Question

If x < 0, y < 0 such that xy = 1, then write the value of tan⁻¹ x + tan⁻¹ y.

Answer 1

We know
\[\tan^{- 1} x + \tan^{- 1} y = \tan^{- 1} \left( \frac{x + y}{1 - xy} \right)\]
x < 0, y < 0   such that 
xy = 1
Let x = -a and y = -b where both a and b are positive.
\[\therefore \tan^{- 1} x + \tan^{- 1} y = \tan^{- 1} \left( \frac{x + y}{1 - xy} \right)\]
\[ = \tan^{- 1} \left( \frac{- a - a}{1 - 1} \right)\]
\[ = \tan^{- 1} \left( - \infty \right)\]
\[ = \tan^{- 1} \left\{ \tan\left( - \frac{\pi}{2} \right) \right\}\]
\[ = - \frac{\pi}{2}\]