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Mathematics — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [1]
$\sec\theta$ when expressed in terms of $\cot\theta$, is equal to :
  1. (a) $\dfrac{\sqrt{1 + \cot^2\theta}}{\cot\theta}$
  2. (b) $\sqrt{1 + \cot^2\theta}$
  3. (c) $\dfrac{\sqrt{1 + \cot^2\theta}}{\cot\theta}$
  4. (d) $\dfrac{\sqrt{1 - \cot^2\theta}}{\cot\theta}$
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 30/4/1 Q10
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:24 · grounding rag
Model Answer

(a) $\dfrac{\sqrt{1+\cot^2\theta}}{\cot\theta}$

Reason: From the identity $\cosec^2\theta = 1 + \cot^2\theta$, we get $\cosec\theta = \sqrt{1+\cot^2\theta}$. Since $\sec\theta = \dfrac{\cosec\theta}{\cot\theta}$, we get $\sec\theta = \dfrac{\sqrt{1+\cot^2\theta}}{\cot\theta}$.

Explanation

Use the identity $1 + \cot^2\theta = \cosec^2\theta$, then use $\sec\theta = \tan\theta \cdot \cosec\theta = \dfrac{\cosec\theta}{\cot\theta}$ to express sec θ in terms of cot θ. Options (a) and (c) appear identical in the question; the correct answer is option (a).

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