 385

104. (a) Let n missiles be fired and r of them hits the target. 107. (c) Number of days in December = 31
∴ P( X = r ) = nC r p r q n − r = n Cr ( 0.3)r ( 0.7)n − r ∴ Number of complete weeks = 4 (i.e. 7 × 4 = 28 days)
Target is hit when atleast 1 missile strikes the target. Remaining 3 days can be (M, T, W), (T, W, Th), (W, Th, F), (Th,
F, Sa), (F, Sa, S), (Sa, S, M), (S, M, T)
∴ P( X ≥ 1) = 1 − P( X = 0)
Out of these 7, 3 are favourable outcomes.
This must be greater than 80%.
80 So, probability of having 5 Sunday in the month of December
So, 1 − nC ( 03
. )0 (0.7)n − 0 ≥ 3
0
100 is .
7
n
80 7
n
20 7
⇒ 1 −   ≥ ⇒   ≤ ⇒ n≥ 5
 10  100  10  100 108. (b) Total outcomes = 6 × 6 × 6 = 216
1 3 
105. (d) Let A = Area in which a randomly selected point lies Now, required probability = 1− P (sum = 3 or 4) = 1−  +
2  216 216 
= (6 − 2) × (5 − 2) = 4 × 3 = 12sq inch
6 A1 [Q sum 3 = { 1, 1, 1} and sum 4 = {( 1, 1, 2),( 1, 2 , 1), ( 2 , 1, 1)}]
1 4 53
= 1− =
A2 5 216 54
1 3
1 109. (d) Given, P( A ) = and P( B ) =
3 4
A = Total area = 6 × 5 = 30 sq inch Now, P (exactly one)
1
A 12 2 = P( A ) + P( B ) − 2( P( A ∩ B ))
∴ Required probability = 2 = = = P( A ) + P( B ) − 2P( A ) ⋅ P( B )
A 30 5
1
[Q event A and B are independent]
106. (b) As, A ∩ B = B − A ∩ B 1 3 1 3
= + − 2× ×
So, in given case, P( A ∩ B ) = P( B ) = 0.3 3 4 3 4
1 3 1 4+ 9− 6 7
[Q A and B are mutually exclusive, so A ∩ B = φ = + − = =
⇒ P( A ∩ B ) = 0] 3 4 2 12 12
110. (b) Given, a coin is tossed three times.
P[ A ∩ ( A ∪ B )]
and P( A | A ∪ B ) = Now, required probability
P( A ∪ B )
= P ( HTH ) + P(THT )
P( A ) 0.2 2
= = = 1 1 1 1 1 1
P( A ) + P( B ) 0.2 + 0.3 5 = × × + × ×
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 2 1
= + = =
8 8 8 4