INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

SYLLABUS  Definition, domain, range, principal value branch.

 Graphs of inverse trigonometric functions.

 Elementary properties of inverse trigonometric functions.

 Principal Values

 sin–1x, cos–1x, tan–1x etc. and their graphs.

x
 sin–1x = cos–1 1 − x 2 = tan–1
1 − x2
1 p
 sin–1x = cosec–1 ; sin–1x + cos–1x = and similar relations for cot–1x, tan–1x, etc.
x 2

(
sin–1x ± sin–1y = sin–1 x 1 − y 2 ± y 1 − x 2 )
cos–1x ± cos–1y = cos–1 ( xy ∓ 1 − y2 1− x ) 2

x+y
Similarly, tan–1x + tan–1y = tan–1 , xy < 1
1 − xy
x−y
tan–1x –tan–1y = tan–1 , xy> – 1
1 + xy
 Formulae for 2 sin–1x, 2 cos–1x, 2 tan–1x, 3 tan–1x etc. and application of these formulae.

Trend Analysis
List of Concept 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Inverse trigonometric 1 Q (4 marks) 1 Q (2 marks) 1 Q (2 marks) 1 Q (2 marks) 1 Q (2 marks)

functions 1 Q (6 marks) 1 Q (4 marks) 1 Q (4 marks) 1 Q (4 marks) 1 Q (4 marks)

Revision Notes
 In mathematics, the inverse trigonometric functions are the inverse function of trigonometric functions.
Specifically, they are inverse of the sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant functions, and are used
to obtain an angle from any of the angle’s trigonometric ratios.
 Domains and Ranges of Inverse Trigonometric Functions :

Inverse Trigonometric Functions i.e., f(x) Domain/Value of x Range/Value of f(x)

 π π
sin–1x [–1, 1] − 2 , 2 
 
cos–1x [–1, 1] [0, p]
R – (–1, 1)  π  π
cosec–1x
(– ∞, – 1) ∪ [1, + ∞)  − π, − 2  ∪  0, 2 
   
R – (–1, 1)  π  3π 
sec–1x
(– ∞, – 1] ∪ [1, + ∞) 0, 2  ∪  π, 2 
   
  π π
tan–1x R (– ∞, + ∞)  − , 
2 2
cot–1x R (– ∞, + ∞) (0, p)

Note
• The symbol sin–1x is used to denote the smallest angle whether positive or negative, such that the sine of
this angle will give us x. Similarly, cos–1x, tan–1x, cosec–1x, sec–1x and cot–1 x are defined.
• You should note that sin–1x can be written as arcsin x. Similarly, other inverse trigonometric functions can
also be written as arccos x, arctan x, arcsec x etc.
• Also, note that sin–1x (and similarly other inverse trigonometric functions) is entirely different from
1
(sin x)–1. In fact, sin–1x is measure of an angle in Radians whose sine is x whereas (sin x)–1 is (which
sin x
is obvious as per the laws of exponents).
• Keep in mind that these inverse trigonometric relations are true only in their domains, i.e., they are valid
only for some values of ‘x’ for which inverse trigonometric functions are well defined.

 Principal Value :
Numerically smallest angle is known as the principal value.
For finding the principal value, following algorithm can be followed.
Step 1 : First, draw a trigonometric circle and mark the quadrant in which the angle may be lie.
Step 2 : Select anti-clockwise direction for 1st and 2nd quadrant in which the angle may be lie.
Step 3 : Find the angles in the first rotation.
Step 4 : Select the numerically least (magnitude wise) angle among these two values. The angle thus found will
be the principal value.
Step 5 : In case, two angles one with positive sign and the other with the negative sign qualify for the numerically
least angle then, it is the convention to select the angle with positive sign as principal value.

 Principal value of branch function of sin–1 : It is a function with domain [–1, 1] and range  −3π , − π  ,  − π , π  or
 2 2   2 2 

 π 3π 
 2 , 2  and so on corresponding to each interval, we get a branch of the function sin–1x. The branch with range
 
 −π π  −1  −π π 
 2 , 2  is called the principal value branch. Thus, sin [ −1,1] →  2 , 2  .
 
  Principal value of branch function of cos–1 : The graph of the function cos–1 is as shown in figure. Domain of the
function cos–1 is [–1, 1]. Its range in one of the intervals [–p, 0], [0, p], [p, 2p], etc. is one-one and onto with the
range [–1, 1]. The branch with range (0, p) is called the principal value branch of the function cos–1.
Thus, cos–1 [–1, 1] → [0, p]
Y
Y
5
—
2
 1   
–—
–
• —
2
—
2
2 
X'
–  –   •O   X 3
— –— — —
2 2 •–1 2 2

Y' 
—
y = cos x 2
1
X' • • • X
–1 O 
–—
2
–

–3
—
2
–2

5
–—
2
Y' –1
y = cos x

 Principal value of branch function of tan–1 : The function tan–1 is defined whose domain is set of real numbers
and range is one of the intervals
 −3π π   −π π   π 3π 
 2 , 2  ,  2 , 2  ,  2 , 2  ,...
     

 −π π   −π π 
The branch with range  ,  is called the principal value branch of function tan–1. Thus, tan −1 : R →  , 
 2 2   2 2
 Principal value of branch function of cosec–1 : The graph of function cosec–1 is shown in figure. The cosec–1 is
defined on a function whose domain is R – (–1, 1) and the range is any one of the interval,
 −3π − π   −π π   π 3π 
 2 , 2  − {π },  2 , 2  − {0},  2 , 2  − {π },...
     

  −π π 
The function corresponding to the range  ,  − {0} is called the principal value branch of cosec–1.
 2 2

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

 Principal value of branch function of sec–1 : The graph of function sec–1 is shown in figure. The sec–1 is defined
 −π  π  3π 
as a function whose domain R – (–1, 1) and range is [ − π, 0] −   , [0, π ] −   , [ π − 2 π ] −   , etc. Function
 2  2 2

π
corresponding to range [0, π ] −   is known as the principal value branch of sec–1.
2

π
Thus, sec −1 : R − ( −1, 1) → [0, π] −  
2

y x
y x

 The principal value of branch function of cot–1 :

The graph of function cot–1 is shown below.
The cot–1 function is defined on function whose domain is R and the range is any of the intervals, (–p, 0), (0, p),
(p, 2p), ....
The function corresponding to (0, p) is called the principal value branch of the function cot–1.
Then, cot–1 : R → (0, p)

Note
A function f : A → B is said to be invertible if f is bijective (i.e., one-one and onto). The inverse of the function f
is denoted by f : B → A such that f–1(y) = x if f(x) = y, ∀ x ∈A, y ∈B. As trigonometric functions are many-one
so, their inverse doesn’t exist. But they become one-one onto by restricting their domains. Therefore, all the
restrictions required so that the inverse of the concerned trigonometric functions do exist. If these restrictions
are removed, the terms will represent Inverse Trigonometric Relations and not the functions. Note that the
inverse trigonometric functions are also called as Inverse Circular Functions.
 Elementary Properties of Inverse Trigonometric Functions :
Property I
 1  1
(a) sin −1 ( x ) = cosec −1   , x ∈[ −1, 1] (b) cosec −1 ( x ) = sin −1   , x ∈( −∞, − 1] ∪ [1, ∞)
 x  x

 1 −1  1 
(c) cos −1 ( x ) = sec −1   , x ∈[ −1, 1] (d) sec ( x ) = cos   , x ∈( −∞, − 1] ∪ [1, ∞)
−1
 x  x

  1   1
 cot −1   , x > 0  tan −1   , x > 0
  x   x
(e) tan
−1
(x) =  1
(f) cot −1 ( x ) = 
 − π + cot −1    π + tan −1 1  , x < 0

   , x < 0  
x  x

Property II
π π
(a) sin −1 (sin x ) = x , −
≤ x ≤ (b) cos −1 (cos x ) = x , 0 ≤ x ≤ π
2 2
π π
(c) tan–1 (tan x) = x, − < x <
(d) cosec–1 (cosec x) = x, − π ≤ x ≤ π , x ≠ 0
2 2 2 2
–1 π –1
(e) sec (sec x) = x, 0 ≤ x ≤ π, x ≠
(f) cot (cot x) = x, 0 < x < p
2
Property III
(a) sin–1 (–x) = – sin–1x, x ∈ [–1, 1] (b) cos–1 (–x) = p – cos–1x, x ∈ [–1, 1]
(c) tan–1 (–x) = – tan–1x, x ∈ R (d) cosec–1 (–x) = – cosec–1x, |x | ≥ 1

(e) sec–1 (–x) = p – sec–1x, |x| ≥ 1
(f) cot–1 (–x) = p– cot–1x, x ∈ R

Property IV
−1 −1 π π
(a) sin x + cos x = , x ∈[ −1, 1] (b) tan −1 x + cot −1 x = , x ∈ R
2 2
π
(c) sec–1x + cosec–1x = , x∈(– ∞, – 1] ∪ [1, ∞)

2
Property V

(a) sin −1 x ± sin −1 y = sin −1  x 1 − y 2 ± y 1 − x 2 

 
(b) cos −1 x ± cos −1 y = cos −1  xy ∓ 1 − x 2 1 − y 2 

 
  −1  x + y 
 tan   , xy < 1
  1 − xy 
  x+y 
(c) tan −1 x + tan −1 y =  π + tan −1   , x > 0, y > 0, xy > 1
  1 − xy 
  x+y 
− π + tan −1   , x < 0, y < 0, xy > 1
  1 − xy 

 −1  x − y 
 tan   , xy > −1
  1 + xy 
  x−y 
(d) tan −1 x − tan −1 y =  π + tan −1   , x > 0, y < 0, xy < −1
  1 + xy 
  x−y 
−π + tan −1   , x < 0, y > 0, xy < −1
  1 + xy 

−1 −1 −1 −1  x + y + z − xyz 
(e) tan x + tan y + tan z = tan 
 1 − xy − yz − zx 

Property VI
 −1 2 1 1  1 1
 sin ( 2 x 1 − x ), if − ≤x≤
 sin−1 ( 3x − 4 x 3 ), if − ≤ x ≤
 2 2 2 2
 1 
(a) 2 sin −1 x =  π − sin −1 ( 2 x 1 − x 2 ), if
≤x ≤1  1
(b) 3 sin −1 x =  π − sin −1 ( 3x − 4 x 3 ), if ≤ x ≤ 1
 2  2
 −1 2 1  −1 3 1
− π − sin ( 2 x 1 − x ), if − 1 ≤ x ≤ −  − π − sin ( 3x − 4 x ), if − 1 ≤ x ≤ −
 2  2
Property VII
 −1 3 1
 cos ( 4 x − 3x ), if 2 ≤ x ≤ 1
 cos ( 2 x − 1), if 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
−1 2
−1 
(a) 2 cos x =  (b) −1  −1 3 1 1
−1 2 3 cos x =  2 π − cos ( 4 x − 3x ), if − ≤ x ≤
2 π − cos ( 2 x − 1), if − 1 ≤ x ≤ 0 2 2

2 π + cos−1 ( 4 x 3 − 3x ), if − 1 ≤ x ≤ − 1
 2
Property VIII
 
−1 3 x − x
3
−1 1
  tan  2
, if <x<
−1  2 x 
 tan   , if − 1 < x < 1   1 − 3 x  3 3
  1 − x2  
  3x − x  3
1

(a) 2 tan −1 x =  π − tan −1 
2x  (b) 3 tan −1 x =  π + tan −1  2
, if x >
 , if x > 1  1 − 3x  3
  1 − x2  
   3
−1  2 x   − π + tan −1 3 x − x 1
− π + tan  , if x < − 1   , if x < −
2   2
 1−x   1 − 3x  3

Know the Formulae

 Trigonometric Formulae :
l Relation between trigonometric ratios :
sin θ 1
(a) tan θ = (b) tan θ = (c) tan θ . cot θ = 1
cos θ cot θ
cos θ 1 1
(d) cot θ = (e) cosec θ = (f) sec θ =
sin θ sin θ cos θ

l Trigonometric Identities :
(a) sin 2 θ + cos 2 θ = 1 (b) sec 2 θ = 1 + tan 2 θ (c) cosec 2 θ = 1 + cot 2 θ
l Addition/subtraction/formulae and some related results :
(a) sin( A ± B ) = sin A cos B ± cos A sin B (b) cos( A ± B ) = cos A cos B ∓ sin A sin B
 (c) cos( A + B )cos( A − B ) = cos 2 A − sin 2 B = cos 2 B − sin 2 A

(d) sin( A + B )sin( A − B ) = sin 2 A − sin 2 B = cos 2 B − cos 2 A
cot B cot A ∓ 1
(e) tan( A ± B ) = tan A ± tan B (f) cot( A ± B ) =
1 ∓ tan A tan B cot B ± cot A

l Multiple angle formulae involving 2A & 3A :
A A
(a) sin 2 A = 2 sin A cos A (b) sin A = 2 sin cos
2 2
2 A A
(c) cos 2 A = cos 2 A − sin 2 A (d) cos A = cos − sin 2
2 2
(e) cos 2 A = 2 cos 2 A − 1 (f) cos 2 A = 1 − 2 sin 2 A

2 tan A 1 − tan 2 A
(g) sin 2 A = (h) cos 2 A =
1 + tan 2 A 1 + tan 2 A
2 tan A
(i) tan 2 A = (j) sin 3 A = 3 sin A − 4 sin 3 A
1 − tan 2 A
3 tan A − tan 3 A
(k) cos 3 A = 4 cos 3 A − 3 cos A (l) tan 3 A =
1 − 3 tan 2 A

l Transformation of sums/differences into products & vice-versa :
C+D C −D C+D C −D
(a) sin C + sin D = 2 sin cos (b) sin C − sin D = 2 cos sin
2 2 2 2
C+D C −D C+D C −D
(c) cos C + cos D = 2 cos cos (d) cos C − cos D = −2 sin sin
2 2 2 2
(e) 2 sin A cos B = sin( A + B ) + sin ( A − B ) (f) 2 cos A sin B = sin( A + B ) − sin ( A − B )
(g) 2cos A cos B = cos( A + B ) + cos ( A − B ) (h) 2 sin A sin B = cos( A − B ) − cos ( A + B )
 Domain and Range of trigonometric functions :
S. No. Function Domain Range
(i) sine R [–1, 1]
(ii) cosine R [–1, 1]

 π 
(iii) tangent R −  x : x = ( 2n + 1) ; n ∈ Z  R
 2 

(iv) cosecant R − { x : x = nπ, n ∈ Z } R – (–1, 1)

 π 
(v) secant R −  x : x = ( 2n + 1) ; n ∈ Z  R – (–1, 1)
 2 

(vi) cotangent R − { x : x = nπ, n ∈ Z } R

 Relations in different measures of Angle

π
(a) Angle in Radian Measure = (Angle in degree measure) × radians
180°
180°
(b) Angle in Degree Measure = (Angle in radian measure) ×
π
l arc
(c) q (in radian measure) = =
r radius
Also following are of importance as well :
(a) 1 right angle = 90° (b) 1° = 60’, 1’ = 60”
π
(c) 1° = = 0·01745 radians (Approx.) (d) 1 radian = 57°17’45” or 206265 seconds.
180°
 General Solutions :
(a) sin x = sin y or x = np + (–1)n y, where n Î Z.
(b) cos x = cos y or x = 2np ± y, where n Î Z.
(c) tan x = tan y or x = np + y, where n Î Z.
 Relation in Degree & Radian Measures :

Angles in Degree 0° 30° 45° 60° 90° 180° 270° 360°

0 rad π π π π  3π 

Angles in Radian         (p)   (2p)
6 4 3 2 2

 Trigonometric Ratio of Standard Angles :

Degree 0° 30° 45° 60° 90°

1 1 3
sin x 0 1
2 2 2

3 1 1
cos x 1 0
2 2 2
1
tan x 0 1 3 ¥
3
1
cot x ¥ 3 1 0
3
2
cosec x ¥ 2 2 1
3
2
sec x 1 2 2 ¥
3
 Trigonometric Ratios of Allied Angles :

Angles (®) p p 3p 3p
−q +q p–q p+q −q +q 2p – q or – q 2p + q
2 2 2 2
T – Ratios (¯)

sin cos q cos q sin q – sin q – cos q – cos q – sin q sin q

cos sin q – sin q – cos q – cos q – sin q sin q cos q cos q

tan cot q – cot q – tan q tan q cot q – cot q – tan q tan q

cot tan q – tan q – cot q cot q tan q – tan q – cot q cot q

sec cosec q – cosec q – sec q – sec q – cosec q cosec q sec q sec q

cosec sec q sec q cosec q – cosec q – sec q – sec q – cosec q cosec q

1 Mark Questions
p −1
 3
Q. 1 Simplified value of sin  − sin  −   is: Sol. Correct option : (a)
 2  2  
p  3 p  3
1 1 sin  − sin −1  − −1
  = sin  2 − sin  − 2  
(a) (b)  2  2      
2 2
p  p  p p
3 3 = sin  + sin −1  sin   = sin  + 
(c) (s) −  2  3   2 3
2 2
[ISC Specimen Paper, 2021] p 1
= cos =
3 2
 Q. 2. Which of the following is the principal value Sol. Correct option : (b)
 
branch of cos–1x? Explanation : We have, 2 sec−1 2 + sin −1  1 
 π π 2
(a) − ,  (b) [0,π]
 2 2 −1 π −1 π
π = 2 sec sec + sin sin
(c) [0,π] (d) (0 , π ) −   3 6
2 π π  −1 −1 
Sol. Correct option : (c) = 2× + ∵sec (sec x ) = x and sin (sin x ) = x 
Explanation : As we know that the principal value 3 6
of cos–1x is [0,p]. 4π + π
=
Q. 3. Which of the following is the principal value 6
branch of cosec–1x? 5π
=
 π π π 6
(a) − ,  (b) [0, π ] −   2 π , then the value of cos–1 x +
2 Q. 7. If sin–1 x + sin– 1 y =
 2 2 3
 π π  π π cos–1 y is ................ .

(c) − ,  (d) − ,  − {0}
 2 2  2 2 2π π
(a) (b)
Sol. Correct option : (d) 3 3

Explanation : As we know that the principal value π

(c) (d) p
 π π 2
of cosec–1x is − ,  − {0} . π
 2 2 Sol. Correct option : (b)
3
Q. 4. The domain of function cos–1(2x – 1) is Explanation :
(a) [0, 1] (b) [–1, 1] 2π
Given, sin–1x + sin–1y =
(c) (–1, 1) (d) [0, p] 3
Sol. Correct option : (a)
π π 2π
Explanation : i.e.;− cos−1 x + − cos−1 y =
We have cos–1(2x – 1) 2 2 3
Þ – 1 £ 2x – 1 £ 1 [ x Î [– 1, 1]] 2 π π
cos–1x + cos–1x = π − =
Þ 0 £ 2x £ 2 3 3
 1
Þ0£x£1 Q. 8. Find the principal value of cos–1  −  .
 2
Þ x Î [0, 1]
 3π  Sol. 0 £ cos–1x £ p
Q. 5. The value of cos−1  cos  is
 2  æ 1ö æ 2p ö 2p
cos -1 ç - ÷ £ cos -1 ç cos ÷ =
π 3π è 2ø è 3ø 3

(a) (b)
2 2
æ 3p ö
5π 7π Q. 9. Find the value of sin -1 ç sin ÷ .

(c) (d) è 5ø
2 2
p p
Sol. Correct option : (a) Sol. ∵ - £ sin–1x £
2 2
 
Explanation : We have, cos−1  cos 3π 
æ 3p ö æ 2p ö
 2  \
sin -1 ç sin ÷ = sin -1 sin ç p - ÷
è 5 ø è 5ø
  π 
= cos−1 cos  2 π −  2p ö
  2  -1 æ 2p
= sin ç sin ÷ =
è 5ø 5
  π π
∵ cos  2 π −  = cos  æ 1ö p
  2 2 Q. 10. If sin -1 ç ÷ + cos -1 x = , then find the value
π π è 3ø 2
of x.
= cos−1 cos   =
2 2
æ 1ö p
(∴ cos−1 )(cos x ) = x , x∵cos −1 
] x ) = x if x ∈ [0, π] Sol. sin -1 ç ÷ + cos -1 x =
  ∈ [0 , π(cos è 3ø 2
 3π  π
⇒ cos−1  cos  = æ 1ö p p
 2  2 or sin -1 ç ÷ + - sin -1 x =
1 è 3ø 2 2
Q. 6. The value of expression 2 sec−1 2 + sin−1   is
2 æ 1ö
or sin -1 ç ÷ = sin -1 x
π 5π è 3ø
(a) (b)
6 6 1
7π \ x=

(c) (d) 1 3
6
   1 
Q. 11. Write the principal value of cos–1 [cos (680°)]. Q. 16. Write the value of tan  2 tan −1    .
  5 
Sol. cos–1 [cos (680°)] = cos–1[cos (720° – 40°)]
= cos–1(cos 40°)    1  
2
= 40°   1      5   
Sol. tan  2 tan −1    = tan tan 
−1

[since cos–1(cos q) = q, where q ∈ [0, p]   5   1 
1 − 
  25  
Q. 12. Write the principal value of tan–1  sin  − π   .
  2  
  −1  2 25  
= tan tan  ×  
  5 24  
  π 
Sol. tan–1 sin  −   = tan–1[– 1]
  2   −1  π π 
π π ∵ tan (tan θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈  − 2 , 2  
= – tan–1  tan  = −  
 4  4

=   5 
 π π  12 
[Q tan–1(tan q) = q " q ∈  − ,  .]
 2 2  9π 
 −1 1 −1 
Q. 17. Write the principal value of tan −1  tan  .
Q. 13. If sin  sin + cos x  = 1, then find the value of x.  8 
 5 
 9π  −1   π 
 1  Sol. tan −1  tan  = tan tan  π +  
Sol. sin  sin −1 + cos−1 x  = 1  8    8 
 5 
 π
1 = tan −1 tan 
Þ sin −1 + cos−1 x = sin–1(1)  8
5
 −1  π π 
Þ sin −1
1
+ cos−1 x =
π ∵ tan (tan θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈  − 2 , 2  
 
5 2 π
1 =
Þ sin–1 + cos–1x = sin–1x + cos–1x 8
5
−1
 1 
 π Q. 18. Write cot  2 , |x| > 1 in the simplest form.
−1 −1
∵cos x + sin x = 2   x − 1 
Sol. Putting x = sec q ⇒ q = sec–1 x
1
Þ x =  1 
−1 −1  1 
5 \ cot  2 = cot 
 x − 1   sec 2 θ − 1 
Q. 14. Find the value of the following : 1 
= cot −1 
π   tan θ 

cot  − 2 cot −1 3 
2 
= cot–1 (cot q)
Sol. π  π  π  =q
cot  − 2 cot −1 3  = cot  − 2 cot −1  cot  
2  2  6 
[\ cot–1(cot q) = q " q ∈ (0, p)]
π  π  = sec–1 x
= cot  − 2   
2  6 
Q. 19. Write the value of cot (tan–1a + cot–1 a).
[ cot–1 (cot q) = q " q ∈ (0, p)]
π
π π Sol. cot (tan–1 a + cot–1 a) = cot  
= cot  −  2
2 3 π
 −1 −1
∵ tan x + cot x = 2 
π
= cot   = 3
6 =0
Q. 15. Write the principal value of the following :

 ( )
 tan −1 − 3 + tan −1 (1)

−1
(
Sol. tan − 3 + tan (1)) −1

  π   π
= tan −1  − tan    + tan −1  tan 
  3   4
π π π   π π 
=− + =− ∵ tan −1 (tan θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈  − ,  
3 4 12   2 2 
 2 Marks Questions
Q 1. Prove that : tan2(sec–1 2) + cot2(cosec–1 3) = 11. Q. 4. Solve : 3 tan–1x + cot–1x = p [ISC, 2018]
[ISC, 2020]
Sol. L.H.S. Sol. Given, 3 tan–1x + cot–1x = p
= tan2(sec–1 2) + cot2(cosec–1 3) ⇒ 2 tan x + tan–1x + cot–1x = p
–1

= tan 2 tan 1 3 cot 2 cot 12 2 π π

⇒ 2 tan–1x +

[ =p tan–1x + cot–1x = ]
2 2
sec tan 3 12 1
π π
1 1 ⇒ 2 tan–1x = ⇒ tan–1x =
cosec 3 cot 2 2 2 4

= tan tan 1
2
12
2 ⇒ tan–1x = tan–1(1) ⇒ x=1
3 cot cot 2
2 2 1  1 − x
Q. 5. Prove that : cos −1  = tan −1 x
= 3 2 2
2  1 + x 
= 3 + 8 = 11 [ISC, 2017]
= L.H.S. Hence proved 1  1 − x
Sol. LHS = cos −1 
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2020] 2  1 + x 
Q 2. Solve sin(2tan–1x) = 1. [ISC, 2019] Let x = tan2q
Sol. sin (2 tan–1x)
=1 1  1 − tan 2 θ 
 2x  1
2 tan–1x = sin–1  ⇒ LHS = cos −1  2 
= cos–1 (cos 2q)
 1 + x 2  2  1 + tan θ  2
 2x  1 1 − tan 2 x
sin  sin −1  =1 = × 2q [ cos 2x = ]
 1 + x2  2 1 + tan 2 x
 2x  =q
\ =1 Þ x2 – 2x + 1 = 0
 1 + x 2  = tan–1 x [ tan q = x ⇒ q = tan–1 x ]
Þ (x – 1)2 = 0 = RHS.
 Þ x – 1 = 0
    x = 1 Q. 6. Solve : cos−1  sin (cos−1 x ) = π [ISC, 2015]
  6
2nd Solution:
π
sin(2 tan−1x) =1, Sol. cos −1 sin(cos−1 x ) =
  6
π
sin(2 tan−1x) = sin π 3
2 ⇒ sin(cos −1 x ) = cos =
π 6 2
Þ 2 tan−1x =
2 3
⇒ 1 − x2 =
π 2
Þ
tan−1 x =
4 (∵ cos −1 x = sin −1 1 − x 2 )
Þ x=1
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2019] 3 1
⇒ 1 − x2 = ⇒ x2 =
π 4 4
Q. 3. Solve : sin–1 cos (sin–1x) =  [SQP, 2018]
3 1
⇒ x=±
π 2
Sol. Given, sin–1 cos (sin–1 x) =
3
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2015]
 π 1
⇒
cos(sin–1x) = sin    
 3 Q. 7. Evaluate : tan  2 tan −1 − cot −1 3 [ISC, 2014]
 2 

⇒
(
cos cos −1 1 − x 2 )= 2
3

Sol. tan  2 tan
−1 1 
− cot −1 3
 2 

 [ sin–1x = cos–1 1 − x2 ]  
 −1 1 −1 1   −1 4 1
3 = tan tan − tan  = tan tan − tan −1 
⇒ 1 − x2 = 1 3  3 3
2  1−
 4 
3
⇒
1 – x2 =  4 1 
4  − 1 9
−1 3 3  = =
= tan tan
3 1 4 1 13 13
⇒
1– = x2 ⇒ x = ± .  1+ × 
4 2  3 3 9
 Q. 8. Prove that sec 2 (tan −1 2) + cosec 2 (cot −1 3) = 15 −1  π −1   π 
= tan  tan  + cos cos  π −  
 4    3 
 [ISC, 2012]
Sol. In LHS, let tan–1 2 = q and cot–1 3 = a  π π
[∵ tan −1 (tan θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈  − , 
 2 2
⇒ 2 = tan q and 3 = cot a
−1
∴ LHS = sec2q + cosec2a and cos (cos θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈ ( 0 , π )]
π 2 π 11π
= (1 + tan 2 θ) + (1 + cot 2 α ) = + =
4 3 12
= (1 + 4 ) + (1 + 9 )    3  
−1 −1
Q. 12. Write the value of tan  2 sin  2 cos    .
= 15 = RHS Hence Proved.    2   
−1 −1 π
Q. 9. Solve : cos  sin(cos x ) = [ISC, 2010]     
3 Sol. tan −1  2 sin  2 cos−1 3  
 2 
−1  −1  π      
Sol. Given, cos sin(cos x ) =
3
   π  
π = tan −1  2 sin  2 cos−1  cos   
⇒
sin(sin −1 2
1 − x ) = cos    6  
3
   π  
(∵ cos −1 x = sin −1 1 − x 2 ) = tan −1  2 sin  2    
   6  
1
⇒
sin(sin −1 1 − x 2 ) = 
2 −1 3
= tan  2 × 
 2 
1
⇒ 1 − x2 = π
2 ( )
= tan −1 3 =
3

1
⇒ 1 − x2 =   3 
4 Q. 13. Evaluate : sin  2 cos−1  −   .
  5 
1 
⇒ 1− = x2 −1  3  
4 Sol. sin  2 cos  −  
  5 
3 [ sin 2θ = 2 sin θ. cos θ]
⇒
x2 =
4   3    3 
= 2 sin  cos−1  −   cos  cos−1  −  
3   5     5 
⇒
x=±
2  −1  3    3 
= 2 sin  cos  −    − 
 1 1 5 5
Q. 10. Write the value of cos−1  −  + 2 sin −1   .
 2 2
 −1  4    3 
= −2 sin  sin     − 
 1 1   5   5 
Sol. cos−1  −  + 2 sin −1  
 2 2
4 3
= − 2·   − 
  π  −1   π 
−1
= cos  − cos    + 2 sin sin     5   5 
  
3    6  24
=
−1   π  π 25
= cos cos  π −   + 2  
 3  6 Q. 14. Write the value of the following :
 a   a − b
  π π  tan −1   − tan −1 
 a + b 
−1
∵ sin (sin θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈  − 2 , 2   b
  a 
−1
π π  a −1  a − b  −1  a  −1  b 
Sol. tan   − tan 
−1
= tan   − tan 
= π− +
3 3
[Q cos–1 (cos q) = q " q (0, p)] b  a + b  b a
 1 + 
b
=p
a
Q. 11. Write the principal value of Let = tan q
b
 1  π 
tan–1(1)+ cos–1  −  tan θ − tan  
 2  4 
= tan–1(tan q) – tan–1  
 1  1 + tan θ tan  π  
Sol. tan–1(1) + cos–1  −   4
 2
 π  π   π 
= tan −1  tan  + cos−1  − cos  = tan–1(tan q) – tan–1 tan  θ −  
 4   3   4 
 π   π π  2 sin x 2
−1 ⇒
− =0
=q–q+ ∵ tan (tan θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈  − 2 , 2   cos2 x cos x
4  
π 2 sin x 2 cos x
= ⇒
− =0
4 cos2 x cos2 x
−1 −1 π ⇒
sin x − cos x = 0
Q. 15. If tan x + tan y = , xy < 1, then write the
4 ⇒
tan x = 1
value of x+ y + xy.
π
π ⇒
x=
Sol. We have, tan −1 x + tan −1 y = 4
4 
−1 −1 x 3 − 3x2  π
 x+y  π Q. 17. Prove that cos ( x ) + cos  + = .
⇒ tan −1  =  2 2  3
 1 − xy  4 –1
Sol. Let, cos x = a ⇒ x = cos a
⇒ x+y π
= tan  π 3 
1 − xy 4 LHS = α + cos−1 cos α cos   + 1 − cos2 α 
  3  2 
⇒ x + y = 1– xy
 π π 
⇒ x + y + xy = 1 = α + cos−1 cos   cos α + sin sin α 
π    3 3 
Q. 16. Solve for x : 2 tan −1 (sin x ) = tan −1 ( 2 sec x ), x ≠ .
2
2 tan −1 (sin x ) = tan −1 ( 2 sec x )  π 
Sol. = α + cos −1 cos  − α 
 3 
2 sin x 
⇒ tan −1  = tan −1 ( 2 sec x )
 1 − sin 2 x  π
=α+ −α
2 sin x 3
⇒
= 2 sec x π
cos2 x = = RHS [∵ cos −1 (cos θ) = θ ∀ θ ∈( 0 , π )]
3

4 Marks Questions
−1 1 π −1 1 xy x2 y2
Q. 1. Prove that : tan = − tan − cosq = 1 − 1−
2 4 3 6 4 9

π 1 Squaring both sides

Sol. Now, RHS = − tan −1
4 3 x2 y2 xy cos q
+ cos2 q −
36 3
1
= tan −1 1 − tan −1
3  x2   y2 
= 1 −  1 − 
1  4  4
1−
3 −1 2 −1 x2 y2 xy cos q
= tan = tan + cos2 q −
1 4 36 3
1+
3 x2 y2 x2 y2
= 1− − +
1 4 9 36
= tan −1 = LHS Hence roved.
2 x 2 y 2 xy cos q
+ − = 1 − cos2 q
−1 x y 4 9 3
Q. 2 If cos + cos −1 = q, than proove that
2 2 x 2 y 2 xy cos q
+ − = sin 2 q
9x2 – 12xy cos q + 4y2 = 36 sin2q [ISC ,2020] 4 9 3
−1 x y Multiply by 36
Sol. cos + cos−1 = q
2 2 9x2 + 4y2 – 12xy cos q
x2 y 2  = 36 sin2 q
x y
cos −1  ⋅ − 1 − 1−  9x - 12xy cos q + 4y = 36 sin2 q
2 2 Hence Proved.
2 3 4 9 
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2020]

(
cos −1 a + cos −1 b = cos −1 ab − 1 − a 2 1 − b 2 
 )


xy x2 y2
− 1− 1− = cosq
6 4 9


1 3
Q. 3 Evaluate : cos (2 cos–1 x + sin–1 x) at x = . 1 −1  4  1 3
5 = cos   = cos−1  
2 5 2 5
[ISC, 2020]  
4
1
Sol. cos (2 cos–1 x + sin–1 x) at x = 1 4 1 π  4 
5 = sin −1   = − cos−1   
= cos (cos–1 x + sin–1 x + cos–1 x) 2 5 2  2  5 
p  π 1 4
= cos  + cos −1 x = − cos−1   = RHS. Hence Proved.
2  4 2 5
= − sin(cos −1 x ) Q. 7. If tan–1a + tan–1b + tan–1c = p, Prove that :

= − sin sin(−1
1 − x2 ) Sol.
a + b + c = abc. [ISC, 2018]

= −( 1 − x ) tan–1a + tan–1b + tan–1c= p

2

 a+b 
 1  ⇒ tan–1  = p – tan–1c
= − 1 −   1 − ab 
 25 
a+b
⇒ = tan (p – tan–1c)
24 2 6 1 − ab
= − =−
25 5
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2020] a+b
⇒ =–c
1 − ab
 x − 1  x + 1 p
Q. 4 Solve for x : tan - 1  + tan - 1  = ⇒ a + b + c = abc Hence Proved.
 x − 2   x + 2  4
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2017]
−1  x − 1   x + 1 p
Sol. tan  + tan −1  = OR
 x − 2   x + 2  4
Given, tan–1 a + tan b + tan–1c = p
–1
 x −1 x +1 
+
⇒ −1  x − 2
tan  x+2  = p  a+b 
x −1 x +1 4 ⇒tan–1  + tan–1c = p
1− ⋅   1 − ab 
 x −2 x + 2  
−1 −1 −1  x + y 
∵tan x + tan y = tan   
x2 + x − 2 + x2 − x − 2   1 − xy  
⇒ =1
x2 − 4 − x2 + 1  a+b 
⇒ 2x2 = 1  +c 
⇒ tan −1  1 − ab  =p
1 1 −  a + b  c 
⇒ x2 =   
2 1 − ab  
1
⇒ x =± [ISC Marking Scheme, 2019]
2 −1  a + b + c − abc 
⇒ tan  =p
1 1  1 − ab − ac − bc 
Q. 5 If sec–1 x = cosec–1 y, show that + =1
x2 y2 a + b + c − abc
⇒ = tan p = 0
1 1 1 − ab − ac − bc
Sol. sec–1 x = cosec–1 y ⇒ cos–1 = sin–1 =q
x y ⇒ a + b + c = abc Hence Proved.
1 1 Q. 8. Solve the equation for x :
cos q = , sin q =
x y sin–1 x + sin–1 (1 – x) = cos–1 x, x ≠ 0
[ISC 2017, 2013]
1 1
⇒ cos2 + sin2 q = + Sol. Given, sin–1x + sin–1(1– x)=cos–1x
x2 y2
π
1 1 ⇒ sin–1x + sin–1 (1 – x) = – sin–1x
⇒ + =1 [ISC Marking Scheme 2020] 2
x2 y2 π
⇒ sin–1 (1 – x) = – 2 sin–1x
1 π 1 −1  4 
2
Q. 6. Prove that : tan–1 = − cos  
2 4 2  5 π 
⇒ 1 – x= sin  − 2 sin −1 x 
[ISC Specimen Paper, 2018] 2 
1 ⇒ 1 – x= cos [2 sin–1x)

Sol. LHS = tan–1
2 ⇒ 1 – x = cos [cos–1 (1 – 2x2)]
 1 ⇒ 1 – x= 1 – 2x2
1−  
−1  1 − x 
1 −1  4  −1
2

⇒ 2x2 – x= 0 ⇒ x(2x – 1)= 0
= cos 
∵ 2 tan x = cos  2 
2 1   1 − x  1
1 +  ⇒ x= [ x ≠ 0]
 4 2
 2  1 1
Q. 9. Solve for x , if tan(cos −1 x ) = [ISC, 2016] +
5 −1 7 8  + tan −1 1
= tan  1  18
 1 − x2  1− 
 56 
Sol. \ cos −1 x = tan −1  
 x   3 1
= tan −1   + tan −1
 11  18
  1 − x2    2 
\ tan tan −1   =  3 1 
   x    5  +
  −1  11 18   1
= tan  = tan −1  
3 1  3
1 − x2 2
 1 − × 
= 11 18
x 5 = cot −1 (3) = RHS

Squaring on both sides, we get
Q. 12. Find the greatest and least values of :
1 − x2 4
= (sin −1 x )2 + (cos −1 x )2 .
x2 5
⇒ Sol. (sin −1 x )2 + (cos −1 x )2
5 − 5x 2 = 4 x 2
⇒
9x 2 = 5 = (sin −1 x + cos −1 x )2 − 2 sin −1 x cos −1 x
5 2
x=±  π π 
⇒ 3 =   − 2 sin −1 x  − sin −1 x
 2 2 
[ISC Marking Scheme, 2016]
π2
= − π sin −1 x + 2(sin −1 x )2
−1 1 2 1 4
Q. 10. Prove that : tan + tan −1 = sin −1 [ISC, 2013] 4
4 9 2 5
 π π2 
−1 1 2 = 2 (sin −1 x )2 − sin −1 x + 
Sol. LHS = tan + tan −1  2 8 
4 9
 π
2
π2 
 1 2  = 2  sin −1 x −  + 
 +   ∵ xy < 1   4 16 
−1
= tan  4 9 , 
 1 2 
 1 −  1  2   i.e., × < 1 \ Least value
      4 9
4 9   π2  π2

= 2  =
 9+8   16  8
−1  36 
= tan  36 − 2  and Greatest value
   π π  2 π 2  5π 2
36  = 2  − −  +  =
 2 4  16 

4
 17 
= tan −1  
 34  x2 + 1
Q. 13. Show that : sin[cot −1 (cos (tan −1 x ))] =
x2 + 2
2  1 1   1 
= tan −1   =  2 tan −1   
2  2 2   2   1 
Sol. Here, cos(tan −1 x ) = cos cos −1 
  1   x 2 + 1 
 2  
1  2 
= sin −1 =
1
2  1
2
2
 1+    x +1
   2  
[∵ cos(cos−1 x ) = x ∀ x ∈[ −1, 1]]
 
1  −1 1   1   x2 + 1 
=  sin  cot −1  = sin −1 
2 1  
 x 2 + 2 
1+   x2 + 1 
 4
1 4   1    x2 + 1  
= sin −1 = RHS Hence Proved.
2 5 \ sin cot −1   = sin sin −1  2 
  x + 1  
2   x + 2  
 
Q. 11. Prove that : cot −1 7 + cot −1 8 + cot −1 18 = cot −1 3.
x2 + 1
Sol. Let, LHS = cot–1 7 + cot–1 8 + cot–1 18 =
1 1 1 x2 + 2
= tan −1 + tan −1 + tan −1
7 8 18 [∵ sin(sin −1 x ) = x ∀ x ∈[ −1, 1]]
 Q. 14. Solve for x : Q. 16. Show that :
3 3 8 p
 2a   2b  tan −1 + tan −1 − tan −1 =
sin −1  2
+ sin −1  −1
 = 2 tan x. 4 5 19 4
1+ a   1 + b2 
a+b 3 3 8
then show that x = . Sol. LHS = tan −1 + tan −1 − tan −1
1 − ab 4 5 19
2a  15 + 12 
Sol. We have, sin −1 = 2 tan–1 a   8
1 + a2 = tan  2020
−1
− tan −1
−9  19
2b  

and sin −1 = 2 tan–1 b 20 
1 + b2
 −1  x + y 

The equation becomes −1 −1
∵tan x + tan y = tan  

 1 − xy  

2 tan −1 a + 2 tan −1 b = 2 tan −1 x

27 8
 = tan −1 − tan −1
−1 −1 2 x  11 19
∵ 2 tan x = sin 
1 + x2   
−1 −1 −1  x − y 
⇒
tan −1 a + tan −1 b = tan −1 x ∵tan x − tan y = tan   
  1 + xy 
 a+b   27 8   513 − 88 
⇒ tan −1  = tan −1 x −
 1 − ab  −1  11 19  −1  209 
= tan  = tan 
27 × 8  209 + 216 
a+b  1 +   
⇒
x=  Hence Proved. 11 × 19  209 
1 − ab
 425 
= tan −1  = tan −1 1 = π
Q. 15. Write in the simplest form :  425  4
−1  cos x   π π
tan 

1 + sin x  , x ∈ − 2 , 2  x x−y π
   
Q. 17. Show that : tan −1 − tan −1 =
cos x  y x+y 4
Sol. Given, tan −1 
 1 + sin x  x x−y
Sol. LHS = tan −1 − tan −1
y x+y
 2 x 2 x 
 ∵ cos x = cos 2 − sin 2   x x−y 
  − 
x 
2
x
and 1 + sin x =  cos + sin   = tan −1  y x+y 
  2 2     x x − y 
1 +    
    y   x + y  
2 x 2 x
 cos − sin 
= tan  −1 2 2   −1 −1 −1  x − y 

 x x 
2
∵tan x − tan y = tan   
 1 + xy
  cos 2 + sin 2    
 
 x ( x + y ) − y( x − y ) 
 x x x x   y( x + y ) 
  cos + sin   cos − sin   = tan  −1

−1  2 2 2 2 
= tan  2
 y( x + y ) + x ( x − y ) 
  x x    y( x + y ) 
  cos + sin  
 2 2 
 2 
= tan −1  x + xy − xy + y 
2

 x x
 xy + y + x − xy 
2 2
 cos − sin 
= tan 
−1 2 2 ,
x x  2 
= tan −1 x + y = tan −1 1 = π Hence Proved.
2
 cos + sin 
 2 2  x 2 + y 2  4
x
Divide by cos , we get 5 3 63
2 Q. 18. Show that : sin
−1
+ cos−1 = tan −1
13 5 16
 x
 1 − tan  5 3
= tan  −1 2 Sol. LHS = sin −1 + cos−1
x 13 5
 1 + tan 
 2 −1−1 −1−1  x 
∵ sinn x ==t tan  
π x π x 1 − x2 
= tan −1 tan  −   = −
  4 2  4 2
 5 
5  
sin −1 −1
= tan  13 
13  1 − 25 
 
169

 
∵ si =an  
 1− 2
 −1 5 3 63 x x
Q. 18. Show that : sin + cos−1 = tan −1 Put = tan θ or θ = tan −1
13 5 16 a a
5 3  3 tan θ − tan 3 θ 
Sol. LHS = sin −1 + cos−1 = tan −1  
13 5  1 − 3 tan θ 
2

−1−1 −1−1  x  = tan–1(tan 3q)

∵ sinn x ==t tan  
1 − x2  −1  x 
= 3q = 3 tan   = RHS
a
 5 
5   π
sin −1 −1
= tan  13 Q. 20. Prove that : sin −1 x + cos−1 x = ; if ∈ x[ −1, 1]
 2
13  1 − 25 
  Sol. We have x ∈ [– 1, 1]
169
  π π 
Let x = sin q ∵ θ ∈  − ,  
5   2 2 
−1 13  5
∵ si
=an
= tan  = tan −1
2 
⇒ q = sin–1x
 1144
−  12
π π
169 ⇒ − £q£
2 2
 1 − x2  π π
and
−1
cos–1x = tan   ⇒ ³–q³–
 x  2 2
π π π π π
 9  ⇒ + ³ –q³– +
 1 − 25  2 2 2 2 2
−1 3 −1
\ cos = tan  
5  3  ⇒ p³ π −θ≥0
 5  2
 π 
 16  Now, cos  − θ  = sin q = x
  2 x
−1 25 −1  4  x
= tan 
3  = tan   π x
  3 ⇒
  − θ = cos–1x
5 2
π
5 3 ⇒ cos–1x = − sin −1 x
Now, LHS = sin −1
+ cos −1 2
13 5
5 4 π
= tan −1 + tan −1 ⇒ sin–1x + cos–1x = 2 , if x ∈[ − 1, 1]
12 3
Q. 21. Prove that : sin–1x + sin–1y = sin–1 ( x 1 − y + y 1 − x );if x − y ≤ 1
2 2 2 2

 5 4  if x 2 − y 2 ≤ 1.
+ ( x 1 − y 2 + y 1 − x 2 ) if
−1  12 3 
= tan 
5×4  Sol. Let sin–1x = A and sin–1y = B
 1 − 
 12 × 3 
⇒ x = sin A and y = sin B
 −1 −1 −1 x + y 
∵tan x + tan y = tan  \ cos A = 1 − y2
 1 − xy  1 − x 2 , cos B =
15 + 48 We have sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B
36  63 
= tan −1
= tan −1   = RHS
36 − 20  16  Þ sin(A + B) = x 1 − y 2 + y 1 − x 2
36
 3 a2 x − x 3 
Q. 19. Show that : tan  3 −1 x
= 3 tan −1  
Þ (
A + B = sin −1 x 1 − y 2 + y 1 − x 2 )
 a − 3 ax 2  a

 3a 2 x − x 3 
\ sin–1x + sin–1y = sin −1 (x 1 − y2 + y 1− x ) 2

Sol. LHS= tan −1  3

 a − 3ax 2 
on dividing by a3,
 x x3 
 3 − 3 
= tan −1  a a2 
 x 
 1 − 3  a 2  

  x   x 3 
 3   −   
= tan −1
 a a 
2
   
x
 1 − 3  a  
 