NVAMediumJEE 2026Trigonometric Equations

JEE Mathematics 2026 Question with Solution

The number of elements in the set {x[0,180]:tan(x+100)=tan(x+50)tanxtan(x50)}\{x\in[0,180^\circ]: \tan(x+100^\circ)=\tan(x+50^\circ)\tan x\tan(x-50^\circ)\} is

Answer

Correct answer:150

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: We need the number of elements in the set {x[0,180]:tan(x+100)=tan(x+50)tanxtan(x50)}\{x\in[0,180^\circ]: \tan(x+100^\circ)=\tan(x+50^\circ)\tan x\tan(x-50^\circ)\}.

Find: The number of admissible values of xx in [0,180][0,180^\circ].

Using the tangent identity for equally spaced angles, the given equation is satisfied for all values of xx for which all tangent terms are defined.

So the task reduces to excluding those values of xx for which any of the expressions tan(x+100)\tan(x+100^\circ), tan(x+50)\tan(x+50^\circ), tanx\tan x, or tan(x50)\tan(x-50^\circ) is undefined.

Tangent is undefined when its angle is 90+k18090^\circ + k\cdot180^\circ.

Therefore, we exclude values satisfying

x=90+k180x=90^\circ+k\cdot180^\circ

and similarly values for which

x±50=90+k180x\pm50^\circ=90^\circ+k\cdot180^\circ

In the interval [0,180][0,180^\circ], the number of excluded values is 3030.

Hence,

Total valid values=18030=150\text{Total valid values}=180-30=150

Therefore, the number of elements in the given set is 150150.

Restriction-Based View

Given: The equation involves only tangent functions at shifted angles.

Find: How many values of xx in [0,180][0,180^\circ] remain after removing undefined cases.

The solution states that the identity holds generally, so counting solutions means counting all admissible values in the interval.

The only obstruction is that tangent must be defined at every factor appearing in the equation. Thus we check the restrictions coming from each term:

  • tanx\tan x
  • tan(x50)\tan(x-50^\circ)
  • tan(x+50)\tan(x+50^\circ)
  • tan(x+100)\tan(x+100^\circ)

Each tangent expression is undefined when its angle is of the form 90+k18090^\circ+k\cdot180^\circ. After excluding all such values lying in [0,180][0,180^\circ], the solution gives 3030 excluded values.

So the count of admissible values is

18030=150180-30=150

Therefore, the required number of elements is 150150.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the identity gives one or a few isolated solutions only. Here the solution indicates the relation holds generally, so the main task is to remove values where tangent is undefined.

  • Forgetting to check all tangent terms. It is not enough to ensure only tanx\tan x is defined; tan(x+100)\tan(x+100^\circ), tan(x+50)\tan(x+50^\circ), and tan(x50)\tan(x-50^\circ) must also be defined.

  • Ignoring endpoint values in [0,180][0,180^\circ] or mishandling the closed interval. Always test the full interval exactly as given before counting excluded values.

Practice more Trigonometric Equations questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions