Class XII: Mathematics

Chapter 2: Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Basic Concepts
• Inverse of a function ‘f’ exists, if function is one-one and onto, i.e., bijective.

• Trigonometric functions are many-one functions but these become one-one, onto, if we restrict the domain

of trigonometric functions. We can say that inverse of trigonometric functions are defined within restricted
domains of corresponding trigonometric functions.

• Inverse of sin (sine function) is denoted by sin-1 (arc sine function). We also write as sin-1 x. similarly,

other inverse trigonometric functions are given by cos-1 x, tan-1 x, cot-1 x, sec-1 x and cosec-1 x.

1
• Note that sin-1 x ≠ and (sin-1 x)2 ≠ sin-2 x. Also sin-1 x ≠ (sin x)-1.
sin 𝑥𝑥

• Table for domain and range of Inverse Trigonometric Functions:

Function Domain Range (Principal value branch)

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
y = sin-1 x -1 ≤ x ≤ 1 − ≤ 𝑦𝑦 ≤
2 2

y = cos-1 x -1 ≤ x ≤ 1 0 ≤y≤π

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
y = tan-1 x -∞<x<∞ − < 𝑦𝑦 <
2 2
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
y = cosec-1 x x ≥ 1 or x ≤ -1 − ≤ 𝑦𝑦 ≤ , 𝑦𝑦 ≠ 0
2 2
π
y = sec-1 x x ≥ 1 or x ≤ -1 0 ≤ y ≤ π, y ≠
2

y = cot-1 x -∞<x<∞ 0<y<π

• The value of an inverse trigonometric function which lies in the range of principal branch is called the

principal value of the inverse trigonometric function.

•
Graph of inverse trigonometric functions.

1. y = sin-1 x
2. y = cos-1 x
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
I Class Assignment:

 Very Short Answer Type Questions: (1 marks each)

Find the principal values of the following:

 Short Answer Type Questions: (4 marks each)

II Home assignment:
Extra Questions for self-practice: