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INVERSE CIRCULAR
FUNCTIONS
 QUIZRR 3

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

D efin it io n
Inverse functions relating trigonometrical ratios are called inverse trigonometric functions. The
definition of different inverse trigonometric functions can be given as follows :

 
If sin = x, then  = sină1x, provided ă1 < x < 1 and 
2 2

If cos = x, then  = cosă1x, provided ă1 < x < 1 and 0 <  < 

 
If tan = x, then  = tană1x, provided ă  < x <  and  
2 2
If cot = x, then  = cotă1x, provided ă  < x <  and 0 <  < 


If sec = x, then  = secă1x, provided x < ă1 or x > 1 and 0    ,  
2

 
If cosec = x, then  = cosecă1x, provided x < ă1 or x > 1 and    ,   0.
2 2
Note : In the above definition restricitons on  are due to the consideration of principal values
of inverse terms. If these restrictions are removed, the terms will represent inverse trigonometric
relations and not functions.
For clear understanding let us consider one example.

1
Let sin  
2


 sin   sin
6


   nx  (1) n where n  0,  1,  2, ...
9

Putting different values of n, we can get different values of .

Thus, infinite number of values of  can be obtained. These values of  are represented by Arc
sinx..
This means Arc sinx represents the angle whose sine is equal to x.
... ă1 < sin < 1 and sin = x ... ă1 < x < 1

Thus, Are sinx is defined only when ă1 < x < 1.

Clearly for every x [ă1, 1], infinite number of values of Arc sinx will be obtained i.e., Arc sinx
denotes the general value of satisfying sin = x.

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Pr incip al value
Numerically smallest angle is known as the principal value.
Since Inverse trigonometrical terms are in fact angles, definition of principal value of inverse
trigonometrical term is the same as the definition of the principal value of angles.

1 1
Suppose we have to find the principal value of sin
2

1 1
For this, let sin 1   then sin  
2 2

11 7  5 13 17

   ........  , , , , , , ........
6 6 6 6 6 6

 1
Among all these angles is the numerically smallest angle satisfying sin   and hence
6 2

1 
principal value of sin 1 
2 6

M et hod for find ing p r incip al value

Step I. Mark the quadrant in which the angle may lie.
Step II. Mark the direction to be taken. Select anticlockwise direction for 1st and 2nd quadrants
and select clockwise direction for 3rd and 4th quadrants.
Step III. Find the angles in the first circle.
Step IV. Select the numerically smallest angle. i.e., in the first rotation.
In case, two values, one with positive sign and the other with negative sign, qualify
for principal value, we conventionally select the angle with positive sign as principal
value.

Illustration 1

 1
Find the principal value of sin 1    .
 2

Solution : 2

 1 1
Let sin 1      then sin    .
 2 2
 0
Since sin is negative,  will lie in 3rd in 4th quardrant.
ă5 ă
Hence for principal value, we will select clockwise direction. 6 6

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 5
The angles in the first circle are  and  .
6 6


Hence principal value .
6

Illustration 2

3 12 16
Prove that, sin 1  cos 1  sin 1
5 13 65

Solution :

3 3
Let sin 1  , so that sin  
5 5,
5 3
9 4
and therefore cos   1   
25 5
4

12 12
Let cos 1  , so that cos  
13 13

144 5
and therefore, sin   1  
169 13

16 16
Let sin 1  so that sin  
65 65 13 5
We have then to prove that

 ă  = 
12
i.e. to show that sin ( ă ) = sin 
Now, sin ( ă ) = sin cos  ă cos sin

3 12 4 5 36  20 16
= .  .    sin 
5 13 5 13 65 35

Hence the relation is proved.

Illustration 3

1 1 
Prove that 2tan 1  tan 1 
3 7 4

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Solution :

1 1
Let tan 1  , so that tan a 
3 3

1 1
and let tan 1  , so that tan  
7 7

We have then to show that


2a   
4

2tan 
Now, tan 2 
1  tan2 

2
3 6 3
 
= 1 8 4
1
9

tan 2  tan 
Also, tan(2  ) 
1  tan 2 tan 

3 1

21  4 
= 4 7   1  tan
3 1 28  3 4
1 .
4 7


2   
4

Illustration 4

1 1 
Prove that 4 tan 1  tan 1 
5 239 4
Solution :
1 1
Let tan 1  so that tan  
5 5

2
2 tan  5 5
Then, tan 2   
1  tan a 2 1 12
1
25
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10
120
and tan 4 12 
25 119
1
144


So that tan 4 is nearly unity, and 4 therefore, nearly .
4


Let 4   tan 1 x
4

120   1x
  tan   tan 1 x  
119 4  1x

1 1 
Hence, 4 tan 1  tan 1 
5 239 4

Illustration 5

1 1 1 a b
Prove that tan a  tan b  tan
1  ab

Solution :
Let tană1 a = , so that tan  = a,
and let tană1 b = , so that tan  = b,

 ab ab
Also, let tan 1     so,that  
 1  ab  1  ab

We have then to prove that

 +  = 

tan   tan  ab

Now tan (  )    tan 
1  tan  tan  1  ab

So, that relation is prove.

The above relation is merely the formula

tan x  tan y
tan ( x  y) 
1  tan x tan y

expressed in inverse notation

For put tan x = a, so that x = tană1 a,
and tan y = b, so that y = tană1 b,

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ab
Then, tan ( x  y) 
1  ab

ab
x  y  tan1
1  ab

ab
i.e. tan 1 a  tan 1 b  tan 1
1  ab

ab
In the above we have tacitly assumed that ab < 1, so that is positive, and therefore
1  ab

ab
tan 1 lies between 0Ĉ and 90Ĉ.
a  ab

ab
If, however, ab be > 1, then a  ab is negative, and therefore according to our definition

ab
tan 1 is a negative angle. Here  is there a negative angle and, since tan ( + ) = tan
a  ab
, the formula should be.

ab
tan 1 a  tan 1 b    tan 1
1  ab

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

It is evident that the sine function over the domain of all real numbers is not a one-to-one
1 
function. For example, suppose that we consider the solutions for sin x  . Certainly, is a
2 6

5 13 17 7 11

solution, that there are infinitely many more solutions, such as , , , , etc. as
6 6 6 6 6
indicated in fugure.
y

x
11 7  5 13 17
6 6 6 6 6 6
ă1

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However we can form a one-to-one function from the sine y

function, and not eliminate any values from its range, by
1
 
restricting the domain to the interval   x  . There · 
2 2 2
x
fore, we have a new function by the equation y = sin x

  2
with a domain of  x and a range of ă1 < y < 1. ă1
2 2
(figure)

Inverse Sine Function

The inverse sine function is defined by y = sină1 x if and only if x = sin y

 
where ă1 < x < 1 and   y
2 2

In definition, the equation y = sină1 x can be read by as y is the angle whose sine is x. Therefore,
1   1 
y  sin 1 means by y is the angle, between ă and , inclusive, whose sin is , thus y  .
2 2 2 2 6
(The angle could also be expressed as 30Ĉ.)
Principal value of sină1x itself its value as inverse functions are consider as function only for a
particular interval. So their is no need to define separate principal value.

Illustration 6

 1  1  
Evaluate cos  sin    
  2 

Solution :

  1 
The expression cos  sin 1     means the cosine of the angle between ă(/2) and /2, inclusive,
  2 
whose sine is ă1/2. We know that the angle between ă(/2) and /2, inclusive, whose sine is ă1/
2 is ă(/6), then cos( / 6))  3 / 2.

  1  3
Therefore, cos  sin 1     
  2  2

Inverse Consine Function :

The other trigonometric functions can also be used to introduce inverse function. In each case, a
restriction needs to be place on the original domain to create a one-to-one function that contains

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10 QUIZRR
the entire range of the original function. Then a corresponding inverse function can be defined.
By restricting the domain of the cosine function to real numbers between 0 and , inclusive, a one-
to-one function with a range between ă1 and 1, inclusive, is obtained. Then the following definition
creates the inverse cosine function.
The inverse cosine function or are cosine function is defined by
y = cosă1 x = arccos x if and only if x = cos y
where ă1 < x < 1 and 0 < y < 

Illustration 7

1
Solve y  cos ( 3 / 2)) for y, whre 0 < y < .
Solution

The expression y  cos1 ( 3 / 2)) can be interpreted as the angle whose consine is ( 3 / 2) . We
know that y = 5/6.

Illustration 8

 1
Evaluate sin  cos 1 
 2

Solution :

 1
The expression sin  cos1  means the sine of the angle, between 0 and , inclusive, whose
 2

cosine is 1/2. We know that /3 is the angle whose cosine is 1/2 and we now that sin ( / 3)  3 / 2 .

Therefore, sin  cos1   3 / 2

1
 2

Inverse Tangent Function :

By restricting the domain of the tangent function to real numbers between ă(/2) and /2, ă(/2)
and /2 are not included since the tangent is undefined at those values) a one-to-one function is
obtained. Therefore, the inverse tangent function.
The inverse tangent function or arctanget function is defined by
y = tană1 x = arctan x if and only if x = tan y
where ă < x <  and ă(/2) < y < /2

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Illustration 9

Solve y  tan 1 ( 3 / 3)) for y, where ă 90Ĉ < y < 90Ĉ.

Solution :

The expression y  tan 1 ( 3 / 3)) can be interpreted as the angle between ă90Ĉ and 90Ĉ whose

tangent is ( 3 / 3) . We know that y = ă30Ĉ.

G r ap hs of Basic I nver se T r igonomet r ic Funct ion :

y y



2 
(ă1,0) 2
x´ x x´ x
(1,0) (ă1,0) O (1,0)
 
2 2
y = sină1x y = cosă1x
y´ y´

y y


2 

x
ă4 ă3 ă2 ă1 0 1 2 3 4 x


2 y = cotă1x
y = tană1x

y
y

2 
2

x 
ă4 ă3 ă2 ă1 0 1 2 3 4 x
 ă1 0 1


2 
2

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Domain and R ange of I nver se T r igonomet r ic Fuct ions :
Function Domain Range

  
y = sină1x [ă1, 1]  2 , 2 
 

y = cosă1x [ă1, 1] [0, ]

  
y = tană1x (ă, )  2,2
 

y = cotă1x (ă, ) (0, )

    
y = secă1x (ă, ă1]  [1, )  0, 2    2 , 
   

    
y = cosecă1x (ă, ă1]  [1, )   2 , 0    0, 2 
   

(a) 1st quadrant is common the range of all the inverse functions.
(b) 3rd quadrant is not used in inverse fuctnions


(c) 4th quadrant is used in the clockwise direction i.e.   y  0
2

(d) No inverse function is periodic.

Pr op er t ies or I nver se T r igonomet r ic Funct ions :

PROPERTY 1 :

 
(i) sină1 (sin x) = x. Provided that   x 
2 2


2

2
y=ă

x
ăx

y=

xă
y=
2

ă


(+

y=

3
y=

2 2
x)

x
ă2 3 ă O   2
2 2


2

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(ii) cosă1 (cos x) = x, Provided that 0 < x < .

y=ă


2

y=
x+

2
2

x
y=
y=

ăx
x
ă2  O   2
2 2

 
(iii) tană1 (tan x) = x, Provided that   x 
2 2

y

2
2


x+

x+

y=

xă
y=

y=

y=
2 x
2 3 ă  O   3


ă2
2 2 2 2
x
y=


2

(iv) cotă1(cot t) = x, Provided that 0 < x < 

a
+x

ăx
ăx

x
x

2
+
ă
3

2

y=
y=

y=

y=

y=

y=

 x
2

ă3 5 ă2 3 ă  O   3 2 5 3
2 2 2 2 2 2

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 
(v) secă1(sec x) = x, Provided that 0  x   or  x  
2 2

2

y=
y=

x
x+

y=

2
ăx
y=

ăx
x
ă2 3 ă  O   3 2
2 2 2 2

 
(vi) cosecă1(cosec x) = x Provided that   x  0 or 0 x 
2 2


y=

2
x
2

y=
y=
2
x+

(

xă
ă
+x
y=

y=
x
x
)

5 ă2 3 ă  O   3 2 5
2 2 2 2 2 2

Illustration 1 0

 2 
Find the angle sin 1  sin 
 3 

Solution :

 2 
sin 1  sin 
3 
Let


2  
 sin   sin and    
3 2 2

   
= sin      sin   
 3 3 3

 2  
i.e. sin 1  sin  
 3  3

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PROPERTY 2 :
(i) sin (sină1x) = x, Provided that ă1 < x < 1
Let sin  = x .....(1)
 = sină1 x .....(2)
Substituting the value of  in (1) from (2), sin(sină1x) = x.
Here x is a number and will have no unit.

(ii) cos(cosă1x) = x, Provided that ă1 < x < 1

(iii) tan(tană1x) = x,
Provided that ă < x < 

(iv) cot (cotă1x) = x,

Provided that ă < x < 

(v) sec(secă1)x = x,
Provided that ă < x < 1 or 1 < x < 

(iv) cosec (cosecă1x) = x,

Provided that ă < x < ă1 or 1 < x < 

PROPERTY 3 :

(i) sină1(ăx) = ăsină1x Provided that ă1 < x < 1

Let sină1(ăx) = 
or ăx = sin  x = ăsin or x = sin(ă)
or ă = sină1x or  = ăsină1x
sină1(ăx) = ăsină1x
(ii) cosă1(ăx) =  ă cosă1x Provided that ă1 < x < 1
(iii) taină1(ăx) = ătană1x Provided that ă < x < 
(iv) cotă1(ăx) =  ă cotă1x Provided that ă < x < 
(v) secă1(ăx) =  ă secă1x Provided that ă < x < 1 or 1 < x < 
(vi) cosecă1(ăx) ă cosecă1x Provided that ă < x < ă1 or 1 < x < 

Illustration 1 1
Evaluate the following :

1  3
(i) tană1(ă1) (ii) cotă1 (ă1) (iii) sin   
 2 

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Solution :
Here we have to take principal values of the inverse functions.
(i) Let tană1 (ă1) = 

 
Then tan    1 and  
2 2


The only value of  in the given interval to satisfy tan    1 is  .
4

Hence, tană1(ă1) =   .
4

(ii) Let cotă1(ă1) = , then cot = ă1 and 0 <  < .

3 3
  i.e. cot 1 (1)  .
4 4

 3
(iii) Let sin 1     
 2 

3  
 sin    and    
2 2 2

  3 
  i.e. sin 1     
3  2  3

Illustration 1 2

  1    1    3 
(i) sin   sin 1    
3  2 
(ii) sin arc cos    
  2 
(iii)  tan
1
 
 3  cos 1    
  2  

Solution :

  1 
(i) sin   sin 1   
 3  2 

  1  1 
= sin    sin   2  [... sină1 (ăx) = ă sină1x, x > 0]
 3   

  
= sin     sin  1.
 3 6  2

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  1   1  1  1  1 1 
(ii) sin  arc cos     sin   cos1   cos   2     cos 2 
  2   2    

  2 3
= sin      sin  .
 3 3 2

   3 
(iii)

 
sin  tan 1  3  cos1  
 
2  


   
= sin        sin    1.
 3 6 2 

Illustration 1 3

1 5
Evaluate tan  cos 1 
 2 3 

Solution :

 5 5
cos1   2 then cos2  and 0  2  
Let  3  3
 

5
Now, cos 2 
3

1  tan2  5 1  tan 2  3
or, 2
 or 2

1  tan  3 1  tan  5

2 tan 2  3  5
or,  [By componendo and dividendo]
2 3 5

3 5 3 5
or, tan 2   .
3 5 3 5

3  5  3  5 
2

or, tan 2    tan  

4 2


But 0 < 2 <  0   
2
  lies in the first quadrant.

3 5
Hence  is tan  
2
INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS
 18 QUIZRR
PROPERTY 4 : Conversion Property :

1 1
(i) sin 1  cosec 1   ;  1  x  1 and cosec 1 x  sin 1   , x  R  (1,1)
x
  x

1 1
Let sin 1 x  y  x  sin y  cosecy   y  cosec 1
x x

1
 sin 1 x  cosec 1  
 x

1 1
(ii) cos1 x  sec 1    1  x  1 and sec 1 x  cos 1   , x  R  (1, 1)
x x

1 1  1  1 1
(iii) tan x  cot   x  R and cot 1 x  tan 1   , x  0    tan 1   x  0
x x x

1
   tan 1   x  0
x

PROPERTY 5 :


1. sin 1 x  cos 1 x  x [1,1]
2


2. tan 1 x  cot 1 x  xR
2


3. sec 1 x  co sec 1 x 
2

PROPERTY : 6
(1) If x > 0, y > 0 then

 x y
tană1x + tană1y = tan 1   if xy < 1
 1  xy 

1  x  y 
=   tan   if xy > 1
 1  xy 

(2) If x > 0, y > 0 then

 x y
tană1x ă tană1y = tan 1  
 1  xy 

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 19

(3) If x > 0

sin 1 x  cos 1 1  x2 , cos 1 x  sin1 1  x2 



2  1  x  1
x 1 1  x
sin 1 x  tan 1 , 1
cos x  tan 
1  x2 2 

Illustration 1 4

1  3  1  5 
Obtain the values of cos     sin    in terms of cosă1 function.
 5  13 

Solution :

 3  5 
cos1     sin 1   
 5  13 

 4 5   -1  3  1  3  1  5  1  5  
=    sin 1  sin 1  as cos      cos   & sin     sin  
 5 13    5  5  13   13 

4 4
Let sin 1    sin  
5 5

5 5
sin 1    sin  
13 13

3 12 4 5 16
consider cos ( + ) = cos cos ă sin sin = .  . 
5 13 5 13 65

16
  +  = cosă1 (,   quadrant 1)
65

16  16 
 Given quantity =  ă cosă1 = cosă1   
65  65 

Property-7

2x
(i) 2tană1 x = tană1 , ă 1 < x < 1
1  x2
2x
(ii) 2tan x = sină1 , ă 1 < x < 1
1  x2

1  x2
(iii) 2tan ă1
x = cos ă1 ,x > 0
1  x2

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

20 QUIZRR
Solution :

 
(i) Let x = tan;  (using ă 1 < x < 1)
4 4

1 2tan 
R.H.S. = tan
1  tan2 

= tană1 tan 2
= 2 = 2 tană1 x = L.H.S.
 
(ii) Let x = tan,  (using ă 1 < x < 1)
4 4

2 tan 
R.H.S. = sin 1
1  tan 2 

= sină1 sin 2

  
= 2    2  
 2 2 
= 2 tană1x = L.H.S.
(iii) Let x = tan, 0 <  < /2 (using x > 0)

1  1  tan  
2
R.H.S. = cos 
 1  tan 2  
 

= cosă1 cos 2
= 2
= 2tană1 x
= L.H.S.

Illustration 1 5
Show that tană1 1/3 + tană1 1/2 = /4.
Solution :
L.H.S. = tană1 1/3 + tană1 1/2

 1 1 
1
 3  2  11 
= tan     1
 1  1 1   3 2 
 3 2

 5/6  
= tan 1  1
  tan 1  4 = R.H.S.
 5 / 6 

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 21

Illustration 1 6

1 1 1 
Prove that 2 tană1 + tană1 + 2 tană1 
5 7 8 4
Solution :
1 1

1 1 1 5 8  tan 1 1
2 tană1 + tană1 + 2 tană1 = 2 tană1 1 1 7
5 7 8 1 .
5 8

1
2.
1 1 3  tan 1 1
= 2 tan 1  tan 1  tan 1
3 7 1 7
1
9

3 1

3 1 25 
= tan 1  tan 1  tan 1 4 7  tan 1  tan 1 1  45 
4 7 3 1 25 4
1 .
4 7

Illustration 1 7

 a (a  b  c )   b (a  b  c )   c (a  b  c ) 
Prove that tan 1    tan
1
   tan
1
 
 bc   a c   ab 

Solution :

 a (a  b  c)   b ( a  b  c) 
   
 bc   ac   c ( a  b  c) 
L.H.S. = tan 1  tan 1  
 ab 
 a (a  b  c)   b (a  b  c) 
1  .  
 bc   ac 

 a b c (a  b)  1  c( a  b  c) 
= tan 1    tan  
 
abc 1  ( a  b  c) / c   ab 


 ( a  b  c) c    c (a  b  c  
= tan 1    tan
1
  
 ab    ab  

 c ( a  b  c)    c (a  b  c
=   tan 1  1
  tan      
 ab    ab  

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

22 QUIZRR
PROPERTIES 8 :

 2 2
sină1 x + sină1 y = sină1  x 1  y  y 1  x  where x  0, y  0, x2 + y2  1
 

 2 2
sină1 x + sină1 y =  ă sină1  x 1  y  y 1  x  where x  0, y  0, x2 + y2 > 1
 

 x 1  y2  y 1  x2 
sină1 x ă sină1 y = sină1   ; 0  0, y  x where x  0, y  0

 2 2
cosă1 x + cosă1 y = cosă1  xy  1  x 1  y  where x  0, y  0
 

 2 2
cosă1 x + cosă1 y = cosă1  xy  1  x 1  y  where 0  x  y
 

Illustration 1 8


If sină1 6x + sină1 6 3 x =  2 , then find the value of x

Solution :

sină1 6 3 x =  ă sină1 6x = ă (sină1 1 + sină1 6x) = sină1 (1. 1  (6 x)2 )  6 x. 1  1)
2

 ă sin 1 1  36 x2  sin 1 ( 1  36 x2 )

 6 3 x   1  36 x2

2 1 1
 108x2 = 1 ă 36x2  144x2 = 1  x   x 
144 12

1
But only x   satisfies the equation.
12

Illustration 1 9

1 1 1
Prove that tan 1  tan 1  sin 1  cot 1 3  45
2 3 5

1 1

1 1
Solution : tan 1  tan 1  tan 1 2 3  tan 1 1  45
2 3 1 1
1 .
2 3

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 23

Let cotă1 3 =  or cot  = 3

1
 sin   
10

 1 
  sin 1  
 10 

1 1 1
 sin 1
1
 cot 1 3 = sin  sin 1
5 5 10

1  1 3 1 2  1 5 1
= sin  .  .   sin  sin 1  45
 5 10 10 5  10 2

Illustration 20

3  12  1  33 
sin 1    cos 1    cos  
 
5  13   65 

Solution :

1  3  1  12  1 4 1  12   cos1 x  sin 1 1  x2 

L.H.S. = sin    cos   or cos  5   cos  13 
 
5  
13      

 4 12 16 155   4 12 9 25 
or cos1    1 1  or cos
1
   
 5 13 25 169   5 13 25 169 

 48 15  1  33 
or cos1    or cos   = RHS
 65 65   65 

PROPERTY-9

 1 2 1 1
sin (2 x 1  x , if   x
 2 2
 1
(i) 2sin 1 x     sin 1 (2 x 1  x2 ) , if  x1
 2
 1 2 1
    sin (2 x 1  x ) , if  1  x  
 2

Let sină1 x =  then sin = x

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 24 QUIZRR

 cos   1  sin 2  
so, sin 2 = 2 sin cos or sin 2  2 x 1  x2  

or 2  sin 1 (2 x 1  x2 ) or 2sin 1 x  sin 1 (2 x 1  x2 )

 1 3 1 1
sin (3 x  4 x ) , if   x 
2 2

1  1 3 1
(ii) 3sin x     sin (3 x  4 x ) , if  x  1
 2
 1 3 1
    sin (3 x  4 x ) , if  1  x   2


Let sină1 x =  then x = sin

Now, sin 3 = 3 sin ă 4sin3 or sin 3 = 3x ă 4x3
or 3 = sină1 (3x ă 4x3) or 3 sină1 x = sină1 (3x ă 4x3)

cos 1 (2 x2  1) , if 0  x  1
(iii) 2 cos1 x  
1 2
2  cos (2 x  1) , if  1  x  0

Let cosă1 x =  then x = cos

so, cos 2 = 2 cos2 ă 1 or cos 2 = 2x2 ă 1
or 2 = cosă1 (2x2 ă 1) or 2 cosă1 x = cosă1 (2x2 ă 1)

 1 3 1
cos (4 x  3 x) , if  x  1
2

 1 1
(iv) 3 cos1 x  2  cos1 (4 x3  3 x) , if   x 
 2 2
 1 3 1
2  cos (4 x  3 x) , if  1  x  2


Let cosă1 x =  then x = cos

Now, cos 3 = 4 cos3 ă 3 cos or cos 3 = 4x3 ă 3x
or 3 = cosă1 (4x3 ă 3x) or 3 cosă1 x = cosă1 (4x3 ă 3x)

2tan  sin 2 
2x 1  2 x 
Again, sin 2  or 2  2  sin  
2
1  tan2  1 x 1  x 

 2x  1  tan 2 
 2 tan1 x  sin 1   and cos 2 
 1  x2  1  tan 2 
 

1  x2  1  x2 
cos2  2  cos1 
 1  x2 
or or
1  x2  

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 25

  3 x  x3  1 1
 tan 1   , if   x
 2 
  1  3x  3 3

  3 x  x3  1
3 tan 1 x     tan 1  , if x 
 1  3 x2 
(v)
   3

 
1 3 x  x
3
1
    , if x  
 1  3 x2 
 tan
   3

Let tană1 x = 0 then x = tan

3 tan   tan3  3 x  x3  3 x  x3 
Now, tan 3  or tan 3  or 3  tan 1 
1  3x2 2
1  3 tan 2   1  3 x 

 3 x  x3 
3 tan 1 x  tan 1 
 1  3 x2 
or
 

Illustration 21

 4x   x
sin 1  2   2 tan 1    is independent at x thenă
 x  4  2
 

(A) x  [3, 4] (B) x  [ă 2, 2] (C) x  [ă 1, 1] (D) x  [1, ]

Solution :

 4x   x  2.( x / 2)  1 x x x
(B) sin 1  2   2 tan 1     sin 1    2 tan  tan 1  2 tan 1  0
x  4    2
  2  ( x / 2)  1  2 2 2

x
Hence,  1; |x|  2  2  x  2
2

Illustration 22

1 1 1 1 1
Prove that 3 tan  tan 1    tan 1
4 20 4 1985

Solution :

3 tan   tan3 
Since tan 3 
1  3 tan 2 

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

26 QUIZRR

  1   1 3 
 3     
 3 tan 1
1
 tan 1  4 4  1 47
 or 3 tan 1  tan 1
4 1  4 52
 1  3  
  4  


47 1

1 1 47 1 992
 3 tan 1  tan 1  tan 1  tan 1  tan 1 52 20  tan 1
4 20 52 20 47 1 993
1 .
52 20

1
1
1 1 1 1 1985 1984 992
and   tan  tan  tan 1  tan 1
4 1985 1 1986 993
1
1985

Illustration 23
To solve 2tană1 (cos x) = tană1 (2 cosecx)
Solution :

2cos x 2 cos x 2
tan 1  tan 1 (2 cosecx) or  or sinx (sinx ă cosx) = 0
2
1  cos x sin x sin x

Hence, either sinx = 0  x = n.

 
or sinx ă cosx = 0  x  n 
4 4

Illustration 24

1   
Prove that tan 1  tan 2   tan 1  cot    tan 1 (cot3 )  0, if  
 2  4 2


 , if 0   
4
Solution :

Case I : If 0    , then cot > 1, cot3 > 1
4

 cot   cot  
3
 tană1 (cot) + tană1 (cot3) =  + tană1  4 
 1  cot  

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 27

1 
 cot  .cosec 2  .sin 4   1   sin  cos  
=   tan  4 4     tan  2 2 
 cos   sin    cos   sin  

1  1  1  1  
=   tan   tan 2     tan  tan 2  since 2  and tan 2 > 0
 2  2  2

1 
 tan 1  tan 2   tan 1  cot    tan 1 (cot 3 )  
2 

 
Case II : If    , 0 < cot < 1, 0 < cot3 < 1
4 2

 1 
 tană1 (cot) + tană1 (cot3) = tană1  tan 2 
 2 

1 
= ă tană1  tan 2  {since 2 >  and tan2 < 0}
2 
tan 2 
 tană1  ă1 ă1 3
 + tan (cot) + tan (cot ) = 0
 2 

Illustration 25
If cosă1x + cosă1y + cosă1z = 
prove that x 2 + y2 + z 2 + 2xyz = 1
Solution :
Given cosă1x + cosă1y + cosă1z = 
 cosă1x + cosă1y =  ă cosă1z = cosă1(ă z)
 cos [cosă1x + cosă1y] = cos [cosă1(ă z)]
Let cosă1x = A
cosă1y = B
 cos (A + B) = cosA cosB ă sinA sinB

 cos(A + B) = xy ă 1  x2 1  y2

 2 2
 (A + B) = cosă1  xy  1  x 1  y 
 

 
cos1 xy  1  x2 
1  y2  cos1 ( z)  xy  1  x2 1  y2   z

 (xy + z)2 = (1 ă x2) (1 ă y2)  x2y2 + z2 + 2xyz = 1 ă x2 ă y2 + x2y2

 x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xyz = 1
Hence, proved.

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

28 QUIZRR

Illustration 26
Write in the simplest form :

 cos x   3
tan 1   where   x 
 1  sin x  2 2
Solution :

   
 x   sin   x  
tan 1 
cos 1  2  
  tan 
 1  sin x     
 1  cos  2  x  
  

   x   x
 2sin  4  2  cos  4  2  
= tan 1        tan 1  tan    x      x
  
   x    4 2  4 2
 2 cos2    
 4 2 

Differ ent iat ion and int egr at ion of inver se t r igonomet r ic funct ions :
To differentiate the arc tangent function, we imitate the method we used to differentiate the
logarithm function. Namely, if y = tană1 (x), then tan (y) = x, so

d d dy
tan( y)  x Hence sec 2 ( y) 1
dx dx dx

dy 1
from which it follows that dx 
sec 2 ( y)
Now, sec2(y) = 1 + tan2(y) = 1 + x2,

dy 1
so we have dx 
1  x2

Hence we have demonstrated the following proposition.

d 1
Proposition : tan 1 ( x) 
dx 1  x2

1 1
As a consequence of the proposition, we have  1  x2 dx  tan ( x)  c

1 + x2 is an irreducible polynomial. We will see more example of this type in the following
examples.

d 8x
Using the chain rule, we have tan 1 (4 x2 ) 
dx 1  16 x4

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 29

1
Evaluating  tan ( x) dx is similar to evaluating  log( x) dx. That is, we will use integration by
parts with
u = tană1(x) v=x

1
du  dx dv = dx
1  x2

1 x
Then,  tan x dx  x tan 1 x   1  x2 dx
Using the substitution, u = 1 + x2
du = 2x dx,

1
we have, du  x dx, from which it follows that
2

x 1 1 1 1
 1  x2 dx  2  u du  2 log u c
2
log(1  x2 )  c

1 1
Thus,  tan ( x) dx  x tan 1 ( x)  log(1  x2 )  c
2

Illustration 27

1
To evaluate  1  4 x2 dx, we make the substitution
u = 2x
du = 2 dx

1 1 1 1 1 1
Then
1
du  dx, so  1  4 x2 dx  2  1  u2 du  2 tan (u)  c  tan1 (2 x)  c
2 2

Illustration 28

1 1 1 
Prove that 4tan 1  tan 1  tan 1 
5 70 99 4

Solution :

We have to prove that 4 tan 1 1    tan 1 1  tan 1 1 ...(1)

5 4 70 99

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

30 QUIZRR

 1 
2.  1 2 x 
1  1  1  5  1
 2 tan x  tan 
Now, L.H.S. = 4 tan    2 tan  
 1  x2 
5 1  1 
 25 

 5 
2.
1 5 1  12  1 120
= 2 tan  tan    tan
12 1  25  119
 
144 

 1 1 
  
1 1
tan 1  tan 1  tan 1  70 99 
70 99 1  1 . 1 
 70 99 

 29  1
= tan 1    tan 1
 6931  239

 1 1
 R.H.S. =  tan 1  tan 1 1  tan 1
4 239 239

 1 
1 1  239   tan 1 240
= tan  
1  1  238
 
239 

1 120
= tan
119

 L.H.S. = R.H.S. Hence the result.

Illustration 29

1  1
Prove that cos  sin 1 a  has six values and that the product of the six values is  (1  a 2 ) .
3  16

Solution :


If  = sină1 a and t  cos then sin = a and cos2 = 1 ă a2,
3


cos   cos3.  4t3  3t and t satisfies the polynomial equation of 6th degree
3

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 31

16t6 ă 24t4 + 9t2 ă 1 + a2 = 0

1 1  a2  1
This has 6 roots and accordingly cos  sin a  has six values whose product is
3  16

Illustration 30

 a b x  b  a cos x 
Show that 2tan 1  tan   cos1  a  b cos x  for 0 < b  a , and x  0.
 a  b 2   

Solution :

ab
0 < b a,  is real.
ab

 ab x
Now, L.H.S. = 2 tan 1  tan 
 a  b 2 

 ab x
1  tan 2   1 1  x 
2
1 ab 2   2 tan 1
x  cos 
= cos  
1  ab x  1  x2 
tan 2 
 ab 2 

 2 x
  2 x  2 x
 a  b   a  b  tan 2  1
 a  1  tan 2   b  1  tan 2  
   
= cos1   = cos 
 a  b   a  b tan 2 x    2 x   2 x 
 2   a  1  tan 2   b  1  tan 2  
 

= tan

 cot A 1  cot 2 A
1     tan 1  cot A 
 
 1  cot 4 A  2
   1  cot A 

 1 
   tan A 
= tan 1  tan A   tan 1 
1  1   tan2 A  1 
 
 tan 2 A 

 1 2 tan A  1 
= tan 1   . =  tan 1  tan 2A 
 2 1  tan2 A  2 
 

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 32 QUIZRR

1 
 tan 1  tan 2A   tan 1 (cot A)  tan 1 (cot 3A)  0
2 


Case II : When 0  A 
4
cotA > 1 and cot3A > 1.
 cotA.cot3A > 1
Hence, tană1 (cotA) + tană1 (cot3A)

1  cot A  cot A 
3
=   tan  3 
 1  cot A.cot A 

 1 1 1  x  y  
 tan x  tan y    tan   if x > 0, y > 0 and xy > 1]
  1  xy 

1  1 
=   tan  tan 2A  [as shown in case I]
2 

1 
 tan 1  tan 2A   tan 1 (cot A)  tan 1 (cot3 A)  
 2 

Hence the result.

Illustration 31

1 x y
If cos  cos1  , prove that 9x 2 ă 12xy cos + 4y2 = 36 sin2
2 3

Solution :

x 1 y
Let cos1  , and cos 
2 3

x y
 cos   and cos  
2 3

Given,  +  =  
cos ( + ) = cos
or, cos cos ă sin sin = cos

x y x2 y2
or, .  1 . 1  cos 
2 3 4 9

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 33

xy 4  x2 . 9  y2
or,   cos 
6 6

or, (xy ă 6cos)2 = (4 ă x2) (9 ă y2)

or, x2y2 + 36cos2 ă 12xycos = 36 ă 9x2 ă 4y2 + x2y2
or, 9x2 ă 12ycos + 4y2 = 36 (1 ă cos2)
or, 9x2 ă 12xycos + 4y2 = 36 sin2.

Illustration 32

xr yr zr
If r = x + y + z, prove that tan 1  tan 1  tan 1 
yz zx xy

Solution :

xr yr zr
Let  ,   and 
yz zx xy

Then L.H.S. = tană1  + tană1 + tană1

1         
= tan 1 
       

xr yr zr xr yr zr
Now,  +  +  ă  =    . .
yz zx xy yz zx xy

x r  y r z r r r
= 
xyz xyz

r [ x  y  z] r r
= 
xyz xyz

r r r r
=  0 [ x + y + z = r]
xyz xyz

xr yr yr zr zr xr
Also, 1 ă  ă  ă  = 1 ă .  .  .
yz zx zx xy xy yz

r r r
= 1  
z x y

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34 QUIZRR

1 1 1  1 1 1 1
= 1r   0  x  y  z  r 
 x y z  
 L.H.S. = tană10
= n [ tană10 =   tan = 0   = n]
= ă , 0,  [for principal values]
= [since sum of three positive angles cannot be zero or negative]
= R.H.S.
Note 1 : For principal values

     
  tan 1   ,   tan 1   ,   tan 1  
2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3
   tan 1   tan 1   tan 1  
2 2

Hence, we have selected ă , 0 and  only, which satisfy the above condition.

xr
2. tană1 = tană1
yz´

xr xr
 is positive, for principal value tană1 will represent a positive angle i.e. tană1 is
yz yz

a positive angle. Similarly, tană1 and tană1 are also positive angles. Sum of three positive
angles is positive. Hence only  has been selected out of ă , 0 and .

Illustration 33

pq qr r  p
If p > q > 0 and pr < ă 1 < qr, then prove that tan 1  tan 1  tan 1 
1  pq 1  qr 1  rp
Solution :

1 pq
Since, p, q > 0, therefore for pq > 0, tan  tan 1 p  tan 1 q ...(1)
1  pq

1 r p
Since qr > ă 1, tan  tan 1 q  tan1 r ...(2)
1  qr

1 r p
Since pr < ă 1 and r < 0 tan    tan 1 r  tan 1 p ...(3)
1  rp

1 pq qr r p
On adding (1), (2) and (3) we get tan  tan 1  tan 1 
1  pq 1  qr 1  rp

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 35

Illustration 34


If tană1y = 4tană1x ( x  tan ), find y as an algebraic function of x and hence prove that
8


tan is a root of the equation x 4 ă 6x 2 + 1 = 0.
8

Solution :

2x
We have tană1y = 4 tană1x = 2tană1 (as |x| < 1)
1  x2

4x
(1  x2 ) 4 x (1  x2 )  2x 
= tan 1 2
 tan 1 4 2  as 2
 1
4x x  6x  1  1 x 
1 2 2
(1  x )

4 x (1  x2 )
 y
x4  6 x2  1

 
If x  tan  tană1y = 4 tană1x =  y =   x4 ă 6x2 + 1 = 0
8 2

Illustration 35
Show that (sină1 x)3 + (cosă1 x)3 = 3 has no real solutions for  < 1/32.
Solution :
LHS = (sină1 x + cosă1 x) ((sină1 x)2 ă (cosă1 x) (sină1 x) + (cosă1 x)2) = 3


 ((sin 1 x) 2  (cos1 x) (sin 1 x)  (cos1 x)2 )  3
2

  2  2
   3cos1 x sin 1 x   3    3 .  sin 1 x  3 (sin 1 x)2  2
2 
 4  8 2 2 2

 12y2 ă 6y + 2 (1 ă 8) = 0, where y = sină1 x ...(1)

In order to eq. (1) to have real roots we must have

1
D  0  362 ă 4.122 (1 ă 8)  0  3 ă 4 + 32 > 0   
32

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

36 QUIZRR

Illustration 36
Find the positive integral solutions x and y of the equation.

 x  y
sin 1    cos1  tan 1 (3)
 1  x2  1 y 2
 

Solution :

 x  y
We have, sin 1    cos1  tan 1 (3)
 1  x2  1 y 2
 

1
tană1x + tană1 = tană1 3
y

1
tană1 x ă tană1 3 = tană1 y

1 3x 1 1
tană1 3 ă tană1 x = tană1 y  tană1 1  3 x  tan y

since x and y are positive integers  x = 1, 2  x = 1, y = 1

x = 2, y = 7

Illustration 37

Solve cos1 x 3  cos 1 x  

2

Solution :

1 1 
Given, cos x 3  cos x  ...(i)
2


or, cos1 x 3   cos1 x
2 1
1ăx2
 
or, cos cos1 x 3  cos   cos1 x 
 2 

x
or, x 3  sin cos1

or, x 3  sin sin 1 1  x2

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 37

or, x 3  1  x2
Squaring we get 3x2 = 1 ă x2

1
or, 4x2 = 1  x  
2

1
Check : When x  ,
2

1  3  1  1 
L.H.S. of eqn. (i) = cos  2   cos  2 
   

  
=   = R.H.S. of equation (i)
6 3 2

1
When x   ,
2

 3 1  1 
L.H.S. of equation (i) = cos1     cos   

 2   2

1  3  1  1 
=   cos  2     cos  2 
   

  3
=     R.H.S. of equation (i)
6 3 2

1
 x is the only solution.
2
Note :
1. As squaring has been done during the solution process it is necessary to check roots.
2. While solving inverse trigonometric equations roots must be checked.

1
3. Here x   is an extraneous root.
2

Illustration 38
The greater of the angles [IIT ă 89]


A  2 tan 1 2 2  1 and
1 3
B  3 sin 1    sin 1 is...
3 5

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

38 QUIZRR
Solution :

A = 2tan
1

2 2 1 
= 2tană1 (2 ï 1.414 ă 1)
= 2tană1 (1.828)

= 2 ï (> 60Ĉ)  tan 60  3  1.732  tan 1 (1.732)  60

 
> 120Ĉ

1  1  1 3
B = 3sin    sin 5
 
3  

 1 1 
3
3  23  3
= sin 1 3   4     sin 1   = sin 1    sin 1  
 3  3   5  27  5

= sină1 (0.852) + sină1 (0.60)

= (< 60Ĉ) + (< 45Ĉ)
< 105Ĉ
 A > B. Hence greater angle is A.

3
[Note : sin 1  sin 1 (0.86)  60
2

 1 
sin1  1
  sin (.71)  45
 2
 sină1 (0.852) < 60Ĉ and sină1 (0.60) < 45Ĉ]

Illustration 39

 a x  y  a 2  a1   a3  a2 
Prove that tan 1  1   tan
1
   tan
1
   ...
 x  a y
1   1  a a
2 1  1  a 3a 2 

 a  an  1 1  1  1 x
tan 1  n   tan    tan
 1  a n a n 1   an  y
Solution :
When ever we have to sum trigonometric inverse terms we try to express each term as difference
of two inverse terms and then add.

 y 
1  a1 x  y  1
 a1  x  1 1 y
Here, tan    tan 
y
  tan a1  tan
 x  a y
1   1  a1  x
 x

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 39

 a  a1 
tan 1  2 1 1
  tan a2  tan a1
 1  a a
2 1

 a  a2 
tan 1  3 1 1
  tan a3  tan a2
 1  a a
3 2

 a  an 1 
tan 1  n 1 1
  tan an  tan an1
 1  an an1 

 1 
tan 1  1
  cot an
a
 n

y
Adding we get L.H.S. = tană1 an + cotă1 an ă tană1
x

 y  1 1 
=  tan 1  tan an  cot an  2 
2 x  

y x
= cot 1  tan1  R.H.S.
x y

Illustration 40
Find the sum : cotă1 2 + cotă1 8 + cotă1 18 + ... to infinity.
Solution :
Let tn denote the nth terms of the series.
then, tn = cotă1 2n2
or, tn = cotă1 (2n ă 1) ă cotă1 (2n + 1) ...(1)
[ cotă1 (2n ă 1) ă cotă1 (2n + 1)

1  (2n  1) (2n  1)  1 
= cot  
 (2n  1)  (2n  1) 

 (4 n2  1  1) 
= cot 1  1 2
  cot 2n ]
 2 

Putting n = 1, 2, 3, ... etc. in (1), we get

t1 = cotă1 1 ă cotă1 3
t2 = cotă1 3 ă cotă1 5

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40 QUIZRR
ă1 ă1
t3 = cot 5 ă cot 7
tn = cotă1 (2n ă 1) ă cotă1 (2n + 1)
adding, Sn = cotă1 1 ă cotă1 (2n + 1)
as n  , cotă1 (2n + 1)  0


Hence the required sum = cot 1 1 
4

Illustration 41

2x
Show that the function y = 2tană1 x + sină1 is a constant for x  1. Find the value of
1  x2
this constant.
Solution :
Note that since x > 1, we can not write

 2x 
sin 1   2 tan 1 x, (for principal values)
 1  x2 
 

Working Rule : To prove that the given function is a constant, any one of the following methods
can be used.
1. Express both terms in the same inverse function and simplify. If y is independent of x, then
it will be a constant.
II. Since y = f (x)

dy
 if  0, y will be a constant.
dx

Here we will use method I.

Case I : For x = 1, the given function is

2.1  
y = 2tană1 1 + sină1  2.   
11 4 2

2x
Case II : for x > 1, 2tană1 x =  ă sină1
1  x2

2x
 2tană1x + sină1 = 
1  x2

2x
Thus, for x  1, 2tană1x + sină1 = 
1  x2

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 41

Illustration 42
Using Mathematical Induction, prove that [IITă91]

1 1  1  1  n 
tan 1    tan 1    ...  tan 1  2   tan  
 3 7  n  n  1  n  2

Solution :

   n 
We have to prove that tan 1  1   tan 1  1   ...  tan 1 1
 tan1  ...(1)
3 7  n2  n  1  
 n  2
 

when n = 1

1  1 
L.H.S. of (1) = tan  
3

1  1  1
R.H.S. of (1) = tan  2  tan 1
1  1  1   
3
 

Hence result (1) is true for n = 1 ...(A)

Suppose that the result (1) is true for n = m

1 1  1   m 
i.e. tan 1    tan 1    ...  tan
1
 2   tan
1
 
3    m  2
7  m  m  1

1
Adding tan 1 to both sides, we get
2
(m  1)  (m  1)  1

  1  
Now, tan 1  1   tan 1  1   ...  tan 1  2
1
  tan 
1

    2
3 7  m  m  1  (m  1)  (m  1)  1 

1  m  1  1 
= tan    tan  
 m  2 
2
 (m  1)  (m  1)  1 

1  m  1  1 
= tan    tan  2 
m  2  m  3m  3 

1  m  1  2 
= tan    tan  
m  2
2
 2m  6 m  6 

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 42 QUIZRR

1  m   1  m  1  1  m  
= tan     tan    tan  
 m  2   m  3  m  2 

 m  1 1  m  1 
tan 1    tan  
 m  3  m  1  2

 the result (1) is true for n = m + 1 also it is true for n = m ... (B)
From (A) & (B), we can say that result (1) is true for any natural number n.
Hence the result.

m 1 1  m 
Note : tan 1    tan  
m  3 m  2

 m 1 m 
  
 m3 m2   (m  1) (m  2)  m (m  3) 
= tan 1 = tan 1  
  m  1 m   (m  2) (m  3)  m (m  1) 
1   . 
  m  3  m  2 

 m2  3m  2  (m 2  3m)  1  2 
= tan 1   = tan  2

 2m  6m  6 
2 2
 (m  5m  6)  m  m 

 1 
= tan 1 
 m  3m  3 
2
 

Illustration 43
If x 1, x 2, x 3, x 4 are the roots of the equation x 4 ă x 3 sin2 + x 2 cos2 ă x cos ă sin = 0, prove

that tană1 x 1 + tană1 x 2 + tană1 x 3 + tană1 x 4 = n + ă . Where n is an integer.
2

Solution :
Since x1, x2, x3, x4 are the roots of the equation x4 ă x3 sin2 + x2 cos2 ă x cos ă sin = 0

( sin 2)
  x1  x2  x3  x4   1
 sin 2

x1x2 = cos2
x1x2x3 = cos and x1 x2 x3 x4 = ă sin
Now, tan [tană1 x1 + tană1 x2 + tană1 x3 + tană1 x4]

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 43

 x1   x1 x2 x3 sin 2  cos 
= 1 = 1  cos 2  sin 
 x1 x2  x1 x2 x3 x4
2sin  cos   cos  cos  (2sin   1)
= 2 = sin  (2sin   1)
2sin   sin 

= cot

 
or, tan (tană1 x1 + tană1 x2 + tană1 x3 + tană1 x4) = tan    
 2 


 tană1 x1 + tană1 x2 + tană1 x3 + tană1 x4 = n + .
2

Where x = 0,  1,  2, ... i.e. x is an integer.

[ tan = tan   = n + ]
Note
1. If x1, x2, x3, x4 are the roots of equation ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e = 0 then,
b
sum of roots is x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 =  .
a

b
i.e.  x1  a

c
sum of the product of roots taken two at a time i.e.  x1 x2  a
b
sum of the product of roots taken three at a time i.e.  x1 x2 x3  a

e
Product of roots i.e. x1 x2 x3 x4 =
a
2. We can mark the similarity of results from solution of quadratic equation.
b
If ax2 + bx + c = 0 and x1 and x2 be the roots of this equation then sum of roots = x1 + x2 = .
a

c
Product of roots = x1 x2 
a

s1  s3
3. tan (a1 + a2 + a3 + a4) =
1  s2  s4
Where s1 = tan1 = tan1 + tan2 + tan3 + tan4.
s2 = tan1 tan2
s3 = tan1 tan2 tan3
s4 = tan1. tan2. tan3.tan4

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

44 QUIZRR

Illustration 44

3
If cosă1 x + cosă1 y + cosă1z =  and x + y + z = , then prove that x = y = z.
2

Solution :
Let cosă1 x = , cosă1 y = , cosă1 z = 
 cos = x, cos = y, cos = z
Also,  +  +  = 

3
From equation, x  y  z 
2

3
or, cos + cos + cos = ...(1)
2

Let z = cos + cos + cos and angle  be fixed

 
then z = 2 cos cos  cos 
2 2

        
= 2sin cos  cos   2  2  2 
2 2  

  
Since  is fixed cos  and sin are fixed. Only changing term is cos
2 2

cos   
Clearly, z will be maximum if  1 i.e.,  = 
2

Thus, when angle  is fixed, z will be maximum if  = 

Similarly when angle  is fixed, z will be maximum if  = 
and when angle  is fixed, z will be maximum if  = 
 z will be maximum if  =  =  = 60Ĉ [  +  +  = ]
3
 zmax = cos60Ĉ + cos60Ĉ + cos60Ĉ =
2

3
Thus, the maximum value of cos + cos + cos = and is possible only when  =  = 
2

3
from (1), cos + cos + cos = , which is the maximum value
2
  =  = 
x= y= z

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 45

Illustration 45
Convert the trigonometric function sin [2cosă1 {cot (2tană1 x)}] into an algebraic function
f (x). Then from the algebraic function find all the values of x for which f (x) is zero. Express
the values of x in the form a  b where a and b are rational numbers.

Solution : Given expression

= sin [2 cosă1 {cot (2 tană1 x)}]

  1 2 x  
= sin 2cos 1 cot tan 
  1  x2  

  1 1  x
2 
= sin 2cos1  cot cot 
  2 x  

 1 1  x 
2
= sin  2 cos 
 2 x 

 2
2. 1  x . 1   1  x  
2 2
1
= sin.sin   
2x  2 x  
 

1 1  x2 1  x2
[Let cos    cos  
2x 2x

2
2
 1  x2 
and sin   1  cos   1    ]
 2x 

Now, sin2 = 2 sin cos  2 = sină1 (2sin cos)

 2 
1   1  x2  1  x2 

 2 x 
= sin  2. 1 .
  2x 
 

2
1  x2  1  x2 
. 1
 2 x 
= 2
2x  

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

46 QUIZRR

2
1  x2  1  x2 
From question, f ( x)  2 1
 2 x 
2x  

when f(x) = 0, we have

1  x2  1  x2 
. 1 0
 2 x 
2
2x  

or, (1  x2 ). 4 x2  1  x4  2 x2  0

or, (1  x2 ). 6 x2  1  x4  0

 either 1 ă x2 = 0 or, 6 x2  1  x4  0

 x=  1 or, x4 ă 6x2 + 1 = 0

6  36  4.1.1
 x2 =
2

= 32 2

= (1  2)2

 x = (1  2)

 x = + 1, (1  2)

Illustration 46
Solve the equation sin (2 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x))) = 0
Solution :
sin (2 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x))) = 0
 2 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x)) = n, n  I

n
 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x)) = , nI
2

Since we are interested only in principal values  n = 0, 1, 2

 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x)) = 0, /2, 

  
 cot (2tană1 x) = 1, 0, ă 1  2tană1 x = m + , m  , m 
4 2 4

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 47

Hence again we are interested in principal values.

  3
i.e. ă  < m + <   m = 0, ă 1  2 tană1 x = and  and correspondingly
4 4 4

   3 
x  tan   , tan  
8  8 

     3 
Similarly, ă  < m ă <   m = 0, ă 1  x  tan   , tan  8 
4  8   

  
ă  < m + <   m = 0, ă 1  x  tan   
2  4

   3 
Hence the results are x   tan   ,  tan   ,  tan  
 
4  
8  8 

Illustration 47

  x 
1  1  x 2 
Given 0  x  then the value of tan  sin 1     sin x  is
1
2   2 2  
  

(a) ă 1 (b) 1

1
(c) (d) 3
3

Solution :
Ans. (b). Put x = sin

 1 1    
sin1  sin   cos    sin 1 sin       
 2 2   4 4

   
 E  tan        tan  1
 4  4

Illustration 48
If cosă1 p + cosă1 q + cosă1 r = , then prove that p 2 + q 2 + r 2 + 2pqr = 1
Solution : cosă1 p + cosă1 q + cosă1 r = 

 cos 1 [ pq  1  p2 . 1  q2 ]    cos 1 r  cos 1   r 

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

48 QUIZRR

 pq  (1  p2 ) (1  q2 )   r

or (pq + r)2 = (1 ă p2) (1 ă q2)

or p2q2 + r2 + 2pqr = 1 ă p2 ă q2 + p2q2
or p2 + q2 + r2 + 2pqr = 1

Illustration 49

9
If sină1 x + sină1 y + sină1 z = 3/2, then the value of x 100 + y100 + z 100 ă 101 101 is
x  y  z101

(a) 0 (b) 1
(c) 2 (d) 3
Solution :
Ans. (a). We know that |sină1 x| /2
Hence from the given relation we observe that each of sină1 x, sină1 y and sină1 z will be /2 so
that x = y = z = sin (/2) = 1 

9
3 0
3

Illustration 50

2MN 2 pq 2MN
tan 1 2 2
 tan 1 2 2
 tan 1 where M = mp ă nq, N = np + mq
M N p q M2  N2

Solution :

2MN 2pq 2MN 2x

Dividing , and by m2, p2 and M2 respectively, 2 tană1 x = tană1
M2  M2
2
p q 2
M 2  N2 1  x2

n 1 q
L.H.S. = 2tană1 m  2 tan p

pn  mq 1 N
= 2tană1 pm  nq  2 tan M  R.H.S.

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 49

Illustration 51

p2 2 pq q2
If cosă1 (p/a ) + cosă1 (q/b) = , then  cos   2  sin 2 
a2 ab b

Solution :

  
1  p q p2   q2 
cos .  

1    1  2    
We have a b  a 2   b 
 

pq  p2   q2 
or  1  2   1  2   cos 
ab  a  b 
 

2
 pq  p2 q2 p2 q2
  ab  cos    1   
  a2 b2 a2 b2

p2 q2 2 pq
or  cos2   cos 
2 2
a b ab

p2 q2 p2 q2
= 1  
a2 b2 a 2b2

p2 2 pq q2
or  cos   2  1  cos2   sin2 
a2 ab b

Illustration 52

Solve the equation : tană1 2x + tană1 3x = n + (3/4).

Solution :

2x  3 x 3
L.H.S. = tan 1  n 
1  2 x.3 x 4

5x 3
or 2
 tan  1
1  6x 4

or 6x2 ă 5x ă 1 = 0  (x ă 1) (6x + 1) = 0
 x = 1, ă 1/6

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

50 QUIZRR

Illustration 53

1 x  1 1 x  1
Find whether x = 2 satisfies the equation tan x  1  tan  tan 1 ( 7).
x

If not, then how should the equation be re-written ?

Solution :

x 1 x 1

tan 1 x 1 x  tan 1 ( 7)
x1 x1
1 .
x1 x

2 x2  x  1
 7 or 2x2 ă x + 1 = ă 7 + 7x
1 x
or 2x2 ă 8x + 8 = 0 or x2 ă 4x + 4 = 0
or (x ă 2)2 = 0  x = 2.
But if we put x = 2 in the given equation the L.H.S. is + ive and R.H.S. is ă ive. Hence x = 2

1 x  1 1 x  1
does not satisfy. We will have to write the equation as tan x  1  tan    tan 1 ( 7).
x

Now x = 2 will make both sides + ive.

x1 x1 x1

Note : Here xy  x  1 x  x  1

 R.H.S. =  + tană1 (ă 7)

Illustration 54
Solve for x, sin [2 cosă1 cot (2 tană1 x)] = 0.
Solution :

2x 1  x2
2 tan 1 x  tan 1  cot 1
1  x2 2x

1  x2
 cot (2 tan 1 x) 
2x

 1 1  x 
2
 L.H.S. = sin 2cos 0
 2 x 

Now 2cosă1 z = cosă1 (2z2 ă 1)

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 51

1  x2  (1  x2 )2 
 2cos 1  cos1  2.  1
2x  4x 2


 x4  4 x2  1 
= cos1  
 2 x2 

 x4  4 x2  1 
 L.H.S. = sin cos1 0 ...(1)
 2 x2 

Again sin cosă1 t = sin sină1 1  t2  0 ,

 1 ă t2 = 0
Hence from (1), we have
(x4 ă 4x2 + 1)2 ă (2x2)2 = 0
or (x4 ă 4x2 + 1 ă 2x2) (x4 ă 4x2 + 1 + 2x2) = 0
or (x4 ă 2x2 + 1) (x4 ă 6x2 + 1) = 0
From Ist factor (x2 ă 1)2 = 0, x =  1
From 2nd factor x4 ă 6x2 + 9 = ă 1 + 9
or (x2 ă 3)2 = 8

x2  3  2 2  (1  2)2

 x   (1  2)

Illustration 55

c1 x  y c  c1 c  c2 1 x
Prove that tan 1  tan 1 2  tan 1 3  ...  tan 1  tan 1
c1 y  x 1  c 2 c1 1  c3 c 2 cn y

Solution :

1 x / y  1 / c1
T1 = tan 1  ( x / y).(1 / c )
1

1 x 1 1
= tan y  tan c etc.
1

 L.H.S.

 1 x 1 1   1 1 1 1  1 1 1 x
=  tan y  tan c    tan c  tan c   ...  tan c  tan y
 1  1 2 n

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

52 QUIZRR

Illustration 56

 x ( x  y  z)   y ( x  y  z)   z ( x  y  z) 
tan 1    tan
1
   tan
1
 
 yz   zx   xy 

Solution :
Put x + y + z = r

 rx   ry  r / xyx) ( x  y)
 tan 1    tan
1 1
 zx  = tan 
 yz    (1  r / z)

1 (rz) /( xy) ( x  y)   rz   1  rz 
= tan  =   tan1      =   tan  
 ( x  y) xy
     xy 

 rx   ry   rz 
 tan 1    tan 1  zx   tan
1
  
 yz     xy 

Illustration 57
Solve for x the following equations

x x
sec 1  sec 1  sec 1 b  sec 1 a
a b
Solution :

1 a 1 1 b
From the given equation we have cos  cos1  cos 1  cos1
x a b x

  
a 1   a2   1  
cos1  .    1    1  
or  x a   x2   a 2  
  

 
1  1 b  1  b2  
cos .   1    1  
= b x  b2   x2  
 

1 x2  a 2 a2  1 1 b2  1 x2  b2
or   
x ax x bx

or b2 (a2 ă 1) (x2 ă a2) = a2 (b2 ă 1) (x2 ă b2)

or x2 (a2b2 ă b2 ă a2b2 + a2) = a2b2 (a2 ă 1 ă b2 + 1)
or x2 (a2 ă b2) = a2b2 (a2 ă b2)  x = ab.

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 QUIZRR 53

Illustration 58
Sum the following series :
1 1 1
tan 1  tan 1  tan 1  ... n and  or
3 7 13

1 1 1
tan 1 2
 tan 1 2
 tan 1  ...
111 1 2 2 1  3  32
Solution :

1 1 (n  1)  n
Tn = tan  tan 1
1nn 2 1  (n  1)n

= tană1 (n + 1) ă tană1 n
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, ..., n and adding, we get
Sn = tană1 (n + 1) ă tană1 1
   
 S = tană1  ă   
4 2 4 4

Illustration 59

 3  3  3
cot 1  1    cot 1  22    cot 1  32    ... 
 4  4  4
Solution :
2
 2 3 1 4 n  3
Tn = cot ă1
 n    cot
 4 4

 1  1
n  2  n  2
4 1 1    
= tan 1  tan 1 = tan
 3  1  1  1
4  n2   1   n2   1   n   n  
 4  4  2  2

1  1 1  1
= tan  n    tan n  2
 2  
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, ..., n and adding

1  1 1 1
Sn = tan  n    tan
 2 2

 1 1
 S =  tan 1  cot 1  tan 1 2
2 2 2

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS