Skip to main content
Chapter 3 of 13
Chapter Summary

Inverse Trigonometric Functions

CBSE · Class 12 · Mathematics

Summary of Inverse Trigonometric Functions for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics. Key concepts, important points, and chapter overview.

15 questions25 flashcards5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying Inverse Trigonometric Functions? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for chapter summary and more.

1,000+ Class 12 students started this chapter today

A flowchart illustrating the conditions (one-one and onto) required for a function to have an inverse, and what happens if these conditions are not met.
Super Tutor

Super Tutor has 10+ illustrations like this for Inverse Trigonometric Functions alone — flashcards, concept maps, and step-by-step visuals.

See them all

Overview

Inverse trigonometric functions are mathematical functions that reverse the action of regular trigonometric functions. While trigonometric functions like sin, cos, and tan are not naturally one-to-one functions over their entire domains, we can create their inverses by restricting their domains to s

Key Concepts

Since trigonometric functions are not one

Since trigonometric functions are not one-to-one over their natural domains, we must restrict their domains to create inverses. For example, sin x is

The principal value branch is

The principal value branch is the specific range we choose for an inverse trigonometric function. For sin⁻¹x, the principal value branch is [-π/2, π/2

Domain

Domain: [-1, 1], Range: [-π/2, π/2]. If y = sin⁻¹x, then sin y = x. The graph is obtained by reflecting y = sin x about the line y = x, restricted to

Domain

Domain: [-1, 1], Range: [0, π]. If y = cos⁻¹x, then cos y = x. The function is decreasing throughout its domain, unlike sin⁻¹x which is increasing.

Domain

Domain: R (all real numbers), Range: (-π/2, π/2). If y = tan⁻¹x, then tan y = x. The function has horizontal asymptotes at y = ±π/2.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand why trigonometric functions need domain restrictions to have inverses
  • Learn the principal value branches of all six inverse trigonometric functions
  • Master the domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions
  • Apply properties and identities of inverse trigonometric functions
  • Solve problems involving inverse trigonometric functions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Inverse Trigonometric Functions for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics?
Inverse Trigonometric Functions covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in Inverse Trigonometric Functions — CBSE Class 12 Mathematics?
Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

For serious students

Get the full Inverse Trigonometric Functions chapter — for free.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics.