Question:

If \[ \tan^{-1}(3x)+\tan^{-1}(2x)=\frac{\pi}{4}, \] then find the value of \(x\):

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Whenever an equation contains a sum of inverse tangent functions, apply the tangent addition formula and reduce the equation to an algebraic form.
Updated On: Jun 11, 2026
  • \(2\)
  • \(1\)
  • \(\boxed{x=\frac16}\)
  • \(0\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: For inverse tangent functions, \[ \tan(A+B) = \frac{\tan A+\tan B} {1-\tan A\tan B}. \] This identity is used to convert the equation into a quadratic equation.

Step 1: Apply tangent on both sides.
Given, \[ \tan^{-1}(3x)+\tan^{-1}(2x)=\frac{\pi}{4}. \] Taking tangent, \[ \tan\left(\tan^{-1}(3x)+\tan^{-1}(2x)\right) = \tan\frac{\pi}{4}. \] Since \[ \tan\frac{\pi}{4}=1, \] we get \[ \frac{3x+2x}{1-6x^2}=1. \]

Step 2: Form the quadratic equation.
\[ 5x=1-6x^2. \] Therefore, \[ 6x^2+5x-1=0. \] Factorizing, \[ (6x-1)(x+1)=0. \] Hence, \[ x=\frac16 \quad \text{or} \quad x=-1. \]

Step 3: Check the valid solution.
For \(x=-1\), \[ \tan^{-1}(-3)+\tan^{-1}(-2) \] is negative and cannot equal \[ \frac{\pi}{4}. \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{x=\frac16}. \]
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