Question:medium

The value of \(\tan\left[2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right) - \frac{\pi}{4}\right]\) is

Show Hint

First simplify \(2\tan^{-1}x\), then apply \(\tan(A-B)\).
Updated On: May 21, 2026
  • \(\frac{17}{7}\)
  • \(-\frac{17}{7}\)
  • \(\frac{7}{17}\)
  • \(-\frac{7}{17}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To solve the expression \(\tan\left[2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right) - \frac{\pi}{4}\right]\), we can use trigonometric identities and properties of inverse functions.

  1. The expression we are dealing with is \(\tan\left[2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right) - \frac{\pi}{4}\right]\). We can simplify this using the tangent subtraction formula, which is: \(\tan(A - B) = \frac{\tan A - \tan B}{1 + \tan A \tan B}\). Here, \(A = 2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)\) and \(B = \frac{\pi}{4}\).
  2. First, we need \(\tan A\). If \(A = 2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)\), use the identity: \(\tan(2\theta) = \frac{2\tan \theta}{1 - \tan^2 \theta}\). Let \(\theta = \tan^{-1}(\frac{1}{5})\), then \(\tan \theta = \frac{1}{5}\). Substituting, we have: \(\tan(2\theta) = \frac{2 \times \frac{1}{5}}{1 - \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^2} = \frac{\frac{2}{5}}{1 - \frac{1}{25}} = \frac{\frac{2}{5}}{\frac{24}{25}}\). Simplifying: \(\tan A = \frac{2}{5} \times \frac{25}{24} = \frac{10}{24} = \frac{5}{12}\).
  3. Now let us incorporate the other part, \(B = \frac{\pi}{4}\), and recall \(\tan \frac{\pi}{4} = 1\).
  4. Substitute these values into the subtraction formula: \(\tan(A - B) = \frac{\frac{5}{12} - 1}{1 + \frac{5}{12} \times 1} = \frac{\frac{5}{12} - \frac{12}{12}}{1 + \frac{5}{12}}\). Simplify the numerator: \(\frac{5}{12} - \frac{12}{12} = -\frac{7}{12}\). Denominator becomes: \(1 + \frac{5}{12} = \frac{12}{12} + \frac{5}{12} = \frac{17}{12}\).
  5. Putting it all together: \(\tan(A - B) = \frac{-\frac{7}{12}}{\frac{17}{12}} = -\frac{7}{12} \times \frac{12}{17} = -\frac{7}{17}\).

Therefore, the value of \(\tan\left[2\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right) - \frac{\pi}{4}\right]\) is \(-\frac{7}{17}\).

Was this answer helpful?
0