Consider the function $$f : [\frac{1}{2}, 1] \to R$$ defined by $$f(x) = 4\sqrt{2}x^3 - 3\sqrt{2}x - 1$$. Consider the statements
(I) The curve $$y = f(x)$$ intersects the $$x$$-axis exactly at one point
(II) The curve $$y = f(x)$$ intersects the $$x$$-axis at $$x = \cos\frac{\pi}{12}$$
Then
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JEE Trigonometric Equations Questions
$$f(x) = 4\sqrt{2}x^3 - 3\sqrt{2}x - 1$$ on $$[\frac{1}{2}, 1]$$.
Statement (I): The curve intersects the x-axis exactly at one point.
Statement (II): The curve intersects the x-axis at $$x = \cos\frac{\pi}{12}$$.
Check Statement (II) by recognising the triple angle formula.
Recall that $$\cos 3\theta = 4\cos^3\theta - 3\cos\theta$$.
If $$x = \cos\theta$$, then $$4x^3 - 3x = \cos 3\theta$$.
$$f(x) = \sqrt{2}(4x^3 - 3x) - 1 = \sqrt{2}\cos 3\theta - 1$$
Setting $$f(x) = 0$$: $$\sqrt{2}\cos 3\theta = 1$$, so $$\cos 3\theta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$$.
$$3\theta = \frac{\pi}{4} \implies \theta = \frac{\pi}{12}$$
$$x = \cos\frac{\pi}{12} \approx 0.9659$$, which lies in $$[\frac{1}{2}, 1]$$. Statement (II) is correct.
Check Statement (I) - uniqueness.
$$f'(x) = 12\sqrt{2}x^2 - 3\sqrt{2} = 3\sqrt{2}(4x^2 - 1)$$
$$f'(x) = 0 \implies x = \frac{1}{2}$$ (the only critical point in the domain).
$$f(\frac{1}{2}) = 4\sqrt{2} \cdot \frac{1}{8} - 3\sqrt{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} - 1 = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - \frac{3\sqrt{2}}{2} - 1 = -\sqrt{2} - 1 < 0$$
$$f(1) = 4\sqrt{2} - 3\sqrt{2} - 1 = \sqrt{2} - 1 > 0$$
Since $$f(\frac{1}{2}) < 0$$ and $$f(1) > 0$$, and $$f'(x) > 0$$ for $$x > \frac{1}{2}$$, the function is strictly increasing on $$(\frac{1}{2}, 1]$$. There is exactly one root. Statement (I) is correct.
Both statements are correct. The answer is Option 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trigonometric equations are equations involving functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant. JEE questions may require students to find general solutions, identify roots within an interval, or determine the number of solutions.
Important types include standard trigonometric equations, multiple-angle equations, equations reducible to quadratic form, equations containing different trigonometric functions, and questions based on the number of solutions within a given interval.
First, reduce the equation to a standard form such as sin x = sin α, cos x = cos α, or tan x = tan α. Apply the appropriate general-solution formula and then restrict the answers to the given interval, if required.
JEE Main usually includes zero to one direct question from Trigonometric Equations. The concept may also be used in questions from Functions, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, and other areas of Trigonometry.
Yes. JEE Advanced often combines trigonometric equations with functions, algebra, inequalities, and calculus. These problems may test transformations, periodicity, domain restrictions, and the number of valid solutions.
Common mistakes include ignoring domain restrictions, dividing by an expression that may be zero, missing periodic solutions, using the wrong general-solution formula, and accepting extraneous roots created by squaring or substitution.
Memorise the standard general solutions, identify the periodicity, convert the equation into a single trigonometric function where possible, and obtain the general solution before restricting it to the required interval.
Previous-year questions are essential for understanding JEE patterns, but they should be combined with concept revision and topic-wise practice. Solving questions of different difficulty levels improves accuracy in transformations, interval analysis, and solution counting.

