Q.Find the value of the expression sin(2tan−131)+cos(tan−122).
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Trigonometric Simplification
You know sin2x+cos2x=1 — but the skill of turning a messy trig expression into that kind of clean form is trigonometric simplification. Because sines, cosines and their relatives are all tied together by identities from the unit circle, a tangled combination can almost always be rewritten as something shorter: a single term, a constant, or an easier combination.
Your core toolkit
Pythagorean: sin2θ+cos2θ=1,1+tan2θ=sec2θ,1+cot2θ=csc2θ
Reciprocal: cscθ=sinθ1, secθ=cosθ1, cotθ=tanθ1
Quotient: tanθ=cosθsinθ,cotθ=sinθcosθ
How the process feels
Simplify 1+cosxsinx+sinx1+cosx. Over a common denominator the numerator is sin2x+(1+cosx)2=sin2x+1+2cosx+cos2x. The Pythagorean identity turns sin2x+cos2x into 1, giving 2+2cosx=2(1+cosx), so
sinx(1+cosx)2(1+cosx)=sinx2=2cscx.
A two-term sum collapses to one term.
Strategies that usually work
- Convert everything to sines and cosines — cancellations then appear.
- Spot Pythagorean pairs and replace them with 1 (or sec2, csc2).
- Factor and cancel as you would with ordinary algebra.
- Multiply by a conjugate — e.g. multiply 1+sinx1 by 1−sinx1−sinx to unlock a Pythagorean identity. …
Concept: Inverse trigonometric functions and their composition with trigonometric ratios — using right-triangle geometry or substitution.
Let θ=tan−131. Then tanθ=31.
We need sin2θ=1+tan2θ2tanθ=1+912⋅31=10/92/3=53.
Now let ϕ=tan−122. Then tanϕ=22. …
The key is to rewrite each inverse-trig term as an angle of a right triangle, then use double-angle identities. The expression simplifies to 1514.
Concept & Intuition
When you see tan−131, think: "this is an angle whose tangent is 31." Draw a right triangle where the opposite side is 1 and the adjacent side is 3. The hypotenuse then comes from Pythagoras. Once you have all three sides, you can read off sin and cos of that angle directly — no calculator needed.
The same idea works for tan−122. That's an angle whose tangent is 22. Again, build the triangle: opposite =22, adjacent =1, find the hypotenuse.
Then the problem becomes just plugging into sin(2θ) and cos(ϕ) — both of which are straightforward with the triangle values.
A common mistake
Students often try to apply the formula sin(2tan−1x)=1+x22x without checking the quadrant. Here both angles are acute (positive arguments), so it's safe — but always verify the range of the inverse function.
Step-by-step solution
1. Handle sin(2tan−131)
Let θ=tan−131. Then tanθ=31 and θ is acute (0<θ<2π).
Draw a right triangle with opposite =1, adjacent =3. Hypotenuse:
h=12+32=10
So:
sinθ=101,cosθ=103
Now use the double-angle identity:
sin(2θ)=2sinθcosθ=2⋅101⋅103=106=53 …
Method: Trig functions of inverse-tangent angles via a right triangle
To evaluate sin, cos (or their multiple-angle versions) of an angle given as tan−1k, model the angle with a right triangle so every ratio can be read off directly.
Steps
Step 1: Name each inverse as an angle and build its triangle.
If θ=tan−1k, take opposite =k, adjacent =1, so hypotenuse =1+k2. Then sinθ=1+k2k, cosθ=1+k21.
Step 2: For a doubled angle, use a double-angle identity.
sin2θ=2sinθcosθ=1+k22k,cos2θ=1+k21−k2.
Step 3: Read the single-angle terms straight from the triangle. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Computing sin(2tan−131) as 2sin(tan−131).
Why it's wrong: sin2θ=2sinθ. Correct approach: use sin2θ=2sinθcosθ=1+t22t with t=31, giving 53.
Mistake 2: Slipping the hypotenuse for tan−1(22). …
Showing the 12 most recent of 34 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.2tan−1(31)+tan−1(71)= (A) tan−1(2949) (B) 2π (C) 0 (D) 4π
›Reveal solutionSolution
We simplify the expression by first converting 2tan−1(31) into a single tan−1 term, then combining it with tan−1(71) using the sum formula for inverse tangents. The final result is 4π.
The problem asks us to evaluate an expression involving inverse tangent functions. The key to solving this is to use the standard addition formulas for inverse tangents to simplify the expression step-by-step. We have a term of the form 2tan−1x and then a sum of two tan−1 terms.
Here are the relevant formulas we will use:
2tan−1x=tan−1(1−x22x), for −1<x<1.
[!FORMULA]
tan−1x+tan−1y=tan−1(1−xyx+y), for xy<1.
Let's break down the calculation.
- Simplify the 2tan−1(31) term: We start by simplifying the first part of the expression, 2tan−1(31). We use the formula 2tan−1x=tan−1(1−x22x). Here, x=31. Since −1<31<1, the formula is applicable.
2tan−1(31)=tan−1(1−(31)22(31))
=tan−1(1−9132)
=tan−1(99−132)
=tan−1(9832)
To simplify the fraction, we multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator:=tan−1(32×89)
=tan−1(2418)
=tan−1(43)
So, the original expression becomes $\tan^{-1} \left( \frac{3}{4} \right) + \tan^{-1} \left( \frac{1}{7} \right)$.2. Combine the two tan−1 terms:
Now we have an expression of the form tan−1x+tan−1y, where x=43 and y=71. We use the formula tan−1x+tan−1y=tan−1(1−xyx+y).
First, we check the condition xy<1:
xy=(43)(71)=283. Since 283<1, the formula is applicable. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.cos−153+sin−1135+tan−16316= (A) 2π (B) 3π (C) 4π (D) 6π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The sum of the three inverse trigonometric functions simplifies to 2π by converting each into an angle of a right triangle, adding two of them using the tangent addition formula, and recognizing the complementary angle relationship.
We are asked to evaluate
cos−153+sin−1135+tan−16316.
The key idea is to interpret each inverse trig function as an angle in a right triangle, then combine them using known identities — specifically the tangent addition formula — to see if the total is a standard angle like 2π, 3π, etc.
-
Interpret each term as an angle in a right triangle.
- Let α=cos−153. Then cosα=53, so in a right triangle with adjacent 3 and hypotenuse 5, the opposite side is 52−32=4. Hence tanα=34.
- Let β=sin−1135. Then sinβ=135, so opposite 5, hypotenuse 13, adjacent 132−52=12. Hence tanβ=125.
- Let γ=tan−16316. Then tanγ=6316 directly.
-
We want α+β+γ.
First, combine α and β using the tangent addition formula:
tan(α+β)=1−tanαtanβtanα+tanβ=1−34⋅12534+125.
Compute numerator: 34=1216, so 1216+125=1221=47.
Denominator: 1−3620=1−95=94.
Thus
tan(α+β)=4/97/4=47⋅49=1663.
- Now add γ. We have tan(α+β)=1663 and tanγ=6316. Notice that
1663⋅6316=1,
so tan(α+β) and tanγ are reciprocals.
For positive acute angles, if tanA=tanB1, then A+B=2π (since tan(2π−θ)=cotθ). …
-
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.tan−121+tan−131+tan−132+tan−151= (A) 4π (B) tan−1(117) (C) 2π (D) tan−1(2423)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The sum of the four arctangents simplifies to π/4 by repeatedly applying the tangent addition formula and noticing that the combined angle lies in the first quadrant. The correct option is (A).
We are asked to evaluate
tan−121+tan−131+tan−132+tan−151.
The key idea is to combine arctangents two at a time using the formula
tan−1a+tan−1b=tan−11−aba+b,
but we must always check the quadrant of the resulting angle. Since all given fractions are positive and less than 1, each arctangent lies in (0,π/4). Their sum will be less than π, so we can safely use the formula without worrying about adding π corrections.
- Combine the first two terms Let α=tan−121 and β=tan−131. Then
tan(α+β)=1−21⋅3121+31=1−6165=5/65/6=1.
Since α,β<π/4, their sum is less than π/2 and positive, so
α+β=tan−11=4π.
- Combine the next two terms Let γ=tan−132 and δ=tan−151. Then
tan(γ+δ)=1−32⋅5132+51=1−1521510+153=13/1513/15=1.
Again, both angles are less than π/4, so their sum is also π/4.
- Add the two results Now we have
(tan−121+tan−131)+(tan−132+tan−151)=4π+4π=2π.
That would suggest the answer is π/2, but wait — we must check if the sum of all four original angles really equals π/2 or if there is a subtlety.
Watch outThe sum of two arctangents each equal to π/4 is π/2, but the original four angles are all less than π/4, so their total is less than π. However, π/2 is a valid possibility. But let’s verify by combining all four at once to be safe.
- Combine all four directly Let S=tan−121+tan−131+tan−132+tan−151. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.tan−153+tan−1416+tan−11919= (A) tan−1109 (B) tan−11918 (C) tan−11913 (D) tan−12056
›Reveal solutionSolution
Adding the arctangents two at a time gives tan−1109.
Solution
Use tan−1p+tan−1q=tan−11−pqp+q.
First two terms:
tan−153+tan−1416=tan−11−53⋅41653+416=tan−1205−18123+30=tan−1187153=tan−1119.
Add the third term: …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=sin−1(1+sin4x1−cos2x) then dxdy= (A) 1+sin4x2cos2x (B) 1+sin4x2sin2x (C) 1+sin8x2cos2x (D) 1+sin8x2sin2x
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to simplify the argument of the inverse sine using trigonometric identities before differentiating. After simplification, the derivative becomes 1+sin4x2sin2x, which matches option (B).
We start with
y=sin−1(1+sin4x1−cos2x).
Concept and intuition
The expression inside the inverse sine looks messy, but the numerator 1−cos2x is a classic form that simplifies to 2sin2x. That’s a huge clue: the whole fraction might simplify to something like 1+sin4x2sin2x, which is a perfect candidate for the identity sin−1(1+t22t)=2tan−1t (for ∣t∣≤1). That substitution makes differentiation straightforward.
Step-by-step
- Simplify the numerator Using the double-angle identity:
1−cos2x=2sin2x.
So the argument becomes
1+sin4x2sin2x.
- Recognize a standard form Let t=sin2x. Then the argument is
1+t22t.
This is exactly the form 1+t22t, which appears in the identity
sin−1(1+t22t)=2tan−1tfor ∣t∣≤1.
Since t=sin2x∈[0,1], the condition holds. Therefore
y=2tan−1(sin2x).
- Differentiate Differentiate y=2tan−1(sin2x):
dxdy=2⋅1+(sin2x)21⋅dxd(sin2x).
The derivative of sin2x is 2sinxcosx=sin2x. So …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If x=sin−1(cost) and y=tan−1(cost), then dxdy= (A) 1+sin2xcosx (B) 1+sin2tcost (C) 1+sin2tsint (D) 1+cos2xsinx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to express both x and y in terms of t, then use the chain rule to find dxdy as a function of x, matching option (A).
We are given:
x=sin−1(cost),y=tan−1(cost).
We need dxdy.
Concept and intuition:
Both x and y are functions of t, so we can compute dtdy and dtdx separately, then use dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt. The trick is to simplify sin−1(cost) into a nicer algebraic form in terms of t, which will make differentiation cleaner. Then we express the final answer in terms of x (since the options involve x or t).
- Simplify x Recall: sin−1(cost)=2π−t for t in [0,π], but more generally we can use the identity sin−1(cost)=2π−∣t∣? Actually, a cleaner approach: Let u=cost. Then x=sin−1(u). But we can also write cost=sin(2π−t), so
x=sin−1(sin(2π−t)).
For the principal range of sin−1, we need 2π−t∈[−π/2,π/2], i.e., t∈[0,π]. Assuming this, we get
x=2π−t.
Hence, t=2π−x.
- Differentiate x and y with respect to t From x=2π−t, we have
dtdx=−1.
For y=tan−1(cost), differentiate:
dtdy=1+(cost)21⋅(−sint)=−1+cos2tsint.
- Find dxdy Using the chain rule: dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt=−1−1+cos2tsint=1+cos2tsint. …
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-AN1 markMCQQ.If θ is the acute angle between the curves x2+y2=20202 and x2−y2=2020, then
[!FORMULA] tanθsinθ+cosθ=
(A) 2 (B) 23+3 (C) 43+3 (D) 63+3›Reveal solutionSolution
The curves cut at 45∘, so tanθsinθ+cosθ=12=2.
Slopes at a point of intersection.
Circle x2+y2=20202: 2x+2yy′=0⇒m1=−yx.
Hyperbola x2−y2=2020: 2x−2yy′=0⇒m2=yx.
tanθ=1+m1m2m1−m2=1−x2/y2−2x/y=y2−x2−2xy.
Point of intersection. Subtracting the equations, 2y2=2020(2−1) and 2x2=2020(2+1), so
y2−x2=1010[(2−1)−(2+1)]=−2020,
x2y2=10102(2+1)(2−1)=10102⇒∣xy∣=1010.
Hence …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.If sinh−1(−3)+cosh−1(2)=K, then coshK= (A) log(2−3) (B) log(2+3) (C) 0 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to evaluate the inverse hyperbolic functions as real numbers, sum them, and then compute the hyperbolic cosine of the result. The final value is 1, so the correct option is (D).
We are given
sinh−1(−3)+cosh−1(2)=K
and asked for coshK.
Concept and Intuition
Inverse hyperbolic functions are defined in terms of logarithms, but we can also evaluate them by recalling the definitions:
- sinh−1x is the number whose hyperbolic sine is x.
- cosh−1x (for x≥1) is the non-negative number whose hyperbolic cosine is x.
We can compute each term exactly, then add them, and finally take cosh of the sum. A useful identity:
cosh(a+b)=coshacoshb+sinhasinhb
will let us avoid explicitly finding K as a logarithm — we can directly compute coshK from the known values of sinh and cosh of the individual terms.
Step-by-step solution
- Find sinh−1(−3) Let a=sinh−1(−3). Then sinha=−3. Recall that sinha=2ea−e−a. Solving:
2ea−e−a=−3⇒ea−e−a=−23
Multiply by ea:
e2a+23ea−1=0
Solve the quadratic in ea:
ea=2−23±12+4=2−23±4=−3±2
Since ea>0, we take ea=2−3 (because 2−3>0).
Thus a=log(2−3).
So sinh−1(−3)=log(2−3).
- Find cosh−1(2) Let b=cosh−1(2). Then coshb=2 and b≥0. Using coshb=2eb+e−b:
2eb+e−b=2⇒eb+e−b=4
Multiply by eb:
e2b−4eb+1=0
Solve:
eb=24±16−4=24±23=2±3 …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.If cosx+cosy=32 and sinx−siny=43, then sin(x−y)+cos(x−y)= (A) 145161 (B) 145127 (C) 21 (D) 98
›Reveal solutionSolution
We use sum‑to‑product identities to find cos2x+y and sin2x+y, then compute sin(x−y) and cos(x−y) via double‑angle formulas, obtaining 145161.
Concept & Intuition
We are given two equations mixing sums and differences of sines and cosines. The classic trick is to rewrite each as a product using sum‑to‑product identities. That isolates the half‑sum and half‑difference angles. Then we can find sin2x−y and cos2x−y from the given numbers, and finally use double‑angle formulas to get sin(x−y) and cos(x−y).
- Apply sum‑to‑product identities
cosx+cosy=2cos2x+ycos2x−y=32
sinx−siny=2cos2x+ysin2x−y=43
- Divide the two equations to eliminate cos2x+y (provided it is nonzero):
2cos2x+ycos2x−y2cos2x+ysin2x−y=2/33/4
tan2x−y=43⋅23=89
- Find sin2x−y and cos2x−y from the tangent. Let t=2x−y. Then tant=89. Construct a right triangle: opposite = 9, adjacent = 8, hypotenuse = 92+82=145. Hence
sint=1459,cost=1458.
- Use double‑angle formulas to get sin(x−y) and cos(x−y):
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.In △ABC, if acosA=bcosB=ccosC and side a=2, then area of the △ABC (in sq. units) is (A) 82 (B) 43 (C) 23 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given condition, combined with the Sine Rule, implies that the triangle is equilateral. With side a=2, the area is 3.
The problem provides a relationship between the cosines of the angles and the lengths of the sides of a triangle, and asks for its area given one side length. The key to solving this is to use the Sine Rule to express the side lengths in terms of the sines of the angles. This substitution will simplify the given condition, allowing us to determine the type of triangle. Once the type of triangle is known, calculating its area becomes straightforward.
Here's how we can approach this:
- Recall the Sine Rule: For any triangle △ABC with sides a,b,c opposite to angles A,B,C respectively, the Sine Rule states:
sinAa=sinBb=sinCc=k
where $k$ is a constant. This means we can write $a = k \sin A$, $b = k \sin B$, and $c = k \sin C$.2. Substitute into the given condition: We are given the condition acosA=bcosB=ccosC.
Substitute the expressions for a,b,c from the Sine Rule into this condition:
ksinAcosA=ksinBcosB=ksinCcosC
- Simplify the expression: Since k is a non-zero constant (as side lengths are non-zero), we can cancel k from the denominator of each term:
sinAcosA=sinBcosB=sinCcosC
Recognizing that $\frac{\cos x}{\sin x} = \cot x$, this simplifies to:cotA=cotB=cotC
- Determine the type of triangle: For angles A,B,C in a triangle, which must be between 0∘ and 180∘ (i.e., 0<A,B,C<π), if their cotangents are equal, then the angles themselves must be equal. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.limx→0sin2xcosx−3cosx= (A) 32 (B) −61 (C) −121 (D) 21
›Reveal solutionSolution
The limit simplifies by factoring out a common power of cosx and using the series expansions for cosx and (1+u)α; the final value is −121, which corresponds to option (C).
We want
L=limx→0sin2xcosx−3cosx.
Both numerator and denominator vanish as x→0, so this is a 00 form. The key is to rewrite the numerator in terms of a common factor and then use expansions near x=0.
1. Factor out the smallest power of cosx.
Write cosx=(cosx)1/2 and 3cosx=(cosx)1/3. The smaller exponent is 31, so factor (cosx)1/3 out:
(cosx)1/2−(cosx)1/3=(cosx)1/3[(cosx)1/6−1].
Thus
L=limx→0sin2x(cosx)1/3[(cosx)1/6−1].
As x→0, cosx→1, so (cosx)1/3→1. That factor is harmless; the interesting part is the bracket.
2. Expand cosx near 0.
We know
cosx=1−2x2+24x4+O(x6).
Also sin2x=x2−3x4+O(x6).
3. Expand (cosx)1/6 using (1+u)α.
Let u=cosx−1=−2x2+24x4+⋯. Then
(cosx)1/6=(1+u)1/6=1+61u+2(1/6)(1/6−1)u2+⋯
=1+61(−2x2+24x4)+61(−65)21(−2x2)2+O(x6).
Compute term by term:
- Linear in u: 61(−2x2)=−12x2, and the 24x4 part gives +144x4.
- Quadratic in u: 61⋅(−65)⋅21=−725, times u2=(−2x2)2=4x4, gives −725⋅4x4=−2885x4.
So
(cosx)1/6−1=−12x2+(1441−2885)x4+O(x6).
The x4 coefficient: 1441=2882, so 2882−2885=−2883=−961.
Thus
(cosx)1/6−1=−12x2−96x4+O(x6).
4. Assemble the limit. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.limx→0sin2xcosx−3cosx= (A) 21 (B) −121 (C) −61 (D) 32
›Reveal solutionSolution
The limit simplifies by factoring out 3cosx and using series expansions for cosx and the binomial expansion; the result is −121, so the correct option is (B).
Concept & Intuition
When x→0, both numerator and denominator approach 0, giving a 00 form. Direct substitution fails. The trick: rewrite the numerator as a common power of cosx, then expand cosx as a series near 0: cosx=1−2x2+24x4+⋯. The square and cube roots become binomial expansions (1+u)p≈1+pu+2p(p−1)u2+⋯, which lets us isolate the leading-order cancellation. The denominator sin2x≈x2 sets the scale.
Step-by-step solution
- Rewrite the numerator with a common factor Let t=cosx. Then the numerator is t1/2−t1/3. Factor out t1/3:
cosx−3cosx=(cosx)1/3[(cosx)1/6−1].
As x→0, cosx→1, so (cosx)1/3→1 and won't affect the limit's value. The key is the bracket (cosx)1/6−1.
- Expand cosx near 0
cosx=1−2x2+24x4+O(x6).
Let u=−2x2+24x4+⋯, so cosx=1+u with u→0.
- Binomial expansion for (1+u)1/6
(1+u)1/6=1+61u+2(1/6)(1/6−1)u2+O(u3).
Compute u and u2 to order x4:
- u=−2x2+24x4+⋯
- u2=(−2x2)2+⋯=4x4+⋯ (higher terms are O(x6)).
Then
(1+u)1/6=1+61(−2x2+24x4)+2(1/6)(−5/6)⋅4x4+O(x6).
Simplify:
- Linear term: −12x2+144x4
- Quadratic term: 2−5/36⋅4x4=−725⋅4x4=−2885x4.
So
(cosx)1/6=1−12x2+(1441−2885)x4+O(x6)=1−12x2−2883x4+⋯=1−12x2−96x4+⋯.
- Thus the bracket
(cosx)1/6−1=−12x2−96x4+O(x6).
- Denominator expansion sin2x=(x−6x3+⋯)2=x2−3x4+O(x6).…
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