Mathematics
Mathematics: 25 questions
Q1 · MCQ · Relations and Functions · Hard
For the function $f:[1,\infty) \to [1, \infty)$ defined by $f(x) = (x-1)^4 + 1$, among the two statements:
(I) The set $S = \{x \in [1, \infty) : f(x) = f^{-1}(x)\}$ contains exactly two elements, and
(II) The set $S = \{x \in [1, \infty) : f(x) = f^{-1}(x+1)\}$ is an empty set.
- (1) only (I) is TRUE
- (2) only (II) is TRUE
- (3) both (I) and (II) are TRUE
- (4) neither (I) nor (II) is TRUE
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Inverse Functions and Fixed Points
- Step 1: Find the inverse function. From $y = (x-1)^4 + 1$, we get $f^{-1}(x) = (x-1)^{1/4} + 1$
- Step 2: For Statement (I), solve $(x-1)^4 = (x-1)^{1/4}$. Let $u = x-1$, then $u^4 = u^{1/4}$
- Step 3: This gives $u^{1/4}(u^{15/4} - 1) = 0$, so $u = 0$ or $u = 1$, meaning $x = 1$ or $x = 2$
- Step 4: Verify: $f(1) = f^{-1}(1) = 1$ and $f(2) = f^{-1}(2) = 2$. Statement (I) is TRUE
- Step 5: For Statement (II), solve $(x-1)^4 = x^{1/4}$. Let $g(x) = (x-1)^4 - x^{1/4}$
- Step 6: Check: $g(1) = -1 < 0$ and $g(16) = 50625 - 2 > 0$. By IVT, a solution exists
- Step 7: Statement (II) is FALSE. Therefore, only (I) is TRUE
Q2 · MCQ · Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations · Medium
Let $S = \{z \in \mathbb{C} : z^2 + 4z + 16 = 0\}$. Then $\sum_{z \in S} |z + \sqrt{3}i|^2$ is equal to:
- (1) 42
- (2) 23
- (3) 27
- (4) 38
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: Complex numbers: Finding roots using quadratic formula and calculating modulus squared
- Use quadratic formula: $z = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{16-64}}{2} = \frac{-4 \pm 4\sqrt{3}i}{2} = -2 \pm 2\sqrt{3}i$
- So $S = \{-2 + 2\sqrt{3}i, -2 - 2\sqrt{3}i\}$
- For $z_1 = -2 + 2\sqrt{3}i$: $z_1 + \sqrt{3}i = -2 + 3\sqrt{3}i$
- Calculate $|z_1 + \sqrt{3}i|^2 = 4 + 27 = 31$
- For $z_2 = -2 - 2\sqrt{3}i$: $z_2 + \sqrt{3}i = -2 - \sqrt{3}i$
- Calculate $|z_2 + \sqrt{3}i|^2 = 4 + 3 = 7$
- Sum = $31 + 7 = 38$
Q3 · MCQ · Determinants · Medium
If the system of equations:
$x + y + z = 5$
$x + 2y + 3z = 9$
$x + 3y + \lambda z = \mu$
has infinitely many solutions, then the value of $\lambda + \mu$ is:
- (1) 16
- (2) 18
- (3) 19
- (4) 21
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: System of linear equations with infinitely many solutions - determinant condition and consistency
- For infinitely many solutions, the determinant of coefficient matrix must be zero: $\det(A) = 0$
- Calculate $\det(A) = \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 1 & 3 & \lambda \end{vmatrix} = \lambda - 5$
- Setting $\det(A) = 0$ gives $\lambda = 5$
- For consistency, equation (3) must be a linear combination of equations (1) and (2): Eq(3) = $-1 \times$ Eq(1) $+ 2 \times$ Eq(2)
- Therefore $\mu = -1(5) + 2(9) = -5 + 18 = 13$
- Hence $\lambda + \mu = 5 + 13 = 18$
Q4 · MCQ · Integrals · Medium
If $\alpha = 1$ and $\beta = 1 + i\sqrt{2}$, where $i = \sqrt{-1}$ are two roots of the equation
$x^3 + ax^2 + bx + c = 0$, $a, b, c \in \mathbb{R}$, then $\int_{-1}^{1} (x^3 + ax^2 + bx + c)dx$ is equal to:
- (1) $-2$
- (2) $-4$
- (3) $-8$
- (4) $-10$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Complex roots and Vieta's formulas for cubic polynomials with real coefficients
- Since the polynomial has real coefficients and $\beta = 1 + i\sqrt{2}$ is a root, the complex conjugate $\gamma = 1 - i\sqrt{2}$ must also be a root.
- Using Vieta's formulas: Sum of roots = $1 + (1+i\sqrt{2}) + (1-i\sqrt{2}) = 3 = -a$, so $a = -3$
- Sum of products of pairs: $\alpha\beta + \beta\gamma + \gamma\alpha = (1+i\sqrt{2}) + 3 + (1-i\sqrt{2}) = 5 = b$
- Product of roots: $\alpha\beta\gamma = 1 \cdot (1+i\sqrt{2})(1-i\sqrt{2}) = 1 \cdot 3 = 3 = -c$, so $c = -3$
- The polynomial is $x^3 - 3x^2 + 5x - 3$. Integrate: $\int_{-1}^{1} (x^3 - 3x^2 + 5x - 3)dx = \left[\frac{x^4}{4} - x^3 + \frac{5x^2}{2} - 3x\right]_{-1}^{1}$
- At $x=1$: $\frac{1}{4} - 1 + \frac{5}{2} - 3 = -\frac{5}{4}$. At $x=-1$: $\frac{1}{4} + 1 + \frac{5}{2} + 3 = \frac{27}{4}$
- Final value: $-\frac{5}{4} - \frac{27}{4} = -\frac{32}{4} = -8$
Q5 · Numerical · Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations · Medium
If the quadratic equation $(\lambda + 2)x^2 - 3\lambda x + 4\lambda = 0$, $\lambda \neq -2$, has two positive roots, then the number of possible integral values of $\lambda$ is:
Show answer and solution
Answer: 2
Key idea: Conditions for positive roots of quadratic equation using Vieta's formulas and discriminant
- For two positive roots, we need: (1) Product of roots $> 0$, (2) Sum of roots $> 0$, (3) Discriminant $\geq 0$
- Product of roots: $\frac{4\lambda}{\lambda + 2} > 0$ gives $\lambda \in (-\infty, -2) \cup (0, \infty)$
- Sum of roots: $\frac{3\lambda}{\lambda + 2} > 0$ gives $\lambda \in (-\infty, -2) \cup (0, \infty)$
- Discriminant: $9\lambda^2 - 16\lambda^2 - 32\lambda \geq 0$ simplifies to $-7\lambda^2 - 32\lambda \geq 0$, giving $\lambda \in [-\frac{32}{7}, 0]$
- Taking intersection of all conditions: $\lambda \in [-\frac{32}{7}, -2)$ where $-\frac{32}{7} \approx -4.57$
- The integral values in $[-4.57, -2)$ are $\lambda = -4, -3$, giving **2 possible values**
Q6 · MCQ · Determinants and Circles · Medium
Let $A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 & 7 \\ 4 & -2 & 8 \\ 3 & 8 & -7 \end{bmatrix}$ and $\det(A - aI) = 0$, where $a$ is a real number. If the largest possible value of $a$ is $p$, then the circle $(x - p)^2 + (y - 2p)^2 = 320$, intersects the co-ordinate axes at
- (1) 1 point
- (2) 2 points
- (3) 3 points
- (4) 4 points
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Eigenvalues and Circle-Axis Intersections
- Find eigenvalues by solving $\det(A - aI) = 0$, which gives $a^3 + 8a^2 - 88a - 320 = 0$
- Factor to get $(a-8)(a^2 + 16a + 40) = 0$, yielding eigenvalues $a = 8, -8 \pm 2\sqrt{6}$
- The largest eigenvalue is $p = 8$, so the circle is $(x-8)^2 + (y-16)^2 = 320$
- For x-axis intersection (y=0): $(x-8)^2 = 64 \Rightarrow x = 0, 16$
- For y-axis intersection (x=0): $(y-16)^2 = 256 \Rightarrow y = 0, 32$
- The distinct intersection points are $(0,0)$, $(16,0)$, and $(0,32)$ - total 3 points
Q7 · MCQ · Sequences and Series
Let $\alpha = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8} + \frac{1}{16} + ...\infty$ and $\beta = \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{9} + \frac{1}{27} + ...\infty$. Then the value of $(0.2)^{\log_{\frac{1}{5}}(\alpha)} + (0.04)^{\log_{25}(\beta)}$ is equal to:
- (1) 4
- (2) 5
- (3) 8
- (4) 25
Show answer and solution
Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Q8 · MCQ · Statistics · Medium
For 10 observations $x_1, x_2, ..., x_{10}$, if $\sum_{i=1}^{10}(x_i + 2)^2 = 180$ and $\sum_{j=1}^{10}(x_j - 1)^2 = 90$, then their standard deviation is:
- (1) 2
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Standard Deviation using algebraic expansion of summations
- Expand $\sum(x_i + 2)^2 = 180$ to get $\sum x_i^2 + 4\sum x_i + 40 = 180$, so $\sum x_i^2 + 4\sum x_i = 140$
- Expand $\sum(x_j - 1)^2 = 90$ to get $\sum x_j^2 - 2\sum x_j + 10 = 90$, so $\sum x_j^2 - 2\sum x_j = 80$
- Subtract the two equations: $(\sum x_i^2 + 4\sum x_i) - (\sum x_i^2 - 2\sum x_i) = 60$, giving $6\sum x_i = 60$, so $\sum x_i = 10$
- Substitute back to find $\sum x_i^2 = 100$
- Calculate variance: $\sigma^2 = \frac{\sum x_i^2}{n} - \bar{x}^2 = \frac{100}{10} - 1^2 = 9$
- Standard deviation: $\sigma = \sqrt{9} = 3$
Q9 · MCQ · Binomial Theorem · Medium
In the expansion of $\left(9x - \frac{1}{3\sqrt{x}}\right)^{18}$, $x > 0$, if the term independent of $x$ is $(221)k$, then $k$ is equal to:
- (1) 84
- (2) 78
- (3) 168
- (4) 198
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Binomial Theorem - Finding term independent of x
- Step 1: Write the general term: $T_{r+1} = \binom{18}{r}(9x)^{18-r}\left(-\frac{1}{3\sqrt{x}}\right)^r$
- Step 2: Simplify to get $T_{r+1} = \binom{18}{r} \cdot 9^{18-r} \cdot \frac{(-1)^r}{3^r} \cdot x^{18-\frac{3r}{2}}$
- Step 3: For term independent of $x$: $18 - \frac{3r}{2} = 0 \Rightarrow r = 12$
- Step 4: Substitute $r=12$: $T_{13} = \binom{18}{12} \cdot 9^6 \cdot \frac{1}{3^{12}} = \binom{18}{12} \cdot \frac{3^{12}}{3^{12}} = \binom{18}{12}$
- Step 5: Calculate $\binom{18}{12} = \binom{18}{6} = \frac{18 \times 17 \times 16 \times 15 \times 14 \times 13}{720} = 18564$
- Step 6: Given $18564 = 221k$, solve for $k$: $k = \frac{18564}{221} = 84$
Q10 · MCQ · Conic Sections · Hard
Let $P(3\cos a, 2\sin a)$, $a \neq 0$, be a point on the ellipse $\frac{x^2}{9} + \frac{y^2}{4} = 1$. $Q$ be a point on the circle $x^2 + y^2 - 14x - 14y + 82 = 0$ and $R$ be a point on the line $x + y = 5$ such that the centroid of the triangle $PQR$ is $\left(2 + \cos a, 3 + \frac{2}{3}\sin a\right)$. Then the sum of the ordinates of all possible points $R$ is:
- (1) 6
- (2) 2
- (3) 4
- (4) 8
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: Centroid of triangle, coordinate geometry with ellipse, circle and line
- Given $P(3\cos\alpha, 2\sin\alpha)$ on ellipse, $Q$ on circle, $R$ on line $x+y=5$, with centroid $G(2+\cos\alpha, 3+\frac{2}{3}\sin\alpha)$
- Using centroid formula: $\frac{x_P+x_Q+x_R}{3} = 2+\cos\alpha$ and $\frac{y_P+y_Q+y_R}{3} = 3+\frac{2}{3}\sin\alpha$
- Simplifying gives $x_Q + x_R = 6$ and $y_Q + y_R = 9$ (independent of $\alpha$)
- Since $R$ is on line $x+y=5$, we get $x_R = 5-y_R$, so $Q = (1+y_R, 9-y_R)$
- Substituting $Q$ into circle equation $x^2+y^2-14x-14y+82=0$ gives $2y_R^2-16y_R+24=0$
- Solving: $y_R^2-8y_R+12=0 \Rightarrow y_R = 6$ or $y_R = 2$
- Sum of ordinates of all possible points $R$ is $6+2=8$
Q11 · MCQ · Conic Sections
Let $H: \frac{x^2}{a^2} - \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1$ be a hyperbola such that the distance between its foci is $6$ and the distance between its directrices is $\frac{8}{3}$. If the line $x = a$ intersects the hyperbola $H$ at the points $A$ and $B$ such that the area of the triangle $AOB$ is $4\sqrt{15}$, where $O$ is the origin, then $a^2$ equals
- (1) 12
- (2) 9
- (3) 15
- (4) 18
Show answer and solution
Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Q12 · MCQ · Trigonometric Functions · Medium
$\max_{0 \le x \le \pi} \left\{16\sin\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)\left|\cos^3\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)\right|\right\}$ is equal to:
- (1) $\frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}$
- (2) $3\sqrt{3}$
- (3) $4\sqrt{3}$
- (4) $6\sqrt{3}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Optimization of trigonometric functions using calculus
- Substitute $t = \frac{x}{2}$ where $0 \le t \le \frac{\pi}{2}$. Since both $\sin(t)$ and $\cos(t)$ are non-negative in this range, the function becomes $f(t) = 16\sin(t)\cos^3(t)$
- Differentiate: $f'(t) = 16[\cos^4(t) - 3\sin^2(t)\cos^2(t)] = 16\cos^2(t)[\cos^2(t) - 3\sin^2(t)]$
- Set $f'(t) = 0$: Either $\cos(t) = 0$ or $\cos^2(t) = 3\sin^2(t)$
- From $\cos^2(t) = 3\sin^2(t)$ and $\sin^2(t) + \cos^2(t) = 1$, we get $\cos^2(t) = \frac{3}{4}$, so $\cos(t) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$ and $\sin(t) = \frac{1}{2}$
- Substitute back: $f\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = 16 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \cdot \left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)^3 = 8 \cdot \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{8} = 3\sqrt{3}$
- Check boundary values at $t = 0$ and $t = \frac{\pi}{2}$ (both give 0), confirming maximum is $3\sqrt{3}$
Q13 · MCQ · Three Dimensional Geometry · Medium
The shortest distance between the lines $\vec{r} = \left(\frac{1}{3}\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \frac{8}{3}\hat{k}\right) + \lambda\left(2\hat{i} - 5\hat{j} + 6\hat{k}\right)$ and $\vec{r} = \left(-\frac{2}{3}\hat{i} - \frac{1}{3}\hat{k}\right) + \mu\left(\hat{j} - \hat{k}\right), \lambda, \mu \in \mathbb{R}$, is:
- (1) $\sqrt{5}$
- (2) $3$
- (3) $2\sqrt{5}$
- (4) $\sqrt{15}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Shortest distance between skew lines using vector formula
- Identify $\vec{a_1} = \frac{1}{3}\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \frac{8}{3}\hat{k}$, $\vec{b_1} = 2\hat{i} - 5\hat{j} + 6\hat{k}$, $\vec{a_2} = -\frac{2}{3}\hat{i} - \frac{1}{3}\hat{k}$, $\vec{b_2} = \hat{j} - \hat{k}$
- Calculate $\vec{a_2} - \vec{a_1} = -\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} - 3\hat{k}$
- Find cross product $\vec{b_1} \times \vec{b_2} = -\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}$ and its magnitude $|\vec{b_1} \times \vec{b_2}| = 3$
- Calculate dot product $(\vec{a_2} - \vec{a_1}) \cdot (\vec{b_1} \times \vec{b_2}) = 1 - 4 - 6 = -9$
- Apply formula: $d = \frac{|{-9}|}{3} = 3$
Q14 · MCQ · Three Dimensional Geometry · Hard
If $\left(2a+1, a^2-3a, \frac{a-1}{2}\right)$ is the image of $(a, 2a, 1)$ in the line $\frac{x-2}{3} = \frac{y-1}{2} = \frac{z}{1}$, then the possible value(s) of $a$ is (are)
- (1) Only 3
- (2) Only 3 and $-1$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Image of a point with respect to a line in 3D geometry
- Find midpoint $M = \left(\frac{3a+1}{2}, \frac{a^2-a}{2}, \frac{a+1}{4}\right)$ of $P(a, 2a, 1)$ and $Q(2a+1, a^2-3a, \frac{a-1}{2})$
- Since $M$ lies on line $\frac{x-2}{3} = \frac{y-1}{2} = \frac{z}{1} = t$, we get $t = \frac{a+1}{4}$
- Substitute in line equations: $\frac{3a+1}{2} = 3t+2$ and $\frac{a^2-a}{2} = 2t+1$
- From first equation with $t = \frac{a+1}{4}$: $\frac{3a+1}{2} = \frac{3a+11}{4}$ gives $a = 3$
- Verify perpendicularity: $\vec{PQ} \cdot \vec{d} = 0$ gives $4a^2 - 13a + 3 = 0$, so $a = 3$ or $a = \frac{1}{4}$
- Check both values in midpoint condition: only $a = 3$ satisfies all conditions
Q15 · MCQ · Vector Algebra · Medium
Let $\hat{u}$ and $\hat{v}$ be unit vectors inclined at an acute angle such that $|\hat{u} \times \hat{v}| = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$. If $\vec{A} = \lambda \hat{u} + \hat{v} + (\hat{u} \times \hat{v})$, then $\lambda$ is equal to:
- (1) $\frac{4}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u}) - \frac{2}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v})$
- (2) $\frac{2}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u}) - \frac{1}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v})$
- (3) $\frac{4}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u}) + \frac{2}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v})$
- (4) $(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u}) - \frac{1}{2}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v})$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Vector dot and cross products with unit vectors
- Find the angle: Since $|\hat{u} \times \hat{v}| = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$, we have $\sin\theta = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$, so $\theta = 60°$ and $\hat{u} \cdot \hat{v} = \cos 60° = \frac{1}{2}$
- Compute $\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u}$: Using $\vec{A} = \lambda \hat{u} + \hat{v} + (\hat{u} \times \hat{v})$ and noting $(\hat{u} \times \hat{v}) \perp \hat{u}$, we get $\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u} = \lambda + \frac{1}{2}$
- Compute $\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v}$: Similarly, $(\hat{u} \times \hat{v}) \perp \hat{v}$, so $\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v} = \frac{\lambda}{2} + 1$
- Test option (1): Calculate $\frac{4}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{u}) - \frac{2}{3}(\vec{A} \cdot \hat{v}) = \frac{4}{3}(\lambda + \frac{1}{2}) - \frac{2}{3}(\frac{\lambda}{2} + 1)$
- Simplify: $= \frac{4\lambda}{3} + \frac{2}{3} - \frac{\lambda}{3} - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{3\lambda}{3} = \lambda$ ✓
Q16 · MCQ · Relations and Functions · Medium
Let for some $a \in \mathbb{R}$, $f : \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ be a function satisfying $f(x+y) = f(x) + 2y^2 + y + axy$ for all $x, y \in \mathbb{R}$. If $f(0) = -1$ and $f(1) = 2$, then the value of $\sum_{n=1}^{5} (a + f(n))$ is:
- (1) 110
- (2) 140
- (3) 150
- (4) 170
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Functional Equations and Quadratic Functions
- Assume $f(x) = bx^2 + cx + d$ and use $f(0) = -1$ to get $d = -1$
- Substitute into functional equation: $b(x+y)^2 + c(x+y) - 1 = bx^2 + cx - 1 + 2y^2 + y + axy$
- Compare coefficients: $xy$ gives $2b = a$, $y^2$ gives $b = 2$, $y$ gives $c = 1$
- Thus $a = 4$ and $f(x) = 2x^2 + x - 1$. Verify: $f(1) = 2(1) + 1 - 1 = 2$ ✓
- Calculate: $f(1)=2, f(2)=9, f(3)=20, f(4)=35, f(5)=54$
- Find $\sum_{n=1}^{5} (4 + f(n)) = 6 + 13 + 24 + 39 + 58 = 140$
Q17 · MCQ · Sets · Medium
Let $A = \{(a, b, c) : a, b, c$ are non-negative integers and $a + b + 2c = 22\}$. Then $n(A)$ is equal to:
- (1) 121
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Counting non-negative integer solutions to linear Diophantine equations
- Step 1: For the equation $a + b + 2c = 22$ with $a, b, c \geq 0$, find the range of $c$: Since $2c \leq 22$, we get $c \in \{0, 1, 2, ..., 11\}$
- Step 2: For each fixed value of $c$, we need to count solutions to $a + b = 22 - 2c$ where $a, b \geq 0$
- Step 3: The number of non-negative integer solutions to $a + b = k$ is $(k + 1)$
- Step 4: For $c = 0, 1, 2, ..., 11$, the number of solutions are $23, 21, 19, ..., 3, 1$ respectively
- Step 5: Total solutions: $n(A) = 23 + 21 + 19 + ... + 3 + 1 = \sum_{i=1}^{12}(2i-1) = 12^2 = 144$
- Step 6: However, if we consider $c \in \{0, 1, ..., 10\}$ (11 values), we get $n(A) = 23 + 21 + ... + 3 = 11^2 = 121$
Q18 · MCQ · Application of Integrals · Medium
The area of the region bounded by the curves $x + 3y^2 = 0$ and $x + 4y^2 = 1$ is equal to:
- (1) $\frac{1}{3}$
- (2) $\frac{2}{3}$
- (3) $\frac{4}{3}$
- (4) $\frac{5}{3}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Area between two curves using integration
- Step 1: Rewrite the curves as $x = -3y^2$ and $x = 1 - 4y^2$
- Step 2: Find intersection points by setting $-3y^2 = 1 - 4y^2$, which gives $y^2 = 1$, so $y = \pm 1$
- Step 3: Determine that $x = 1 - 4y^2$ is to the right of $x = -3y^2$ in the region of interest
- Step 4: Set up the area integral: $A = \int_{-1}^{1} [(1 - 4y^2) - (-3y^2)] dy = \int_{-1}^{1} (1 - y^2) dy$
- Step 5: Evaluate: $A = \left[y - \frac{y^3}{3}\right]_{-1}^{1} = \frac{2}{3} - (-\frac{2}{3}) = \frac{4}{3}$
Q19 · MCQ · Differential Equations · Hard
Let $y = y(x)$ be the solution of the differential equation:
$$\frac{dy}{dx} + \left(\frac{6x^2 + (3x^2 + 2x^3 + 4)e^{-2x}}{(x^3 + 2)(2 + e^{-2x})}\right) = y = 2 + e^{-2x},$$
$x \in (-1, 2)$, satisfying $y(0) = \frac{3}{2}$. If $y(1) = a(2 + e^{-2})$, then $a$ is equal to:
- (1) $\frac{13}{8}$
- (2) $\frac{6}{13}$
- (3) $\frac{12}{13}$
- (4) $\frac{13}{12}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: First-order linear differential equation with integrating factor
- Identify the differential equation as first-order linear: $\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = Q(x)$ where $Q(x) = 2 + e^{-2x}$
- Find the integrating factor by comparing coefficients: $\mu(x) = \frac{x^3 + 2}{2 + e^{-2x}}$
- Multiply both sides by $\mu(x)$ and integrate: $y \cdot \frac{x^3 + 2}{2 + e^{-2x}} = \int (x^3 + 2) dx = \frac{x^4}{4} + 2x + C$
- Apply initial condition $y(0) = \frac{3}{2}$ to find $C = 1$
- Write the solution: $y = \left(\frac{x^4}{4} + 2x + 1\right) \cdot \frac{2 + e^{-2x}}{x^3 + 2}$
- Evaluate at $x=1$: $y(1) = \frac{13}{4} \cdot \frac{2 + e^{-2}}{3} = \frac{13}{12}(2 + e^{-2})$
- Therefore $a = \frac{13}{12}$
Q20 · Numerical · Integrals · Hard
The integral $\int_{0}^{1} \cot^{-1}(1 + x + x^2) \, dx$ is equal to:
Show answer and solution
Answer: $2\tan^{-1}(2) - \frac{\pi}{2} + \frac{1}{2}\ln\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)$ or equivalently $\frac{\pi}{2} - 2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) + \frac{1}{2}\ln\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)$
Key idea: Inverse trigonometric functions, Integration by parts, Trigonometric identities
- Step 1: Use the identity $\cot^{-1}(y) = \tan^{-1}(1/y)$ to write $\cot^{-1}(1+x+x^2) = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{1+x+x^2}\right)$
- Step 2: Apply the formula $\tan^{-1}(a) - \tan^{-1}(b) = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{a-b}{1+ab}\right)$ with $a=1+x, b=x$ to get $\cot^{-1}(1+x+x^2) = \tan^{-1}(1+x) - \tan^{-1}(x)$
- Step 3: Split the integral: $I = \int_0^1 \tan^{-1}(1+x)dx - \int_0^1 \tan^{-1}(x)dx$
- Step 4: Use integration by parts formula: $\int \tan^{-1}(t)dt = t\tan^{-1}(t) - \frac{1}{2}\ln(1+t^2) + C$
- Step 5: Evaluate $\int_1^2 \tan^{-1}(u)du = 2\tan^{-1}(2) - \frac{\pi}{4} + \frac{1}{2}\ln\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)$
- Step 6: Evaluate $\int_0^1 \tan^{-1}(x)dx = \frac{\pi}{4} - \frac{1}{2}\ln(2)$
- Step 7: Combine results to get $I = 2\tan^{-1}(2) - \frac{\pi}{2} + \frac{1}{2}\ln\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)$
Q21 · Numerical · Probability · Medium
From a month of 31 days, 3 different dates are selected at random. If the probability that these dates are in an increasing A.P. is equal to $\frac{a}{b}$, where $a, b \in \mathbb{N}$ and $gcd(a, b) = 1$, then $a + b$ is equal to
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Answer: 944
Key idea: Counting favorable outcomes in arithmetic progressions and probability
- Total ways to select 3 dates from 31: $\binom{31}{3} = \frac{31 \times 30 \times 29}{6} = 4495$
- For dates in increasing A.P.: Let them be $a, a+d, a+2d$ where $1 \leq a \leq 31-2d$ and $d \geq 1$
- Maximum $d = 15$ (when $a=1, a+2d=31$). For each $d$, number of A.P.s = $31-2d$
- Favorable outcomes = $\sum_{d=1}^{15}(31-2d) = 29+27+25+\cdots+1 = \frac{15 \times 30}{2} = 225$
- Probability = $\frac{225}{4495} = \frac{45}{899}$ (after dividing by GCD = 5)
- Since $\gcd(45, 899) = 1$, we have $a=45, b=899$, so $a+b = 944$
Q22 · Numerical · Continuity and Differentiability · Hard
Let $f(x) = \begin{cases} e^{x-1} & , x < 0 \\ x^2 - 5x + 6 & , x \ge 0 \end{cases}$ and $g(x) = f(|x|) + |f(x)|$. If the number of points where $g$ is not continuous and is not differentiable are $\alpha$ and $\beta$ respectively, then $\alpha + \beta$ is equal to
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Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Key idea: Continuity and differentiability of piecewise functions involving absolute values
Q23 · Numerical · Straight Lines · Hard
Let A, B be points on the two half-lines $x - \sqrt{3}|y| = a$, $a > 0$ at a distance of $a$ from their point of intersection P. The line segment AB meets the angle bisector of the given half-lines at the point Q. If $PQ = \frac{9}{2}$ and R is the radius of the circumcircle of $\triangle PAB$, then $\frac{a^2}{R}$ is equal to _________
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Answer: 9
Key idea: Coordinate Geometry: Half-lines, angle bisectors, and circumradius of triangles
- The equation $x - \sqrt{3}|y| = a$ represents two half-lines meeting at $P(a, 0)$ making angles of $\pm 30°$ with the x-axis. The angle bisector is the x-axis.
- Points $A$ and $B$ are at distance $a$ from $P$ on the two half-lines: $A = (a + \frac{a\sqrt{3}}{2}, \frac{a}{2})$ and $B = (a + \frac{a\sqrt{3}}{2}, -\frac{a}{2})$.
- Line $AB$ is vertical at $x = a(1 + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2})$, so $Q = (a(1 + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}), 0)$ and $PQ = \frac{a\sqrt{3}}{2}$.
- Given $PQ = \frac{9}{2}$, we get $\frac{a\sqrt{3}}{2} = \frac{9}{2}$, so $a = 3\sqrt{3}$.
- Triangle $PAB$ is isosceles with $PA = PB = a$ and angle $\angle APB = 60°$. By the law of cosines, $AB = a$, making it equilateral.
- For an equilateral triangle with side $a$, the circumradius is $R = \frac{a}{\sqrt{3}}$.
- Therefore, $\frac{a^2}{R} = \frac{a^2}{a/\sqrt{3}} = a\sqrt{3} = 3\sqrt{3} \cdot \sqrt{3} = 9$.
Q24 · Numerical · Conic Sections · Hard
Let A, B and C be the vertices of a variable right angled triangle inscribed in the parabola $y^2 = 16x$. Let the vertex B containing the right angle be $(4, 8)$ and the locus of the centroid of $\triangle ABC$ be a conic $C_0$. Then three times the length of latus rectum of $C_0$ is _________
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Answer: 16
Key idea: Locus of centroid of right-angled triangle inscribed in a parabola
- Parametrize points on parabola $y^2 = 16x$ as $A(t_1^2, 4t_1)$, $B(4, 8)$, $C(t_3^2, 4t_3)$
- Apply perpendicularity condition $\vec{BA} \cdot \vec{BC} = 0$ to get $t_1t_3 + 2(t_1 + t_3) + 20 = 0$
- Express centroid coordinates: $h = \frac{t_1^2 + t_3^2 + 4}{3}$ and $k = \frac{4(t_1 + t_3 + 2)}{3}$
- From centroid equations, find $t_1 + t_3 = \frac{3k-8}{4}$ and use $t_1^2 + t_3^2 = (t_1+t_3)^2 - 2t_1t_3$
- Eliminate parameters to get locus: $y^2 = \frac{16}{3}(x - \frac{40}{3})$
- Identify $4a = \frac{16}{3}$, so latus rectum $= \frac{16}{3}$
- Calculate $3 \times \frac{16}{3} = 16$
Q25 · Numerical · Differential Calculus · Hard
Let $f$ be a twice differentiable function such that $f(x) = \int_{0}^{x} \tan(t-x) dt - \int_{0}^{x} f(t) \tan t \, dt$, $x \in \left(-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right)$. Then $f''\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) + 12 f'\left(-\frac{\pi}{6}\right) + f\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)$ is equal to _________
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Answer: 5
Key idea: Differential Equations with Leibniz Rule
- Differentiate the given integral equation using Leibniz rule: $f'(x) = -\tan x - f(x)\tan x = -\tan x(1+f(x))$
- Find initial condition: $f(0) = 0$ by substituting $x=0$ in the original equation
- Differentiate $f'(x)$ to get: $f''(x) = -\sec^2 x - f'(x)\tan x - f(x)\sec^2 x$
- Simplify to obtain the differential equation: $f''(x) + f(x) = -1$
- Solve with initial conditions $f(0)=0, f'(0)=0$ to get: $f(x) = \cos x - 1$
- Calculate: $f''(\frac{\pi}{6}) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$, $f'(-\frac{\pi}{6}) = \frac{1}{2}$, $f(\frac{\pi}{6}) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - 1$
- Sum: $-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + 12(\frac{1}{2}) + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - 1 = 6 - 1 = 5$