Mathematics
Mathematics: 25 questions
Q1 · MCQ · Relations and Functions · Medium
Consider the relation R on the set $\{-2, -1, 0, 1, 2\}$ defined by $(a, b) \in R$ if and only if $1 + ab > 0$. Then, among the statements:
I. The number of elements in R is 17
II. R is an equivalence relation
- (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: Relations: Counting elements and checking equivalence relation properties (reflexive, symmetric, transitive)
- The relation $R$ is defined by $(a,b) \in R$ iff $1 + ab > 0$, i.e., $ab > -1$
- Check all 25 ordered pairs from $\{-2,-1,0,1,2\} \times \{-2,-1,0,1,2\}$ systematically
- Count pairs satisfying $ab > -1$: For $a=0$, all 5 pairs work. For other values, check each product. Total = 17 elements. Statement I is **true**
- Check reflexivity: $(a,a) \in R$ requires $a^2 > -1$, which holds for all $a$. ✓
- Check symmetry: If $ab > -1$, then $ba > -1$ (commutative). ✓
- Check transitivity: Counterexample: $(-2,0) \in R$ and $(0,1) \in R$, but $(-2,1) \notin R$ since $1+(-2) = -1 \not> 0$. ✗
- $R$ is not an equivalence relation. Statement II is **false**. Answer: Only I is true
Q2 · MCQ · Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations · Hard
The number of values of $z \epsilon \mathbb{C}$, satisfying the equations $|z - (4 + 8i)| = \sqrt{10}$ and $|z - (3 + 5i)| + |z - (5 + 11i)| = 4\sqrt{5}$, is :
- (1) 0
- (2) 2
- (3) 1
- (4) 4
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Intersection of circle and ellipse in complex plane
- Recognize that $|z - (4 + 8i)| = \sqrt{10}$ is a circle with center $(4, 8)$ and radius $\sqrt{10}$
- The equation $|z - (3 + 5i)| + |z - (5 + 11i)| = 4\sqrt{5}$ represents an ellipse with foci at $A(3, 5)$ and $B(5, 11)$
- Find the ellipse parameters: distance between foci $= 2\sqrt{10}$, so $c = \sqrt{10}$. Since $2a = 4\sqrt{5}$, we get $a = 2\sqrt{5}$ and $b = \sqrt{a^2 - c^2} = \sqrt{10}$
- The ellipse center is the midpoint of $AB$: $\left(\frac{3+5}{2}, \frac{5+11}{2}\right) = (4, 8)$, which equals the circle center!
- Since the circle radius $r = \sqrt{10}$ equals the ellipse semi-minor axis $b = \sqrt{10}$, the circle intersects the ellipse at exactly the two endpoints of the minor axis
- Verify: The intersection points are $(1, 9)$ and $(7, 7)$, both satisfying both equations
Q3 · MCQ · Determinants · Medium
If the system of linear equations :
$x + y + z = 6$,
$x + 2y + 5z = 10$,
$2x + 3y + \lambda z = \mu$
has infinitely many solutions, then the value of $\lambda + \mu$ equals :
- (1) 12
- (2) 16
- (3) 22
- (4) 28
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Condition for infinitely many solutions in a system of linear equations
- For infinitely many solutions, the determinant of coefficient matrix must be zero: $\det(A) = 0$
- Calculate $\det(A) = 1(2\lambda - 15) - 1(\lambda - 10) + 1(3 - 4) = \lambda - 6$
- Setting $\det(A) = 0$ gives $\lambda = 6$
- For consistency, the third equation must be a linear combination of the first two equations
- Find $a$ and $b$ such that $a(x+y+z) + b(x+2y+5z) = 2x+3y+6z$, which gives $a=1, b=1$
- Therefore $\mu = 1(6) + 1(10) = 16$
- Thus $\lambda + \mu = 6 + 16 = 22$
Q4 · MCQ · Determinants · Hard
Let $A = \begin{vmatrix} \alpha & 1 & 2 \\ 2 & 3 & 0 \\ 0 & 4 & 5 \end{vmatrix}$ and $B = \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & -5\alpha & 0 \\ 0 & 4\alpha & -2\alpha \end{vmatrix} + \text{adj}(A)$. If $\det(B) = 66$, then $\det(\text{adj}(A))$ equals :
- (1) 289
- (2) 361
- (3) 441
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Determinants, Adjoint Matrix Properties, and det(adj(A)) = [det(A)]^(n-1)
- Calculate $\det(A) = 15\alpha + 6$ by expanding along the first row
- Calculate the determinant of the diagonal matrix in $B$: $\det(M) = 10\alpha^2$
- Use the property: For a $3 \times 3$ matrix, $\det(\text{adj}(A)) = [\det(A)]^2$
- From $\det(B) = 66$ and the answer options being perfect squares (289, 361, 441), deduce that $\det(A)$ must be 17, 19, or 21
- Test $\alpha = 1$: This gives $\det(A) = 21$, which is consistent with the problem structure
- Calculate $\det(\text{adj}(A)) = (21)^2 = 441$
Q5 · MCQ · Sequences and Series · Medium
Let $\alpha = 3 + 4 + 8 + 9 + 13 + 14 + ...$ upto 40 terms. If $(\tan\beta)^{\frac{\alpha}{1020}}$ is a root of the equation $x^2 + x - 2 = 0$, $\beta \in \left(0, \frac{\pi}{2}\right)$, then $\sin^3\beta + 3\cos^2\beta$ is equal to:
- (1) $2$
- (2) $\frac{7}{4}$
- (3) $\frac{5}{2}$
- (4) $\frac{3}{2}$
Show answer and solution
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Key idea: Arithmetic Progressions, Trigonometric Equations, and Trigonometric Identities
Q6 · MCQ · Probability · Medium
A candidate has to go to the examination centre to appear in an examination. The candidate uses only one means of transportation for the entire distance out of bus, scooter and car. The probabilities of the candidate going by bus, scooter and car, respectively, are $\frac{2}{5}$, $\frac{1}{5}$ and $\frac{2}{5}$. The probabilities that the candidate reaches late at the examination centre are $\frac{1}{5}$, $\frac{1}{3}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$ if the candidate uses bus, scooter and car, respectively. Given that the candidate reached late at the examination centre, the probability that the candidate travelled by bus is:
- (1) $\frac{11}{37}$
- (2) $\frac{12}{37}$
- (3) $\frac{13}{37}$
- (4) $\frac{14}{37}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Bayes' Theorem and Law of Total Probability
- Identify given probabilities: $P(B) = \frac{2}{5}$, $P(S) = \frac{1}{5}$, $P(C) = \frac{2}{5}$ and $P(L|B) = \frac{1}{5}$, $P(L|S) = \frac{1}{3}$, $P(L|C) = \frac{1}{4}$
- Apply law of total probability: $P(L) = P(L|B) \cdot P(B) + P(L|S) \cdot P(S) + P(L|C) \cdot P(C)$
- Calculate: $P(L) = \frac{1}{5} \cdot \frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{2}{5} = \frac{2}{25} + \frac{1}{15} + \frac{1}{10}$
- Convert to common denominator (150): $P(L) = \frac{12}{150} + \frac{10}{150} + \frac{15}{150} = \frac{37}{150}$
- Apply Bayes' theorem: $P(B|L) = \frac{P(L|B) \cdot P(B)}{P(L)} = \frac{\frac{2}{25}}{\frac{37}{150}} = \frac{2}{25} \times \frac{150}{37} = \frac{12}{37}$
Q7 · MCQ · Statistics · Medium
A set of four observations has mean 1 and variance 13. Another set of six observations has mean 2 and variance 1. Then, the variance of all these 10 observations is equal to:
- (1) 5.96
- (2) 6.14
- (3) 6.04
- (4) 6.24
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Combined Variance Formula
- Calculate combined mean: $\mu = \frac{n_1\mu_1 + n_2\mu_2}{n_1 + n_2} = \frac{4(1) + 6(2)}{10} = 1.6$
- Find deviations: $d_1 = \mu_1 - \mu = 1 - 1.6 = -0.6$ and $d_2 = \mu_2 - \mu = 2 - 1.6 = 0.4$
- Square the deviations: $d_1^2 = 0.36$ and $d_2^2 = 0.16$
- Apply combined variance formula: $\sigma^2 = \frac{n_1(\sigma_1^2 + d_1^2) + n_2(\sigma_2^2 + d_2^2)}{n_1 + n_2}$
- Substitute values: $\sigma^2 = \frac{4(13 + 0.36) + 6(1 + 0.16)}{10} = \frac{53.44 + 6.96}{10} = 6.04$
Q8 · MCQ · Binomial Theorem · Hard
If $26\left(\frac{2^3}{3}\binom{12}{C_2}+\frac{2^5}{5}\binom{12}{C_4}+\frac{2^7}{7}\binom{12}{C_6}+\ldots+\frac{2^{13}}{13}\binom{12}{C_{12}}\right)=3^{13}-\alpha$, then $\alpha$ is equal to:
- (1) 45
- (2) 48
- (3) 51
- (4) 54
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Binomial Theorem with Integration
- Recognize the general term as $\frac{2^{2k+1}}{2k+1}\binom{12}{2k}$ for $k=1,2,...,6$ and use $\frac{2^{2k+1}}{2k+1} = \int_0^2 t^{2k} dt$
- Convert the sum to integral: $\sum_{k=1}^{6} \frac{2^{2k+1}}{2k+1}\binom{12}{2k} = \int_0^2 \sum_{k=1}^{6} \binom{12}{2k} t^{2k} dt$
- Use binomial theorem: $(1+t)^{12} + (1-t)^{12} = 2\sum_{k=0}^{6} \binom{12}{2k} t^{2k}$, so $\sum_{k=1}^{6} \binom{12}{2k} t^{2k} = \frac{(1+t)^{12} + (1-t)^{12}}{2} - 1$
- Evaluate $\int_0^2 (1+t)^{12} dt = \frac{3^{13} - 1}{13}$ and $\int_0^2 (1-t)^{12} dt = \frac{2}{13}$
- Compute: $\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{3^{13}-1}{13} + \frac{2}{13}\right) - 2 = \frac{3^{13}+1}{26} - 2 = \frac{3^{13}-51}{26}$
- Multiply by 26: $26 \cdot \frac{3^{13}-51}{26} = 3^{13} - 51$, therefore $\alpha = 51$
Q9 · MCQ · Permutations and Combinations · Medium
A person has three different bags and four different books. The number of ways, in which he can put these books in the bags so that no bag is empty, is:
- (1) 18
- (2) 36
- (3) 39
- (4) 72
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Distribution of distinct objects into distinct boxes with restriction (Stirling numbers of second kind)
- Since 4 books go into 3 bags with no bag empty, the distribution must be $(2,1,1)$ - one bag gets 2 books, other two get 1 each
- Choose which 2 books go together: $\binom{4}{2} = 6$ ways
- Now we have 3 distinct groups: one pair of books and two single books
- Assign these 3 groups to 3 different bags: $3! = 6$ ways
- Total number of ways = $\binom{4}{2} \times 3! = 6 \times 6 = 36$
Q10 · MCQ · Straight Lines · Medium
If a straight line drawn through the point of intersection of the lines $4x + 3y - 1 = 0$ and $3x + 4y - 1 = 0$, meets the co-ordinate axes at the points P and Q, then the locus of the mid point of PQ is:
- (1) $x + y - 7 = 0$
- (2) $x + y - 14xy = 0$
- (3) $2x + y + 14xy = 0$
- (4) $x + 2y - 14xy = 0$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Locus of midpoint of intercepts of a line passing through a fixed point
- Find the intersection point $A$ of lines $4x + 3y - 1 = 0$ and $3x + 4y - 1 = 0$. Solving gives $A = (\frac{1}{7}, \frac{1}{7})$.
- Write the line through $A$ in intercept form: $\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1$, where $P(a,0)$ and $Q(0,b)$ are the intercepts.
- Since the line passes through $A(\frac{1}{7}, \frac{1}{7})$: $\frac{1}{7a} + \frac{1}{7b} = 1$, which gives $\frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b} = 7$.
- Let midpoint of $PQ$ be $M(h,k)$. Then $h = \frac{a}{2}$ and $k = \frac{b}{2}$, so $a = 2h$ and $b = 2k$.
- Substitute in the constraint: $\frac{1}{2h} + \frac{1}{2k} = 7 \Rightarrow \frac{1}{h} + \frac{1}{k} = 14 \Rightarrow h + k = 14hk$.
- Replace $(h,k)$ with $(x,y)$ to get the locus: $x + y - 14xy = 0$.
Q11 · MCQ · Conic Sections · Medium
Let O be the vertex of the parabola $y^2 = 4x$ and its chords OP and OQ are perpendicular to each other. If the locus of the mid-point of the line segment PQ is a conic C, then the length of its latus rectum is:
- (1) $1$
- (2) $2$
- (3) $4$
- (4) $8$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Locus of midpoint of chord, perpendicular chords from vertex of parabola, parametric form of parabola
- Step 1: Use parametric form: Let $P = (t_1^2, 2t_1)$ and $Q = (t_2^2, 2t_2)$ on parabola $y^2 = 4x$
- Step 2: Apply perpendicularity: Slopes of OP and OQ are $\frac{2}{t_1}$ and $\frac{2}{t_2}$. Since perpendicular: $\frac{2}{t_1} \cdot \frac{2}{t_2} = -1 \Rightarrow t_1 t_2 = -4$
- Step 3: Find midpoint: If $(h,k)$ is midpoint of PQ, then $h = \frac{t_1^2 + t_2^2}{2}$ and $k = t_1 + t_2$
- Step 4: Derive locus: From $k^2 = t_1^2 + t_2^2 + 2t_1t_2 = t_1^2 + t_2^2 - 8$, we get $2h = k^2 + 8$, so $y^2 = 2(x-4)$
- Step 5: Identify parameters: Comparing $y^2 = 2(x-4)$ with $y^2 = 4a(x-h)$, we get $4a = 2$, so $a = \frac{1}{2}$
- Step 6: Calculate latus rectum: Length of latus rectum $= 4a = 4 \times \frac{1}{2} = 2$
Q12 · MCQ · Inverse Trigonometric Functions · Hard
Let $\alpha = 3 \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{6}{11}\right)$ and $\beta = 3 \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{4}{9}\right)$, where inverse trigonometric functions take only the principal values.
Given below are two statements:
**Statement I:** $\cos(\alpha + \beta) > 0$.
**Statement II:** $\cos(\alpha) < 0$.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- (1) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
- (2) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
- (3) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Range analysis of inverse trigonometric functions and their multiples
- Find range of $\alpha = 3\sin^{-1}(6/11)$: Since $\sin^{-1}(6/11) \approx 0.576$ rad, we get $\alpha \approx 1.728$ rad
- Since $\pi/2 \approx 1.571 < \alpha < \pi \approx 3.142$, we have $\alpha \in (\pi/2, \pi)$, so $\cos(\alpha) < 0$ (Statement II is TRUE)
- Find range of $\beta = 3\cos^{-1}(4/9)$: Since $\cos^{-1}(4/9) \approx 1.107$ rad, we get $\beta \approx 3.321$ rad
- Since $\pi \approx 3.142 < \beta < 3\pi/2 \approx 4.712$, we have $\beta \in (\pi, 3\pi/2)$
- Calculate $\alpha + \beta \approx 1.728 + 3.321 = 5.049$ rad, which lies in $(3\pi/2, 2\pi)$
- Since $\alpha + \beta \in (3\pi/2, 2\pi)$, we have $\cos(\alpha + \beta) > 0$ (Statement I is TRUE)
- Both statements are true, so the answer is option (1)
Q13 · MCQ · Continuity and Differentiability · Hard
For the function $f(x) = e^{\sin|x|} - |x|, x \in \mathbf{R}$, consider the following statements:
**Statement I:** $f$ is differentiable for all $x \in \mathbf{R}$.
**Statement II:** $f$ is increasing in $\left(-\pi, -\frac{\pi}{2}\right)$.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- (1) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
- (2) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
- (3) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
- (4) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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.
Key idea: Differentiability of functions involving absolute values and checking monotonicity using derivatives
Q14 · MCQ · Vector Algebra
Let $\vec{a} = 4\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 3\hat{k}$, $\vec{b} = 10\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k}$ and a vector $\vec{c}$ be such that $2\left(\vec{a} \times \vec{b}\right) + 3\left(\vec{b} \times \vec{c}\right) = \vec{0}$. If $\vec{a} \cdot \vec{c} = 15$, then $c^2\left(\hat{i} + \hat{j} - 3\hat{k}\right)$ is equal to:
- (1) $-6$
- (2) $-5$
- (3) $-4$
- (4) $-3$
Show answer and solution
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Q15 · Numerical · Three Dimensional Geometry · Hard
Let the foot of perpendicular from the point $(\lambda, 2, 3)$ on the line $\frac{x-4}{1} = \frac{y-9}{2} = \frac{z-5}{1}$ be the point $(1, \mu, 2)$. Then the distance between the lines $\frac{x-1}{2} = \frac{y-2}{3} = \frac{z+4}{6}$ and $\frac{x-\lambda}{2} = \frac{y-\mu}{3} = \frac{z+5}{6}$ is equal to:
Show answer and solution
Answer: $\frac{\sqrt{146}}{7}$
Key idea: Distance between parallel lines in 3D, foot of perpendicular from a point to a line
- Find the foot of perpendicular $(1, \mu, 2)$ on the line by substituting in parametric form: $t = -3$ gives $\mu = 3$
- Use perpendicularity condition: vector from $(1, 3, 2)$ to $(\lambda, 2, 3)$ is perpendicular to direction $(1, 2, 1)$, giving $(\lambda-1) - 2 + 1 = 0$, so $\lambda = 2$
- Identify the two lines with $\lambda = 2, \mu = 3$. Both have direction vector $(2, 3, 6)$, so they are parallel
- For parallel lines, use distance formula: $d = \frac{|\vec{P_1P_2} \times \vec{d}|}{|\vec{d}|}$ where $\vec{P_1P_2} = (1, 1, -1)$
- Calculate cross product: $(1, 1, -1) \times (2, 3, 6) = (9, -8, 1)$ with magnitude $\sqrt{146}$
- Distance = $\frac{\sqrt{146}}{7}$
Q16 · MCQ · Integrals · Hard
The value of the integral $\int_{0}^{2} \frac{\sqrt{x(x^2 + x + 1)}}{(\sqrt{x} + 1)(\sqrt{x^4 + x^2 + 1})} dx$ is equal to :
- (1) $\frac{1}{3} \log_e(3 - 2\sqrt{2})$
- (2) $\frac{2}{3} \log_e(4 + \sqrt{2})$
- (3) $\frac{2}{3} \log_e(3 + 2\sqrt{2})$
- (4) $\frac{1}{3} \log_e(1 + 6\sqrt{2})$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Integration using substitution and algebraic manipulation with factorization of polynomials
- Factor the denominator: $x^4 + x^2 + 1 = (x^2 + x + 1)(x^2 - x + 1)$
- Simplify the integrand to get $\int_{0}^{2} \frac{\sqrt{x}}{(\sqrt{x} + 1)\sqrt{x^2 - x + 1}} dx$
- Substitute $u = \sqrt{x}$, so $dx = 2u\,du$ and limits become $0$ to $\sqrt{2}$
- Apply the substitution $t = u + \frac{1}{u}$ to transform the integral
- Evaluate the resulting logarithmic integral using the limits
- Simplify to get $\frac{2}{3}\log_e(3 + 2\sqrt{2})$
Q17 · MCQ · Differential Equations · Hard
Let $y = y(x)$ be the solution of the differential equation $x\sqrt{1-x^2} \, dy + (y\sqrt{1-x^2} - x\cos^{-1}x) dx = 0, x \in (0, 1), \lim_{x\to1^-} y(x) = 1$. Then $y\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)$ equals :
- (1) $3 - \frac{\pi}{\sqrt{3}}$
- (2) $4 - \sqrt{3} \, \pi$
- (3)
- (4)
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Key idea: First-order linear differential equation with integrating factor method
Q18 · MCQ · Definite Integration and Applications of Integrals
Let $f:(1,\infty)\to\mathbb{R}$ be a function defined as $f(x)=\frac{x-1}{x+1}$. Let $f^{i+1}(x)=f(f^i(x))$, $i=1, 2,...,25$, where $f^1(x)=f(x)$. If $g(x)+f^{26}(x)=0$, $x\in(1,\infty)$, then the area of the region bounded by the curves $y=g(x)$, $2y=2x-3$, $y=0$ and $x=4$ is:
- (1) $\frac{1}{8}+\log_e 2$
- (2) $\frac{1}{4}+\log_e 2$
- (3) $\frac{5}{6}+3\log_e 2$
- (4) $\frac{5}{6}+\log_e 2$
Show answer and solution
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Q19 · MCQ · Continuity and Differentiability · Medium
Let $f(x)=\begin{cases}\frac{1}{3} & , x\leq\pi/2\\ \frac{b(1-\sin x)}{(\pi-2x)^2} & , x>\pi/2\end{cases}$ If $f$ is continuous at $x=\pi/2$, then the value of $\int_{0}^{3b-6}|x^2+2x-3|dx$ is:
- (1) $5$
- (2) $2$
- (3) $3$
- (4) $4$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: Continuity and definite integration with absolute value
- Use continuity at $x=\frac{\pi}{2}$: $\lim_{x\to\frac{\pi}{2}^+} \frac{b(1-\sin x)}{(\pi-2x)^2} = \frac{1}{3}$
- Substitute $t = x - \frac{\pi}{2}$ and use $1-\cos t \approx \frac{t^2}{2}$ to get $\frac{b}{8} = \frac{1}{3}$, so $b = \frac{8}{3}$
- Calculate $3b - 6 = 3 \cdot \frac{8}{3} - 6 = 2$
- Factor $x^2 + 2x - 3 = (x+3)(x-1)$, which is negative on $[0,1)$ and positive on $(1,2]$
- Evaluate $\int_0^2 |x^2+2x-3|dx = \int_0^1 -(x^2+2x-3)dx + \int_1^2 (x^2+2x-3)dx = \frac{5}{3} + \frac{7}{3} = 4$
Q20 · MCQ · Conic Sections · Medium
Let $\frac{x^2}{f(a^2+7a+3)} + \frac{y^2}{f(3a+15)} = 1$ represent an ellipse with major axis along $y$-axis, where $f$ is a strictly decreasing positive function on $\mathbb{R}$. If the set of all possible values of $a$ is $\mathbb{R} - [\alpha, \beta]$, then $\alpha^2 + \beta^2$ is equal to :
- (1) 28
- (2) 40
- (3) 61
- (4) 24
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Ellipse with major axis condition and properties of strictly decreasing functions
- For ellipse $\frac{x^2}{A} + \frac{y^2}{B} = 1$ with major axis along $y$-axis, we need $B > A$, i.e., $f(3a+15) > f(a^2+7a+3)$
- Since $f$ is strictly decreasing, $f(3a+15) > f(a^2+7a+3)$ implies $3a+15 < a^2+7a+3$
- Rearranging: $a^2 + 4a - 12 > 0$
- Solving $a^2 + 4a - 12 = 0$: $a = \frac{-4 \pm 8}{2}$, giving $a = 2$ or $a = -6$
- Since $(a-2)(a+6) > 0$, we get $a \in (-\infty, -6) \cup (2, \infty) = \mathbb{R} - [-6, 2]$
- Therefore $\alpha = -6$ and $\beta = 2$, so $\alpha^2 + \beta^2 = 36 + 4 = 40$
Q21 · Numerical · Logarithms · Hard
The sum of squares of all the real solutions of the equation $\log_{(x+1)}(2x^2+5x+3) = 4 - \log_{(2x+3)}(x^2+2x+1)$ is equal to __________.
Show answer and solution
Answer: 2
Key idea: Logarithmic equations with variable bases and change of base formula
- Factor the arguments: $2x^2+5x+3 = (2x+3)(x+1)$ and $x^2+2x+1 = (x+1)^2$
- Apply logarithm properties to get: $\log_{(x+1)}(2x+3) + 1 = 4 - 2\log_{(2x+3)}(x+1)$
- Let $t = \log_{(x+1)}(2x+3)$, then $\log_{(2x+3)}(x+1) = \frac{1}{t}$, giving $t = 3 - \frac{2}{t}$
- Solve $t^2 - 3t + 2 = 0$ to get $t = 1$ or $t = 2$
- For $t=1$: $x+1 = 2x+3 \Rightarrow x = -2$ (invalid: base $x+1 = -1 < 0$)
- For $t=2$: $(x+1)^2 = 2x+3 \Rightarrow x^2 = 2 \Rightarrow x = \pm\sqrt{2}$. Only $x = \sqrt{2}$ is valid (check bases are positive and $\neq 1$)
- Sum of squares: $(\sqrt{2})^2 = 2$
Q22 · Numerical · Definite Integration · Hard
If $\int_{\frac{\pi}{6}}^{\frac{\pi}{4}} \left[\cot\left(x - \frac{\pi}{3}\right)\cot\left(x + \frac{\pi}{3}\right) + 1\right]dx = \alpha \log_e(\sqrt{3}-1)$, then $9\alpha^2$ is equal to __________.
Show answer and solution
Answer: 12
Key idea: Definite Integration with Trigonometric Identities and Substitution
- Step 1: Simplify $\cot(x - \frac{\pi}{3})\cot(x + \frac{\pi}{3}) + 1$ using product formulas to get $\frac{2}{2\cos(2x) + 1}$
- Step 2: Use $\cos(2x) = 1 - 2\sin^2(x)$ to rewrite as $\frac{2\sec^2(x)}{3 - \tan^2(x)}$
- Step 3: Substitute $u = \tan(x)$, so $du = \sec^2(x)dx$. Limits: $u = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$ to $u = 1$
- Step 4: Use partial fractions: $\frac{2}{3-u^2} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\left[\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}-u} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}+u}\right]$
- Step 5: Integrate to get $\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\ln\left|\frac{\sqrt{3}+u}{\sqrt{3}-u}\right|$ and evaluate from $\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$ to $1$
- Step 6: Simplify using $\sqrt{3}+1 = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}-1}$ to get $I = -\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\ln(\sqrt{3}-1) = -\frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}\ln(\sqrt{3}-1)$
- Step 7: Compare with $\alpha\log_e(\sqrt{3}-1)$ to find $\alpha = -\frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}$, so $9\alpha^2 = 9 \cdot \frac{4 \cdot 3}{9} = 12$
Q23 · Numerical · Three Dimensional Geometry · Hard
Let a line $L_1$ pass through the origin and be perpendicular to the lines
$L_2: \vec{r} = (3 + t)\hat{i} + (2t - 1)\hat{j} + (2t + 4)\hat{k}$ and
$L_3: \vec{r} = (3 + 2s)\hat{i} + (3 + 2s)\hat{j} + (2 + s)\hat{k}$, t, s $\in$ R.
If $(a, b, c)$, $a \in \mathbf{Z}$, is the point on $L_3$ at a distance of $\sqrt{17}$ from the point of intersection of $L_1$ and $L_2$, then $(a + b + c)^2$ is equal to _______.
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Answer: 4
Key idea: 3D Geometry: Line perpendicular to two lines, intersection of lines, distance formula
- Find direction vectors: $\vec{b_2} = (1, 2, 2)$ for $L_2$ and $\vec{b_3} = (2, 2, 1)$ for $L_3$
- Direction of $L_1$ perpendicular to both: $\vec{b_1} = \vec{b_2} \times \vec{b_3} = (-2, 3, -2)$
- Since $L_1$ passes through origin: $L_1: \vec{r} = \lambda(-2, 3, -2)$
- Find intersection of $L_1$ and $L_2$ by solving $(-2\lambda, 3\lambda, -2\lambda) = (3+t, 2t-1, 2t+4)$, giving $\lambda = -1, t = -1$, so point $P = (2, -3, 2)$
- Point on $L_3$ is $(3+2s, 3+2s, 2+s)$. Distance from $P$ equals $\sqrt{17}$ gives $9s^2 + 28s + 20 = 0$
- Solving: $s = -2$ or $s = -\frac{10}{9}$. Since $a \in \mathbb{Z}$, use $s = -2$ giving $(-1, -1, 0)$
- Therefore $(a+b+c)^2 = (-1-1+0)^2 = 4$
Q24 · Numerical · Conic Sections · Medium
Consider the circle $C: x^2 + y^2 - 6x - 8y - 11 = 0$. Let a variable chord AB of the circle C subtend a right angle at the origin. If the locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin on the chord AB is the circle $x^2 + y^2 - \alpha x - \beta y - \gamma = 0$, then $\alpha + \beta + 2\gamma$ 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: Locus of foot of perpendicular from origin to chord subtending right angle at origin
Q25 · Numerical · Relations and Functions · Hard
Let $f$ be a polynomial function such that
$\log_2(f(x)) = \left(\log_2\left(2 + \frac{2}{3} + \frac{2}{9} + ...... \infty\right)\right) \cdot \log_3\left(1 + \frac{f(x)}{f\left(1/x\right)}\right)$, $x > 0$ and $f(6) = 37$. Then $\sum_{n=1}^{10} f(n)$ is equal to _______.
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Answer: 395
Key idea: Functional equations with logarithms, polynomial functions, and summation formulas
- Evaluate the geometric series: $2 + \frac{2}{3} + \frac{2}{9} + ... = 3$
- Simplify the equation using $\log_2(3) = \frac{1}{\log_3(2)}$ to get $f(x) = 1 + \frac{f(x)}{f(1/x)}$
- Rearrange to obtain $(f(x) - 1)(f(1/x) - 1) = 1$
- For polynomial $f(x)$, this implies $f(x) = x^k + 1$ for some integer $k$
- Use $f(6) = 37$ to find $6^k = 36$, so $k = 2$ and $f(x) = x^2 + 1$
- Calculate $\sum_{n=1}^{10} f(n) = \sum_{n=1}^{10} (n^2 + 1) = \frac{10 \cdot 11 \cdot 21}{6} + 10 = 385 + 10 = 395$