All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

If x = psinA cosB, y = psinA sinB and z = pcos A, then what is the value of x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ?

This question was previously asked in
CDS II 2021 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (14-Nov-2021)
The correct answer is

p 2

Understanding the Problem: Finding the Value of x2 + y2 + z2

The question asks us to find the value of the expression \(x^2 + y^2 + z^2\) given the values of x, y, and z in terms of parameters p, A, and B. We are given:

  • \(x = p \sin A \cos B\)
  • \(y = p \sin A \sin B\)
  • \(z = p \cos A\)

To solve this, we need to calculate the square of each term (x, y, and z) and then add them together. This will involve using some fundamental trigonometric identities.

Step-by-Step Calculation of x2 + y2 + z2

First, let's calculate the square of each given expression:

  1. Calculate \(x^2\):
    \(x^2 = (p \sin A \cos B)^2\) \(x^2 = p^2 \sin^2 A \cos^2 B\)
  2. Calculate \(y^2\):
    \(y^2 = (p \sin A \sin B)^2\) \(y^2 = p^2 \sin^2 A \sin^2 B\)
  3. Calculate \(z^2\):
    \(z^2 = (p \cos A)^2\) \(z^2 = p^2 \cos^2 A\)

Now, we need to find the sum \(x^2 + y^2 + z^2\):

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = (p^2 \sin^2 A \cos^2 B) + (p^2 \sin^2 A \sin^2 B) + (p^2 \cos^2 A)\)

We can factor out the common term \(p^2\) from all terms:

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = p^2 (\sin^2 A \cos^2 B + \sin^2 A \sin^2 B + \cos^2 A)\)

Now, let's look at the terms inside the parenthesis. The first two terms, \(\sin^2 A \cos^2 B\) and \(\sin^2 A \sin^2 B\), have \(\sin^2 A\) in common. We can factor that out:

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = p^2 [\sin^2 A (\cos^2 B + \sin^2 B) + \cos^2 A]\)

Here, we can use the fundamental trigonometric identity: \(\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta = 1\). Applying this to the terms inside the inner parenthesis (\(\cos^2 B + \sin^2 B\)), we get:

\(\cos^2 B + \sin^2 B = 1\)

Substitute this back into our expression:

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = p^2 [\sin^2 A (1) + \cos^2 A]\)

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = p^2 [\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A]\)

Now, we can use the same trigonometric identity again, but this time for angle A: \(\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A = 1\).

Substitute this into the expression:

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = p^2 [1]\)

\(x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = p^2\)

Thus, the value of \(x^2 + y^2 + z^2\) is \(p^2\).

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Review the key elements used in solving this problem.

Concept Description Application in Problem
Squaring expressions Multiplying a term by itself. \((ab)^2 = a^2b^2\) Used to find \(x^2\), \(y^2\), and \(z^2\)
Factoring Extracting a common factor from terms. Factored out \(p^2\) and \(\sin^2 A\)
Trigonometric Identity \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\) Used twice for angles B and A

Additional Information: Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

Trigonometric identities are equations that are true for all values of the variables involved (where they are defined). The identity used in this problem, \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\), is one of the most fundamental Pythagorean identities.

Understanding and applying these identities is crucial for simplifying trigonometric expressions and solving related problems. This identity comes directly from the Pythagorean theorem applied to a right-angled triangle inscribed in a unit circle, where the hypotenuse is 1, the opposite side is \(\sin \theta\), and the adjacent side is \(\cos \theta\).

Other basic identities include reciprocal identities (like \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}\)) and quotient identities (like \(\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}\)). Mastering these basic identities provides a strong foundation for more advanced trigonometry.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. What is the ratio of the greatest to the smallest value of 2 – 2 sin x – sin 2x, 0 ≤ x ≤ (π/2)? 

  2. What is (1 + cot θ - cosec θ)(1 + tan θ + sec θ) equal to?

  3. If x sin3θ + y cos3θ = sin θ cos θ and x sin θ - y cos θ = 0, for every \(\theta \in\left(0, \frac{\pi}{2}\right) \), then what is x2 + y2 equal to ?

  4. How many values of θ will satisfy the equation (sin2θ - 4 sin θ + 3) (4 - cos2θ + 4 sin θ) = 0, where 0 < θ \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) ?

  5. If 7 sin4 θ + 9 cosθ + 42 sin2 θ = 16, 0 < θ < \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), then what is tan θ equal to ?

  6. If sin θ = \(\frac{12}{13}\)  then what is the value of (tan θ + sec θ)2 (cosec θ - cot θ)-2 0 < θ < \(\frac{\pi }{2}\)

  7. If sin θ cos θ = k, where  \(0 \le \theta \le \frac{\pi }{2}\) , then which one of the following is correct?

  8. If tan θ + sec θ = 3, then what is the value of 3 tan θ + 9 sec θ?

  9. If for some θ lying between 0° and 90°, tanθ = 1, then what is the value of sin 2θ - 2sinθ cosθ ?

  10. If x = m secA + n tanA and y = m tanA + n secA, then what is x 2 - y 2equal to ?


Important Questions from Trigonometric Ratios and Identities

  1. What is the ratio of the greatest to the smallest value of 2 – 2 sin x – sin 2x, 0 ≤ x ≤ (π/2)? 

  2. If sinθ = \(\frac{4}{5}\) , Find the value of sin3θ

  3. If x, y are acute angles, where 0 < x + y < 90° and sin(3x - 40°) = cos (3y + 40°), then the value of tan (x + y) is equal to

  4. What is (1 + cot θ - cosec θ)(1 + tan θ + sec θ) equal to?

  5. If \(\sin \theta =\frac{3}{5}\)  and  \(\cos \theta =\frac{4}{5}\) , then the value of  \(\frac{1+\tan \theta}{1-\cot \theta}\)  is:

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1473 Attempts
4.3(173)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App