82

MOST TOUGHEST
QUESTIONS
ASKED IN CBSE EXAMS

10 MATHS
th This book contains 82 questions considered
tough by most students which have appeared
in previous year CBSE Exams.

2020 Toughest questions from the entire syllabus.



 Only CBSE board level questions.

 All questions have been strictly selected from
previous year exams.
 Complete answer and solutions for every question.
 When the going gets tough, the tough ones get going.

www.studysmartcbse.com
Toughest Questions asked in CBSE Exams
Real Numbers
1)Thetraffic lights at three different road crossings change after every 48 seconds 72
seconds and 108 seconds respectively. If they all change simultaneously at 8:00
hours, then at what time will they again change simultaneously?
[3 marks]
48=2×2×2×2×3
72=2×2×2×3×3
108=2×2×3×3×3
So, LCM (48,72,108) = 2×2×2×2×3×3×3=432.
432 seconds = 7 minutes and 12 seconds.
Hence, they will again simultaneously change at 8:07:12 hours.

2) Find the smallest positive rational number by which should be multiplied so

that its decimal expansion terminates after 2 places of decimal.
[3 marks]

We have :

For terminating decimal expression , 7 should be removed from the denominator.

Further, for decimal expansion to terminate after 2 places of decimal, there should
be 22.52 in the denominator.
So, smallest positive rational number to obtain a decimal expansion terminating
after 2 decimal places is = .

[Note that by multiplying will also give a decimal expansion

terminating after 2 decimal places. But smallest positive rational number is ]

Polynomials
3) Find all the zeroes of the polynomial 2x4 - 9x3 + 5x2 + 3x -1, if two of its zeroes
are 2  3and 2  3

[4 marks]

2  3 and 2  3 are zeroes of the polynomial, i.e, x 2  4 x  4  3 or x 2  4 x  1

is a factor of the given polynomial. Now, we have:

x 2  4 x  1 2 x 4  9 x 3  5 x 2  3x  1 2 x 2  x  1

2 x 4  8x3  2 x 2

  

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 1 www.studysmartcbse.com

  x 3  3x 2  3x  1

 x3  4 x 2  x

  
 x2  4x 1

 x2  4x 1

  
0

Hence , we have:

2 x 4  9 x3  5x 2  3x  1  ( x 2  4 x  1)(2 x 2  x  1)

Now, 2x2  x 1  2x2  2x  x 1

 2 x( x  1)  1( x  1)

 ( x  1)(2 x  1)

1
Now, x 1  0  x  1 and 2 x  1  0  x   .
2
Thus all the zeroes of the given polynomial are

1
2  3 ,2  3 ,1and  .
2
4) If α and β are zeroes of the polynomial 2x2 - 7x + 5, then find the value of
2 2
 .
 
[3 marks]
α and β are zeroes of 2x2-7x+5.

 (7) 7 5
So,     and  
2 2 2

 2  2  3   3 (   )3  3 (   )
  
   
3
7 5 7 343 105
   3  
Now,   2 2 2
 8 4
5 5
2 2
(343  210 ) 2 133
  
8 5 20

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 2 www.studysmartcbse.com

5)If the polynomial 6x4 + 8x3 + 17x2 + 21x + 7 is divided by another polynomial
3x2 + 4x+1, the remainder comes out to be a (ax+b), find a and b.
(4 marks)
On dividing 6 x 4  8 x 3  17 x 2  21 x  7 by 3x 2  4 x  1, we get:

3 x 2  4 x  1 6 x 4  8 x 2  17 x 2  21x  7 2 x 2  5

6 x 4  8x3  2 x 2

  
15 x 2  21x  7
15 x 2  20 x  5

  
x2

The given remainder is ax+b.

So ax+b = x+2
 a = 1 and b = 2.

Pair of Linear Equations in two variables

6) A part of monthly hostel charges is fixed and the remaining depends on the
number of days one has taken food in the mess. When Swati takes food for days,
she has to pay Rs.3000 as hostel charges, whereas Mansi who takes food for
days pays Rs. 3500 as hostel charges. Find the fixed charges and the cost of food
perday.
[3 marks]
Let the fixed charges be Rs. x and the cost of food per day be Rs. y. So, according to
given conditions, we get
x + 20y = 3000 …(1)
and x + 25y = 3500 ….(2)
From eqn. (1), x = 3000 – 20y. Substituting x = 3000 – 20y in eqn. (2) we get

3000 – 20y + 25y =3500 y= = 100.

Putting y = 100 in eqn. (1), we get x + 20 100 = 3000

x + 2000 = 3000 x =3000 – 2000 = 1000

Thus, fixed charges are Rs.1000 and cost of food per day is Rs.100.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 3 www.studysmartcbse.com

7) A man has certain notes of denominations Rs. 20 and Rs.5 which amount to
Rs.380.If the number of notes of each kind are interchanged, they amount to
Rs.60 less than before. Find the number of notes of each denomination.
[3 marks]
Let the number of notes of Rs. 20 be x and that of Rs.5 be y. So, as per given
conditions, we have:

20x + 5y = 380 4x + y = 76 …(1)

And 20y + 5x = 380 – 60 5x + 20y = 320

x + 4y = 64 …(2)
Multiplying eqn. (1) by (4), we get
16x + 4y = 304
Subtracting eqn. (2) from eqn. (3), we get

16x – x = 304 – 64 15x = 240 x= = 16.

Putting x = 16 in eqn. (1), we get 4 × 16 + y = 76 y = 76 – 64 = 12.

Thus, there are 16 notes of Rs.20 and 12 notes of Rs.5.
8) Solve the following pair of linear equations for x and y:

+ = 2.

ax – by = a2 – b2
[3 marks]
The given system of equation is:

+ =2 bx + ay – 2ab = 0 …..(1)

and ax – by = a2 - b2 ax – by – (a2 – b2) = 0. .…(2)

By cross-multiplication, we get

( ) ( )( )
= ( ) ( )
= ( )

( )
= ( )
=

= =
( ) ( ) ( )

( )
= ( )
=
( )

= =

x = a, y = b.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 4 www.studysmartcbse.com

Hence the solution of the given system of equations is x= a, y=b
9) Solve for x and y:

+ = 10.

- = 4.

[3 marks]

We have: + = 10.

and - = 4.

Let u = and v =

So, we have: u + v =10 …(1)

And u–v=4 …(2)

Adding (1) and (2) we get

2u = 14 u= u = 7.

Putting u = 7 in (1), we get

7 + v = 10 v = 10 – 7 = 3.

Now, u=7 = 7.

7x + 7 = 1 7x = -6 x=

Also, v=3 = 3.

3y + 3 =1 3y = -2 y= .

10) Solve for x and y:

+ = 2; - = 1.

[3 marks]

Putting u = and v = , the given equation can be written as

5u + v = 2 …(1)
and 6u – 3v =1 …(2)
Multiplying eqn. (1) by 3, we get

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 5 www.studysmartcbse.com

15u + 3v = 6 …(3)
Adding eqns. (2) and (3) we get

21u = 7 u=

= x–1=3 x = 4.

Putting u = in (1), we get

+v=2 v=2- =

= y–2=3

y=5
11) Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method:

√ x + √ y = 0.

√ x - √ y = 0.
[3 marks]
Given equations are

√ x + √ y = 0, …(i) and √ x - √ y =0 ……(ii)

√
or√ y = - √ x y= …….(iii)
√

√
Putting y = in eqn.(ii), we get
√

√
√ x-√ . /=0
√

Or 5x + √ x =0

Or (5 + √ )x = 0 x = 0,
Putting x = 0 in eqn. (i) we get
y=0
So, x = 0 and y = 0 is the required solution.
12. The sum of the digits of a two digits number is 9. If, nine times this number is
equal to twice the number obtained by reversing the order of the digits of the
number, find the number.
[3 marks]
Let the unit digit be x and the tens digit be y.
As per the given conditions, we have:

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 6 www.studysmartcbse.com

x+y=9 …(1)
The number is 10y + x.
So, 9(10y + x) = 2(10x + y)

90y + 9x = 20x + 2y

11x – 88y = 0

x – 8y = 0 …(2)
Subtracting (2) from (1), we get

y + 8y = 9 – 0 9y = 9 y = = 1.

So, from (1), we get x = 8.

Thus, the number is 18.
13. 2 men and 7 women can together do a piece of work in 4 days. It is done by 4 men
and 4 women in 3 days. How long would it take for one man or one woman to do the
same work?
[3 marks]
Let us suppose that on man can do a work in x days and one woman can do work in y
days
Then according to the problem

+ = ….(i)

and + = .…(ii)

For equating coefficients of , multiplying eqn. (i) by 2, we get

+ = ….(iii)

Subtracting (ii) from (iii), we get

= y = 10 6 = 60 days

Putting the value of y in (i), we get

+ =

or = -

or =

= x=

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 7 www.studysmartcbse.com

 x = 15 days.
So one man alone will complete the work in 15 days and one woman alone will
complete the work in 60 days
14. A boat takes 4 hours to go 44 km downstream and it can go 20 km upstream in
the same time. Find the speed of stream and that of the boat in still water.
[3 marks]
Let the speed of boat in still water be x km/h and the speed of stream be y km/h. So,
as per given conditions, we have:
4 (x + y) = 44

x + y = 11 …(1)
and (x – y) × 4 = 20 …(2)

x–y=5
Adding (1) and (2), we get

2x = 16 x = 8.
Putting x = 8 in (1), we get y = 3.
So, speed of the stream is 3 km/h and that of the boat in still water is 8 km/h.

Quadratic Equations
15. Solve the given equation for :

[3 marks]

⇒
( ) ( )
⇒ ( ) ( )

⇒ ( )

⇒ ( )

⇒ ( ) ( )

⇒( )( )

⇒( ) ( )

So,

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 8 www.studysmartcbse.com

16) A two digit number is such that the product of the digits is 18. When 63 is
subtracted from the number, the digits interchange their places. Find the number.

[3 Marks]

Let units digit be x. then tens digits =

Number = .

On interchanging the digits, the number becomes

Therefore,

⇒ ( ) ( ) 0

⇒( )( )

∴neglecting the negative value of x as the digits is positive,

Hence, the number =

17) -4 is a root of the quadratic and the quadratic equation

has equal roots. Find the values of p and k.
[3 marks]

√ .

Arithmetic Progression
18)The houses of a row are numbered consecutively from 1 to 49. Show that there is
a value of x such that the sum of the numbers of houses preceding the house
numbered x is equal to the sum of the number of houses following it. Find the value
of x.

Here, we are given that

{ ( )+ *( ) ( ) ( ) +

⇒ . /* ( ) + . /* ( ) ( ) }

⇒ ( )( ) ( )( )

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 9 www.studysmartcbse.com

 ⇒ ( )( ) ( )( )

⇒ ⇒

⇒ √

Thus, value of is

19) If Sn denotes the sum of first n terms of an AP, prove that ( )

[4 Marks]

we have:

, ( ) -

, - ………(1)

, - …………(2)

and , - …………(3)

Now, RHS= ( )

* +

* )

= RHS, as obtained in (2) above

Hence, ( ) is Proved.

Triangles
20) In the given figure ABC is an equilateral Triangle, whose each side measures
units. P and Q are two points on BC produced such that PB = BC = CQ.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 10 www.studysmartcbse.com

Prove that:

( ) ( )

[3 Marks]

InPAB, PB = AB

So, APB = PAB

Also, ABP = 180 - 60 = 120

So, APB = PAB = ( )

Similarly, QAC = QCA = 30

So, PAQ = PAB + BAC + QAC

Now, in PQA and PAB, we have:

APQ = APB (Each )

PAQ = PBA (Each )

And PQA = PAB (Each )

So, PQA PAB (By AAA similarity creation)

Hence, (Proved)

(b)

PQ = 3

So, from

(Proved)

21) In the figure, if A = D, then prove that AE

[3 Marks]

In AEC and DEC, we have:

A = D (Given)

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 11 www.studysmartcbse.com

And AEF = DEC (Vertically opposite angles)

So, AEF DEC (By AA similarity

criterion)

Therefore,

 AE DC = DE AF, Proved.

22) In the figure,   

( )

[4 Marks]

AB  BD and XY  BD (ABD = 90 , XYD = 90 )

 AB XY

So, BAX = YXD

Hence, DXY DAB (By AA similarity criterion)

So, ……(1)

Also, by AA similarity criterion,

BXY BCD

So, ……..(2)

From (1), 

So, from (2), we have:

 cb – bc = ac

 ab = ac + bc

 ab = c(a + b), proved

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 12 www.studysmartcbse.com

23) In the parallelogram ABCD, middle point of CD is M. A line segment BM is
drawn which cuts AC at L and meets AD extended at E. Prove that EL = 2BL.

[4 Marks]

In EDM and BCM, we have

DM = CM (Given)

DME = BME (Vertically opposite angles)

DEM = CBM (Alternate interior angles, DEBC)

So, EDM = BCM (By AAS congruence criterion)

 DE = BC (CPCT)
So, DE = AD (Because BC = AD)

Now, in AEL and CBL, we have:

ELA = BLC (Vertically opposite angles)

DEL = CBL (Vertically interior angles)

So, AEL CBL (By AA similarity criterion)

(Corresponding sides are proportional)

 (Since AD = DE)

 (BC = AD)

2BL = EL EL = 2BL, proved.

24) In the figure, in ABC, AD  BC. Prove that .

[2 Marks]

In rt. ADB,

 ………(1)

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 13 www.studysmartcbse.com

In rt. ADC,

= ( )

= ( ) ……….(2)
From (1) and (2),
( )

25) The perpendicular from A on the side BC of aABC intersects BC at D such that
DB = 3CD. Prove that .
[2 Marks]

BD = 3CD  BD – CD = 2 CD
Also, BC = BD + CD = 4CD ……..(1)

Now,

So,

 2( ) – 2( ) = 2( )

 2( ) – 2( ) = 2(BD + CD)(BD - CD)

 2( ) – 2( )= ( ) [∵BC = 4CD from (1)]

 2( ) = 2( )+B

26) In an equilateraltriangle ABC , D is a point on side BC such that 3BD = BC.

Prove that .
[2 Marks]
Let ABC be an equilateral triangle and let D be a point on BC such that

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 14 www.studysmartcbse.com

 Draw AE  BC. Join AD.

In s AEB and AEC, we have:

AEB = AEC (∵ Each = 90 )

And AE = AE (common)

 By RHS congruence criterion, we have:

AEB AEC

 BE = EC (CPCT)
Now, we have:

BD = BC, DC = BC – BD BC – BC =

So, DE = DC – EC = BC – …….(1)

And BE = EC = BC ……..(2)

In rt. AED,

……..(3)

And in rt. AEB,

………(4)
From (3) and (4),

= . / . / [Using (1) and (2)]

  (∵AB = BC)

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 15 www.studysmartcbse.com

27)ABC is right angled at C. If BC = a, CA = b, AB = c and p is length of
perpendicular drawn from C on AB, then prove that:
(i) cp = ab

(ii)

[2 Marks]
In the figure, we have:

CP  PB and CP =

(i) Area of ABC =

Also, Area of ABC =

So, we have:

 Proved.

(ii)

 . / [From ]

  

 Proved.

28) In the figure, BL and CM are the medians of a triangle right angled at A. Prove
that:
( )

[2 Marks]
Given that M is the mid-point of AB and L is the mid-point of AC.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 16 www.studysmartcbse.com

In rt. ABC,

……(1)

In rt. ABL,

……(2)

In rt. AMC,

……(3)
Adding (2) and (3) and subtracting (1) from the result, we get

= . / + . / (∵AM = MB and AL = LC)

[From (1)]

 4( )-4

Or 4( )=5

29) In the given figure, PQRS is a parallelogram and L is the mid-point of RQ. Prove
that M is the point of trisection of PR and SL.

[3 Marks]
Through Q, draw a line QNT parallel to LS intersecting PR and PS at N and T
respectively.

From RQN, we have:

ML NQ

So, (By BPT)

But RL = LQ (L is mid-point of RQ, given)

So, RM = MN -------------(i)

Now, QTSL is a parallelogram, because SL QT and QLTS.

(Opposite sides of parallelogram).

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 17 www.studysmartcbse.com

So, QL = TS
Hence, TS = PT (Because L is the mid-point of QR)

Now from PSM, we have:

TN  SM

So, (By BPT)

But PT = TS (Already shown)

So, PN = MN -------------(ii)
Hence, from (i) and (ii),
PN = MN = RM

Thus, RM = PR ------------(iii)

Also, PNT RML (By SAS)

So, TN = ML (CPCT)

 ML = SM (Since TN = SM)

 ML = SL -------------(iv)

From (iii) and (iv), we get that M is the point of trisection of PR and SL.

30) InABC, DE BC and CD EF. Prove that

(2 Marks)

In ABC, DE BC

So, …………(i)

Now, in ADC, EF CD.

Then, …………(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get

Or .
Hence, proved.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 18 www.studysmartcbse.com

31) In the given figure, ABC and PQR are equilateral triangles. An altitude of
PQR is of the same length as a side of ABC. Prove that area(PQR) = ar(ABC)

(3 Marks)

Given: ABC and PBR are equivalent s, and AB = BC = AC = S =PT.

To prove: ar(PQR) = ar(ABC)

Proof: In PQR,

PTQ =  PTR (RHS congruency criteria)

 QT = TR = (C.P.C.T.) ….(i)

Now, in PTQ,

(Pythagoras theorem)
PQ = QR (Given)

 [From (i)]

 4

 ……(ii)

Also, ABC PQR [AA similarity]

( )

( )

 ( ) ( )

Hence proved.

32) In the given figure, the line segment XY is parallel to side AC of ABC and it
divides the triangle into two parts of equal areas. Find the ratio of

(3 Marks)

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 19 www.studysmartcbse.com

Let AB = and BX = .

Now, XY AC

So, X = A and Y = C.

Hence, BXY BAC (By AA similarity criterion)

( )
 ( )
. / . /

 ( )= , ( )- …..(1)

But it is given that

( ) ( ) ……(2)

So, [From (1) and (2)]


√

 ……(3)
√

So,
√

√

√

√
 ……(4)
√

Dividing (4) by (3), we get

√ √ √
 . /
√ √

√
 √
√

So, the ratio is √

33) In the figure, ABC is a triangle and BD  AC. Prove that

.

(2 Marks)

By Pythagoras Theorem, in ABC and ECD, we have:

=( ) ( )
= 144 + 25

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 20 www.studysmartcbse.com

 AC = √

And EC = √ √ √

 AC + CE = 13 + 10 = 23 cm.

34) In a right angled ABC, right angled at B, points D and E divides BC and BA
respectively in the ratio 2:1. Prove that .

(2 Marks)

Given: In ABC, ABC =

Points D and E are on BC and AB respectively dividing each side in the ratio 2:1.
Now, EB: AE = 2: 1

 AE: EB = 1: 2

 EB =

Also, BD: DC = 2: 1

 BD =

To prove:

Proof: In right ABD, B =

So, [By Pythagoras theorem]

Or, . / [∵BD = ]

 ……(i)

Now, in BCE, B =

So, [By Pythagoras theorem]

Or . /

Or

Or ……(ii)

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 21 www.studysmartcbse.com

Adding (i) and (ii), we get

= ( )

[In right ABC, + ]

= 13

So, 9 = 13

Hence, proved.

35) In right angled ABC, C = and D, E and F are three points on

BC such that they divide it in four equal parts. Prove that: (
)

(4 Marks)
Given: In ACB, C = and BD = DE = EF = FC =

To prove: ( )

Proof: In AFC, C =

So, = [By Pythagoras theorem]

Or = . /

Or 16 = 16 …..(i)

Now, in right ACD, C =

So, = [By Pythagoras theorem]

Or = . /

Or 16 = ……(ii)
Adding (i) and (ii), we get
( )

Or 8( )=

= +

= ( + )

So, 8( )=

Hence, proved.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 22 www.studysmartcbse.com

36) In the figure, BL and CM are the medians of a
triangle right angled at A. Prove that:
( )

(2 Marks)

Given that M is the mid-point of AB and L is the mid-point of AC.

In rt. ABC,

……(1)

In rt. ABL,

……(2)

In rt. AMC,

……(3)
Adding (2) and (3) and subtracting (1) from the result, we get

= . / + . / (∵AM = MB and AL = LC)

[From (1)]

 4( )-4

Or 4( )=5

Coordinate Geometry

37)Find the coordinates of the centre of a circle which passes through the points
( ), ( ), and ( ).
[4 Marks]
Let the coordinates of the centre be ( ).
So, we have:
( ) ( )

( ) ( )

( ) ( )

and

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 23 www.studysmartcbse.com

Now, (Radii of a circle)
So,
From , we get



From , we get



Putting in (1), we get

So, the centreis ( ).

38)The vertices of a are ( ), ( ), and ( ). The mid-point of the side

BC is ( ). Show that the median AD divides the triangle ABC into two triangles
equal in area. Also, find the area of to verify your answer.
[4 Marks]

Now, area of , ( ) ( ) ( )-

, - sq. units.

Area of , ( ) ( ) ( )-

, - sq. units.

Thus, area of area of , verified.

Also, area of , ( ) ( ) ( )-

, - sq. units.

i.e., area of area of area( )

39)Four points ( ), ( ), ( ), and ( )are given in such way that

. Find .

[4 Marks]

.
, ( ) ( )( ) ( )-

, ( ) ( )( ) ( )-

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 24 www.studysmartcbse.com







 .

Introduction to Trigonometry

40) Find the value of × - × .

[1 mark]
( )
- .
( ) ( )
= × - ×

= × - × = ×1 - × 1.

= - = = .
41) Evaluate: (sin2 15˚+ sin2 75˚) +√ ( tan 13˚. tan 60˚.tan 27˚.cot 20˚.cot 70˚.tan
77˚.tan 63˚)
[2 mark]
We have:

(sin2 15˚ +sin2 75˚) + √ (tan 13˚. tan 60˚. tan 27˚.cot 20˚.cot 70˚.tan 77˚.tan 63˚)

= (sin2 15˚ +cos2 15˚) + √ (tan 13˚.tan 60˚.tan 27˚.tan 70˚.cot 70˚. cot 13˚.cot 27˚)

= (1) + √ (tan 13˚. cot 13˚.tan 60˚.tan 27˚.cot 27˚.tan 70˚.cot 70˚) [cot (90˚ - = tan -

= 1 + √ (1 × √ × 1 × 1) = 1+3 =4. 0∴ 1

42) Show that: =

[3 marks]

We have: =

+ = =

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 25 www.studysmartcbse.com

Now, L.H.S = +

=
( )( )

= = = 2 sec θ.

=2× = = R.H.S

43) Prove that (cosec θ - cot θ)2 =

[3 marks]
LHS = (cosec θ – cotθ)2

=. / =. /
( ) ( )
= =
( )
= = =RHS. Hence, proved.
( )( )

44) If m sin θ + n cos θ = p and m cos θ – n sin θ = q, then prove that m2 + n2 = p2+q2.
[3 marks]
We have: RHS = p2+q2
=(m sin θ + n cos θ)2 + (m cos θ – n sin θ)2
=(m2 sin2 θ + n2 cos2 θ +2mn sin θ cos θ) +(m2 cos2 θ + n2 sin2 θ – 2mn sin θ cos θ)
= m2 (sin2 θ + cos2 θ) + n2 (sin2 θ + cos2 θ)
= m2 + n2 =LHS. Hence, proved.

45) Prove that: + =2(2cosec2 A – 1) = 2. /.

[4 marks]

LHS = +
( ) ( )
=
( )( )

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 26 www.studysmartcbse.com

 ( )
= =

= = 2(2cosec2A – 1). Hence, proved.

Now, 2(2cosec2 A – 1)

=22 3

= 22 3 = 22 3 =2 2 3 . Hence, proved.

46) If tan θ + sin θ = m and tan θ – sin θ = n, show that m2 – n2 = 4√

[4 marks]
We have:
LHS = m2 – n2 = (m + n)(m – n)
= 2 tan θ. 2 sin θ = 4 tan θ sin θ

RHS = 4√ = 4√( )( )

= 4√ = 4√

= 4 sin θ √ = 4 sin θ √

= 4 sin θ √ = 4 sin θ tan θ

LHS = RHS m2 – n2 = 4√

47) Prove that:

√ +√ = 2cosec θ.

[4 marks]

LHS = √ +√

( ) ( ) ( )
=√ +√
( ) ( ) ( )

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 27 www.studysmartcbse.com

 ( ) ( )
=√ +√ = +
√ √

( ) ( )
=
√

= = =
√

= = 2cosec θ = RHS. Hence, proved.

48)Prove that:

√ .√ = 1.

[3 marks]

LHS = √ ×√

=√ ×√

( ) ( )
=√ ×√

( ) ( )
=√ ×√

= (sec A + tan A) ×

= (sec A + tan A) . /
= (sec A + tan A)(sec A – tan A)
= sec2 A – tan2 A = 1 = RHS. Hence, proved.

49) Prove that: = =

[4 marks]

, -
LHS = =
( ) ( )( )
=

( ), ( )-
= =

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 28 www.studysmartcbse.com

 ( )( )
= = tan A + sec A.

= + = , proved.
( )( )
( )

= =
( ) ( )

= = RHS. Hence, proved.

50) If tan A =n tan B and sin A = m sin B, then prove that cos2 A =

[4 marks]
We have: tan A = n tan b
sin A = m sin B

So, =

= ×

cos A = cos B

Squaring both sides, we get

cos2 A = cos2B= (1 – sin2 B)

= [ . / ]= 0 1

= 0 1= 0 1

cos2A =

n2 cos2 A – cos2 A = m2 – 1

cos2 A = Hence, proved.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 29 www.studysmartcbse.com

51) Prove that: √ .√ = (sec A – 1).(cosec A – 1).

[4 marks]

( ) ( )
LHS =√ .√
( ) ( )

( )( ) ( )( )
√( .√
)( ) ( )( )

( ) ( )
= √ .√

= . = (sec A -tan A)(cosec A – cot A)

= sec A . cosec A – sec A . cot A – tan A . cosec A + tan A . cot A

= sec A .cosec A - × - × + tan A ×

= sec A . cosec A – cosec A – sec A + 1

= cosec A(sec A – 1) – 1(sec A -1)
= (sec A – 1)(cosec A - 1)
= RHS. Hence, proved.

52) Prove that: (tan θ + sec θ - 1).(tan θ + 1 +sec θ) =

[4 marks]
LHS = (tan θ + sec θ – 1)(tan θ + 1 + sec θ)
= (sec θ + tan θ)2 – (1)2
= sec2 θ + tan2 θ + 2sec θ tan θ – 1
= tan2 θ + tan2 θ + 2 sec θ tan θ
= 2 tan2 θ + 2 sec θ tan θ
= 2 tan θ (tan θ + sec θ)

= . /=
( ) ( )
= =
( )
=
( )( )

= =RHS. Hence, proved.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 30 www.studysmartcbse.com

Some Applications of Trigonometry

53)A man observes the angle of elevation of a bird to be 30°. He then walks 100m
towards the bird which is stationary and finds that the angle of elevation is 60°.
Find the height at which the bird is sitting?
[3 Marks]

Let B be the position of the bird which is at a height h from the ground level. Let C
and D be the positions of the man.

30° 60°
C 100 m D y A

From rt. ABD,


 √
 √ ……………….(1)

From rt. ABC,



√
 √
 √ –

From eq. (1),

 ( √ )√
 √
 √
 √



So, bird is sitting at a height of 86.6 m.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 31 www.studysmartcbse.com

54)There are two temples, one an each bank of a river, just opposite to each other.
One temple is 50m high. From top of this temple, the angles of depression of the top
and the foot of the other temple are 30° and 60° respectively. Find the width of the
river and the height of the other temple?

[4 Marks]
Let AB be the width of the river, AC and BD are the temples of heights 50 m and h m
respectively.

C
30°

60°

30°
E D
50 m

60°
A B

From rt. CED,



 √
 √ ( ) ………………….(1)

From rt. ABC,





 √
 √
.

So, from equation (1),

 √
√ ( )
 ( )


 .

Hence, width of river = √ and height of the other temple .

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 32 www.studysmartcbse.com

55)A boy 2 m tall is standing at some distance from a 30 m tall building. The angle
of elevation from his eyes to the top of the building increases from 30° to 60° as he
walks towards the building. Find the distance he walked towards the building?

[4 Marks]
Let AB be the building and ED be the boy. E and F are two positions of the eyes of
the boy.

Building

28 m
30° F 60° G
E
x 2m
D C B

Let
In rt. AFG,


 √
√

√

In rt. AEG,

 √
[ From (1) ]
√

√
 √
√ √
 √

√
Thus, the distance the boy walked towards the building is .

56)A peacock is sitting on the top of a tree. It observes a serpent on the ground
making an angle of depression of 30°. The peacock with the speed of 300m/minute
catches the serpent in 12 seconds. What is the height of the tree?

[3 Marks]
Let height of the tree beh meters.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 33 www.studysmartcbse.com

 A

30°
C B

So, we have:


 …………….(1)

The peacock catches the serpent in 12 seconds with a speed of 300 m/minute.

So,
 .
So, from (1),



Thus, height of the tree is 30 meters.

57) If the angles of elevation of the tops of two statues of height m1 and m2 are 60°
and 30° respectively from the mid-point of the line segment joining their feet, then
find the ratio m1:m2?

[3 Marks]
P is the mid-point of BD. Let DP = BP = x

C
1

2
30° 60°
D P B

So, we have:


 √
 √ ………………(1)

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 34 www.studysmartcbse.com

 Also, we have:



√
 √
………………..(2)

From (1) and (2), we get

√ √


So, ∶ ∶

58)At a point A, 20 meters above the level of water in a lake, the angle of elevation
of a cloud is 30°. The angle of depression of the reflection of the cloud in the lake at
A is 60°. Find the distance of the cloud from A?

[4 Marks]

Let C be the cloud and C’ be the reflection of C in lake. Further, A is the point of
observation 20 meters above the lake. Let the line joining C and C’ intersect the
horizontal line through A at Q.

We also have: .

A 30°
60° Q

20 m

Lake
P

C’

Now, from CAQ, we get


 √
 √ ………………….(1)

Also, from AQC’, we get


 √
√


Toughest Questions in Board Exams 35 www.studysmartcbse.com

 
 = 20 m

Now, from ACQ, we get





Thus, distance of the cloud from

Circles
59)Two circles with centers at O and O' touch each other externally at T as shown:

R
12 cm
5 cm
T
Q
P
O O'
13 cm ' 3 cm

If PR=12 CM, PO=13 cm, O'Q =5 cm and SQ=3 cm, find the length of line segment
PQ.
[4 marks]
Join OR and O'S
In △ORP, ∠ORP=90˚ (Radius is perpendicular to the tangent)
∴ OR2=OP2-PR2
=(13)2 - (12)2
=169-144
=25

So, OR=√ =5 cm.

OT= 5 cm (Radii of the same circle)
Similarly, in △O'QS,
∠O'SQ=90˚
∴ O'S2= O'Q2-QS2
So, =52 – 32 =16 cm.

So, O'S=√ = 4 cm.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 36 www.studysmartcbse.com

 O'T =4 cm (Radii of the same circle)
Thus, PQ=PO+OT+O'T+O'Q
(13+5+4+5) = 27 cm.
60) In the given figure, OP is equal to the diameter of the circle. Prove that ABP is
an equilateral triangle.
A

O P

(3 marks)

let radius (OA) = r.

OP=2r.
Also, ∠OAP=90˚ (Tangent is ⊥ to radius through the point of contact).
In right, △OAP,

Sin(∠OPA)= .

∠OPA=30˚

Similarly, from △OPB.

∠OPB=30˚
∠APB=30˚+30˚=60˚.

Since PA =PB (lengths of tangents from an external point are equal), therefore
∠PAB=∠PBA.
In △APB,
∠APB+∠PAB+∠PBA=180˚ (Angle sum property of triangle)
60˚+2∠PAB=180˚
∠PAB=60˚
∠PBA=60˚
Since all angles are 60˚, therefore △ABP is equilateral.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 37 www.studysmartcbse.com

61) PA and PB are the tangents of a circle which circumscribes an equilateral
△ABQ.
If ∠PAB=60˚, as shown in the figure, prove that QP bisects AB at right angles.
A
60˚

Q P

B 60˚

(4 marks)
∠
} (△ABQ is equilateral)
∠
So, ∠PAQ=∠PAB+∠QAB=60˚+60˚=120˚
Similarly ∠PBQ=120˚ …….(1)
Now, in △PAQ and △PBQ,
PA=PB (Tangents from external point)
AQ=BQ (△ABQ equilateral)
∠PAQ =∠PBQ (Each=120˚, shown above)
△PAQ △PBQ (by SAS)
∠APQ = ∠BPQ(CPCT)…..(2)
Let QP intersects AB at M.
Now, in △PAM and △PBM,
∠APM= ∠BPM [From (2)]
PA=PB
PM=PM
So, △PAM △PBM (by SAS)
AM=BM (CPCT)…..(3)
and∠AMP = ∠BMP (CPCT)
But ∠AMP+∠BMP = 180˚
∠AMP+∠AMP = 180˚
2∠AMP= 180˚
∠AMP= 90˚ ……(4)
From (3) and (4) we get that QP bisects AB at right angles.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 38 www.studysmartcbse.com

62) Tangents PQ and PR are drawn to circle such that ∠RPQ =30˚. A chord RS is
drawn parallel to the tangent PQ. Find ∠RQS.

S O F
30˚

(4 marks)
Draw QA⊥PQ intersecting RS at A.
So, ∠ S b u RS||P
Also, QA will pass through center O of the circle. Join OR.
So,∠ROQ+∠RPQ = 180˚
∠ROQ+ = 180˚
∠ROQ = 150˚

But ∠RSQ = ∠ROQ.

So, ∠RSQ =

Therefore, from △QSA,

∠S - -
Also we have:
∠PQR+∠PRQ+∠QPR=180˚
∠PQR+∠PRQ+ =180˚ (∠PQR=∠PRQ because PQ=PR)
2∠PQR=150˚

∠PQR=

But ∠ P ( gl b w g d d )
So, ∠AQR=∠AQP-∠PQR.
=90˚-75˚-15˚.
So, ∠RQS=∠SQA+∠AQR
=15˚+15˚=30˚

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 39 www.studysmartcbse.com

63) PQ and RS are the two diameters of a circle with center O. Prove that the
quadrilateral formed by the tangents at the extremities of these diameters is a
parallelogram. Also, show that the diagonals of this parallelogram pass through O.
D R A

Q 1
O
2
3
4 F

C S B

(4 marks)
See the figure.
We have QP⊥AB (Tangents and radius are perpendicular)
Also,PQ⊥DC (Tangents and radius are perpendicular)
So, AB||DC ……(1)
Similarly, from other diameter RS,
AD||BC ..….(2)
Hence, from (1) and (2), ABCD is a parallelogram.
Now, join OA and OC.
We have:△OAR △OAP (By RHS)
So, ∠1= ∠2 (CPCT)
Similarly,△OCQ △OCS (BY RHS)
So, ∠3= ∠4 (CPCT)
But ∠POS = ∠QOS (Vertically opposite angles)…..(3)
So, from (1), (2) and(3),
∠1= ∠2=∠3= ∠4.
Now, we have,
∠1+ ∠2+∠POS+∠4+∠3+∠ROQ=360˚
∠2+ ∠2+∠POS+∠4+∠4+∠POS=360˚ (∠ROQ=∠POS)
2(∠2+∠POS+∠4)=360˚
∠2+∠POS+∠4=180˚.
Hence, AOC is a line.
i.e, AC passes through center O.
Similarly, it can be shown that other diagonal BD passes through center O.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 40 www.studysmartcbse.com

64)In the given figure, PA and PB are two tangents drawn to a circle with center O.
A chord BC is drawn to a circle with center O. A chord BC is drawn parallel to
tangent PA. If ∠ = 40˚ and AB = AC, find ∠ABC, ∠BCA and ∠BAC.

B
40˚

O
F

C
A
(4 marks)
In △PAB, PA=PB
∠PBA= ∠PAB
Now, in △PBA, we get
∠PBA+∠PAB+∠APB=
∠PAB+∠PAB+40˚= 2∠PAB=140˚.

∠PAB

Now, BC||PA.
So, ∠ABC= ∠PAB (Alternate angles)
So, ∠ABC=
Since, AB= AC, so
∠BCA= ∠ABC
∠BCA=70˚
Now, ∠BAC+∠BCA+∠ABC=
∠BAC+70˚+70˚=180˚
∠BAC=180˚-140˚=40˚

Constructions
65)Draw two concentric circles of radii 3 cm and 6 cm. From a point on the outer
circle, construct a pair of tangents to the inner circle. Measure their lengths.

[4 Marks]

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 41 www.studysmartcbse.com

 Steps of construction:

1. Draw two concentric circles with centre O and radii 3 cm and 6 cm.
2. Take any point P on the outer circle and join OP.
3. Bisect OP and with OP as diameter, draw a circle to intersect the inner
circle at A and B.
4. Join PA and PB.
Then, PA and PB are the required tangents to the inner circle.
On measuring, P P (approx.)

Areas Related To Circles

66)The given figure consists of four small semicircles of equal radii and two big
semicircles of equal radii (each 42 cm). Find the area and perimeter of the shaded
region?

[3 Marks]

Radius of each smaller semicircle

So, perimeter of the shaded region

=P ll l P b gg l

 =( )

 =( )

 = .

Area of the shaded region

 =
( b gg l – ll l
ll l )

 = b gg l

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 42 www.studysmartcbse.com

  = ( )

 =

67)In the figure, OACB is a quadrant of a circle with centre O and radius If
, find the area of the shaded region?

[3 Marks]
Area of the shaded region
 = u d –

 =[ ]

 =[ ]

 =( ) = 84

68)In the given figure, ABCD is a rectangle of dimensions A

semicircle is drawn with centre O, radius √ cm and it passes through A and B.
Find the area of the shaded region? ( )

[3 Marks]
Draw P ⊥
We have:
 √
 P
So,
 P P ( √ )

 P

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 43 www.studysmartcbse.com

So,
 P P
 ∠ P
 ∠
Therefore, area of segment AEB
 =

 = ( √ )

 = –

( )
 =, -

 =

So, area of the shaded region

 = g
 =, -
 =, -

69)In the given figure, ABCD is a rectangle of length 10√2 cm and breadth 5√2 cm.
If APB is an isosceles triangle inscribed in the semicircle with diameter AB, find the
area of the shaded region?

[4 Marks]

Draw P ⊥
As P P so M is the mid – point of AB
SO,
 P √
Therefore,
 ( P ) P √ √

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 44 www.studysmartcbse.com

  l P ( √ )


So, area of the shaded region = l gl

 , -

Surface Areas and Volumes

70) A trophy awarded to the best student in the class is in the form of a solid
Cylindermounted on a solid hemisphere with the same radius and is made from
some metal.This trophy is mounted on a wooden cuboid as shown in the figure. The
diameter ifthe hemisphere is 21 cm ad the total height of the trophy is 24.5 cm.
Find the weightof the metal used in making the trophy, if the weight of 1 cm3 of the
metal is 1.2 g. . /

[4Marks]
Total height of the trophy = cm
So, height of the cylinder = 24.5 cm - cm

( ) cm = cm.
So, volume of the metal used in the trophy
=

=2 . / 3 cm3

=2 3 cm3

= cm3.

So, weight of the metal = g

= g

= g g

= kg
71) A decorative pen stand made of wood is in the shape of a cuboid with four

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 45 www.studysmartcbse.com

conical depressions and a cubical depression to hold pins and paper strips
respectively. The dimensions of the cuboid are 20 cm 15 cm 10 cm. The radius of
each conical depression is 0.5 cm and depth 2.1 cm. The edge of cubical depression
is 9 cm. Find the volume of wood used in making the entire pen stand.. /

[4 Marks]
Volume of the wood used = Volume of cuboid – 4 x Volume of a cone – Volume of
a cube

=2 ( ) 3 cm3

. / cm3

. / cm3 . / cm3

. / cm3 cm3

72)Three cubes of a metal whose edges are in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5 are melted and
converted into a single cube whose diagonal is 12 cm. Find the edges of the three
cubes.
[2 Marks]

Let the side of the new cube be ‘a’.

So, √ √

Let the edges of the cubes be , , and .
Side of new cube 12 cm
Volume of three cubes Volume of single cube
 ( ) ( ) ( )


 ( )

 .

∴ Edges of cubes are 6 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm.

73) Find the number of plates, 1.5 cm in diameter and 0.2 cm thick, that can be
fitted completely inside a right circular cylinder of height 10 cm and diameter 4.5
cm.
[2 Marks]
Let the number of plates that can be fitted completely inside the cylinder be x.

So, . / . /

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 46 www.studysmartcbse.com

 .

74)A birthday conical cap is cut by a plane parallel to its base and the upper part is
used as a new cap for a toy. The curved surface area of this new cap is of the curved
surface area of the whole cone. Find the ratio of the line segments into which the
cone’s altitude is divided by the plane.
[3 Marks]
Let height of the cone h.
That is, .
Let P
Also, let P and R.
Now,
So,

Also, …(1)

Now, curved surface area of new cap

and curved surface area of original cone

.
It is given that R .

 [From (1)]

 [From (1)]

 …(2)

So,

 …(3)

From (2) and (3),

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 47 www.studysmartcbse.com

 P∶P

75)A hollow cone is cut by a plane parallel to the base and upper part is removed to
make a Turkish cap. If the curved surface area of the remainder is of the curved
surface of the whole cone, find the ratio of the line segments into which the cone’s
height is divided by the plane from which the cut is made.
[4 Marks]

Here, P .

…(1)

Curved surface area of remainder, i.e., the Turkish cap =

of the curved surface area of cone

 Curved surface area of upper cone

=. /, i.e., of the curved surface area of original

cone
So, we have:

. / . / [From (1)]

. /

. / …(2)

So,

 …(3)

 [From (2) and (3)]

So, AP:PO = 1:4.

Toughest Questions in Board Exams 48 www.studysmartcbse.com

Statistics
76) In a class test, marks obtained by the students (out of 90) are as follows:
If mode of the data is 63, find the missing frequencies x and y, when it is given that
sum of all the frequencies is 125.

Marks 0-15 15-30 30-45 45-60 60-75 75-90

Number of 5 12 28 x 35 y
students
[4 Marks]
Since sum of the frequencies is 125, so

 = 45 --------(1)

Now, Mode ( )

Here, mode

63 ( )

( )

 ( )

 ------------(2)
Adding (1) and (2)

____________

Putting in (1), we get

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

Hence,
77) In a check-up of heart rate of 50 females, it was found that median heart beat is
78. Find the missing frequencies f1 and f2 in the following frequency distribution:

Number of 64- 68- 72-76 76-80 80-84 84-88 88-92

heart beat per 68 72
minute
Number of 4 5 F1 F2 9 7 1
females
[4 Marks]
The total number of females is 50.

So,

 ------- (1)

For median of the given data, we make the following table:

Number of heart beats Number of females Cumulative frequency

per minute (class (Frequency)
interval)
64-68 4 4
68-72 5 9
72-76 9+
76-80 9+
80-84 9 18+
84-88 7 25+
88-92 1 26+
Total 50

The median is 78. So the median class is 76-80.

Therefore,
( )
So, Median . /

( )
( )

 78 = 76 + ( )

 78 – 76 =



 2 ------------(2)

From (1) and (2), we get

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 - - -

_____________

Putting in equation (1), we get

8+

Hence
78) For a given data with 70 observations, the less than ogive and more than
intersect at (20.5, 35). Find the median of data.
[1 Mark]
Median = 20.5.
79) The frequency distribution of marks obtained by 36 students in a test is as
follows:

Marks 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100

obtained
No. of 4 8 12 6 6
students
Draw cumulative curves of ‘less than type’ and ‘more than type’ on the same axes
and from them determine the median.
[4 Marks]
We first prepare ‘less than type’ and ‘more than type’ frequency distributions for the
given data as follows:
Less than type:

Marks obtained No. of students (frequency)

Less than 50 0
Less than 60 4
Less than 70 12
Less than 80 24
Less than 90 30
Less than 100 36

More than type:

Marks obtained No. of students (Frequency)

More than and equal to 50 36
More than and equal to 60 32
More than and equal to 70 24
More than and equal to 80 12
More than and equal to 90 6
More than and equal to 100 0

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Now, we draw the less than type ogive and more than type ogive corresponding to
these two distributions as explained in earlier questions on the same graph paper as
shown below:

Note that the point of the two ogives is P.

Draw PQ  x-axes.
We observe that coordinates of Q are (75, 0)
So, median is = 75.
80) If the point of intersection of two ogive is (18, 54), then find the value of
median.
[1 Mark]
Median = x- coordinate of the point of intersection of the two ogives = 18.

Probability
81)In a class of 40 students, there are 16 girls and 24 boys. Out of these, ten are ‘A’
students and four of these students are girls. If a student is chosen at random, what
is the probability of :

(i) Choosing a girl?

(ii) Choosing an ‘A’ student?
(iii) Choosing a boy?
(iv) Choosing a boy student who is an ‘A’ student?

[4 Marks]

Total number of students =40

(i) Number of girl students=16.

So, P (choosing a girl)=

(ii) Number of ‘A’ students

So, P (choosing an ‘A’ student) =

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 (iii) Number of boys=24.
So, P (choosing a boy)= = .
(iv) Number of boy students who are a student’s=

So, P (choosing a boy student who is an ‘A’ student = .

82) The probability of selecting a green marble at random from a jar that contains
green, white and yellow marbles is The probability of selecting a white marble at
random from the jar is . If the jar contains 8 yellow marbles, find the total number
of marbles in the jar.

[4 marks]

Let the number of marbles in the jar be x.

Now, P(Green marble) = and

P(White marble) =

So, P(Yellow marble) =

So, 

So, number of marbles in a jar is 18.

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