Read CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Introduction to Trigonometry Set 02 below. Access comprehensive High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions with answers for Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 08 Introduction to Trigonometry. Tailored for the 2026-27 exam session, these analytical problems help Class 10 students understand deep concepts based on the latest CBSE, NCERT, and KVS syllabus.
Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 08 Introduction to Trigonometry HOTS Questions & Answers
Practicing Class 10 Mathematics HOTS Questions is important for scoring high in Mathematics. Use the detailed answers provided below to improve your problem-solving speed and Class 10 exam readiness.
HOTS Questions and Answers for Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 08 Introduction to Trigonometry
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question. Evaluate : \(\tan^2 30^\circ \sin 30^\circ + \cos 60^\circ \sin^2 90^\circ \tan^2 60^\circ - 2 \tan 45^\circ \cos^2 0^\circ \sin 90^\circ\)
Answer: \(= \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 \times \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} \times (1)^2 \times (\sqrt{3})^2 - 2 \times 1 \times 1^2 \times 1\)
\(= \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} \times 1 \times 3 - 2 \times 1 \times 1 \times 1\)
\(= \frac{1}{6} + \frac{3}{2} - 2 = \frac{1 + 9 - 12}{6} = \frac{-2}{6} = -\frac{1}{3}\)
Question. Evaluate : \(\sin^2 30^\circ \cos^2 45^\circ + 4 \tan^2 30^\circ + \frac{1}{2} \sin 90^\circ - 2 \cos^2 90^\circ + \frac{1}{24}\)
Answer: \(= \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 \times \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right)^2 + 4 \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 + \frac{1}{2}(1)^2 - 2(0)^2 + \frac{1}{24}\)
\(= \frac{1}{4}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) + \frac{4}{3} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{24} = \frac{1}{8} + \frac{4}{3} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{24}\)
\(= \frac{3 + 32 + 12 + 1}{24} = \frac{48}{24} = 2\)
Question. Evaluate : \(4(\sin^4 30^\circ + \cos^4 60^\circ) - 3(\cos^2 45^\circ - \sin^2 90^\circ)\)
Answer: \(= 4\left[\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^4 + \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^4\right] - 3\left[\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right)^2 - (1)^2\right]\)
\(= 4\left[\frac{1}{16} + \frac{1}{16}\right] - 3\left[\frac{1}{2} - 1\right]\)
\(= 4 \times \frac{2}{16} - 3 \times \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)\)
\(= \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{2} = \frac{4}{2} = 2\)
Question. If \(4 \cos \theta = 11 \sin \theta\), find the value of \(\frac{11 \cos \theta - 7 \sin \theta}{11 \cos \theta + 7 \sin \theta}\).
Answer: We have \(4 \cos \theta = 11 \sin \theta\)
or, \(\cos \theta = \frac{11}{4} \sin \theta\)
Now \(\frac{11 \cos \theta - 7 \sin \theta}{11 \cos \theta + 7 \sin \theta} = \frac{11 \times \frac{11}{4} \sin \theta - 7 \sin \theta}{11 \times \frac{11}{4} \sin \theta + 7 \sin \theta}\)
\(= \frac{\sin \theta (\frac{121}{4} - 7)}{\sin \theta (\frac{121}{4} + 7)}\)
\(= \frac{121 - 28}{121 + 28} = \frac{93}{149}\)
Question. Evaluate: \(\frac{3 \tan^2 30^{\circ} + \tan^2 60^{\circ} + \csc 30^{\circ} - \tan 45^{\circ}}{\cot^2 45^{\circ}}\)
Answer: \(\frac{3 \tan^2 30^{\circ} + \tan^2 60^{\circ} + \csc 30^{\circ} - \tan 45^{\circ}}{\cot^2 45^{\circ}}\)
\(= \frac{3 \times (\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}})^2 + (\sqrt{3})^2 + 2 - 1}{(1)^2}\)
\(= \frac{3 \times \frac{1}{3} + 3 + 2 - 1}{1}\)
\(= 1 + 3 + 2 - 1 = 5\)
Question. Express \( \cos 68^\circ + \tan 76^\circ \) in terms of the angles between \( 0^\circ \) and \( 45^\circ \).
Answer: Here we will use \( \cos(90^\circ - \theta) = \sin \theta \) and \( \tan(90^\circ - \theta) = \cot \theta \).
\( \cos 68^\circ + \tan 76^\circ = \cos(90^\circ - 22^\circ) + \tan(90^\circ - 14^\circ) \)
\( = \sin 22^\circ + \cot 14^\circ \)
Question. Find the value of \( \cos 2\theta \), if \( 2 \sin 2\theta = \sqrt{3} \).
Answer: We have \( 2 \sin 2\theta = \sqrt{3} \)
\( \sin 2\theta = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \sin 60^\circ \)
\( 2\theta = 60^\circ \)
Hence, \( \cos 2\theta = \cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \).
Question. Find the value of \( \sin 30^\circ \cos 60^\circ + \cos 30^\circ \sin 60^\circ \). Is it equal to \( \sin 90^\circ \) or \( \cos 90^\circ \)?
Answer: \( \sin 30^\circ \cos 60^\circ + \cos 30^\circ \sin 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \)
\( = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{4}{4} = 1 \)
It is equal to \( \sin 90^\circ = 1 \) but not equal to \( \cos 90^\circ \) as \( \cos 90^\circ = 0 \).
Question. Evaluate : \( \frac{6 \sin 23^\circ + \sec 79^\circ + 3 \tan 48^\circ}{\text{cosec } 11^\circ + 3 \cot 42^\circ + 6 \cos 67^\circ} \)
Answer: \( = \frac{6 \sin(90^\circ - 23^\circ) + \text{cosec}(90^\circ - 79^\circ) + 3 \cot(90^\circ - 48^\circ)}{\text{cosec } 11^\circ + 3 \cot 42^\circ + 6 \cos 67^\circ} \)
\( = \frac{6 \cos 67^\circ + \text{cosec } 11^\circ + 3 \cot 42^\circ}{\text{cosec } 11^\circ + 3 \cot 42^\circ + 6 \cos 67^\circ} \)
\( = 1 \)
Question. If \( \sqrt{3} \sin \theta - \cos \theta = 0 \) and \( 0^\circ < \theta < 90^\circ \), find the value of \( \theta \).
Answer: We have \( \sqrt{3} \sin \theta - \cos \theta = 0 \)
\( \sqrt{3} \sin \theta = \cos \theta \)
\( \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \)
\( \tan \theta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \tan 30^\circ \)
\( \theta = 30^\circ \)
Question. Evaluate : \( \frac{\cos 45^\circ}{\sec 30^\circ} + \frac{1}{\sec 60^\circ} \)
Answer: We have \( \frac{\cos 45^\circ}{\sec 30^\circ} + \frac{1}{\sec 60^\circ} = \frac{1/\sqrt{2}}{2/\sqrt{3}} + \frac{1}{2} \)
\( = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} + \frac{1}{2} \)
\( = \frac{\sqrt{6} + 2}{4} \)
Question. Express \( \cos 71^\circ - \sin 57^\circ + \tan 63^\circ \) in terms of trigonometric ratios of angles between \( 0^\circ \) and \( 45^\circ \).
Answer: \( \cos 71^\circ - \sin 57^\circ + \tan 63^\circ \)
\( = \cos(90^\circ - 19^\circ) - \sin(90^\circ - 33^\circ) + \tan(90^\circ - 27^\circ) \)
\( = \sin 19^\circ - \cos 33^\circ + \cot 27^\circ \)
Question. If \( \cos(40^\circ + x) = \sin 30^\circ \), find the value of \( x \).
Answer: We have \( \cos(40^\circ + x) = \sin 30^\circ \)
\( \cos(40^\circ + x) = \sin(90^\circ - 60^\circ) \)
\( \cos(40^\circ + x) = \cos 60^\circ \)
\( 40^\circ + x = 60^\circ \)
\( x = 20^\circ \)
Question. Evaluate : \(\frac{5 \cos^2 60^\circ + 4 \cos^2 30^\circ - \tan^2 45^\circ}{\sin^2 30^\circ + \cos^2 60^\circ}\)
Answer: \(\frac{5 \cos^2 60^\circ + 4 \cos^2 30^\circ - \tan^2 45^\circ}{\sin^2 30^\circ + \cos^2 60^\circ}\)
\(= \frac{5\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 + 4\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)^2 - (1)^2}{\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2}\)
\(= \frac{\frac{5}{4} + 3 - 1}{\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4}}\)
\(= \frac{\frac{5}{4} + 2}{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{\frac{13}{4}}{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{13}{2}\)
Question. If \(\sin 3\theta = \cos(\theta - 6^\circ)\), where \(3\theta\) and \(\theta - 6^\circ\) are both acute angles, find the value of \(\theta\).
Answer: According to the question,
\(\sin 3\theta = \cos(\theta - 6^\circ)\)
\(\cos(90^\circ - 3\theta) = \cos(\theta - 6^\circ)\)
\(90^\circ - 3\theta = \theta - 6^\circ\)
\(4\theta = 90^\circ + 6^\circ = 96^\circ\)
Thus \(\theta = \frac{96^\circ}{4} = 24^\circ\)
Question. If \(\theta\) be an acute angle and \(5 \operatorname{cosec} \theta = 7\), Then evaluate \(\sin \theta + \cos^2 \theta - 1\).
Answer: We have \(5 \operatorname{cosec} \theta = 7\)
\(\operatorname{cosec} \theta = \frac{7}{5}\)
\(\sin \theta = \frac{5}{7}\) [\(\because \operatorname{cosec} \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta}\)]
\(\sin \theta + \cos^2 \theta - 1 = \sin \theta - (1 - \cos^2 \theta)\)
\(= \sin \theta - \sin^2 \theta\) [\(\because \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)]
\(= \frac{5}{7} - \left(\frac{5}{7}\right)^2 = \frac{5}{7} - \frac{25}{49} = \frac{35 - 25}{49} = \frac{10}{49}\)
Question. If \(\sin A = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\), find the value of \(2 \cot^2 A - 1\).
Answer: Using \(\because \cot^2 \theta = -1 + \operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta\) we have
\(2 \cot^2 A - 1 = 2(\operatorname{cosec}^2 A - 1) - 1\)
\(= \frac{2}{\sin^2 A} - 3\)
\(= \frac{2}{(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2})^2} - 3 = \frac{8}{3} - 3 = \frac{-1}{3}\)
Thus \(2 \cot^2 A - 1 = -\frac{1}{3}\)
Question. Prove that : \(\frac{\sin \theta - 2 \sin^3 \theta}{2 \cos^3 \theta - \cos \theta} = \tan \theta\)
Answer: \(\frac{\sin \theta - 2 \sin^3 \theta}{2 \cos^3 \theta - \cos \theta} = \frac{\sin \theta(1 - 2 \sin^2 \theta)}{\cos \theta(2 \cos^2 \theta - 1)}\)
\(= \frac{\sin \theta(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta - 2 \sin^2 \theta)}{\cos \theta(2 \cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta - \cos^2 \theta)}\)
\(= \frac{\tan \theta (\cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta)}{(\cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta)}\)
\(= \tan \theta\) Hence Proved.
Question. Express : \( \sin A, \tan A \) and \( \text{cosec } A \) in terms of \( \sec A \).
Answer: (1) \( \sin^2 A + \cos^2 A = 1 \)
\( \sin A = \sqrt{1 - \cos^2 A} = \sqrt{1 - \frac{1}{\sec^2 A}} = \sqrt{\frac{\sec^2 A - 1}{\sec^2 A}} = \frac{\sqrt{\sec^2 A - 1}}{\sec A} \)
(2) \( \tan A = \frac{\sin A}{\cos A} = \sin A \sec A = \frac{\sqrt{\sec^2 A - 1}}{\sec A} \times \sec A = \sqrt{\sec^2 A - 1} \)
(iii) \( \text{cosec } A = \frac{1}{\sin A} = \frac{\sec A}{\sqrt{\sec^2 A - 1}} \)
Question. Prove that : \( \frac{\cot^3 \theta \cdot \sin^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} + \frac{\tan^3 \theta \cdot \cos^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} = \frac{\sec \theta \text{ cosec } \theta - 1}{\text{cosec } \theta + \sec \theta} \)
Answer: \( \frac{\cot^3 \theta \cdot \sin^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} + \frac{\tan^3 \theta \cdot \cos^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} \)
\( = \frac{\frac{\cos^3 \theta}{\sin^3 \theta} \times \sin^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} + \frac{\frac{\sin^3 \theta}{\cos^3 \theta} \times \cos^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} \)
\( = \frac{\cos^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} + \frac{\sin^3 \theta}{(\cos \theta + \sin \theta)^2} \)
Question. Prove that : \(\frac{\tan \theta + \sin \theta}{\tan \theta - \sin \theta} = \frac{\sec \theta + 1}{\sec \theta - 1}\).
Answer: We have \(\frac{\tan \theta + \sin \theta}{\tan \theta - \sin \theta} = \frac{\frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} + \sin \theta}{\frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} - \sin \theta}\)
\(= \frac{\sin \theta (\frac{1}{\cos \theta} + 1)}{\sin \theta (\frac{1}{\cos \theta} - 1)}\)
\(= \frac{\sec \theta + 1}{\sec \theta - 1}\)
Hence Proved.
Question. If \(\sin(A + B) = 1\) and \(\sin(A - B) = \frac{1}{2}\), \(0 \le A + B \le 90^{\circ}\) and \(A > B\), then find \(A\) and \(B\).
Answer: We have \(\sin(A + B) = 1 = \sin 90^{\circ}\)
\(A + B = 90^{\circ}\) ...(1)
and \(\sin(A - B) = \frac{1}{2} = \sin 30^{\circ}\)
\(A - B = 30^{\circ}\) ...(2)
Solving eq. (1) and (2), we obtain \(A = 60^{\circ}\) and \(B = 30^{\circ}\)
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Question. Find \(\csc 30^{\circ}\) and \(\cos 60^{\circ}\) geometrically.
Answer: Let a triangle \(ABC\) with each side equal to \(2a\).
\(\angle A = \angle B = \angle C = 60^{\circ}\)
Draw \(AD\) perpendicular to \(BC\)
\(\Delta BDA \cong \Delta CDA\) by RHS
\(BD = CD\)
\(\angle BAD = \angle CAD = 30^{\circ}\) by CPCT
\(AD = \sqrt{3}a\)
In \(\Delta BDA\), \(\csc 30^{\circ} = \frac{AB}{BD} = \frac{2a}{a} = 2\)
and \(\cos 60^{\circ} = \frac{BD}{AB} = \frac{a}{2a} = \frac{1}{2}\)
Question. If \( \tan(A + B) = \sqrt{3} \) and \( \tan(A - B) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \), \( A+B \leq 90^\circ \), \( A > B \), then find \( A \) and \( B \).
Answer: We have \( \tan(A + B) = \sqrt{3} = \tan 60^\circ \)
\( A + B = 60^\circ \) ...(1)
Again \( \tan(A - B) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \tan 30^\circ \)
or, \( A - B = 30^\circ \) ...(2)
Adding equations (1) and (2), we obtain,
\( 2A = 90^\circ \)
\( A = \frac{90^\circ}{2} = 45^\circ \)
Putting this value of \( A \) in equation (1), we get
\( B = 60^\circ - A = 60^\circ - 45^\circ = 15^\circ \)
Hence, \( A = 45^\circ \) and \( B = 15^\circ \)
Question. If \( \cos(A - B) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \) and \( \sin(A + B) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), find \( A \) and \( B \), where \( (A + B) \) and \( (A - B) \) are acute angles.
Answer: We have \( \cos(A - B) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \cos 30^\circ \)
\( A - B = 30^\circ \) ...(1)
Also \( \sin(A + B) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \sin 60^\circ \)
\( A + B = 60^\circ \) ...(2)
Adding equations (1) and (2), we obtain,
\( 2A = 90^\circ \)
\( A = 45^\circ \)
Putting this value of \( A \) in equation (1), we get \( B = 15^\circ \)
Question. If \( \sin \phi = \frac{1}{2} \), show that \( 3 \cos \phi - 4 \cos^3 \phi = 0 \).
Answer: We have \( \sin \theta = \frac{1}{2} \)
\( \phi = 30^\circ \)
Now substituting this value of \( \phi \) in LHS we have
\( 3 \cos \phi - 4 \cos^3 \phi = 3 \cos 30^\circ - 4 \cos^3 30^\circ \)
\( = 3 \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right) - 4 \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right)^3 \)
\( = \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2} - \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2} \)
\( = 0 \)
Hence Proved
Question. If in a triangle \( ABC \) right angled at \( B \), \( AB = 6 \) units and \( BC = 8 \) units, then find the value of \( \sin A \cos C + \cos A \sin C \).
Answer: As per question statement figure is shown below.
We have \( AC^2 = 8^2 + 6^2 = 100 \)
\( AC = 10 \)
Now \( \sin A = \frac{8}{10} \), \( \cos A = \frac{6}{10} \)
and \( \sin C = \frac{6}{10} \), \( \cos C = \frac{8}{10} \)
Thus \( \sin A \cos C + \cos A \sin C = \frac{8}{10} \times \frac{8}{10} + \frac{6}{10} \times \frac{6}{10} \)
\( = \frac{64}{100} + \frac{36}{100} \)
\( = \frac{100}{100} = 1 \)
Question. Simplify : \(\frac{\sin \theta \sec(90^\circ - \theta) \tan \theta}{\text{cosec}(90^\circ - \theta) \cos \theta \cot(90^\circ - \theta)} - \frac{\tan(90^\circ - \theta)}{\cot \theta}\)
Answer: \(\sec(90^\circ - \theta) = \text{cosec } \theta\),
\(\tan(90^\circ - \theta) = \cot \theta\),
\(\cot(90^\circ - \theta) = \tan \theta\),
\(\text{cosec}(90^\circ - \theta) = \sec \theta\)
Hence,
\(\frac{\sin \theta \text{cosec } \theta \tan \theta}{\sec \theta \cos \theta \tan \theta} - \frac{\cot \theta}{\cot \theta}\)
\(= \frac{\sin \theta \times \frac{1}{\sin \theta} \times \tan \theta}{\frac{1}{\cos \theta} \times \cos \theta \times \tan \theta} - 1\)
\(= 1 - 1 = 0\)
Question. Verify : \(\sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}} = \frac{\sin \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}\), for \(\theta = 60^\circ\)
Answer: LHS \(= \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}} = \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos 60^\circ}{1 + \cos 60^\circ}}\)
\(= \sqrt{\frac{1 - \frac{1}{2}}{1 + \frac{1}{2}}} = \sqrt{\frac{\frac{1}{2}}{\frac{3}{2}}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)
RHS \(= \frac{\sin \theta}{1 + \cos \theta} = \frac{\sin 60^\circ}{1 + \cos 60^\circ}\)
\(= \frac{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{1 + \frac{1}{2}} = \frac{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)
RHS = LHS
Hence, relation is verified for \(\theta = 60^\circ\).
Question. If \(\tan A + \cot A = 2\), then find the value of \(\tan^2 A + \cot^2 A\).
Answer: We have \(\tan A + \cot A = 2\)
Squaring both sides, we have
\((\tan A + \cot A)^2 = (2)^2\)
\(\tan^2 A + \cot^2 A + 2 \tan A \cdot \cot A = 4\)
\(\tan^2 A + \cot^2 A + 2 \tan A \times \frac{1}{\tan A} = 4\)
\(\tan^2 A + \cot^2 A + 2 = 4\)
\(\tan^2 A + \cot^2 A = 4 - 2\)
\(\tan^2 A + \cot^2 A = 2\)
Question. If \(\cos \theta + \sin \theta = \sqrt{2} \cos \theta\), show that \(\cos \theta - \sin \theta = \sqrt{2} \sin \theta\).
Answer: We have \(\cos \theta + \sin \theta = \sqrt{2} \cos \theta\)
\(\sin \theta = \cos \theta(\sqrt{2} - 1)\)
\(\sin \theta = \frac{\cos \theta(\sqrt{2} - 1)(\sqrt{2} + 1)}{(\sqrt{2} + 1)}\)
or, \(\sin \theta = \frac{\cos \theta(2 - 1)}{\sqrt{2} + 1}\)
\((\sqrt{2} + 1) \sin \theta = \cos \theta\)
\(\sqrt{2} \sin \theta + \sin \theta = \cos \theta\)
\(\cos \theta - \sin \theta = \sqrt{2} \sin \theta\) Hence proved.
Question. Prove that : \(\frac{\cos A}{1 - \tan A} + \frac{\sin A}{1 - \cot A} = \sin A + \cos A\).
Answer: LHS \(= \frac{\cos A}{1 - \tan A} + \frac{\sin A}{1 - \cot A}\)
\(= \frac{\cos A}{1 - (\frac{\sin A}{\cos A})} + \frac{\sin A}{1 - (\frac{\cos A}{\sin A})}\)
\(= \frac{\cos^2 A}{\cos A - \sin A} + \frac{\sin^2 A}{\sin A - \cos A}\)
\(= \frac{\cos^2 A}{\cos A - \sin A} - \frac{\sin^2 A}{\cos A - \sin A}\)
\(= \frac{\cos^2 A - \sin^2 A}{\cos A - \sin A}\)
\(= \frac{(\cos A - \sin A)(\cos A + \sin A)}{(\cos A - \sin A)}\)
\(= \cos A + \sin A\)
\(= \sin A + \cos A = \text{RHS}\) Hence proved.
Question. Given that \(\tan(A + B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B}\), find the values of \(\tan 75^\circ\) and \(\tan 90^\circ\) by taking suitable values of \(A\) and \(B\).
Answer: (i) \(\tan 75^\circ = \tan(45^\circ + 30^\circ)\)
\(= \frac{\tan 45^\circ + \tan 30^\circ}{1 - \tan 45^\circ \tan 30^\circ}\)
\(= \frac{1 + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}}{1 - \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}} = \frac{\sqrt{3} + 1}{\sqrt{3} - 1}\)
\(= \frac{(\sqrt{3} + 1)(\sqrt{3} + 1)}{(\sqrt{3} - 1)(\sqrt{3} + 1)}\)
\(= \frac{3 + 2\sqrt{3} + 1}{(\sqrt{3})^2 - (1)^2} = \frac{4 + 2\sqrt{3}}{2} = 2 + \sqrt{3}\)
Hence \(\tan 75^\circ = 2 + \sqrt{3}\)
(ii) \(\tan 90^\circ = \tan(60^\circ + 30^\circ)\)
\(= \frac{\tan 60^\circ + \tan 30^\circ}{1 - \tan 60^\circ \tan 30^\circ} = \frac{\sqrt{3} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}}{1 - \sqrt{3} \times \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}} = \frac{\frac{3+1}{\sqrt{3}}}{0} = \infty\)
Question. If \(15 \tan^2 \theta + 4 \sec^2 \theta = 23\), then find the value of \((\sec \theta + \text{cosec } \theta)^2 - \sin^2 \theta\).
Answer: We have \(15 \tan^2 \theta + 4 \sec^2 \theta = 23\)
\(15 \tan^2 \theta + 4(1 + \tan^2 \theta) = 23\) [\(\sec^2 \theta = 1 + \tan^2 \theta\)]
\(15 \tan^2 \theta + 4 + 4 \tan^2 \theta = 23\)
\(19 \tan^2 \theta = 19\)
\(\tan \theta = 1 = \tan 45^\circ \implies \theta = 45^\circ\)
Now, \((\sec \theta + \text{cosec } \theta)^2 - \sin^2 \theta\)
\(= (\sec 45^\circ + \text{cosec } 45^\circ)^2 - \sin^2 45^\circ\)
\(= (\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{2})^2 - \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right)^2 = (2\sqrt{2})^2 - \frac{1}{2} = 8 - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{15}{2}\)
Question. If \( \sqrt{3} \cot^2 \theta - 4 \cot \theta + \sqrt{3} = 0 \), then find the value of \( \cot^2 \theta + \tan^2 \theta \).
Answer: We have \( \sqrt{3} \cot^2 \theta - 4 \cot \theta + \sqrt{3} = 0 \)
Let \( \cot \theta = x \), then we have
\( \sqrt{3}x^2 - 4x + \sqrt{3} = 0 \)
\( \sqrt{3}x^2 - 3x - x + \sqrt{3} = 0 \)
\( (x - \sqrt{3})(\sqrt{3}x - 1) = 0 \)
Thus \( x = \sqrt{3} \) or \( x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \)
or \( \cot \theta = \sqrt{3} \) or \( \cot \theta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \)
Therefore \( \theta = 30^\circ \) or \( \theta = 60^\circ \)
If \( \theta = 30^\circ \), then
\( \cot^2 30^\circ + \tan^2 30^\circ = (\sqrt{3})^2 + \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 \)
\( = 3 + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{10}{3} \)
If \( \theta = 60^\circ \), then
\( \cot^2 60^\circ + \tan^2 60^\circ = \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 + (\sqrt{3})^2 \)
\( = \frac{1}{3} + 3 = \frac{10}{3} \).
Question. Evaluate : \( \frac{\cos 65^\circ}{\sin 25^\circ} - \frac{\tan 20^\circ}{\cot 70^\circ} - \sin 90^\circ + \tan 5^\circ \tan 35^\circ \tan 60^\circ \tan 55^\circ \tan 85^\circ \).
Answer: We have \( \frac{\cos 65^\circ}{\sin 25^\circ} = \frac{\cos 65^\circ}{\sin(90^\circ - 65^\circ)} = \frac{\cos 65^\circ}{\cos 65^\circ} = 1, \)
\( \frac{\tan 20^\circ}{\cot 70^\circ} = \frac{\tan(90^\circ - 70^\circ)}{\cot 70^\circ} = \frac{\cot 70^\circ}{\cot 70^\circ} = 1 \)
and \( \sin 90^\circ = 1 \)
\( \tan 5^\circ \tan 35^\circ \tan 60^\circ \tan 55^\circ \tan 85^\circ \)
\( = \tan(90^\circ - 85^\circ)\tan(90^\circ - 55^\circ) \cdot \tan 55^\circ \tan 60^\circ \tan 85^\circ \)
\( = \cot 85^\circ \tan 85^\circ \cot 55^\circ \tan 55^\circ \cdot \sqrt{3} \)
\( = 1 \times 1 \times \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{3} \)
Now given expression \( = 1 - 1 - 1 + \sqrt{3} = \sqrt{3} - 1 \)
Question. Prove that : \( \frac{\tan \theta}{1 - \cot \theta} + \frac{\cot \theta}{1 - \tan \theta} = 1 + \tan \theta + \cot \theta \).
Answer: \( \frac{\tan \theta}{1 - \cot \theta} + \frac{\cot \theta}{1 - \tan \theta} = \frac{\tan \theta}{1 - \frac{1}{\tan \theta}} + \frac{\frac{1}{\tan \theta}}{1 - \tan \theta} \)
\( = \frac{\tan^2 \theta}{\tan \theta - 1} + \frac{1}{(1 - \tan \theta)\tan \theta} \)
\( = \frac{\tan^2 \theta}{\tan \theta - 1} - \frac{1}{(\tan \theta - 1)\tan \theta} \)
\( = \frac{\tan^3 \theta - 1}{(\tan \theta - 1)\tan \theta} \)
[\(\because a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + b^2 + ab)\)]
\( = \frac{(\tan \theta - 1)(\tan^2 \theta + \tan \theta + 1)}{(\tan \theta - 1)\tan \theta} \)
\( = \frac{\tan^2 \theta + \tan \theta + 1}{\tan \theta} \)
\( = \tan \theta + 1 + \cot \theta \)
Hence Proved.
Question. In an acute angled triangle \( ABC \), if \( \sin(A + B - C) = \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \cos(B + C - A) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \), find \( \angle A, \angle B \) and \( \angle C \).
Answer: We have \( \sin(A + B - C) = \frac{1}{2} = \sin 30^\circ \)
or, \( A + B - C = 30^\circ \) ...(1)
and \( \cos(B + C - A) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = \cos 45^\circ \)
or, \( B + C - A = 45^\circ \) ...(2)
Adding equation (1) and (2), we get
\( 2B = 75^\circ \)
or, \( B = 37.5^\circ \)
Now subtracting equation (2) from equation (1) we get,
\( 2(A - C) = -15^\circ \)
or, \( A - C = -7.5^\circ \) ...(3)
Now \( A + B + C = 180^\circ \)
\( A + C + 37.5^\circ = 180^\circ \)
\( A + C = 180^\circ - 37.5^\circ = 142.5^\circ \) ...(4)
Adding equation (3) and (4), we have
\( 2A = 135^\circ \)
or, \( A = 67.5^\circ \)
and, \( C = 75^\circ \)
Hence, \( \angle A = 67.5^\circ, \angle B = 37.5^\circ, \angle C = 75^\circ \)
Question. Prove that : \( \sec^4 \theta - \sec^2 \theta = \tan^4 \theta + \tan^2 \theta \)
Answer: To prove \( \sec^4 \theta - \sec^2 \theta = \tan^4 \theta + \tan^2 \theta \)
We have \( \sec^4 \theta - \sec^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta(\sec^2 \theta - 1) \)
[\( \because 1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta \)]
\( = \sec^2 \theta(\tan^2 \theta) \)
\( = (1 + \tan^2 \theta)\tan^2 \theta \)
\( = \tan^2 \theta + \tan^4 \theta \)
Hence Proved.
Question. Find the value of \( \theta \), if, \( \frac{\cos \theta}{1 - \sin \theta} + \frac{\cos \theta}{1 + \sin \theta} = 4; \theta \leq 90^\circ \)
Answer: We have \( \frac{\cos \theta}{1 - \sin \theta} + \frac{\cos \theta}{1 + \sin \theta} = 4 \)
\( \frac{\cos \theta(1 + \sin \theta) + \cos \theta(1 - \sin \theta)}{(1 - \sin \theta)(1 + \sin \theta)} = 4 \)
\( \frac{\cos \theta[1 + \sin \theta + 1 - \sin \theta]}{1 - \sin^2 \theta} = 4 \)
\( \frac{\cos \theta(2)}{\cos^2 \theta} = 4 \)
\( \frac{1}{\cos \theta} = 2 \)
\( \cos \theta = \frac{1}{2} \)
\( \cos \theta = \cos 60^\circ \)
Thus \( \theta = 60^\circ \)
Question. Prove that : \( -1 + \frac{\sin A \sin(90^\circ - A)}{\cot(90^\circ - A)} = -\sin^2 A \)
Answer: \( -1 + \frac{\sin A \sin(90^\circ - A)}{\cot(90^\circ - A)} = -1 + \frac{\sin A \cos A}{\tan A} \)
\( = -1 + \sin A \cos A \times \cot A \)
\( = -1 + \sin A \cos A \times \frac{\cos A}{\sin A} \)
\( = -1 + \cos^2 A = -(1 - \cos^2 A) \)
\( = -\sin^2 A \) Hence Proved.
Question. Prove that : \( \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos A}{1 + \cos A}} = \csc A - \cot A \)
Answer: \( \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos A}{1 + \cos A}} = \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos A}{1 + \cos A} \times \frac{1 - \cos A}{1 - \cos A}} \)
\( = \sqrt{\frac{(1 - \cos A)^2}{(1 - \cos^2 A)}} \)
\( = \sqrt{\frac{(1 - \cos A)^2}{\sin^2 A}} \) [\(\because \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)]
\( = \frac{1 - \cos A}{\sin A} = \frac{1}{\sin A} - \frac{\cos A}{\sin A} \)
\( = \csc A - \cot A \) Hence Proved.
Question. If \( \sin \theta - \cos \theta = \frac{1}{2} \), then find the value of \( \sin \theta + \cos \theta \).
Answer: We have \( \sin \theta - \cos \theta = \frac{1}{2} \)
Squaring both sides, we get
\( (\sin \theta - \cos \theta)^2 = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 \)
\( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta - 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta = \frac{1}{4} \)
\( 1 - 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta = \frac{1}{4} \)
\( 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta = 1 - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \)
Again, \( (\sin \theta + \cos \theta)^2 = \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta + 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta \)
\( = 1 + 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta \)
\( = 1 + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{7}{4} \)
Thus \( \sin \theta + \cos \theta = \sqrt{\frac{7}{4}} = \frac{\sqrt{7}}{2} \)
Question. Prove that : \(\frac{\cos A}{1 + \tan A} - \frac{\sin A}{1 + \cot A} = \cos A - \sin A\)
Answer: \(\frac{\cos A}{1 + \tan A} - \frac{\sin A}{1 + \cot A}\)
\(= \frac{\cos A}{1 + \frac{\sin A}{\cos A}} - \frac{\sin A}{1 + \frac{\cos A}{\sin A}}\)
\(= \frac{\cos^2 A}{\cos A + \sin A} - \frac{\sin^2 A}{\sin A + \cos A}\)
\(= \frac{\cos^2 A - \sin^2 A}{(\sin A + \cos A)}\)
\(= \frac{(\cos A + \sin A)(\cos A - \sin A)}{\sin A + \cos A}\)
\(= \cos A - \sin A\) Hence Proved.
Question. Prove that : \((\cot \theta - \operatorname{cosec} \theta)^2 = \frac{1 - \cos \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}\)
Answer: To prove \((\cot \theta - \operatorname{cosec} \theta)^2 = \frac{1 - \cos \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}\)
\((\cot \theta - \operatorname{cosec} \theta)^2 = \left(\frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta} - \frac{1}{\sin \theta}\right)^2\)
\(= \left(\frac{\cos \theta - 1}{\sin \theta}\right)^2\)
\(= \frac{(1 - \cos \theta)^2}{\sin^2 \theta}\) [Using \((a-b)^2 = (b-a)^2\)]
\(= \frac{(1 - \cos \theta)^2}{(1 - \cos^2 \theta)}\) [\(\because \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)]
\(= \frac{(1 - \cos \theta)(1 - \cos \theta)}{(1 - \cos \theta)(1 + \cos \theta)}\)
\(= \frac{1 - \cos \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}\) Hence Proved.
Question. Prove that : \((\operatorname{cosec} \theta - \sin \theta)(\sec \theta - \cos \theta)(\tan \theta + \cot \theta) = 1\)
Answer: [DDE-M, 2015]
LHS \(= (\operatorname{cosec} \theta - \sin \theta)(\sec \theta - \cos \theta)(\tan \theta + \cot \theta)\)
\(= \left(\frac{1}{\sin \theta} - \sin \theta\right)\left(\frac{1}{\cos \theta} - \cos \theta\right)\left(\frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} + \frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta}\right)\)
\(= \left(\frac{1 - \sin^2 \theta}{\sin \theta}\right)\left(\frac{1 - \cos^2 \theta}{\cos \theta}\right)\left(\frac{\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta}{\sin \theta \cos \theta}\right)\)
\(= \frac{\cos^2 \theta}{\sin \theta} \times \frac{\sin^2 \theta}{\cos \theta} \times \left(\frac{1}{\sin \theta \cos \theta}\right)\) [\(\because \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)]
\(= \cos \theta \sin \theta \times \frac{1}{\sin \theta \cos \theta} = 1\) Hence Proved.
Question. Show that : \(\operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta - \tan^2 (90^\circ - \theta) = \sin^2 \theta + \sin^2 (90^\circ - \theta)\)
Answer: LHS \(= \operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta - \tan^2 (90^\circ - \theta)\)
\(= \frac{1}{\sin^2 \theta} - \frac{\sin^2(90^\circ - \theta)}{\cos^2(90^\circ - \theta)}\)
\(= \frac{1}{\sin^2 \theta} - \frac{\cos^2 \theta}{\sin^2 \theta}\)
\(= \frac{1 - \cos^2 \theta}{\sin^2 \theta} = \frac{\sin^2 \theta}{\sin^2 \theta} = 1\)
RHS \(= \sin^2 \theta + \sin^2 (90^\circ - \theta)\)
\(= \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)
LHS = RHS. Hence Proved.
Question. Prove that : \(\frac{\operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta}{\operatorname{cosec} \theta - 1} - \frac{\operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta}{\operatorname{cosec} \theta + 1} = 2 \sec^2 \theta\)
Answer: We have
\(\frac{\operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta}{\operatorname{cosec} \theta - 1} - \frac{\operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta}{\operatorname{cosec} \theta + 1} = \operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta \left[ \frac{1}{\operatorname{cosec} \theta - 1} - \frac{1}{\operatorname{cosec} \theta + 1} \right]\)
\(= \operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta \left[ \frac{(\operatorname{cosec} \theta + 1) - (\operatorname{cosec} \theta - 1)}{(\operatorname{cosec} \theta - 1)(\operatorname{cosec} \theta + 1)} \right]\)
\(= \operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta \left[ \frac{2}{\operatorname{cosec}^2 \theta - 1} \right]\)
\(= \frac{1}{\sin^2 \theta} \left[ \frac{2 \sin^2 \theta}{(1 - \sin^2 \theta)} \right]\)
\(= \frac{2}{\cos^2 \theta} = 2 \sec^2 \theta\) Hence Proved
Question. Prove that : \(\frac{1}{\operatorname{cosec} A - \cot A} - \frac{1}{\sin A} = \frac{1}{\sin A} - \frac{1}{\operatorname{cosec} A + \cot A}\)
Answer: To prove: \(\frac{1}{\operatorname{cosec} A - \cot A} + \frac{1}{\operatorname{cosec} A + \cot A} = \frac{1}{\sin A} + \frac{1}{\sin A}\)
LHS \(= \frac{(\operatorname{cosec} A + \cot A) + (\operatorname{cosec} A - \cot A)}{(\operatorname{cosec} A - \cot A)(\operatorname{cosec} A + \cot A)}\)
\(= \frac{2 \operatorname{cosec} A}{\operatorname{cosec}^2 A - \cot^2 A}\)
\(= \frac{2 \operatorname{cosec} A}{1}\) [\(\because \operatorname{cosec}^2 A - \cot^2 A = 1\)]
\(= \frac{2}{\sin A}\)
RHS \(= \frac{1}{\sin A} + \frac{1}{\sin A} = \frac{2}{\sin A}\)
LHS = RHS. Hence Proved.
Question. If \(\sec \theta = x + \frac{1}{4x}\), prove that \(\sec \theta + \tan \theta = 2x\) or \(\frac{1}{2x}\).
Answer: We have \(\sec \theta = x + \frac{1}{4x}\)
Squaring both sides we have
\(\sec^2 \theta = x^2 + \frac{1}{16x^2} + 2 \cdot x \cdot \frac{1}{4x}\)
\(1 + \tan^2 \theta = x^2 + \frac{1}{16x^2} + \frac{1}{2}\)
\(\tan^2 \theta = x^2 + \frac{1}{16x^2} + \frac{1}{2} - 1\)
\(\tan^2 \theta = x^2 + \frac{1}{16x^2} - \frac{1}{2}\)
\(\tan^2 \theta = \left(x - \frac{1}{4x}\right)^2\)
Taking square root both sides we obtain
\(\tan \theta = \pm \left(x - \frac{1}{4x}\right)\)
Case I: Take \(\tan \theta = x - \frac{1}{4x}\)
\(\sec \theta + \tan \theta = \left(x + \frac{1}{4x}\right) + \left(x - \frac{1}{4x}\right) = 2x\)
Case II: Take \(\tan \theta = -\left(x - \frac{1}{4x}\right) = -x + \frac{1}{4x}\)
\(\sec \theta + \tan \theta = \left(x + \frac{1}{4x}\right) + \left(-x + \frac{1}{4x}\right) = \frac{2}{4x} = \frac{1}{2x}\)
HOTS QUESTIONS
Question. Prove that \(\sec^2 \theta + \csc^2 \theta\) can never be less than 2.
Answer: Let \(\sec^2 \theta + \csc^2 \theta = x\)
\(1 + \tan^2 \theta + 1 + \cot^2 \theta = x \implies 2 + \tan^2 \theta + \cot^2 \theta = x\)
Since \(\tan^2 \theta \ge 0\) and \(\cot^2 \theta \ge 0\), thus \(x \ge 2\).
Hence \(\sec^2 \theta + \csc^2 \theta\) can never be less than 2.
Question. (a) Solve for \(\phi\), if \(\tan 5\phi = 1\)
(b) Solve for \(\phi\), if \(\frac{\sin \phi}{1 + \cos \phi} + \frac{1 + \cos \phi}{\sin \phi} = 4\)
Answer: (a) \(\tan 5\phi = 1 \implies \tan 5\phi = \tan 45^{\circ} \implies 5\phi = 45^{\circ} \implies \phi = 9^{\circ}\)
(b) \(\frac{\sin \phi}{1 + \cos \phi} + \frac{1 + \cos \phi}{\sin \phi} = 4 \implies \frac{\sin^2 \phi + (1 + \cos \phi)^2}{\sin \phi(1 + \cos \phi)} = 4\)
\(\frac{\sin^2 \phi + 1 + \cos^2 \phi + 2 \cos \phi}{\sin \phi(1 + \cos \phi)} = 4 \implies \frac{2 + 2 \cos \phi}{\sin \phi(1 + \cos \phi)} = 4\)
\(\frac{2(1 + \cos \phi)}{\sin \phi(1 + \cos \phi)} = 4 \implies \frac{2}{\sin \phi} = 4 \implies \sin \phi = \frac{1}{2} = \sin 30^{\circ}\)
Thus \(\phi = 30^{\circ}\)
Question. If \(\tan A + \sin A = m\) and \(\tan A - \sin A = n\), show that \(m^2 - n^2 = 4\sqrt{mn}\).
Answer: We have \(\tan A + \sin A = m\) and \(\tan A - \sin A = n\)
\(m^2 - n^2 = (\tan A + \sin A)^2 - (\tan A - \sin A)^2\)
= \((\tan^2 A + \sin^2 A + 2\sin A \tan A) - (\tan^2 A + \sin^2 A - 2\sin A \tan A) = 4 \sin A \tan A\)
Now \(4\sqrt{mn} = 4\sqrt{(\tan A + \sin A)(\tan A - \sin A)} = 4\sqrt{\tan^2 A - \sin^2 A}\)
= \(4\sqrt{\frac{\sin^2 A}{\cos^2 A} - \sin^2 A} = 4\sqrt{\frac{\sin^2 A (1 - \cos^2 A)}{\cos^2 A}}\)
= \(4\sqrt{\frac{\sin^2 A \sin^2 A}{\cos^2 A}} = 4 \frac{\sin A \sin A}{\cos A} = 4 \sin A \tan A\)
Thus \(m^2 - n^2 = 4\sqrt{mn}\) Hence Proved
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CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 08 Introduction to Trigonometry HOTS Questions and Answers
Preparing with Chapter 08 Introduction to Trigonometry HOTS Exercises
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You can download the teacher-verified PDF for CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Introduction to Trigonometry Set 02 from StudiesToday.com. These questions have been prepared for Class 10 Mathematics to help students learn high-level application and analytical skills required for the 2026-27 exams.
In the 2026 pattern, 50% of the marks are for competency-based questions. Our CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Introduction to Trigonometry Set 02 are to apply basic theory to real-world to help Class 10 students to solve case studies and assertion-reasoning questions in Mathematics.
Unlike direct questions that test memory, CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Introduction to Trigonometry Set 02 require out-of-the-box thinking as Class 10 Mathematics HOTS questions focus on understanding data and identifying logical errors.
After reading all conceots in Mathematics, practice CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Introduction to Trigonometry Set 02 by breaking down the problem into smaller logical steps.
Yes, we provide detailed, step-by-step solutions for CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Introduction to Trigonometry Set 02. These solutions highlight the analytical reasoning and logical steps to help students prepare as per CBSE marking scheme.