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NDA 2019 Maths · Mathematics · Trigonometric Functions and Identities · easy

The greatest value of cos θ-√3sin θ is

Single correct option

The greatest value of cos⁡θ−3sin⁡θ\cos\theta-\sqrt3\sin\theta is
  1. A. 22
  2. B. 3\sqrt3
  3. C. 11
  4. D. 44
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Answer: (A) 22

Write cos⁡θ−3sin⁡θ=2(12cos⁡θ−32sin⁡θ)=2cos⁡(θ+π3)\cos\theta-\sqrt3\sin\theta=2\left(\dfrac12\cos\theta-\dfrac{\sqrt3}2\sin\theta\right)=2\cos\left(\theta+\dfrac\pi3\right), whose greatest value is 22. Equivalently the amplitude is 12+(3)2=2\sqrt{1^2+(\sqrt3)^2}=2. Adding the coefficients, 1+31+\sqrt3, instead of using the square root of the sum of squares is the typical trap.
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Original question written in the NDA 2019 Maths pattern and checked twice for the correct answer. Not an official question paper. How we write and check questions · Corrections policy · Report a mistake