Evaluate sin(tan⁻¹x + tan⁻¹(1/x)) for x < 0

Problem

Evaluate: \( \sin\left(\tan^{-1}x + \tan^{-1}\frac{1}{x}\right), \quad x < 0 \)

Solution

Let:

\[ A = \tan^{-1}x,\quad B = \tan^{-1}\frac{1}{x} \]

Step 1: Use identity

\[ \tan^{-1}x + \tan^{-1}\frac{1}{x} = \begin{cases} \frac{\pi}{2}, & x > 0 \\ -\frac{\pi}{2}, & x < 0 \end{cases} \]

Since \( x < 0 \):

\[ A + B = -\frac{\pi}{2} \]

Step 2: Evaluate sine

\[ \sin\left(A + B\right) = \sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}\right) \]

\[ = -1 \]

Final Answer

\[ \boxed{-1} \]

Explanation

For x < 0, the sum of inverse tangents equals −π/2, and sine of −π/2 is −1.

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