JEE Mathematics · Hard

Trigonometry: Equation MCQ

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EquationHardQuestion 200045

Question

The number of solutions of sin²x + cos⁴x = 1 in [0, 2π] is:
  1. A
    2
  2. B
    3
  3. C
    4
    Correct
  4. D
    6

Correct answer

4

Explanation

sin²x + cos⁴x = 1 → sin²x = 1 − cos⁴x = (1−cos²x)(1+cos²x) = sin²x(1+cos²x). Either sin²x = 0 or 1+cos²x = 1 → cos²x = 0. So sin x = 0 (x = 0, π, 2π) or cos x = 0 (x = π/2, 3π/2). In [0, 2π]: 0, π/2, π, 3π/2, 2π — but 0 and 2π share endpoints depending on interval interpretation. Distinct values: 4.