INVERSE CIRCULAR

FUNCTIONS
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INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

D ef in i t 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 va lue
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 h od for find ing pr incipa l va lu e

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


Prove that 2 tan1 1  tan1 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

2 tan 
Now, tan 2   2
1  tan 

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   2
 
1  tan a 1 12
1
25
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10
12 120
and tan 4  
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 1 
Hence, 4 tan  tan 1 
5 239 4

Illustration 5

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

1 ab
tan 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

1 ab
tan 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  1means 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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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


Solve y  cos 1 (  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

 11
Evaluate sin  cos  
 2

Solution :

 1 1 
The expression sin  cos 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  < x <  and ă(
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 aphs of Ba sic I nver se Tr 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 = sin ă1x 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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Doma in and Ra nge 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 = tană1 x (ă, )   2, 2
 

y = cotă1x (ă, ) (0, )

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

    
y = cosec ă1x (ă, ă1]  [1, )   2 , 0    0, 2 
   

(a) 1 st quadrant is common the range of all the inverse functions.

(b) 3 rd 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 oper ties or I nver se Tr igonometr ic Funct ions :

PROPERTY 1 :

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


2

2
y=

y= x
ăx

y=

xă
ă(
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


y=
2
x+

2ă
x
2

x
y=
y=

x
x
ă2  O   2
2 2

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

y

2


+
+2

ă
y=
x

x
y=

y=

y=

2 x
2 3 ă  O   3 
ă2

2 2 2 2
y =x


2

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

a
+x
ăx

ăx
ăx

x
+
3

2

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) sec ă1(sec x) = x , Provided that 0  x    or   x  

2 2

+2

y=
y=ă

x
y=
y=x

2
x

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=


x
2

y=

2
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 (sină1 x ) = x , Provided that ă1 < x < 1
Let sin  = x .....(1)
 = sin ă1 x .....(2)
Substituting the value of  in (1) from (2), sin(sin ă1x) = x.
Here x is a number and will have no unit.

(ii) cos(cosă1 x ) = x , Provided that ă1 < x < 1

(iii) tan(tan ă1 x ) = x ,
Provided that ă < x < 

(iv) cot (cot ă1x ) = 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) = ăsin ă1x Provided that ă1 < x < 1

Let sin ă1(ăx) = 
or ăx = sin  x = ăsin or x = sin(ă)
or ă = sină1 x or  = ăsină1 x
sină1 (ăx) = ăsină1 x
(ii) cosă1 (ăx) =  ă cosă1x Provided that ă1 < x < 1
ă1 ă1
(iii) tain (ăx) = ătan x Provided that ă < x < 
(iv) cotă1 (ăx) =  ă cotă1x Provided that ă < x < 
(v) sec ă1(ăx) =  ă secă1x Provided that ă < x < 1 or 1 < x < 
(vi) cosecă1(ăx ) ă cosecă1 x Provided that ă < x < ă1 or 1 < x < 

Illustration 1 1

Evaluate the following :

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

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

1 3
(iii) Let sin      
 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   [. .. sină1 (ăx) = ă sină1 x, x > 0]
3   2 

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

Illustration 1 3

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

Solution :

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

5
Now, cos 2  
3

1  tan 2  5 1  tan 2  3
or,  or 
2 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   3  5 
2
5
or, 2
tan    tan  
4 2

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

3  5
Hence  is tan  
2
INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS
 18 MARKS
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
tană1 x + tan ă1y = 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

 MARKS 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 cos ă1 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 = cos ă1   65 
65  

Property-7
2x
(i) 2tană1 x = tan ă1 , ă 1 < x < 1
1  x2

2x
(ii) 2tan x = sin ă1 , ă 1 < x < 1
1 x 2

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

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

20 MARKS
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  tan2  
 

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

Illustration 1 5

Show that tan ă1 1/3 + tană1 1/2 = /4.

Solution :
L.H.S. = tană1 1/3 + tan ă1 1/2

 1 1 
    11 
= tan 1  3 2    1
 1  1 1   32 
 3 2

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

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 MARKS 21

Illustration 1 6

1 1 1 
Prove that 2 tan ă1 + tană1 + 2 tană1 
5 7 8 4
Solution :
1 1

1 1 1 5 8  tan1 1
2 tană1 + tană1 + 2 tană1 = 2 tan ă1 1 1 7
5 7 8 1  .
5 8

1
2.
11 1 3  tan 1 1
= 2 tan   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 )  1  b ( a  b  c )  1  c ( a  b  c )
Prove that tan 1    tan    tan   
 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  
 a (a  b  c)   b ( a  b  c)   ab 
1   .  
 bc   ac 

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

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

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

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

22 MARKS
PROPERTIES 8 :

 2 2
sină1 x + sin ă1 y = sină1  x 1  y  y 1  x  where x  0, y  0, x2 + y2  1
 

 2 2
sină1 x + sin ă1 y =  ă sin ă1  x 1  y  y 1  x  where x  0, y  0, x 2 + y2 > 1
 

 x 1  y2  y 1  x2 
sină1 x ă sin ă1 y = sină1   ; 0  0, y  x where x  0, y  0

 2
1  y2 
cosă1 x + cos ă1 y = cosă1  xy  1  x  where x  0, y  0


 2
1  y2 
cosă1 x + cos ă1 y = cosă1  xy  1  x  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 sin ă1 6x = ă (sin ă1 1 + sin ă1 6x) = sină1 (1. 1  (6x )2 )  6x . 1  1)
2

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

 6 3 x   1  36x2

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

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 MARKS 23

Let cotă1 3 =  or cot  = 3

1
 sin   
10

 1 
  sin 1  
 10 

1 1 1
 sin 
1 1
 sin 1  cot 1 3 = sin
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  5   cos  13  or cos 5   cos 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  65  = RHS
 65 65  

PROPERTY-9

 1 2 1 1
sin (2 x 1  x , if  x
 2 2
 1
(i) 2 sin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 sin ă1 x =  then sin = x

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 24 MARKS

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

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

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

Let sin ă1 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 (2x2  1) , if 0  x  1
(iii) 2 cos1 x  
1 2
 2  cos (2x  1) , if  1  x  0

Let cosă1 x =  then x = cos

so, cos 2 = 2 cos 2 ă 1 or cos 2 = 2x2 ă 1
or 2 = cosă1 (2x2 ă 1) or 2 cos ă1 x = cos ă1 (2x2 ă 1)

 1 3 1
cos (4 x  3 x) , if  x  1
2

1  1 3 1 1
(iv) 3 cos x   2  cos (4x  3x ) , 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 cos 3 ă 3 cos or cos 3 = 4x 3 ă 3x
or 3 = cosă1 (4x3 ă 3x) or 3 cos ă1 x = cos ă1 (4x3 ă 3x)

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

 2x  1  tan2 
 2 tan1 x  sin1  
2
and cos 2 
1  x  1  tan2 

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

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 MARKS 25

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

Let tană1 x = 0 then x = tan

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

 3 x  x3 
or 3 tan1 x  tan1  
 1  3x 2
 

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  1  x 
 2.(x / 2)  1 x x x
(B) sin 1  2 1
  2 tan     sin  2   2 tan  tan  1  2 tan 1  0
 x 4   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 tan2 

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

26 MARKS

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

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

Illustration 23
To solve 2tană1 (cos x) = tan ă1 (2 cosecx)
Solution :

2cos x
tan 1  tan 1 (2 cos ecx) or
2 cos x

2
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 (cot 3  )  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 (cot 3) =  + tană1  4 
 1  cot  

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

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 2 4 
1  cot  .cos ec  .sin   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 < cot 3 < 1
4 2

 1 
 tană1 (cot) + tană1 (cot 3) = tană1  2 tan 2 
 

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

Illustration 25
If cosă1x + cosă1y + cos ă1z = 
prove that x2 + y2 + z2 + 2xyz = 1
Solution :
Given cosă1x + cos ă1y + cosă1z = 
 cosă1 x + cosă1y =  ă cosă1z = cos ă1(ă z)
 cos [cosă1x + cos ă1y] = cos [cosă1(ă z)]
Let cosă1 x = A
cosă1 y = B
 cos (A + B) = cosA cosB ă sinA sinB

 cos(A + B) = xy ă 1  x 2 1  y2

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

 
cos 1 xy  1  x 2 
1  y 2  cos 1 ( z )  xy  1  x 2 1  y 2   z

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

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

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Illustration 26
Write in the simplest form :

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

Solution :

   
 sin   x  
 cos x  2  
tan 1  1
  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 integr at ion of inver se tr igonometr 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 
sec2 ( 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
tan ( x) 
1
Proposition :
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 x 2) 
dx 1  16 x4

INVERSE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

 MARKS 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  2
dx dv = dx
1 x

1 x
Then,  tan x dx  x tan1 x   1 dx
x2

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  log u  c  log(1  x2 )  c
2 2

1 1
Thus,  tan (x ) dx  x tan1 (x )  log(1  x 2 )  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 4 tan 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

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

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

 1 1 

1 1 1 1 1  70 99 
tan  tan  tan  
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
= tan 1  239   tan 1 240
 
 1 1  238
 
239 

1 120
= tan
119

 L.H.S. = R.H.S. Hence the result.

Illustration 29

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

Solution :


If  = sină1 a and t  cos then sin = a and cos 2 = 1 ă a2,
3

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

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 MARKS 31

16t6 ă 24t4 + 9t2 ă 1 + a2 = 0

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

Illustration 30

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

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  tan2 
2 1 1  x 
2
1 a b 1
 2 tan x  cos 
= cos  
1  a b x  1  x2 
tan2
 a b 2 

 2x    2 x  2 x 
1 a  b  a  b  tan 2   a 1  tan 2   b  1  tan 2  
1     
= cos   = cos
a  b  a  b  tan2 x    1  tan2 x    1  tan2 x  
 2   a 2 
b
 2  


= tan
1  
cot A 1  cot 2 A    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 
= tan1  1 . 2 tan A  =  tan 1  tan 2A 
 2 1  tan2 A  2 
 

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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 (cot 3A)

1
 cot A  cot 3 A 
=   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 (cot 3 A)  
2 

Hence the result.

Illustration 31

1 x y
If cos  cos 1  , prove that 9x2 ă 12xy cos
 + 4y2 = 36 sin2
2 3

Solution :

y
Let cos1 x  , and cos 1  
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

 MARKS 33

xy 4  x 2 . 9  y2
or,   cos 
6 6

or, (xy ă 6cos)2 = (4 ă x 2) (9 ă y2)

or, x2y2 + 36cos2 ă 12xycos = 36 ă 9x2 ă 4y2 + x2y2
or, 9x2 ă 12ycos + 4y2 = 36 (1 ă cos 2)
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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 1 1 1  1 1 1 1
= 1 r      0  x  y  z  r 
 x y z  
 L.H.S. = tană10
= n [ tan ă10 =   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 1 q  r 1 r  p
If p > q > 0 and pr < ă 1 < qr, then prove that tan 1  tan   tan  
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
   tan  r  tan  p
1 1
Since pr < ă 1 and r < 0 tan ...(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

 MARKS 35

Illustration 34


If tan ă1y = 4tan ă1 x ( 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 tan ă1y = 4 tan ă1x = 2tană1 (as |x| < 1)
1  x2

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

4x (1  x2 )
 y
x4  6x2  1

 
If x  tan  tană1y = 4 tană1x =  y =   x4 ă 6x 2 + 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 + cos ă1 x) ((sină1 x) 2 ă (cos ă1 x) (sină1 x) + (cos ă1 x) 2) =  3

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

  2  2
   3 cos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 MARKS

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 = tan ă1 y

1 3x 1
tană1 3 ă tană1 x = tană1  tană1  tan1
y 1  3x 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
1ăx 2
 
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

 MARKS 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

1  3 1  1 
L.H.S. of equation (i) = cos     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 MARKS
Solution :

A = 2 tan
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 = 3 sin  3   sin  5 
   

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

= sin ă1 (0.852) + sin ă1 (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
 sin ă1 (0.852) < 60Ĉ and sin ă1 (0.60) < 45Ĉ]

Illustration 39

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

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

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

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

 1 
tan 1  1
  cot an
a
 n

y
Adding we get L.H.S. = tană1 an + cotă1 a n 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 = cot ă1 (2n ă 1) ă cot ă1 (2n + 1) ...(1)
[ cotă1 (2n ă 1) ă cotă1 (2n + 1)

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

1  (4 n  1  1) 
2
= cot  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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t3 = cotă1 5 ă cotă1 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
  2 tan 1 x, (for principal values)
 1 x 

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
 2tană1 x + sină1 = 
1  x2

2x
Thus, for x  1, 2tană1 x + sină1 = 
1  x2

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Illustration 42
Using Mathematical Induction, prove that [IITă91]

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

Solution :

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

when n = 1

1  1 
L.H.S. of (1) = tan  
3 

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

1
Adding tan 1 2
to both sides, we get
(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  3 m  3 

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

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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 

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

 1 
= tan  1  
 m2  3m  3 


Illustration 43

If x 1, x 2, x 3 , x4 are the roots of the equation x4 ă x 3 sin2

 + x2 cos2
 ă x cos
 ă sin
 = 0, prove

that tană1 x1 + tană1 x 2 + tană1 x 3 + tan ă1 x4 = n
 + ă  . Where n is an integer.
2

Solution :
Since x1, x 2, x 3, x 4 are the roots of the equation x 4 ă x3 sin2 + x2 cos2 ă x cos ă sin = 0

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

x1x2 = cos2
x1x2x 3 = cos and x1 x2 x3 x 4 = ă sin
Now, tan [tană1 x1 + tană1 x2 + tană1 x3 + tană1 x4]

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 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 + tan ă1 x 2 + tană1 x 3 + tană1 x4) = tan    
2 


 tană1 x1 + tan ă1 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, x 4 are the roots of equation ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e = 0 then,
b
sum of roots is x1 + x2 + x3 + x 4 =  .
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 x 4 =
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 = x 1 + x2 = .
a

c
Product of roots = x1 x2 
a

s1  s3
3. tan (a 1 + a 2 + 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 [Link]4

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Illustration 44

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

Solution :
Let cosă1 x = , cosă1 y = , cos ă1 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

      
= 2 sin 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

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

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

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

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

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

2
 1  x2 
and sin  1  cos2   1 
 2 x  ]
 

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

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

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

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

when f(x) = 0, we have

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

or, (1  x2 ). 4 x2  1  x4  2x2  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 cos ă1 (cot (2 tan ă1 x))) = 0
 2 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x)) = n, n  I

n
 cosă1 (cot (2 tan ă1 x)) = , n I
2

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

 cosă1 (cot (2 tană1 x)) = 0, /2, 

  
 cot (2tan ă1 x) = 1, 0, ă 1  2tană1 x = m + , m  , m 
4 2 4

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 MARKS 47

Hence again we are interested in principal values.

  3
i.e. ă  < m + <   m = 0, ă 1  2 tan ă1 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 
4  8   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  x 2  
1 
Given 0  x   then the value of tan  sin1     sin1 
x is
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 + cos ă1 r =  , then prove that p 2 + q 2 + r 2 + 2pqr = 1
Solution : cosă1 p + cosă1 q + cosă1 r = 

 cos 1 [pq  1  p 2 . 1  q 2 ]    cos 1 r  cos 1  r 

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 pq  (1  p 2 ) (1  q 2 )   r

or (pq + r)2 = (1 ă p2 ) (1 ă q2)

or p 2q2 + r2 + 2pqr = 1 ă p2 ă q2 + p2 q2
or p 2 + q 2 + r2 + 2pqr = 1

Illustration 49

9
 /2, then the value of x100 + y100 + z100 ă
If sină1 x + sin ă1 y + sină1 z = 3 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 sin ă1 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 = tan ă1
M2  M2
2
p q 2
M2  N2 1  x2

n 1 q
L.H.S. = 2tană1 m  2 tan p

pn  mq 1 N
= 2tan ă1 pm  nq  2 tan  R.H.S.
M

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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    
a2 
We have a b   b 
 

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

2
 pq  p2 q 2 p 2q 2
  ab  cos    1  2  2  2 2
  a b a b

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

p2 q2 p 2q 2
= 1  
a2 b2 a2 b2

p2 2 pq q2
or  cos    1  cos2   sin2 
a2 ab b2

Illustration 52

Solve the equation : tan ă1 2x + tan ă1 3x = n  + (3 /4).

Solution :

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

5x 3
or 2
 tan  1
1  6x 4

or 6x 2 ă 5x ă 1 = 0  ( x ă 1) (6x + 1) = 0
 x = 1, ă 1/6

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Illustration 53

1 x  1 x1
Find whether x = 2 satisfies the equation tan  tan 1  tan 1 (  7).
x 1 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 x 1
does not satisfy. We will have to write the equation as tan  tan 1    tan 1 ( 7).
x 1 x

Now x = 2 will make both sides + ive.

x 1x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)

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

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

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

Again sin cos ă1 t = sin sin ă1 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 2x 2) (x4 ă 4x2 + 1 + 2x2) = 0
or (x4 ă 2x2 + 1) (x 4 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

c1x  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 2c 1 
1 c 3c 2 cn y

Solution :

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

1 x 1 1
= tan  tan etc.
y c1
 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

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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      =   tan
1
 
 ( x  y)  xy 
  xy  

 rx   ry   rz 
 tan1    tan1    tan
1
 
 yz   zx   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  
  

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

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

or b2 (a 2 ă 1) (x2 ă a2) = a 2 (b2 ă 1) (x2 ă b2)

or x2 (a 2b 2 ă b 2 ă a2b2 + a2) = a 2b2 (a 2 ă 1 ă b2 + 1)
or x2 (a 2 ă b2) = a 2b 2 (a2 ă b 2)  x = ab.

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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 tan ă1 n
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, ..., n and adding, we get
Sn = tană1 (n + 1) ă tană1 1
   
 S = tan ă1  ă   
4 2 4 4

Illustration 59

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

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