Class CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Inverse Trigonometric Functions Q #1807
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
5 Marks 2026 AISSCE(Board Exam) LA
Find the domain of $g(x)=\cos^{-1}(x^{2}-1)$. Hence, find the value of x for which $g(x)=\frac{\pi}{3}$. Also, write the range of $\cos^{-1}x$ other than its principal branch.

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Find the domain of g(x)

The function $g(x) = \cos^{-1}(x^2 - 1)$ is defined when the argument lies in the interval $[-1, 1]$. Thus, we solve: $$-1 \leq x^2 - 1 \leq 1$$ Adding 1 to all parts: $$0 \leq x^2 \leq 2$$ Taking the square root: $$|x| \leq \sqrt{2} \implies -\sqrt{2} \leq x \leq \sqrt{2}$$ So, the domain is $[-\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{2}]$.

Step 2: Solve for x when g(x) = \pi/3

Given $\cos^{-1}(x^2 - 1) = \frac{\pi}{3}$, we take the cosine of both sides: $$x^2 - 1 = \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)$$ $$x^2 - 1 = \frac{1}{2}$$ $$x^2 = \frac{3}{2} \implies x = \pm\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}} = \pm\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2}$$

Step 3: Identify non-principal branches

The principal branch of $\cos^{-1}x$ is $[0, \pi]$. Other branches are of the form $[2n\pi, (2n+1)\pi]$ for any integer $n \neq 0$. For example, the branch for $n=1$ is $[2\pi, 3\pi]$.

Final Answer: Domain: [-\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{2}], x = \pm\sqrt{1.5}, Range: [2n\pi, (2n+1)\pi], n \in \mathbb{Z}, n \neq 0

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because it requires the student to utilize the definition of inverse trigonometric domains and solve algebraic inequalities and equations derived from them.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The student must follow a specific sequence of steps (inequality solving, trigonometric evaluation, and set theory application) to reach the solution.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of CBSE Class 12, this is classified as COMPETENCY. This question tests the conceptual understanding of inverse trigonometric functions beyond rote memorization of the principal branch.