Q.The principal value of tan−13 is __________.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Principal Value Domain
Principal Value Domain (Principal Branch)
Take sinx=21. It has infinitely many solutions: x=6π,65π,613π,−67π,… — every angle whose sine is 21. So if we want an inverse that returns a single angle for sin−1(0.5), we must first agree on one angle to report. A function is allowed only one output per input, and sinx over all of R is many-to-one — it fails the horizontal line test and cannot be inverted as it stands.
The idea: restrict to one clean interval
For each trigonometric ratio we restrict the angle to a single standard interval on which the function is one-to-one while still covering its entire range exactly once. On that interval the inverse becomes well-defined and single-valued. That interval — the set of angles the inverse is allowed to return — is the principal value branch (also called the principal value domain).
The interval is chosen to be strictly monotonic, to hit every output once, and to sit as close to 0 as possible. For sine that is [−2π,2π], where sin increases from −1 to 1.
The principal value branch of an inverse trig function is the interval of angles it returns — the restricted interval on which the original ratio is one-to-one and onto its range.
| Inverse function | Domain (allowed inputs x) | Principal value branch (angles returned) |
|---|---|---|
| sin−1x | [−1,1] | [−2π,2π] |
| cos−1x | [−1,1] | [0,π] |
| tan−1x | R | (−2π,2π) |
| cot−1x | R | (0,π) |
| sec−1x | (−∞,−1]∪[1,∞) | [0,π]∖{2π} |
| csc−1x | (−∞,−1]∪[1,∞) | [−2π,2π]∖{0} |
Why the intervals differ …
The key idea is that the principal value of tan−1x lies in the open interval (−2π,2π).
We need the angle θ such that tanθ=3 and θ is in (−2π,2π). …
The principal value of tan−13 is 3π. This comes from the fact that tan3π=3 and 3π lies in the principal value branch of the inverse tangent function, which is (−2π,2π).
Why the principal value matters
When you see tan−1x, it asks: which angle θ has tangent equal to x? But here’s the catch — the tangent function is periodic, repeating every π radians. So there are infinitely many angles with the same tangent. For example, tan3π=3, but also tan34π=3, tan37π=3, and so on.
To make tan−1 a proper function (one input gives exactly one output), we restrict the range to a specific interval called the principal value branch. For tan−1, that branch is (−2π,2π) — the open interval between −2π and 2π.
A common mistake is to pick any angle whose tangent is 3, like 34π. But 34π is outside (−2π,2π), so it is not the principal value. Always check the branch.
Step-by-step
- Identify the equation. We want θ=tan−13. By definition, this means tanθ=3 and θ must lie in the principal value branch (−2π,2π). …
Method: Evaluating tan−1 of a standard value
Steps
Step 1: Recall the range (−2π,2π).
Step 2: Match the value to a standard angle.
Find θ whose tangent equals the given number from the standard table: tan6π=31, tan4π=1, tan3π=3. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing 3 with 31.
Why it's wrong: tan6π=31, not 3. Correct approach: tan3π=3, so tan−13=3π.
Mistake 2: Offering 34π. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.The amplitude of the complex number (−1+i)(−1−i)(3+i)(1−3i) is (A) 2π (B) 3π (C) −125π (D) −6π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The amplitude (argument) is −6π, so the answer is (D).
Write each factor in polar form and combine arguments (add for products, subtract for the quotient).
Numerator
- 3+i: modulus 2, argument 6π.
- 1−3i: modulus 2, argument −3π.
Numerator argument =6π−3π=−6π.
Denominator …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.The amplitude of the complex number (−1+i)(−1−i)(3+i)(1−3i) is (A) 2π (B) 3π (C) −125π (D) −6π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The expression reduces to 3−i, whose amplitude is −6π. Option (D).
Solution
Simplify numerator and denominator directly.
Numerator:
(3+i)(1−3i)=3−3i+i−3i2=3−2i+3=23−2i.
Denominator: the factors are conjugates, so
(−1+i)(−1−i)=(−1)2−(i)2=1+1=2.
Therefore
z=223−2i=3−i. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If z=(1−i)2(2−i)(1+i)3, then Arg(z)= (A) tan−1(31)−π (B) tan−1(43)−π (C) π−tan−1(43) (D) tan−1(31)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to simplify the complex number z into standard form a+bi by expanding powers and rationalising, then compute its argument using tan−1(b/a) and adjust for the correct quadrant. The final argument is tan−1(1/3)−π, so the correct option is (A).
We are given
z=(1−i)2(2−i)(1+i)3.
We need Arg(z), the principal argument (usually in (−π,π]). The trick is to simplify z to a form a+bi and then find the angle.
Concept & Intuition
The argument of a complex number is the angle it makes with the positive real axis. When a complex number is expressed as a fraction of products, we can either simplify algebraically or use properties of arguments (sum/difference of angles). Here, direct algebraic simplification is straightforward because the powers are small. The pitfall: forgetting to check which quadrant the simplified number lies in — the arctan formula alone gives only the reference angle.
Step-by-step solution
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Simplify (1+i)3
First, (1+i)2=1+2i+i2=1+2i−1=2i.
Then (1+i)3=(1+i)(2i)=2i+2i2=2i−2=−2+2i.
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Simplify (1−i)2
(1−i)2=1−2i+i2=1−2i−1=−2i.
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Write z with these simplifications
z=−2i(2−i)(−2+2i).
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Multiply numerator
(2−i)(−2+2i)=2(−2+2i)−i(−2+2i)=−4+4i+2i−2i2.
Since i2=−1, −2i2=−2(−1)=2.
So numerator = −4+4i+2i+2=−2+6i.
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Now z=−2i−2+6i
Multiply numerator and denominator by i to rationalise:
z=−2i⋅i(−2+6i)⋅i=−2i2−2i+6i2.
Since i2=−1, we get:
z=−2(−1)−2i+6(−1)=2−2i−6=2−6−2i=−3−i.
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Identify real and imaginary parts
So z=−3−i, i.e. a=−3, b=−1. Both are negative, so z lies in the third quadrant.
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Find the argument
The reference angle θ0=tan−1ab=tan−1(31). …
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=tan(x+1+4π) is a real valued function then the range of f is (A) [−1,1] (B) (0,1] (C) [−1,∞) (D) R
›Reveal solutionSolution
The function is a composition of a decreasing inner square-root expression and the tangent function over a restricted domain; the range is (0,1], so option (B) is correct.
We need the range of f(x)=tan(x+1+4π) for real x where the function is defined.
The key is to find what values the argument of tan can take, then see what outputs tan gives on that interval.
Concept & Intuition
The tangent function is periodic and unbounded, but here its argument is squeezed into a small interval because the denominator x+1+4 is always at least 4. That means the fraction big numberπ stays small — specifically between 0 and 4π. On (0,4π), tan is positive, increasing, and bounded between 0 and 1. So the range is (0,1].
Step-by-step reasoning
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Domain of f
We need x+1 defined, so x+1≥0⇒x≥−1.
Also, the denominator x+1+4 is never zero (it’s always ≥4), so no further restriction.
Domain: [−1,∞).
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Behavior of the inner expression
Let t=x+1. For x≥−1, t≥0.
Then the argument of tan is
θ=t+4π.
As x increases from −1 to ∞, t increases from 0 to ∞.
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Range of θ
- When x=−1: t=0, so θ=4π.
- As x→∞: t→∞, so θ→0+. Since t+4 increases, θ decreases continuously. Hence θ∈(0,4π].
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Apply tan
On the interval (0,4π], tan is:
- Continuous and strictly increasing.
- tan(0+)=0+ (approaches 0 from above). …
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- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-05-FN1 markMCQQ.Let k>0 and t=Sech−1(21)−Cosech−1(k3). If 3et=2+3, then k= (A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 33 (D) 32
›Reveal solutionSolution
This problem requires converting inverse hyperbolic functions into their logarithmic forms, then simplifying the expression for t and solving the given exponential equation. We find that k=4.
The core idea here is to express the inverse hyperbolic functions in their equivalent logarithmic forms. This transforms the problem from one involving less familiar functions into a standard algebraic manipulation of logarithms and exponentials.
Here are the relevant logarithmic identities for the inverse hyperbolic functions involved:
For 0<x≤1, Sech−1(x)=log(x1+1−x2).
For x>0, Cosech−1(x)=log(x1+1+x2).
Let's apply these formulas step-by-step.
- Evaluate Sech−1(21): We use the formula for Sech−1(x) with x=21.
Sech−1(21)=log(211+1−(21)2)
First, calculate the term under the square root:1−(21)2=1−41=43
So, $\sqrt{1 - \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{3}{4}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$. Substitute this back into the logarithm:Sech−1(21)=log(211+23)=log(2122+3)=log(2+3)
- Evaluate Cosech−1(k3): We use the formula for Cosech−1(x) with x=k3. Since k>0, we know k3>0.
Cosech−1(k3)=log(k31+1+(k3)2)
Simplify the term under the square root:1+(k3)2=1+k29=k2k2+9
So, $\sqrt{1 + \left(\frac{3}{k}\right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{k^2 + 9}{k^2}} = \frac{\sqrt{k^2 + 9}}{k}$ (since $k > 0$). Substitute this back into the logarithm:Cosech−1(k3)=log(k31+kk2+9)=log(k3kk+k2+9)=log(3k+k2+9)
- Substitute these into the expression for t: We are given t=Sech−1(21)−Cosech−1(k3).
t=log(2+3)−log(3k+k2+9)
Using the logarithm property $\log a - \log b = \log\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)$:t=log(3k+k2+92+3)=log(k+k2+93(2+3))
- Use the given equation 3et=2+3 to solve for k: First, isolate et:
et=32+3
Now, substitute the expression for $t$ we found: $$ e^{\log\left(\frac{3(2 + \sqrt{3})}{k + \sqrt{k^2 + 9}}\right)} = \frac{2 + \sqrt{3}}{3} $$ … - TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If one of the values of −1−3i is a+iβ, α<0 and β>0, then α= (A) −21 (B) −23 (C) −3 (D) −2
›Reveal solutionSolution
−1−3i=2cis34π; its square roots are 2cis32π and 2cis35π. The root with α<0,β>0 gives α=−21.
Write the radicand in polar form. For −1−3i: modulus =1+3=2, and the point (−1,−3) is in the third quadrant, so its argument is 34π (equivalently −32π):
−1−3i=2(cos34π+isin34π).
The square roots have modulus 2 and arguments 21⋅34π=32π and 32π+π=35π: …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.If 3i=cisα, α belongs to second quadrant and 3−i=cisβ, β belongs to third quadrant then cisα+cisβ= (A) 3 (B) i (C) −i (D) −3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The cube roots of i and −i are found by De Moivre’s theorem; using the quadrant conditions picks the correct angles, and their sum simplifies to −3.
The problem asks for the sum of two complex numbers, each given in cis form (cis θ=cosθ+isinθ). The cube root of a complex number is not unique — there are three distinct cube roots. The quadrant condition for α and β picks exactly one of those three for each. Once we have the correct angles, adding the two cis values is straightforward trigonometry.
- Find the cube roots of i. Write i in polar form: i=cis2π. By De Moivre’s theorem, the cube roots are
cis(3π/2+2kπ),k=0,1,2.
That gives the three angles:
6π,6π+32π=65π,6π+34π=23π.
The second quadrant contains angles between 2π and π. Among these, only 65π lies there.
Hence α=65π.
- Find the cube roots of −i. Write −i=cis(−2π) or equivalently cis23π. The cube roots are
cis(3−π/2+2kπ),k=0,1,2.
The three angles are:
−6π,−6π+32π=2π,−6π+34π=67π.
The third quadrant covers angles from π to 23π. Only 67π falls there.
Hence β=67π. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If Z1=3+i3 and Z2=3+i, and (Z2Z1)50=x+iy, then the point (x,y) lies in (A) first quadrant (B) second quadrant (C) third quadrant (D) fourth quadrant
›Reveal solutionSolution
Work in polar form: arg(Z1/Z2)=4π−6π=12π, so the 50th power has argument 1250π=625π≡6π. Both x and y are positive, so (x,y) is in the first quadrant — option (A).
Step 1 — argument of Z1=3+i3.
θ1=arctan33=arctan1=4π.
Step 2 — argument of Z2=3+i.
θ2=arctan31=6π.
Step 3 — argument of the quotient.
arg(Z2Z1)=θ1−θ2=4π−6π=123π−2π=12π.
Step 4 — raise to the 50th power (De Moivre).
arg(Z2Z1)50=50⋅12π=625π. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.The domain of the real valued function f(x)=cos(sinx)+cos−1(2x1+x2) is (A) (−1,1) (B) [−1,1] (C) R−(−1,1) (D) {−1,1}
›Reveal solutionSolution
The domain is the set of real numbers where both terms are defined: the square root requires cos(sinx)≥0 (true for all real x), and the inverse cosine requires 2x1+x2≤1 and x=0, which forces x=±1. So the domain is {−1,1}, option (D).
The key idea: a function defined by a sum is only valid where every piece is defined. Here we have a square root and an inverse cosine. The square root’s domain is where its inside is non‑negative; the inverse cosine’s domain is where its argument lies in [−1,1]. We find the intersection of these conditions.
Why this approach works:
Instead of guessing, we treat each term separately. The square root term looks scary but simplifies because sinx is bounded and cosine is always non‑negative on the range of sinx. The inverse cosine term is the restrictive one — it forces a very narrow set of x values.
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First term: cos(sinx)
For the square root to be real, we need cos(sinx)≥0.
Since sinx∈[−1,1], we check: for any y∈[−1,1], is cosy≥0?
The cosine function is non‑negative on [−π/2,π/2], and [−1,1] is a subset of that interval (because 1<π/2≈1.57).
Therefore cos(sinx)>0 for all real x.
So the first term imposes no restriction — its domain is R.
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Second term: cos−1(2x1+x2)
The inverse cosine function cos−1(t) is defined only for t∈[−1,1].
So we require
−1≤2x1+x2≤1.
Also, the denominator 2x cannot be zero, so x=0.
- Solve the inequality Consider the right inequality first:
2x1+x2≤1.
Bring to one side:
2x1+x2−1≤0⇒2x1+x2−2x≤0⇒2x(x−1)2≤0.
The numerator (x−1)2 is always ≥0 and equals 0 only at x=1.
So the fraction is ≤0 only when the denominator is negative (since numerator is non‑negative).
That means 2x<0, i.e. x<0, or numerator = 0 (i.e. x=1).
So from this inequality: x<0 or x=1.
Now the left inequality:
−1≤2x1+x2⇒2x1+x2+1≥0⇒2x1+x2+2x≥0⇒2x(x+1)2≥0.
The numerator (x+1)2≥0, zero only at x=−1. …
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If z=(3−i)2025+(−1−3i)2026 then the point corresponding to z in Argand plane lies in (A) 1st quadrant (B) 2nd quadrant (C) 3rd quadrant (D) 4th quadrant
›Reveal solutionSolution
z=−22025+i22025(1−3): real part <0 and imaginary part <0, so z lies in the third quadrant.
First term (3−i)2025: here 3−i=2(cos(−6π)+isin(−6π)), so
(3−i)2025=22025(cos6−2025π+isin6−2025π).
Reducing the angle: −62025π=−337.5π≡2π(mod2π), so this term =22025i.
Second term (−1−3i)2026: here −1−3i=2(cos34π+isin34π), so
(−1−3i)2026=22026(cos32026⋅4π+isin32026⋅4π).
Reducing: 32026⋅4π=38104π≡34π(mod2π), giving …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.x and y are two complex numbers such that ∣x∣=∣y∣=1. If Arg(x)=2α, Arg(y)=3β and α+β=36π, then x6y4+x6y41= (A) 0 (B) −1 (C) 1 (D) 21
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to express x6y4 in polar form using the given arguments, simplify the exponent using α+β=π/36, and then evaluate z+1/z for a complex number on the unit circle — the result is 1.
We are given two complex numbers x and y on the unit circle (∣x∣=∣y∣=1), with arguments Arg(x)=2α and Arg(y)=3β, and the condition α+β=π/36.
We need x6y4+x6y41.
Concept & Intuition
When a complex number lies on the unit circle, its reciprocal equals its conjugate. So z+1/z=z+z=2Re(z).
Thus the problem reduces to finding the real part of x6y4. Since x and y are on the unit circle, their powers are also on the unit circle, and their arguments add. The given relation α+β=π/36 will simplify the total argument to a nice angle whose cosine we know exactly.
Step-by-step
- Write x and y in polar form Since ∣x∣=∣y∣=1, we have
x=ei⋅2α,y=ei⋅3β.
- Compute x6y4
x6=(ei⋅2α)6=ei⋅12α,y4=(ei⋅3β)4=ei⋅12β.
Hence
x6y4=ei(12α+12β)=ei⋅12(α+β).
- Use the given α+β=π/36
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.Let z=x+iy and P(x,y) be a point on the Argand plane. If z satisfies the condition
[!FORMULA] Arg(z+2iz−3i)=4π
then the locus of P is (A) x2+y2−y−6=0,(x,y)=(0,−2) (B) x2+y2−x−y−6=0,(x,y)=(0,−2) (C) x2+y2+5x−y−6=0,(x,y)=(0,−2) (D) x2+y2+x−y−6=0,(x,y)=(0,−2)›Reveal solutionSolution
Rationalising z+2iz−3i and setting its argument to 4π gives x2+y2+5x−y−6=0 (with (0,−2) excluded) — option (C).
Let z=x+iy, so z−3i=x+i(y−3) and z+2i=x+i(y+2). Multiply by the conjugate of the denominator:
z+2iz−3i=x2+(y+2)2[x+i(y−3)][x−i(y+2)].
Expand the numerator:
- Real part: x2+(y−3)(y+2)=x2+y2−y−6.
- Imaginary part: x(y−3)−x(y+2)=−5x.
So the number is
x2+(y+2)2(x2+y2−y−6)−5xi.
Since Arg=4π and tan4π=1, the imaginary and real parts are equal (both positive): …
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