NIMCET 2020 Question Paper and Solutions

NIMCET Previous Year Papers!


The NIMCET 2020 was of moderate difficulty level. Students are advised to solve the questions independently before referring to the solutions to gain maximum benefit. Step-by-step solutions with topic and difficulty tags are provided for better analysis.

NIMCET 2020 QUESTION PAPER AND SOLUTION

1

If \(\binom{15}{8} + \binom{15}{7} = \binom{n}{r}\), then the values of \(n\) and \(r\) are:

2020 PERMUTATIONS-COMBINATIONS EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (B): 16 and 8
Detailed Solution

We know the formula that \(\binom{m}{k} + \binom{m}{k+1} = \binom{m+1}{k+1}\)

Here \(m = 15\) and \(k = 7\), hence the desired sum is \(\binom{16}{8}\)

Thus \(n = 16\) and \(r = 8\).

2

In a class of 50 students, it was found that 30 students read "Hitavad", 35 students read "Hindustan" and 10 read neither. How many students read both "Hitavad" and "Hindustan" newspapers?

2020 SET THEORY EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(25\)
Detailed Solution

Suppose number of students reading Hitavad and Hindustan are \(n(A)\) and \(n(B)\), then

\(n(A \cup B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A \cap B)\)

\(\Rightarrow 50 - 10 = 30 + 35 - n(A \cap B)\)

\(\Rightarrow n(A \cap B) = 25\)

3

If \(A = \{4^x - 3x - 1 : x \in \mathbb{N}\}\) and \(B = \{9(x - 1) : x \in \mathbb{N}\}\), where \(\mathbb{N}\) is the set of natural numbers, then:

2020 SET THEORY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(A \subset B\)
Detailed Solution

Given that \(A = \{4^x - 3x - 1\}\) and \(B = \{9(x - 1)\}\)

By putting \(x = 1, 2, 3, 4, \ldots\) we see that,

\(A = \{0, 9, 54, \ldots\}\) and \(B = \{0, 9, 18, 27, \ldots\}\)

The set A is a proper subset of B or \(A \subset B\)

Alternately we can expand A as

\((1 + 3)^x - 3x - 1 = 1 + 3x + \binom{x}{2} \cdot 3^2 + \ldots - 3x - 1\) = a multiple of 9.

Here A and B are both multiples of 9, but B contains each multiple of 9 while A does not. Thus A is a subset of B.

4

If \(A = \{x, y, z\}\), then the number of subsets in power set of \(A\) is:

2020 SET THEORY EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(8\)
Detailed Solution

A has 3 elements, hence number of subsets = \(2^3 = 8\).

5

How many words can be formed starting with letter D taking all letters from word DELHI so that the letters are not repeated:

2020 PERMUTATIONS-COMBINATIONS EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(24\)
Detailed Solution

In DELHI all the letters are different. The first letter is fixed, so the remaining 4 letters can be permuted in 4! ways.

Number of such words = 4! = 24.

6

Naresh has 10 friends, and he wants to invite 6 of them to a party. How many times will 3 particular friends never attend the party?

2020 PERMUTATIONS-COMBINATIONS EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(7\)
Detailed Solution

Out of the 10 friends, 3 are not attending the party, so Naresh has to select 6 friends out of 7 friends.

Number of ways = \(^7C_6 = 7\)

7

There is a young boy's birthday party in which 3 friends have attended. The mother has arranged 10 games where a prize is awarded for a winning game. The prizes are identical. If each of the 4 children receives at least one prize, then how many distributions of prizes are possible?

2020 PERMUTATIONS-COMBINATIONS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(84\)
Detailed Solution

Total number of prizes are 10 and there are 4 recipients, number of ways is equal to the number of solutions of the equation \(x + y + z + w = 10\), where \(x, y, z, w \ge 1\).

Hence the number of solutions = \(^{10-1}C_{4-1} = ^9C_3 = 84\)

→ Read detailed chapter on Beggar's Method.

8

Three cities A, B, C are equidistant from each other. A motorist travels from A to B at 30 km/hour, from B to C at 40 km/hour and from C to A at 50 km/hour. Then the average speed is:

2020 STATISTICS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): 38.3 km/hour
Detailed Solution

Suppose the distance AB = BC = CA = \(x\), then total journey = \(3x\)

Total time taken in the journey = \(\dfrac{x}{30} + \dfrac{x}{40} + \dfrac{x}{50} = \dfrac{47x}{600}\).

Hence the average speed = \(\dfrac{\text{Total Journey}}{\text{Total time}} = \dfrac{3x}{\frac{47x}{600}} = \dfrac{1800}{47} = 38.3\)

9

A problem in Mathematics is given to 3 students A, B and C. If the probability of A solving the problem is \(\dfrac{1}{2}\) and B not solving it is \(\dfrac{1}{4}\). The whole probability of the problem being solved is \(\dfrac{63}{64}\), then what is the probability of solving it by C?

2020 PROBABILITY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\dfrac{7}{8}\)
Detailed Solution

Probability that B will solve the problem = \(1 - \dfrac{1}{4} = \dfrac{3}{4}\).

Let probability that C will solve the problem = \(p\),

then probability that none of them is able to solve the problem = \(\dfrac{1}{2} \times \dfrac{1}{4} \times (1 - p) = \dfrac{1-p}{8}\).

From the given information,

\(\dfrac{1-p}{8} = \dfrac{1}{64} \Rightarrow p = \dfrac{7}{8}\)

10

A and B play a game where each is asked to select a number from 1 to 25. If the two numbers match, both win a prize. The probability that they will not win a prize in a single trial is:

2020 PROBABILITY EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(\dfrac{24}{25}\)
Detailed Solution

A can select any number from the first 25 numbers with probability \(\dfrac{25}{25}\).

Now B has to select a number different from A, this can be done with probability \(\dfrac{24}{25}\).

Required probability = \(\dfrac{24}{25}\).

11

A, B, C are three sets of values of \(x\):
A: 2, 3, 7, 1, 3, 2, 3
B: 7, 5, 9, 12, 5, 3, 8
C: 4, 4, 11, 7, 2, 3, 4
Select the correct statement among the following:

2020 STATISTICS EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (D): Mean, Median and Mode of A are same.
Detailed Solution

Mean of A = \(\dfrac{2 + 3 + 7 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3}{7} = 3\)

Median of A = 3 and Mode of A = 3

Choice (D) is correct.

12

The standard deviation for the following distribution is:
Size of item 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency 3 6 9 13 8 5 4

2020 STATISTICS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(1.607\)
Detailed Solution

The formula for standard deviation is \(\sqrt{\dfrac{\sum fx^2}{n} - (\bar{x})^2}\), where \(\bar{x}\) is the mean of the data and \(\bar{x} = \dfrac{\sum fx}{n}\)

Hence \(\bar{x} = \dfrac{3 \cdot 6 + 6 \cdot 7 + 9 \cdot 8 + \ldots + 4 \cdot 12}{3 + 6 + 9 + \ldots + 4} = 9\)

\(\sum fx^2 = 4012\)

Hence standard deviation = \(\sqrt{\dfrac{4012}{48} - 9^2} = 1.607\)

13

If \(A = \begin{bmatrix} \cos\alpha & \sin\alpha \\ -\sin\alpha & \cos\alpha \end{bmatrix}\), then for any value of \(n\), the value of \(A^n\) is:

2020 MATRICES MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): \(\begin{bmatrix} \cos n\alpha & \sin n\alpha \\ -\sin n\alpha & \cos n\alpha \end{bmatrix}\)
Detailed Solution

Given that \(A = \begin{bmatrix} \cos\alpha & \sin\alpha \\ -\sin\alpha & \cos\alpha \end{bmatrix}\), then

\(A^2 = \begin{bmatrix} \cos\alpha & \sin\alpha \\ -\sin\alpha & \cos\alpha \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix} \cos\alpha & \sin\alpha \\ -\sin\alpha & \cos\alpha \end{bmatrix}\)

\(= \begin{bmatrix} \cos^2\alpha - \sin^2\alpha & 2\sin\alpha\cos\alpha \\ -2\sin\alpha\cos\alpha & \cos^2\alpha - \sin^2\alpha \end{bmatrix}\)

\(= \begin{bmatrix} \cos 2\alpha & \sin 2\alpha \\ -\sin 2\alpha & \cos 2\alpha \end{bmatrix}\)

Similarly, it can be proved that

\(A^n = \begin{bmatrix} \cos n\alpha & \sin n\alpha \\ -\sin n\alpha & \cos n\alpha \end{bmatrix}\).

14

Roots of equation \(ax^2 - 2bx + c = 0\) are \(n\) and \(m\), then the value of \(\dfrac{b}{an^2 + c} + \dfrac{b}{am^2 + c}\) is:

2020 ALGEBRA MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(\dfrac{b}{c}\)
Detailed Solution

Roots are \(m\) and \(n\), thus \(m + n = \dfrac{2b}{a}\), \(mn = \dfrac{c}{a}\)

Now \(\dfrac{b}{an^2 + c} + \dfrac{b}{am^2 + c} = \dfrac{b}{a}\left(\dfrac{1}{n^2 + c/a} + \dfrac{1}{m^2 + c/a}\right)\)

\(= \dfrac{m + n}{2}\left(\dfrac{1}{n^2 + mn} + \dfrac{1}{m^2 + mn}\right)\)

\(= \dfrac{m + n}{2}\left(\dfrac{m + n}{mn(m + n)}\right) = \dfrac{m + n}{2mn} = \dfrac{b}{c}\).

15

The number of values of \(k\) for which the linear equations \(4x + ky + 2z = 0\), \(kx + 4y + z = 0\), \(2x + 2y + z = 0\), possess a non-zero solution is:

2020 ALGEBRA MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(2\)
Detailed Solution

To possess a non-zero solution, \(\begin{vmatrix} 4 & k & 2 \\ k & 4 & 1 \\ 2 & 2 & 1 \end{vmatrix} = 0\)

\(\Rightarrow 4(2) - k(k - 2) + 2(2k - 8) = 0\)

\(\Rightarrow k^2 - 6k + 8 = 0\)

Hence \(k = 2, 4\). There are two possible values.

16

Let \(A = (a_{ij})\) and \(B = (b_{ij})\) be two square matrices of order \(n\) and \(\det(A)\) denotes the determinant of A. Then, which of the following is not correct?

2020 MATRICES EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\det(cA) = c\det(A)\)
Detailed Solution

Only third choice is wrong, the correct statement should be \(\det(cA) = c^n\det(A)\)

where \(n\) is the order of the determinant.

17

The tangent to the ellipse \(x^2 + 16y^2 = 16\) and making 60° angle with positive \(x\)-axis is:

2020 COORDINATE GEOMETRY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\sqrt{3}x - y + 7 = 0\)
Detailed Solution

The equation of the ellipse is \(\dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{1} = 1\) and the slope of the tangent = \(\tan 60° = \sqrt{3}\).

If the equation of the tangent is \(y = mx + c\), then \(c^2 = a^2m^2 + b^2\)

\(\Rightarrow c^2 = 16 \times 3 + 1 = 49\) Or \(c = \pm 7\)

Equation of the tangent is \(y = \sqrt{3}x \pm 7\)

Or \(\sqrt{3}x - y \pm 7 = 0\)

18

Find the number of point(s) of intersection of the ellipse \(\dfrac{x^2}{4} + \dfrac{(y-1)^2}{9} = 1\) and the circle \(x^2 + y^2 = 4\).

2020 COORDINATE GEOMETRY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(2\)
Detailed Solution

The centre of the ellipse is \((0, 1)\) and its major axis lies on y-axis.

The circle passes through one of the vertices \((0, -2)\) of the ellipse.

Hence, there will be two intersection points.

19

An arithmetic progression has 3 as its first term. Also, the sum of the first 8 terms is twice the sum of the first 5 terms. Then what is the common difference?

2020 ALGEBRA MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(\dfrac{3}{4}\)
Detailed Solution

First term \(a = 3\), let common difference = \(d\)

Sum of first \(n\) terms = \(\dfrac{n}{2}[2a + (n-1)d]\)

Given: \(S_8 = 2S_5\)

\(\dfrac{8}{2}[2(3) + 7d] = 2 \times \dfrac{5}{2}[2(3) + 4d]\)

\(4[6 + 7d] = 5[6 + 4d]\;\Rightarrow d = \dfrac{3}{4}\)

20

If \(a + b + c = 0\), then the value of \(\dfrac{a^2}{bc} + \dfrac{b^2}{ac} + \dfrac{c^2}{ab}\) is:

2020 ALGEBRA MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(3\)
Detailed Solution

\(\dfrac{a^2}{bc} + \dfrac{b^2}{ca} + \dfrac{c^2}{ab} = \dfrac{a^3 + b^3 + c^3}{abc}\)

\(= \dfrac{a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc + 3abc}{abc}\)

\(= \dfrac{(a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca)}{abc} + 3= 3\)

21

Evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0} x^2 e^{\sin \frac{1}{x}}\)

2020 DIFFERENTIATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): None of these (Answer is 0)
Detailed Solution

We know that \(-1 \le \sin\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right) \le 1\), so

\(e^{-1} \le e^{\sin\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right)} \le e^1\)

\(\Rightarrow \displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0} x^2 e^{\sin\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right)} = \lim_{x \to 0} x^2\lambda\), where \(\lambda\) is a finite number that lies between \(e^{-1}\) and \(e\).

Therefore \(\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0} x^2 e^{\sin\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right)} = 0\).

22

If \(f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 & x \le 0 \\ 2\sin x & x > 0 \end{cases}\), then \(x = 0\) is:

2020 DIFFERENTIATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): Point of minima
Detailed Solution

The graph of the function shows that the point at \(x = 0\) is the point of minima.

For \(x \le 0\): \(f(x) = x^2\) (parabola opening upward)

For \(x > 0\): \(f(x) = 2\sin x\) (oscillating but starts from 0)

At \(x = 0\), both parts meet and the function has a minimum value of 0.

23

If \(g(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{x^2 - 2x}{2x} & x \ne 0 \\ k & x = 0 \end{cases}\) is a continuous function at \(x = 0\), then the value of \(k\) is:

2020 DIFFERENTIATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): None of these (Answer is \(-\dfrac{1}{2}\))
Detailed Solution

The value of the function \(g(x)\) when \(x \ne 0\) is \(\dfrac{x^2 - 2x}{2x} = \dfrac{x}{2} - 1\).

When \(x = 0 + h\) or \(x = 0 - h\), then \(g(x) = -1\).

\(\lim_{x \to 0} g(x) = \lim_{x \to 0} \left(\dfrac{x}{2} - 1\right) = -1\)

As the function is continuous, so \(k = -\dfrac{1}{2}\).

24

Find the interval(s) on which the graph \(y = 2x^3 e^x\) is increasing:

2020 DIFFERENTIATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \((-3, \infty)\) only
Detailed Solution

The graph is given by \(y = 2x^3 e^x\)

\(\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 6x^2 e^x + 2x^3 e^x = 2x^2 e^x(3 + x)\)

For increasing, \(\dfrac{dy}{dx} > 0\)

\(\Rightarrow 2x^2 e^x(3 + x) > 0\)

Since \(x^2 \ge 0\) and \(e^x > 0\) always, we need \(3 + x > 0\) or \(x > -3\)

25

If \(\int \sec^2 x \operatorname{cosec}^4 x \, dx = -\dfrac{1}{3}\cot^3 x + k\tan x - 2\cot x + c\), then the value of \(k\) is:

2020 INTEGRATION HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(1\)
Detailed Solution

\(\int \sec^2 x \operatorname{cosec}^4 x \, dx = \int \dfrac{1}{\cos^2 x \sin^4 x} \, dx\)

\(= \int \dfrac{1}{\cot^2 x \sin^6 x} dx = \int \dfrac{\operatorname{cosec}^6 x}{\cot^2 x} \, dx\)

\(= \int \dfrac{(1 + \cot^2 x)^2 \operatorname{cosec}^2 x}{\cot^2 x} dx\)

Now put \(\cot x = t\), then \(-\operatorname{cosec}^2 x \, dx = dt\)

\(\Rightarrow -\int \dfrac{(1 + t^2)^2}{t^2} \, dt = -\dfrac{t^3}{3} - 2t + \dfrac{1}{t}\)

\(= -\dfrac{1}{3}\cot^3 x - 2\cot x + \tan x\)

Hence \(k = 1\)

26

Evaluate \(\int e^x \left(\dfrac{1 + \sin x \cos x}{\cos^2 x}\right) dx\)

2020 INTEGRATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(e^x \tan x + c\)
Detailed Solution

\(\int e^x \left(\dfrac{1 + \sin x \cos x}{\cos^2 x}\right) dx = \int e^x (\sec^2 x + \tan x) \, dx\)

Using the result \(\int e^x[f(x) + f'(x)] dx = e^x f(x) + c\)

Here \(f(x) = \tan x\) and \(f'(x) = \sec^2 x\)

The answer is: \(e^x \tan x + c\).

27

If \(I_n = \int \limits_0^a (x^2 - a^2)^n dx\), where \(n\) is a positive integer, then the relation between \(I_n\) and \(I_{n-1}\) is:

2020 INTEGRATION HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (D): \(I_n = \dfrac{2na^2}{2n+1} I_{n-1}\)
Detailed Solution

\(I_n = \int \limits_0^a (x^2 - a^2)^n dx\)

Integrating by parts,

\(= \left[x(x^2 - a^2)^n\right]_0^a - \int \limits_0^a n(x^2 - a^2)^{n-1} \cdot 2x^2 dx\)

\(\Rightarrow I_n = 0 - 2n\int \limits_0^a x^2(x^2 - a^2)^{n-1} dx\)

\(\Rightarrow I_n = -2n\int \limits_0^a (x^2 - a^2 + a^2)(x^2 - a^2)^{n-1} dx\)

\(= -2n\int \limits_0^a (x^2 - a^2)^n dx + 2na^2\int \limits_0^a (x^2 - a^2)^{n-1} dx\)

\(\Rightarrow I_n = -2nI_n + 2na^2 I_{n-1}\)

Hence \(I_n = \dfrac{2na^2}{2n+1} I_{n-1}\)

28

The value of \(\int \limits_{-2}^{2} (ax^5 + bx^3 + c) \, dx\) depends on the:

2020 INTEGRATION EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (B): Value of \(c\)
Detailed Solution

\(\int \limits_{-2}^{2} (ax^5 + bx^3 + c) dx\)

\(= \left(\dfrac{ax^6}{6} + \dfrac{bx^4}{4} + cx\right)_{-2}^{2}\)

\(= 4c\)

Therefore, the answer depends upon the value of \(c\).

29

Find the area bounded by the line \(y = 3 - x\), the parabola \(y = x^2 - 9\) and \(x \ge -1\), \(y \ge 0\).

2020 INTEGRATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): None of these (Answer is 8)
Detailed Solution

The line \(y = 3 - x\) intersects the x-axis at \(x = 3\) (when \(y = 0\)).

The parabola \(y = x^2 - 9\) intersects \(y = 0\) at \(x = \pm 3\).

Given constraints: \(x \ge -1\) and \(y \ge 0\).

The bounded region forms a triangle with vertices at appropriate points.

The area = \(\dfrac{4 \times 4}{2} = 8\).

30

If \(\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}\) are three non-coplanar vectors, then \((\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}) \cdot [(\vec{a} + \vec{b}) \times (\vec{a} + \vec{c})]\) equals:

2020 VECTORS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): \(-[\vec{a} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{c}]\)
Detailed Solution

\((\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}) \cdot [(\vec{a} + \vec{b}) \times (\vec{a} + \vec{c})]\) can be expanded as:

\(= (\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}) \cdot [\vec{a} \times \vec{a} + \vec{a} \times \vec{c} + \vec{b} \times \vec{a} + \vec{b} \times \vec{c}]\)

\(= (\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}) \cdot [\vec{a} \times \vec{c} + \vec{b} \times \vec{a} + \vec{b} \times \vec{c}]\)

\(= \vec{a} \cdot (\vec{b} \times \vec{c}) + \vec{b} \cdot (\vec{a} \times \vec{c}) + \vec{c} \cdot (\vec{b} \times \vec{a})\)

\(= [\vec{a} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{c}] + [\vec{b} \, \vec{a} \, \vec{c}] + [\vec{c} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{a}]\)

\(= [\vec{a} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{c}] - [\vec{a} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{c}] - [\vec{a} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{c}] = -[\vec{a} \, \vec{b} \, \vec{c}]\)

31

Two forces \(F_1\) and \(F_2\) are used to pull a car, which met an accident. The angle between the two forces is \(\theta\). Find the values of \(\theta\) for which the resultant force is equal to \(\sqrt{F_1^2 + F_2^2}\):

2020 VECTORS EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\theta = 90°\)
Detailed Solution

Resultant force of two vectors \(F_1, F_2\) is \(\sqrt{F_1^2 + F_2^2 + 2F_1 F_2 \cos\theta}\)

When \(\theta = 90°\), then resultant is \(\sqrt{F_1^2 + F_2^2}\).

Thus \(\theta = 90°\).

32

If \(\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}, \vec{d}\) are four vectors such that \(\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}\) is collinear with \(\vec{d}\) and \(\vec{b} + \vec{c} + \vec{d}\) is collinear with \(\vec{a}\), then \(\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} + \vec{d}\) is:

2020 VECTORS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(\vec{0}\)
Detailed Solution

Given that \(\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}\) is collinear with \(\vec{d}\), so \(\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = \lambda\vec{d}\) …(1)

Also \(\vec{b} + \vec{c} + \vec{d}\) is collinear with \(\vec{a}\), so \(\vec{b} + \vec{c} + \vec{d} = \mu\vec{a}\) …(2)

From equation (1) – equation (2),

\(\vec{a} - \vec{d} = \lambda\vec{d} - \mu\vec{a}\)

By comparison, \(\lambda = -1, \mu = -1\)

Putting the value of \(\lambda\) in equation (1), we have,

\(\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = -\vec{d}\)

\(\Rightarrow \vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} + \vec{d} = \vec{0}\)

33

Forces of magnitude 5, 3, 1 units act in the directions \(6\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}\), \(3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 6\hat{k}\), \(2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} - 6\hat{k}\) respectively on a particle which is displaced from the point \((2, -1, -3)\) to \((5, -1, 1)\). The total work done by the force is:

2020 VECTORS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): 33 units
Detailed Solution

Three forces are:

\(f_1 = 5\left(\dfrac{6\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}}{\sqrt{6^2 + 2^2 + 3^2}}\right) = \dfrac{5}{7}(6\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k})\)

\(f_2 = 3\left(\dfrac{3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 6\hat{k}}{\sqrt{3^2 + (-2)^2 + 6^2}}\right) = \dfrac{3}{7}(3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 6\hat{k})\)

\(f_3 = 1\left(\dfrac{2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} - 6\hat{k}}{\sqrt{2^2 + (-3)^2 + (-6)^2}}\right) = \dfrac{1}{7}(2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} - 6\hat{k})\)

Net force \(f = \dfrac{1}{7}(41\hat{i} + \hat{j} + 27\hat{k})\)

Displacement = \(\vec{d} = (3\hat{i} + 4\hat{k})\)

Work done = \(f \cdot d = \dfrac{123 + 108}{7} = 33\)

34

The position vectors of points A and B are \(\vec{a}\) and \(\vec{b}\). Then the position vector of point P dividing AB in the ratio \(m:n\) is:

2020 VECTORS EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(\dfrac{n\vec{a} + m\vec{b}}{m + n}\)
Detailed Solution

This is a direct formula. Position vector of the point \(p\) is \(\dfrac{n\vec{a} + m\vec{b}}{m + n}\).

35

If \(\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}\) are three non-zero vectors with no two of which are collinear, \(\vec{a} + 2\vec{b}\) is collinear with \(\vec{c}\) and \(\vec{b} + 3\vec{c}\) is collinear with \(\vec{a}\), then \(|\vec{a} + 2\vec{b} + 6\vec{c}|\) will be equal to:

2020 VECTORS HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(0\)
Detailed Solution

Given that \(\vec{a} + 2\vec{b}\) is collinear with \(\vec{c}\)

\(\Rightarrow \vec{a} + 2\vec{b} = \lambda\vec{c}\) …(1)

Also \(\vec{b} + 3\vec{c}\) is collinear with \(\vec{a}\)

\(\Rightarrow \vec{b} + 3\vec{c} = \mu\vec{a}\) …(2)

Equating the value of \(2\vec{b}\) from the above two equations, we have

\(\lambda\vec{c} - \vec{a} = 2\mu\vec{a} - 6\vec{c}\)

By comparison, we have \(\lambda = -6\).

Putting this value in the first equation, we have

\(\vec{a} + 2\vec{b} = -6\vec{c}\)

Or \(|\vec{a} + 2\vec{b} + 6\vec{c}| = 0\)

36

Vertices of the vectors \(\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}\), \(2\hat{i} + \hat{j} - \hat{k}\) and \(3\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}\) form a triangle. This triangle is:

2020 VECTORS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (B): Right angle triangle
Detailed Solution

Suppose the vertices are A, B and C, then

\(\vec{AB} = \hat{i} + 3\hat{j} - 3\hat{k}\)

\(\vec{BC} = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}\)

\(\vec{CA} = -2\hat{i} - \hat{j}\)

Here \(\vec{BC} \cdot \vec{CA} = -2 + 2 = 0\)

Hence the triangle is right angled.

37

If the volume of a parallelepiped whose adjacent edges are \(\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}\), \(\vec{b} = \hat{i} + \alpha\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}\), \(\vec{c} = \hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \alpha\hat{k}\) is 15, then \(\alpha\) is:

2020 VECTORS MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\dfrac{9}{2}\)
Detailed Solution

Volume = \(\begin{vmatrix} 2 & 3 & 4 \\ 1 & \alpha & 2 \\ 1 & 2 & \alpha \end{vmatrix} = 15\)

\(\Rightarrow 2(\alpha^2 - 4) - 3(\alpha - 2) + 4(2 - \alpha) = 15\)

\(\Rightarrow 2\alpha^2 - 7\alpha - 9 = 0\)

\(\Rightarrow (\alpha + 1)(2\alpha - 9) = 0\)

Hence \(\alpha = -1, \dfrac{9}{2}\)

38

Solve the equation \(\sin^2 x - \sin x - 2 = 0\) for \(x\) on the interval \(0 \le x \le 2\pi\):

2020 TRIGONOMETRY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): None of these (Answer is \(x = \dfrac{3\pi}{2}\))
Detailed Solution

Given that \(\sin^2 x - \sin x - 2 = 0\)

\(\Rightarrow (\sin x - 2)(\sin x + 1) = 0\)

\(\Rightarrow \sin x = -1\) (since \(\sin x = 2\) is not possible)

Hence \(x = \dfrac{3\pi}{2}\)

39

If \(\dfrac{\tan x}{2} = \dfrac{\tan y}{3} = \dfrac{\tan z}{5}\) and \(x + y + z = \pi\), then the value of \(\tan^2 x + \tan^2 y + \tan^2 z\) is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(\dfrac{38}{3}\)
Detailed Solution

Let \(\tan x = 2k, \tan y = 3k, \tan z = 5k\)

We know that when \(x + y + z = \pi\),

\(\tan x + \tan y + \tan z = \tan x \tan y \tan z\)

\(\Rightarrow 2k + 3k + 5k = (2k)(3k)(5k)\)

\(\Rightarrow 10k = 30k^3\) or \(k^2 = \dfrac{1}{3}\)

Hence \(\tan^2 x + \tan^2 y + \tan^2 z = 4k^2 + 9k^2 + 25k^2\)

\(= 38k^2 = \dfrac{38}{3}\)

40

Find the value of \(\sin 12° \sin 48° \sin 54°\):

2020 TRIGONOMETRY HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(\dfrac{1}{8}\)
Detailed Solution

Multiply and divide by \(\sin 72°\), we get

\(\dfrac{\sin 12° \sin 48° \sin 72° \sin 54°}{\sin 72°}\)

\(= \dfrac{\sin 36° \sin 54°}{4\sin 72°}\) (using \(\sin\theta \sin(60° - \theta) \sin(60° + \theta) = \dfrac{\sin 3\theta}{4}\))

\(= \dfrac{2\sin 36° \sin 54°}{8\sin 72°} = \dfrac{2\sin 36° \cos 36°}{8\sin 72°} = \dfrac{1}{8}\)

41

If \(\cos x = \tan y\), \(\cot y = \tan z\) and \(\cot z = \tan x\), then \(\sin x\) is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(\dfrac{\sqrt{5} - 1}{2}\)
Detailed Solution

Eliminating \(y\) from the given relations,

\(\cos x = \tan y = \dfrac{1}{\cot y} = \dfrac{1}{\tan z} = \cot z = \tan x\)

\(\Rightarrow \cos x = \tan x\)

Or \(\sin x = \cos^2 x = 1 - \sin^2 x\)

\(\Rightarrow \sin^2 x + \sin x - 1 = 0\)

\(\Rightarrow \sin x = \dfrac{-1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}\)

42

The value of \(\tan\left(45° + \dfrac{\theta}{2}\right)\) is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): \(\tan\theta + \sec\theta\)
Detailed Solution

\(\tan\left(45° + \dfrac{\theta}{2}\right) = \dfrac{1 + \tan\dfrac{\theta}{2}}{1 - \tan\dfrac{\theta}{2}}\)

\(= \dfrac{\sin\dfrac{\theta}{2} + \cos\dfrac{\theta}{2}}{\cos\dfrac{\theta}{2} - \sin\dfrac{\theta}{2}} = \dfrac{\left(\sin\dfrac{\theta}{2} + \cos\dfrac{\theta}{2}\right)^2}{\cos^2\dfrac{\theta}{2} - \sin^2\dfrac{\theta}{2}}\)

\(= \dfrac{1 + \sin\theta}{\cos\theta} = \sec\theta + \tan\theta\)

43

The value of \(\sin 10° \sin 50° \sin 70°\) is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (D): \(\dfrac{1}{8}\)
Detailed Solution

The value of \(\sin 10° \sin 50° \sin 70°\)

\(= \dfrac{\sin(3 \times 10°)}{4} = \dfrac{\sin 30°}{4} = \dfrac{1}{8}\)

(using \(\sin\theta \sin(60° - \theta) \sin(60° + \theta) = \dfrac{\sin 3\theta}{4}\))

44

The expression \(\dfrac{\tan A}{1 - \cot A} + \dfrac{\cot A}{1 - \tan A}\) can be written as:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (B): \(\sec A \operatorname{cosec} A + 1\)
Detailed Solution

The given expression is:

\(\dfrac{\dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x}}{1 - \dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x}} + \dfrac{\dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x}}{1 - \dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x}}\)

\(= \dfrac{\sin^2 x}{\cos x(\sin x - \cos x)} + \dfrac{\cos^2 x}{\sin x(\cos x - \sin x)}\)

\(= \dfrac{\sin^3 x - \cos^3 x}{\sin x \cos x(\sin x - \cos x)}\)

\(= \dfrac{(\sin x - \cos x)(\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x + \sin x \cos x)}{\sin x \cos x(\sin x - \cos x)}\)

\(= \dfrac{1 + \sin x \cos x}{\sin x \cos x} = 1 + \sec x \operatorname{cosec} x\)

45

Angle of elevation of the top of the tower from 3 points (collinear) A, B and C on a road leading to the foot of the tower are 30°, 45° and 60°, respectively. The ratio of AB and BC is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(\sqrt{3} : 1\)
Detailed Solution

Let the tower is PQ, and its height is \(h\), then

\(AQ = h\sqrt{3}\), \(BQ = h\)

\(CQ = \dfrac{h}{\sqrt{3}}\)

\(\Rightarrow \dfrac{AB}{BC} = \dfrac{h\sqrt{3} - h}{h - \dfrac{h}{\sqrt{3}}} = \dfrac{3 - \sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3} - 1} = \sqrt{3}\)

46

The area enclosed between the curves \(y^2 = x\) and \(y = |x|\) is:

2020 INTEGRATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\dfrac{1}{6}\) sq. unit
Detailed Solution

The graphs will intersect at the points \((1, 1)\) and \((0, 0)\)

Shaded area = \(\int_0^1 (\sqrt{x} - x) \, dx = \left[\dfrac{x^{3/2}}{3/2} - \dfrac{x^2}{2}\right]_0^1\)

\(= \dfrac{2}{3} - \dfrac{1}{2} = \dfrac{1}{6}\)

47

Test the continuity of the function at \(x = 2\):
\(f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{5}{2} - x, & x < 2 \\ 1, & x = 2 \\ x - \dfrac{3}{2}, & x > 2 \end{cases}\)

2020 DIFFERENTIATION MEDIUM
Correct Answer
Choice (B): Discontinuous at \(x = 2\)
Detailed Solution

\(\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 2^-} \left(\dfrac{5}{2} - x\right) = \dfrac{1}{2}\)

\(\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 2^+} \left(x - \dfrac{3}{2}\right) = \dfrac{1}{2}\)

\(f(2) = 1\)

Since \(\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = \dfrac{1}{2} \ne f(2) = 1\)

The function is discontinuous at \(x = 2\).

48

The value of \(2\tan^{-1}[\operatorname{cosec}(\tan^{-1} x) - \tan(\cot^{-1} x)]\) is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (C): \(\tan^{-1} x\)
Detailed Solution

The given expression can be written as

\(2\tan^{-1}\left[\operatorname{cosec}\left(\operatorname{cosec}^{-1}\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{1+x^2}}{x}\right)\right) - \tan\left(\tan^{-1}\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right)\right)\right]\)

\(= 2\tan^{-1}\left[\dfrac{\sqrt{1+x^2}}{x} - \dfrac{1}{x}\right] = 2\tan^{-1}\left[\dfrac{\sqrt{1+x^2} - 1}{x}\right]\)

Put \(x = \tan\theta\),

\(= 2\tan^{-1}\left[\dfrac{\sec\theta - 1}{\tan\theta}\right] = 2\tan^{-1}\left(\dfrac{1 - \cos\theta}{\sin\theta}\right)\)

\(= 2\tan^{-1}\left(\dfrac{2\sin^2\dfrac{\theta}{2}}{2\sin\dfrac{\theta}{2}\cos\dfrac{\theta}{2}}\right) = 2\tan^{-1}\left(\tan\dfrac{\theta}{2}\right)\)

\(= \theta = \tan^{-1} x\)

49

If \(3\sin x + 4\cos x = 5\), then \(6\tan\dfrac{x}{2} - 9\tan^2\dfrac{x}{2}\) is:

2020 TRIGONOMETRY HARD
Correct Answer
Choice (A): \(1\)
Detailed Solution

Given that \(\dfrac{3}{5}\sin x + \dfrac{4}{5}\cos x = 1\)

Since \(\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1\), so \(\sin x = \dfrac{3}{5}, \cos x = \dfrac{4}{5}\)

\(\Rightarrow \dfrac{1 - \tan^2\dfrac{x}{2}}{1 + \tan^2\dfrac{x}{2}} = \dfrac{4}{5}\)

or \(\tan\dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac{1}{3}\)

\(\Rightarrow 6\tan\dfrac{x}{2} - 9\tan^2\dfrac{x}{2} = \dfrac{6}{3} - \dfrac{9}{9} = 1\).

50

If A is a subset of B and B is a subset of C, then cardinality of \(A \cup B \cup C\) is equal to:

2020 SET THEORY EASY
Correct Answer
Choice (A): Cardinality of C
Detailed Solution

Given that \(A \subseteq B\) and \(B \subseteq C\), hence \(A \subseteq B \subseteq C\)

Therefore \(A \cup B \cup C = C\).

So, cardinality will be same as that of \(C\).