Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Exercise 2.1
Find the principal values of the following:
 1
1. sin–1  –  .
2

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 1 1
Sol. Let sin–1  −  = y, then sin y = –
 2 2

 π π
Since the range of the principal value branch of sin–1 is  − ,  ,
 2 2

 π π
therefore, y ∈  − ,  i.e., y is in fourth quadrant (– θ) or in first
 2 2
quadrant. Also sin y is negative, therefore, y lies in fourth
quadrant and y is negative (i.e., – θ).
 1 1
Now sin–1  −  = – sin–1 (... sin–1 (–x) = – sin–1x)
2 2
π π
= – sin–1sin = –
6 6
 1  π
∴ Principal value of sin–1  −  is  −  .
2  6
 3
2. cos–1  .
 2 
 3 3
Sol. Let cos–1   = y, then cos y =
 2  2
Since the range of the principal value branch of cos–1 is [0, π],
therefore, y ∈ [0, π] i.e., y is in first or second quadrant. Also
cos y is positive, therefore, y lies in first quadrant.
 3 π π
Now cos–1   = cos–1cos =
 2  6 6
 3 π
∴ Principal value of cos–1   is .
 2  6
–1
3. cosec (2).
Sol. Let θ = cosec–1 2 ∴ θ is in first quadrant because x = 2 > 0.
( . . . If x > 0, then value of each inverse function lies in first
quadrant.)
π π
∴ θ = cosec–1 2 = cosec–1 cosec = .
6 6
4. tan–1 (– 3 ).
Sol. Let tan–1 (– 3 ) = y, then tan y = – 3
Since the range of the principal value branch of tan –1 is
 π π  π π
 − 2 , 2  , therefore, y ∈  − 2 , 2  i.e., y is in fourth quadrant
 
(– θ) or y is in first quadrant. Also tan y is negative, therefore, y
lies in fourth quadrant and y is negative (i.e., – θ).
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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Now tan–1 (– 3 ) = –tan–1 3 (... tan–1(–x) = –tan–1x)

π π
= –tan–1 tan = –
3 3
 π
∴ Principal value of tan–1 (– 3 ) is  −  .
 3
 1
5. cos–1  –  .
 2
 1 1
Sol. Let cos–1  −  = y, then cos y = –
 2 2
Since the range of the principal value branch of cos–1 is [0, π],
therefore, y ∈ [0, π] i.e., y is in first or second quadrant. Also
cos y is negative, therefore, y lies in second quadrant (i.e., y = π– θ).
 1 1
Now cos–1  −  = π – cos–1 (... cos–1(–x) = π – cos–1x)
2 2
π π 2π
= π – cos–1 cos = π– =
3 3 3
 1 2π
∴ Principal value of cos–1  −  is .
2 3
–1
6. tan (– 1).
π
Sol. Let θ = tan–1 (– 1) ∴ θ lies between – and 0 (... x = – 1 < 0)
2
[Note. For x < 0, values of sin –1 x, tan –1 x and cosec –1 x lies
π
between – and 0.]
2
π π
∴ tan–1 (–1) = – tan–11 = – tan–1 tan = –
4 4
 2 
7. sec–1 
 3 
.

 2  2
Sol. Let sec–1 
 3 
= y, then sec y =
3
Since the range of the principal value branch of sec–1 is [0, π]
π π
–   , therefore, y ∈ [0, π] –   i.e., y is in first quadrant or
2 2
second quadrant. Also sec y is positive, therefore, y lies in first
quadrant.
 2   π π
Now, sec–1   = sec–1  sec  =
3  6 6
 2  π
∴ Principal value of sec–1   is .
3 6
8. cot–1 ( 3 ).
Sol. Let θ = cot–1 ( 3 )

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

∴ θ is in first quadrant because x = 3 > 0.

π π
∴ θ = cot–1 3 = cot–1 cot = .
6 6
 – 1
9. cos–1 
 2 
.

 1 
Sol. Let θ = cos–1  − 
 2
π 1
∴ θ lies between and π (... x = – < 0)
2 2
(Note. For x < 0, value of cos x, cot x and sec–1 x lies between
–1 –1

π
and π.)
2
 1  1
∴ cos–1  −  = π – cos–1
 2 2
π π 4π − π 3π
= π – cos–1 cos = π – = = .
4 4 4 4
10. cosec–1 (– 2 ).
–1
Sol. Let cosec (– 2 ) = y, then cosec y = – 2
 π π
Since the range of the principal value branch of cosec–1 is  − , 
 2 2
 π π 
– {0}, therefore, y ∈  − ,  – {0}. Also cosec y is negative,
 2 2
therefore, y lies in fourth quadrant (– θ) and y is negative.
Now, cosec–1 (– 2 ) = – cosec–1 2 (... cosec–1(–x) = – cosec–1x)
π π
= – cosec–1 cosec = –
4 4
 π
∴ Principal value of cosec–1 (– 2 ) is  −  .
 4
Find the value of the following:
 1  1
11. tan–1 (1) + cos–1  –  + sin–1  –  .
2 2
 1  1
Sol. tan–1 (1) + cos–1  −  + sin–1  − 
 2  2
1 1
= tan–11 + π – cos–1 – sin–1
2 2
π π π
= tan–1 tan + π – cos–1 cos – sin–1 sin
4 3 6
π π π 3π + 12π – 4π – 2π
= + π– – =
4 3 6 12

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

9π 3π
= =
12 4

 1  1
12. cos–1   + 2 sin–1   .
 2  2
 1  1 π π
Sol. cos–1   + 2 sin–1   = cos–1 cos + 2 sin–1 sin
 2  2 3 6
π π π π 2π
= + 2  = + = .
3 6 3 3 3
13. If sin–1 x = y, then
π π
(A) 0 ≤ y ≤ π (B) – ≤ y ≤
2 2
π π
(C) 0 < y < π (D) – < y < .
2 2
Sol. Option (B) is the correct answer.
π π
(By definition of principal value for y = sin–1 x, – ≤ y ≤ )
2 2
14. tan–1 3 – sec–1 (– 2) is equal to
π π 2π
(A) π (B) – (C) (D) .
3 3 3
Sol. tan–1 3 – sec–1 (– 2)
= tan–1 3 – (π – sec–1 2) (... sec–1 (–x) = π – sec–1 x)
π π
= tan–1 tan – π + sec–1 sec
3 3
π π π – 3π + π π
– π +
= = =–
3 3 3 3
∴ Option (B) is the correct answer.

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Exercise 2.2
Prove the following:
 1 1
1. 3 sin–1 x = sin–1 (3x – 4x3), x ∈  – ,  .
 2 2
Sol. To prove: 3 sin–1 x = sin–1 (3x – 4x3)
We know that sin 3θ = 3 sin θ – 4 sin3 θ
Put sin θ = x (⇒ θ = sin–1 x)
∴ sin 3θ = 3x – 4x3 ⇒ 3θ = sin–1 (3x – 4x3)
Putting θ = sin–1 x, 3 sin–1 x = sin–1 (3x – 4x3).
1 
2. 3 cos–1 x = cos–1 (4x3 – 3x), x ∈  , 1 .
2 

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

1 
Sol. To prove: 3 cos–1 x = cos–1 (4x3 – 3x), x ∈  , 1
2 
Let cos– 1 x = θ, then x = cos θ
We know that cos 3θ = 4 cos3 θ – 3 cos θ = 4x3 – 3x
⇒ 3θ = cos– 1 (4x3 – 3x) ⇒ 3 cos– 1 x = cos– 1 (4x3 – 3x).
2 7 1
3. tan–1 + tan–1 = tan–1 .
11 24 2
2 7 1
Sol. To prove: tan–1 + tan–1 = tan–1
11 24 2
2 7
+
–1
2 –1
7 –1 11 24
L.H.S. = tan + tan = tan 2 7
11 24 1− ×
11 24
 −1 −1 −1 x + y 
∵ tan x + tan y = tan 1 − xy 
 
48 + 77 125 1
= tan– 1 –1
= tan– 1
264 − 14 = tan 250 2
= R.H.S.

1 1 31
4. 2 tan–1 + tan–1 = tan–1 .
2 7 17
1 1 31
Sol. To prove: 2 tan–1 + tan–1 = tan–1
2 7 17
1 1
L.H.S. = 2 tan– 1 + tan– 1
2 7
1
2×  
= tan– 1 2 + tan– 1 1 ∵ 2 tan − 1 x = tan − 1 2 x 
 1
2 7  1 − x 2

1− 
 2
4 1
+
4 1 3 7
= tan– 1 + tan– 1 = tan– 1
3 7 4 1
1− ×
3 7
 −1 −1 −1 x + y 
∵ tan x + tan y = tan 1 − xy 
 
28 + 3 31
= tan– 1 = tan– 1 = R.H.S.
21 − 4 17
Write the following functions in the simplest form:
1 + x2 – 1
5. tan–1 , x ≠ 0.
x
Sol. Put x = tan θ so that θ = tan– 1 x
 1 + x2 − 1   1 + tan2 θ − 1
∴ tan– 1   = tan– 1  
 x   tan θ 

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 1 
−1
 sec θ − 1  cos θ 
= tan– 1  tan θ  = tan
–1
 sin θ 
 
 cos θ 

 θ 
2 sin2
–1  1 − cos θ  –1  2 
= tan  sin θ  = tan  θ θ
 2 sin cos 
2 2
 θ θ 1 1
= tan– 1  tan  = = θ= tan– 1 x.
 2 2 2 2
1
6. tan–1 2
, | x | > 1.
x –1
1
Sol. To simplify tan–1 , put x = sec θ (See Note (iii) below)
x2 − 1
(⇒ θ = sec–1 x)

1  1 
= tan–1 = tan–1  
sec 2 θ − 1  tan2 θ 

| ... sec2 θ – tan2 θ = 1 ⇒ sec2 θ – 1 = tan2 θ

 1 
= tan–1  = tan–1 (cot θ)
 tan θ 
π  π π
= tan–1 tan  − θ = – θ= – sec–1 x.
2  2 2

Very useful Note: (i) For a2 − x2 , put x = a sin θ

(ii) For a2 + x2 , put x = a tan θ

and (iii) For x2 − a2 , put x = a sec θ.

1 – cos x
7. tan–1 , x < π.
1 + cos x
x
2 sin 2
–1 1 − cos x 2
Sol. tan = tan–1
1 + cos x 2 cos2
x
2
[... 1 – cos 2θ = 2 sin2 θ and 1 + cos 2θ = 2 cos2 θ]
x x x
= tan–1 tan 2 = tan–1 tan = .
2 2 2
 cos x – sin x 
8. tan–1  , 0 < x < π.
 cos x + sin x 

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 cos x − sin x 
Sol. The given expression = tan– 1 
 cos x + sin x 
Dividing the numerator and denominator by cos x,
 π 
 1 − tan x  tan − tan x π 
–1  4 
 = tan tan  4 − x
–1 –1
= tan  1 + tan x  = tan  π
 1 + tan tan x 
4
π
= – x.
4
x
9. tan–1 , | x | < a.
a – x2
2

x
Sol. To simplify tan–1 , put x = a sin θ;
a − x2 2

(See note (i) below solution of Q. No. 7)

 a sin θ   a sin θ 
= tan–1   = tan–1  
 a2 − a2 sin2 θ   a2 (1 − sin2 θ) 

 a sin θ   a sin θ  x
= tan–1   = tan–1  = tan–1 (tan θ) = θ = sin–1
 a2 cos2 θ   a cos θ  a

 x −1 x 
∵ x = a sin θ ⇒ sin θ = a ⇒ θ = sin a 
 
 3a 2 x – x 3   a a
10. tan–1  3  , a > 0,  – ≤ x≤ .
 a – 3ax 2   3 3

 3a2 x − x3 
Sol. tan– 1  3 2
 a − 3ax 
(Dividing the numerator and denominator by a3, to make the first
term in denominator as 1)
  x  x 3 
 3   −   
= tan– 1  a a 
  x 
2
 1 − 3  
  a 
x
Put = tan θ.
a
 3 tan θ − tan 3 θ 
∴ The given expression = tan– 1  
 1 − 3 tan 2 θ 
x
= tan– 1 (tan 3θ) = 3θ = 3 tan– 1 .
a

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Find the values of each of the following:

  1 
11. tan–1  2 cos  2 sin–1   .
  2 
  −1 1     −1 π 
Sol. tan–1 2 cos  2 sin = tan–1 2 cos  2 sin sin  
  2    6 
  π   π
= tan–1 2 cos  2 .   = tan–1 2 cos 
  6    3
 1  π π
= tan–1  2 ×  = tan–1 1 = tan–1  tan  = .
 2  4 4
–1 –1
12. cot (tan a + cot a)
Sol. cot (tan–1 a + cot–1 a)
π  −1 −1 π
= cot = 0. ∵ tan x + cot x = 2 
2  
1  –1 2x 1 – y2 
13. tan  sin 2
+ cos –1  , | x | < 1, y > 0 and xy < 1.
2  1+ x 1 + y2 
Sol. Put x = tan θ and y = tan φ, then the given expression
1 −1 2x 1 1 − y2 
= tan  sin + cos −1 
2 1+ x 2
2 1 + y2 
1 −1 2 tan θ 1 2 
−1 1 − tan φ
= tan  sin + cos 
2 1 + tan 2 θ 2 1 + tan 2 φ 
1 −1 1 −1 
= tan  sin (sin 2θ) + cos (cos 2φ)
2 2 
 1 1  tan θ + tan φ x+ y
= tan  (2θ) + (2φ) = tan (θ + φ) = = .
2 2  1 − tan θ tan φ 1 − xy
 1 
14. If sin  sin –1 + cos –1 x  = 1, then find the value of x.
 5 
 1  π
Sol. Given : sin  sin –1 + cos –1 x = 1 = sin
 5  2
1 π
⇒ sin–1 + cos–1 x =
5 2
π 1 1 ∵ sin −1 t + cos −1 t = π 
⇒ cos–1 x = – sin–1 = cos–1  
2 5 5  2
1
⇒ x = .
5
x –1 x +1 π
15. If tan–1 + tan–1 = , then find the value of x.
x–2 x+2 4
x−1 x+1 π
Sol. Given: tan–1 + tan–1 =
x−2 x+2 4

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

x −1 x +1
+
x−2 x+2 π  −1 −1 −1 x + y 
⇒tan = ∵ tan x + tan y = tan
1 − xy 
–1
 x − 1  x + 1 4 
1−   
 x − 2  x + 2
Multiplying by L.C.M. = (x – 2)(x + 2),
( x − 1)( x + 2) + ( x + 1)( x − 2) π
⇒ = tan
( x − 2)( x + 2) − ( x − 1)( x + 1) 4
x2 + 2x − x − 2 + x2 − 2x + x − 2
⇒ = 1
x2 − 4 − ( x2 − 1)
2 x2 − 4 2 x2 − 4
⇒ = 1 ⇒ = 1
x − 4 − x2 + 1
2
−3
⇒ 2x2 – 4 = – 3 ⇒ 2x2 = 4 – 3 = 1
1 1 1
⇒ x2 = ∴ x=± =± .
2 2 2
Find the values of each of the expressions in Exercises 16
to 18.
 2π 
16. sin–1  sin .
 3
 2π  2π
Sol. We know that sin–1 (sin x) = x. Therefore, sin–1  sin  = 3 .
 3
2π  π π –1
But ∉  − ,  which is the principal value branch of sin .
3  2 2 
 2π  –1  3π − π    π 
Now, sin–1  sin  = sin sin  π − 3  
–1
  = sin  sin
3 3   
 π  π π  π π   2 π  π
= sin–1  sin  = and ∈  − ,  ∴ sin–1  sin  = .
 3 3 3  2 2   3 3
 3π 
17. tan–1  tan .
 4
 3π  3π
Sol. We know that tan–1 (tan x) = x. Therefore, tan–1  tan  = .
 4 4
3π  π π –1
But ∉  − ,  which is the principal value branch of tan .
4  2 2
 3π  –1  4π − π  –1   π 
Now, tan–1  tan
 4
 = tan  tan
  = tan  tan  π −  
4  4 
–1  π  π
= tan  − tan  = – tan tan
–1

 4 4
π π  π π  3π  π
= – and – ∈ − ,  ∴ tan–1  tan  = – .
4 4  2 2  4 4

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 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 –1 3 3
18. tan  sin + cot –1  .
 5 2
3 3
Sol. Let sin–1 = x and cot–1 = y
5 5
3 3
⇒ x and y both lie in first quadrant because > 0 and also >0
5 2
and hence cos x must be positive.
3 3
and sin x = and cot y =
5 2
9 16 4
⇒ cos x = 1 − sin 2 x = 1− = =
25 25 5
sin x 3 2
⇒ tan x = = and tan y =
cos x 4 3
 3 3
∴ tan  sin −1 + cot −1  = tan (x + y)
 5 2
3 2 17
tan x + tan y +
= = 4 3 = 12 = 17 .
1 − tan x tan y 3 2 1 6
1− ×
4 3 2
 7π 
19. cos–1  cos  is equal to
 6
7π 5π π π
(A) (B) (C) (D) .
6 6 3 6
7π  180° 
Sol. We know that (x =) cos = cos  7 ×  = cos 210° is
6  6 
negative. . .
( . 210° lies in third quadrant)
 7π  π
∴ Value of cos–1  cos  must lie between and π.
6 2
 7π    7π   . .
∴ cos–1  cos  = cos–1  cos  2π − | . cos (2π – θ) = cos θ
 6   6  
7π 12π − 7π 5π
= 2π – = =
6 6 6
∴ Option (B) is the correct answer.
π –1  1  
20. sin  – sin  –   is equal to
3  2 
1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) 1.
2 3 4
π −1  1  π −1 1  ... sin–1 (–x) = – sin–1 x
Sol. sin  − sin  −   = sin  + sin 
3 2  3 2 
π –1  π 
= sin  + sin  sin  
 3  6 
MathonGo 12
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 π π  2π + π  3π π
= sin  +  = sin   = sin 6 = sin = 1.
 3 6 6  2
∴ Option (D) is the correct answer.
21. tan–1 3 – cot–1 (– 3 ) is equal to
π
(A) π (B) – (C) 0 (D) 2 3 .
2
Sol. tan–1 3 – cot–1 (– 3 )

tan–1 3 – (π – cot–1 3 ) ... cot–1 (–x) = π – cot–1 x

π  –1  π 
tan–1 tan –  π – cot  cot  
3   6 
π  π π 5π 2π − 5π
= – π −  = – =
3  6 3 6 6
3π π
= – = – . ∴ Option (B) is the correct answer.
6 2

MathonGo 13
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

MISCELLANEOUS EXERCISE
Find the value of the following:
 13π 
1. cos–1  cos .
 6 
13π 12π + π  π
Sol. Here (x) = cos = cos = cos  2π + 
6 6  6
π 3
= cos = > 0.
6 2
 13π 
∴ Value of cos–1  cos  lies in first quadrant.
 6 
 13π  3 π π
∴ cos–1  cos  = cos
–1
= cos–1 cos = .
 6  2 6 6
 7π 
2. tan–1  tan .
 6
7π 6π + π  π π 1
Sol. Here (x) = tan = tan = tan  π +  = tan = > 0
6 6  6 6 3
 7π 
∴ Value of tan–1  tan  lies in first quadrant.
 6
 7π  –1 1 π π
∴ tan–1  tan  = tan = tan–1 tan = .
 6 3 6 6
3 24
3. Prove that 2 sin–1 = tan–1 .
5 7
3
Sol. Let sin–1 = θ
5
MathonGo 14
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 3  3
⇒ θ lies in first quadrant ∵ > 0 and sin θ = .
 5  5
9 16 4
∴ cos θ is positive and = 1 − sin 2 θ = 1 − = =
25 25 5
3
sin θ 3
∴ tan θ = = 5 =
cos θ 4 4
5
3
2×
2 tan θ 4
We know that θ=
tan 2θ =
1 − tan 2 θ 9
1−
16
3
3 16 24 24
or tan 2θ = 2 = × = or 2θ = tan–1
7 2 7 7 7
16
3 3 24
Putting θ = sin–1 , 2 sin–1 = tan–1 .
5 5 7
8 3 77
4. Prove that sin–1 + sin–1 = tan–1 .
17 5 36
8  8 
Sol. Let sin–1 = α ⇒ α is in first quadrant. ∵ > 0
17 17 
8
and sin α =
17
64
∴ cos α is positive and = 1 − sin 2 α = 1−
289
289 − 64 225 15
= = =
289 289 17
8
sin α 17 8
∴ tan α = = =
cos α 15 15
17
3  3 
Again let sin–1 = β ⇒ β is in first quadrant. ∵ > 0
5  5 
3
and sin β =
5
9 16 4
∴ cos β is also positive and = 1 − sin 2 β = 1 − = =
25 25 5
3
sin β 3
∴ tan β = = 5 =
cos β 4 4
5
MathonGo 15
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

tan α + tan β
α + β) =
We know that tan (α
1 − tan α tan β
8 3
+
Putting values of tan α and tan β, = 15 4
8 3
1− .
15 4
32 + 45 77
Multiplying by L.C.M. = 60, = =
60 − 24 36
77
i.e., tan (α + β) =
36
77
∴ α + β = tan–1
36
8 3 77
Putting values of α and β, sin–1 + sin–1 = tan–1 .
17 5 36
4 12 33
5. Prove that cos–1 + cos–1 = cos–1 .
5 13 65
4  4 
Sol. Let cos–1 = α ⇒ α is in first quadrant. ∵ > 0
5  5 
4
and cos α =
5
∴ sin α is also positive and = 1 − cos2 α
16 9 3
= 1− = =
25 25 5
12
Again let cos–1 = β
13
 12 
⇒ β is in first quadrant. ∵ > 0
13 
12
and cos β = .
13
∴ sin β is also positive and = 1 − cos2 β

 12
2
144 169 − 144 25 5
= 1−  = =1− = =
 13 169 169 169 13
α + β) = cos α cos β – sin
We know that cos (α α sin β
4  12  3  5
Putting values, =   –  
5  13  5 13
48 15 33
or cos (α + β) = – =
65 65 65
33
∴ α + β = cos–1
65

MathonGo 16
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

4 12 33
Putting values of α and β, cos–1 + cos–1 = cos–1 .
5 13 65
12 3 56
6. Prove that cos–1 + sin–1 = sin–1 .
13 5 65
12  12 
Sol. Let cos–1 = α ⇒ α is in first quadrant. ∵ > 0
13 13 
12
and cos α = .
13
144
∴ sin α is also positive and = 1 − cos2 α = 1−
169
169 − 144 25 5
= = =
169 169 13
3  3 
Let sin–1 = β ⇒ β is in first quadrant. ∵ > 0
5 5
3
and sin β = .
5
9
∴ cos β is also positive and = 1 − sin 2 β = 1−
25
25 − 9 16 4
= = =
25 25 5
We know that sin (αα + β) = sin α cos β + cos α sin β.
5  4 12  3  20 36 56
Putting values, sin (α + β) =   +  = + =
13  5  13  5  65 65 65
56
∴ α + β = sin–1
65
12 3 56
Putting values of α and β, cos–1 + sin–1 = sin–1 .
13 5 65
63 5 3
7. Prove that tan–1 = sin–1 + cos–1 .
16 13 5

5 3
Sol. Let sin–1 = x and cos–1 = y
13 5
5 3
⇒ x and y both lie in first quadrant because > 0 and > 0
13 5
and hence cos x and sin y are both positive
5 3
and sin x = and cos y =
13 5
2
 5 144 12
⇒ cos x = 1 − sin 2 x = 1−  = =
 13 169 13
2
 3 16 4
and sin y = 1 − cos y =
2 1−  = =
 5 25 5
MathonGo 17
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

5
sin x 13 5
⇒ tan x = = =
cos x 12 12
13
4
sin y 4
and tan y = = 5 =
cos y 3 3
5
5 4
tan x + tan y +
Now, tan (x + y) = = 12 3
1 − tan x tan y 5 4
1− ×
12 3
21
7 9 63
= 12 = × =
4 4 4 16
9
63
⇒ tan–1 = x+ y
16
63 5 3
Putting values of x and y, tan–1 = sin–1 + cos–1 .
16 13 5
1 1 1 1 π
8. Prove that tan–1 + tan–1 + tan–1 + tan–1 = .
5 7 3 8 4
 1 1  1 1
Sol. L.H.S. =  tan −1 + tan −1  +  tan −1 + tan −1 
 5 7  3 8
 1 1   1 1 
+ +
–1  5 7   3 8 
+ tan–1  1 1
= tan  1 1
1 − .  1 − . 
 5 7  3 8
 .. –1 –1 –1
x+ y
 . tan x + tan y = tan 1 − xy
if x > 0, y > 0, and xy < 1.

1 1 1
Here for first sum, xy = × = < 1 and for second sum
5 7 35
1
< 1. 
1 1
xy = × =
3 8 24 
 7+5   8+3 
 35   24  12 11
= tan–1  35 − 1  + tan
–1
 24 − 1  = tan–1 + tan–1
  34 23
   24 
 35 
6 11
= tan–1 + tan–1
17 23

MathonGo 18
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 6 11 
+  
 17 23  6 11 66
∵ xy = 17 × 23 = 391 < 1
–1
= tan  6 11   
1 − . 
 17 23 
Multiplying NUM and DEN by 17 × 23
 138 + 187  325 
= tan–1  = tan–1 

 391 − 66   325 

π π
= tan–1 1 = tan–1 tan = = R.H.S.
4 4
1  1 – x
9. Prove that tan–1 cos–1  , x ∈ [0, 1].
 1 + x 
x =
2

Sol. Let tan–1 x = θ, then x = tan θ ∴ x = tan2 θ

1 1− x 1 1 − tan2 θ
∴ R.H.S. = cos–1 = cos–1
2 1+ x 2 1 + tan2 θ
1 1
= cos–1 (cos 2θ) = (2θ) = θ = tan–1 x .
2 2
L.H.S.
 1 + sin x + 1 – sin x 
10. Prove that cot–1  
 1 + sin x – 1 – sin x 
x  π
= , x ∈  0,  .
2  4
Sol. We know that
2
x x x x  x x
1 + sin x = cos2 + sin2 + 2 cos sin =  cos + sin 
2 2 2 2  2 2
2
 x x
Similarly, 1 – sin x =  cos − sin 
 2 2
 1 + sin x + 1 − sin x
∴ cot– 1  
 1 + sin x − 1 − sin x

 x x  x x 
  cos + sin  +  cos − sin  
2 2   2 2 
= cot– 1 
 x x  x x 
  cos + sin  −  cos − sin  
 2 2  2 2 
 x
2 cos
 2  = cot– 1  cot x  = x .
= cot– 1   
x 2 2
 2 sin 
 2 

MathonGo 19
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 1+ x – 1 – x π 1
11. Prove that tan–1   = – cos–1 x,
 1+ x + 1 – x 4 2
–1
≤ x ≤ 1.
2
 1+ x − 1− x
Sol. L.H.S. = tan–1  
 1+ x + 1− x
1
θ (⇒ 2θ = cos–1 x ⇒ θ =
Put x = cos 2θ cos–1 x)
2
 1 + cos 2θ − 1 − cos 2θ 
∴ L.H.S. = tan–1  
 1 + cos 2θ + 1 − cos 2θ 
 2 cos2 θ − 2 sin 2 θ
= tan–1  
 2 cos2 θ + 2 sin 2 θ 
 2 cos θ − 2 sin θ 
= tan–1  
 2 cos θ + 2 sin θ 
Dividing every term in NUM and DEN by 2 cos θ,
 π 
 1 − tan θ  tan − tan θ
–1 –1  4 
= tan 
 1 + tan θ 
= tan  
π
 1 + tan tan θ 
 4 
π  π
= tan tan  − θ =
–1
– θ
4  4
π 1
= – cos–1 x = R.H.S.
4 2
9π 9 1 9 2 2
12. Prove that – sin–1 = sin–1 .
8 4 3 4 3
9π 9 1
Sol. L.H.S. = – sin–1
8 4 3
9 π −1 1 
= − sin
4  2 3


1 ∵ sin −1 x + cos −1 x = π π 
9
= cos–1  ⇒ − sin −1 x = cos −1 x
4 3  2 2 
9 1
⇒ L.H.S. = θ ...(i) where θ = cos–1
4 3
 1  1
∴ θ is in first quadrant ∵ > 0 and cos θ =
 3  3
1 8 4×2 2
∴ sin θ = 1 − cos2 θ = 1− = = = 2
9 9 9 3
 2 2
∴ θ = sin–1  
 3 
MathonGo 20
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

9  2 2
Putting this value of θ in (i), L.H.S. = sin–1  
4  3 
= R.H.S.
13. Solve the equation 2 tan–1 (cos x) = tan–1 (2 cosec x).
Sol. The given equation is
2 tan– 1 (cos x) = tan– 1 (2 cosec x)
 2 cos x   2x 
–1  2 
−1 −1
⇒ tan–1   = tan  sin x  ∵ 2 tan x = tan 
 1 − cos2 x   1 − x2 
2 cos x 2
⇒ =
sin 2 x sin x
2 cos x
Dividing both sides by , we have = 1
sin x sin x
π
∴ cot x = 1 = cot
4
π
∴ x= .
4
 1 – x 1
14. Solve the equation tan–1  = tan–1 x, (x > 0).
 1 + x  2
Sol. Put x = tan θ
 1 − tan θ  1
∴The given equation becomes tan–1  = tan–1 (tan θ)
 1 + tan θ  2
 π 
 tan 4 − tan θ  1
⇒ tan–1   = θ
π
1 + tan tan θ  2
 4 

π θ
⇒ tan–1 tan  − θ =
4  2
π θ θ π
⇒ – θ = ⇒ θ + =
4 2 2 4
3θ π 2π π
⇒ = ⇒ 12θ = 2π ⇒ θ = =
2 4 12 6
π 1
∴ x = tan θ = tan = .
6 3
15. sin (tan–1 x), | x | < 1 is equal to
x 1 1 x
(A) (B) 2
(C) (D) .
1– x 2
1– x 1+ x 1 + x2 2

Sol. sin (tan x) = sin θ where θ = tan x (⇒ x = tan θ)

–1 –1

1 1
= =
cosec θ 1 + cot 2 θ
. .
[ . cosec θ – cot θ = 1 ⇒ cosec2 θ = 1 + cot2 θ]
2 2

MathonGo 21
 Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

1 1
Putting cot θ = = ,
tan θ x
1 1 x
sin (tan–1 x) = = =
1+ 2
1 x +1
2
x +1
2

x x2
∴ Option (D) is the correct answer.
π
16. sin–1 (1 – x) – 2 sin–1 x = , then x is equal to
2
1 1 1
(A) 0, (B) 1, (C) 0 (D) .
2 2 2
π
Sol. The given equation is sin– 1 (1 – x) – 2 sin– 1 x = ...(i)
2
Put sin– 1 x = θ ∴ x = sin θ ...(ii)
π
∴ Equation (i) becomes sin– 1 (1 – x) – 2θ =
2
π
⇒ sin– 1 (1 – x) = + 2θ
2
π
⇒ 1 – x = sin  + 2θ = cos 2θ = 1 – 2 sin2 θ
2 
Putting sin θ = x from (ii), 1 – x = 1 – 2x2
or – x = – 2x2 or 2x2 – x = 0 or x(2x – 1) = 0
∴ Either x = 0 or 2x – 1 = 0 i.e., 2x = 1
1
i.e., x= .
2
Let us test these roots
π
Putting x = 0 in (i), sin– 1 1 – 2 sin– 1 0 =
2
π π π π
or – 0 = or = which is true.
2 2 2 2
∴ x = 0 is a root.
1 1 1 π
Putting x = in (i), sin– 1 – 2 sin– 1 =
2 2 2 2
1 π
or – sin– 1 = [... t – 2t = – t]
2 2
π π –1 1 –1 π π 
or – = ∵ sin 2 = sin sin 6 = 6  which is
6 2 
impossible.
1
∴ x = is rejected.
2
∴ Option (C) is the correct answer.

MathonGo 22
Class 12 Chapter 2 - Inverse Trigonometric Functions

 x x – y
17. tan–1   – tan–1   is equal to
 y x + y
π π π 3π
(A) (B) (C) (D) – .
2 3 4 4
x  x − y
Sol. tan–1 – tan–1 
y  x + y 
 x  x − y 
 − 
–1  y  x + y    A −B
= tan ∵ tan−1 A − tan−1 B = tan−1
 x  x − y   1 + AB
1 +  
 y  x + y  
Multiplying both numerator and denominator by y(x + y)

 x( x + y) − y( x − y)   x2 + xy − xy + y2 
= tan–1   = tan–1
 
 y( x + y) + x( x − y)   xy + y2 + x2 − xy 

 x 2 + y2  π π
= tan–1  2 –1 –1
 = tan 1 = tan tan =
 x + y2  4 4
∴ Option (C) is the correct answer.

MathonGo 23