Question:medium

If two lines represented by \(x^2-(1+\sqrt{3})xy+\sqrt{3}y^2 = 0\) make angles \(α\) and \(β\) with the X-axis, then \(tan(α+β)\) is...

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Treat the pair as a quadratic in the slope m = y/x and use sum and product of roots.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{\sqrt{3}+1}\)
  • \(\frac{1+\sqrt{3}}{1-\sqrt{3}}\)
  • \(\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{\sqrt{3}-1}\)
  • \(\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Factor the pair
$x^2 - (1+\sqrt{3})xy + \sqrt{3}y^2 = (x - y)(x - \sqrt{3}y)$. Check: the $xy$ term is $-(1+\sqrt{3})$ and the $y^2$ term is $\sqrt{3}$.

Step 2: Slopes
From $x - y = 0$ the slope is $1$, so $\tan\alpha = 1$. From $x - \sqrt{3}y = 0$ the slope is $\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$, so $\tan\beta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$. So the angles are $45^\circ$ and $30^\circ$.

Step 3: Combine
$\alpha + \beta = 75^\circ$ and $\tan 75^\circ = 2 + \sqrt{3}$.

Step 4: Match
$\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{\sqrt{3}-1} = \frac{(\sqrt{3}+1)^2}{2} = \frac{4 + 2\sqrt{3}}{2} = 2 + \sqrt{3}$, which equals $\tan 75^\circ$. So option (C) is right.

Final Answer:
The angles are 45 and 30 degrees, so tan 75 = 2 + sqrt3. This is option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{\sqrt{3}-1}} \]
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