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📐 Mathematics  ·  Inverse Trigonometric Functions  ·  JEE

If sin<sup>-1</sup>(x) - cos<sup>-1</sup>(x) = pi/6, find the value of x.

Answer: sqrt(3)/2.

  • A 1/2
  • B sqrt(2)/2
  • C 1
  • D sqrt(3)/2

Correct answer: D. sqrt(3)/2

Explanation: Use complementary identity: sin⁻¹x+cos⁻¹x=π/2. Add both equations: 2sin⁻¹x=π/2+π/6=2π/3 → sin⁻¹x=π/3 → x=sin(π/3)=√3/2. Check: cos⁻¹(√3/2)=π/6, difference=π/3−π/6=π/6 ✓.

y = sin⁻¹x: Principal Value Branchxyx=-1x=1y=-π/2y=π/2Domain restricted to [-1,1]; range restricted to [-π/2,π/2] - this restriction is what makes the inverse exist

The graph of sin⁻¹x is confined to a narrow domain [-1,1] (since sine itself only takes values in that range) and range [-π/2,π/2] (the principal value branch chosen to make sine one-one and invertible there).

Concept context

Restricting trig functions to make them invertible, the principal value branches of sin-inverse, cos-inverse, tan-inverse, and friends, and the key identities relating them.

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