CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Inverse Trigonometric Functions Q #1746
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
2 Marks 2026 AISSCE(Board Exam) VSA
Evaluate : $\tan^{-1}(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}})+\cot^{-1}(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}})+\tan^{-1}(\sin(-\frac{\pi}{2}))+\tan^{-1}(\tan\frac{2\pi}{3})$

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Evaluate each term individually

We solve the expression term by term using the properties of inverse trigonometric functions.

Term 1: tan-1(-1/√3). Since tan-1(-x) = -tan-1(x), we get: $$-\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right) = -\frac{\pi}{6}$$

Term 2: cot-1(1/√3). Since cot(π/3) = 1/√3, we get: $$\cot^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right) = \frac{\pi}{3}$$

Term 3: tan-1(sin(-π/2)). Since sin(-π/2) = -1, we get: $$\tan^{-1}(-1) = -\frac{\pi}{4}$$

Term 4: tan-1(tan(2π/3)). Since 2π/3 is outside the principal range (-π/2, π/2), we use tan(π - θ) = -tan(θ): $$\tan^{-1}\left(\tan\left(\pi - \frac{\pi}{3}\right)\right) = \tan^{-1}\left(-\tan\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{\pi}{3}$$

Step 2: Sum the results

Combine the values obtained: $$-\frac{\pi}{6} + \frac{\pi}{3} - \frac{\pi}{4} - \frac{\pi}{3}$$

Simplify the expression: $$-\frac{\pi}{6} - \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{-2\pi - 3\pi}{12} = -\frac{5\pi}{12}$$

Final Answer: -5π/12

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because it requires the student to recall specific trigonometric identities and apply the principal value branch constraints to solve a multi-step expression.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The student must follow a sequence of mathematical operations and domain-range checks to reach the final simplified value.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of CBSE Class 12, this is classified as COMPETENCY. It tests the student's conceptual clarity regarding the principal value branches of inverse trigonometric functions, which is a core competency in Chapter 2.