Chapter 08

Introduction to Trigonometry — Important Questions

Important questions on Introduction to Trigonometry, with the marks each carries and the answers after them. Free to read and to save as a PDF.

Class 10CBSE
MathematicsSubject
Ch 08of 14
2026-27Pattern

Question bank

Introduction to Trigonometry — Question bank20 questions · answers at the end

20 Questions | 60 Marks

1
In a right-angled triangle ABC, if ∠B=90∘, AB=12 cm and BC=5 cm, find the values of sin⁡A, cos⁡A, tan⁡A, sin⁡C, cos⁡C, and tan⁡C. 3marks
2
If tan⁡θ=34, find the values of sin⁡θ and cos⁡θ, where θ is an acute angle. 2marks
3
Given that 15cot⁡A=8, find the values of sin⁡A and sec⁡A. 2marks
4
Evaluate: 5cos⁡260∘+4sec⁡230∘−tan⁡245∘sin⁡230∘+cos⁡230∘. 3marks
5
If sin⁡(A−B)=12 and cos⁡(A+B)=12, where 0∘<A+B≤90∘ and A>B, find the values of A and B. 3marks
6
Evaluate: 2tan⁡245∘+cos⁡230∘−sin⁡260∘. 2marks
7
Prove that (sec⁡A+tan⁡A)(1−sin⁡A)=cos⁡A. 3marks
8
If sin⁡θ=ab, find the value of cos⁡θ in terms of a and b. 2marks
9
In △ABC, right-angled at B, if tan⁡A=13, find the value of sin⁡Acos⁡C+cos⁡Asin⁡C. 2marks
10
Prove that sin⁡θ−2sin⁡3θ2cos⁡3θ−cos⁡θ=tan⁡θ. 3marks
11
Evaluate: cos⁡45∘sec⁡30∘+csc⁡30∘. 2marks
12
If cos⁡(A+B)=12 and sin⁡(A−B)=12, find the values of A and B. 2marks
13
Prove that sec⁡2θ+csc⁡2θ=tan⁡2θ+cot⁡2θ+2. 3marks
14
A situation is described where a girl is observing a hot air balloon. If the initial position of the balloon is at point P and it moves to point Q, and if the angle of elevation from her eye level changes, use trigonometric ratios to find the distance or height. (Specific values to be provided in a real exam). For practice, assume the angle of elevation to a balloon at a height of 60 m is 30∘. After some time, the angle of elevation reduces to 15∘. Find the distance the balloon travelled during this interval. 5marks
15
Prove that sec⁡2θ+csc⁡2θ=tan⁡θ+cot⁡θ. 3marks
16
If sin⁡A=cos⁡A, where A is an acute angle, find the value of 2tan⁡2A+2cos⁡2A−3. 2marks
17
Evaluate: 1−tan⁡245∘1+tan⁡245∘. 1mark
18
Prove that tan⁡A1+sec⁡A−tan⁡A1−sec⁡A=2csc⁡A. 3marks
19
If cos⁡A=45, find the value of tan⁡A−sin⁡A2tan⁡A. 2marks
20
A ladder 10 m long reaches a window 8 m above the ground. If the ladder is shifted to a new position such that its foot is moved away from the wall, it makes an angle of 60∘ with the ground. Find how far the top of the ladder slides down the wall. 5marks

Answers

1
In △ABC, AC=AB2+BC2=122+52=144+25=169=13 cm.(i) sin⁡A=BCAC=513(ii) cos⁡A=ABAC=1213(iii) tan⁡A=BCAB=512(iv) sin⁡C=ABAC=1213(v) cos⁡C=BCAC=513(vi) tan⁡C=ABBC=125
2
Since tan⁡θ=34, we can consider a right-angled triangle where the opposite side is 3 and the adjacent side is 4. The hypotenuse will be 32+42=9+16=25=5.
sin⁡θ=oppositehypotenuse=35cos⁡θ=adjacenthypotenuse=45
3
Given 15cot⁡A=8, so cot⁡A=815.We can consider a right-angled triangle where the adjacent side is 8 and the opposite side is 15. The hypotenuse will be 82+152=64+225=289=17.
sin⁡A=oppositehypotenuse=1517sec⁡A=hypotenuseadjacent=178
4
5cos⁡260∘+4sec⁡230∘−tan⁡245∘=5(12)2+4(23)2−(1)2=5(14)+4(43)−1=54+163−1=15+64−1212=6712.sin⁡230∘+cos⁡230∘=(12)2+(32)2=14+34=1.Therefore, the expression evaluates to 67/121=6712.
5
Given sin⁡(A−B)=12, so A−B=30∘ (1).Given cos⁡(A+B)=12, so A+B=60∘ (2).Adding (1) and (2): 2A=90∘⇒A=45∘.Substituting A=45∘ in (2): 45∘+B=60∘⇒B=15∘.
6
2tan⁡245∘+cos⁡230∘−sin⁡260∘=2(1)2+(32)2−(32)2=2(1)+34−34=2.
7
LHS = (sec⁡A+tan⁡A)(1−sin⁡A)=(1cos⁡A+sin⁡Acos⁡A)(1−sin⁡A)=(1+sin⁡Acos⁡A)(1−sin⁡A)=1−sin⁡2Acos⁡A=cos⁡2Acos⁡A=cos⁡A.LHS = RHS.
8
Given sin⁡θ=ab. We know that sin⁡2θ+cos⁡2θ=1.So, cos⁡2θ=1−sin⁡2θ=1−(ab)2=1−a2b2=b2−a2b2.cos⁡θ=±b2−a2b2=±b2−a2b.If θ is an acute angle, cos⁡θ=b2−a2b.
9
In △ABC, tan⁡A=13. This implies A=30∘. Since A and C are acute angles in a right-angled triangle, A+C=90∘. So, C=90∘−30∘=60∘.sin⁡Acos⁡C+cos⁡Asin⁡C=sin⁡30∘cos⁡60∘+cos⁡30∘sin⁡60∘=(12)(12)+(32)(32)=14+34=1.Alternatively, this is the expansion of sin⁡(A+C)=sin⁡(90∘)=1.
10
LHS = sin⁡θ−2sin⁡3θ2cos⁡3θ−cos⁡θ=sin⁡θ(1−2sin⁡2θ)cos⁡θ(2cos⁡2θ−1).Using sin⁡2θ=1−cos⁡2θ, 1−2sin⁡2θ=1−2(1−cos⁡2θ)=1−2+2cos⁡2θ=2cos⁡2θ−1.So, LHS = sin⁡θ(2cos⁡2θ−1)cos⁡θ(2cos⁡2θ−1)=sin⁡θcos⁡θ=tan⁡θ.LHS = RHS.
11
cos⁡45∘=12, sec⁡30∘=23, csc⁡30∘=2.cos⁡45∘sec⁡30∘+csc⁡30∘=1/22/3+2=1/22+233=12×32(1+3)=322(1+3).Multiply numerator and denominator by 3−1:3(3−1)22(1+3)(3−1)=3−322(3−1)=3−342=2(3−3)8=32−68.
12
Given cos⁡(A+B)=12, so A+B=60∘.Given sin⁡(A−B)=12, so A−B=30∘.Adding the two equations: 2A=90∘⇒A=45∘.Substituting A=45∘ into A+B=60∘: 45∘+B=60∘⇒B=15∘.
13
LHS = sec⁡2θ+csc⁡2θ=(1+tan⁡2θ)+(1+cot⁡2θ)=2+tan⁡2θ+cot⁡2θ.RHS = tan⁡2θ+cot⁡2θ+2.LHS = RHS.
14
Let the height of the balloon be h=60 m.Let the initial angle of elevation be θ1=30∘.Let the subsequent angle of elevation be θ2=15∘.Let the horizontal distance from the observer to the point directly below the balloon initially be x1.tan⁡30∘=hx1⇒x1=htan⁡30∘=601/3=603 m.Let the horizontal distance from the observer to the point directly below the balloon finally be x2.tan⁡15∘=hx2⇒x2=htan⁡15∘.We know that tan⁡15∘=tan⁡(45∘−30∘)=tan⁡45∘−tan⁡30∘1+tan⁡45∘tan⁡30∘=1−1/31+1/3=3−13+1=(3−1)2(3+1)(3−1)=3+1−233−1=4−232=2−3.So, x2=602−3=60(2+3)(2−3)(2+3)=60(2+3)4−3=60(2+3)=120+603 m.The distance the balloon travelled horizontally is x2−x1=(120+603)−603=120 m.However, the question asks for the distance the balloon travelled (which implies the path along its trajectory). Assuming the balloon moved horizontally.If the question implies vertical movement, it would be directly about change in height.Re-interpreting the question as vertical movement:Let the initial height be h1 and final height be h2.tan⁡30∘=h1x (where x is the horizontal distance)
tan⁡15∘=h2xh1x=13⇒x=h13h2x=2−3⇒x=h22−3

h13=h22−3⇒h2=h13(2−3)=23h1−3h1.
This doesn't seem right.
Let's re-read the question. "Find the distance the balloon travelled". This is likely the horizontal distance it covered.
If the height is fixed at 60m, then the question implies the horizontal distance covered.
Distance travelled horizontally = x2−x1=(120+603)−603=120 m.
If the question implies the change in height for a fixed horizontal distance:
Let horizontal distance be x.
tan⁡30∘=60/x⇒x=603.
tan⁡15∘=h2/x⇒h2=xtan⁡15∘=603(2−3)=1203−60×3=1203−180. This is a negative height which is impossible.

Let's assume the question meant the balloon is at a fixed horizontal distance and its height changed.
Consider tan⁡30∘=h1x and tan⁡15∘=h2x. This does not fit the scenario of a balloon moving.

Let's assume the balloon is at height h and the observer is at a point.
Initial position P, height hP. Angle of elevation α.
Final position Q, height hQ. Angle of elevation β.
Let the horizontal distance be d.
tan⁡α=hP/d, tan⁡β=hQ/d.
Let's assume the height of the balloon is 60m initially (α=30∘) and then it moves horizontally, and the angle of elevation becomes 15∘. This implies the observer moved or the balloon moved away horizontally.

Let's assume the observer is fixed and the balloon is at height 60m.
Case 1: Balloon moves away horizontally.
Initial horizontal distance x1. tan⁡30∘=60/x1⇒x1=603.
Final horizontal distance x2. tan⁡15∘=60/x2⇒x2=60/(2−3)=120+603.
Distance travelled horizontally = x2−x1=120+603−603=120 m.

Case 2: Balloon moves vertically.
Initial height h1. Angle of elevation 30∘. Horizontal distance x.
tan⁡30∘=h1/x⇒x=h13.
Final height h2. Angle of elevation 15∘. Horizontal distance x.
tan⁡15∘=h2/x⇒x=h2/(2−3).
h13=h2/(2−3)⇒h2=h13(2−3)=23h1−3h1.
This implies h2<h1 if 23<4, which is true. This would mean the balloon descended. If initial height was 60m:
x=603.
h2=(603)(2−3)=1203−180. This is height.
Distance travelled vertically = h1−h2=60−(1203−180)=240−1203 m.

The most common interpretation of such problems is horizontal movement. So, we will assume horizontal movement.
Distance travelled = 120 m.

15
LHS = sec⁡2θ+csc⁡2θ=1cos⁡2θ+1sin⁡2θ=sin⁡2θ+cos⁡2θsin⁡2θcos⁡2θ=1sin⁡2θcos⁡2θ=1sin⁡θcos⁡θ.RHS = tan⁡θ+cot⁡θ=sin⁡θcos⁡θ+cos⁡θsin⁡θ=sin⁡2θ+cos⁡2θsin⁡θcos⁡θ=1sin⁡θcos⁡θ.LHS = RHS.
16
If sin⁡A=cos⁡A, then sin⁡Acos⁡A=1, which means tan⁡A=1. For acute angle A, A=45∘.So, sin⁡A=cos⁡A=12.The expression is 2tan⁡2A+2cos⁡2A−3=2(1)2+2(12)2−3=2(1)+2(12)−3=2+1−3=0.
17
1−tan⁡245∘1+tan⁡245∘=1−(1)21+(1)2=1−11+1=02=0.
18
LHS = tan⁡A1+sec⁡A−tan⁡A1−sec⁡A=tan⁡A(11+sec⁡A−11−sec⁡A)
=tan⁡A((1−sec⁡A)−(1+sec⁡A)(1+sec⁡A)(1−sec⁡A))=tan⁡A(1−sec⁡A−1−sec⁡A1−sec⁡2A)

=tan⁡A(−2sec⁡A−tan⁡2A)=tan⁡A(2sec⁡Atan⁡2A)=2sec⁡Atan⁡A=2/cos⁡Asin⁡A/cos⁡A=2sin⁡A=2csc⁡A.
LHS = RHS.

19
Given cos⁡A=45. Consider a right-angled triangle with adjacent side 4 and hypotenuse 5. The opposite side is 52−42=25−16=9=3.So, tan⁡A=oppositeadjacent=34 and sin⁡A=oppositehypotenuse=35.The expression is tan⁡A−sin⁡A2tan⁡A=3/4−3/52(3/4)=(15−12)/206/4=3/203/2=320×23=110.
20
Let the initial position of the ladder be such that the foot of the ladder is at point P and the top is at point T.Given length of ladder PT=10 m. Height of the window h1=8 m.Let the distance of the foot from the wall be x1. By Pythagoras theorem, x12+h12=PT2.x12+82=102⇒x12+64=100⇒x12=36⇒x1=6 m.

Now, the ladder is shifted to a new position. Let the new position of the foot be P' and the top be T'. The length of the ladder is still P′T′=10 m.
The angle the ladder makes with the ground is 60∘.
Let the new height of the top of the ladder be h2.
In the new position, sin⁡60∘=h2P′T′=h210.
h2=10sin⁡60∘=10×32=53 m.
The distance the top of the ladder slides down the wall is h1−h2=8−53 m.
53≈5×1.732=8.66. This means the new height is greater than the old height, which contradicts the idea of sliding down.

Let's re-read: "If the ladder is shifted to a new position such that its foot is moved away from the wall". This means x2>x1.
Let the new distance of the foot from the wall be x2.
cos⁡60∘=x2P′T′=x210⇒x2=10cos⁡60∘=10×12=5 m.
This implies the foot of the ladder has moved closer to the wall (x2=5 m, x1=6 m), which contradicts the condition "foot is moved away from the wall".

There might be an issue with the question's phrasing or typical interpretation. Usually, when the foot is moved away, the top slides down. Let's assume the angle is with the wall instead of the ground, or the foot is moved away and the angle is still specified.

Let's assume the problem meant: "the angle made with the ground is less than the initial angle of elevation of the top."
If the foot is moved away, the angle with the ground would decrease if the height was fixed.
Let's assume the angle of 60∘ is correct and it's with the ground.
If x2=5 m, then h2=102−52=100−25=75=53 m.
In this case, h1=8 m and h2=53≈8.66 m. This implies the top has moved up.

Let's consider the possibility that the question is poorly phrased and intended for a situation where the foot is moved away, causing the top to slide down. This would mean the angle with the ground should be less than arcsin⁡(8/10)=arcsin⁡(0.8)≈53.13∘. If the angle was given as 30∘ for example:
If the angle with the ground is 30∘:
h2=10sin⁡30∘=10×12=5 m.
Then the distance the top slides down is h1−h2=8−5=3 m.

Given the provided numbers, let's proceed with the explicit numbers, but note the contradiction.
Initial state: Ladder length = 10m, height = 8m, distance from wall = 6m.
New state: Ladder length = 10m, angle with ground = 60°.
New height h2=10sin⁡60∘=10×32=53 m.
New distance from wall x2=10cos⁡60∘=10×12=5 m.
Since x2<x1, the foot moved closer to the wall.
The change in height is h2−h1=53−8≈8.66−8=0.66 m. The top of the ladder moved up.

If we must interpret "foot is moved away" strictly, and the angle is 60∘, then it's impossible with these numbers.
Assuming the intent was that the top slides down, and the angle with the ground changes. Let's assume the angle becomes 30∘ (a common value).
Initial height = 8m, Initial distance from wall = 6m.
New angle with ground = 30∘.
New height h2=10sin⁡30∘=10×12=5 m.
New distance from wall x2=10cos⁡30∘=10×32=53≈8.66 m.
Here, x2>x1, so the foot moved away.
Distance the top slides down = h1−h2=8−5=3 m.
This seems a more plausible problem statement.

Given the provided numbers, if we strictly follow them, the foot moves closer and the top moves up. The question asks "how far the top of the ladder slides down". This implies a decrease in height.
With the given 60∘, the height becomes 53≈8.66 m. This is an increase.
If we must answer based on the numbers given, and the question phrasing, then it's impossible to slide down.

Let's assume the question means "change in height" and the phrasing "slides down" is a descriptor of a typical scenario, but here the numbers lead to an upward movement.
Change in height = ∣h2−h1∣=∣53−8∣ m.
Since 53>8, the movement is upwards. The distance is 53−8 m.

However, if this is a board exam question, there's likely a typo, and 30∘ or a smaller angle was intended.
Given the need to provide a definite answer, and the context of CBSE questions often having precise answers, let's assume the question implies a downward slide and there's an error in the angle. If we are forced to use 60∘, then the concept of 'sliding down' is not met.

Let's assume a typo and the angle was 30∘ for the foot moved away scenario.
Initial height h1=8 m.
New height h2=10sin⁡30∘=5 m.
Distance slid down =h1−h2=8−5=3 m.

If we MUST use 60∘, the problem is internally inconsistent with "slides down".
Let's stick to the numbers provided in the problem and state the observation.
New height h2=53 m.
The top of the ladder moves up by 53−8 m.
If the question is strictly "slides down", and this scenario leads to upward movement, then the answer would be 0 distance slid down (because it slid up). This is also an unlikely interpretation for a math question.

Let's assume the question writer meant for the angle to result in a downward slide. A common angle that fits "foot moved away" is 30∘. If we use 30∘:
Distance slid down =8−10sin⁡30∘=8−10(1/2)=8−5=3 m.

Let's proceed with the interpretation that the problem is flawed with the given numbers but the intent is to find a downward slide. Using the most common value for such problems where foot moves away is 30∘.
Distance slid down =3 m.

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