JEE Mathematics · Hard

Trigonometry: Manipulation MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

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ManipulationHardQuestion 200040

Question

If tan A − tan B = x and cot B − cot A = y, then cot(A − B) equals:
  1. A
    1/x + 1/y
    Correct
  2. B
    1/x − 1/y
  3. C
    x + y
  4. D
    (x+y)/(xy)

Correct answer

1/x + 1/y

Explanation

cot(A−B) = (cot A cot B + 1)/(cot A − cot B). Given: cot B − cot A = y → cot A − cot B = −y. Also tan A − tan B = x. Since cot A − cot B = −(tan B − tan A)/(tan A tan B), working through: cot(A−B) = 1/x + 1/y.