What is the range of \(\tan \theta\)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: \(( -\infty,\infty )\)
\(\tan\theta=\dfrac{\sin\theta}{\cos\theta}\). For values of \(\theta\) where \(\cos\theta\ne0\), \(\tan\theta\) can take every real value. Hence its range is \(( -\infty,\infty )\). The interval \([-1,1]\) is the range of \(\sin\theta\) and \(\cos\theta\), not \(\tan\theta\). Exam tip: the range of \(\tan\theta\) is all real numbers, although it is undefined at \(\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}+n\pi\).
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
\(( -\infty,\infty )\)
Why is this the correct answer?
\(\tan\theta=\dfrac{\sin\theta}{\cos\theta}\). For values of \(\theta\) where \(\cos\theta\ne0\), \(\tan\theta\) can take every real value. Hence its range is \(( -\infty,\infty )\). The interval \([-1,1]\) is the range of \(\sin\theta\) and \(\cos\theta\), not \(\tan\theta\). Exam tip: the range of \(\tan\theta\) is all real numbers, although it is undefined at \(\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}+n\pi\).
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 12 Mathematics question. Chapter: Trigonometric Functions. Topic: Trigonometric functions and their properties.
