CBSE MCQs

Class 10 Maths
Chapter 1
Real Numbers

(A) one decimal place

(B) two decimal places
(C) three decimal places
(D) more than 3 decimal places

Answer: B

Explanation: The termination of any rational number depends upon the power of 2
in the prime factorization of denominator.

2. For some integer m, every odd integer is of the form

(A) m
(B) m + 1
(C) 2m
(D) 2m + 1

Answer: D

Explanation: As the number 2m will always be even, so if we add 1 to it then, the

number will always be odd.

3. If two positive integers a and b are written as a = p 3q2 and b = pq3; p, q are prime
numbers, then HCF (a, b) is:
(A) pq
(B) pq2
(C) p3q3
(D) p2q2

Answer: B

Explanation: Since a = p × p × p × q × q,
b=p×q×q×q
Therefore H.C.F of a and b = pq2

4. The product of a non-zero number and an irrational number is:

(A) always irrational
(B) always rational
(C) rational or irrational
(D) one

Answer: A

Explanation: Product of a non-zero rational and an irrational number is always

irrational i.e.,
5. If the HCF of 65 and 117 is expressible in the form 65 m – 117, then the value of
m is
(A) 4
(B) 2
(C) 1
(D) 3

Answer: B

Explanation: By Euclid’s division algorithm,

6. The largest number which divides 70 and 125, leaving remainders 5 and 8,
respectively, is
(A) 13
(B) 65
(C) 875
(D) 1750

Answer: A

Explanation: Since 5 and 8 are the remainders of 70 and 125, respectively. Thus
after subtracting these remainders from the numbers, we have the numbers
65 = (70 − 5), 117 = (125 − 8) which is divisible by the required number.
Now required number = H.C.F of (65,117)

7. If two positive integers p and q can be expressed as p = ab 2 and q = a3b; a, b

being prime numbers, then LCM (p, q) is
(A) ab
(B) a2b2
(C) a3b2
(D) a3b3
Answer: C

Explanation:
p=a×b×b
q=a×a×a×b
Since L.C.M is the product of the greatest power of each prime factor involved in the
numbers
Therefore, L.C.M of p and q = a3b2

8. The values of the remainder r, when a positive integer a is divided by 3 are:

(A) 0, 1, 2, 3
(B) 0, 1
(C) 0, 1, 2
(D) 2, 3, 4

Answer: C

Explanation:
According to Euclid’s division lemma,
a = 3q + r, where 0 r < 3
As the number is divided by 3.So the remainder cannot be greater than divisor 3 also
r is an integer. Therefore, the values of r can be 0, 1 or 2.

(A) Terminating decimal expansion

(B) Non-Terminating Non repeating decimal expansion
(C) Non-Terminating repeating decimal expansion
(D) None of these

Answer: A

Explanation: After simplification,

As the denominator has factor 53 × 22 and which is of the type 5m × 2n, So this is a
terminating decimal expansion.

10. A rational number in its decimal expansion is 327.7081. What would be the prime
factors of q when the number is expressed in the p/q form?
(A) 2 and 3
(B) 3 and 5
(C) 2, 3 and 5
(D) 2 and 5

Answer: D
Explanation: This can be explained as,

11. The least number that is divisible by all the numbers from 1 to 10 (both inclusive)
is
(A) 10
(B) 100
(C) 2060
(D) 2520

Answer: D

Explanation: Factors of 1 to 10 numbers

L.C.M of numbers from 1 to 10 is =

12. n2 – 1 is divisible by 8, if n is
(A) an integer
(B) a natural number
(C) an odd integer greater than 1
(D) an even integer

Answer: C
Explanation: n can be even or odd
Case 1: If n is even

Case 2: If n is odd

Which is divisible by 8.
Similarly we can check for any integer.

13. If n is a rational number, then 52n − 22n is divisible by

(A) 3
(B) 7
(C) Both 3 and 7
(D) None of these

Answer: C

Explanation:
52n −22n is of the form a2n − b2n which is divisible by both (a + b) and (a – b).
So, 52n − 22n is divisible by both 7, 3.

14. The H.C.F of 441, 567 and 693 is

(A) 1
(B) 441
(C) 126
(D) 63

Answer: D

Explanation:
693 = 3×3×7×7
567 = 3×3×3×3×7
441 = 3×3×7×11
Therefore H.C.F of 693, 567 and 441 is 63.
15. On a morning walk, three persons step off together and their steps measure 40
cm, 42 cm and 45 cm, respectively. What is the minimum distance each should walk
so that each can cover the same distance in complete steps?
(A) 2520cm
(B) 2525cm
(C) 2555cm
(D) 2528cm

Answer: A

Explanation: We need to find the L.C.M of 40, 42 and 45 cm to get the required
minimum distance.
40 = 2×2×2×5
42 = 2×3×7
45 = 3×3×5
L.C.M. = 2×3×5×2×2×3×7 = 2520
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 2: Polynomials
1. The zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x2 + 99x + 127 are
(A) both positive
(B) both negative
(C) one positive and one negative
(D) both equal

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Roots can be calculated as,

 b  b 2  4ac
x
2a
99  992  4  1 127
x
2 1
99  9293
x
2
99  96.4
x
2
99  96.4
x
2
Since 96.4  99

Hence both zeroes are negative.

2. If the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x2 + bx + c , c ≠ 0are equal, then

(A) c and a have opposite signs
(B) c and b have opposite signs
(C) c and a have the same sign
(D) c and b have the same sign

Answer: (C)

Explanation: For equal roots

b 2  4ac  0
 b 2  4ac
b2
 ac 
4
 ac  0 (Since square of any number cannot be negative)
Which is only possible when a and c have same sign.

3. The number of polynomials having zeroes as –2 and 5 is

(A) 1
(B) 2

(C) 3

(D) more than 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The polynomial with zeroes –2 and 5 is:

f(x)  x 2   2  5  x   2  5
 f(x)  x 2  3x  10
But as we can multiply this polynomial with any number,
The number of polynomials having zeroes as –2 and 5 can be infinite.

4. The degree of the polynomial (x + 1)(x2 – x – x4 +1) is:

(A) 2

(B) 3

(C) 4

(D) 5

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Since the highest degree variable in first bracket is x and in second bracket is
x4 on multiplying x with x4.the highest power we obtain is 5.

5. If the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x2 + (a + 1)x + b are 2 and –3, then

(A) a = –7, b = –1

(B) a = 5, b = –1

(C) a = 2, b = – 6

(D) a = 0, b = – 6

Answer: (D)

Explanation: For x2 + (a + 1)x + b

Sum of zeroes is:

 coefficient of x
2   3  
coefficient of x 2
a 1
 1  
1
 a 1  1
a 0

Product of zeroes is:

constant term
2   3  
coefficent of x 2
b
 6 
1
 b  6

6. Given that one of the zeroes of the cubic polynomial ax3 + bx2 + cx + d is zero, the product
of the other two zeroes is

(A) –c/a

(B) c/a

(C) 0

(D) 3

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Since one of the zero of the cubic polynomial is zero, therefore
P  x   ax 3  bx 2  cx  d
 P  0   ax 3  bx 2  cx  d
 0  a  0  b  0  c  0  d
3 2

 d0
Now polynomial reduces to ax3  bx 2  cx
Let the zeroes be α, β and γ then,
Let the zeroes be α, β and γ
coefficent of x
α  β +β  γ + γ  α =
coefficent of x 3
If one of the root say γ is zero then,
c
 αβ 
a
So the product of other two zeroes is c/a.

7. If one of the zeroes of the cubic polynomial x3 + ax2 + bx + c is –1, then the
Product of the other two zeroes is

(A) b – a + 1

(B) b – a – 1

(C) a – b + 1

(D) a – b –1

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Since one of the zero is –1, therefore

P  x   x 3  ax 2  bx  c
 P  1   1  a  1  b  1  c
3 2

 0  1  a  b  c
 c  1 a  b

Propduct of all zeroes is:

constant term
αβγ 
coefficent of x 3
c
  1 βγ 
1
 βγ = c
 βγ  1  a  b

8. If one of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial (k – 1)x2 + kx + 1 is –3, then the value of k
is

(A) 4/3

(B) – 4/3

(C) 2/3

(D) – 2/3

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Since one of the zero is – 3, so

P  x    k –1 x 2  kx  1
P  3   k –1  3  k  3  1
2

0  9k  9  3k  1 .
0  6k  8
 k  4/3
9. A quadratic polynomial, whose zeroes are –3 and 4, is

(A) x2  x  12

(B) x2  x  12
x2 x
(C)  6
2 2
x2 x
(D)  6
2 2

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The polynomial is:

x 2      x  
 x 2   3  4  x   3 4
 x 2  x  12
Dividing the whole polynomial with 2 as
x 2  x  12
x2 x
  6
2 2

10. The value of p for which the polynomial x3 + 4x2 – px + 8 is exactly divisible by (x – 2)
is:

(A) 0

(B) 3

(C) 5

(D) 16

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Since (x – 2) is one of the factor, so f (2) = 0

f  x   x 3  4x 2  px  8
 f  2   2  4  2  p  2  8
3 2

 0  8  16  2p  8
 2p  32
 p  16

11. If sum of the squares of zeroes of the quadratic polynomial 6x2 + x + k is 25/36, the value
of k is:
(A) 4

(B) – 4

(C) 2

(D) – 2

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Let α and β are the roots of equation, then

1
α β  
6
αβ  k / 6
α²  β²  25 / 36
 α  β  ²  2αβ  25 / 36
 1/ 6  ²  2  k / 6   25 / 36
1  12k  25
12k   24
k  2

12. If α and β are zeroes of x2 – 4x + 1, then 1/α + 1/β – αβ is

(A) 3

(B) 5

(C) –5

(D) –3

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

For x 2  4x  1,
  4 
α β  4
1
αβ  1

Therefore,

1 1 α β
  αβ   αβ
α β αβ
4
 1  3
1
13. If (x + 1) is a factor of x2 − 3ax +3a − 7, then the value of a is:

(A) 1

(B) –1

(C) 0

(D) –2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

Since (x + 1) is a factor

P  x   x 2  3ax  3a  7
P  1   1  3a  1  3a  7
2

0  1  3a  3a  7
0  6a  6
 a 1

14. If one of the zeroes of a quadratic polynomial of the form x2 + ax + b is the negative of
the other, then it

(A) has no linear term and the constant term is negative.

(B) has no linear term and the constant term is positive.

(C) can have a linear term but the constant term is negative.

(D) can have a linear term but the constant term is positive

Answer: (A)

Explanation: If one of the zeroes (say α) of a quadratic polynomial of the form x2 + ax + b is

the negative of the other, then
Sum of zeroes is:
α   α   a
 a0
Product of zeroes is:
α  α   b
 b  α 2
b has to be negative.
Therefore polynomial has no linear term and the constant term is negative.

15. If α, β are zeroes of x2 – 6x + k, what is the value of k if 3α + 2β = 20?

(A) –16

(B) 8

(C) 2

(D) –8

Answer: (A)

Explanation: If α, β are zeroes, then

α  β  6 ......(1)
αβ  k ......(2)
3α  2β  20
α  2α  2β  20
α  2  α  β   20
α  2  6  20
α  12  20
α 8
3α  2β  20
 3  8  2β  20
 β  2

Substituting the value of α, β in equation (2) as,

αβ  k
8  2   k
k  16
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 3
Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables

1. Graphically, the pair of equations

6x – 3y + 10 = 0

2x – y + 9 = 0

Represents two lines which are:

(A) Intersecting at exactly one point.

(B) Intersecting at exactly two points.

(C) Coincident.

(D) Parallel

Answer: (D)

Explanation:
Here

a1 6 3
 
a2 2 1
b1 3 3
 
b 2 1 1
c1 10

c2 9
This implies
a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2

Therefore, lines are parallel.

2. The pair of equations x + 2y – 5 = 0 and −3x – 6y + 15 = 0 have:

(A) A unique solution

(B) Exactly two solutions

(C) Infinitely many solutions

(D) No solution
Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Here,
a1 1

a 2 3
b1 2 1
 
b 2 6 3
c1 5 1
 
c 2 15 3
This implies
a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2

Therefore, the pair of equations have infinitely many solutions.

3. If a pair of linear equations is consistent, then the lines will be:

(A) Parallel

(B) Always coincident

(C) Intersecting or coincident

(D) Always intersecting

Answer: (C)

Explanation: If a pair of linear equations is consistent the two lines represented by these
equations definitely have a solution, this implies that either lines are intersecting or
coincident.

4. The pair of equations y = 0 and y = –7 has

(A) One solution

(B) Two solutions

(C) Infinitely many solutions

(D) No solution

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The graph of equations will be parallel lines. So the equations have no
solution.
5. If the lines given by

3x + 2ky = 2

2x + 5y + 1 = 0
are parallel, then the value of k is

(A) 5/4

(B) 2/5

(C) 15/4

(D) 3/2

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

For parallel lines

a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2
3 2k
 
2 5
15
k
4

6. The value of c for which the pair of equations cx – y = 2 and 6x – 2y = 3 will have
infinitely many solutions is

(A) 3

(B) – 3

(C) –12

(D) no value

Answer: (A)
Explanation: For infinitely many solutions:
a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2
c 1
 
6 2
c3
7. One equation of a pair of dependent linear equations is –5x + 7y – 2 = 0. The second
equation can be

(A) 10x + 14y + 4 = 0

(B) –10x – 14y + 4 = 0

(C) –10x + 14y + 4 = 0

(D) 10x – 14y = –4

Answer: (C)

Explanation: For dependent pair, the two lines must have

a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2
For option (C)
a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2

8. Two numbers are in the ratio 5 : 6. If 8 is subtracted from each of the numbers, the ratio
becomes 4 : 5. Then the numbers are:

(A) 40, 42

(B) 42, 48

(C) 40, 48

(D) 44, 50

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

According to given information

x 5

y 6
 6x  5y  0 .....(i)
x 8 4

y 8 5
 5x  40  4y  32
 5x  4y  8 .....(ii)

From ...(i)
6x  5y  0
5y
x
6
Substituting in ...(2)
5x  4y  8
 5y 
 5    4y  8
 6 
y
 8
6
 y  48

Therefore

5y
x
6
5  48
x
6
 x  40

9. The solution of the equations x – y = 2 and x + y = 4 is:

(A) 3 and 5

(B) 5 and 3

(C) 3 and 1

(D) –1 and –3

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Adding both equations, we have:

xy2
xy4
2x  6
x 3
This implies
xy2
 3 y  2
 y 1

10. For which values of a and b, will the following pair of linear equations have infinitely
many solutions?
x + 2y = 1
(a – b)x + (a + b)y = a + b – 2

(A) a = 2 and b = 1

(B) a = 2 and b = 2

(C) a = 3 and b = 1

(D) a = 3 and b = 1

Answer: (D)

Explanation: For infinitely many solutions:

a1 b1 c1
 
a 2 b2 c2
1 2 1
  
ab ab ab2
1 2
 
ab ab
 a  b  2a  2b
 a  3b  0 .....(i)
2 1
And 
ab ab2
 2a  2b  4  a  b
 a  b  4 .....(ii)
Solving equation (i) and (ii), we get a = 3 and b = 1.

11. The father’s age is six times his son’s age. Four years hence, the age of the father will be
four times his son’s age. The present ages, in years, of the son and the father are, respectively

(A) 4 and 24

(B) 5 and 30

(C) 6 and 36

(D) 3 and 24

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Let the age of father be x and of son is y.

Then according to question,

x = 6y …..(i)

Four years hence age of son will be y + 4 and age of father will be x + 4
Then according to question,

x + 4 = 4 (y + 4)
x – 4y = 12 …..(ii)

Solving equations (i) and (ii) we get:

y = 6 and x = 36

12. Rakshita has only Rs. 1 and Rs. 2 coins with her. If the total number of coins that she has
is 50 and the amount of money with her is Rs 75, then the number of Rs.1 andRs.2 coins is,
respectively

(A) 35 and 15

(B) 35 and 20

(C) 15 and 35

(D) 25 and 25

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

Let her number of Rs.1 coins are x

Let the number of Rs.2 coins are y

Then

By the given conditions

x + y = 50 …..(i)

1 × x + 2 × y = 75
⇒ x + 2y = 75 …..(ii)

Solving equations (i) and (ii) we get:

(x + 2y) – (x + y) = 75 – 50

⇒ y = 25

Therefore, x = 50 – 25 = 25

So the number of coins are 25, 25 each.

13. In a competitive examination, one mark is awarded for each correct answer while 1/2
mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Jayanti answered 120 questions and got 90 marks.
How many questions did she answer correctly?

(A) 100

(B) 95

(C) 90

(D) 60

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Let x be the number of correct answers of the questions in a competitive exam.

Then, 120 − x be the number of wrong answers

Then by given condition

1
1 x  120  x    90
2
x
 x  60   90
2
3x
  150
2
150  2
 x
3
 x  100

14. The angles of a cyclic quadrilateral ABCD are:

A   6x  10  , B  5x  
C   x  y  , D  3y –10  
Then value of x and y are:

(A) x = 20o and y = 30o

(B) x = 40o and y = 10o

(C) x = 44o and y = 15o

(D) x = 15o and y = 15o

Answer: (A)

Explanation: In cyclic quadrilateral, sum of opposite angles is 1800

Therefore

6x + 10 + x + y = 180

⇒ 7x + y = 170 …..(i)

5x + 3y – 10 = 180

⇒ 5x + 3y = 190 …..(ii)

Multiplying equations (i) and (ii), we get:

x = 20o and y = 30o

15. A shopkeeper gives books on rent for reading. She takes a fixed charge for the first two
days, and an additional charge for each day thereafter. Reema paid Rs. 22 for a book kept for
six days, while Ruchika paid Rs 16 for the book kept for four days, then the charge for each
extra day is:

(A) Rs 5

(B) Rs 4

(C) Rs 3

(D) Rs.2

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Let Rs. x be the fixed charge and Rs. y be the charge for each extra day.

Then by the given conditions

x + 4y = 22 …..(i)

x + 2y = 16 …..(ii)

Subtracting equation (ii) from (i), we get:

y = Rs. 3
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 4: Quadratic Equations
1. The roots of quadratic equation 5x2  4x  5  0 are

(A) Real & Equal

(B) Real & Unequal

(C) Not real

(D) Non-real and equal

Answer: (C)

Explanation: To find the nature, let us calculate b2  4ac

b 2  4ac
 42  4  5  5
 16  100
 84  0

2. Equation  x  1  x 2  0 has _____ real root(s).

2

(A) 1

(B) 2

(C) 3

(D) 4

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
Since  x  1  x 2  0
2

 x 2  1  2x  x 2  0
 1  2x  0
 x  1/ 2

This gives only 1 real value of x.

3. Which constant should be added and subtracted to solve the quadratic equation 4x2 − √3x +
5 = 0 by the method of completing the square?
(A) 9/16

(B) 3/16

(C) 3/4

(D) 3 /4

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

This can be written as

4x 2  3x  5  0
2 2
3  3  3
 2x   2   2x    5        0
2

4  4   4 
2
3  3 3
 2x   2   2x       5   0
2

4  4  16
2
 3 3
 2x    5 
 4  16
2
 3  83
 2x   
 4  16
Hence the given equation can be solved by adding and subtracting 3/16.

1 5
4. If is a root of the equation x 2  kx   0 then the value of k is
2 4

(A) 2

(B) – 2

(C) 3

(D) –3

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
 5 1
As one root of the equation x 2  kx   0 is
4 2
2
1 1 5
    k   0
2 2 4
1 k 5
   0
4 2 4
 1  2k  5  0
 2k  4
k2

5. A natural number, when increased by 12, equals 160 times its reciprocal. Find the number.

(A) 3

(B) 8

(C) 4

(D) 7

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

Let the number be x

Then according question,

160
x  12 
x
160
x  12 
x
x  12 x  160  0
2

x 2  20x  8x  160  0
 x  20  x  8   0
x  20,8
Since the number is natural, so we consider only positive value.

6. The product of two successive integral multiples of 5 is 300. Then the numbers are:

(A) 25, 30

(B) 10, 15

(C) 30, 35

(D) 15, 20
Answer: (D)

Explanation:

Let the consecutive integral multiple be 5n and 5(n + 1) where n is a positive integer.

According to the question:

5n × 5(n + 1) = 300

⇒ n2 + n – 12 = 0

⇒ (n – 3) (n + 4) = 0

⇒ n = 3 and n = – 4.

As n is a positive natural number so n = – 4 will be discarded.

Therefore the numbers are 15 and 20.

7. The value of 6  6  6........

(A) 3.5
(B) 4
(C) 3
(D) – 3

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Let 6  6  6........  y
Then
6  6  6........  y
 6 y  y
6  y  y2
 y2  y  6  0
 y2   3  2  y  6  0
 y 2  3y  2y  6  0
 y  y  3  2  y  3  0
  y  3 y  2   0
 y  3, 2
Since y cannot be negative as negative square root is not real so y = 3.
8. If p2x2 – q2 = 0, then x = ?

(A) ± q/p

(B) ±p/q

(C) p

(D) q

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
p2 x 2  q 2  0
 p2 x 2  q 2
q
x
p

9. The positive root of 3x 2  6  9 is:

(A) 3

(B) 5

(C) 4

(D) 7

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

3x 2  6  9
 3x 2  6  81
 3x 2  75
 x 2  25
 x  5

10. If x 2  a 2  b2   2x  ac  bd   c2  d 2  0 has no real roots, then

(A) ad ≠ bc

(B) ad < bc

(C) ad > bc

(D) all of these

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

If equation has no real roots then discriminant of the equation must be less than zero.
 22  ac  bd   4  a 2  b 2  c 2  d 2   0
2

 4a 2 c 2  4b 2 d 2  8acbd  4a 2c 2  4b 2d 2  4a 2d 2  4b 2c 2
 2acbd  a 2d 2  b 2c 2
 2acbd   ad  bc   2acbd
2

  ad  bc   0
2

 ad  bc and ad  bc or ad  bc

11. If the one root of the equation 4x 2  2x  p  4  0 be the reciprocal of other. Then p =

(A) 8

(B) – 8

(C) – 4

(D) 4

Answer: A

Explanation:

If one root is reciprocal of other, then product of roots is:

1 p4
α 
α 4
4  p4
p8

12. Rohini had scored 10 more marks in her mathematics test out of 30 marks, 9 times these
marks would have been the square of her actual marks. How many marks did she get in the
test?

(A) 14

(B) 16

(C) 15

(D) 18

Answer: (C)
Explanation:

Let her actual marks be x

Therefore,

9  x  10   x 2
 x 2  9x  90  0
 x 2  15x  6x  90  0
 x  x – 15   6  x –15   0
  x  6   x –15   0

Therefore x = – 6 or x =15

Since x is the marks obtained, x ≠ – 6. Therefore, x = 15.

13. A train travels at a certain average speed for a distance of 63 km and then travels a
distance of 72 km at an average speed of 6 km/h more than its original speed. If it takes 3
hours to complete the total journey, what is its original average speed?

(A) 42 km/hr

(B) 44 km/hr

(C) 46 km/hr

(D) 48 km/hr

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

Let the original speed be x,

Then according to question

63 72
 3
x x6
21 24
  1
x x6
21 x  6   24x
 1
x  x  6
 21x  126  24x  x 2  6x
 x 2  39x  126  0
 x 2   42  3  x  126  0
 x 2  42x  3x  126  0
 x  x  42   3  x  42   0
  x  3 x  42   0

This gives x  3 and x  42

Since speed cannot be negative, so we ignore –3,

Therefore original average speed is 42 km/hr.

14. Satvik observed that in a clock, the time needed by the minute hand of a clock to show 3
t2
PM was found to be 3 min less than minutes at t minutes past 2 PM. Then t is equal to
4

(a) 14

(b) 15

(c) 16

(d) None of these

Answer: (A)

Explanation: We know that the time between 2 PM to 3 PM = 1 hr = 60 min

Given that at t minutes past 2 PM, the time needed by the minute’s hand of a clock to show 3
PM was found to be 3 minutes less than t2/4 minutes

Therefore,
  t2 
t    3   60
4 
4t  t  12  240
2

t 2  4t  252  0
t 2  18t  14t  252  0
 t  18 t  14   0
t  14 min

15. A takes 6 days less than B to finish a piece of work. If both A and B together can finish
the work in 4 days, find the time taken by B to finish the work.

(A) 12 days

(B) 12 ½ Days

(C) 13 days

(D) 15days

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Let B alone finish the work in x days.

Therefore, A alone can finish the work in (x – 6) days

1
A's one day work 
x 6
1
B's one day work 
x

Given that (A + B) can finish the work in 4 days.

Therefore, A's oneday work  B's oneday work  (A+B)'s one day work
 1 1 1
 
x6 x 4
x x6 1
 
x  x  6 4
 4  2x  6  x  x  6
 8 x  24  x 2  6 x
 x 2  14 x  24  0
 x 2  12 x  2 x  24  0
 x  x  12   2  x  12   0
  x  2  x  12   0
 Either x  2 or x  12

As, x  2 , because if x = 2 , then A alone can finish work in (2 – 6) = – 4 days which is not
possible.

Therefore we consider x = 12.

This implies B alone can finish work in 12 days and A alone will finish the work in 12 – 6 =
6 days.
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 5: Arithmetic Progression

1. In an AP, if d = –4, n = 7, an = 4, then a is

(A) 6 (B) 7
(C) 20 (D) 28

Answer: (D)

Explanation:
For an A.P
an  a   n  1 d
4  a   7  1 4 
4  a  6  4 
4  24  a
a  28

2. In an AP, if a = 3.5, d = 0, n = 101, then an will be

(A) 0 (B) 3.5
(C) 103.5 (D) 104.5

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
For an A.P
an  a   n  1 d
 3.5  101  1  0
 3.5

3. The first four terms of an AP, whose first term is –2 and the common difference is –2, are

(A) – 2, 0, 2, 4

(B) – 2, 4, – 8, 16

(C) – 2, – 4, – 6, – 8

(D) – 2, – 4, – 8, –16

Answer: (C)

Explanation:
Let the first four terms of an A.P are a, a+d, a+2d and a+3d
Given that the first termis −2 and difference is also −2, then the A.P would be:
2, (2  2),[2  2  2 ],[2  3  2 ]
 2, 4, 6, 8

4. The famous mathematician associated with finding the sum of the first 100 natural
numbers is
(A) Pythagoras (B) Newton
(C) Gauss (D) Euclid

Answer: (C)

Explanation:
Gauss is the famous mathematician associated with finding the sum of the first 100 natural
Numbers.

5 5
5. The 11th term of an A.P 5,  , 0, ................ is:
2 2
(A) –20 (B) 20

(C) –30 (D) 30

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
5 5
Given A.P is 5,  , 0, ................
2 2
Here a  5
5
d   5 
2
5
d
2
a11  a  11  1 d
5
a11  5  10 
2
a11  5  25
a11  20

6. The 21st term of the AP whose first two terms are –3 and 4 is

(A) 17 (B) 137

(C) 143 (D) –143

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
First two terms are –3 and 4
Therefore

a  3
ad 4
 d  4a
 d  43
d 7
a21  a   21  1 d
a21  3  20  7
a21  137

7. If the 2nd term of an AP is 13 and the 5th term is 25, what is its 7th term?

(A) 30 (B) 33

(C) 37 (D) 38

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Since
a2  13
a5  25
 a  d  13 .....(i)
 a  4d  25 .....(ii)
Solving...(i) and...(ii) we get
a  9; d  4
Therefore
a7  9  6  4
 9  24
 33

8. If the common difference of an AP is 5, then what is a18  a13 ?

(A) 5 (B) 20

(C) 25 (D) 30

Answer: (C)

Explanation:
Since
Since, d  5
a18  a13  a  17d  a  12d
 5d
 5 5
 25

9. The sum of first 16 terms of the AP: 10, 6, 2,... is

(A) –320 (B) 320

(C) –352 (D) –400

Answer: (A)

Given A.P. is 10, 6, 2,...

Here
a  10
d  6  10  4
n  16
Therefore,
16
S16   2 10  16  1 4  
2
S16  8  20  60
S16  320

10. The sum of first five multiples of 3 is

(A) 45 (B) 55

(C) 65 (D) 75

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
The first five multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15
Here
a3
d  63  3
n5
Therefore,
5
S5   2  3   5  1 3
2
5
S5   6  12
2
S5  45

11. The middle most term (s) of the AP:–11, –7, –3, ..., 49 is:

(A) 18, 20 (B) 19, 23

(C) 17, 21 (D) 23, 25

Answer: (C)

Explanation:
Here, a  –11,
d  –7   –11  4,
an  49

We have

an  a   n  1 d
So, 49  –11   n  1  4
i.e., 60   n – 1  4
i.e., n  16

As n is an even number, there will be two middle terms which are16/2th and [(16/2)+1]th, i.e.
the 8th term and the 9th term.

a8  a  7 d  –11  7  4  17
a9  a  8d  –11  8  4  21

12. Two APs have the same common difference. The first term of one of these is –1 and that
of the other is – 8. Then the difference between their 4th terms is

(A) –1 (B) – 8

(C) 7 (D) –9
Answer: (C)

Explanation:

The 4th term of first series is

 a4  a1  3d
The 4th term of another series is
 a4  a2  3d

Then

As, a1  1, a2  8
Therefore
 a4  a4   1  3d    8  3d 
 a4  a4  7

13. If 7 times the 7th term of an AP is equal to 11 times its 11th term, then its 18th term will
be

(A) 7 (B) 11

(C) 18 (D) 0

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

According to question

7  a  6d   11 a  10d 
 7 a  42d  11a  110d
 4a  68d  0
 4  a  17 d   0
 a  17 d  0

Therefore

a18  a  17d
 a18  0

14. In an AP if a  1, an  20 and Sn  399 , then n is

(A) 19 (B) 21
(C) 38 (D) 42

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

Since
n
Sn   2a   n  1 d 
2
n
 399   2  1   n  1 d 
2
 798  2n  n  n  1 d .......................(1)
Also,
an  20
a   n  1 d  20
1   n  1 d  20
 n  1 d  19............................(2)
Solving equation ...(1) and...(2)
798  2n  19n
798
n
21
 n  38

15. If the numbers n – 2, 4n – 1 and 5n  2 are in AP, then the value of n is:
(A) 1 (B) 2

(C) − 1 (D) − 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

Let
an– 2
b  4n – 1
c  5n  2

Since the terms are in A.P,

Therefore,
2b  a  c
 2  4n – 1  n – 2  5n  2
 8n  2  6n
 2n  2
 n 1
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 6
Triangles

1. O is the point of intersection of two equal chords AB and CD such that OB = OD,
then triangles OAC and ODB are

(A) Equilateral but not similar

(B) Isosceles but not similar
(C) Equilateral and similar
(D) Isosceles and similar

Answer: (D)

Explanation:
Since O is the point of intersection of two equal chords AB and CD such that OB =
OD,
As chords are equal and OB = OD, so AO will also be equal to OC
Also ∠AOC = ∠DOB = 45
Now in triangles OAC and ODB
AO/OB = CO/OD
And ∠AOC = ∠DOB = 45
So triangles are isosceles and similar

2. D and E are respectively the midpoints on the sides AB and AC of a triangle ABC
and BC = 6 cm. If DE || BC, then the length of DE (in cm) is
(A) 2.5
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 6

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
By midpoint theorem,
If D and E are respectively the midpoints on the sides AB and AC of a triangle ABC,
DE||BC and BC = 6 cm
So, DE will be half of BC i.e. 3cm

3. In triangle PQR, if PQ = 6 cm, PR = 8 cm, QS = 3 cm, and PS is the bisector of

angle QPR, what is the length of SR?
(A) 2
(B) 4
(C) 6
(D) 8
Answer: (B)

Explanation:

Since, PS is the angle bisector of angle QPR

So, by angle bisector theorem,
QS/SR = PQ/PR
⇒ 3/SR = 6/8
⇒ SR = (3 X 8)/6 cm = 4 cm

4. The lengths of the diagonals of a rhombus are 16 cm and 12cm. Then, thelength of
the side of the rhombus is
(A) 9 cm
(B) 10 cm
(C) 8 cm
(D) 20 cm

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
The diagonals of rhombus bisect each other at right angle, so side of rhombus is the
hypotenuse for the triangles formed.
Therefore,
By Pythagoras theorem
(16/2)2 + (12/2)2 = Side2
⇒ 82 + 62 = Side2
⇒ 64 + 36 = Side2
⇒ Side = 10 cm

5. A flag pole 18 m high casts a shadow 9.6 m long. Find the distance of the top of
the pole from the far end of the shadow.
(A) 25.6
(B) 20.4
(C) 23.7
(D) 32.5

Answer: (B)

Explanation:
According to given question
The far end of shadow is represented by point A,
Therefore we need to Find AC
By Pythagoras theorem,
(18)2 + (9.6)2 = (AC)2
⇒ AC2 = 416.16
⇒ AC = 20.4 m (approx)

6. Diagonals of a trapezium PQRS intersect each other at the point O, PQ || RS and

PQ = 3 RS, Then the ratio of areas of triangles POQ and ROS is:
(A) 1:9
(B) 9:1
(C) 3:1
(D) 1:3

Answer: (B)

Explanation:According to given Question

Since
SR || PQ,
So, ∠OSR= ∠OQP (alternate interior angles)
Also ∠SOR= ∠POQ (vertically opposite angles)
So triangles SOR and POQ are similar,
Therefore,
ar(POQ)/ar(SOR) = (PQ/SR)2
ar(POQ)/ar(SOR) = (3 SR/SR)2
ar(POQ)/ar(SOR) = 9/1

7. ABCD is a trapezium in which AB|| DC and P, Q are points on ADand BC

respectively such that PQ || DC. If PD = 18 cm, BQ = 35 cm andQC = 15 cm, find
AD.
(A) 55cm
(B) 57cm
(C) 60cm
(D) 62cm

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
According to question
ABCD is a trapezium in which AB || DC and P and Q are points on AD and BC,
respectively such that PQ || DC. If PD = 18 cm, BQ = 35 cm and QC = 15 cm,

In triangle ABD
DP/AP = OD/OB
In triangle BDC
BQ/QC = OB/OD
This implies
DP/AP = QC/BQ
18/AP = 15/35
AP = (18 x 35)/15
AP = 42
Therefore, AD = AP + DP = 42 + 18 = 60cm

8. Areas of two similar triangles are 36 cm 2 and 100 cm2. If the length of a side of the
larger triangle is 20 cm, then the length of the corresponding side of the smaller
triangle is:
(A) 12cm
(B) 13cm
(C) 14cm
(D) 15cm

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
Let the side of smaller triangle be x cm.
ar(Larger Triangle)/ar(Smaller Triangle) = (side of larger triangle/side of smaller
triangle)2
100/36 = (20/x)2
x = √144
X = 12 cm

9. In the figure if ∠ACB = ∠CDA, AC = 8 cm and AD = 3 cm, find BD.

(A) 53/3 cm
(B) 55/3 cm
(C) 64/3 cm
(D) 35/7 cm
Answer: (B)

Explanation:
In triangle ACB and ADC
∠A=∠A
∠ACB = ∠CDA
Therefore triangle ACB and ADC are similar,
Hence
AC/AD = AB/AC
AC2 = AD X AB
82 = 3 x AB
⇒ AB = 64/3
This implies,
BD = 64/3 – AD
⇒ BD = 55/3

10. If ABCD is parallelogram, P is a point on side BC and DP when produced meets AB

produced at L, then select the correct option
(A) DP/BL = DC/PL
(B) DP/PL = DC/BL
(C) DP/PL = BL/DC
(D) DP/PL = AB/DC

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

In ΔALD, we have
BP || AD
&there4; LB/BA = LP/PD
⇒ BL/AB = PL/DP
⇒ BL/DC = PL/DP [∵ AB = DC
⇒ DP/PL = DC/BL

11. In the figure given below DE || BC. If AD = x, DB = x – 2, AE = x + 2 and EC = x

– 1, the value of x is:
(A) 4
(B) 8
(C) 16
(D) 32

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
In triangle ABC, we have DE || BC
&there4; AD/DB = AE/EC (By Thale’s Theorem)
⇒ x/x – 2 = (x + 2)/(x – 1)
⇒ x (x – 1) = (x – 2)(x + 2)
⇒ x2 – x = x 2 – 4
⇒x=4

12. The length of altitude of an equilateral triangle of side 8cm is

(A) √3 cm
(B) 2√3 cm
(C) 3√3 cm
(D) 4√3 cm

Answer: (D)

Explanation:
The altitude divides the opposite side into two equal parts,
Therefore, BD = DC = 4 cm

In triangle ABD
AB2 = AD2 + BD2
82 = AD2 + 42
AD2 = 64 – 16
AD2 = 48
AD = 4√3 cm

13. If ΔABC ~ ΔDEF, AB = 4 cm, DE = 6 cm, EF = 9 cm and FD = 12 cm, find the

perimeter of ABC.
(A) 18 cm
(B) 20 cm
(C) 21 cm
(D) 22 cm

Answer: (A)
Explanation:
According to question,
ΔABC ~ ΔDEF,
AB = 4 cm, DE = 6 cm, EF = 9 cm and FD = 12 cm,
Therefore,
AB/DE = BC/EF = AC/DF
4/6 = BC/9 = AC/12
⇒ 4/6 = BC/9
⇒ BC = 6 cm
And
4/6 = AC/12
⇒ AC = 8 cm
Perimeter = AB + BC + CA
=4+6+8
= 18 cm

14. A 5 m long ladder is placed leaning towards a vertical wall such that it reaches
the wall at a point 4 m high. If the foot of the ladder is moved 1.6 m towards the
wall, then the distance by which the top of the ladder would slide upwards on the wall
is:
(A) 2 m
(B) 1.2 m
(C) 0.8 m
(D) 0.5 m

Answer: (C)

Explanation:
Let AC be the ladder of length 5m and BC = 4m be the height of the wall where
ladder is placed. If the foot of the ladder is moved 1.6m towards the wall i.e. AD =
1.6 m, then the ladder is slided upward to position E i.e. CE = x m.

In right triangle ABC

AC2 = AB2 + BC2
⇒52 = AB2 + 42
⇒ AB = 3m
⇒ DB = AB – AD = 3 – 1.6 = 1.4m
In right angled ΔEBD
ED2 = EB2 + BD2
⇒ 52 = EB2 + (1.4)2
⇒ EB = 4.8m
EC = EB – BC = 4.8 – 4 = 0.8m
Hence the top of the ladder would slide upwards on the wall at distance 0.8 m.
15. Corresponding sides of two similar triangles are in the ratio of 2 : 3. If the area of
the smaller triangle is 48 cm2, then the area of the larger triangle is:
(A) 108 m2
(B) 107 m2
(C) 106 m2
(D) 230 m2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
According to given Question
ar(Larger Triangle)/ar(Smaller Triangle) = (side of larger triangle/side of larger
triangle)2
ar(Larger Triangle)/48 = (3/2)2
ar(Larger Triangle) = (9 x 48 )/4
ar(Larger Triangle) = 108 cm2
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 7: Coordinate Geometry

1. If the distance between the points (2, –2) and (–1, x) is 5, one of the values of x is
(A) –2 (B) 2
(C) –1 (D) 1

Answer: (B)

Explanation: According to question

 x2  x1    y2  y1  5
2 2

 2  1   2  x  5
2 2

9   2  x   5
2

9   2  x   25
2

2  x  16
2

2 x  4
x2

2. The mid-point of the line segment joining the points A (–2, 8) and B (– 6, – 4) is
(A) (– 4, – 6) (B) (2, 6)
(C) (– 4, 2) (D) (4, 2)

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Let the coordinates of midpoint be (x, y) then

2  6
x
2
8
x
2
 x  4
84
y
2
 y2
Therefore the coordinates are (4, 2).

3. The points A (9, 0), B (9, 6), C (–9, 6) and D (–9, 0) are the vertices of a
(A) Square (B) Rectangle
(C) Rhombus (D) Trapezium

Answer: B
Explanation: Here we will calculate the measure of all four sides of the quadrilateral fromed
by given points A, B, C and D.

AB  9  9  6  0 6
2 2

 9   9     6  6 
2
BC 
2

 18  18
2

 9   9     6  0 
2
CD  6
2

9  9   0  0
2
AD 
2

 18  18
2

Since, AB = CD and BC = AD
Therefore given points A,B,C and D are the vertices of a rectangle.

4. The distance of the point P (2, 3) from the x-axis is

(A) 2 (B) 3
(C) 1 (D) 5

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Distance of the point P (2, 3) from the x-axis = Ordinate of the point (2, 3)
i.e.3.

5. The distance between the points A (0, 6) and B (0, –2) is

(A) 6 (B) 8
(C) 4 (D) 2

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Here, x1 = 0, y1 = 6, x2 = 0, y2 = –2
Distance between points AB  ( x2  x1 )2  ( y2  y1 )2

Distance between points AB  ( x2  x1 ) 2  ( y2  y1 ) 2

 (0  0) 2  (2  6) 2
8

6. AOBC is a rectangle whose three vertices are vertices A (0, 3), O (0, 0) and B (5, 0). The
length of its diagonal is

(A) 5 (B) 3

(C) √34 (D) 4

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
The length of the diagonal is distance between the points AB.
The distance is calculated as,
 x2  x1    y2  y1 
2 2

  5  0    0  3
2 2

 34

7. If P (a/3, 4) is the mid-point of the line segment joining the points Q (– 6, 5) and R (– 2, 3),
then the value of a is

(A) – 4 (B) – 12

(C) 12 (D) – 6

Answer: (B)

Explanation: As (a/3, 4) is the mid – point of the line segment joining the points Q (– 6, 5)
and R (– 2, 3). Therefore
6  2 a

2 3
8 a
 
2 3
a
 4 
3
 a  12

8. The coordinates of the point which is equidistant from the three vertices of the Δ AOB as
shown in the figure is:
(A) (x, y) (B) (y, x)

(C) (x/2, y/2) (D) (y/2, x/2)

Answer: (A)

Explanation: As we have to find the coordinates which are equidistant from A and B, Let the
points be (a, b).
Then (a, b) will be the midpoint of AB.
Therefore,
0  2x
a
2
ax
0  2y
b
2
b y
Hence the coordinates are (x, y)

9. A circle drawn with origin as the centre passes through 13 / 2,0 . The point which does
not lie in the interior of the circle is
 3   7
(A)   ,1 (B)  2, 
 4   3

(C) (5, –1/2) (D) (–6, 5/2)

Answer: (D)

Explanation: If the point lies in the interior of circle, the distance of the point from the centre
should be less than radius of circle.
The radius of circle is the distance between origin and the point 13 / 2,0 .

 x2  x1    y2  y1 
2 2

2
 13 
   0    0  0
2

2 
2
 13 
  
2
13

2
 6.5
 3 
Distance between origin and   ,1 is
 4 
  3
2

   0   1  0 
2

 4 
9
 1
16
5

4
 1.25  6.5

 7
Similarly the distance of points  2,  and (5, –1/2) is also less than 6.5
 3

But the distance of (–6, 5/2) is equal to 6.5.

So the point (–6, 5/2) does not lie in the interior of circle.

10. If the distance between the points (4, p) and (1, 0) is 5, then the value of p is

(A) 4 only (B) ± 4

(C) – 4 only (D) 0

Answer: (B)

Explanation: According to question:

 x2  x1    y2  y1  5
2 2

  4  1   p  0  5
2 2

 9  p2  5
 9  p 2  25
 9  p 2  25
 p 2  16
 p  4

11. The area of a triangle with vertices A (3, 0), B (7, 0) and C (8, 4) is:

(A) 14 (B) 28

(C) 8 (D) 6

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Area of triangle is calculated as,

Area 
1
2
 x1  y2  y3   x2  y3  y1   x3  y1  y2  
 Area   3  0  4   7  4  0   8  0  0  
1
2
1
 Area  12  28
2
1
 Area  16
2
 Area  8

12. The point which divides the line segment joining the points (7, –6) and (3, 4) in ratio 1 : 2
internally lies in the

(A) I quadrant (B) II quadrant

(C) III quadrant (D) IV quadrant

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Let the point be (x, y)

Then, by using section formula

1 3  2  7 
x
1 2
17
x
3
1  4   2  6 
y
1 2
8
 y
3
 17 8 
Therefore, the point is  ,   which lies in fourth quadrant.
 3 3

13. One of the two points of trisection of the line segment joining the points A (7, – 2) and B
(1, – 5) which divides the line in the ratio 1:2 are:
(A) (5, –3) (B) (5, 3)
(C) (–5, –3) (D) (13, 0)

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Required point of trisection that divides the given line in the ratio 1: 2 is
  11  2  7  1 5   2  2  
 , 
 1 2 1 2 
 15 9 
 , 
3 3 
  5, 3

14. A line intersects the y-axis and x-axis at the points P and Q, respectively. If (2, –5) is the
mid - point of PQ, then the coordinates of P and Q are, respectively.
(A) (0, – 5) and (2, 0) (B) (0, 10) and (– 4, 0)
(C) (0, 4) and (– 10, 0) (D) (0, – 10) and (4, 0)

Answer: (D)

Explanation: As the line intersects the y and x axis, let the coordinates be (0, b) and (a, 0)
respectively. Since (2, –5) is the midpoint of the axis. Therefore,

a0
2
2
a4
b0
5 
2
 b  10

Therefore, the coordinates are (0, –10) and (4, 0).

3 5 
15. The ratio in which the point P  ,  divides the line segment joining the Points A
 4 12 
1 3
 ,  and B (2, –5) is:
2 2

(A) 1:5 (B) 5:1

(C) 1:3 (D) 3:1

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Let the ratio be m : n then, according to the question:

 1
m  2  n  
3
 2
4 mn
3 3 1
 m  n  2m  n
4 4 2
3 1 3
 n  n  2m  m
4 2 4
1 5
 n m
4 4
 n  5m
 m : n  1: 5
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 8
Introduction to Trigonometry
1. sin30  cos30  sin60  cos60

(A) – 1 (B) 0

(C) 1 (D) 2

Answer: (B)

Explanation: According to question

 sin30  cos30    sin60  cos60 
1 3 3 1
   
2 2 2 2
0

tan 30
2. Value of is:
cot 60
1 1
(A) (B)
2 3
(C) 3 (D) 1

Answer: (D)

Explanation:
1
tan 30
 3 1
cot 60 1
3

3. sec2θ 1  ?

(A) tan 2  (B) tan 2  +1

(C) cot 2   1 (D) cos2 

Answer: (A)

Explanation: From trigonometric identity

1  tan 2 θ  sec2 θ
 sec 2 θ  1  tan 2 θ
4. The value of sin θ and cos 90  θ 

(A) Are same (B) Are different

(C) No relation (D) Information insufficient

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Since from trigonometric identities,

cos 90  θ   sinθ
So, both represents the same value.

4
5. If cos A  , then tan A  ?
5

(A) 3/5 (B) 3/4

(C) 4/3 (D) 4/5

Answer: (B)

Explanation: From trigonometric identity

1  tan 2 A  sec 2 A
 sec 2 A  1  tan 2 A
1
 2
 1  tan 2 A
cos A
2
5
    1  tan 2 A
4
9
  tan 2 A
16
3
 tan A 
4

6. The value of the expression

[cosec  75  θ  – sec 15 –   – tan 55  θ   cot 35 – θ ] is

(A) 1 (B) −1

(C) 0 (D) 1/2

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Since
cosec  75  θ  – sec 15 – θ  – tan  55  θ   cot  35 – θ 
 cosec  75  θ   cosec  90  15 – θ    tan  55  θ   tan 90   35 – θ  
 cosec  75  θ   cosec  75  θ   tan  55  θ   tan  55  θ 
0

a
7. Given that: sin A  , then cosA  ?
b

b2  a 2 b2  a 2
(A) (B)
b b

(C) b/a (D) a/b

Answer: (B)

Explanation: We have
a
Given : sin A 
b
Perpendicular
As, sin A 
Hypotenus
Let the complete ratio be x
 Perpendicular  ax
Hypotenus  bx
Now
Base 2  Perpendicular 2  Hypotenus 2
Base 2  (ax) 2  (bx) 2
Base 2  (bx) 2  (ax) 2
Base  x b 2  a 2
Base x b2  a 2 b2  a 2
cosA   
Hypotenus bx b

8. The value of (tan1° tan2° tan3° ... tan89°) is

(A) 0 (B) 1

(C) 2 (D) 1/2

Answer: (B)

Explanation: This can be written as,

( tan1° tan2° tan3° ... tan89°)
( tan1° tan2° tan3° ......tan 440 tan 450 tan 460...tan87°tan88°tan89°)
 ( tan1° tan2° tan3° .....tan 440 tan 450 tan(90  44)0 ....tan  90  3 tan  90  2  tan  90  1)
 ( tan1° tan2° tan3° ....tan 440 tan 45 cot 440.....cot 3 cot 2 cot 1)
1
Since tan and cot are reciprocals of each other, so they cancel each other.

9. If sin A  sin2 A  1, then cos2 A  cos4 A = ?

(A) 1 (B) 0

(C) 2 (D) 4

Answer: (A)

Explanation: We have
sin A  sin 2 A  1
 sin A  1  sin 2 A
 sin A  cos 2 A ......(i)
squaring both sides
 sin 2 A  cos 4 A .....(ii)
From equations (i) and (ii), we have
cos 2 A  cos 4 A  sin A  sin 2 A  1

1 1
10. If sin A  and cos B  , then A  B  ?
2 2
(A) 00 (B) 300

(C) 600 (D) 900

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Since
1
sin A 
2
 sin A  sin 30
 A  30
1
cos B 
2
 cos B  cos 60
 B  60
Therefore
A  B  30  60
 A  B  90
  sin 2 220  sin 2 680 
11. The value of   sin 2 630  cos 630 sin 270  is:
 cos 22  cos 68
2 0 2 0

(A) 3 (B) 2
(C) 1 (D) 0

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Using trigonometric properties, we have:

 sin 2 220  sin 2 680 

  sin 2 630  cos 630 sin 27 0 
 cos 22  cos 68
2 0 2 0

 sin 2 220  sin 2  900  220  

 cos 2  900  680   cos 2 680
 sin 2
63 0
 cos 63 0
sin  90 0
 630
 

 
 sin 22  cos 22
2 0 2 0

 2 0  sin 2 630  cos 2 630 
 sin 68  cos 68
2 0

 1  1
2

12. If cos 9  sin  and 9  90 , then the value of tan 5 is

(A) 3 (B) 1/ 3

(C) 0 (D) 1
Answer: (D)

Explanation: Since

cos 9  sin 
 sin  90  9   sin 
 90  9  
   9

Therefore,

tan 5  tan 5  9 
 tan 45
1

13. If a pole 6m high casts a shadow 2 3 m long on the ground, then the sun’s elevation is

(A) 600 (B) 450

(C) 300 (D) 900

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Given condition can be represented as follows:

Therefore,

6
tan θ 
2 3
 tan θ  3
 tan θ  tan 600
 θ  600

14. If cos  A  B   0 , then sin  A  B  is reduced to:

(A) cos A (B) cos 2B

(C) sin A (D) sin 2B

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Since

cos  A  B   0
 cos( A  B )  cos 900
  A  B   900  A  900  B

This implies

sin  A  B   sin  900  B  B 

 sin  A  B   sin  900  2 B 
sin  A  B   cos 2 B

4 sin A  cos A
15. If 4 tan A  3 , then ?
4 sin A  cos A

(A) 2/3 (B) 1/3

(C) 1/2 (D) 3/4

Answer: (C)

Explanation: This can be solved as,

4sin A  cos A
4sin A  cos A cos A

4sin A  cos A 4sin A  cos A
cos A
tan A  1

tan A  1
3 1

3 1
2

4
1

2
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 9
Applications of Trigonometry
1. If the length of the shadow of a tower is increasing, then the angle of elevation of the sun
(A) is also increasing (B) is decreasing
(C) remains unaffected (D) Don’t have any relation with length of shadow

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Observe the following figure, Let A represents sun, then as the length of
shadow increases from DC to DB , the angle of elevation decreases from 60 to 30.

2. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower is 30°. If the height of the tower is doubled,
then the angle of elevation of its top will
(A) also get doubled (B) will get halved
(C) will be less than 60 degree (D) None of these

Answer: (C)
Explanation: According to Question:
h
tan 300 
x
1 h
 
3 x
x
h
3
Now,when height of tower is doubled, we get:
2h
tan  
x
2 x
tan   
x 3
2
tan  
3
  600

3. If the height of a tower and the distance of the point of observation from its foot, both, are
increased by 10%, then the angle of elevation of its top
(A) increases (B) decreases
(C) remains unchanged (D) have no relation.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Since
h
tan  
x
Where h is height and x is distance from tower,
If both are increased by 10%, then the angle will remain unchanged.

4. A ladder 15 metres long just reaches the top of a vertical wall. If the ladder makes an angle
of 60° with the wall, then the height of the wall will be
(A) 7.5m (B) 7.7m

(C) 8.5m (D) 8.8m

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Given that the height of ladder is 15m
Let height of vertical be = h
And the ladder makes an angle of elevation 600 with the wall
In triangle QPR

PR
cos 600 
PQ
1 h

2 15
15
h
2
 h  7.5m

5. An observer 1.5 metres tall is 20.5 metres away from a tower 22 metres high. Determine
the angle of elevation of the top of the tower from the eye of the observer.
(A) 300 (B) 450
(C) 600 (D) 900

Answer: B
Explanation: Let the angle of elevation of the tower from the eye of observer be θ.
Given that:
AB = 22m, PQ = 1.5m = MB
QB = PM = 20.5m
AM = AB − MB = 22 − 1.5 = 20.5m
Now in triangle APM

AM
tan  
PM
20.5
tan  
20.5
tan   1
  450

6. The angles of elevation of the top of a tower from two points distant s and t from its foot
are complementary. Then the height of the tower is:
(A) st (B) s 2t 2

(C) st (D) s/t

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Let the height of tower be h.
Construct figure according to given information as,
 AC
tan  
BC
h
 tan   ......(i)
s
AC
tan  90    
PC
h
 cot   .....(ii)
t
Multiuplying equations (i) and (ii), we get
h h
tan   cot   
s t
2
h
1
st
 h  st

7. The shadow of a tower standing on a level plane is found to be 50 m longer when Sun’s
elevation is 30° than when it is 60°. Then the height of tower is:
(A) 20 3 (B) 25 3

(C) 10 3 (D) 30 3

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Given condition can be represented as follows where SQ is the pole.
Let the height be h and RQ = x m
Then from figure:
SQ
tan 600 
RQ
h
 3
x
h
x
3
SQ
tan 300 
PQ
1 h
 
3 50  x
1 h
 
3 50  h
3
1  h 
  50  h
3 3
50 h
  h
3 3
50 2h
 
3 3
 h  25 3m

8. If a man standing on a platform 3 metres above the surface of a lake observes a cloud and
its reflection in the lake, then the angle of elevation of the cloud is

(A) equal to the angle of depression of its reflection.

(B) double to the angle of depression of its reflection

(C) not equal to the angle of depression of its reflection

(D) information insufficient

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Observe the figure,
We know that if P is a point above the lake at a distance d, then the reflection of the point in
the lake would be at the same distance d.
Also the angle of elevation and depression from the surface of the lake is same.
Here the man is standing on a platform 3m above the surface , so its angle of elevation to the
cloud and angle of depression to the reflection of the cloud cannot be same.

9. If a pole 6m high casts a shadow 2 3 m long on the ground, then the sun’s elevation is:

(A) 600 (B) 450

(C) 300 (D) 900

Answer: (A)
Explanation: According to Question:

Therefore,
 6
tan  
2 3
 tan   3
 tan   tan 600
   600

10. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from certain point is 30°. If the observer
moves 20 metres towards the tower, the angle of elevation of the top increases by 15°. Find
the height of the tower
(A) 10 3  1  (B) 5 3
(C) 5  3 1  (D) 10 3

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Since after moving towards the tower the angle of elevation of the top
increases by 150.

Therefore angle becomes 300+150 = 450

Observe the figure,

 h
tan 450 
x
h
1
x
xh
Also,
h
tan 300 
20  x
1 h
 
3 20  h
 20  h  h 3
20
h
3 1
20 3 1
h 
3 1 3 1
 h  10  
3 1 m

11. A vertical tower stands on a horizontal plane and is surmounted by a vertical flag staff of
height h. At a point on the plane, the angles of elevation of the bottom and the top of the flag
staff are α and β, respectively. Then the height of the tower is:
h tan  h tan 
(A) (B)
tan   tan  tan   tan 
h tan  h tan 
(C) (D)
tan   tan  tan   tan 

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Observe the figure,
 H
tan  
x
H
x
tan 

Also,

hH
tan  
x
hH
x
tan 

Therefore,

H hH

tan  tan 
 H tan   h tan   H tan 
 H tan   H tan   h tan 
h tan 
H 
 tan   tan  
12.The angle of elevation of the top of a tower 30 m high from the foot of another tower in
the same plane is 60°,then distance between the two towers is:

(A) 10 3 m (B) 15 3 m
(C) 12 3 m (D) 36 m

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Observe the figure,

Let the distance between two towers be x m.

From figure,
 30
tan 600 
x
30
 3
x
30
x
3
 x  10 3m

13. The angle of elevation of the top of a vertical tower from a point on the ground is 600 .
From another point 10 m vertically above the first, its angle of elevation is 450. Find the
height of the tower.

(A) 5 3  3 m  
(B) 3  3 m
(C) 15  33  (D) 5 3

Answer: (A)
Explanation: According to Question:

From figure,

AB
tan 600 
QB
H
 3
x
H
x
3

Also,
 H  10
tan 450 
x
H  10
1
x
 x  H  10

Therefore,

H
 H  10
3
H
H  10
3
10 3
H 
3 1
10 3 3 1
H  
3 1 3 1
H 5  
3 3 m

14. A window of a house is h metres above the ground. From the window, the angles of
elevation and depression of the top and the bottom of another house situated on the opposite
side of the lane are found to be Aand B respectively. Then the height of the other house is:

(A) h  1  tanAcotB (B) h  1  tanAcotB

h h
(C) (D)
 1  tanAcotB   1  tanAcotB 

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Observe the figure,

Let the height of another house be H m and distance between two houses is x m.

From figure,
 h
tan B 
x
h
x
tan B

Hh
tan A 
x
Hh
x
tan A

This implies,

Hh h

tan A tan B
 H tan B  h tan B  h tan A
 H tan B  h tan A  h tan B
tan A
Hh h
tan B
 H  h tan A cot B  h
 H  h  tan A cot B  1

15. There are two windows in a house. A window of the house is at a height of 1.5 m above
the ground and the other window is 3 m vertically above the lower window. Ram and Shyam
are sitting inside the two windows. At an instant, the angle of elevation of a balloon from
these windows are observed as 450 and 300 respectively. Find the height of the balloon from
the ground.

(A) 7.598m (B) 8.269m

(C) 7.269m (D) 8.598 m

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Let PQ be the ground level, Ram be sitting at A, Shyam be sitting at B and the
balloon be at C from the ground.

Then

AP = 1.5m

And

AB = 3m

AP = DQ = 1.5m and BA = ED = 3m

Let the height of balloon from ground be h,

Then CE = (h − 4.5)m

In right triangle ADC

CD
tan 450 
AD

1
 h  4.5  3
AD
h  1.5
1
AD
 AD  h  1.5

In right triangle CEB

 CE
tan 300 
BE
1 h  4.5
 
3 h  1.5
1 h  4.5
 
3 h  1.5
 h  1.5  3  h  4.5 
 h  1.5  3h  4.5 3
 4.5 3  1.5  3h  h
4.5 3  1.5
h
3 1

h

1.5 3 3  1 
3 1

h

1.5 3 3  1  3 1 
3 1 3 1

h

1.5 9  3  3 3  1 
2

h

1.5 8  2 3 
2

 h  1.5 4  3 
 h  8.598m
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 10: Circles
1. If angle between two radii of a circle is 130º, then the angle between the tangents at the
ends of the radii is:
(A) 90º (B) 50º
(C) 70º (D) 40º

Answer: (B)
Explanation:
If the angle between two radii of a circle is 130º, then the angle between tangents is 180 º −
130 º = 50º. (By the properties of circle and tangents)

2. The length of tangent from an external point P on a circle with centre O is

(A) always greater than OP (B) equal to OP
(C) always less than OP (D) information insufficient

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Observe figure

The angle between tangent and radius is 90º. This implies OP is the hypotenuse for the right
triangle OQP right angled at Q and hypotenuse is the longest side in a right triangle, therefore
the length of tangent from an external point P on a circle with centre O is always less than
OP.

3. If angle between two tangents drawn from a point P to a circle of radius ‘a’and centre ‘O’
is 90°, then OP =
(A) 2a 2 (B) a 2
(C) a/ 2 (D) 5a 2

Answer: (B)
Explanation: From point P, two tangents are drawn
OT = a (given)
Also line OP bisects the  RPT
Therefore,
 TPO =  RPO = 45 º
Also
OT is perpendicular to PT
In right triangle OTP
OT
sin 450 
OP
1 a
 
2 OP
 OP  a 2

4. The length of tangent from an external point on a circle is

(A) always greater than the radius of the circle.
(B) always less than the radius of the circle.
(C) may or may not be greater than the radius of circle
(D) None of these.

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Observe the figure,

In figure OQ is the radius and QP is the tangent.

For right triangle OQP, radius and tangents are two smaller sides, smaller than hypotenuse
OP.
Also the length of tangent depends upon the distance of external point from circle. Thus,
the length of tangent from an external point on a circle may or may not be greater than the
radius of circle.
5. In the following figure, AT is a tangent to the circle with centre O such that OT = 4 cm and
∠OTA = 30°. Then AT is equal to

(A) 4 cm (B) 2 cm
(C) 2 3 cm (D) 4 3 cm

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Join OA

We know that the tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the
point of contact.
Therefore,
OAT  900
In triangle OAT
AT
cos 300 
OT
3 AT

2 4
AT  2 3 cm

6. At one end A of a diameter AB of a circle of radius 5 cm, tangent XAY is drawn to the
circle. The length of the chord CD parallel to XY and at a distance 8 cm from A is
(A) 4 cm (B) 5 cm
(C) 6 cm (D) 8 cm

Answer: (D)
Explanation: Observe the figure,
Since OC = OA= radius =5cm
Therefore
OE  AE  AO
OE  8  5
OE  3cm
In right triangle OEC
OC 2 = OE 2 +CE 2
 52  32  CE 2
 CE 2  25  9
 CE 2  16
 CE  4
Therefore length of chord CD = 2×4 = 8cm

7. In the following figure, if O is the centre of a circle, PQ is a chord and the tangent PR at P
makes an angle of 50° with PQ, then ∠POQ is equal to

(A) 100° (B) 80°

(C) 90° (D) 75°

Answer: (A)
Explanation: From figure using properties of circle and tangents
OPQ  900  500
OPQ  400
OP = OQ = radius
So  E   OQP  400
Now
In POQ
POQ  1800   OPQ  OQP 
POQ  1800   400  400 
POQ  1000

8. In the following figure, PA and PB are tangents from a point P to a circle with centre O.
Then the quadrilateral OAPB must be a

(A) Square (B) Rhombus

(C) Cyclic quadrilateral (D) Parallelogram

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Since tangent and radius intersect at right angle ,
So,
OAP  OBP  900
 OAP  OBP  900  900  1800
Which are opposite angles of quadrilateral OAPB
So the sum of remaining two angles is also 180 0
Therefore Quad OAPB is cyclic Quadrilateral.

9. If d1 , d2  d2  d1  be the diameters of two concentric circles and c be the length of a chord

of a circle which is tangent to the other circle, then
(A) d 2 2  c 2  d12 (B) d 2 2  c 2  d12
(C) d12  c 2  d 2 2 (D) d12  c 2 – d 2 2

Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Let AB be a chord of a circle which touches the other circle at C. Then ΔOCB is right
triangle.

By Pythagoras theorem

OC2  CB2  OB2

2 2 2
1  1  1 
  d1    c    d2 
2  2  2 
 d 2  c  d12
2 2

10. If a chord AB subtends an angle of 60° at the centre of a circle, then angle between the
tangents at A and B is:
(A) 60 0 (B) 120 0
(C) 80 0 (D) 100 0

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Observe the figure

Using properties of circles and tangents, angle between tangents is :

 1800  600
 1200

11. If two tangents inclined at an angle 60° are drawn to a circle of radius 3 cm,
then length of each tangent is equal to
(A) 2 3 cm (B) 6 3 cm
(C) 3 3 cm (D) 3 cm

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Let P be an external point from which pair of tangents are drawn as shown in
the figure given below:

Join OA and OP

Also OP is a bisector line of APC

APO  CPO  300

OA  AP

Therefore, in triangle OAP

OA
tan 300 
AP
1 3

3 AP
AP  3 3 cm

12. In the following figure, if PQR is the tangent to a circle at Q whose centre is O, AB is a
chord parallel to PR and ∠BQR = 70°, then ∠AQB is equal to

(A) 20° (B) 40°

(C) 35° (D) 45°

Answer: (B)
Explanation: In the given figure
ABQ  BQR  700 (Alternate interior angles)
In Δ QDA and ΔQDB
 QDA  QDB(each 900 )
QD  QD (common side)
AD  BD
QDA  QDB
then,
 QAD  QBD
Therefore in ΔABQ
A  B  Q  1800
Q  1800   700  700 
Q  400

13. In the adjoining figure, Δ ABC is circumscribing a circle. Then, the length of BC is

(A) 7 cm (B) 8 cm
(C) 9 cm (D) 10 cm

Answer: (D)
Explanation: Since lengths of tangents from same external point are equal.

Therefore,

BZ=BL=4cm

Also

AZ=AM=3cm

This gives

MC= 9 – 3 = 6 cm

Similarly LC = MC = 6cm

So length of BC = BL + LC = 4cm + 6cm = 10cm

14. In the following figure, AB is a chord of the circle and AOC is its diameter such that 
ACB = 50°. If AT is the tangent to the circle at the point A, then  BAT is equal to

(A) 65° (B) 60°

(C) 50° (D) 40°

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Here

 ABC  900 (Anglein semicircle)

In ΔACB
A  B  C  1800
A  1800   900  500 
A  400
orOAB  400

Therefore, BAT  900  400  500

15. In the following figure, tangents PQ and PR are drawn to a circle such that ∠RPQ = 30°.
A chord RS is drawn parallel to the tangent PQ, then ∠RQS.

(A) 30° (B) 60°

(C) 90° (D) 120°

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Since PQ = PR

(Lengths of tangents from same external point are equal)

Therefore,

 PQR   QRP
Therefore in ΔPQR, we have,
 PQR   QRP   QPR  1800
2 PQR  300  1800
 PQR  750
Now SR||QP
So,SRQ  RQP  750 (Alternate angles)
According to, the Alternate Segment Theorem which states that angle between
chord and tangent is equal to the anglein the alternate segment,we have:
PQR  QSR  750
Q   R   S  1800
Q  1800   750  750 
Q  300
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 11: Constructions
1. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 5:7, first a ray AX is drawn so that ∠BAX is an
acute angle and then at equal distances points are marked on the ray AX such that the
minimum number of these points is:
(A) 8 (B) 10
(C) 11 (D) 12

Answer: (D)

Explanation: We know that to divide a line segment in the ratio m : n, first draw a ray AX
which makes an acute angle BAX , then marked m+n points at equal distances from each
other.
Here m = 5, n = 7
So minimum number of these point = m + n = 5 + 7 = 12

2. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 4:7, a ray AX is drawn first such that
∠BAX is an acute angle and then points A1, A2, A3, .... are located at equal
distances on the ray AX and the point B is joined to

(A) A12 (B) A11

(C) A10 (D) A9

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Here minimum 4+7=11 points are located at equal distances on the ray AX and
then B is joined to last point, i.e., A11.

3. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 5 : 6, draw a ray AX such that ∠BAX
is an acute angle, then draw a ray BY parallel to AX and the points A1, A2, A3, ... and B1, B2,
B3, ... are located at equal distances on ray AX and BY, respectively. Then the points joined
are
(A) A5 and B6 (B) A6 and B5
(C) A4 and B5 (D) A5 and B4

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Observe the following figure:
4. To construct a triangle similar to a given ΔABC with its sides 3/7 of the corresponding
sides of ΔABC, first draw a ray BX such that ∠CBX is an acute angle and X lies on the opposite
side of A with respect to BC. Then locate points B1, B2, B3, ... on BX at equal distances and
next step is to join:
(A) B10 to C (B) B3 to C
(C) B7 to C (D) B4 to C

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Here we locate points B1,B2,B3,B4,B5,B6 and B7 on BX at equal distances and in
next step join the last point B7 to C

5. To construct a triangle similar to a given ΔABC with its sides 8/5 of the corresponding
sides of ΔABC draw a ray BX such that ∠CBX is an acute angle and X is on the opposite side
of A with respect to BC. The minimum number of points to be located at equal distances on
ray BX is:
(A) 5 (B) 8
(C) 13 (D) 3

Answer: (B)
Explanation: To construct a triangle similar to a given triangle with its sides m/n of the
corresponding sides of given triangle ,the minimum number of points to be located at equal
distance is equal to the greater of m and n in m/n.
Here, m/n = 8/5
So the minimum number of points to be located at equal distance on ray BX is 8.

6. To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 60°, it
is required to draw tangents at end points of those two radii of the circle, the angle between
them should be:
(A) 135° (B) 90°
(C) 60° (D) 1200
Answer: (D)

Explanation: The angle between them should be 1200 because the figure formed by the
intersection point of pair of tangents, the two end points of those two radii (at which
tangents are drawn) and the centre of circle, is a quadrilateral. Thus the sum of the opposite
angles in this quadrilateral must be 180o.

7. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio p : q (p, q are positive integers), draw a ray AX so
that ∠BAX is an acute angle and then mark points on ray AX at equal distances such that the
minimum number of these points is
(A) greater of p and q (B) p + q
(C) p + q – 1 (D) pq

Answer: (B)
Explanation: We know that to divide a line segment in the ratio m : n, first draw a ray AX
which makes an acute angle BAX , then mark m + n points at equal distances from each
other.
Here m = p, n = q
So minimum number of these points = m + n = p + q

8. To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 35°, it
is required to draw tangents at the end points of those two radii of the circle, the angle
between which is:
(A) 105° (B) 70°
(C) 140° (D) 145°

Answer: (D)
Explanation: The angle between them should be 1450 because the figure formed by the
intersection point of pair of tangents, the two end points of those two radii (at which
tangents are drawn) and the centre of circle, is a quadrilateral. Thus the sum of the opposite
angles in this quadrilateral must be 180 o.

9. By geometrical construction, it is possible to divide a line segment in the ratio:

1 1
(A) 3 : (B) 3 :
3 2
2
(C) 3 : 2 (D) 3 :
5
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
1
Ratio 3 : can also be written as 3:1
3
10. A pair of tangents can be constructed from a point P to a circle of radius
3.5 cm situated at a distance of ___________ from the centre.
(A) 5cm (B) 2cm
(C) 3cm (D) 3.5cm

Answer: (A)
Explanation: The pair of tangents can be drawn from an external point only, so its distance
from the centre must be greater than radius. Since only 5cm is greater than radius of 3.5cm.
So the tangents can be drawn from the point situated at a distance of 5cm from the centre.

11. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 5:6, draw a ray AX such that BAX is an acute
angle, then draw a ray BY parallel to AX and the points A1, A2, A3,…. and B1, B2, B3,…. are
located to equal distances on ray AX and BY, respectively. Then, the points joined are
(A) A5 and B6 (B) A6 and B5
(C) A4 and B5 (D) A5 and B4
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
To divide line segment AB in the ratio 5:6.

Steps of construction
1. Draw a ray AX making an acute BAX.

2. Draw a ray BY parallel to AX by taking ABY equal to BAX.

3. Divide AX into five (m = 5) equal parts AA1, A1A2, A2A3, A3A4 and A4A5

4. Divide BY into six (n = 6) equal parts and BB1, B1B2, B2B3, B3B4, B4B5 and B5B6.

4. Join B6 A5. Let it intersect AB at a point C.

Then, AC : BC = 5 : 6
12. A rhombus ABCD in which AB = 4cm and  ABC = 60o, divides it into two triangles say,
ABC and ADC. Construct the triangle AB’C’ similar to triangle ABC with scale factor 2/3.
Select the correct figure.

Answer: (A)

13. A triangle ABC is such that BC = 6 cm, AB = 4 cm and AC = 5 cm. For the triangle similar
to this triangle with its sides equal to (3/4)th of the corresponding sides of ΔABC, correct
figure is:
Answer: (D)

14. For ∆ABC in which BC = 7.5 cm, ∠B =450 and AB – AC = 4, select the correct figure.

(A)

(B)

(C)
(D) None of these

Answer: (B)

15. Draw the line segment AB = 5 cm. From the point A draw a line segment AD = 6cm
making an angle of 600 with AB. Draw a perpendicular bisector of AD. Select the correct
figure.
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D) None of these

Answer: (A)
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 12
Areas Related To Circles
1. If the sum of the areas of two circles with radii R1 and R2 is equal to the area of a circle of
radius R, then
(A) R1  R2  R (B) R12  R2 2  R 2
(C) R1  R2  R (D) R12  R2 2  R 2

Answer: (B)
Explanation: According to given codition ,
Area of circle = Area of first circle + Area of second circle
 R 2   R12   R2 2
R 2  R12  R2 2

2. If the circumference of a circle and the perimeter of a square are equal, then
(A) Area of the circle = Area of the square
(B) Area of the circle > Area of the square
(C) Area of the circle < Area of the square
(D) Nothing definite can be said about the relation between the areas of the circle and square.

Answer: (B)
Explanation: According to given condition
Circumference of a circle = Perimeter of square
2 r  4a
[Where r and a are radius of circle and side of square respectively]
22
r  2a
7
11r  7 a
7a
r  ...(1)
11
Area of circle, A1   r 2
2
 7a 
  
 11 
14a 2
 .......(2)
11
Area of square, A 2  a 2 .......(3)
From equations  2  and  3
A1  A 2
Hence Area of the circle > Area of the square
3. Area of the largest triangle that can be inscribed in a semi-circle of radius r units, in square
units is:
1
(A) r2 (B) r 2
2
2
(C) 2 r (D) 2 r2

Answer: (A)
Explanation: The triangle inscribed in a semi-circle will be the largest when the
perpendicular height of the triangle is the same size as the radius of the semi-circle.
Consider the following figure:

We know that,
1
Area of a triangle   base  height
2
1
 Area of ABC   AC  BD
2
1
 Area of ΔABC   2r  r
2
 Area of ΔABC  r 2

4. If the perimeter of a circle is equal to that of a square, then the ratio of their areas is:
(A) 22:7 (B) 14:11
(C) 7:22 (D) 11:14

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Perimeter of circle = Perimeter of square
2 r  4a
r
a
2
 Area of circle  r2

Area of square   r 2
 
 2 
Area of circle 4
 
Area of square 22
7
Area of circle 14
 
Area of square 11

5. It is proposed to build a single circular park equal in area to the sum of areas of two
circular parks of diameters 16 m and 12 m in a locality. The radius of the new park would be
(A) 10 m (B) 15 m
(C) 20 m (D) 24 m

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Area of first circular park, whose diameter is 16m
2
 16 
=  r 2      64 m2
2
Area of second circular park, whose diameter is 12m
2
 12 
=  r      36 m2
2

2
According to question,
Area of new circular park =
 R 2   64  36  m2
 R 2  100 m2
R  10m

6. The area of the circle that can be inscribed in a square of side 6 cm is

(A) 36 π cm2 (B) 18 π cm2
2
(C) 12 π cm (D) 9 π cm2

Answer: (D)
Explanation: Given,
Side of square = 6 cm
Diameter of a circle = side of square = 6cm
Therefore, Radius of circle = 3cm
Area of circle
  r2
   3
2

 9 cm2
7. The area of the square that can be inscribed in a circle of radius 8 cm is
(A) 256 cm2 (B) 128 cm2
(C) 642 cm2 (D) 64 cm2

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Radius of circle = 8 cm
Diameter of circle = 16 cm = diagonal of the square
Therefore side of square = diagonal/ 2
16

2
2
 16 
Therefore, area of square is   side   
2

 2
256

2
 128cm 2

8. The radius of a circle whose circumference is equal to the sum of the circumferences of the
two circles of diameters 36 cm and 20 cm is
(A) 56 cm (B) 42 cm
(C) 28 cm (D) 16 cm

Answer: (C)
Explanation: According to question,
Circumference of circle  circumference of first circle + circumference of second circle
 D   d1   d 2
D  36  20
D  56cm
56
So, radius =  28cm
2

9. The diameter of a circle whose area is equal to the sum of the areas of the two circles of
radii 24 cm and 7 cm respectively, is
(A) 31 cm (B) 25 cm
(C) 62 cm (D) 50 cm

Answer: (D)
Explanation: According to question
  R 2   r12   r2 2  c 2


 R 2    24     7  cm 2
2 2

R 2   576  49  cm 2
R 2  625cm 2
R  25cm
Therefore diameter = 2×25 = 50cm

10. If the length of an arc of a circle of radius r is equal to that of an arc of a circle of radius 2
r, then
(A) the angle of the corresponding sector of the first circle is double the angle of the
corresponding sector of the other circle.
(B) the angle of the corresponding sector of the first circle is equal the angle of the
corresponding sector of the other circle.
(C) the angle of the corresponding sector of the first circle is half the angle of the
corresponding sector of the other circle.
(D) the angle of the corresponding sector of the first circle is 4 times the angle of the
corresponding sector of the other circle.

Answer: (A)
Explanation: According to Question,
1 2
 2 r1   2 r2
360 360
1r1   2 r2
1r   2  2r 
1  2 2

11. The wheel of a motor cycle is of radius 35 cm. How many revolutions per minute must
the wheel make so as to keep a speed of 66 km/h?
(A) 300 (B) 400
(C) 450 (D) 500

Answer: (D)
Explanation:
Circumference of the wheel  2 r
22
 2   35
7
 220cm
Speed of the wheel  66km/hr
66 1000

60
 1100 100cm/min
 110000cm/min
110000
Number of revolutions per minute   500
220

12. A cow is tied with a rope of length 14 m at the corner of a rectangular field of dimensions
20m × 16m, then the area of the field in which the cow can graze is:
(A) 154 m2 (B) 156 m2
(C) 158 m2 (D) 160 m2

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Figure according to question is:

Area of the field in which cow can graze = Area of a sector AFEG


 r2
360
90
  14 
2

360
1 22
  196
4 7

=154 m2

13. The area of the shaded region in Fig., where arcs drawn with centres P, Q, Rand S
intersect in pairs at mid-points A, B, C and D of the sides PQ, QR, RS and SP, respectively
of a square PQRS, is:
(A) 25.25 cm2 (B) 27.45 cm2
(C) 29.65 cm2 (D) 30.96 cm2

Answer: (D)
Explanation:

Area of thesahded region  Area of square  4  Area of four quadrants

 Area of square  4  Area of circle
 122   r 2
2
 12 
 144  3.14   
 2
 144  3.14  62
 144  3.14  36
 144  113.04
 30.96 cm 2

14. Area of a sector of central angle 120° of a circle is 3π cm2. Then the length of the
corresponding arc of this sector is:
(A) 5.8cm (B) 6.1cm
(C) 6.3cm (D) 6.8cm

Answer: (C)
Explanation:

Given that

Area of a sector of central angle 120° of a circle is 3π cm2

 
Area of sector   r2
360
120 2
 3  r
360
1
 3  r2
3
 r 9
2

 r  3cm

Therefore, required length of arc  2 r
360
120 22
  2 3
360 7
22
 2
7
 6.3cm

15. A round table cover has six equal designs as shown in the figure. If the radius of the cover
is 28 cm, then the cost of making the design at the rate of Rs. 0.35 per cm2 is:

(A) Rs.146.50 (B) Rs.148.75

(C) Rs.152.25 (D) Rs.154.75

Answer: (B)
Explanation: The area of the hexagon will be equal to six equilateral triangles with each side
equal to the radius of circle.

Area of given hexagon = Area of 6 equilateral triangles.

3
 6   side 
2

4
3
 6   28 
2

4
 1999.2 cm 2  Taking 3  1.7 
Area of circle = πr2
 = π × 282

= 2464 cm2

So, area of designed portion = 2464 – 1999.2 = 464.8 cm2

Cost of making design = 464.8 × 0.35

= Rs. 162.68
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 13
Surface Areas and Volumes
1. A cylindrical pencil sharpened at one edge is the combination of
(A) a cone and a cylinder (B) frustum of a cone and a cylinder
(C) a hemisphere and a cylinder (D) two cylinders.

Answer: (A)
Explanation: The shape of a sharpened pencil is :

2. A cone is cut through a plane parallel to its base and then the cone that is formed on one
side of that plane is removed. The new part that is left over on the other side of the plane is
called
(A) a frustum of a cone (B) cone
(C) cylinder (D) sphere

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Observe figure

3. During conversion of a solid from one shape to another, the volume of the new
shape will
(A) increase (B) decrease
(C) remain unaltered (D) be doubled
Answer: (C)
Explanation: During conversion of one solid shape to another, the volume of the new shape
will remain unaltered.

4. A right circular cylinder of radius r cm and height h cm (h>2r) just encloses a

sphere of diameter
(A) r cm (B) 2r cm
(C) h cm (D) 2h cm

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Because the sphere is enclosed inside the cylinder, therefore the diameter of
sphere is equal to the diameter of cylinder which is 2r cm.

5. A hollow cube of internal edge 22cm is filled with spherical marbles of diameter 0.5 cm
and it is assumed that 1/8th space of the cube remains unfilled. Then the number of marbles
that the cube can accommodate is
(A) 142244 (B) 142396
(C) 142496 (D) 142596

Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Volume of cube   22 
3

 10648cm3
4
Volume of a marble   r 3
3
3
4 22  0.5 
   
3 7  2 
 0.0655cm3
1
Filled space of cube  Volume of cube   Volume of cube
8
10648
 10648 
8
 9317 cm 3

9317
Required number of marbles 
0.0655
 142244

6. A metallic spherical shell of internal and external diameters 4 cm and 8 cm respectively, is

melted and recast into the form of a cone with base diameter 8cm. The height of the cone is
(A)12cm (B) 14cm
(C) 15cm (D) 18cm
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Since volume will remain same, therefore,

Volume of cone  Volume of sphericalshell

  r 2 h    r13  r23 
1 4
3 3
   4  h    43  23 
1 2 4
3 3
 h  14cm

7. A solid piece of iron in the form of a cuboid of dimensions 49cm × 33cm × 24cm,
is moulded to form a solid sphere. The radius of the sphere is
(A) 21cm (B) 23cm
(C) 25cm (D) 19cm

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Since volume will remain the same, therefore,
Volume of sphere  Volume of Cuboid
4
  r3  l  b  h
3
4 22
   r 3  49  33  24
3 7
 r 3  21 21 21
 r  21cm

8. If two solid hemispheres of same base radii r, are joined together along their bases, then
curved surface area of this new solid is
(A) 4πr2 (B) 6πr2
(C) 3πr2 (D) 8πr2

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Because curved surface area of a hemisphere is 2πr and here we join two solid
hemispheres along their bases of radii r, from which we get a solid sphere.
Hence the curved surface area of new solid = 2πr2 + 2πr2 = 4πr2

9. A solid cylinder of radius r and height h is placed over other cylinder of same
height and radius. The total surface area of the shape so formed is
(A) 4πrh + 4πr2 (B) 4πrh − 4πr2
2
(C) 4πrh + 2πr (D) 4πrh − 2πr2

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Since the total surface area of cylinder of radius r and height h
= 2πrh + 2πr2.
When one cylinder is placed over the otrher cylinder of same height and radius,
Then height of new cylinder = 2h
And radius of the new cylinder = r
Therefore total surface area of new cylinder
= 2πr(2h) + 2πr2
= 4πrh + 2πr2

10. The radii of the top and bottom of a bucket of slant height 45cm are 28cm and
7 cm respectively. The curved surface area of the bucket is:
(A) 4950 cm2 (B) 4951 cm2
2
(C) 4952 cm (D) 4953 cm2

Answer: (A)
Explanation:

Curved surface area of the bucket    R  r  l

 Curved surface area of the bucket    28  7   45
 Curved surface area of the bucket  4950 cm 2

11. A medicine-capsule is in the shape of a cylinder of diameter 0.5 cm with two

hemispheres stuck to each of its ends. The length of entire capsule is 2 cm. The
capacity of the capsule is
(A) 0.36 cm3 (B) 0.35 cm3
(C) 0.34 cm3 (D) 0.33 cm3

Answer: (A)
Explanation:

Since diameter of the cylinder = diameter of the hemisphere = 0.5cm

Radius of cylinder r = radius of hemisphere r = 0.5/2 = 0.25 cm

Observe the figure,

Total length of capsule = 2cm

Capacity of capsule is:

  Voulme of cylindrical part  2  volume of hemisphere
2
  r 2h  2   r 3
3
2 4 
   0.25  1.5   0.25 
 3 
 0.36 cm 3

12. Twelve solid spheres of the same size are made by melting a solid metallic cylinder of
base diameter 2 cm and height 16 cm. The diameter of each sphere is
(A) 4 cm (B) 3 cm
(C) 2 cm (D) 6 cm

Answer: (C)
Explanation:

Since, Voulme of 12solid spheres  volume of Cylinder

4
 12   r 3   r 2 h
3
 16 r 3   1 16
2

 r3  1
 r  1cm
Therefore diameter of each solid sphere = 2cm

13. The diameters of the two circular ends of the bucket are 44 cm and 24 cm. The
height of the bucket is 35 cm. The capacity of the bucket is
(A) 32.7 litres (B) 33.7 litres
(C) 34.7 litres (D) 31.7 litres

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Since shape of bucket is like Frustum,

Therefore, volume of bucket

1
  h  R 2  r 2  rR 
3
1 22
   35  222  122  22 12 
3 7
 32706.6 cm3
 32.7 L
14. Volumes of two spheres are in the ratio 64:27. The ratio of their surface areas is:
(A) 3 : 4 (B) 4 : 3
(C) 9 : 16 (D) 16 : 9

Answer: (D)
Explanation: According to question,

4 3
V1 3 1
r

V2 4  r 3
2
3
64 r13
 
27 r23
r1 4
 
r2 3

Therefore ratio of surface area is:

S1 4 r12

S2 4 r2 2
2
S r 
 1  1 
S2  r2 
2
S 4
 1  
S2  3 
S 16
 1 
S2 9

15. A mason constructs a wall of dimensions 270cm× 300cm × 350cm with the bricks
each of size 22.5cm × 11.25cm × 8.75cm and it is assumed that 1/8 space is covered by the
mortar. Then the number of bricks used to construct the wall is:
(A) 11100 (B) 11200
(C) 11000 (D) 11300

Answer: (B)
Explanation: According to question,
1
Volume of wall covered with bricks  Volume of wall   Volume of wall
8
270  300  350
 270  300  350 
8
 24806250 cm 3
 volume of wall with bricks
Therefore, required number of bricks 
volume of one brick
24806250

22.5 11.25  8.75
 11200
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 14: Statistics

1. In the formula x  a 
fd
i i
, for finding the mean of grouped data di’s are deviations
f i
from the:
(A) lower limits of the classes
(B) upper limits of the classes
(C) midpoints of the classes
(D) frequencies of the class marks.

Answer: (C)
Explanation: We know that di  xi  a i.e di’s are the deviations from the midpoints of the
classes.

2. While computing mean of the grouped data, we assume that the frequencies are:
(A) evenly distributed over all the classes
(B) centered at the class marks of the classes
(C) centered at the upper limits of the classes
(D) centered at the lower limits of the classes

Answer: (B)
Explanation: In computing the mean of grouped data, the frequencies are centred at the class
marks of the classes

3. If xi’s are the midpoints of the class intervals of grouped data, fi’s are the corresponding
frequencies and x is the mean , then  f x  x  is equal o
i i

(A) 0 (B) – 1
(C) 1 (D) 2

Answer: (A)
Explanation:

x
 fi xi
n
   fi xi  x    fi xi   x
 nx  nx
0

4. The abscissa of the point of intersection of the less than type and of the more than type
cumulative frequency of a grouped data gives its:
(A) Mean (B) Median
(C) Mode (D) All of these
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Since the intersection point of less than type ogive and more than ogive gives
the median on the abscissa.

5. For the following distribution,

Class 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-25

Frequency 10 15 12 20 9

The sum of lower limits of median class and modal class is:
(A) 15 (B) 25
(C) 30 (D) 35

Answer: (B)
Explanation:

Class Frequency Cumulative Frequency

0-5 10 10
5-10 15 25
10-15 12 37
15-20 20 57
20-25 9 66

Now N/2=66/2=33 which lies in the interval 10-15.Therefore lower limit of the median class
is 10.

The highest frequency is 20 which lies in the interval 15-20.Therefore, lower limit of modal
class is 15.

Hence required sum is 10 +15=25

6. If the arithmetic mean of x, x+3, x+6, x+9 and x+12 is 10, then x = ?
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 6 (D) 4

Answer: (D)
Explanation:
According to question

x  x  3  x  6  x  9  x  12
x
5
5 x  30
 10 
5
 5 x  50  30
 5 x  20
x4
7. If the mean of first n natural numbers is 5n/9, then n =?
(A) 6 (B) 7
(C) 9 (D) 10

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Since natural numbers forms an A.P,
 Sum of n natural numbers is :
n
S n   2a   n  1 d 
2
n
S n   2 1   n  11
2
n
S n   n  1
2
But according to question,
n
 n  1 5n
x2 
n 9
1 5n
  n  1 
2 9
 9n  9  10n
 n9

8. If 35 is removed from the data, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 then the median increases by:
(A) 2 (B) 1.5
(C) 1 (D) 0.5

Answer: (D)
Explanation: We have
30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40
The data has 8 observations, so there are two middle terms, 4th and 5th term i.e. 36 and 37.
The median is the mean of both these terms.
36  37
Median 
2
Median  36.5
When 35 is removed from given data as 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 then the number of
observations becomes 7.
Now the median is the middle most i.e 4th term which is equal to 37.
Therefore median is increased by 37 – 36.5 = 0.5

9. The Median when it is given that mode and mean are 8 and 9 respectively, is:
(A) 8.57 (B) 8.67
(C) 8.97 (D) 9.24

Answer: (B)
Explanation: By Empirical formula:
Mode = 3median  2 mean
8  3median  2  9
8  3median  18
3median  8  18
26
median 
3
median  8.67

10. If the mean of frequency distribution is 8.1 and  fi xi  132  5k , f i  20 , then k=?
(A) 3 (B) 4
(C) 5 (D) 6

Answer: (D)
Explanation: According to question,

x
 fi xi
 fi
132  5k
 8.1 
20
 162  132  5k
 5k  30
k 6

11. In a hospital, weights of new born babies were recorded, for one month. Data is as shown:

Weight of new born baby (in kg) 1.4 – 1.8 1.8 – 2.2 2.2 – 2.6 2.6 – 3.0
No of babies 3 15 6 1

Then the median weight is:

(A) 2kg (B) 2.03kg
(C) 2.05 kg (D) 2.08 kg

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Construct a table as follows:

Cumulative
Class- Frequency Midpoint
Frequency
interval (fi) (xi)
(cf)
1.4-1.8 3 1.6 3
 1.8-2.2 15 2 18
2.2-2.6 6 2.4 24
2.6-3.0 1 2.8 25

Since N/2 = 25/2 = 12.5

12.5 is near to cumulative frequency value 18

So median class interval is 1.8-2.2

 N 2  cf 
 Median  l   h
 f 
Here
l  1.8
N / 2  25 / 2
 N / 2  12.5
cf  3
f  15
h  0.4

Therefore,
 N 2  cf 
Median  l   h
 f 
 12.5  3 
Median  1.8    0.4
 15 
 1.8  0.25
 2.05
Hence median weight is 2.05 kg.

12. In a small scale industry, salaries of employees are given in the following distribution
table :

Salary (in Rs.) 4000 - 5000- 6000- 7000- 8000- 9000-

5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
Number of
20 60 100 50 80 90
employees

Then the mean salary of the employee is:

(A) Rs. 7350 (B) Rs. 7400
(C) Rs. 7450 (D) Rs. 7500

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Class-interval Frequency(fi) Midpoint (xi) fi xi
4000-5000 20 4500 90000
5000-6000 60 5500 330000
6000-7000 100 6500 650000
7000-8000 50 7500 375000
8000-9000 80 8500 680000
9000-10000 90 9500 855000
 fi  400  xi fi  2980000
Therefore mean is:

x
x f i i

f i

2980000
x
400
x  7450

13. For one term, absentee record of students is given below. If mean is 15.5, then the
missing frequencies x and y are:

Number
0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-25 25-30 30-35 35-40 TOTAL
of days
Total
Number
15 16 x 8 y 8 6 4 70
of
students

(A) x  4and y  3 (B) x  7and y  7

(C) x  3and y  4 (D) x  7 and y  6

Answer: (D)
Explanation: Construct a table as follows:

Class- Frequency Midpoint

fixi
interval (fi) (xi)
0-5 15 2.5 37.5
5 - 10 16 7.5 120
10 - 15 x 12.5 12.5x
15 - 20 8 17.5 140
20 - 25 y 22.5 22.5y
25 -30 8 27.5 220
30 - 35 6 32.5 195
35 - 40 4 37.5 150
TOTAL 70 12.5x+22.5y+862.5
 12.5 x  22.5 y  862.5
mean 
70
12.5 x  22.5 y  862.5
 15.5 
70
 15.5  70  12.5 x  22.5 y  862.5
 12.5 x  22.5 y  222.5
 125 x  225 y  2225
 5 x  9 y  89 .....(i)

Also

x  y  57  70
x  y  13 .....(ii)

Multiplying equation (ii) by 5 and then subtracting from (i) as,

5 x  9 y  89
5 x  5 y  65
4 y  24
y6

Substituting the value of y in equation (ii), we get

x  y  13
 x  6  13
x7

Hence x  7 and y  6

14. Pocket expenses of a class in a college are shown in the following frequency distribution:

Pocket 0-200 200-400 400-600 600-800 800-1000 1000- 1200-

expenses 1200 1400
Number 33 74 170 88 76 44 25
of
students

Then the median for the above data is:

(A) 485.07 (B) 486.01
(C) 487.06 (D) 489.03

Answer: (C)
Explanation:

Class- Frequency Midpoint fixi cf

 interval (fi) (xi)
0-200 33 100 3300 33
200-400 74 300 22200 107
400-600 170 500 85000 277
600-800 88 700 61600 365
800-1000 76 900 68400 441
1000-1200 44 1100 48400 485
1200-1400 25 1300 32500 510
510 321400

Since N/2 = 510/2 = 255

255 is near to cumulative frequency value 277.

So median class interval is 400-600

 N 2  cf 
Median  l   h
 f 

Here,
l  400
N / 2  255
cf  107
f  170
h  100

Therefore,
 N 2  cf 
Median  l   h
 f 
 255  107 
Median  400   100
 170 
Median  400  87.06
Median  487.06

15. If the mean of observations x1, x2, x3,…….xn is x , then the mean of new observations
x1+a, x2+a, x3+a,…….xn+a is:
(A) a x (B) x + a
(C) x − a (D) x /a

Answer: (B)
Explanation: We have
 x1  x2  x3 .  xn
x .....(i)
n
x  a  x2  a  x3  a .  xn  a
New mean  1
n
x  x  x .  xn a  a  a....n times
 New mean  1 2 3 
n n
na
 New mean  x  (from i)
n
 New mean  x  a
 CBSE MCQs
Class 10 Maths
Chapter 15: Probability
1. A dice is thrown. Find the probability of getting an even number.
(A) 2/3 (B) 1
(C) 5/6 (D) 1/2

Answer: (D)
Explanation: Total number of cases = 6 (1,2,3,4,5,6)
There are three even numbers 2,4,6
Therefore probability of getting an even number is:
3
P  even  
6
1
 P  even  
2

2. Two coins are thrown at the same time. Find the probability of getting both heads.
(A) 3/4 (B) 1/4
(C) 1/2 (D) 0

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Since two coins are tossed, therefore total number of cases = 22 = 4
Therefore, probability of getting heads in both coins is:
1
 P  head  
4

3. Two dice are thrown simultaneously. The probability of getting a sum of 9 is:
(A) 1/10 (B) 3/10
(C) 1/9 (D) 4/9

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Total cases = 36
Total cases in which sum of 9 can be obtained are:
5, 4 ,  4,5 ,  6,3 , 3,6
4 1
 P 9  
36 9

4. 100 cards are numbered from 1 to 100. Find the probability of getting a prime number.
(A) 3/4 (B) 27/50
(C) 1/4 (D) 29/100
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Total prime numbers from 1 to 100 are:
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97
That means 25 out of 100
So probability is:
25
P  prime  
100
1
 P  prime  
4

5. A bag contains 5 red balls and some blue balls .If the probability of drawing a blue ball is
double that of a red ball, then the number of blue balls in a bag is:
(A) 5 (B) 10
(C) 15 (D) 20

Answer: (B)
Explanation: Let the number of blue balls be x
Then total number of balls will be 5 + x.
According to question,
x 5
 2
5 x 5 x
 x  10

6. A box of 600 bulbs contains 12 defective bulbs. One bulb is taken out at random from this
box. Then the probability that it is non-defective bulb is:
143 147
(A) (B)
150 150
1 1
(C) (D)
25 50

Answer: (B)
Explanation:
P  non-defective bulb   1  P(Defective bulb)
12
 1
600
600  12

600
588

600
147

150
7. Cards marked with numbers 2 to 101 are placed in a box and mixed thoroughly. One card
is drawn from this box randomly, then the probability that the number on card is a perfect
square.
(A) 9/100 (B) 1/10
(C) 3/10 (D) 19/100

Answer: (B)
Explanation: The perfect square numbers between 2 to 101 are:
1, 4,9,16, 25,36, 49,64,81,100
Total numbers from 2 to 101 =100
So probability of getting a card with perfect square number is:
10
P  perfect square  
100
1
 P  perfect square  
10

8. What is the probability of getting 53 Mondays in a leap year?

(A) 1/7 (B) 53/366
(C) 2/7 (D) 7/366

Answer: (C)
Explanation: With 366 days, the number of weeks in a year is
366 2
 52
7 7
i.e., 52 complete weeks which contains 52 Mondays,
Now 2 days of the year are remaining.
These two days can be
Sunday, Monday  ,  Monday,Tuesday  , (Tuesday, Wednesday),
(Wednesday, Thursday), (Thrusday, Friday), (Friday, Saturday),
(Saturday, Sunday)

i.e., there are 7 pairs, in which Monday occurs in 2 pairs,

So probability is:

2
P  53monday  
7

9. A card is drawn from a well shuffled deck of 52 cards. Find the probability of getting a
king of red suit.
(A) 1/26 (B) 3/26
(C) 7/52 (D) 1/13
Answer: (A)
Explanation: There are total 4 kings in 52 cards, 2 of red colour and 2 of black colour
Therefore, Probability of getting a king of red suit is:

2
P  King of red suit  
52
1
 P  King of red suit  
26

10. A game of chance consists of spinning an arrow which is equally likely to come to rest
pointing to one of the number 1,2,3……12 ,then the probability that it will point to an odd
number is:
(A) 1/6 (B) 1/12
(C) 7/12 (D) 5/12

Answer: (A)
Explanation: The odd numbers in 1,2,3……..12 are:
1,3,5,7,9,11
Therefore probability that an odd number will come is:
6
P  odd number  
12
1
 P  odd number  
2

11. A game consists of tossing a one rupee coin 3 times and noting its outcome each time.
Aryan wins if all the tosses give the same result i.e. three heads or three tails and loses
otherwise. Then the probability that Aryan will lose the game.
(A) 3/4 (B) 1/2
(C) 1 (D) ¼

Answer: (A)
Explanation: Total outcomes are:

HHH, HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH, TTT

Favourable outcomes for losing game are

HHT, HTH, THH, HTT, THT, TTH

Therefore probability of losing the game is:

 6
P  Losing the game  
8
3
P  Losing the game  
4

12. Riya and Kajal are friends. Probability that both will have the same birthday is the same
birthday is:
(A) 364/365 (B) 31/365
(C) 1/365 (D) 1/133225

Answer: (C)
Explanation:

Riya may have any one of 365 days of the year as her birthday. Similarly Kajal may have any
one of 365days as her birthday.

Total number of ways in which Riya and Kajal may have their birthday are:

365×365

Then Riya and Kajal may have same birthday on any one of 365 days.

Therefore number of ways in which Riya and Kajal may have same birthday are:

365

365  365
1

365

13. A number x is chosen at random from the numbers -2, -1, 0 , 1, 2. Then the probability
that x2 < 2 is?
(A) 1/5 (B) 2/5
(C) 3/5 (D) 4/5

Answer: (C)
Explanation: We have 5 numbers −2, −1,0,1,2

Whose squares are 4, 1, 0, 1, 4

So square of 3 numbers is less than 2

Therefore Probability is:

3
P ( x 2  2) 
5
14. A jar contains 24 marbles. Some are red and others are white. If a marble is drawn at
random from the jar, the probability that it is red is 2/3, then the number of white marbles in
the jar is:
(A) 10 (B) 6
(C) 8 (D) 7

Answer: (C)
Explanation: Let the number of white marbles be x.
Since only two colour marbles are present, and total probability we know of all the events is
equal to 1.
P(white)  1  P  red 
x 2
 1
24 3
x 1
 
24 3
 x 8
So there are 8 white marbles.

15. A number is selected at random from first 50 natural numbers. Then the probability that it
is a multiple of 3 and 4 is:
(A) 7/50 (B) 4/25
(C) 1/25 (D) 2/25

Answer: (D)
Explanation: The numbers that are multiple of 3(from first 50 natural numbers) are:

3,6,9,12,15,18………………..48

The numbers that are multiple of 4 (from first 50 natural numbers) are:

4,8,12,16…………………….48

The numbers that are multiples of 3 and 4 both are the multiples of 3×4=12 as both 3 and 4
are co-prime.
So common multiples are:
12, 24, 36, 48
Therefore probability is:
4
P  multiple of 3and 4  
50
2
 P  multiple of 3and 4  
25
 CBSE Class 10
Mathematics
Important 1 mark questions

2 1
1. Classify as rational or irrational.
2 1

Solution.

2 1 2 1 2 1
  ...  i 
2 1 2 1 2 1

 
2
2 1

2 1
 2 1 2 2  3  2 2

Hence, this is an irrational number.

2. If the HCF of 65 and 117 is expressible in the form of 65 m – 117, then find the value of m.

Solution.

We have, 65 = 13 × 5

And 117 = 13 × 9

Hence, HCF = 13

According to question 65m – 117 = 13

⇒ 65m = 13 + 117 = 130

⇒ m = 130/65 = 2

3. Find the length of the tangent from a point M which is at a distance of 17 cm from the centre
O of the circle of radius 8 cm.

Solution.

Consider the figure:

Since, MN is the tangent of the circle,
∠MNO = 90⁰
⟹ MO2 = MN 2 +ON 2

⟹ 172 = MN 2 +82

⟹ 289 = MN 2 + 64

⟹ 289  64 = MN 2

⟹ 225= MN2
⟹ MN =15
Thus, the length of the tangent is 15 cm.

4. The number of zeroes lying between – 2 and 2 of the polynomial f(x) whose graph is given
below is:

Solution.

From the graph, it is clear that the curve y  f  x  cuts the x-axis at two places between − 2 and
2.

Required number of zeroes = 2.

5. If A (5, y) B (1, 5), C (2, 1) and D (6, 2) are the vertices of a square, then find the value of y.

Solution.

The figure is as follows:

Since diagonals of square are equal,

So, AC  BD
1 1
 AC  BD
2 2
1 y 5  2
 
2 2
 1 y  7
 y  7 1
 y6

6. In the given figure , ACB ~ APQ. If BA = 6m and BC = 8 cm and PQ = 4 cm then find the
length of AQ.

Solution.

As ACB APQ
AB BC
So, =
AQ PQ
6 8
 =
AQ 4

(AB = 6cm, BC = 8cm and PQ = 4cm given)

 6 4
 AQ 
8
 AQ = 3cm

7. How many spherical chocolate balls of diameter 8 inches can be made from a chocolate cube
of side 24 inches?

Solution.

Volume of chocolate cube

Number of spherical chocolate balls = Volume of chocolate ball

Volume of chocolate cube = a  24  24  24  13824 in

3 3

4 4 22
Volume of chocolate ball =  r 3    4  4  4  268.19 in3
3 3 7

13824
∴ Number of spherical chocolate balls   51.54
268.19

Thus, 51 spherical chocolate balls can be made.

8. If the ratio of the perimeter of two similar triangles is 4:25, then what is the ratio of the areas
of the similar triangles.

Solution.

For similar triangles,

Area of triangle 1  Perimeter of1 

2

 
Area of triangle 2  Perimeter of2 
2
 4  16
  
 25  625

9. Calculate the mean of the first five prime numbers.

Solution.
2  3  5  7  11 28
The mean of the first five prime numbers    5.6
5 5

7. What is the value of k, for equations 2 x  ky  7, 4 x  8 y  14 will represent coincident lines.

Solution.

For coincident lines

 a1 b1 c1
 
a2 b2 c2
2 k 7
  
4 8 14
 k 4

10. If the common difference of an A.P. is 3, then find a20 – a15.

Solution.

Let the first term of the AP be a.

an = a(n − 1)d

a20 – a15 = [a + (20 – 1)d] – [a + (15 – 1)d]

= 19d – 14d

= 5d

=5×3

11. In the figure, DE || BC. If AD  x, DB  x  2, AE  x  2 and EC  x 1 , then the value of

x.

Solution.

In given ABC,

DE || BC  Given 
AD AE
 =  By B.P.T 
DB EC
x x2
 
x  2 x 1
 x  x  1   x  2  x  2 
 x2  x  x2  4
 x  4.
12. A 3 m tall man is standing at a distance of 40 m from a building. Find the height of the
building, if the angle of elevation from the eye to the top of the building is 60⁰.

Solution.

Consider the figure:

h
tan 600 
40
h
⟹ 3
40
⟹ h  40 3m

Height of building = 40 3  3  41 3 m

Thus, height of the building is 41 3 m .

13. What is the perimeter of a square circumscribing a circle of radius a cm.

Solution.

The radius of the circle is given as a cm.

Diameter of the circle = 2 × a cm = 2a cm
Side of the circumscribing square = Diameter of the circle = 2a cm
∴ Perimeter of the circumscribing square = 4 × 2a cm = 8a cm

14. The radius (in cm) of the largest right circular cone that can be cut out from a cube of edge
4.2 cm is

Solution.
The height and diameter of the base of the largest right circular cone that can be cut out from a
cube are equal to the edge of the cube
Let the radius of the cone be r cm.

∴ 2r = 4.2 cm
⟹ r = 4.2/2 = 2.1 cm
15. For the following distribution:

Classes 10-15 15-20 20-25 25-30 30-35

Frequency 25 30 27 35 21

Solution.

In the distribution, Median class = 20 – 25

Hence, Lower limit of median class = 20

And Model class = 25 - 30

So, Lower limit of modal class = 25

Sum of lower of median class and lower limit of modal class = 25 + 20 = 45.

16. A box contains 3 blue, 2 white and 4 red marbles. If a marble is drawn at random from the
box, the probability that it will not be a white marble is:

Solution.

There are total 9 marbles; 3 blue, 2 white and 4 red marbles

 P(not white)  1  (P(white))

2
 P(not white)  1   
9
7
 P(not white) 
9

17. If x = 3 is one root of the quadratic equation x2 – 2kx – 6 = 0, then find the value of k.
Solution.

x = 3 is one root of the equation

∴ 9 – 6k – 6 = 0

1
 k
2
18. What is the HCF of smallest prime number and the smallest composite number?

Solution.

The required numbers are 2 and 4.

Thus, HCF of 2 and 4 is 2.

19. Find the distance of a point P(x, y) from the origin.

Solution.

OP  x 2  y 2

20. In an AP, if the common difference (d) = –4, and the seventh term (a7) is 4, then find the first term.

Solution.

a + 6 (–4) = 4

 a = 28

21. What is the value of (cos2 67° – sin2 23°)?

Solution.

∵ cos2 67° = sin2 23°

∴ cos2 67° – sin2 23° = 0

AB 1 ar ABC
22. Given ABC PQR , if  , then find .
PQ 3 ar PQR

Solution.

ar ABC AB 2  1  1
2

   
ar PQR PQ 2  3  9

23. probability of selecting a rotten apple randomly from a heap of 900 apples is 0.18. What is
the number of rotten apples in the heap?

Solution.

Number of favourable outcomes

We know that Probability of an event (E) =
Total number of outcomes
Let E be the event of selecting rotten apple.
Let n be the number of rotten apples in the heap.
n
P(E) =
900

n
⇒ 0.18 =
900

⇒ n =162
Thus, total rotten apples = 162.

24. If a pair of dice is thrown, the probability of getting a prime number on both the dice is:

Solution.

Total number of outcomes = 36

Total favorable outcomes = {(2, 2), (3, 3), (5, 5)} = 3

3 1
∴ Probability of getting a prime number on both the dices  
36 12

25. In given figure, PQ is a tangent at a point C to a circle with centre O. If AB is a diameter and
∠CAB = 300, find ∠PCA.

Solution.

Construction: Join OC
Now in Δ AOC

AO = OC (radius of the same circle)

So, ∠OAC= ∠OCA = 300

Also, ∠OCP= 900

Therefore, ∠PCA= 900 ‒ 300 = 600.

26. For what value of k will k + 9, 2 k ‒ 1 and 2k + 7 are the consecutive terms of an A.P.?

Solution.

If three terms x, y and z are in A.P. then, 2 y = x + z

Since k + 9, 2 k ‒ 1 and 2 k + 7 are in A.P.

 2  2k  1   k  9    2k  7 
 4k  2  3k  16
 k  18.

27. Three sides of a triangle are a, 3a and 10 a. Find the measurement of angle opposite to the
largest side.

Solution.

Three sides of a triangle are a, 3a and 10 a .

As, a   3a   a  9a  10a
2 2 2 2 2

We observe sum of squares of smaller sides is equal to the square of the greatest side i.e. Pythagoras
theorem is being followed in this triangle. Hence the triangle is right angled triangle. Therefore angle
opposite to the greatest side will be right angle i.e. 90o.

28. If the sum of first m terms of an AP is 2m2 + 3m, then what is its second term?
Solution.

Sm = 2m2 + 3m
Putting m = 1
S1 = 2 + 3 = 5 = a1
S2 = 8 + 6 = 14
Hence, a1 = 5
And a1 + a2 = 14
⟹ a2 = 14 – 5
⟹ a2 = 9

29. Find the value of a so that the point (3, a) lies on the line represented by 2x – 3y = 5.

Solution.

Since point (3, a) lies on line 2x – 3y = 5.

Then, 2 x 3 – 3 x a = 5
⟹ 6 – 5 = 3a
⟹ a = 1/3

30. If a tower 30 m high, casts a shadow 10 3 m long on the ground, then what is the angle of
elevation of the sun?

Solution.

Let AB be the 30 m high tower and BC = 10 3 m be the length of its shadow on ground.

Let the angle of elevation of the sun from the ground be  .

Now, in ∆ABC,
AB
tan  
BC
30
 tan  
10 3
30 3
 tan  
10  3
30 3
 tan    3
30
 tan   tan 60o
   60o

Thus, the angle of elevation of the sun is 60°.

31. Find the value of tan210o − cot280o.

Solution.

We have,

tan210o − cot280o = tan210o − cot2(90o – 10o)

= tan210o − tan210o

=0

32. Find the median using an empirical relation, when it is given that mode and mean are 8 and 9
respectively.

Solution.

The relation between Mean, Median and Mode of the given data is:

Mode = 3Median − 2Mean

⟹ 8 = 3Median − 2 × 9

⟹ 3Median = 8 + 18

⟹ Median = 26/3

⟹ Median = 8.67
 CBSE Class 10
Mathematics
Important 2 mark questions

1. Find the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial: 3x 2 − 8x + 4 3 .

Solution.

Let p ( x ) = 3x 2 − 8x + 4 3
= 3x 2 − 6 x − 2 x + 4 3
(
= 3x x − 2 3 − 2 x − 2 3 ) ( )
= ( )(
3x − 2 x − 2 3 )
2. Prove that the points (3, 0), (6, 4) and (‒1, 3) are the vertices of a right angled isosceles
triangle.
Solution:
Suppose, A (3, 0), B (6, 4) and C (‒1, 3) be the vertices of the triangle.
From distance formula,
AB = ( 6 − 3) + ( 4 − 0 ) = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5
2 2

BC = ( −1 − 6 ) + ( 3 − 4 ) = 49 + 1 = 50 = 5 2
2 2

CA = ( −1 − 3) + (3 − 0) 2 = 16 + 9 = 25 = 5
2

As,
( )
2
52 + 52 = 5 2
 AB 2 + CA2 = BC 2
This implies that triangle ABC is a right angled isosceles triangle.

3. Find the number of all three-digit natural numbers which are divisible by 9.

Solution.

All three-digit natural numbers which are divisible by 9, are 108, 117, 126, ….., 999.

All these numbers form an AP with, 1st term, a =108

Common difference, d =117 – 108 = 9

And last term, an = 999

Now, a + (n − 1) d = an
∴108 + (n − 1) 9 = 999
⟹ (n − 1)9 = 999 −108 = 891
⟹ (n − 1) = 891 /9 = 99

⟹ n = 99 + 1 = 100

1 1 3
4. Which term of the progression 20,19 ,18 ,17 ,... is the first negative term?
4 2 4

Solution.
1 1 3
The given sequence is 20,19 ,18 ,17 ,...
4 2 4

Here, First term, a = 20

1 77 − 80 3
And common difference, d = 19 − 20 = =−
4 4 4
Let the nth term of the AP be the first negative term.
 an  0
 a + ( n − 1) d  0
 3
 20 + ( n − 1)  −   0
 4
83 3n
 − 0
4 4
 83 − 3n  0
 3n  83
2
 n  27
3
 n  28
Thus, the 28th term is the first negative term of the given AP.

5. If the zeroes of the polynomial x 2 + px + q are double in value to the zeroes of 2 x 2 − 5 x − 3 .

Find the value of p and q.

Solution.

Let, f ( x ) = 2 x2 − 5x − 3
Let the zeroes of polynomial are  and  , then

5 3
Sum of zeroes  +  = , product of zeroes  = −
2 2

According to question, zeroes of x 2 + px + q are 2 and 2 

 coeff .of x − p
Sum of zeroes = − =
coeff .of x 2 1

5
= 2 + 2 = 2 ( +  ) = 2  = 5  p = −5
2

Constant q
Product of zeroes = 2
=
Coeff.of x 1

 3
= 2  2 = 4 = 4  −  = −6
 2

 p = −5 and q = −6

6. Find the value of ‘k’ for which the system of equations kx + 3 y = 1,12 x + ky = 2 has no
solution.

Solution.

The condition for no solution,

a1 b1 c1 k 3 1
=   = 
a2 b2 c2 12 k 2

k 3
When = , we get k 2 = 36
12 k

k = 6
i.e.,
k  6, so k = −6.

7. Solve for x: 6x + 7 − ( 2x − 7) = 0

Solution.

We have
6x + 7 − ( 2x − 7) = 0
 6x + 7 = ( 2x − 7)

Squaring both sides

6x + 7 = ( 2x − 7)
2

 6 x + 7 = 4 x 2 + 49 − 28 x
 4 x 2 − 34 x + 42 = 0
 2 x 2 − 17 x + 21 = 0

Using quadratic formula,

−b  b 2 − 4ac
x=
2a
17  17 2 − ( 4  2  21)
x=
2 2
17  289 − 168
x=
4
17  121
x=
4
17  11
x=
4
28 6
x= ,
4 4
 x = 7, 1.5

8.In the given triangle PQR, QPR = 90o , PQ = 24cm and QR = 26cm and in
PKR,PKR = 90o and KR = 8cm , find PK.

Solution.

According to the question,

 QPR = 90o
 QR 2 = QP 2 + PR 2
PR = 26 2 − 24 2  By Pythagoras theorem
= 100 = 10cm
PKR = 90o
 PK = 102 − 82 = 100 − 64
= 36 = 6cm

9. From a rectangular sheet of paper ABCD with AB = 40 cm and AD = 28 cm, a semi-circular

portion with BC as diameteris cut off. Find the area of remining paper (use π = 22/7)

Solution.

Given situation can be represented as the following diagram:

Length of paper, AB = l = 40cm

Width of paper, AD = b = 28 cm
Area of paper = l  b
= 40  28 = 1120 sq. cm
Diameter of semi-circle = 28cm ... ( i )
 Radius of semi-circle, r = 14 cm
1
 Area of semi - circle, =  r 2
2
1 22
=  14 14
2 7
= 308 sq. cm ... ( ii )
 Area of remaining paper
=1120 − 308 = 812 sq.cm

sin 90o 1
10. Evaluate: +
o
cos 45 cosec30o

Solution.
sin 90o 1 1 1
o
+ o
= +
cos 45 cosec30 1/ 2 2
1
= 2+
2
2 2 +1
=
2

6sin 23o + sec 79o + 3tan 48o

11. Evaluate:
cosec11o + 3cot 42o + 6cos 67o

Solution.

6sin 23o + sec 79o + 3 tan 48o

cosec11o + 3cot 42o + 6 cos 67 o
6 cos ( 90o − 23) + cosec ( 90o − 79o ) + 3cot ( 90o − 48o )
=
cosec11o + 3cot 422 + 6 cos 67 o
6 cos 67 o + cosec11o + 3cot 42o
=
cosec11o + 3cot 422 + 6 cos 67 o
=1

12. If p, b and h are the perpendicular, base and hypotenuse of a right angled triangle, then prove
that the radius of the circle touching the sides of the right angled triangle is given by
b+ p−h
r= .
2

Solution.

Consider the figure:

 Let ABC be the triangle right angled at B circumscribing the circle of radius r and centre at O
such that AB = p, BC = b and AC = h.
Let D, E, F be the points of the circle touching the sides of the triangle AB, BC, and AC
respectively.
Since, AD and AF, BD and BE, CF and CE are the tangents of the circle,
∴ AD = AF, BD = BE, and CF = CE [lengths of the tangents from an external point are
equal]
Also, OD = OE = BD = BE= r [Since, ODBE is a square as adjacent sides are equal and
perpendicular]
⟹AF = AD = AB – BD = p – r
⟹ CF = CE = BC – BE = b – r
∴ AC = h
= AF + CF
= (p – r) + (b – r)
= p + b – 2r
⟹ h = b + p − 2r
⟹ 2r = b + p − h
b+p−h
⟹ r=
2

13. The following distribution shows the marks scored by 140 students in an examination.
Calculate the mode of the distribution.

Marks 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50

Number of 20 24 40 36 20
students

Solution.

Modal class = 20 – 30
Here l = 20, f1 = 40, f0 = 24, f 2 = 36, h = 10

Mode = l +
( f1 + f0 ) h
2 f1 − f 0 − f 2
= 20 +
( 40 − 24 )  10
80 − 24 − 36
16 10
= 20 + = 28
20

14. A card is drawn at random from a pack of 52 playing cards. Find the probability that the card
drawn is neither an ace nor a king.

Solution.

P ( neither an ace nor a king )

= 1 − P ( either an ace or a king )
= 1 −  P ( an ace ) + P ( a king ) 
4 4
= 1−  + 
 52 52 
8
= 1−
52
44 11
= =
52 13

15. ABCD is a square. Let E be the midpoint of AB and F be the midpoint of AD. If a point is
drawn at random in the square, then what is the probability that it lies in the triangle AEF?

Solution.

Consider the figure:

Let 𝑎 be the side of the square.

∴ arABCD = a  a = a 2
a
Also, AE = AF = [since, E and F are the mid points of AB and AD]
2
 1 1 a a a2
∴ arFAE =  FA×AE =   =
2 2 2 2 8
Let X (x, y) be any point drawn inside the square ABCD. Then,
a2
ar FAE 8 1
Probability that the point X (x, y) lies in the FAE = = =
arABCD a 2 8
1
Thus, the probability that the point X (x, y) lies in the FAE is .
8

16. Solve the following system of linear equations by substitution method:

2x – y = 2
x + 3y =15

Solution.

2x − y = 2
 y = 2x − 2
 x + 3 y = 15
Substituting the value of y from (i) in (ii), we get
x + 6 x − 6 = 15
 7 x = 21
 x=3

From (i), y = 2  3 − 2 = 4

 x = 3 and y = 4

17. In the given figure, If AB || DC, find the value of x.

Solution.

Since the diagonals of a trapezium divide each other proportionally, therefore we have:
OA BO
=
OC OD
 x + 5 x −1
 =
x+3 x−2
 ( x + 5)( x − 2 ) = ( x − 1)( x + 3)
 x 2 − 2 x + 5 x − 10 = x 2 + 3x − x − 3
 3x − 2 x = 10 − 3
 x=7

18. Express cos 68o + tan 76o in the terms of the angles between 0o and 45o.

Solution.

cos 68o + tan o = cos ( 90o − 22o ) + tan ( 90o − 14o )

= sin 22o + cot14o ,  cos ( 90o −  ) = sin  and tan ( 90o −  ) = cot  

1 o
19. If tan ( A + B) = 3, tan ( A − B ) = , 0  A + B  90o and A > B, then find A and B.
3

Solution.

tan ( A + B) = 3 = tan 60o

 A + B = 60o

1
Again, tan ( A − B) = = tan 30o
3

 A − B = 30o ( A  B)

Adding equations (i) and (ii), we get

2A = 90o
90o
 A= = 45o
2

Putting this value of A in equation (i), we get

B = 60o − A
= 60o − 45o = 15o

Hence, A = 45o and B = 15o

20. Convert the following distribution to a more than type cumulative frequency distribution:
Classes 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100

Frequency 12 18 10 15 5

Solution.

Class Frequency Cumulative

frequency
More than 50 12 12+18+10+15+5=60
More than 60 18 60 – 12 = 48
More than 70 10 48 – 18 = 30
15
More than 80 30 – 10 = 20
5
More than 90 20 – 15 = 5

21. Given ( )
2 is irrational, prove that 5 + 3 2 is an irrational number.

Solution.

( )
Let us assume that 5 + 3 2 is a rational number.

p
 5+3 2 = where q  0 and p and q are integers.
q

p − 5q
 2=
3q

 2 is a is a rational number as RHS is rational .

This contradicts the given fact that 2 is irrational.

( )
Hence, 5 + 3 2 is an irrational number.

22. Fig. 1, ABCD is a rectangle. Find the values of x and y.

Solution.

AB = DC and BC = AD

 x + y = 30 ….(i)

And x – y = 14 ….(ii)

Adding (i) and (ii), we get:

2x = 24

 x = 22

Substituting the above value of x in equation (i), we get:

22 + y = 30

 y = 8.

23. Find the sum of first 8 multiples of 3.

Solution.

S = 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 +…..+ 24

= 3(1 + 2 + 3 + …. + 8)

8 9
=3×
2

= 108

24. Find the ratio in which P(4, m) divides the line segment joining the points A(2, 3) and B(6,
3). Hence find m.

Solution.

Let AP : PB = k : 1

6k + 2
 =4
k +1
 k = 1, ratio is 1:1
−3 + 3
Hence, m = =0
2
25. Two different dice are tossed together. Find the probability:
i. of getting a doublet
ii. of getting a sum 10, of the numbers on the two dice.

Solution.

Total number of possible outcomes = 36

i. Doublets are (1, 1) (2, 2) (3, 3) (4, 4) (5, 5) (6, 6)

Total number of doublets = 6

6 1
∴ Prob (getting a doublet) = =
36 6

ii. Favourable outcomes are (4, 6) (5, 5) (6, 4) i.e., 3

3 1
∴ Prob (getting a sum 10) = =
36 12

26. An integer is chosen at random between 1 and 100. Find the probability that it is : i. divisible
by 8. ii. not divisible by 8.

Solution.

Total number of outcomes = 98

i. Favourable outcomes are 8, 16, 24, ..., 96 i.e., 12

12 6
∴ Prob (integer is divisible by 8) = =
98 49

6 43
ii. Prob (integer is not divisible by 8) = 1 − =
49 49

27. A granary is in the shape of a cuboid of size 10 m × 8 m × 4 m. If a bag of grain occupies a

space of 0.75 m3, how many bags can be stored in granary?

Solution.

Volume of the granary = 10 × 8 × 4 = 320m3

Volume occupied by one bag = 0.75m3
Let number of bags be x
Now, volume occupied by x bags = volume of the granary
 0.75  x = 320
320 3200
 x= = = 426.66
0.75 75

But x has to be a whole number.

 426 bags can be stored in the granary.

28. Prove that the tangents drawn at the end points of a chord of a circle make equal angles with
the chord.

Solution.

Let AB be a chord of a circle with centre O, and let AC and BC to the same circle.

Join OC to cut AB at D.

We have to prove that ∠CAD = ∠CBD.

As the line segment joining the centre to the external point from where tangents are drawn,
bisects the angle between two tangents.
So, ∠ACD = ∠BCD ....(i)
In ΔACD and ΔBCD, we have

CA = CB [Tangents from an external point are equal]

∠ACD = ∠BCD [From (i)]

CD = CD [Common]

 ΔACD ≅ ΔBCD [By SAS congruency rule]

 ∠CAD = ∠CBD [BY CPCT]

29. Solve for x : 12x2 – 6(a2 + b2)x + 3a2b2 = 0.

Solution.
12x2 – 6(a2 + b2)x + 3a2b2 = 0.

4x2 − 2(a2 + b2)x + a2b2 = 0.

4x2 − 2a2x − 2b2x + a2b2 = 0

2x(2x – 2a) − b2(2x − a2) = 0

(2x − b2)( 2x − a2) = 0

b2 a2
x= or x =
2 2
30. Find the value of p, for which one root of the quadratic equation px2 – 14x + 8 = 0 is 6 times
the other.

Solution.

Given equation can be written as:

14 8
x2 – x+ = 0 ….(i)
p p

Let the first root be α, then the second root will be 6α.

General equation is given as:

ax2 + bx + c = 0 ….(ii)

−b
Now, sum of roots =
a

14
 α + 6α = [Comparing (i) and (ii)]
p

14
 7α =
p

2
 α=
p
Also, product of roots = ca

8
 α × 6α = [From (i) and (ii)]
p
 8
 6α 2=
p

2
2 8
 6  =
 p p

 p=3
Hence, the value of p is 3.
 CBSE Class 10
Mathematics
Important 3 marks questions

1. Prove that 3 is irrational.

Solution.

Let 3 be a rational number

a
3= . (a and b are integers and co-primes and b  0 )
b

a2
On squaring both the sides, 3 = 2
b

 3b 2 = a 2  a 2 is divisible by 3

 a is divisible by 3

We can write a = 3 c for some integer c

 a 2 = 9c 2
 3b 2 = 9c 2
 b 2 = 3c 2

 b 2 is divisible by 3

 b is divisible by 3

From (i) and (ii), we get 3 as a factor of ‘ a’ and ‘b’ which is contradicting the fact that a and b
are co-primes. Hence our assumption that 3 is an rational number is false. So 3 is an
irrational number.

2. For any positive integer n, prove that n3 ‒ n is divisible by 6.

Solution.

Let x=n3‒n
⟹ a = n(n2‒1)
⟹ x = n (n ‒ 1) ×(n+ 1) [ (a2 ‒ b2)=(a‒b)(a + b)]
x = (n ‒1) × n × (n+ 1) ... (i)
We know that, if a number is completely divisible by 2 and 3, then it is also divisible by 6.
Divisibility test for 3:
If the sum of digits of any number is divisible by 3, then it is divisible by 3:
Sum of the digits = (n ‒ 1) + (n) + (n + 1) = 3⇒Number is divisible by 3.
Divisibility test for 2:
If n is odd then (n ‒ 1) and (n + 1) will be even so, (n ‒1) × n × (n + 1) will be divisible by 2.
If n is even then, (n ‒1) × n × (n + 1) will be divisible by 2.
Therefore, for any positive integral value of n, n3 ‒ n is divisible by 6.

3. 144 cartons of Coke cans and 90 cartons of Pepsi cans are to be stacked in a canteen. If each
stack is of the same height and is to contain cartons of the same drink, what would be the greatest
number of cartons each stack would have ?

Solution.

The greatest number of cartons in each stack is the HCF of 144 and 90 .

144 = 24 × 32

90 = 2 × 32 × 5

HCF = 2 × 32 = 18

∴ The greatest number of cartons = 18.

1 2
4. Solve the quadratic equation: x + 11x + 1 = 0
2

Solution.

1 2
We have given x + 11x + 1 = 0
2
1
Here, a = , b = 11, c = 1
2

Using quadratic formula ,this can be solved as,

−b  b 2 − 4ac
x=
2a
1
− 11  11 − 4  1
 x= 2
1
2
2
 x = − 11  3
5. At present Asha’s age (in years) is 2 more than the square of her daughter Nisha’s age. When
Nisha grows to her mother’s present age, Asha’s age would be one year less than 10 times the
present age of Nisha. Find the present ages of both Asha and Nisha.
Solution.
Let, Nisha’s present age be = x year
Therefore, according to the first condition, Asha's present age = x2 + 2
Nisha grows to her mother's present age after [(x2 + 2) – x] years.
Then, Asha's age will become (x2 + 2) + [(x2 + 2) –x] year.
According to the question,
(x2 + 2) + [(x2 + 2) – x] = 10x – 1

⟹ 2x2 – x + 4 = 10x – 1

⟹ 2x2 – 11x + 5 = 0

⟹ 2x2 – 10x – x + 5= 0

⟹ 2x (x – 5) –1(x – 5) = 0

⟹ (x – 5) (2x – 1) = 0

⟹ (x – 5) = 0 or (2x – 1) = 0

⟹ x = 5 or 1/2
1
Ignoring x = 1/2 because then Asha’s age = x2 + 2 = 2 which is not possible.
4

Hence, present age of Nisha = 5year

And present age of Asha = x2 + 2 = (5)2 + 2 = 25 + 2 = 27 year.
1 1 2 4
6. Find the value of x + ,if + = ; x  − 1, − 2, − 4.
x x +1 x + 2 x + 4

Solution.

1 2 4
The given equation is + =
x +1 x + 2 x + 4

1( x + 2 ) + 1( x + 1) 4
⟹ =
( x + 1)( x + 2) x+4
 x + 2 + 2x + 2 4
⟹ =
(x 2
+ x + 2x + 2) x+4

3x + 4 4
⟹ =
(x 2
+ 3x + 2 ) x+4

⟹ 3x 2 + 4 x + 12 x + 16 = 4 x 2 + 12 x + 8

⟹ x2 − 4 x − 8 = 0

−b  b2 − 4ac
⟹ x=  using quadratic formula 
2a

− ( −4 ) + ( −4 ) − 4  1  ( −8 ) − ( −4 ) − ( −4 ) − 4  1  ( −8 )
2 2

⟹ x= ,
2 1 2 1

4 + 16 + 32 4 − 16 + 32
⟹ x= ,
2 2

4 + 48 4 − 48
⟹ x=
2 2

4+4 3 4−4 3
⟹ x= ,
2 2

⟹ x = 2 + 2 3, 2 − 2 3

Now, consider

1 1 17 + 8 3
x+ = 2+2 3+ =
x 2+2 3 2+2 3

1 1 17 − 8 3
And, x+ = 2−2 3+ =
x 2−2 3 2−2 3

7. Find all zeroes of the polynomial (2x4 – 9x3 + 5x2 + 3x – 1) if two of its zeroes are

(
(2 + 3) and 2 − 3 . )
Solution.
Let p(x) = 2x4 – 9x3 + 5x2 + 3x – 1

( ) ( )
Given, 2 + 3 and 2 − 3 are zeroes of p(x)

( )(
 p ( x) = x − 2 − 3 x − 2 + 3  g ( x) )
= ( x 2 − 4 x + 1) g ( x )

 g(x) = p(x)/ ( x 2 − 4 x + 1)

 g(x) = (2x4 – 9x3 + 5x2 + 3x – 1)  ( x 2 − 4 x + 1)

 g(x) = 2x2 – x – 1 = (2x + 1)(x – 1)

1
Therefore other zeroes of p(x) are x = − and x = 1 .
2

( )(
Thus, all the zeroes of p(x) are 2 + 3 , 2 − 3 , − ) 1
2
and1 .

8. The sum of the 4th and 8th terms of an AP is 24 and the sum of the 6th and 10th term is 44.
Find the first three terms of the AP.

Solution.

We have given

a + 3d + a + 7 d = 24
 2a + 10d = 24...........(1)
a + 5d + a + 9d = 44
 2a + 14d = 44................(2)

Using elimination these can be solved as,

2a + 14d = 44
− ( 2a + 10d = 24 )
4d = 20
d =5

Substituting in equation (1) as,

2a + 10d = 24
 2a + 10  5 = 24
 2a = 24 − 50
 2a = −26

 a = −13

Hence first term of given A.P. is −13 and common difference is 5

1 −3
9. Show that and are the zeroes of the polynomial 4 x 2 + 4 x − 3 and verify the relationship
2 2
2 between zeroes and co- efficients of polynomial.

Solution.

 −3 
Let f ( x ) = 4 x2 + 4 x − 3 ; since
1
and   are zeroes of f (x)
2  2 

1
We must have f   = 0
2

1 1 1

Here, f   = 4  + 4  − 3
2 4 2

1
 f   = 1+ 2 − 3 = 0
2
1
 f  =0
2

 3 9  3
Also, f  −  = 4  + 4 −  − 3
 2 4  2

 −3 
 f   = 9−6−3 = 0
 2 
 −3 
 f  =0
 2 

1 3
 , − are zeroes of polynomial 4 x 2 + 4 x − 3
2 2
1 3 −4 coeff.of x
Now, Sum of zeroes = − = −1 = =−
2 2 4 coeff.of x 2
  1   3  −3 constant term
Product of zeroes =    −  = =
 2  2  4 coeff. of x 2

Hence the relation between zeroes and coefficients of polynomial is verified.

10. If the point C(−1,2) divides the line segment AB in the ratio 3 : 4, where the coordinates of
Aare (2, 5), then find the coordinates of B.

Solution.

Let the coordinates of B are ( x, y )

According to question

3 x + 4  2
= −1
3+ 4
3x + 8
 = −1
7
 3 x = −7 − 8
 3 x = −15
 x = −5
3 y + 4  5
=2
3+ 4
3 y + 20
 =2
7
 3 y = 14 − 20
 3 y = −6
 y = −2
Hence coordinates of B are ( −5, −2)

11. The taxi charges in a city comprise of a fixed charge together with the charges for the
distance covered. For a journey of 10 km the charge paid is Rs. 75 and for a journey of 15 km the
charge paid is Rs. 110.

(i) What will a person have to pay for travelling a distance of 25 km?

(ii)Which mathematical concept is used in this question?

(iii) What is its value?

Solution.

Let the fixed charge of taxi be Rs. x per km and the running charge be ` y per km.
According to the question,

x + 10y = 75

x + 15y = 110

Subtracting equation (ii) from equation (i), we get

– 5y = – 35

⟹ y=7

Putting y = 7 in equation (i), we get x = 5

∴Total charges for travelling a distance of 25 km = x + 25y

= (5 + 25 × 7)

= (5 + 175)

= 180

12. Construct a triangle of sides 4 cm, 5 cm and 6 cm and then a triangle similar to ti whose sides
are 2/3 of the corresponding sides of the first triangle.

Solution:

Firstly we will draw the triangle with of sides 4 cm, 5 cm and 6 cm.

Steps of construction:

• Draw a line segment AB = 4 cm

• Draw an arc at 5 cm from point A.

• Draw an arc at 6 cm from point B so that it intersects the previous arc at C.

• Joint C with A and B.

• This gives the required triangle ABC.

Now we will draw another triangle similar to ABC with scale factor 2/3:

• Draw an acute ∠BAX.

• Divide AX into three equal parts; AA1 = A1A2 = A2A3

• Join A3 to B.

• Draw a line from point A2 which is parallel to A3B and intersects AB at point B’.

• Draw a line from point B’ parallel to BC so that this line intersects AC at point C’.

• Δ AB’C’ is the required triangle.

PA PB
13. In the given figure = = 3. If the area of PQR is 32 cm2, then find the area of the
AQ BR
quadrilateral AQRB.

Solution.
PA PB
We have, PQR PAB ( P is common and = )
PQ PR
 area PQR  PQ 
2

 = 
area PAB  PA 
2
32  4k 
= 
area PAB  3k 
 area PAB=18cm 2

 area of AQRB = area of PQR − area of PAB = 32 − 18 = 14cm 2

14. D, E and F are the mid points of the sides BC, CA and AB respectively of ABC . Determine
the ratio of the areas of DEF and ABC .

Solution.

D, E and F are mid-points of BC, CA and AB respectively. (Given)

∴BDEF and DCEF are parallelograms.

(∵ line joining the mid- point of two sides of a D is parallel to the third side and is one half of it)

In triangles ABC and DEF, B = E and C = F (Opp. Angles of a parallelogram)

 ABC DEF ( AA Similarty )

ar DEF DE 2
DE 2
 1 
 = =  DE = FB, FB = AB 
ar DEF AB ( 2DE )2
2
 2 
ar DEF DE 2 1
 = = .
ar DEF AB2 4

14. In figure, ABC is a right angled triangle with AB = 6 cm and AC = 8 cm. A circle with centre
O has been inscribed inside the triangle. Calculate the value of r, the radius of the inscribed
circle.
Solution.

Join AO,OC and BO as,

By Phythagoras theorem:

( AB) + ( AC ) = ( BC )
2 2 2

 62 + 82 = ( BC )
2

 36 + 64 = ( BC )
2

 100 = ( BC )
2

 BC = 10

According to question

ar ( ABC) = ar ( AOC) + ar ( BOC) + ar ( ΔAOB)

1 1  1  1 
 8  6 =   8  r  +   6  r  +  10  r 
2 2  2  2 
 48 = 8r + 6r + 10r
 24r = 48
 r = 2cm
 sin  − cos  sin  + cos  2
16. Prove that: + =
sin  + cos  sin  − cos  2sin 2  − 1

Solution.

sin  − cos  sin  + cos 

LHS = +
sin  + cos  sin  − cos 
( sin  − cos  ) + ( sin  + cos  )
2 2

=
sin 2  − cos 2 

=
( sin 2  + cos2  ) − sin  cos + (sin 2  + cos2  ) + 2sin  cos
sin 2  − (1 − sin 2  )
1+1
=
sin  − 1 + sin 2 
2

2
= = RHS .
sin  − 1
2

sec 41o.sin 40o + cos 29o.cosec61o −

2
3
( tan 20o.tan 60o.tan 70o )
17. Evaluate: .
3 ( sin 31 + sin 59o )
2 o 2

Solution.

sec 41o.sin 49o + cos 29o.cosec61o −

2
3
( tan 20o.tan 60o.tan 70o )

3 ( sin 31 + sin 59o )

2 o 2

cosec ( 90o − 41o ) sin 49o + cos 29o.sec ( 90o − 61o ) − tan 20o. 3 cot ( 90 − 70o ) 
2 
3 
=
3 sin 31 + cos ( 90 − 59 ) 
 2 o 2 o o

 cos ec ( 90 −  ) = sec  .sin ( 90 −  ) = cos  

2 
cos ec 49o.sin 49o + cos 29o.sec 29o −  tan 20o 3.cot 20o 
= 3
3 ( sin 31 + cos 31o )
2 o 2

1+1− 2 2 − 2
= = =0
3 3

18. The angles of elevation of a car on a road to the two men standing at first floor and second
floor of a building are 𝜃1 and 𝜃2 respectively. If the height of the second floor is 𝑑, show that the
d tan 1
height of the first floor is .
tan  2 − tan 1
Solution.

Consider the figure:

h
tan 1 =
x
h
⟹ x= …… (i)
tan 1

h+d
tan  2 =
x
h+d
⟹ x= ……. (ii)
tan  2

From (i) and (ii) we have,

h h+d
=
tan 1 tan  2

⟹ h tan  2 = h tan 1 + d tan 1

⟹ h tan  2 − h tan 1 = d tan 1

d tan 1
⟹ h=
tan  2 − tan 1

1 + sec  − tan  1 − sin 

19. Prove that =
1 + sec  + tan  cos 
Solution.

1 + sec  − tan 
LHS =
1 + sec  + tan 
 =
( sec 2
 − tan 2  ) + ( sec  − tan  )
 sec 2  − tan 2  = 1
1 + sec  + tan 
( sec − tan  )( sec + tan  ) + ( sec − tan  )
=
1 + sec  + tan 

 (a 2
− b 2 ) = ( a − b )( a + b ) 

( sec − tan  ) ( sec + tan  ) + 1

=
1 + sec  + tan 
= sec  − tan 
1 sin 
= −
cos  cos 
1 − sin 
= = RHS
cos 
Hence proved.
 4sin  − cos  + 1 
20. If 4 tan  = 3, evaluate  .
 4sin  + cos  − 1 

Solution.

Given, 4 tan  = 3,
3
 tan  =
4
3  4sin  − cos  + 1 
 tan  =  
4  4sin  + cos  − 1 
Perpendicular 3
 =
Base 4

 Hypotenuse = 42 + 32 = 25 = 5

3 4
 sin  = and cos  =
5 5
3 4
4 − +1
4sin  − cos  + 1 5 5
 =
4sin  + cos  − 1 4  3 + 4 − 1
5 5
13
=
11

21. A solid cylinder of diameter 12 cm and height 15 cm is melted and recast into toys with the
shape of a right circular cone mounted on a hemisphere of radius 3 cm. If the height of the toy is
12 cm, find the number of toys so formed.
Solution.
Volume of solid cylinder

=  r 2h
2
 12 
=    (15 )
 2
= 540 cm3

Volume of one toy = Volume of conical portion + Volume of hemispherical portion

1 2
=  r 2 h +  r13
3 3
1 2
=  ( 3) (12 − 3) +  ( 3)
2 3

3 3
= 45 cm 3

Volume of Cylinder
∴ Number of toys =
Volume of one toy

540
=
45
= 12 toys

22. A wooden article was made by scooping out a hemisphere from each end of a solid cylinder,
as shown in Fig. 3. If the height of the cylinder is 10 cm and its base is of radius 3.5 cm. Find the
total surface area of the article.

Solution.

Total surface Area of article = curved surface area of cylinder + 2(curved surface area of a
hemisphere)

22
Now, curved surface area of cylinder = 2πrh = 2   3.5  10
7
 = 220cm2

Curved surface area of two hemispherical scoops = 2(2πr 2 )

22
= 4  3.5  3.5
7
= 88  0.5  3.5 = 154cm 2

Total surface Area of article = 220 + 154 = 374 cm2

23. Find the area of the shaded region in fig, if AB = 80 cm, BC = 60 cm and O is the centre of
the circle. (Use π = 3.14)

Solution.

O is centre of the circle

 AC is the diameter of the circle.

 ABC = 90o [angle in a semicircle]

In right ABC , AC 2 = AB 2 + BC 2

 AC 2 = (80 ) + ( 60 )
2 2

AC 2 = 6400 + 3600 = 10000

AC = 100cm

 Diameter of the circle = 100 cm

 Radius of the circle = 50 cm

 1
Area of semicircle =  r 2
2

1
=  3.14  ( 50 ) cm 2 = 3925cm 2
2

1
Area of ABC =  AB  BC
2

1
=  80  60 = 2400cm 2
2

 Area of the shaded part = 3925 – 2400 = 1525 cm2

24. A heap of rice is in the form of a cone of base diameter 24 m and height 3.5 m. Find the
volume of the rice. How much canvas cloth is required to just cover the heap?

Solution. Radius of conical heap = 12m

1
Volume of rice = πr 2 h
3

1 22
=   12  12  3.5
3 7
= 528m3

Area of canvas cloth required to just cover the heap of rice = πrl

(12) + ( 3.5) = 12.5m

2 2
Here, slant height, l =

22
Thus, Area of canvas required = = 12 12.5 = 471.4m 2
7

25. The maximum bowling speeds, in km per hour, of 33 players at a cricket coaching centre are
given as follows
Speed (in km/h) 85-100 100-115 115-130 130-145

Number of players 11 9 8 5

Calculate the median bowling speed.

Solution.

First we construct the cumulative frequency table:

 Speed (in Number of Cumulative
km/h) players frequency
85-100 11 11
100-1 15 9 11+9 = 20
115-130 8 20+ 8 = 28
130-145 5 28 + 5= 33

It is given that, n = 33

n 33
 = = 16.5
2 2

So, the median class is 100 – 115,

Where, lower limit (l) = 100,

Frequency (f) = 9,

Cumulative frequency (cf) = 11

And class width (h) = 15

n 
 − cf 
 Median = l +  h
2
f

(16.5 − 11)
= 100 + 15
9
5.5 15 82.5
= 100 + = 100 + = 100 + 9.17
9 9
= 109.17.

Hence, the median bowling speed is 109.17 km/h.

 CBSE Class 10
Mathematics
Important 4 marks questions
Question 1. For any positive integer n, prove that n3 – n is divisible by 6.

Solution.

n3  n  n  n2  1  n  n  1 n  1   n  1 n  n  1 = product of three consecutive positive

integers.

Now, we have to show that the product of three consecutive positive integers is divisible by 6.

We know that any positive integer n is of the form 3q, 3q + 1 or 3q + 2 for some positive integer
q.

Now three consecutive positive integers are n, n + 1, n + 2.

Case I. If n = 3q.

n(n + 1) (n + 2) = 3q(3q + 1) (3q + 2)

But we know that the product of two consecutive integers is an even integer.

∴ (3q + 1) (3q + 2) is an even integer, say 2r.

⟹ n(n + 1) (n + 2) = 3q × 2r = 6qr, which is divisible by 6.

Case II. If n = 3n + 1.

∴ n(n + 1) (n + 2) = (3q + 1) (3q + 2) (3q + 3)

= (even number say 2r) (3) (q + 1)

= 6r (q + 1),

which is divisible by 6.

Case III. If n = 3q + 2.

∴ n(n + 1) (n + 2) = (3q + 2) (3q + 3) (3q + 4)

= multiple of 6 for every q

= 6r (say),

which is divisible by 6.
Hence, the product of three consecutive integers is divisible by 6.
Question 2. The houses in a row are numbered consecutively from 1 to 49. Show that there
exists a value of x such that the sum of numbers of houses preceding the house numbered x is
equal to sum of the number of houses following x.

Solution.

The numbers of houses preceding x is 1, 2, 3, ...., x ‒ 1

Sum of the number of houses preceding the house x will be = 1 + 2 + 3+.... x ‒ 1.

Here, a = 1, d =1, n = x ‒ 1

Thus sum of numbers,

x 1  n 
S1   2 1   x  1  1 1  Sum of n terms, Sn  2  2a   n  1 d  
2 
x 1
 S1   2  x  2
2
x 1
 S1   x
2

Now the sum of the numbers of the houses following x is

(x +1) + (x + 2) +............+ 49

Here, a = x + 1, d =1, n = 49 − x

Thus sum of numbers,

49  x  n 
S2 
2 
 x  1  49   Sum of n terms,Sn  2  a  l 
49  x
 S2   x  50
2

According to question

S1 = S2

x 1 49  x
 .x   x  50 
2 2
 x 2  x  49 x  2450  x 2  50 x
 2 x 2  x  2450  x
 2 x 2  2450
 x 2  1225
 x  1225
 x  35
Thus the required number is x = 35.

Sum of (1,2,3.....34) = Sum of (36,37,....49)

Question 3. The first and the last terms of an AP are 10 and 361 respectively. If its common
difference is 9 then find the number of terms and their total sum?

Solution.

Given, first term, a = 10

Last term, al = 361
And, common difference, d = 9
 al  a   n  1
 361  10   n  1 9
 361  10  9n  9
 361  9n  1
 9n  360
 n  40
Therefore, total number of terms in AP = 40
Now, sum of total number of terms of an AP is given as:
n
S n   2a   n  1 d 
2
40
 S 40   2 10   40  1 9 
2 
  20  20  39  9
  20[20  351]
  20  371  7420
Thus, sum of all 40 terms of AP = 7420

Question 4. A motor boat whose speed is 24 km/hr in still water takes 1 hr more to go 32km
upstream than to return downstream to the same spot. Find the speed of the stream.
Solution.

Let the speed of stream be x.

Then,

Speed of boat in upstream is 24 ‒ x

In downstream, speed of boat is 24 + x

According to question,

Time taken in the upstream journey ‒ Time taken in the downstream journey = 1 hour
 32 32
  1
24  x 24  x
24  x  24  x 1
 
 24   x 2
2
32
2x 1
 
576  x 2
32
 x  64 x  576  0
2

 x 2   72  8  x  576  0
 x 2  72 x  8 x  576  0
 x  x  72   8  x  72   0
  x  8  x  72   0
 x  8, 72

Since speed cannot be negative,

So, speed of stream is 8km/hr.

Question 5. A train was to cover a distance of 2800km in a prefixed time duration. But due to
the foggy weather the speed of train was slowed down which reduced the average speed of the
train for the overall journey by 100 km/hr. The time duration for the journey also increased by
30min. Determine the original speed and travel time taken by the train.

Solution.

Distance to be covered = 2800 km

Let the average speed of train = x km/h

Then new speed = (x – 100) km/h

We know that,

Distance
Time =
Speed

2800
Thus, time taken by train with average speed = t1= hrs
x

2800
And time taken by train with reduced speed = t2= hrs
 x  100 
 t2  t1  30 min
2800 2800 1
  
 x  100  x 2
 1 1 1
 2800   
 x  100 x  2
x   x  100  1
 
x  x  100  2  2800
 x  x  100   100  5600 
 x 2  100 x  5, 60, 000  0
 x 2  800 x  700 x  5, 60, 000  0
 x  x  800   700  x  800   0
  x  800  x  700   0
 x  800,  700
Thus,speed of train = 800 km/h  speed cannot be negative 
2800 1
And, original time taken  t1  hrs  3 hrs
800 2

1
Question 6. Two taps running together can fill a tank in 3 hours. If one tap takes 3 hours
13
more than the other to fill the tank, then how much time will each tap take to fill the tank?

Solution.

Let time taken by one tap to fill the tank = x hours

Then, time taken by second tap to fill the tank = x + 3 hours

1
Thus, part of the tank filled by first tap in 1 hour =
x

1
And, part of the tank filled by second tap in 1 hour =
x3

1 1
Thus, part of the tank filled by both the taps in 1 hour =  …..(i)
x x3

1 40
But, given that time taken by both the taps to fill the tank = 3  h
13 13
 1 1 13
 
x x  3 40
x  3  x 13
 
x  x  3 40
 40  2 x  3  13  x 2  3 x 
 80 x  120  13 x 2  39 x
 13 x 2  41x  120  0
 13 x 2  65 x  24 x  120  0
 13 x  x  5   24  x  5   0
 13x  24  x  5  0
 13 x  24  0 or x  5 =0
24
 x or x  5
13
40
i.e., in h , part of tank filled by both taps = 1
13
13
 In 1 h, part of tank filled by both taps = …..(ii)
40
From equations (i) and (ii), we have:
1 1 13
 
x x  3 40
x  3  x 13
 
x  x  3 40
 40  2 x  3  13  x 2  3 x 
 80 x  120  13 x 2  39 x
 13 x 2  41x  120  0
 13 x 2  65 x  24 x  120  0
 13 x  x  5   24  x  5   0
 13x  24  x  5  0
 13 x  24  0 or x  5 =0
24
 x or x  5
13
But time cannot be negative.

Therefore, taking x = 5, we get:

Time taken by one tap to fill the tank = 5 hours

And time taken by the second tap to fill the tank = 5 + 3 = 8 hours.
Question 7. If  and  are the zeroes of polynomial p  x   3x 2  2 x  1 , find the polynomial
1 1 
whose zeroes are and .
1  1 

Solution.

Since  and  are the zeroes of polynomial 3x2  2 x  1

2
Hence,   
3

1
and  
3

Now for the new polynomial,

1   1   1         1       
Sum of the zeroes   
1  1  1   1   

2
2
2  2 3
 
1       1  2  1
3 3

4
Sum of Zeroes  3  2
2
3

 1     1    1    1   
Product of zeroes    
 1     1    1   1   

1       1       
 
1       1       

2 1 6
1 
Product of zeroes  3 3  3 3
2 1 2
1 
3 3 3

Hence, Required polynomial  x 2  (Sum of zeroes) x + Product of zeroes

 x2  2 x  3

Question 8. If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle to intersect the other two sides in
distinct points, then the other two sides are divided in the same ratio. Prove it.
Solution.

Given: ABC is a triangle in which DE || BC.

AD AE
To prove: =
BD CE

Construction: Draw DN  AE and EM  AD . Join BE and CD.

Proof:

In ΔADE ,

1
area  ADE  = ×AE×DN ...  i 
2
In ΔDEC
1
area  ΔDEC   ×CE×DN ...  ii 
2

Divide (i) by (ii)

1
area  ΔADE  2 ×AE×DN

area  ΔDEC  1 ×CE×DN
2

area  ΔADE  AE
  ...  iii 
area  ΔDEC  CE

1
Again area  ΔADE   ×AD×EM  iv 
2
1
And area  ΔDEB    EM×BD  v
2

Divide (iv) by (v),

 1
area  ΔADE  2 ×AD×EM

area  ΔDEB  1 ×BD×EM
2

area  ΔADE  AD
 = ...  vi 
area  ΔDEB BD

ΔDEB and ΔDEC lie on the same base DE and between same parallel lines DE and BC.

 area  ΔDEB = area  ΔDEC

Thus equation (iii) can be written as,

area  ΔADE  AE
= ...  vii 
area  ΔDEB CE

From equations (vi) and (vii), we get

AE AD
=
CE BD

Hence, proved.

tan   sin  sec   1

Question 9. Prove that: 
tan   sin  sec   1

Solution.

tan   sin 
LHS. 
tan   sin 
sin 
 sin 
 cos 
sin 
 sin 
cos 
 1 
sin    1
  cos  
 1 
sin    1
 cos  
sec   1
  R.H.S.
sec   1

cosecA cosecA
Question 10. Prove that:   2sec2 A
cosecA  1 cosecA+1

Solution.
 cosecA cosecA
L.H.S.  
cosecA  1 cosecA+1
cosec 2 A + cosecA + cosec 2 A  cosecA
=
 cosecA  1 cosecA +1
2cosec 2 A
=
cosec 2 A  1
2cosec 2 A
=
cot 2 A
2
2
= sin 2A
cos A
sin 2 A
2 sin 2 A 2
= 2  
sin A cos A cos 2 A
2

=2sec2 A
= R.H.S.

cos 2  sin o 
Question 11. Prove that:   1  sin  cos  .
1  tan  sin   cos 

Solution.

cos 2  sin 3 
LHS  
1  tan  sin   cos 
cos 2  sin 3 
 
sin  sin   cos 
1
cos 
cos3  sin 3 
 
cos   sin  cos   sin 
cos3   sin 3 

cos   sin 
 cos   sin    cos2   sin 2   sin  cos  

 cos   sin  
 a 3
 b3    a  b   a 2  b 2  ab  
 1  sin  cos   sin 2   cos 2   1
 R.H.S.

sec   tan   1 cos 

Question 12. Prove that: 
tan   sec  1 1  sin 

Solution.
 sec   tan   1
LHS 
sec   tan   1
 sec   tan     sec2   tan 2  

tan   sec   1


 sec   tan     sec   tan   sec   tan  
 tan   sec   1

 sec   tan  1  sec   tan  
 tan   sec   1
1 sin 
 sec   tan   
cos  cos 
1  sin  1  sin  1  sin 
  
cos  cos  1  sin 
1  sin 2  cos 2 
 
cos  1  sin   cos  1  sin  
cos 
  RHS.
1  sin 

 1  tan 2 A   1  tan A 
2

   tan A.
2
Question 13. Prove that: 
 1  cot A   1  cot A 
2

Solution.

1
1  tan 2 A sec2 A
...  i 
2
We have   cos A  tan 2 A
1  cot A cos ec A
2 2
1
sin 2 A
2
 
 1  tan A   1  tan A 
2

Again    
 1  cot A   1  1 
 tan A 

 1  tan A
2

  tan A     tan A2 
 tan A  1 
 tan A
2

Question 14. Find the area of the minor segment of a circle of radius 14 cm, when its central
angle is 60°. Also find the area of the corresponding major segment. [Use π = 22/7 ]

Solution.
Given, radius of circle, r  14cm
And central angle,   60o
 1
Now, area of minor segment =  r 2  r 2 sin 
360 2
22 60 1 3
 14 14    14  14 
7 360 2 2
 308 
  49 3  cm 2  17.9cm 2  Approx.
 3 
Also, area of major segment
= Area of circle  Area of minor segment
 308 
= r 2    49 3 
 3 
22  308 
 14 14    49 3 
7  3 
308
 616   49 3
3
 1540 
  49 3  cm 2
 3 
 598.20 cm  Approx.
2

Question 15. Prove that the chords of a circle that are equidistant from the centre are equal in
length.

Solution.

Given: AB and CD are the two chords equidistant from the centre, i.e., OE = OF, where OE 
AB and OF  CD.

To prove: AB = CD

Construction: Join OA and OC.

Proof: Since OE  AB

 AE = EB (Since perpendicular from centre of a circle to a chord

bisects it)
 1
⟹ AE = AB
2

Also OF  CD

1
⟹ CF = CD
2

In ΔOAE and ΔOCF,

OA = OC = Radius of circle

OEA = OFC = 90o

OE = OF

 ΔOAE  ΔOCF (By RHS property)

⟹ AE = CF (By CPCT)

1 1
⟹ AB = CD
2 2

⟹ AB = CD

Hence proved.

Question 16. The angle of elevation of the top of a cliff when observed from the top of a
lighthouse is 60o and the angle of depression of the base of the cliff observed from the same point
comes to be 30o. If the height of the lighthouse above water level is 12 m then calculate the
height of the cliff and its distance from the lighthouse. [Use, 3 = 1.732]

Solution.

Given condition can be represented as below:

Let AB be the lighthouse and EC be the cliff.

Let the height of cliff be h m.
Then, we have,
EAD = 60° and DAC = 30o
And, CD = AB = 12 m
 DE = CE – DC =( h − 12)m
In ΔADE,
DE
tan 60o 
AD

 3
 h  12 
AD

 AD 
 h  12  ....  i 
3
Also,in ADC
CD
tan 30o 
AD
1 12
 
3 AD
 AD  12 3 ....  ii 
From equations  i  and  ii  , we have:
 h  12   12 3
3
 h  12  36
 h  48m
Thus, height of the cliff = 48 m
And distance of cliff from lighthouse = BC = AD = 12 3 m

Question 17. Construct a triangle ABC with side BC = 7 cm, ∠B = 45°, ∠A = 105°. Then
3
construct another triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the ∆ABC.
4

Solution.

Here in ΔABC, ∠B = 45° and ∠A = 105°

Now, ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o [Sum of interior angles of a triangle is 180o]

 105° + 45° + ∠C = 180o

 ∠C = 180°−(105° + 45°) = 30°

Now we draw the ΔABC by following the steps of construction as given below:
1. Draw line BC = 7 cm.
2. At B, construct ∠CBX= 45° and at C, construct ∠BCY= 30°.
3. The point of intersection of BX and CY gives A. Thus, ∆ABC is obtained.
3
Now to draw another triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the ∆ABC,
4
follow the steps given below:
4. Draw any ray BZ making an acute angle with BC on the side opposite to the vertex A.
5. Locate four points B1, B2, B3 and B4 on BZ such that BB1 = B1B2 = B2B3 = B3B4.
6. Join B4C and draw a line through B3 parallel to B4C to intersect BC at C'.
7. Draw a line through C′ parallel to the line CA to intersect BA at A′.

3
Thus, ΔA′BC′ is the required triangle similar to the ΔABC with scale factor as .
4
Question 18. The following table gives the life time of 200 bulbs. Calculate the mean life time
of a bulb by step deviation method.

Life time 400-499 500-599 600-699 700-799 800-899 900-999

(in hours)
Number of 24 47 39 42 34 14
bulbs

Solution.

Let assumed mean, a = 649.5 and h = 100

Life time (in hrs) x1 x1  a fi fi ui

ui 
h
 400-499 449.5 -2 24 -48
500-599 549.5 -1 47 -47
600-699 649.5 0 39 1
700-799 749.5 1 42 42
800-899 849.5 2 34 68
900-999 945.5 3 14 42
Total  f1  200  fiui  57

  fi ui 
 Mean, x  a   h
 f 
 i 
57
 649.5  100
200
 649.5  28.5
 678.

Average life time is 678 hours.

Question 19. Draw “less than ogive” and “more than ogive” for the following distribution and
hence find its median.

Class Interval 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90

Frequency 10 8 12 24 6 25 15

Solution.

Let’s draw the ‘less than’ orgive and’ more than’ on the same graph.

Class f Less than c.f. More than c.f.

Interval
20-30 10 30 10 20 100
30-40 8 40 18 30 90
40-50 12 50 30 40 82
50-60 24 60 54 50 70
60-70 6 70 60 60 46
70-80 25 80 85 70 40
80-90 15 90 90 80 15
Question 20. The following distribution gives the daily income of 100 workers of a factory.

Class Interval 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70

Number of workers 5 5 12 28 32 13 5
Convert the distribution to a less than type of cumulative frequency distribution and draw its
ogive. Hence, obtain the median daily icome.

Solution.

Daily income No. of workers (c.f.)

Less than 10 5
Less than 20 10
Less than 30 22
Less than 40 50
Less than 50 82
Less than 60 95
Less than 70 100
 N 100
From graph,   50
2 2

Hence, Median daily income = Rs. 40.