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ExamsJEE AdvancedMaths

The system of equations: x + (sin a)*y + (sin² a)*z = 0 x + (cos a)*y + (cos² a)*z = 0 x + (sin 2a)*y + (sin² 2a)*z = 0 has non-trivial solutions. How many distinct values of a exist in [0, pi]?

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Correct answer: 3

Solution

The determinant of the matrix with rows (1, p, p²), (1, q, q²), (1, r, r²) equals (q-p)(r-p)(r-q), where p=sin a, q=cos a, r=sin 2a. The determinant is zero when any two are equal. Solving sin a = cos a, sin a = sin 2a, and cos a = sin 2a on [0, pi] gives 3 distinct values.

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