If sin α + cos α =, where 0 < α < , then what is sin3α − cos3α equal to?
- AOption (a)
1
- BOption (b)
1/2
- COption (c)
1/4
- DOption (d)
0
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Correct answer
0
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
sin α + cos α =
It is valid when α = π/4
As, sin π/4 + cos π/4 = 1/ + 1/ = 2/ =
So, sin α - cos α = sin π/4 - cos π/4 = 1/ - 1/ = 0
So, sin3α − cos3α
⇒ (sin α - cos α) (sin2 α + cos2α - sinα cosα)
⇒ 0 (sin2 α + cos2α - sinα cosα)
⇒ 0
Hence, the correct answer is 0.
Alternate Method
Given:
sin α + cos α = √2, where 0 < α < π/2
Formula used:
sin3α - cos3α = (sin α - cos α)(sin2α + sin α cos α + cos2α)
Calculation:
sin α + cos α = √2
⇒ (sin α + cos α)2 = (√2)2
⇒ sin2α + cos2α + 2sin α cos α = 2
⇒ 1 + 2sin α cos α = 2
⇒ 2sin α cos α = 1
⇒ sin α cos α = 1/2
Now, sin α - cos α = √(sin2α + cos2α - 2sin α cos α)
⇒ sin α - cos α = √(1 - 1)
⇒ sin α - cos α = 0
Plugging into the formula:
sin3α - cos3α = (sin α - cos α)(sin2α + sin α cos α + cos2α)
⇒ sin3α - cos3α = 0 × (1 + 1/2)
⇒ sin3α - cos3α = 0
∴ The correct answer is option (4).