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Topics Covered
2 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

2.1 Inverse of a Function

2.2 Principal Value Branch and Graphs of an inverse trigonometric function.

C hapter map
INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Domain and Range Inverse of a Function

sine cosine tangent secant cosecant cotangent

Principal Value Branch

sin–1 x cos–1 x tan–1 x sec–1 x cosec–1 x cot–1 x

We have studied trigonometric functions in detail in Class 11. Let us revise the Domains and Ranges of Trigonometric Ratios.

Trigonometric Ratios, their Domains and Ranges (Recap)

Following are the six trigonometric ratios with their respective domains and ranges:
1. y = sin x, Domain = {x : x ∈ R},
Range = {y : y ∈ [– 1, 1]} or y = sin x : R → [– 1, 1].
2. y = cos x, Domain = {x : x ∈ R},
Range = {y : y ∈ [– 1, 1]} or y = cos x : R → [– 1, 1]

{
3. y = tan x, Domain = R − x : x = (2n + 1) π , n ∈ Z . Range = R.
2 }
{ π
or y = tan x : R − x : x = (2n + 1) , n ∈ Z → R
2 }
4. y = cot x, Domain = R – {x : x = nπ, n ∈ Z}. Range = R
or y = cot x : R – {x : x = np, n ∈ Z} → R

{ }
5. y = sec x, Domain = R − x : x = ( 2n + 1) π , n ∈ Z , Range = R – (–1, 1)
2

{ π
or y = sec x : R − x : x = (2n + 1) , n ∈ Z} → R − ( −1,1)
2
6. y = cosec x, Domain = R – {x : x = np, n ∈ Z}, Range = R – (– 1, 1)
or y = cosec x : R – {x : x = np, n ∈ Z} → R – (–1, 1)

34
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Topic 1. Inverse of a Function

If f : X → Y such that f (x) = y, x ∈ X and y ∈ Y, is one-one and 1
onto, then we can define a unique function g : Y → X such that (ii) sin −1 x ≠
sin x
g(y) = x where x ∈ X and y ∈ Y. Here domain of g = range of f, (iii) After this point we shall write inverse of sine function
and range of g = domain of f. Such a function g is called inverse −π π
as y = sin–1 x : [–1, 1] →  ,  .
of function f and is denoted as f –1. Here function g is one-one  2 2 
and onto, g also has its inverse. Inverse of function g is function Graph of y = sin x and y = sin–1 x
f, therefore f and g are inverse of each other.

( ) ( )
−1 −1
Thus: g −1 = f −1 = f or f −1 = g −1 =g

Thus : ( f –1 of )(x) = f –1 [ f (x)] = f –1 (y) = x and

( f of –1 )(y) = f [ f –1(y)] = f (x) = y
Now let us define inverse of trigonometric functions.

Inverse of Sine Function

x = sin q : R → [–1, 1] is the sine function whose domain is R y = sin x :  −π , π  → [ −1,1] y = sin −1 x : [ −1,1] →  −π , π 
(all real numbers) and range is [–1, 1]. For the given domain R,  2 2   2 2 
x = sin q is not one-one and onto function. So, for this domain, Graph of y = sin x Graph of y = sin–1 x
we cannot define inverse of sine function. Inverse of Cosine Function
To make x = sin q, one-one and onto function we shall have x = cos q : R → [–1, 1] is cosine function with domain R and
to re-define the domain of the sine function. The sine function range [–1, 1]. Cosine function with domain R is not a one-one
can become one-one and onto function if we choose its domain and onto function. Hence, we cannot define inverse of x = cos q
as one of the intervals: for this domain R.
−3π −π   −π π   π 3π  To make it one-one and onto function, we shall re-define its
⋅⋅⋅  , , , , , ⋅⋅⋅ .
 2      domain. If we select one of the intervals out of: ... [–p, 0], [0, p],
2   2 2   2 2 
[p, 2p] ... etc. as domain, x = cos q becomes one-one and onto.
−π π
Interval  ,  is taken as domain of the sine function. [0, p] is taken as the domain of the cosine function to make it
 2 2  one-one and onto. Hence, x = cos q : [0, p] → [–1, 1] is cosine
−π π
The sine function: x = sin q with domain  ,  and function which is one-one and onto (bijective) function and hence
 2 2  its inverse can be defined.
range [–1, 1] is one-one and onto function and hence its inverse
Inverse of x = cos q : [0, p] → [–1, 1] is q = cos–1 x : [–1, 1]
can be defined.
→ [0, p]. This shows that domain of cos­–1 x is [–1, 1] and range
Inverse of x = sin q is denoted as: q = sin–1 x and read as ‘sine is [0, p].
inverse x’, or inverse of (x = sin q) is: This means: –1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ cos–1 x ≤ p.
−π π
θ = sin −1 x : [ −1,1] →  ,  Principal Value Branch of cos–1 x
 2 2 
The range of cos–1 x, [0, p] is called principal value branch
–1
Hence, q = sin x is the inverse of sine function. Domain of cos–1 x. This means all the value of cos–1 x will lie in the class
−π π interval [0, p].
and range of inverse of sine function are [–1, 1] and  , 
 2 2  Note: (i) cos–1 x is an angle whereas cos x is a number.
respectively.
(ii) cos −1 x ≠ 1 or ( cos x )
−1

Principal Value Branch of sin–1 x cos x

(iii) Now onward, inverse of cos function will be written
−π π as y = cos–1x.
The range  ,  of sin –1 x is called its principal-
 2 2 
Graph of y = cos x and y = cos–1 x
value-branch. This means, now every value of sin–1 x will
−π π
be taken in the interval  ,  .
 2 2 
Principal Value of an Inverse Trigonometric
Function
The value of an inverse trigonometric function which lies in its
principal value branch is called principal value of the inverse
trigonometric functions. Graph of y = cos x : Graph of y = cos–1 x :
Note: (i) q = sin–1 x is an angle whereas sin q is a number [0, p] → [–1, 1] [–1, 1] → [0, p]

Inverse Trigonometric Functions 35

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In a similar way, we can define inverse of cosec x, inverse of sec x, inverse of tan x and inverse of cot x. Their principal value branches
and graphs are given below:
Inverse of Cosecant Function
−π π
We can define inverse of x = cosec q as q = cosec–1 x : R – (–1, 1) →  ,  − {0} . It is read as cosec inverse x.
 2 2 
−π π
Here q = cosec–1 x has domain R – (–1, 1) and Range is  ,  − {0} .
 2 2 
Principal Value Branch of cosec–1 x
−π π
The range of cosec −1x =  ,  − {0} is the principal value branch of the cosec–1 x.
 2 2 
Note: (i) cosec–1 x is an angle whereas cosec x is a number.
(ii) cosec −1x ≠ ( cosec x ) or
−1 1
.
cosec x
(iii) Now onward, inverse of cosec function will be written as: y = cosec–1 x.
Graph of y = cosec x and y = cosec–1 x

 −π π  Graph of y = cosec −1x = R − ( −1,1) →  −π , π  − {0}

Graph of y = cosec x =  2 , 2  − {0} → ( −1,1)
   2 2 

Inverse of Secant Function

π
We can define inverse of x = sec q as q = sec–1 x : R − ( −1,1) → [ 0, π ] − 2 {}
It is read as ‘secant inverse x’. Hence, q = sec x has domain: R – (–1, 1) and Range: [ 0, π ] − π .
–1
–1
2 {}
Principal Value Branch of sec x
π
The range of sec–1 x, i.e., [ 0, π ] −
2 {}
is the principal value branch of sec–1 x.

Note: (i) sec–1 x is an angle whereas sec x is a number.

(ii) sec −1 x ≠ 1 or (sec x )
−1
sec x
(iii) Now onward, inverse of secant function will be represented as: y = sec–1 x.
Graph of y = sec x and y = sec–1 x

2 {}
Graph of y = sec x : [ 0, π ] − π → R − ( −1,1) Graph of y = sec −1 x = R − ( −1,1) → [ 0, π ] − π
2 {}
36 Mathematics–12
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Inverse of Tangent Function

π
x = tan θ : R −  x : x = ( 2n + 1) , n ∈ Z → R is the tangent function with domain R −  x : x = ( 2n + 1) π , n ∈ Z and range R.
 2   2 

( )
Now q = tan–1 x : R → −π , π is the inverse function of x = tan q: with domain R and range −π , π .
2 2
–1
2 2 ( )
Principal Value Branch of tan x

( )
The range of q = tan x, i.e., −π , π is the principal value branch of q = tan–1 x.
–1
2 2
Note: (i) tan–1 x is an angle whereas tan x is a number.
(ii) tan −1 x ≠ ( tan x ) or 1
−1
tan x
(iii) Now onward, inverse of tangent function will be represented as: y = tan–1 x.
Graph of y = tan x and y = tan–1 x

2 2 ( )
Graph of y = tan x : −π , π → R Graph of y = tan −1 x : R → −π , π
2 2 ( )
Inverse of Cotangent Function
x = cot q : R – {x : x = np, n ∈ Z} → R is a cotangent function with domain: R – {x : x = np, n ∈ Z} and range R.
Hence: q = cot–1 x : R → (0, p) is the inverse function of x = cot q : (0, p) → R. q = cot–1 x : R → (0, p) is read as ‘cot inverse x’.
Domain and range of q = cot–1 x are R and (0, p) respectively.
Principal Value Branch of q = cot–1 x
The range of q = cot–1 x i.e., (0, p) is the principal value branch of q = cot–1 x.
Note: (i) cot–1 x is an angle whereas cot x is a number.
1
or ( cot x ) .
−1
(ii) cot −1 x ≠
cot x
(iii) Now onward, inverse function of cotangent will be represented as: y = cot–1 x.
Graph of y = cot x and y = cot–1 x

Graph of y = cot x : R – {x : x = np, n ∈ Z} → R Graph of y = cot–1 x : R → (0, p)

Inverse Trigonometric Functions 37

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The Domain and Ranges (Principal Value Branches) of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Inverse Trigonometric Functions Domains Ranges (Principal Value Branches)
 −π , π 
y = sin–1 x [–1, 1]
 2 2 
y = cos–1 x [–1, 1] [0, p]

 −π , π  − {0}
y = cosec–1 x R – (–1, 1)
 2 2 

y = sec–1 x R – (–1, 1) {}
[0, π ] − π
2

y = tan–1 x R ( )
−π π
,
2 2
y = cot–1 x R (0, p)

Example 1. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function

q= π
()
\
1 is 3
sin −1

(a) π
2

3
(b) π
4
(c) π
6
(d) π
⇒ P.V. of sec–1 (2) =
π
3
∈[ 0, π ] −
π
2 {}
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

2 ()
Solution. sin −1 1 : P.V.B. of sin −1 x :  −π , π 
 2 2  Example 4. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
cosec–1 (1) is
Let sin −1
1
2 ()=q ⇒ sin q =
1
2
(a)
π
3
(b) π
6
(c) π
4
(d) π
2
π  − π π
⇒ sin q = sin –1
Solution. cosec (1) : P.V.B. of cosec x :–1
,  − {0}
6  2 2 
π  −π π  π
⇒ q = ∈ ,  Let cosec–1 (1) = q ⇒ cosec θ = 1 = cosec
6  2 2 2

⇒ P.V. of sin
−1
() 1
2
π −π π
= ∈ , 
6  2 2 
Since ∈
π  −π π 
, − {0}
2  2 2 
\ θ= π
2
π −π π
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. ⇒ P.V. of cosec–1 (1) = ∈  ,  − {0}
2  2 2 
Example 2. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
tan–1 (1) is
π Example 5. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
(a) π (b) π (c) (d) π
3 4 2 6  − 3
sin −1 
( )
is
Solution. tan (1) : P.V.B. of tan x :
−1 −1 −π π
,  2 
2 2
−π π π
π (a) (b) π (c) (d)
Let tan–1 (1) = q ⇒ tan q = 1 = tan 3 3 6 4
4
⇒ θ= ∈ π
4
−
(
π
2 2
,
π
) −1  − 3 
Solution. sin 
 2 
 
−π π
: P.V.B. of sin −1 x :  , 
 2 2 
⇒ P.V. of tan–1 (1) = π ∈ −π , π
4 2 2 ( )  − 3
Let sin −1  =q ⇒ sin θ =
− 3
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.  2  2

() ( ) ( )
Example 3. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function π −π −π  −π π 
sec–1 (2) is ⇒ sin q = − sin = sin since ∈ ,
3 3 3  2 2 
π
(a) π (b) p (c) π (d)
2 3 2 −π

{}
\ q=
π 3
Solution. (c) sec ( 2) : P.V.B. of sec x : [ 0, π ] −
−1 −1
2
 − 3  −π  −π π 
Let sec–1 (2) = q ⇒ sin −1  = ∈ ,
 2  3  2 2 
π π
⇒ sec q = 2 = sec . Since ∈[ 0, π ] −
3 3
π
2 {} Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

38 Mathematics–12
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Example 6. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function

−1  −2  −π π
Solution. cosec   : P.V.B. of cosec x :  ,  − {0}
( )
−1
−1  3  2 2
cos −1 is
2

(a) π (b)
π 2π
(c) 3
π
(d) 6
−1  −2 
Let cosec   = q
 3
⇒ cosec θ =
−2
3
= − cosec
π
3 ()
4
( ) ( )
3
−π −π  −π π 
 2 2  { }
( ) −1 ⇒ cosec q = cosec , since ∈ , − 0
Solution. cos −1 : P.V.B. of cos −1 x : [ 0, π ] 3 3
2
−1  −2 

( )
−π −π  −π π 
Let cos −1
( )−1
2
=q ⇒ cos θ =
−1
2
= − cos
π
3
\ q=
3
 ⇒ cosec   =
 3
∈ , − {0}
3  2 2 

( ) ( ) ( )[
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
π 2π 2π
cos q = cos π − = cos since ∈ 0, π ] Example 9. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
3 3 3
sec–1 (–1) is
\ q=
2π
3
−1
⇒ cos − ( ) 1
2
=
2π
3
∈[ 0, π ]
(a)
π
2
(b)
−π
3
(c) π
π
(d) 3

{}
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
π
Example 7. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function Solution. sec −1 ( −1) : P.V.B. of sec −1 x : [ 0, π ] −
2
 −1 
tan −1   is Let sec–1 (–1) = q ⇒ sec q = –1 = – sec 0 = sec p
 3

(a)
π
(b)
π
(c)
π
(d)
−π
Since π ∈[ 0, π ] − π
2 {} \ q=p

{}
6 4 3 6
⇒ P.V.B. of sec–1(–1) = p ∈ [0, p] – π
 
Solution. tan −1  −1  : P.V.B. of tan −1 x : −π , π
 3 2 2 ( ) Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
2

Example 10. The principal value of inverse trigonometric

−1  −1   −1 
Let tan   = q
 3
⇒ tan θ =  
 3 function cot −1 − 3 ( ) is

tan q = − tan () ( )
π
6
= tan −
π
6
since
−π
6
∈
−π π
,
2 2 ( )( ) π
(a) 6 (b)
2π
3
3π
(c) 4 (d)
5π
6

( )
\ q=
−π
6
 
⇒ tan −1  −1  = −π ∈ −π , π
 3 6 2 2 ( ) Solution. cot −1 − 3 : P.V.B. of cot −1 x : ( 0, π )

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Let cot −1 (− 3) = q ( )
⇒ cot θ = − 3 = − cot π
6
Example 8. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
 −2 
cosec −1   is
⇒
π
cot q = cot π −
6 ( ) ( )
= cot
5π
6
, since
5π
6
∈( 0, π )

 3 \ q=
5π
6
⇒P.V.B.of cot −1 − 3 =
5π
6 ( )
∈ ( 0, π )
π −π π π
(a) (b) (c) (d) 4 Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
3 3 6

EXERCISE 2.1
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 3. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
Choose the correct answer from the given options. sec– 1(2) is
π π π
1. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function (a) 4 (b) (c) 3 (d) π
2
sin −1
1
2 ()
is 4. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function
cosec–1(1) is
π π π
(a) π (b) (c) 4 (d)
6 8 3 π π π π
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2. The principal value of inverse trigonometric function 3 6 2 4
tan–1(1) is
π π π
5. The value of sin  π − sin −1 −1  is
3 2  ( )
(a) π (b) (c) 3 (d)
2 4 6 (a) 3 (b) –1 (c) 2 (d) 1

Inverse Trigonometric Functions 39

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 9π 
6. The principal value of tan–1  tan  is
 8
 
 2  2 ( )
(ii) 2 sin −1  3  − cos −1 −1 + 3 tan −1(1)

π
8
(a) (b)
3π
8
(c) −
π
8
(d) −
3π
8
 7π 1 
(iii) tan  − 2 sin −1  .
 12 2  ()
[CBSE 2022] III. Long Answer Type Question
7. What is the principal value of sec–1 (–2)?

(a)
3π
(b)
2π
(c) 3
4π π
(d) 2
 3
 2 
1
1. Find the value of: 2 sin −1   − cos −1 − + 3 tan −1 (1)
2 ( )
2 3
 1
8. The principal value of cos–1   + sin–1
 2
 1 
 − 
 7π
 12
1 
2. Find the value of: tan  − 2 sin −1  .
2  ()
2

(a)
π
(b)
π
(c)
π
(d)
π 3. Find the value of: tan −1 (1) + cos −1 ( )
−1
2
+ sin −1
−1
2 ( )
12 4 3 6
4. Find the value of:
[CBSE 2022]
II. Short Answer Type Questions-I 
cos cos −1
 2 ( )
−1 π  π  − 3 
+  + sin  − sin −1 
3 6  2  
.
1. (i) Write the principal value of tan −1 ( ) ( )
3 − cot −1 − 3
5. Find the value of:
[A.I. 2013]
1
(ii) Write the principal value of tan −1 (1) + cos −1 − .
2 ( )
π
 6 

cos  + 2 tan −1 (1) + sin 3 sin −1

1
2
1 
+ 2 cos −1  .
2  () ()
[Delhi 2013]
2 ( ) ( )
6. Find the value of: 3 tan −1 (1) − cos −1 −1 + 2 sin −1 −1 .
2

(iii) Write the value of tan −1 sin

−π 
2  ( )
.[A.I. 2014] 7. Find the value of:
(iv) Write the principal value of cos–1[cos (680°)].
[Delhi 2014]
2 tan −1
( 3 ) − sec ( − 2 ) + cosec
−1 −1  2 
  .
3

(v) Write the value of cos −1

−1
+ 2 sin −1 ( )
1
. () 8. Find the value of:

( )
2 2  − 3 −1  −1 
[Foreign 2014] 3 sin −1 
+ 2 cos −1 + tan −1   .
 2  2  3
2. Find the principal values of each of the following inverse 9. Find the value of:
trigonometric functions:

(i) tan −1(1) + cos −1

−1
2 ( )
+ sin −1
−1
2 ( )


3 sin

−1 −1
2 ( )
 − 3
+ 2 sin −1 
 2
−1  −1  
 − tan  3   .


Answers 2.1
I. 1. (a)
π
6
sec–1(2) : P.V.B. of sec–1 x = [ 0,π ] −
π
2 {}
sin –1 1
2() −π π
: P.V.B of sin −1 x =  , 
 2 2  Let sec–1 (2) = q
⇒ sec q = 2 = sec
π
3
Let sin–1
1
2 ()
= q ⇒ sin q = = sin
1
2
π
6 ⇒ q=
π
3
∈[ 0, π ] −
π
2 {}
π  −π π  π
⇒ q = ∈ ,  4. (c)
6  2 2 2
π  −π π 
2. (b) cosec–1 (1) : P.V.B. of cosec–1 x =  ,  − {0}
4  2 2
tan (1) : P.V.B. of tan–1 x =
–1 −π π
2 2
,( ) –1
Let cosec (1) = q ⇒ cosec q = 1 = cosec
π
2
π π ∈  −π , π  0
Let tan–1 (1) = q ⇒ tan q = 1 = tan ⇒ q= −{ }
4 2  2 2 
⇒ q=
π ∈ −π , π
( ) 5. (d) 1

( )
3. (c) π
4 2 2 
 3 2

sin  π − sin −1 −1  = sin  π + sin −1 1 
  3 2  ()
3
[Q sin–1(–x) = –sin–1 x]

40 Mathematics–12
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π π
= sin  +  = sin
 3 6 
π =1
2
 ()  −1 1
()
π
Qsin 2 = 6  (ii) tan −1 (1) + cos −1 −
1
2 ( )
= tan (1) + π − cos
−1 −1 1
2 ()
π [Q cos (– x) = p – cos–1 x]
–1
6. (a)
8 π +π− π
=
4 3
7. (b) 2π 3π + 12π − 4π = 11π
3 =
12 12
sec–1(–2) : P.V.B. of sec–1 x = [ 0,π ] −
π
2 {} (iii)
−π
4
(iv) 40° (v) p

Let sec–1 (–2) = q ⇒ sec q = –2 3π 3π

2. (i) (ii) (iii) 1
4 4

⇒ –sec q = 2
3π 3π
π III. 1. 2. 1 3. 4. 0

⇒ sec(p – q) = 2 ⇒ p–q= 4 4
3 1
5. − 2 6. −π

⇒
π 2π ∈ 0, π − π
q= π− =
3 3
[ ] 2 {} 4

π
7. 2 tan −1 ( 3 ) − sec ( − 2 ) + cosec
−1 −1 
2 
 
3
8. (a)
12
= 2 tan −1 ( 3 ) − π + sec ( )
−1  
2 + cosec −1  2 
II. 1. (i) tan −1 ( 3 ) − cot ( − 3 )
−1

[Q sec–1 (–x) = p – sec–1 x]

 3
−1
= tan 3 −  π − cot −1 3 
On solving, we get
[Q cot–1 (–x) = p – cot–1 x]
π π π π
= tan −1 3 − π + cot −1 3 = 2 × − π + + =
3 4 3 4
π − π + π = π − π = −π π
= 8. 6 9. –p
3 6 2 2

Case Based Questions

1. (iii) ∠BCA = b =
B
(a) tan–1 1
2 () (b) tan–1 (2)

A
x
 
d
C
(c) tan–1  1 
 3
(d) tan–1 ( 3)
D

(iv) ∠ABC =
Two men on either side of a temple of 30 metres high (a) π (b) π
observe its top at the angles of elevation a and b 4 6
π
respectively (as shown in the figure above). The distance (c) π (d)
2 3
between the two men is 40 3 metres and the distance
between the first person A and the temple is 30 3 metres. (v) Domain and Range of cos−1 x =
Based on the above information answer the following: (a) ( −1, 1 ), (0, π) (b) [ −1, 1 ], (0, π)
(i) ∠CAB = a = (c) [ −1, 1 ], [0, π] (d) ( −1, 1 ) ,  − π , π 
 2 2 
 
(a) sin–1  2 
 3
(b) sin–1 ()
1
2  1
Ans. (i) (b) sin–1  
 3
(ii) (c) cos–1  
   2  2
(c) sin–1(2) (d) sin–1  3 
 2  π
(iii) (d) tan–1 ( 3 ) (iv) (c)
(ii) ∠CAB = a = 2
(v) (c) [ −1, 1 ], [0, π]
(a) cos–1 1
5 () (b) cos–1 ()
2
5 Case Study–II
2. The Government of India is planning to fix a hoarding
 3
(c) cos–1  
 2 
(d) cos–1 ()
4
5
board at the face of a building on the road of a busy market
for awareness on COVID-19 protocol. Ram, Robert and

Inverse Trigonometric Functions 41

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Rahim are the three engineers who are working on this

project. “A” is considered to be a person viewing the
(c) tan−1 ()
4
3
(d) tan−1 (4)
hoarding board 20 metres away from the building, standing
at the edge of a pathway nearby. Ram, Robert and Rahim (iii) Measure of ∠EAB =
suggested to the firm to place the hoarding board at three (a) tan−1 (11) (b) tan−1 3
different locations namely C, D and E. “C” is at the height
of 10 metres from the ground level. For the viewer A, the (c) tan−1 ( )
2
11
11
(d) tan−1 2 ( )
angle of elevation of “D” is double the angle of elevation
of “C”. The angle of elevation of “E” is triple the angle (iv) A' is another viewer standing on the same line of
of elevation of “C” for the same viewer. Look at the observation across the road. If the width of the road is
figure given and based on the above information answer 5 metres, then the difference between ∠CAB and ∠CA′B is
the following:
E (a) tan–1 ()
1
2
(b) tan−1 1
8 ()
D (c) tan−1 ()
2
5
(d) tan−1
11
21 ( )
C
(v) Domain and Range of tan−1x =

10 m
(a) R+, − π , π
2 2 ( ) (
(b) R–, − π , π
2 2 )
A 5m A 20 m
B (c) R, − π , π
2 2 ( ) ( )
(d) R, 0,
π
2
(i) Measure of ∠CAB =

(a) tan−1 (2) (b) tan−1

1
2 () Ans. (i) (b) tan–1 1
2 () (ii) (c) tan–1 4
3 ()
(c) tan−1 (1)
(ii) Measure of ∠DAB =
−1
(d) tan (3) (iii) (d) tan–1 11
2 ( ) (iv) (b) tan–1 1
8 ()
(a) tan−1 4
3
() (b) tan−1 (3)
(v) (c) R, − π , π
2 2 ( )
Author’s Comments
Questions based on following types are very important for Exams. So, students are advised to revise them thoroughly.
1. To find principal value of a given trigonometric function.
2. To convert one inverse trigonometric function into another equal trigonometric function.

IMPORTANT FORMULAE
The Domain and Range (Principal Value Branches) of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Inverse Trigonometric Functions Domains Range (Principal Value Branches)

 −π , π 
y = sin–1 x [–1, 1]  2 2 

y = cos–1 x [–1, 1] [0, p]

 −π , π  − {0}
y = cosec–1 x R – (–1, 1)  2 2 

y = sec–1 x R – (–1, 1) {}
[0,π ] − π
2

y = tan–1 x R ( )
−π , π
2 2

y = cot–1 x R (0, p)

42 Mathematics–12
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COMMON ERROR
ERROR CORRECTION
(i) Students generally do not remember the principal value (i) Write down the principal value branch of the respective
branches of different inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric function.
commit mistakes.

REVISION CHART

Inverse of a Functions
If f : X → Y such that f(x) : y, x ∈ X and y ∈ Y, is one-one and onto, then we can define a unique function g : Y → X such that
g(y) = x where x ∈ X and y ∈ Y.

Domain and Principal Value Branch (Range)of

All Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Function Domain Range

 −π π 
sin–1x [–1, 1]  2 , 2
 

cos–1x [–1, 1] [0, p]

 −π π 
cosec–1x R – (–1, 1)  2 , 2  − {0}
 

π
sec–1x R – (–1, 1) [0, π ] −  2 
 

 −π π 
tan–1x R  , 
2 2

cot–1x R (0, p)

Inverse Trigonometric Functions 43