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If $\arctan(\tan(\theta))$ is not necessarily equal to $\theta$, how come if we are given $y=\tan(θ)$ the solution in terms of $\theta$ is $\theta=\arctan(y)$?

I'm trying to intergrate $1/(1+y^2)$ using trig substitution and I am trying to get my solution, $\theta$, in terms of $y$, $y=\tan(\theta)$

2 Answers2

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Hint

$$\tan x=\tan (x+k\pi), k\in \mathbb{Z}$$

$$\int \frac{dx}{1+x^2}=\arctan x + C.$$

$C$ plays the role of not having $\arctan(\tan \theta)=\theta$ depending on the range.

mfl
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Hint: If $\theta \in (-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2})$, then $\arctan (\tan \theta) = \theta $.

So when you use trigonometric substitution $y = \tan \theta$, also add the condition on $\theta$ namely $\theta \in (-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}) $.

Anon
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