Q.tan−1(1+x+1−x1+x−1−x)=4π−21cos−1x, −21≤x≤1 [Hint: Put x=cos2θ] Solve the following equations:
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Inverse Tangent Identity
Inverse Tangent Identities
The inverse tangent function obeys a family of addition and doubling identities that let you combine two arctangents into one. They come straight from the tangent addition formula, but they carry conditions you must respect.
The core addition identity
Start from tan(A+B)=1−tanAtanBtanA+tanB. Put A=tan−1x and B=tan−1y, so tanA=x and tanB=y. Then
tan−1x+tan−1y=tan−1(1−xyx+y),xy<1.
The restriction xy<1 keeps the combined angle inside the principal range (−π/2,π/2).
If xy>1 the raw formula lands in the wrong branch, so you must correct it:
tan−1x+tan−1y=π+tan−1(1−xyx+y) (x,y>0),
and −π+tan−1(⋅) when x,y<0. Ignoring this is the classic exam slip.
Subtraction
Replacing y with −y gives
tan−1x−tan−1y=tan−1(1+xyx−y),xy>−1.
The doubling identity
Set y=x in the addition formula:
2tan−1x=tan−1(1−x22x),−1<x<1.
The same angle can also be rewritten through sine and cosine, which is handy in integration and in proofs -- but each alternate form only matches 2tan−1x on part of its domain, so the two forms carry different conditions:
2tan−1x=sin−1(1+x22x),−1≤x≤1,
2tan−1x=cos−1(1+x21−x2),x≥0.
The cos−1 form needs x≥0 -- it fails for negative x. Check x=−1: 2tan−1(−1)=2(−4π)=−2π, but cos−1(1+11−1)=cos−1(0)=2π, the wrong sign entirely. The sin−1 form has no such restriction because sin−1 (unlike cos−1) can return a negative angle.
The complementary identity
For every real x,
tan−1x+cot−1x=2π.
This holds without restriction because tan−1 and cot−1 of the same value are complementary angles. …
Concept: Inverse Tangent Identity — The expression inside tan−1 simplifies to tan(4π−θ) when x=cos2θ.
Step 1: Substitute x=cos2θ, so 1+x=1+cos2θ=2cos2θ=2∣cosθ∣.
For the given domain −21≤x≤1, we have 0≤2θ≤43π, so θ∈[0,83π], where cosθ≥0. Hence ∣cosθ∣=cosθ.
Step 2: Similarly, 1−x=1−cos2θ=2sin2θ=2sinθ (since θ≥0, sinθ≥0).
Step 3: The fraction becomes
2cosθ+2sinθ2cosθ−2sinθ=cosθ+sinθcosθ−sinθ=1+tanθ1−tanθ=tan(4π−θ).
Step 4: Therefore,
tan−1(tan(4π−θ))=4π−θ, …
The identity simplifies a nested radical expression into a neat inverse-trig form by substituting x=cos2θ, using the half-angle formulas, and recognizing the standard inverse tangent identity. The final result is 4π−21cos−1x.
We need to show that for −21≤x≤1,
tan−1(1+x+1−x1+x−1−x)=4π−21cos−1x.
The hint suggests putting x=cos2θ. Why? Because expressions like 1±x become 1±cos2θ, which simplify beautifully using half-angle formulas. This is the classic trick: when you see 1±cos(something), think of cos2θ=2cos2θ−1=1−2sin2θ.
Let's walk through it step by step.
-
Substitute x=cos2θ.
Since x lies between −21 and 1, we have cos2θ in that range. This implies 2θ is between 0 and 43π (since cos43π=−21), so θ is between 0 and 83π. That's fine — we'll stay in the principal range where sinθ and cosθ are positive.
-
Simplify 1+x and 1−x.
Using x=cos2θ:
1+x=1+cos2θ=2cos2θ=2∣cosθ∣.
Since θ is between 0 and 83π, cosθ>0, so ∣cosθ∣=cosθ. Thus 1+x=2cosθ.
Similarly,
1−x=1−cos2θ=2sin2θ=2∣sinθ∣.
For θ in (0,83π), sinθ>0, so 1−x=2sinθ.
- Plug into the fraction. The numerator becomes:
1+x−1−x=2cosθ−2sinθ=2(cosθ−sinθ).
The denominator becomes:
1+x+1−x=2cosθ+2sinθ=2(cosθ+sinθ).
The 2 cancels, so the fraction inside the tan−1 is:
cosθ+sinθcosθ−sinθ.
- Rewrite using tangent. Divide numerator and denominator by cosθ (which is non-zero here):
1+tanθ1−tanθ.
This is a classic form: 1+tanθ1−tanθ=tan(4π−θ). Why? Because tan(A−B)=1+tanAtanBtanA−tanB, and with A=4π, tan4π=1, we get exactly 1+tanθ1−tanθ.
So the expression becomes:
tan−1(tan(4π−θ)).
- Check the range to apply the inverse. We need 4π−θ to lie in the principal range of tan−1, which is (−2π,2π). …
Method: Trigonometric substitution for radical inverse-trig identities
Use this for identities with 1+x and 1−x inside tan−1, guided by the hint x=cos2θ.
Steps
Step 1: Substitute x=cos2θ.
Then the half-angle forms apply: 1+x=2cos2θ and 1−x=2sin2θ, so 1+x=2∣cosθ∣ and 1−x=2∣sinθ∣. Fix the signs from the given domain.
Step 2: Simplify the fraction to a tangent of a shifted angle. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing 2cos2θ=2cosθ without the absolute value.
Why it's wrong: strictly 2cos2θ=2∣cosθ∣; the sign must be justified from the domain. Correct approach: the domain −21≤x≤1 gives θ∈[0,83π], where cosθ and sinθ are both positive.
Mistake 2: Applying tan−1(tanϕ)=ϕ without a range check. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 34 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.If 21sin−1(5+4cos2θ3sin2θ)=tan−1x then x= (A) tan3θ (B) 31tanθ (C) tan3θ (D) 31tan3θ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewrite the inverse-sine argument as sin(2ϕ) for a suitable tanϕ built from tanθ, so the half of the inverse sine collapses to tan−1 of that quantity directly. Answer: x=31tanθ.
Concept and Intuition
Expressions of the form A+Bcos2θksin2θ can often be massaged, after dividing through by (1+tan2θ) i.e. converting to t=tanθ, into the recognizable double-angle sine pattern 1+u22u=sin(2tan−1u) for some rescaled variable u. Spotting this pattern converts an awkward inverse-trig expression into a clean angle.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=tanθ. Recall sin2θ=1+t22t, cos2θ=1+t21−t2.
- Numerator: 3sin2θ=1+t26t.
- Denominator: 5+4cos2θ=5+1+t24(1−t2)=1+t25(1+t2)+4(1−t2)=1+t29+t2.
- So the ratio is (9+t2)/(1+t2)6t/(1+t2)=9+t26t.
- Let u=t/3. Then 1+u22u=1+t2/92t/3=(9+t2)/92t/3=9+t26t — exactly matches!
- So 9+t26t=sin(2ϕ) where tanϕ=u=t/3, i.e. ϕ=tan−1(3tanθ). …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=tan−1(1+x2−1−x21+x2+1−x2), where x2≤1. Then find dxdy (A) 4π+21cos−1(x2) (B) 4π−21cos−1(x2) (C) 1−x4−x (D) 1−x4−2x
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting x2=cosφ collapses the expression to y=π/4+21cos−1(x2), whose derivative is 1−x4−x.
Concept and Intuition
Nested-radical inverse-trig expressions like this are almost always designed to simplify via a trig substitution that turns 1±x2 into 2cos or 2sin of a half-angle, converting the whole ratio into a single tangent — much easier to differentiate than the raw radical expression.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let x2=cosφ (valid since x2≤1). Then 1+x2=2cos2(φ/2) and 1−x2=2sin2(φ/2).
- So 1+x2=2cos(φ/2) and 1−x2=2sin(φ/2).
- The ratio becomes cos(φ/2)−sin(φ/2)cos(φ/2)+sin(φ/2)=1−tan(φ/2)1+tan(φ/2)=tan(4π+2φ).
- So y=tan−1[tan(4π+2φ)]=4π+2φ=4π+21cos−1(x2). …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-AN1 markMCQQ.The number of solutions of Tan−11+21Cos−1x2−Tan−1(1+x2−1−x21+x2+1−x2)=0 is (A) 3 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) infinitely many
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests simplifying an inverse-trig expression via a trigonometric substitution, revealing that the equation is actually an identity over its whole domain. Answer: infinitely many solutions.
Concept and Intuition
The fraction 1+x2−1−x21+x2+1−x2 looks intimidating, but substituting x2=cosα converts 1±x2 into 2cos2(α/2) and 2sin2(α/2), turning the whole fraction into a clean tan(4π+2α). This is the standard trick for expressions of the form 1+x2±1−x2.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Domain: Cos−1(x2) needs x2∈[−1,1], and since x2≥0 always, effectively x2∈[0,1], i.e. x∈[−1,1]. Also need 1−x2 real, consistent.
- Let α=Cos−1(x2)∈[0,π/2] (since x2∈[0,1], α can only range over [0,π/2], not the full [0,π]).
- Then x2=cosα, so 1+x2=1+cosα=2cos2(α/2) and 1−x2=1−cosα=2sin2(α/2). Since α/2∈[0,π/4], both cos(α/2),sin(α/2)≥0, so 1+x2=2cos(α/2), 1−x2=2sin(α/2).
- The fraction becomes cos(α/2)−sin(α/2)cos(α/2)+sin(α/2)=1−tan(α/2)1+tan(α/2)=tan(4π+2α).
- Since α/2∈[0,π/4], we have 4π+2α∈[4π,2π), safely inside the principal range of Tan−1, so Tan−1[tan(4π+2α)]=4π+2α exactly (excluding x=0 where α=π/2 makes the denominator zero). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.The number of real solutions of the equation tan−1x(x+1)+sin−1x2+x+1=2π is (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) Infinitely many
›Reveal solutionSolution
The domain restrictions of tan−1⋅ and sin−1⋅ force x(x+1)=0, giving exactly two real solutions, x=0 and x=−1.
Concept and Intuition
Before manipulating an inverse-trig equation, always pin down the domain first — here the two square roots and the sin−1 range constraint do almost all the work.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let y=x2+x=x(x+1). For tan−1y to be real we need y≥0.
- Note x2+x+1=y+1. For sin−1y+1 to be defined we need 0≤y+1≤1, i.e. −1≤y≤0.
- Combining y≥0 and y≤0 forces y=0 exactly. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.The real values of x that satisfy the equation tan−1x+tan−12x=4π is (A) 4−3±17 (B) −1±3 (C) 3−1 (D) 417−3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to apply the inverse tangent addition formula tan−1a+tan−1b=tan−11−aba+b (with a domain check) and then solve the resulting quadratic, finally verifying which solutions satisfy the original equation. The only valid solution is 417−3, which corresponds to option (D).
We start with the equation
tan−1x+tan−12x=4π.
1. Recall the inverse tangent addition formula
For real numbers a and b with ab=1, we have
tan−1a+tan−1b=tan−11−aba+b+kπ,
where k is an integer chosen so that the sum lies in (−π/2,π/2) (the principal range of arctan).
Since the right-hand side is π/4, which is within (−π/2,π/2), we can safely take k=0 provided the sum of the two angles is indeed in that interval. We’ll check this later.
2. Apply the formula
Set a=x, b=2x. Then
tan−1x+tan−12x=tan−11−x⋅2xx+2x=tan−11−2x23x.
Thus the equation becomes
tan−11−2x23x=4π.
3. Remove the arctangent
Taking tangent of both sides (valid because both sides lie in (−π/2,π/2) for the moment), we get
1−2x23x=tan4π=1.
4. Solve the resulting equation
1−2x23x=1⇒3x=1−2x2.
Rearrange:
2x2+3x−1=0.
Solve using the quadratic formula:
x=4−3±9+8=4−3±17.
So the two candidates are
x1=4−3+17,x2=4−3−17.
5. Check domain and validity
We must ensure that for each candidate, the original sum of arctangents actually equals π/4 (not π/4+π or something else).
- For x2=4−3−17: …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.The value of x such that sin(2tan−143)=cos(2tan−1x) is (A) 7 (B) 73 (C) 71 (D) 74
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the tangent double-angle formulas for both sine and cosine. Answer: x=1/7.
Concept and Intuition
Both sides are "double angle of an inverse tangent," so express each side purely in terms of the tangent using sin2θ=1+t22t and cos2ϕ=1+x21−x2 (both derivable from a right triangle with opposite/adjacent =t or x).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let θ=tan−1(3/4), so tanθ=3/4.
- sin2θ=1+tan2θ2tanθ=1+9/162(3/4)=25/163/2=23⋅2516=2524.
- Let ϕ=tan−1x, so cos2ϕ=1+x21−x2.
- Equation: 1+x21−x2=2524. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.For b>a, the solution of the equation cot(cos−1x)=sec{tan−1b2−a2a} is (A) 2b2−a2b (B) 2b2−a2a (C) ab2−a2 (D) 2bb2−a2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests converting inverse trig expressions into right-triangle ratios and solving the resulting algebraic equation. The answer is x=2b2−a2b.
Concept and Intuition
For any inverse trig expression like tan−1(p/q), imagine a right triangle with opposite p and adjacent q; the hypotenuse follows from the Pythagorean theorem, and any other trig ratio of that same angle can then be read straight off the triangle. Applying this to both sides converts the equation into pure algebra in x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let θ=tan−1b2−a2a. In the corresponding right triangle: opposite =a, adjacent =b2−a2, so hypotenuse =a2+(b2−a2)=b.
- Hence secθ=adjhyp=b2−a2b.
- Let φ=cos−1x, so cosφ=x: adjacent =x, hypotenuse =1, opposite =1−x2.
- Hence cotφ=sinφcosφ=1−x2x.
- Equating: 1−x2x=b2−a2b. Squaring: 1−x2x2=b2−a2b2. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=Tan−11+cosx1−cosx, then the values of dxdy and dx2d2y respectively are ________ (A) 1, 0 (B) 2x, 21 (C) 21, 0 (D) 2−1, 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The half-angle identity collapses y to x/2, so dy/dx=1/2 and d2y/dx2=0.
Concept and Intuition
Expressions like 1+cosx1−cosx are classic half-angle simplifications; recognizing the identity turns an intimidating inverse-trig derivative problem into a trivial linear function.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Recall 1−cosx=2sin2(x/2) and 1+cosx=2cos2(x/2).
- So 1+cosx1−cosx=tan2(x/2), and tan2(x/2)=∣tan(x/2)∣.
- On the principal branch where tan(x/2)≥0 (i.e. x∈(−π,π)), y=Tan−1(tan(x/2))=2x.
- Differentiate: dxdy=21.
- Differentiate again: since dy/dx is constant, dx2d2y=0.
Common Mistakes …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-FN1 markMCQQ.If tan−1[1+1.21]+tan−1[1+2.31]+⋯+tan−1[1+n(n+1)1]=tan−1[x], then x= (A) n+11 (B) n+1n (C) n+21 (D) n+2n
›Reveal solutionSolution
Each term telescopes as tan−1(k+1)−tan−1(k); summing collapses the whole series to tan−1(n+2n), so x=n+2n.
Concept and Intuition
The key identity is tan−11+k(k+1)1=tan−1(k+1)−tan−1k, which follows from the tangent subtraction formula tan−1p−tan−1q=tan−11+pqp−q applied with p=k+1,q=k. Once each term is in this "difference" form, the whole sum telescopes, leaving only the first and last pieces.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Verify the telescoping identity: tan−1(k+1)−tan−1(k)=tan−11+(k+1)k(k+1)−k=tan−11+k(k+1)1. ✓ matches each term's form (with k=1,2,…,n).
- So the sum ∑k=1ntan−11+k(k+1)1=∑k=1n[tan−1(k+1)−tan−1(k)].
- This telescopes: all intermediate terms cancel, leaving tan−1(n+1)−tan−1(1).
- Apply the subtraction formula again: tan−1(n+1)−tan−1(1)=tan−11+(n+1)(1)(n+1)−1=tan−1n+2n. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.If the equation 2cot−1(x2+2x+k)=π−3tan−1(x2+2x+k) has two distinct real solutions, then all the values of k lie in the interval (A) (−1,2) (B) (1,∞) (C) (−∞,∞) (D) (−∞,1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The inverse-trig equation collapses, via the identity cot−1t+tan−1t=π/2, into the purely algebraic condition x2+2x+k=0; the question then just asks when this quadratic has two distinct real roots.
Concept and Intuition
tan−1t and cot−1t are complementary for every real t: cot−1t=π/2−tan−1t. Substituting this converts a mixed inverse-trig equation into a single equation in tan−1t alone, which resolves to a specific numeric value of t. Once t is pinned to a number, the "two distinct real solutions" condition is just the familiar discriminant test on the quadratic t(x)=x2+2x+k.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let t=x2+2x+k (real for every real x).
- Given: 2cot−1t=π−3tan−1t.
- Substitute cot−1t=2π−tan−1t: 2(2π−tan−1t)=π−3tan−1t.
- Expand: π−2tan−1t=π−3tan−1t.
- Cancel π: −2tan−1t=−3tan−1t⇒tan−1t=0⇒t=0. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.Match the items of List - I with those of List - II List - I: A. Tan−13+Tan−1x=Tan−18⇒x= B. Sin−1x−Cos−1x=6π⇒x= C. Sin−154+2Tan−131= D. tan(Sec−1x1)=sin(Tan−12),x>0⇒x= List - II: I. 35 II. 51 III. 23 IV. 2π V. 3π The Correct Match is: (A) A-I, B-III, C-V, D-IV (B) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I (C) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-V (D) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-V
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a match-the-column on inverse trig identities. Answer: A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I.
Concept and Intuition
Each item reduces via a standard inverse-trig identity: the tangent-addition formula, the complementary relation sin−1x+cos−1x=π/2, the double-angle formula for tan−1, and converting sec−1/tan−1 expressions into a right-triangle ratio.
Step-by-Step Solution
A. tan−13+tan−1x=tan−18. Take tangent of both sides: 1−3x3+x=8⇒3+x=8−24x⇒25x=5⇒x=51. Matches II.
B. sin−1x−cos−1x=6π, and always sin−1x+cos−1x=2π. Adding: 2sin−1x=2π+6π=32π⇒sin−1x=3π⇒x=sin3π=23. Matches III.
C. sin−154=tan−134 (right triangle with opposite 4, hypotenuse 5, adjacent 3). Also 2tan−131: using tan2θ=1−tan2θ2tanθ=1−1/92/3=8/92/3=43, so 2tan−131=tan−143. Sum =tan−134+tan−143; since 34×43=1 (reciprocal tangents), this sum is 2π. Matches IV. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-AN1 markMCQQ.dxd(Tan−1(1+sinxcosx))= (A) 21 (B) 2−1 (C) 1 (D) −1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify the argument to a single tangent of a half-angle expression, then differentiate. Answer: −21.
Concept and Intuition
Expressions like 1+sinxcosx are classic half-angle simplifications that collapse to tan(4π−2x), letting the inverse tangent cancel with the tangent directly.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Multiply numerator and denominator by (1−sinx): 1+sinxcosx=1−sin2xcosx(1−sinx)=cos2xcosx(1−sinx)=cosx1−sinx.
- This is a known identity: cosx1−sinx=tan(4π−2x). …
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