Trigonometry & Inverse Trigonometry
General
Grade 12

Question:

<p><span class="math-inline">\(\displaystyle\sum_{r=0}^{\infty}\tan^{-1}\!\frac{1}{r^2+3r+3}=\)</span></p>
π/2
π/4
cot⁻¹³
tan⁻¹²

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: General
<div class="solution"><p><strong>Key Idea:</strong> Factor denominator: <span class="math-inline">$r^2+3r+3=1+(r+1)(r+2)$</span>.</p><p><strong>Step 1:</strong> <span class="math-block">$$T_r=\tan^{-1}\!\frac{(r+2)-(r+1)}{1+(r+2)(r+1)}=\tan^{-1}(r+2)-\tan^{-1}(r+1)$$</span></p><p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Telescoping sum: <span class="math-inline">$\lim_{n\to\infty}[\tan^{-1}(n+2)-\tan^{-1}(1)]=\pi/2-\pi/4=\pi/4$</span>.</p><p><strong>Answer: (B) <span class="math-inline">$\pi/4$</span></strong></p><div class="trap-box"><strong>Trap:</strong> Miscounting the starting index — the first term at r=0 must be verified.</div><div class="key-concept"><strong>Key Concept:</strong> tan⁻¹ telescoping sum — factor denominator as 1+product of consecutive terms</div></div>
Correct Answer: 2

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