Domain and Range of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Domain and Range of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:37 PM IST

We know that trigonometric functions are periodic and hence, man-one in their actual domain. So, to define an inverse trigonometric function, we have to restrict its actual domain to make the function injective. In real life, we use the inverse trigonometric function for determining the depth of the hole or the angle of inclination.

This Story also Contains
  1. Domain of Inverse Trigonometric Function
  2. Rule to Find Domain of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
  3. Range of Inverse Trigonometric Function
  4. Domain and Range of $\sin ^{-1}(x)$
  5. Domain and Range of $y=\cos ^{-1}(x)$
  6. Domain and Range of $y=\tan ^{-1}(x)$
  7. Domain and Range of $y=\cot ^{-1}(x)$
  8. Domain and Range of $y=\sec ^{-1}(x)$
  9. Domain and Range of $y=\operatorname{cosec}^{-1}(x)$
Domain and Range of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Domain and Range of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

In this article, we will cover the concept of Domain and range of inverse Trigonometric Functions. This category falls under the broader category of Trigonometry, which is a crucial Chapter in class 12 Mathematics. It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination(JEE Main) and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, BCECE, and more. A total of eighteen questions have been asked on this topic including one in 2015, eight in 2021, and four in 2022, three in 2023.

Domain of Inverse Trigonometric Function

Domain is defined as a set of numbers x for which$f(x)$ is true. The domain of an inverse function is equal to the range of the function.

Domain of $\sin ^{-1}(x)$ is $[-1,1]$ or $-1 \leq x \leq 1$
Domain of $\cos ^{-1}(x)=[-1,1]$
Domain of $\csc ^{-1}(x)=(-\infty,-1]$ or $[1,+\infty)$
Domain of $\sec ^{-1}(x)=(-\infty,-1]$ or $[1,+\infty)$
Domain of $\tan ^{-1}(\mathrm{x})=$ All Real Numbers
Domain of $\cot ^{-1}(x)=$ All Real Numbers

Rule to Find Domain of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

For any trigonometric function, we can find the domain using the below rule.

That is,

Domain (y-1) = Range (y)

By knowing the range of trigonometric functions, we can get the domain of inverse trigonometric functions.

Range of Inverse Trigonometric Function

The range is defined as the set of values that the functions assume.

Range of $y=\sin ^{-1}(x)$ is,$-\pi / 2 \leq y \leq \pi / 2$
Range of $y=\cos ^{-1}(x)$ is $0 \leq y \leq \pi$
Range of $y=\csc ^{-1}(x)$ is $,-\pi / 2 \leq y \leq \pi / 2, y \neq 0$
Range of $y=\sec ^{-1}(x)$ is $0 \leq y \leq \pi, \quad y \neq \pi / 2$
Range of $y=\sec ^{-1}(x)$ is $0 \leq y \leq \pi, \quad y \neq \pi / 2$
Range of $y=\sec ^{-1}(x)$ is $0 \leq y \leq \pi, \quad y \neq \pi / 2$

Domain and Range of $\sin ^{-1}(x)$

$y=\sin ^{-1}(x)$

The function $y=\sin (x)$ is Many one so it is not invertible. Now consider the small portion of the function

$y=\sin x, x \in\left[-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]$ and $y \in[-1,1]$


Which is strictly increasing, Hence, one-one and inverse is$y=\sin ^{-1}(x)$

Domain is $[-1,1]$ and Range is $\left[\frac{-\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]$

Domain and Range of $y=\cos ^{-1}(x)$

$y=\cos ^{-1}(x)$


Domain is $[-1,1]$ and Range is $[0, \pi]$

Domain and Range of $y=\tan ^{-1}(x)$


Domain is $\mathbb{R}$ and Range is $\left(\frac{-\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right)$

Domain and Range of $y=\cot ^{-1}(x)$

Domain is $\mathbb{R}$ and Range is $(0, \pi$

Domain and Range of $y=\sec ^{-1}(x)$

Domain is $\mathbb{R}-(-1,1)$ and Range is $[0, \pi]-\left\{\frac{\pi}{2}\right\}$

Domain and Range of $y=\operatorname{cosec}^{-1}(x)$


Domain is $\mathbb{R}-(-1,1)$ and Range is $\left[-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]-\{0\}$

Recommended Video Based on Domain and Range of Inverse Trigonometric Functions:

Solved Examples Based on Domain and Range of Trigonometric Functions

Example 1: Let D be the domain of the function $f(x)=\operatorname{Sin}^{-1}\left(\log _{3 x}\left(\frac{6+2 \log _3 x}{-5 x}\right)\right)$. If the range of the function $g: D \rightarrow R$ defined by $g(x)=x-[x],([x]$ is the greatest integer function ), is $(\alpha, \beta)$, then $\alpha^2+\frac{5}{\beta}$ is equal to [JEE MAINS 2023]

Solution

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{6+2 \log _3 x}{-5 x}>0 \& x>0 \& x \neq \frac{1}{3} \\ & \text { this gives } x \in\left(0, \frac{1}{27}\right) \ldots(1) \\ & -1 \leq \log _{3 x}\left(\frac{6+2 \log _3 x}{-5 x}\right) \leq 1 \\ & 3 x \leq \frac{6+2 \log _3 x}{-5 x} \leq \frac{1}{3 x}\end{aligned}$$\begin{array}{ll}15 x^2+6+2 \log _3 x \geq 0 & 6+2 \log _3 x+\frac{5}{3} \geq 0 \\ x \in\left(0, \frac{1}{27}\right) \ldots(2) & x \geq 3^{-\frac{23}{6}} \ldots(3) \\ \text { form }(1),(2) \&(3) & \\ x \in\left[3^{-\frac{23}{6}}, \frac{1}{27}\right) & \end{array}$
$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { form(1),(2)\&(3) } \\
& x \in\left[3^{\frac{23}{6}}, \frac{1}{27}\right)
\end{aligned}
$

$\therefore \alpha$ is small positive quantity
$\& \beta=\frac{1}{27}$
$\therefore \alpha^2+\frac{5}{\beta}$ is just greater than 135

Hence, the answer is 135

Example 2: If the domain of the function $f(x)-\log _e\left(4 x^2+11 x+6\right)+\sin ^{-1}(4 x+3)+\cos ^{-1} \frac{10 x+6}{3}$ is $(\alpha, \beta)$, then $36|\alpha+\beta|$ is equal to [JEE MAINS 2023]

Solution
$
\begin{aligned}
& f(x)=\ln \left(4 x^2+11 x+6\right)+\sin ^{-1}(4 x+3) \\
& +\cos ^{-1}\left(\frac{10 x+6}{3}\right)
\end{aligned}
$

$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { (i) } 4 x^2+11 x+6>0 \\
& 4 x^2+8 x+3 x+6>0 \\
& (4 x+3)(x+2)>0 \\
& x \in(-\infty,-2) \cup\left(-\frac{3}{4}, \infty\right)
\end{aligned}
$

$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { (ii) } 4 x+3 \in[-1,1] \\
& x \in[-1,-1 / 2]
\end{aligned}
$

$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { (iii) } \frac{10 x+6}{3} \in[-1,1] \\
& x \in\left[-\frac{9}{10},-\frac{3}{10}\right] \\
& x \in\left(-\frac{3}{4},-\frac{1}{2}\right] \\
& \alpha+\beta=-\frac{5}{4} \\
& 36|\alpha+\beta|=45
\end{aligned}
$

Hence, the answer is 45

Example 3: If the domain of the function $f(x)=\frac{\cos ^{-1} \sqrt{x^2-x+1}}{\sqrt{\sin ^{-1}\left(\frac{2 x-1}{2}\right)}}$is the interval$(\alpha, \beta)$, then $\alpha+\beta$ is equal to: [JEE MAINS 2021]

Solution

$f(x)=\frac{\cos ^{-1} \sqrt{x^2-x+1}}{\sqrt{\sin ^{-1}\left(\frac{2 x-1}{2}\right)}}$

For domain $-1 \leqslant \sqrt{x^2-x+1} \leqslant 1$ and $x^2-x+1 \geqslant 0$

$\begin{aligned} & \Rightarrow \quad \sqrt{x^2-x+1} \leqslant 1 \text { and } x^2-x+1 \geqslant 0 \\ & \Rightarrow x^2-x+1 \leqslant 1 \text { and } x^2-x+1 \geqslant 0 \\ & \Rightarrow \quad x^2-x \leqslant 0 \text { and } x \in R(\text { as } D<0, a>0) \\ & \Rightarrow x(x-1) \leqslant 0 \text { and } x \in R\end{aligned}$

$\Rightarrow x \in[0,1]$

For,

$\frac{1}{\sqrt{\sin ^{-1}\left(\frac{2 x-1}{2}\right)}}$

$\sin ^{-1}\left(\frac{2 x-1}{2}\right)>0$ and $-1 \leqslant \frac{2 x-1}{2} \leqslant 1$

$\begin{aligned} & \Rightarrow 0<\frac{2 x-1}{20} \leqslant 1 \text { and }-1 \leqslant \frac{2 x-1}{2} \leqslant 1 \\ & \Rightarrow 0<\frac{2 x-1}{2} \leqslant 1 \\ & \Rightarrow \quad 0<x-\frac{1}{2} \leq 1 \\ & \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}<x \leqslant \frac{3}{2} .\end{aligned}$

Domain for $f(x)$ will be the intersection of these results.

$\begin{aligned} & \Rightarrow \quad x \in\left(\frac{1}{2}, 1\right] \\ & \Rightarrow \alpha=\frac{1}{2}, \beta=1 \Rightarrow \alpha+\beta=\frac{3}{2}\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is $\frac{3}{2}$

Example 4: The domain of the function $f(x)=\sin ^{-1}\left(\frac{x^2-3 x+2}{x^2+2 x+7}\right)$ is: [JEE MAINS 2022]

Solution

For domain

$
-1 \leq \frac{x^2-3 x+2}{x^2+2 x+7} \leq 1
$

As the denominator is positive ( $D_j 0$ )

$
-\left(x^2+2 x+7\right) \leq x^2-3 x+2 \leq x^2+2 x+7
$

Solving first

$
\begin{aligned}
& -x^2-2 x-7 \leqslant x^2-3 x+2 \\
& \Rightarrow 2 x^2-x+9 \geqslant 0 \\
& \Rightarrow x \in R \quad(\text { as } D<0)
\end{aligned}
$

Solving second

$
\begin{aligned}
& \mathrm{x}^2-3 \mathrm{x}+2 \leqslant \mathrm{x}^2+2 \mathrm{x}+7 \\
\Rightarrow & 5 \mathrm{x}+5 \geqslant 0 \\
\Rightarrow & x \geqslant-1 \\
\therefore \quad & \mathrm{x} \geqslant-1
\end{aligned}
$

Hence, the answer is the $[-1, \infty)$

Example 5: Considering only the principal values of the inverse trigonometric functions, the domain of the function $f(x)=\cos ^{-1}\left(\frac{x^2-4 x+2}{x^2+3}\right)$ is:[JEE MAINS 2022]

Solution

$\begin{aligned} & \left|\frac{x^2+4 x+2}{x^2+3}\right| \leq 1 \\ & \left(x^2-4 x+2\right)^2 \leq\left(x^2+3\right)^2 \\ & \left(x^2-4 x+2\right)^2-\left(x^2+3\right)^2 \leq 0 \\ & \left(2 x^2-4 x+5\right)(-4 x-1) \leq 0 \\ & -4 x-1 \leq 0 \rightarrow x \geq-\frac{1}{4} \\ & {\left[-\frac{1}{4}, \infty\right)}\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the $\left[-\frac{1}{4}, \infty\right)$



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the domain of arcsin(x)?
The domain of arcsin(x) is [-1, 1]. This means that the input values for arcsin(x) must be between -1 and 1, inclusive. This restriction ensures that the output (angle) is always a real number.
2. What happens if you try to evaluate arcsin(2)?
Arcsin(2) is undefined in the real number system. Since the sine function never exceeds 1 or goes below -1, its inverse (arcsin) is only defined for inputs between -1 and 1, inclusive.
3. Why can't the domain of arcsin(x) be extended beyond [-1, 1]?
The domain of arcsin(x) can't be extended beyond [-1, 1] because sine never produces values outside this range. Attempting to find the arcsine of a value greater than 1 or less than -1 would result in a complex number, not a real angle.
4. Why is the range of arcsin(x) [-π/2, π/2] instead of [0, π]?
The range of arcsin(x) is [-π/2, π/2] to ensure a one-to-one function. This range covers all possible sine values uniquely, including both positive and negative angles, without the ambiguity that would arise from a [0, π] range.
5. How does the concept of odd and even functions apply to the domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions?
Odd inverse trigonometric functions (arcsin, arctan) have symmetric domains and ranges about the origin. Even inverse functions (arccos) have domains symmetric about the y-axis and ranges symmetric about x = π/2.
6. Why is the range of arccos(x) limited to [0, π]?
The range of arccos(x) is limited to [0, π] to ensure a unique inverse function. If we allowed the full range of cosine (-π to π), we would have multiple angles with the same cosine value, making the inverse function non-unique.
7. How does the domain of arccos(x) relate to the unit circle?
The domain of arccos(x) is [-1, 1], which corresponds to the x-coordinates of points on the unit circle. This is because cosine represents the x-coordinate on the unit circle, and these values are always between -1 and 1.
8. How does the domain of arccos(x) affect its graph?
The domain of arccos(x), [-1, 1], means that its graph is only defined between these x-values. The graph starts at (1, 0) and ends at (-1, π), reflecting the range [0, π] and the inverse relationship with cosine.
9. What is the relationship between the domains of arcsin(x) and arccos(x)?
The domains of arcsin(x) and arccos(x) are the same: [-1, 1]. This is because both sine and cosine are limited to values between -1 and 1 on the unit circle, so their inverse functions are only defined for these inputs.
10. What is the relationship between the ranges of arcsin(x) and arccos(x)?
The ranges of arcsin(x) and arccos(x) are complementary: [-π/2, π/2] for arcsin(x) and [0, π] for arccos(x). Together, they cover all angles in the first two quadrants without overlap, ensuring unique inverse functions.
11. What is the relationship between the domain of a trigonometric function and the range of its inverse?
The domain of a trigonometric function becomes the range of its inverse function, and vice versa. For example, the domain of sine (-∞, ∞) becomes the range of arcsine [-π/2, π/2].
12. How does the domain of arccot(x) compare to that of arctan(x)?
The domain of arccot(x) is the same as arctan(x): all real numbers (-∞, ∞). This is because cotangent, like tangent, can take on any real value, so its inverse function can accept any real number as input.
13. Why is the range of arcsec(x) [0, π] - {π/2}?
The range of arcsec(x) is [0, π] - {π/2} because secant is undefined at π/2 (where cosine is zero). The range includes all angles in the first and second quadrants where secant is defined, excluding π/2.
14. How does the domain of arccsc(x) relate to the behavior of the cosecant function?
The domain of arccsc(x) is (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞) because cosecant is only defined for values greater than or equal to 1 or less than or equal to -1. This reflects the fact that cosecant never takes on values between -1 and 1.
15. How does the domain of arctan(x) differ from other inverse trigonometric functions?
Unlike arcsin(x) and arccos(x), the domain of arctan(x) is all real numbers (-∞, ∞). This is because tangent can take on any real value, so its inverse function can accept any real number as input.
16. Why is the range of arctan(x) (-π/2, π/2) instead of [-π/2, π/2]?
The range of arctan(x) is (-π/2, π/2) because tangent approaches but never quite reaches ±∞ as the angle approaches ±π/2. Therefore, arctan(x) can get arbitrarily close to, but never exactly equal to, ±π/2.
17. How does the domain of inverse trigonometric functions affect their continuity?
The restricted domains of inverse trigonometric functions ensure their continuity within those domains. For example, arcsin(x) is continuous on [-1, 1], whereas sine itself is continuous but periodic over all real numbers.
18. How does restricting the domain and range of inverse trigonometric functions ensure their uniqueness?
Restricting the domain and range ensures that each input value corresponds to exactly one output value, making the inverse function one-to-one. This is necessary because trigonometric functions are periodic and would otherwise have multiple inverse values.
19. What is the significance of π/2 in the ranges of inverse trigonometric functions?
π/2 (90 degrees) is significant because it represents a right angle. It often appears as a boundary in the ranges of inverse trigonometric functions, reflecting key points in the behavior of the original trigonometric functions.
20. How does the concept of principal value relate to the ranges of inverse trigonometric functions?
The ranges of inverse trigonometric functions are chosen to represent their principal values. These are the unique angles in a specific interval that satisfy the inverse relationship, avoiding the ambiguity caused by the periodic nature of trigonometric functions.
21. Why is the range of arcsec(x) different from that of arccsc(x)?
The range of arcsec(x) is [0, π/2) ∪ (π/2, π], while the range of arccsc(x) is [-π/2, 0) ∪ (0, π/2]. This difference reflects the fact that secant is positive in the first and second quadrants, while cosecant is positive in the first and fourth quadrants.
22. Why is the range of arccsc(x) split into two parts?
The range of arccsc(x) is split into [-π/2, 0) ∪ (0, π/2] because cosecant is undefined at 0 (where sine is zero). This split reflects the fact that cosecant is negative in the third and fourth quadrants, and positive in the first and second quadrants.
23. What is the significance of the open intervals in the ranges of some inverse trigonometric functions?
Open intervals in the ranges, such as (-π/2, π/2) for arctan(x), indicate that the function approaches but never quite reaches these boundary values. This reflects the asymptotic behavior of the original trigonometric functions.
24. How does the range of arcsec(x) relate to the quadrants of the coordinate plane?
The range of arcsec(x), [0, π/2) ∪ (π/2, π], covers angles in the first and second quadrants. This is because secant is positive in these quadrants, corresponding to the right half of the unit circle.
25. Why is the range of arccot(x) (0, π) instead of [-π/2, π/2]?
The range of arccot(x) is (0, π) to ensure a unique inverse function. This range covers all possible angles for cotangent values without repetition, as cotangent is periodic with period π.
26. How does the domain of arcsec(x) relate to the behavior of the secant function?
The domain of arcsec(x) is (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞) because secant is only defined for values less than or equal to -1 or greater than or equal to 1. This reflects the fact that secant never takes on values between -1 and 1.
27. Why is zero not included in the domain of arcsec(x) and arccsc(x)?
Zero is not included in the domain of arcsec(x) and arccsc(x) because secant and cosecant are undefined when their respective cosine or sine values are zero. Including zero would lead to division by zero in the original functions.
28. How does the domain of arccsc(x) relate to the unit circle?
The domain of arccsc(x), (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞), relates to the y-coordinates of points on the unit circle where |y| ≥ 1. This is because cosecant is the reciprocal of sine, and these are the y-values where sine is defined and non-zero.
29. What is the significance of the value 1 in the domains of arcsec(x) and arccsc(x)?
The value 1 is significant in the domains of arcsec(x) and arccsc(x) because it represents the point where these functions transition from undefined to defined. It corresponds to angles of 0 and π for secant, and π/2 and -π/2 for cosecant.
30. How does the domain of arccot(x) influence its continuity?
The domain of arccot(x) is all real numbers, making it a continuous function over its entire domain. Unlike arcsec(x) or arccsc(x), there are no breaks or undefined points in its graph.
31. How does the range of arctan(x) reflect the behavior of the tangent function?
The range of arctan(x), (-π/2, π/2), reflects the fact that tangent approaches infinity as the angle approaches π/2 and negative infinity as it approaches -π/2. The open interval indicates that these limit values are never actually reached.
32. How does the range of arctan(x) relate to the concept of asymptotes?
The range of arctan(x), (-π/2, π/2), relates to the horizontal asymptotes of the tangent function. As tan(x) approaches ±∞, arctan(x) approaches but never reaches ±π/2, reflecting these asymptotes.
33. Why is the domain of arcsin(x) the same as the range of sine, but the range of arcsin(x) is not the same as the domain of sine?
The domain of arcsin(x) is the same as the range of sine ([-1, 1]) because arcsin reverses the sine function. However, the range of arcsin(x) is restricted to [-π/2, π/2] to ensure a unique inverse, unlike the infinite domain of sine.
34. How does the domain of arccsc(x) affect its graph?
The domain of arccsc(x), (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞), results in a graph with two separate parts. There's a gap between x = -1 and x = 1 where the function is undefined, reflecting the behavior of cosecant.
35. What is the relationship between the domains of arctan(x) and arccot(x), and how does this affect their graphs?
Arctan(x) and arccot(x) both have domains of all real numbers, but their graphs are different. Arctan(x) approaches ±π/2 as x approaches ±∞, while arccot(x) approaches 0 and π as x approaches ±∞.
36. How does the range of arcsec(x) reflect the periodicity of the secant function?
The range of arcsec(x), [0, π/2) ∪ (π/2, π], covers half a period of the secant function. This range ensures that each secant value corresponds to a unique angle, avoiding the repetition inherent in secant's periodicity.
37. Why is the domain of arccos(x) not (-∞, ∞) like its original function cosine?
The domain of arccos(x) is restricted to [-1, 1] to ensure a unique inverse function. While cosine can take any real number input, its output is always between -1 and 1, which becomes the domain of its inverse.
38. How does the concept of inverse functions influence the relationship between the domain of arcsin(x) and the range of sine?
As inverse functions, the domain of arcsin(x) is exactly the range of sine. This relationship ensures that for every output of sine, there's a corresponding input for arcsin, maintaining the one-to-one correspondence necessary for an inverse function.
39. What is the significance of the open interval in the range of arccsc(x)?
The open interval in the range of arccsc(x), [-π/2, 0) ∪ (0, π/2], indicates that the function never actually reaches 0. This reflects the fact that cosecant is undefined when the angle is 0 (or any multiple of π).
40. How does the domain of arctan(x) relate to the concept of surjective functions?
The domain of arctan(x) being all real numbers makes it a surjective (onto) function. This means that every element in its range (-π/2, π/2) is mapped to by at least one element in its domain, covering all possible output values.
41. Why is the range of arccot(x) (0, π) instead of (-∞, ∞) like its original function cotangent?
The range of arccot(x) is restricted to (0, π) to ensure a unique inverse function. While cotangent can produce any real number output, its inverse must map each cotangent value to a unique angle to be well-defined.
42. How does the domain of arcsec(x) relate to the concept of even functions?
The domain of arcsec(x), (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞), is symmetric about the y-axis, reflecting the even nature of the secant function. This symmetry means that arcsec(-x) = π - arcsec(x) for all x in its domain.
43. What is the relationship between the ranges of arcsin(x) and arccsc(x)?
The ranges of arcsin(x) and arccsc(x) are the same: [-π/2, π/2], excluding 0 for arccsc(x). This reflects the complementary nature of sine and cosecant, with arccsc(x) having a split range due to its undefined point at x = 0.
44. How does the concept of continuity apply to the domain and range of arccos(x)?
Arccos(x) is continuous over its entire domain [-1, 1], and its range [0, π] is a connected interval. This continuity reflects the smooth, unbroken nature of the inverse cosine function within its restricted domain and range.
45. Why is the domain of arcsec(x) not simply [1, ∞) like the range of secant in the first quadrant?
The domain of arcsec(x) is (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞) to include both positive and negative secant values. This accounts for secant's behavior in both the first and second quadrants, where it takes on all values greater than or equal to 1 in magnitude.
46. How does the range of arctan(x) relate to the concept of injective functions?
The range of arctan(x), (-π/2, π/2), ensures that it is an injective (one-to-

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