Q.Find the principal value of the following: tan−1(−1)
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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−1(x) lies in the interval (−2π,2π), and we need the angle whose tangent is −1.
Step 1: Recall that tan(−4π)=−1. …
The principal value of tan−1(−1) is −4π. This comes from the fact that the inverse tangent function's principal value branch lies in (−2π,2π), and within that interval, the angle whose tangent is −1 is −4π.
Why the Principal Value Matters
When you see tan−1(−1), you might think "tangent is −1 at −4π, 43π, 47π, and infinitely many other angles." That's correct — the equation tanθ=−1 has infinitely many solutions because tangent is periodic with period π.
But the inverse trigonometric functions are defined as functions, meaning they must give exactly one output for each input. To achieve this, we restrict the domain of the original trigonometric function so that it becomes one-to-one. For tan−1, the standard restriction (called the principal value branch) is:
The principal value of tan−1x is the unique angle θ such that:
θ=tan−1x⟺tanθ=xandθ∈(−2π,2π)
The interval (−2π,2π) is chosen because:
- Tangent is strictly increasing and continuous there (so it's one-to-one).
- It covers all real outputs of tangent (since tanθ→−∞ as θ→−2π+ and tanθ→∞ as θ→2π−).
- It's symmetric about 0, which makes the function odd: tan−1(−x)=−tan−1x.
A common mistake is to pick 43π as the answer because tan43π=−1. But 43π=135∘ lies outside (−2π,2π), so it is not the principal value. The principal value must always lie in the restricted interval.
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Set up the equation.
Let θ=tan−1(−1). By definition, this means:
tanθ=−1
and θ must lie in the principal value interval:
θ∈(−2π,2π)
2. Find all angles where tanθ=−1.
Tangent equals −1 when sine and cosine have equal magnitude but opposite signs. The reference angle is 4π (since tan4π=1). The general solution for tanθ=−1 is: …
Method: Evaluating an inverse tangent at a standard value
For any tan−1 of a familiar number, the goal is the one angle in the principal branch with that tangent.
Steps
Step 1: Recall the branch
tan−1 outputs angles in (−2π,2π), where tangent is strictly increasing, so each value of tangent corresponds to exactly one angle.
Step 2: Match a standard tangent
Identify the acute angle whose tangent equals the magnitude of the argument (the key value here is tan4π=1).
Step 3: Apply oddness for the sign …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Picking 43π since tan43π=−1
Why it's wrong: 43π is outside (−2π,2π), so it is not a principal value. Correct approach: choose −4π, the angle with tangent −1 inside the branch. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- 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 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 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-2026-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.Number of values of a complex number z satisfying the condition z=z2+iIm(z) is (A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
By substituting z=x+iy into the given equation and equating the real and imaginary parts, we find two distinct values for z. The number of such values is 2.
The problem asks us to find the number of complex numbers z that satisfy the given equation z=z2+iIm(z). When an equation involves both the complex number z and its real or imaginary parts, or its conjugate, the most straightforward approach is often to express z in its rectangular form, z=x+iy, where x and y are real numbers. This allows us to separate the equation into two real equations by equating the real and imaginary parts on both sides.
Here's how we solve it:
-
Represent z in rectangular form:
Let z=x+iy, where x and y are real numbers.
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Express Im(z) in terms of x and y:
If z=x+iy, then its conjugate is z=x−iy.
The imaginary part of z is Im(z)=−y.
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Substitute these into the given equation:
The given equation is z=z2+iIm(z).
Substitute z=x+iy and Im(z)=−y:
x+iy=(x+iy)2+i(−y)
Expand the term (x+iy)2:
(x+iy)2=x2+2ixy+(iy)2=x2+2ixy−y2.
So the equation becomes:
x+iy=(x2−y2+2ixy)−iy
Group the real and imaginary terms on the right side:
x+iy=(x2−y2)+i(2xy−y)
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Equate the real and imaginary parts:
For two complex numbers to be equal, their real parts must be equal, and their imaginary parts must be equal.
Equating the real parts:
x=x2−y2(Equation 1)
Equating the imaginary parts:
y=2xy−y(Equation 2)
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Solve the system of real equations:
Let's start with Equation 2, as it often simplifies nicely:
y=2xy−y
Add y to both sides:
2y=2xy
Move all terms to one side:
2y−2xy=0
Factor out 2y:
2y(1−x)=0
This equation implies that either 2y=0 or 1−x=0.
So, we have two cases:
- Case A: y=0
- Case B: x=1
Let's analyze each case:
Case A: y=0 …
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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 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): …
- 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 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.If ω=1 is a cube root of unity, then one root among the 7th roots of (1+ω) is (A) 1+ω (B) ω−ω2ω (C) 1−ω (D) ω−ω2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since 1+ω=−ω2 and (1+ω)6=ω12=1, the number 1+ω is itself a 7th root of (1+ω) — option (A).
Using 1+ω+ω2=0 gives 1+ω=−ω2. A number z is a 7th root of (1+ω) iff z7=1+ω.
Test z=1+ω=−ω2:
z7=(−ω2)7=−ω14=−ω12⋅ω2=−ω2=1+ω,
because ω12=(ω3)4=1. Hence z7=1+ω, so 1+ω is a 7th root of (1+ω) — equivalently (1+ω)6=ω12=1. …
- 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 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 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. …
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