\(= 1 2,\) then..." - Step-by-step solution, answer key, and detailed explanation on MCA Prep."> \(= 1 2,\) then..." - Step-by-step solution, answer key, and detailed explanation on MCA Prep." /> \(= 1 2,\) then..." - Step-by-step solution, answer key, and detailed explanation on MCA Prep." />
If 0 < x < π and cos x + sin x <span class="math-tex">\(= \frac 1 2,\)</span> then the value of tan x is
Square \(\cos x + \sin x = \frac{1}{2}\): \(1 + 2\sin x\cos x = \frac{1}{4}\), so \(\sin x\cos x = -\frac{3}{8}\).
Since \(\sin x\cos x = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \tan^2 x}\), let \(t = \tan x\):
\(\frac{t}{1+t^2} = -\frac{3}{8} \Rightarrow 3t^2 + 8t + 3 = 0 \Rightarrow t = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{7}}{3}\)
Which one? \(0 < x < \pi\) gives \(\sin x > 0\), and \(\sin x\cos x < 0\) gives \(\cos x < 0\). Since \(\sin x + \cos x > 0\), we have \(|\sin x| > |\cos x|\), so \(\tan x < -1\).
That means \(\tan x = \frac{-4 - \sqrt{7}}{3}\) (about −2.22).
Answer: (A)
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