Question
Let $f(\theta)$ be defined as:
$$f(\theta) = \begin{vmatrix} \sin\theta & \cos\theta & \tan\theta \\ \sin\frac{\pi}{6} & \cos\frac{\pi}{6} & \tan\frac{\pi}{6} \\ \sin\frac{\pi}{3} & \cos\frac{\pi}{3} & \tan\frac{\pi}{3} \end{vmatrix}, \quad \theta \in \left[\frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{\pi}{3}\right]$$
Consider the following statements:
I. There exists $\theta \in (\frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{\pi}{3})$ such that $f'(\theta) = 0$.
II. There exists $\theta \in (\frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{\pi}{3})$ such that $f'(\theta) \neq 0$.
Best Approach: Rolle's Theorem
This problem can be solved efficiently by utilizing the properties of determinants and Rolle's Theorem, avoiding tedious differentiation or expansion.
Key Observation: Determinant Properties
A determinant is zero if any two rows are identical.
If we plug in $\theta = \frac{\pi}{6}$, Row 1 becomes identical to Row 2. Thus, $f(\frac{\pi}{6}) = 0$.
If we plug in $\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}$, Row 1 becomes identical to Row 3. Thus, $f(\frac{\pi}{3}) = 0$.
Step 1: Evaluating Statement I
According to Rolle's Theorem, if a function $f(x)$ is:
Continuous on $[a, b]$
Differentiable on $(a, b)$
And $f(a) = f(b)$
Then there must exist at least one $c \in (a, b)$ such that $f'(c) = 0$.
Here, $f(\frac{\pi}{6}) = f(\frac{\pi}{3}) = 0$.
Since $f(\theta)$ is a combination of trigonometric functions, it is continuous and differentiable in the given interval.
Conclusion: There exists $\theta \in (\frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{\pi}{3})$ such that $f'(\theta) = 0$.
👉 Statement I is TRUE.
Step 2: Evaluating Statement II
Statement II asks if there is any point where the derivative is non-zero.
If $f'(\theta) = 0$ for all $\theta \in (\frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{\pi}{3})$, then $f(\theta)$ must be a constant function.
We know $f(\frac{\pi}{6}) = 0$. If we pick an intermediate value like $\theta = \frac{\pi}{4}$:
$$f\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \begin{vmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} & 1/\sqrt{2} & 1 \\ 1/2 & \sqrt{3}/2 & 1/\sqrt{3} \\ \sqrt{3}/2 & 1/2 & \sqrt{3} \end{vmatrix}$$
The rows are linearly independent, so $f(\frac{\pi}{4}) \neq 0$.
Since the function is not constant, its derivative cannot be zero everywhere.
👉 Statement II is TRUE.
Final Answer
Both statements I and II are correct.
Correct Option: (C)