Question:

The number of solutions of the trigonometric equation $\sin^2 x - \sin x - 2 = 0$ in the interval $[0, 2\pi]$ is:

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Always check the range constraints of trigonometric functions first. Since $-1 \le \sin x \le 1$, roots outside this interval are instantly discarded.
Updated On: May 31, 2026
  • $1$
  • $2$
  • $3$
  • $0$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

This is a quadratic equation in terms of $\sin x$. We can solve for the roots of $\sin x$ using factorization and check which roots are valid within the range $[-1, 1]$.

Step 2: Meaning

Let $t = \sin x$. The equation becomes $t^2 - t - 2 = 0$.

Step 3: Analysis

Factorizing the quadratic equation: \[ (t - 2)(t + 1) = 0 \implies t = 2 \text{ or } t = -1 \] Since $t = \sin x$, we analyze both cases:
• Case 1: $\sin x = 2$. Since the range of the sine function is $[-1, 1]$, this equation has no real solutions.
• Case 2: $\sin x = -1$. In the interval $[0, 2\pi]$, this occurs only at $x = \frac{3\pi}{2}$. Thus, there is only $1$ valid solution in the given interval.

Step 4: Conclusion

The number of solutions of the trigonometric equation in $[0, 2\pi]$ is $1$. Final Answer: (A)
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