Inverse Trigonometric Functions - Relations between various inverse trig functions

  • In this lecture, we will explore the relations between various inverse trigonometric functions.
  • We will focus on the inverse sine function, inverse cosine function, and inverse tangent function.
  • We will discover how these functions are related to each other and how they can be used to find angles.

Inverse Sine Function (sin-1 x)

  • The inverse sine function, denoted as sin-1 x, is defined as the inverse of the sine function.
  • It is also known as arcsin x or asin x.
  • The domain of this function is -1 ≤ x ≤ 1, and the range is -π/2 ≤ y ≤ π/2.
  • Its principal values lie in the first and fourth quadrants. Example:
  • If sinθ = 0.5, then θ = sin-1(0.5) = 30° or π/6.

Inverse Cosine Function (cos-1 x)

  • The inverse cosine function, denoted as cos-1 x, is defined as the inverse of the cosine function.
  • It is also known as arccos x or acos x.
  • The domain of this function is -1 ≤ x ≤ 1, and the range is 0 ≤ y ≤ π.
  • Its principal values lie in the first and second quadrants. Example:
  • If cosθ = 0.5, then θ = cos-1(0.5) = 60° or π/3.

Inverse Tangent Function (tan-1 x)

  • The inverse tangent function, denoted as tan-1 x, is defined as the inverse of the tangent function.
  • It is also known as arctan x or atan x.
  • The domain of this function is -∞ < x < ∞, and the range is -π/2 < y < π/2.
  • Its principal values lie in the first and fourth quadrants. Example:
  • If tanθ = 1, then θ = tan-1(1) = 45° or π/4.

Properties of Inverse Trig Functions

  1. sin(sin-1 x) = x for -1 ≤ x ≤ 1
  1. cos(cos-1 x) = x for -1 ≤ x ≤ 1
  1. tan(tan-1 x) = x for -∞ < x < ∞ Note: These properties establish the relationship between the trigonometric function and its inverse. Example:
  • sin(sin-1 0.5) = 0.5
  • cos(cos-1 0.5) = 0.5
  • tan(tan-1 1) = 1

Relations Between Inverse Trig Functions

  1. sin-1 x + cos-1 x = π/2 for -1 ≤ x ≤ 1
  1. tan-1 x + cot-1 x = π/2 for x > 0 Note: These relations can be used to find the angles between various trig functions. Example:
  • sin-1(0.6) + cos-1(0.8) = π/2
  • tan-1(2) + cot-1(0.5) = π/2

Evaluating Inverse Trig Functions

  • The values of inverse trig functions can be evaluated using a calculator or trigonometric identities.
  • It is important to understand the principal values and choose the appropriate quadrants. Example:
  • Find the value of sin-1(-0.4).
  • Solution: Since the domain of sin-1 x is -1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and the range is -π/2 ≤ y ≤ π/2, we have sin-1(-0.4) = -sin-1(0.4) = -0.4115 radians or -23.58°.

Slide 11: Composition of Inverse Trig Functions

  • We can also compose inverse trig functions with each other to obtain new values.
  • For example, sin(sin-1 x) is equal to x, as mentioned earlier.
  • Similarly, cos(cos-1 x) and tan(tan-1 x) are also equal to x.
  • These compositions help in simplifying expressions and solving equations involving trig functions. Example:
  • Simplify the expression sin(sin-1 0.3).
  • Solution: sin(sin-1 0.3) = 0.3, since sin(sin-1 x) = x.

Slide 12: Inverse Trig Function Identities

  • Similar to the trigonometric identities, there are also identities related to inverse trig functions.
  • Some of these identities include:
    • sin-1(-x) = -sin-1(x)
    • cos-1(-x) = π - cos-1(x)
    • tan-1(-x) = -tan-1(x) Example:
  • Evaluate cos-1(-0.7).
  • Solution: cos-1(-0.7) = π - cos-1(0.7) = 2.4509 radians or 140.68°.

Slide 13: Solving Equations with Inverse Trig Functions

  • Inverse trig functions are often used to solve equations involving trigonometric functions.
  • For example, if sin-1 x = 0.5, we can find x by taking the sine of both sides: sin(sin-1 x) = sin(0.5).
  • This simplifies to x = sin(0.5).
  • Similarly, we can solve equations involving cos-1 x and tan-1 x. Example:
  • Solve the equation sin-1 x = 0.3.
  • Solution: Taking the sine of both sides, we get x = sin(0.3) ≈ 0.2955.

Slide 14: Pythagorean Identity for Inverse Trig Functions

  • The Pythagorean identity for inverse trig functions is similar to the Pythagorean identity for trig functions.
  • It states that sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1, where θ represents any angle in the domain of the inverse trig functions.
  • This identity is useful in simplifying trigonometric expressions involving inverse trig functions. Example:
  • Simplify the expression sin2(sin-1 x) + cos2(sin-1 x).
  • Solution: Using the Pythagorean identity, we have x2 + (1 - x2) = 1.

Slide 15: Graphs of Inverse Trig Functions

  • The graphs of inverse trig functions have distinct characteristics.
  • The graph of y = sin-1 x is a quarter of a circle with center at the origin and a radius of 1.
  • The graph of y = cos-1 x is also a quarter of a circle but with center at (1, 0).
  • The graph of y = tan-1 x is a curve that approaches π/2 and -π/2 as x approaches ∞ and -∞, respectively. Example:
  • Draw the graph of y = tan-1 x.
  • Solution: The graph of y = tan-1 x has a horizontal asymptote at y = π/2 and -π/2, and it approaches these values as x approaches ∞ and -∞.

Slide 16: Trig Functions and Inverse Trig Functions

  • Trigonometric functions and inverse trig functions are closely related and can be used interchangeably.
  • For example, sin(sin-1 x) = x and sin(theta) = x imply theta = sin-1 x.
  • These relationships can be used to find angles or unknown values in trigonometric equations. Example:
  • If cos(theta) = 0.2, find theta.
  • Solution: Since cos(theta) = x implies theta = cos-1 x, we have theta = cos-1 0.2 ≈ 78.46°.

Slide 17: Domain and Range of Inverse Trig Functions

  • The domain of inverse trig functions depends on the original trigonometric function.
  • For example, the domain of sin-1 x is -1 ≤ x ≤ 1, while the domain of tan-1 x is -∞ < x < ∞.
  • The range of inverse trig functions also varies but is generally limited to certain intervals. Example:
  • Determine the domain and range of tan-1 x.
  • Solution: The domain of tan-1 x is -∞ < x < ∞, and the range is -π/2 < y < π/2.

Slide 18: Applications of Inverse Trig Functions

  • Inverse trig functions have numerous applications in real-world scenarios.
  • They are used in physics, engineering, computer graphics, and navigation, among other fields.
  • For example, in physics, inverse trig functions are used to find angles in projectile motion or rotational motion problems. Example:
  • A projectile is launched with an initial velocity of 30 m/s at an angle of 45°. Find the maximum height reached by the projectile.
  • Solution: The maximum height can be found using the equation H = (v02 sin2 θ) / (2g), where v0 is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Plugging in the values, we get H = (302 sin2 45°) / (2 * 9.8) ≈ 45.9 meters.

Slide 19: Summary

  • Inverse trig functions, such as sin-1 x, cos-1 x, and tan-1 x, are defined as the inverse of the corresponding trigonometric functions.
  • They have specific domains and ranges that depend on the original trig function.
  • Inverse trig functions can be composed with each other and used to solve trigonometric equations.
  • They also have important identities and can be graphed to visualize their behavior.
  • Inverse trig functions have diverse applications in various fields, including physics and engineering.

Slide 20: Questions

  • What is the domain of sin-1 x?
  • How do inverse trig functions help in solving trigonometric equations?
  • What is the identity for cos(cos-1 x)?
  • Describe the graph of y = tan-1 x.
  • What are some real-life applications of inverse trig functions?

Slide 21: Evaluating Inverse Trig Functions

  • Inverse trig functions can be evaluated using calculators or tables.
  • The output of inverse trig functions is typically given in radians.
  • To convert from radians to degrees, multiply by (180/π).
  • To convert from degrees to radians, multiply by (π/180). Example:
  • Evaluate sin-1(0.4) in radians and degrees.
    • Solution: Using a calculator, we find sin-1(0.4) ≈ 0.4115 radians or ≈ 23.58°.

Slide 22: Domain and Range Examples

  • Find the domain and range of the following inverse trig functions:
    • a) cos-1(x)
    • b) tan-1(x) Example:
  • a) The domain of cos-1(x) is -1 ≤ x ≤ 1, and the range is 0 ≤ y ≤ π.
  • b) The domain of tan-1(x) is -∞ < x < ∞, and the range is -π/2 < y < π/2.

Slide 23: Trig Equations with Inverse Functions

  • Inverse trig functions can be used to solve trigonometric equations.
  • To solve equations involving inverse trig functions, use the definition of the function and apply appropriate properties.
  • Remember to check the solutions for extraneous values. Example:
  • Solve the equation sin(sinx) = 0.
    • Solution: The equation implies sinx = 0, which means x = 0, π.

Slide 24: Simplifying Expressions

  • Inverse trig functions can be used to simplify expressions involving trigonometric functions.
  • Use the properties and identities of inverse trig functions to simplify expressions.
  • Simplify expressions by expressing the functions in terms of inverse trig functions. Example:
  • Simplify the expression tan(sin-1(x)).
    • Solution: Using the property tan(tan-1(x)) = x, we have tan(sin-1(x)) = x.

Slide 25: Trig and Inverse Trig Compositions

  • Compositions of trig and inverse trig functions can be used to solve equations or simplify expressions.
  • Apply the relevant inverse trig functions to the trig functions involved in the composition. Example:
  • Solve the equation sin(sin-1(x)) = 1/2.
    • Solution: The equation simplifies to x = 1/2.

Slide 26: Pythagorean Identity for Inverse Trig Functions

  • A Pythagorean identity exists for inverse trig functions as well.
  • sin2(sin-1(x)) + cos2(sin-1(x)) = 1. Example:
  • Simplify the expression sin2(sin-1(0.3)) + cos2(sin-1(0.3)).
    • Solution: Using the Pythagorean identity, the expression simplifies to 1.

Slide 27: Inverse Trig Functions in Right Triangles

  • Inverse trig functions can be used in right triangles to find missing angles or sides.
  • Use the appropriate inverse trig functions based on the given information. Example:
  • Given a right triangle with a side length of 3 and a hypotenuse of 5, find the measure of angle θ.
    • Solution: Using sinθ = opposite/hypotenuse, we have sinθ = 3/5. Therefore, θ = sin-1(3/5).

Slide 28: Inverse Trig Functions in Calculus

  • Inverse trig functions are used extensively in calculus.
  • They are used in finding derivatives and integrals involving trigonometric functions. Example:
  • Find the derivative of y = sin-1(x).
    • Solution: Using the chain rule and the derivative of sin(x), the derivative of y = sin-1(x) is 1/√(1-x^2).

Slide 29: Graphing Inverse Trig Functions

  • Graphs of inverse trig functions show the relationship between input and output.
  • The vertical asymptotes and horizontal asymptotes vary for different inverse trig functions.
  • Use the properties of inverse trig functions to sketch their graphs. Example:
  • Sketch the graph of y = sin-1(x).
    • Solution: The graph is a quarter of a circle centered at the origin with a radius of 1.

Slide 30: Summary and Wrap-Up

  • Inverse trig functions are the inverses of trigonometric functions.
  • They have specific domains, ranges, identities, and properties.
  • Inverse trig functions can be used to evaluate expressions, solve equations, simplify trigonometric expressions, and find missing angles or sides in right triangles.
  • They are also applicable in calculus and have diverse real-world applications.
  • Understanding inverse trig functions helps in understanding the relationship between trigonometric functions and their inverses.