Q.$3\cos^{-1} x = \cos^{-1} (4x^3 - 3x)$, $x \in \left[\frac{1}{2}, 1\right]$ Write the following functions in the simplest form:

Showing the 12 most recent of 15 on this concept.

1. AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\cos^3\theta + \cos^3(\theta + 120°) + \cos^3(\theta - 120°) =$ (A) $\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\cos 3\theta$ (B) $\dfrac{3}{4}\sec^3\theta$ (C) $\dfrac{3}{2}\tan^3\theta$ (D) $\dfrac{3}{4}\cos 3\theta$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Expanding each cube via the triple-angle identity and using that cosines $120^\circ$ apart sum to zero collapses the whole expression to $\dfrac34\cos3\theta$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Whenever a sum of trigonometric cubes at angles spaced $120^\circ$ apart appears, the triple-angle formula $4\cos^3\alpha=3\cos\alpha+\cos3\alpha$ is the standard tool: it converts every cubic term into a linear combination of a "first harmonic" (which cancels by symmetry over three equally spaced angles) and a "third harmonic" (which reinforces, since tripling a $120^\circ$ shift becomes a full $360^\circ$ shift).

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Recall the identity $\cos3\alpha=4\cos^3\alpha-3\cos\alpha \Rightarrow \cos^3\alpha=\dfrac{3\cos\alpha+\cos3\alpha}{4}$.
   2. Apply it to each of the three angles $\theta,\ \theta+120^\circ,\ \theta-120^\circ$ and add:

   $\sum\cos^3\alpha=\frac14\Big[3\big(\cos\theta+\cos(\theta+120^\circ)+\cos(\theta-120^\circ)\big)+\big(\cos3\theta+\cos(3\theta+360^\circ)+\cos(3\theta-360^\circ)\big)\Big].$

   3. The first bracket is the classic identity: three cosines of angles equally spaced by $120^\circ$ always sum to zero, $\cos\theta+\cos(\theta+120^\circ)+\cos(\theta-120^\circ)=0$.
   4. In the second bracket, adding or subtracting a full $360^\circ$ doesn't change cosine: $\cos(3\theta+360^\circ)=\cos3\theta$ and $\cos(3\theta-360^\circ)=\cos3\theta$, so the bracket becomes $3\cos3\theta$.
   5. Putting it together: $\sum\cos^3\alpha=\dfrac14\big[3(0)+3\cos3\theta\big]=\dfrac34\cos3\theta$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Forgetting that tripling the $\pm120^\circ$ shift gives $\pm360^\circ$ (a full revolution), which is what makes the third-harmonic terms reinforce instead of cancel.
   • Misremembering the triple-angle identity's sign or coefficient.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (D) — $\dfrac{3}{4}\cos 3\theta$.

   ANSWER: D

2. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\cos^3\dfrac{\pi}{8}\cos\dfrac{3\pi}{8}+\sin^3\dfrac{\pi}{8}\sin\dfrac{3\pi}{8}=$ (A) $\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}$ (B) $\dfrac{1}{2}$ (C) $\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ (D) $\dfrac{1}{4}$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   This tests reducing a triple-angle trig expression to a clean function of the double angle, then evaluating. Answer: $\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt2}$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Expressions of the form $\cos^3a\cos3a+\sin^3a\sin3a$ collapse nicely when you substitute the triple-angle formulas for $\cos3a,\sin3a$ in terms of $\cos a,\sin a$: everything becomes a polynomial in $\cos a,\sin a$, which can then be rewritten purely in terms of $\cos2a$ using $\cos^4a-\sin^4a=\cos2a$ and a similar identity for the degree-6 difference. This turns a seemingly complicated expression into $\cos^3(2a)$ — clean enough to evaluate directly.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let $a=\pi/8$. Use $\cos3a=4\cos^3a-3\cos a$, $\sin3a=3\sin a-4\sin^3a$.
   2. $\cos^3a\cos3a=\cos^3a(4\cos^3a-3\cos a)=4\cos^6a-3\cos^4a$.
   3. $\sin^3a\sin3a=\sin^3a(3\sin a-4\sin^3a)=3\sin^4a-4\sin^6a$.
   4. Sum $=4\cos^6a-3\cos^4a+3\sin^4a-4\sin^6a=4(\cos^6a-\sin^6a)-3(\cos^4a-\sin^4a)$.
   5. $\cos^4a-\sin^4a=(\cos^2a-\sin^2a)(\cos^2a+\sin^2a)=\cos2a$.
   6. $\cos^6a-\sin^6a=(\cos^2a-\sin^2a)(\cos^4a+\cos^2a\sin^2a+\sin^4a)=\cos2a\left[(\cos^2a+\sin^2a)^2-\cos^2a\sin^2a\right]=\cos2a\left(1-\tfrac14\sin^22a\right)$.
   7. Substitute: sum $=4\cos2a\left(1-\tfrac14\sin^22a\right)-3\cos2a=\cos2a\left(4-\sin^22a-3\right)=\cos2a(1-\sin^22a)=\cos2a\cdot\cos^22a=\cos^32a$.
   8. With $a=\pi/8$: $2a=\pi/4$, so the expression $=\cos^3(\pi/4)=\left(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt2}\right)^3=\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt2}$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Trying to plug in $\cos(\pi/8),\sin(\pi/8)$ numerically using half-angle surds — technically possible but far more error-prone than the algebraic simplification to $\cos^32a$.
   • Sign or index slip converting $\cos^6a-\sin^6a$ into the $\cos2a$ form.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (A) — $\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}$.

   ANSWER: A

3. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $\cos^3 80^\circ + \cos^3 40^\circ - \cos^3 20^\circ = k$, then $\dfrac{4k}{3} =$ (A) $\sin\left(\dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right)$ (B) $\cos\left(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right)$ (C) $\tan\left(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)$ (D) $\sec\left(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right)$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Rewriting each cube using the triple-angle identity $\cos^3\theta=\tfrac14(\cos3\theta+3\cos\theta)$ makes the linear-cosine terms cancel via a sum-to-product identity, leaving a simple numeric value: $4k/3=-\tfrac12=\cos(2\pi/3)$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Sums of cubes of cosines at angles that are multiples of $20°$ (which relate nicely to $60°,120°,240°$ under tripling) are a classic setup for the identity $4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta=\cos3\theta$, i.e. $\cos^3\theta=\dfrac{\cos3\theta+3\cos\theta}{4}$. Applying it to each term converts the sum of cubes into a sum of cosines at "nice" tripled angles ($240°,120°,60°$) plus a residual linear-cosine sum that often collapses via sum-to-product.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. $\cos^3\theta=\dfrac{\cos3\theta+3\cos\theta}{4}$. Apply to each term: $\cos^380^\circ=\dfrac{\cos240^\circ+3\cos80^\circ}{4}$, $\cos^340^\circ=\dfrac{\cos120^\circ+3\cos40^\circ}{4}$, $\cos^320^\circ=\dfrac{\cos60^\circ+3\cos20^\circ}{4}$.
   2. $k=\cos^380^\circ+\cos^340^\circ-\cos^320^\circ=\dfrac{(\cos240^\circ+\cos120^\circ-\cos60^\circ)+3(\cos80^\circ+\cos40^\circ-\cos20^\circ)}{4}$.
   3. $\cos80^\circ+\cos40^\circ=2\cos\left(\frac{80+40}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{80-40}{2}\right)=2\cos60^\circ\cos20^\circ=2\cdot\tfrac12\cdot\cos20^\circ=\cos20^\circ$. So $\cos80^\circ+\cos40^\circ-\cos20^\circ=0$ — this whole bracket vanishes.
   4. $\cos240^\circ=-\tfrac12$, $\cos120^\circ=-\tfrac12$, $\cos60^\circ=\tfrac12$, so $\cos240^\circ+\cos120^\circ-\cos60^\circ=-\tfrac12-\tfrac12-\tfrac12=-\tfrac32$.
   5. $k=\dfrac{-3/2+0}{4}=-\dfrac38$.
   6. $\dfrac{4k}{3}=\dfrac{4}{3}\times\left(-\dfrac38\right)=-\dfrac12$.
   7. Compare to options: $\cos(2\pi/3)=\cos120^\circ=-\tfrac12$ — matches exactly (while $\sin(4\pi/3)=-\tfrac{\sqrt3}{2}$, $\tan(\pi/3)=\sqrt3$, $\sec(2\pi/3)=-2$ do not).

   Common Mistakes

   • Forgetting the identity is $\cos3\theta=4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta$ (not $\cos^3\theta=4\cos3\theta-3\cos\theta$) — the algebraic rearrangement to isolate $\cos^3\theta$ must be done carefully.
   • Missing that $\cos80^\circ+\cos40^\circ-\cos20^\circ=0$, which is the whole reason the messy $3\cos\theta$ terms disappear.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (B) — $\cos\left(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right)$.

   ANSWER: B

4. AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.For $n \in Z$, the general solution of the equation $\cos 3x \cos^3 x + \sin 3x \sin^3 x = 0$ is (A) $(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{2}$ (B) $(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{3}$ (C) $(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{4}$ (D) $(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{6}$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   This tests reducing a mixed cube/triple-angle trig equation using standard multiple-angle identities down to a simple $\cos2x=0$. General solution: $x=(2n+1)\pi/4$.

   Concept and Intuition

   Expressions like $\cos^3x$ and $\sin^3x$ can always be rewritten in terms of $\cos x,\cos3x$ (or $\sin x,\sin3x$) using the standard triple-angle identities. Doing this systematically collapses seemingly complicated equations into simple ones in a single multiple angle.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Recall the identities: $\cos3x = 4\cos^3x-3\cos x \implies \cos^3x=\dfrac{3\cos x+\cos3x}{4}$, and $\sin3x=3\sin x-4\sin^3x \implies \sin^3x=\dfrac{3\sin x-\sin3x}{4}$.
   2. Substitute into $\cos3x\cos^3x+\sin3x\sin^3x$:

   $\cos3x\cdot\dfrac{3\cos x+\cos3x}{4}+\sin3x\cdot\dfrac{3\sin x-\sin3x}{4}$

   $=\dfrac{1}{4}\Big[3(\cos3x\cos x+\sin3x\sin x)+(\cos^23x-\sin^23x)\Big]$

   3. Using $\cos3x\cos x+\sin3x\sin x=\cos(3x-x)=\cos2x$ and $\cos^23x-\sin^23x=\cos6x$, the equation becomes:

   $\dfrac{1}{4}\left[3\cos2x+\cos6x\right]=0 \implies 3\cos2x+\cos6x=0$

   4. Using $\cos6x=4\cos^32x-3\cos2x$ (triple-angle formula with $\theta=2x$):

   $3\cos2x+4\cos^32x-3\cos2x=0 \implies 4\cos^32x=0 \implies \cos2x=0$

   5. General solution of $\cos2x=0$: $2x=(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{2} \implies x=(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{4}$, $n\in\mathbb{Z}$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Forgetting the sign in $\sin^3x$'s identity (it's $3\sin x - \sin3x$, not $+$).
   • Missing that the cubic in $\cos2x$ collapses so cleanly — a sign slip anywhere leaves a spurious extra term instead of $4\cos^32x=0$.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (C) — $(2n+1)\dfrac{\pi}{4}$.

   ANSWER: C

5. AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-23-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $x\cos\theta = y\cos\left(\theta + \dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right) = z\cos\left(\theta + \dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right)$ then $\dfrac{1}{x} + \dfrac{1}{y} + \dfrac{1}{z} =$ (A) $1$ (B) $2$ (C) $0$ (D) $3$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The three cosines are spaced $120°$ apart and always sum to zero, so $1/x+1/y+1/z=0$.

   Concept and Intuition

   $\cos\theta+\cos(\theta+2\pi/3)+\cos(\theta+4\pi/3)$ is the real part of $e^{i\theta}(1+\omega+\omega^2)$ where $\omega=e^{2\pi i/3}$; since $1+\omega+\omega^2=0$, this sum vanishes identically for any $\theta$.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Let the common value be $k$: $x\cos\theta=y\cos(\theta+\tfrac{2\pi}3)=z\cos(\theta+\tfrac{4\pi}3)=k$.
   2. So $x=\dfrac{k}{\cos\theta}$, $y=\dfrac{k}{\cos(\theta+2\pi/3)}$, $z=\dfrac{k}{\cos(\theta+4\pi/3)}$.
   3. $\dfrac1x+\dfrac1y+\dfrac1z = \dfrac{\cos\theta+\cos(\theta+2\pi/3)+\cos(\theta+4\pi/3)}{k}$.
   4. The numerator is identically $0$ for all $\theta$ (three unit vectors at $120°$ to each other sum to zero).
   5. So $\dfrac1x+\dfrac1y+\dfrac1z = 0$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Trying to solve for $x,y,z$ individually rather than using the reciprocal-sum shortcut.
   • Forgetting the identity for a sum of cosines spaced $2\pi/3$ apart.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (C) — $0$.

   ANSWER: C

6. AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-FN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $\alpha = \dfrac{180^\circ}{7}$, then $3\sin\alpha - 4\sin^3\alpha$ is equal to (A) $\cos4\alpha$ (B) $\sin4\alpha$ (C) $\cos3\alpha$ (D) 0

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Using $3\sin\alpha-4\sin^3\alpha=\sin3\alpha$ and the special value $\alpha=180^\circ/7$ (so $7\alpha=180^\circ$), the expression simplifies exactly to $\sin4\alpha$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The expression is exactly the triple-angle sine identity $\sin3\theta=3\sin\theta-4\sin^3\theta$. The special value of $\alpha$ given ($=180^\circ/7$) is chosen so that $3\alpha$ and $4\alpha$ are supplementary, letting us rewrite $\sin3\alpha$ as $\sin4\alpha$.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Recognize the identity: $3\sin\alpha-4\sin^3\alpha=\sin3\alpha$.
   2. Since $\alpha=\dfrac{180^\circ}{7}$, we get $7\alpha=180^\circ$, i.e. $4\alpha=180^\circ-3\alpha$.
   3. Then $\sin4\alpha=\sin(180^\circ-3\alpha)=\sin3\alpha$.
   4. So $3\sin\alpha-4\sin^3\alpha=\sin3\alpha=\sin4\alpha$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Mistaking this for $\cos3\alpha$ or $\cos4\alpha$ — the identity is specifically for sine.
   • Not using the special relation $7\alpha=180^\circ$ to connect $3\alpha$ and $4\alpha$, and instead trying to compute exact decimal values.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (B) — $\sin4\alpha$.

   ANSWER: B

7. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.If $\left(\dfrac{\sin 3\theta}{\sin\theta}\right)^2 - \left(\dfrac{\cos 3\theta}{\cos\theta}\right)^2 = a\cos b\theta$, then $a:b =$ (A) $4:1$ (B) $8:1$ (C) $3:2$ (D) $2:1$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Simplify $\sin3\theta/\sin\theta$ and $\cos3\theta/\cos\theta$ to algebraic expressions in $\sin\theta,\cos\theta$, then use a difference-of-squares factoring to collapse everything to a single cosine term. Answer: $a:b=4:1$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The triple-angle formulas $\sin3\theta=3\sin\theta-4\sin^3\theta$ and $\cos3\theta=4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta$ let us write $\dfrac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}$ and $\dfrac{\cos3\theta}{\cos\theta}$ as clean polynomial expressions, after which a difference-of-squares factoring turns the whole thing into a multiple of $\cos2\theta$.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. $\sin3\theta=3\sin\theta-4\sin^3\theta=\sin\theta(3-4\sin^2\theta)\Rightarrow\dfrac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}=3-4\sin^2\theta$.
   2. $\cos3\theta=4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta=\cos\theta(4\cos^2\theta-3)\Rightarrow\dfrac{\cos3\theta}{\cos\theta}=4\cos^2\theta-3$.
   3. The expression is $(3-4\sin^2\theta)^2-(4\cos^2\theta-3)^2$, a difference of squares $=(A-B)(A+B)$ with $A=3-4\sin^2\theta$, $B=4\cos^2\theta-3$.
   4. $A-B=3-4\sin^2\theta-4\cos^2\theta+3=6-4(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta)=6-4=2$.
   5. $A+B=3-4\sin^2\theta+4\cos^2\theta-3=4(\cos^2\theta-\sin^2\theta)=4\cos2\theta$.
   6. So the expression $=2\times4\cos2\theta=8\cos2\theta$. Comparing to $a\cos b\theta$: $a=8$, $b=2$.
   7. $a:b=8:2=4:1$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Trying to expand $(3-4\sin^2\theta)^2$ and $(4\cos^2\theta-3)^2$ term by term instead of spotting the difference-of-squares shortcut — much more error-prone.
   • Misidentifying $b$ as $1$ instead of $2$ by not tracking the $\cos2\theta$ argument correctly.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (A) — $4:1$.

   ANSWER: A

8. AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$(4\cos^2 9^0 - 3)(4\cos^2 27^0 - 3) =$ (A) $\sin 9^0$ (B) $\cos 9^0$ (C) $\tan 9^0$ (D) $\cot 9^0$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   This tests recognizing the disguised triple-angle identity $4\cos^2\theta-3=\cos3\theta/\cos\theta$, applied twice in a telescoping product. Answer: $\tan9^\circ$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The expression $4\cos^2\theta-3$ looks unfamiliar until you recall the triple angle formula $\cos3\theta = 4\cos^3\theta-3\cos\theta = \cos\theta(4\cos^2\theta-3)$. Dividing both sides by $\cos\theta$ reveals $4\cos^2\theta-3=\cos3\theta/\cos\theta$. Once each bracket is rewritten this way with $\theta=9^\circ$ and $\theta=27^\circ$ respectively, the product telescopes because $3\times9^\circ=27^\circ$ links the two factors, leaving a simple ratio of cosines that reduces via the complementary-angle identity.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Recall $\cos3\theta = 4\cos^3\theta - 3\cos\theta = \cos\theta\,(4\cos^2\theta-3)$, so $4\cos^2\theta-3=\dfrac{\cos3\theta}{\cos\theta}$.
   2. Apply with $\theta=9^\circ$: $4\cos^2 9^\circ - 3 = \dfrac{\cos27^\circ}{\cos9^\circ}$.
   3. Apply with $\theta=27^\circ$: $4\cos^2 27^\circ - 3 = \dfrac{\cos81^\circ}{\cos27^\circ}$.
   4. Multiply the two results: $\left(\dfrac{\cos27^\circ}{\cos9^\circ}\right)\left(\dfrac{\cos81^\circ}{\cos27^\circ}\right) = \dfrac{\cos81^\circ}{\cos9^\circ}$ (the $\cos27^\circ$ cancels).
   5. Use the complementary angle identity $\cos81^\circ=\cos(90^\circ-9^\circ)=\sin9^\circ$.
   6. So the product $= \dfrac{\sin9^\circ}{\cos9^\circ} = \tan9^\circ$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Not recognizing the triple-angle disguise and instead trying to compute $\cos9^\circ,\cos27^\circ$ numerically, which is unnecessarily hard without a calculator.
   • Sign or angle-tripling errors (forgetting $3\times27^\circ=81^\circ$ links to $\cos81^\circ=\sin9^\circ$).

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (C) — $\tan 9^0$.

   ANSWER: C

9. AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-AN1 markMCQ
   Q.$\left(4\cos^2\dfrac{\pi}{20} - 1\right)\left(4\cos^2\dfrac{3\pi}{20} - 1\right)\left(4\cos^2\dfrac{5\pi}{20} + 1\right)\left(4\cos^2\dfrac{7\pi}{20} - 1\right)\left(4\cos^2\dfrac{9\pi}{20} - 1\right) =$ (A) $1$ (B) $\dfrac{1}{2}$ (C) $2$ (D) $3$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Four of the five factors telescope to $1$ via the identity $4\cos^2\theta-1=\sin3\theta/\sin\theta$; the odd one out (at $\pi/4$, which has a "$+1$" instead of "$-1$") simply evaluates to $3$ directly. The full product is $3$.

   Concept and Intuition

   The key identity here is $\sin3\theta=\sin\theta(3-4\sin^2\theta)=\sin\theta(4\cos^2\theta-1)$, i.e. $4\cos^2\theta-1=\dfrac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}$. When several factors of this form are multiplied and the angles are related by tripling (mod adjustments of $\pi$), the numerators and denominators cancel in a telescoping pattern. The fifth angle here, $\pi/4$, is a special value where $\cos^2(\pi/4)=1/2$ is exactly computable, and its factor carries a '+1' rather than '-1,' so it doesn't participate in the telescoping — it's just evaluated directly.

   Step-by-Step Solution

   1. Write each "$-1$" factor using $4\cos^2\theta-1=\dfrac{\sin3\theta}{\sin\theta}$:

   • $\theta=\pi/20$: $\dfrac{\sin(3\pi/20)}{\sin(\pi/20)}$
   • $\theta=3\pi/20$: $\dfrac{\sin(9\pi/20)}{\sin(3\pi/20)}$
   • $\theta=7\pi/20$: $\dfrac{\sin(21\pi/20)}{\sin(7\pi/20)}$
   • $\theta=9\pi/20$: $\dfrac{\sin(27\pi/20)}{\sin(9\pi/20)}$

   2. Multiply the first two: $\dfrac{\sin(3\pi/20)}{\sin(\pi/20)}\cdot\dfrac{\sin(9\pi/20)}{\sin(3\pi/20)}=\dfrac{\sin(9\pi/20)}{\sin(\pi/20)}$.
   3. For the last two, use $\sin(21\pi/20)=\sin(\pi+\pi/20)=-\sin(\pi/20)$ and $\sin(27\pi/20)=\sin(\pi+7\pi/20)=-\sin(7\pi/20)$: $\dfrac{-\sin(\pi/20)}{\sin(7\pi/20)}\cdot\dfrac{-\sin(7\pi/20)}{\sin(9\pi/20)}=\dfrac{\sin(\pi/20)}{\sin(9\pi/20)}$.
   4. Multiplying the two partial products: $\dfrac{\sin(9\pi/20)}{\sin(\pi/20)}\cdot\dfrac{\sin(\pi/20)}{\sin(9\pi/20)}=1$.
   5. The middle factor: $4\cos^2(\pi/4)+1=4\left(\tfrac{1}{\sqrt2}\right)^2+1=4\cdot\tfrac12+1=2+1=3$.
   6. Total product $=1\times3=3$.

   Common Mistakes

   • Applying the same $4\cos^2\theta-1$ telescoping identity to the middle ($\pi/4$) factor without noticing its sign is "+1", not "-1" — that factor must be evaluated directly, not folded into the telescoping chain.
   • Sign errors when reducing $\sin(21\pi/20)$ and $\sin(27\pi/20)$ using $\sin(\pi+x)=-\sin x$.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (D) — $3$.

   ANSWER: D

10. AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-AN1 markMCQ
    Q.If $\theta = \dfrac{\pi}{9}$, then $1+27\tan^2\theta - 33\tan^4\theta + \tan^6\theta =$ (A) $3$ (B) $4$ (C) $-3$ (D) $-11$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Since $\tan(3\times20^\circ)=\tan60^\circ=\sqrt3$, $t=\tan20^\circ$ satisfies a specific cubic, and the given sextic expression in $t$ evaluates to exactly $4$.

    Concept and Intuition

    Whenever $\theta$ is such that $3\theta$ is a "nice" angle (here $60^\circ$), the triple-angle tangent formula $\tan3\theta=\dfrac{3t-t^3}{1-3t^2}$ ties $t=\tan\theta$ to an algebraic equation. Expressions like $1+27t^2-33t^4+t^6$ that mix even powers of $t$ are frequently disguised versions of quantities derivable from that same triple-angle relation (or can simply be checked numerically once the angle is fixed).

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. $\theta=\dfrac{\pi}{9}=20^\circ\Rightarrow3\theta=60^\circ\Rightarrow\tan3\theta=\sqrt3$.
    2. From $\tan3\theta=\dfrac{3t-t^3}{1-3t^2}=\sqrt3$: $3t-t^3=\sqrt3(1-3t^2)\Rightarrow t^3-3\sqrt3t^2-3t+\sqrt3=0$, the governing equation for $t=\tan20^\circ$.
    3. Numerically, $\tan20^\circ\approx0.36397$, so $t^2\approx0.13247$, $t^4\approx0.017548$, $t^6\approx0.0023246$.
    4. Evaluate $1+27(0.13247)-33(0.017548)+0.0023246\approx1+3.5767-0.5791+0.0023\approx4.000$.

    Common Mistakes

    • Trying to force an exact symbolic simplification from the cubic relation without simply verifying numerically, leading to algebraic errors.
    • Using degree/radian mismatches when computing $\tan20^\circ$.

    ✓Final answer

    The correct option is (B) — $4$.

    ANSWER: B

11. AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQ
    Q.The general solution of the equation $\tan x + \tan 2x - \tan 3x = 0$ is (A) $\{x \mid x = n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{3} \text{ or } \dfrac{n\pi}{2}, n \in Z\}$ (B) $\{x \mid x = n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{3} \text{ or } n\pi, n \in Z\}$ (C) $\{x \mid x = n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{3} \text{ or } \dfrac{n\pi}{2} \text{ or } n\pi, n \in Z\}$ (D) $\{x \mid x = n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{6} \text{ or } \dfrac{n\pi}{2}, n \in Z\}$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    This tests solving a trigonometric equation by combining tangent differences into sines/cosines of multiple angles, then discarding spurious roots where the original expression is undefined. Answer: $x=n\pi\pm\pi/3$ or $n\pi$.

    Concept and Intuition

    $\tan x+\tan2x-\tan3x=0$ mixes three different multiples of $x$. The trick is to regroup as $\tan3x-\tan x=\tan2x$ and use the tangent-difference-as-sine identity $\tan A-\tan B=\dfrac{\sin(A-B)}{\cos A\cos B}$, which converts everything to a common $\sin2x$ factor — turning a messy tangent equation into a clean product-equals-zero form.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. Rearrange: $\tan3x-\tan x=\tan2x$.
    2. LHS $=\dfrac{\sin(3x-x)}{\cos3x\cos x}=\dfrac{\sin2x}{\cos3x\cos x}$. RHS $=\dfrac{\sin2x}{\cos2x}$.
    3. So $\sin2x\left[\dfrac{1}{\cos3x\cos x}-\dfrac{1}{\cos2x}\right]=0$.
    4. Case 1: $\sin2x=0 \Rightarrow x=\dfrac{n\pi}{2}$.
    5. Case 2: $\cos2x=\cos3x\cos x$. Using $\cos3x\cos x=\tfrac12(\cos4x+\cos2x)$: $\cos2x=\tfrac12\cos4x+\tfrac12\cos2x \Rightarrow \cos2x=\cos4x$.
    6. $\cos4x=\cos2x \Rightarrow 4x=2n\pi\pm2x \Rightarrow x=n\pi \text{ or } x=\dfrac{n\pi}{3}$.
    7. Combine all candidates: $x=\dfrac{n\pi}{2}$, $x=n\pi$, $x=\dfrac{n\pi}{3}$.
    8. Domain check: the original equation needs $\tan x,\tan2x,\tan3x$ all defined. At $x=\dfrac{n\pi}{2}$ with $n$ odd, $x=\pi/2+k\pi$ makes $\tan x$ undefined — reject these; the even-$n$ values are just $x=n\pi$, already counted.
    9. $x=\dfrac{n\pi}{3}$ splits (by $n\bmod3$) into $x=k\pi$, $x=k\pi+\pi/3$, $x=k\pi-\pi/3$ — i.e. $x=n\pi\pm\pi/3$ or $n\pi$; none of these hit an odd multiple of $\pi/2$, so all survive.
    10. Final solution set: $x=n\pi\pm\dfrac{\pi}{3}$ or $x=n\pi$, $n\in Z$.

    Common Mistakes

    • Forgetting to exclude points where $\tan x$, $\tan2x$ or $\tan3x$ is undefined (this eliminates the odd-$n$ half of the $n\pi/2$ family).
    • Using the wrong sign in the tangent-subtraction-to-sine identity.

    ✓Final answer

    The correct option is (B) — $\{x \mid x = n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{3} \text{ or } n\pi, n \in Z\}$.

    ANSWER: B

12. AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQ
    Q.All the values of $\alpha$ satisfying the equations $2\cos^2\alpha - 3\cos\alpha = 32\tan^8\theta$ and $3\cos 2\theta = 1$ are (A) $n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{3}, n \in Z$ (B) $n\pi \pm \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, n \in Z$ (C) $2n\pi \pm \dfrac{\pi}{3}, n \in Z$ (D) $2n\pi \pm \dfrac{2\pi}{3}, n \in Z$

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Solve the $\theta$ equation first to pin down the numeric value $32\tan^8\theta=2$, then solve the resulting quadratic in $\cos\alpha$, rejecting the invalid root, to get $\cos\alpha=-\tfrac12$.

    Concept and Intuition

    This is really two separate, sequential trigonometric equations: the second equation ($3\cos2\theta=1$) is self-contained and lets us compute a definite numeric value for $\tan^2\theta$, which then substitutes into the first equation to convert it into an ordinary quadratic in $\cos\alpha$.

    Step-by-Step Solution

    1. From $3\cos2\theta=1$: $\cos2\theta=\tfrac13$. Using $\cos2\theta=\dfrac{1-\tan^2\theta}{1+\tan^2\theta}$, let $t=\tan^2\theta$: $\dfrac{1-t}{1+t}=\dfrac13 \Rightarrow 3(1-t)=1+t \Rightarrow 3-3t=1+t \Rightarrow 2=4t \Rightarrow t=\tfrac12$.
    2. So $\tan^2\theta=\tfrac12$, and $\tan^8\theta = (\tan^2\theta)^4 = \left(\tfrac12\right)^4=\tfrac1{16}$.
    3. Then $32\tan^8\theta = 32\times\tfrac1{16}=2$.
    4. Substitute into the first equation: $2\cos^2\alpha-3\cos\alpha = 2 \Rightarrow 2\cos^2\alpha-3\cos\alpha-2=0$.
    5. Solve the quadratic: $\cos\alpha = \dfrac{3\pm\sqrt{9+16}}{4} = \dfrac{3\pm5}{4}$, giving $\cos\alpha=2$ (rejected, out of range) or $\cos\alpha=-\tfrac12$.
    6. Since $\cos\alpha=-\tfrac12=\cos\dfrac{2\pi}{3}$, the general solution is $\alpha=2n\pi\pm\dfrac{2\pi}{3},\ n\in\mathbb Z$.

    Common Mistakes

    • Keeping the invalid root $\cos\alpha=2$, which is outside $[-1,1]$ and must be discarded.
    • Using the wrong general-solution form for $\cos\alpha=k$: it's $2n\pi\pm\theta_0$, not $n\pi\pm\theta_0$ (the latter is for $\tan$).

    ✓Final answer

    The correct option is (D) — $2n\pi \pm \dfrac{2\pi}{3},\ n\in\mathbb Z$.

    ANSWER: D