How to solve SSC CGL level School Math problems in a few steps-Trigonometry 4

Submitted by Atanu Chaudhuri on Thu, 28/04/2016 - 19:49

A few simple steps to the solution

At high school level often we find that math problems are solved in a long series of steps. This is what we call conventional approach to solving problems.

This approach not only involves a large number of steps, in most cases, the steps themselves introduce a higher level of complexity, and increases chances of error. More importantly, the conventional inefficient problem solving approach curbs the out-of-the-box thinking skills of the students.

While dealing with complex Trigonometry problems similar to school level in competitive exam scenario, the student is now forced to solve such a problem in a minute, and not in many minutes. The pressure to find the solution along the shortest path gains immense importance for successful performance in such tests as SSC CGL.

Though at school level, all steps to the solution are to be written down, that does not take up most of the time, the bulk of the time is actually consumed in inefficient problem solving, finding the path and steps to the solution - in thinking through the barriers to the solution.

We will take up two apparently difficult Trigonometry problems from SSC CGL test level that actually belong to school level, and appear in MCQ form in the competitive test scenario.

The thinking process that we will highlighthere through solution of the problem can help SSC CGL aspirantsas well as high school students to solve problems efficiently like a problem solver, using deductive reasoning, powerful strategies, techniques and basic subject concepts, rather than being constrained by the costly routine approach.

Problem example 1

If $xcos\theta - ysin\theta = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}$, and $\displaystyle\frac{cos^2\theta}{a^2} + \displaystyle\frac{sin^2\theta}{b^2}=\frac{1}{x^2 + y^2}$ then the correct relation among the following is,

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2}{b^2} - \displaystyle\frac{y^2}{a^2} = 1$

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2}{b^2} + \displaystyle\frac{y^2}{a^2} = 1$

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2}{a^2} - \displaystyle\frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1$

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \displaystyle\frac{y^2}{b^2} =1$

First try to solve this problem yourself and then only go ahead. You might be able to reach the elegant solution to this problem yourself.

Efficient solution in a few steps

Deductive reasoning:

First stage analysis: one must analyze the problem first.

Our first observation is, all terms in the target expression and the second given expression are in squares. This urges us straightaway to square up the first given expression and simplify as much as possible.

This fragment of statement "as much as possible" is important that we will see.

This gives us the opportunity to apply the principle of collection of friendly terms by collecting the coefficients of $x^2$ and $y^2$ from both sides together. We would be more interested to do this because we can see that by this action, we will simplify the factors $x^2(1 - cos^2\theta)$ and $y^2(1 - sin^2\theta)$.

Rearranging the terms, taking all of them on one side of the equation we get,

This is what we wanted, because from our intial analysis, it was clear that we need to eliminate $sin\theta$ and $cos\theta$ and to do that we must have had a relationship of a trigonometric function in terms of $x^2$ and $y^2$.

We are happy with any trigonometric function because from basic concepts we know,

$sin^2\theta = 1 - cos^2\theta$

$cosec^2\theta - 1 = cot^2\theta$

$sec^2\theta - 1 = tan^2\theta$.

If we get the value of one of the basic identities we can derive any other.

To eliminate we need to get the value of $sin^2\theta$ and $cos^2\theta$ in terms of $x^2$ and $y^2$. Let's get those relations now,

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2}{y^2} = cot^2\theta = cosec^2\theta - 1$,

Or, $cosec^2\theta = \displaystyle\frac{x^2 + y^2}{y^2}$,

Or, $sin^2\theta = \displaystyle\frac{y^2}{x^2 + y^2}$, and so,

$cos^2\theta = \displaystyle\frac{x^2}{x^2 + y^2}$.

Substituting these two in the target expression we find the factor, $\displaystyle\frac{1}{x^2 + y^2}$ common to both the terms in LHS and also on the RHS and thus it cancels out, leaving just,

Solutions to both the problems have come quickly and so we won't analyze further.

Generally we find this class of problem is solved in longer steps. It would be so because, unless you see through the barriers of the problem very quickly applying the concepts and techniques that are relevant to the problem to take you to the solution actually in a few simple steps, more often than not you will be wasting valuable time in searching for the solution.

We will end with our standard advice,

Always think: is there any other shorter better way to the solution? And use your brains more than your factual memory and mass of mechanical routine procedures.

Resources on Trigonometry and related topics

You may refer to our useful resources on Trigonometry and other related topics especially algebra.

A note on usability: The Efficient math problem solving sessions on School maths are equally usable for SSC CGL aspirants, as firstly, the "Prove the identity" problems can easily be converted to a MCQ type question, and secondly, the same set of problem solving reasoning and techniques have been used for any efficient Trigonometry problem solving.