Understanding and Using the Inverse Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions

In order to use inverse trigonometric functions, we need to understand that an inverse trigonometric function “undoes” what the original trigonometric function “does,” as is the case with any other function and its inverse. In other words, the domain of the inverse function is the range of the original function, and vice versa, as summarized in Figure 1.

For example, if [latex]f(x)=\sin x[/latex], then we would write [latex]f^{1}(x)={\sin}^{-1}{x}[/latex]. Be aware that [latex]{\sin}^{-1}x[/latex] does not mean [latex]\frac{1}{\sin{x}}[/latex]. The following examples illustrate the inverse trigonometric functions:

• Since [latex]\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)=\frac{1}{2}[/latex], then [latex]\frac{\pi}{6}=\sin^{−1}(\frac{1}{2})[/latex].
• Since [latex]\cos(\pi)=−1[/latex], then [latex]\pi=\cos^{−1}(−1)[/latex].
• Since [latex]\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)=1[/latex], then [latex]\frac{\pi}{4}=\tan^{−1}(1)[/latex].

In previous sections, we evaluated the trigonometric functions at various angles, but at times we need to know what angle would yield a specific sine, cosine, or tangent value. For this, we need inverse functions. Recall that, for a one-to-one function, if [latex]f(a)=b[/latex], then an inverse function would satisfy [latex]f^{−1}(b)=a[/latex].

Bear in mind that the sine, cosine, and tangent functions are not one-to-one functions. The graph of each function would fail the horizontal line test. In fact, no periodic function can be one-to-one because each output in its range corresponds to at least one input in every period, and there are an infinite number of periods. As with other functions that are not one-to-one, we will need to restrict the domain of each function to yield a new function that is one-to-one. We choose a domain for each function that includes the number 0. Figure 2 shows the graph of the sine function limited to [latex]\left[\frac{−\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right][/latex] and the graph of the cosine function limited to [0, π].

Figure 2. (a) Sine function on a restricted domain of [latex]\left[−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right][/latex]; (b) Cosine function on a restricted domain of [0, π]

Figure 3 shows the graph of the tangent function limited to [latex]\left(−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right)[/latex].

Figure 3. Tangent function on a restricted domain of [latex]\left(−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right)[/latex]

These conventional choices for the restricted domain are somewhat arbitrary, but they have important, helpful characteristics. Each domain includes the origin and some positive values, and most importantly, each results in a one-to-one function that is invertible. The conventional choice for the restricted domain of the tangent function also has the useful property that it extends from one vertical asymptote to the next instead of being divided into two parts by an asymptote.

On these restricted domains, we can define the inverse trigonometric functions.

• The inverse sine function [latex]y=\sin^{−1}x[/latex] means [latex]x=\sin y[/latex]. The inverse sine function is sometimes called the arcsine function, and notated arcsin x.
  [latex]y=\sin^{−1}x[/latex] has domain [−1, 1] and range [latex]\left[−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right][/latex]
• The inverse cosine function [latex]y=\cos^{−1}x[/latex] means [latex]x=\cos y[/latex]. The inverse cosine function is sometimes called the arccosine function, and notated arccos x.
  [latex]y=\cos^{−1}x[/latex] has domain [−1, 1] and range [0, π]
• The inverse tangent function [latex]y=\tan^{−1}x[/latex] means [latex]x=\tan y[/latex]. The inverse tangent function is sometimes called the arctangent function, and notated arctan x.
  [latex]y=\tan^{−1}x[/latex] has domain (−∞, ∞) and range [latex]\left(−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right)[/latex]

The graphs of the inverse functions are shown in Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6. Notice that the output of each of these inverse functions is a number, an angle in radian measure. We see that [latex]\sin^{−1}x[/latex] has domain [−1, 1] and range [latex]\left[−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right][/latex], [latex]\cos^{−1}x[/latex] has domain [−1, 1] and range [0, π], and [latex]\tan^{−1}x[/latex] has domain of all real numbers and range [latex]\left(−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right)[/latex]. To find the domain and range of inverse trigonometric functions, switch the domain and range of the original functions. Each graph of the inverse trigonometric function is a reflection of the graph of the original function about the line [latex]y=x[/latex].

 

 

Finding the Exact Value of Expressions Involving the Inverse Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions

Now that we can identify inverse functions, we will learn to evaluate them. For most values in their domains, we must evaluate the inverse trigonometric functions by using a calculator, interpolating from a table, or using some other numerical technique. Just as we did with the original trigonometric functions, we can give exact values for the inverse functions when we are using the special angles, specifically [latex]\frac{\pi}{ 6} (30^\circ)\text{, }\frac{\pi}{ 4} (45^\circ),\text{ and } \frac{\pi}{ 3} (60^\circ)[/latex], and their reflections into other quadrants.

Using a Calculator to Evaluate Inverse Trigonometric Functions

To evaluate inverse trigonometric functions that do not involve the special angles discussed previously, we will need to use a calculator or other type of technology. Most scientific calculators and calculator-emulating applications have specific keys or buttons for the inverse sine, cosine, and tangent functions. These may be labeled, for example, SIN-1, ARCSIN, or ASIN.

In the previous chapter, we worked with trigonometry on a right triangle to solve for the sides of a triangle given one side and an additional angle. Using the inverse trigonometric functions, we can solve for the angles of a right triangle given two sides, and we can use a calculator to find the values to several decimal places.

In these examples and exercises, the answers will be interpreted as angles and we will use θ as the independent variable. The value displayed on the calculator may be in degrees or radians, so be sure to set the mode appropriate to the application.

Finding Exact Values of Composite Functions with Inverse Trigonometric Functions

There are times when we need to compose a trigonometric function with an inverse trigonometric function. In these cases, we can usually find exact values for the resulting expressions without resorting to a calculator. Even when the input to the composite function is a variable or an expression, we can often find an expression for the output. To help sort out different cases, let f(x) and g(x) be two different trigonometric functions belonging to the set {sin(x), cos(x), tan(x)} and let [latex]f^{−1}(y)[/latex] and [latex]g^{−1}(y)[/latex] be their inverses.

Evaluating Compositions of the Form [latex]f\left(f^{−1}(y)\right)[/latex] and [latex]f^{−1}(f(x))[/latex]

For any trigonometric function, [latex]f(f^{−1}(y))=y[/latex] for all y in the proper domain for the given function. This follows from the definition of the inverse and from the fact that the range of f was defined to be identical to the domain of [latex]f^{−1}[/latex]. However, we have to be a little more careful with expressions of the form [latex]f^{−1}(f(x))[/latex].

Evaluating Compositions of the Form [latex]f^{−1}(g(x))[/latex]

Now that we can compose a trigonometric function with its inverse, we can explore how to evaluate a composition of a trigonometric function and the inverse of another trigonometric function. We will begin with compositions of the form [latex]f^{−1}(g(x))[/latex]. For special values of x, we can exactly evaluate the inner function and then the outer, inverse function. However, we can find a more general approach by considering the relation between the two acute angles of a right triangle where one is θ, making the other [latex]\frac{\pi}{2}−\theta[/latex]. Consider the sine and cosine of each angle of the right triangle in Figure 10.

Because [latex]\cos\theta=\frac{b}{c}=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}−\theta\right)[/latex], we have [latex]\sin^{−1}(\cos\theta)=\frac{\pi}{2}−\theta\text{ if }0\leq\theta\leq\pi[/latex]. If θ is not in this domain, then we need to find another angle that has the same cosine as θ and does belong to the restricted domain; we then subtract this angle from [latex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/latex]. Similarly, [latex]\sin\theta=\frac{a}{c}=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}−\theta\right)[/latex], so [latex]\cos^{−1}(\sin\theta)=\frac{\pi}{2}−\theta\text{ if }−\frac{\pi}{2}\leq\theta\leq\frac{\pi}{2}[/latex]. These are just the function-cofunction relationships presented in another way.

Evaluating Compositions of the Form [latex]f(g^{−1}(x))[/latex]

To evaluate compositions of the form [latex]f(g^{−1}(x))[/latex], where f and g are any two of the functions sine, cosine, or tangent and x is any input in the domain of [latex]g−1[/latex], we have exact formulas, such as [latex]\sin\left({\cos}^{−1}x\right)=\sqrt{1−{x}^{2}}[/latex]. When we need to use them, we can derive these formulas by using the trigonometric relations between the angles and sides of a right triangle, together with the use of Pythagoras’s relation between the lengths of the sides. We can use the Pythagorean identity, [latex]\sin^{2}x+cos^{2}x=1[/latex], to solve for one when given the other. We can also use the inverse trigonometric functions to find compositions involving algebraic expressions.

Key Concepts

• An inverse function is one that “undoes” another function. The domain of an inverse function is the range of the original function and the range of an inverse function is the domain of the original function.
• Because the trigonometric functions are not one-to-one on their natural domains, inverse trigonometric functions are defined for restricted domains.
• For any trigonometric function [latex]f(x)[/latex], if [latex]x=f^{−1}(y)[/latex], then [latex]f(x)=y[/latex]. However, [latex]f(x)=y[/latex] only implies [latex]x=f^{−1}(y)[/latex] if x is in the restricted domain of f.
• Special angles are the outputs of inverse trigonometric functions for special input values; for example, [latex]\frac{\pi}{4}=\tan^{−1}( 1 )\text{ and }\frac{\pi}{6}=\sin^{−1}(\frac{1}{2})[/latex].
• A calculator will return an angle within the restricted domain of the original trigonometric function.
• Inverse functions allow us to find an angle when given two sides of a right triangle.
• In function composition, if the inside function is an inverse trigonometric function, then there are exact expressions; for example, [latex]\sin\left(\cos^{−1}\left(x\right)\right)=\sqrt{1−x^{2}}[/latex].
• If the inside function is a trigonometric function, then the only possible combinations are [latex]\sin^{−1}\left(\cos x\right)=\frac{\pi}{2}−x[/latex] if [latex]0\leq x\leq\pi[/latex] and [latex]\cos^{−1}\left(\sin x\right)=\frac{\pi}{2}−x[/latex] if [latex]−\frac{\pi}{2}\leq x \leq\frac{\pi}{2}[/latex].
• When evaluating the composition of a trigonometric function with an inverse trigonometric function, draw a reference triangle to assist in determining the ratio of sides that represents the output of the trigonometric function.
• When evaluating the composition of a trigonometric function with an inverse trigonometric function, you may use trig identities to assist in determining the ratio of sides.

 

Section 4.7 Homework Exercises

1. Why do the functions [latex]f(x)=\sin^{−1}x[/latex] and [latex]g(x)=\cos^{−1}x[/latex] have different ranges?

2. Since the functions [latex]y=\cos x[/latex] and [latex]y=\cos^{−1}x[/latex] are inverse functions, why is [latex]\cos^{−1}\left(\cos\left(−\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\right)[/latex] not equal to [latex]−\frac{\pi}{6}[/latex]?

3. Explain the meaning of [latex]\frac{\pi}{6}=\arcsin(0.5)[/latex].

4. Most calculators do not have a key to evaluate [latex]\sec^{−1}(2)[/latex]. Explain how this can be done using the cosine function or the inverse cosine function.

5. Why must the domain of the sine function, [latex]\sin x[/latex], be restricted to [latex]\left[−\frac{\pi}{2}\text{, }\frac{\pi}{2}\right][/latex] for the inverse sine function to exist?

6. Discuss why this statement is incorrect: [latex]\arccos(\cos x)=x[/latex] for all x.

7. Determine whether the following statement is true or false and explain your answer: [latex]\arccos(−x)=\pi−\arccos x[/latex].

For the following exercises, evaluate the expressions.

8. [latex]\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)[/latex]

9. [latex]\sin^{−1}\left(−\frac{1}{2}\right)[/latex]

10. [latex]\cos^{−1}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)[/latex]

11. [latex]\cos^{−1}\left(−\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)[/latex]

12. [latex]\tan^{−1}(1)[/latex]

13. [latex]\tan^{−1}(−\sqrt{3})[/latex]

14. [latex]\tan^{−1}(−1)[/latex]

15. [latex]\tan^{−1}(\sqrt{3})[/latex]

16. [latex]\tan^{−1}\left(\frac{−1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)[/latex]

For the following exercises, use a calculator to evaluate each expression. Express answers to the nearest hundredth.

17. [latex]\cos^{−1}(−0.4)[/latex]

18. [latex]\arcsin(0.23)[/latex]

19. [latex]\arccos\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)[/latex]

20. [latex]\cos^{−1}(0.8)[/latex]

21. [latex]\tan^{−1}(6)[/latex]

For the following exercises, find the angle θ in the given right triangle. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

22.

23.

For the following exercises, find the exact value, if possible, without a calculator. If it is not possible, explain why.

24. [latex]\sin^{−1}(\cos(\pi))[/latex]

25. [latex]\tan^{−1}(\sin(\pi))[/latex]

26. [latex]\cos^{−1}\left(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\right)[/latex]

27. [latex]\tan^{−1}\left(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\right)[/latex]

28. [latex]\sin^{−1}\left(\cos\left(\frac{−\pi}{2}\right)\right)[/latex]

29. [latex]\tan^{−1}\left(\sin\left(\frac{4\pi}{3}\right)\right)[/latex]

30. [latex]\sin^{−1}\left(\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)\right)[/latex]

31. [latex]\tan^{−1}\left(\sin\left(\frac{−5\pi}{2}\right)\right)[/latex]

32. [latex]\cos\left(\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)\right)[/latex]

33. [latex]\sin\left(\cos^{−1}\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)\right)[/latex]

34. [latex]\sin\left(\tan^{−1}\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\right)[/latex]

35. [latex]\cos\left(\tan^{−1}\left(\frac{12}{5}\right)\right)[/latex]

36. [latex]\cos\left(\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\right)[/latex]

For the following exercises, use a right triangle to write the expression as an algebraic expression.  Assume that x is positive and in the domain of the given inverse trigonometric function.

37. [latex]\tan\left(\sin^{−1}\left(x\right)\right)[/latex]

38. [latex]\sin\left(\cos^{−1}\left(x\right)\right)[/latex]

39. [latex]\cos\left(\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)\right)[/latex]

40. [latex]\cos\left(\tan^{−1}\left(3x\right)\right)[/latex]

41. [latex]\sin\left(\tan^{−1}\left(2x\right)\right)[/latex]

For the following exercises, evaluate the expression without using a calculator. Give the exact value.

42. [latex]\frac{\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)−\cos^{−1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)+\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)−\cos^{−1}\left(1\right)}{\cos^{−1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)−\sin^{−1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)+\cos^{−1}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)−\sin^{−1}\left(0\right)}[/latex]

For the following exercises, find the function if [latex]\sin t=\frac{x}{x+1}[/latex].

43. [latex]\cos t[/latex]

44. [latex]\sec t[/latex]

45. [latex]\cot t[/latex]

46. [latex]\csc t[/latex]

47. [latex]\tan t[/latex]

48. Graph [latex]y=\sin^{−1}x[/latex] and state the domain and range of the function.

49. Graph [latex]y=\arccos x[/latex] and state the domain and range of the function.

50. Graph one cycle of [latex]y=\tan^{−1}x[/latex] and state the domain and range of the function.

51. For what value of x does [latex]\sin x=\sin^{−1}x[/latex]? Use a graphing calculator to approximate the answer.

52. For what value of x does [latex]\cos x=\cos^{−1}x[/latex]? Use a graphing calculator to approximate the answer.

53. Suppose a 13-foot ladder is leaning against a building, reaching to the bottom of a second-floor window 12 feet above the ground. What angle, in radians, does the ladder make with the building?

54. Suppose you drive 0.6 miles on a road so that the vertical distance changes from 0 to 150 feet. What is the angle of elevation of the road?

55. An isosceles triangle has two congruent sides of length 9 inches. The remaining side has a length of 8 inches. Find the angle that a side of 9 inches makes with the 8-inch side.

56. Without using a calculator, approximate the value of [latex]\arctan(10,000)[/latex]. Explain why your answer is reasonable.

57. A truss for the roof of a house is constructed from two identical right triangles. Each has a base of 12 feet and height of 4 feet. Find the measure of the acute angle adjacent to the 4-foot side.

58. The line [latex]y=\frac{3}{5}x[/latex] passes through the origin in the x, y-plane. What is the measure of the angle that the line makes with the positive x-axis?

59. The line [latex]y=−\frac{3}{7}x[/latex] passes through the origin in the x, y-plane. What is the measure of the angle that the line makes with the negative x-axis?

60. What percentage grade should a road have if the angle of elevation of the road is 4 degrees? (The percentage grade is defined as the change in the altitude of the road over a 100-foot horizontal distance. For example, a 5% grade means that the road rises 5 feet for every 100 feet of horizontal distance.)

61. A 20-foot ladder leans up against the side of a building so that the foot of the ladder is 10 feet from the base of the building. If specifications call for the ladder’s angle of elevation to be between 35 and 45 degrees, does the placement of this ladder satisfy safety specifications?

62. Suppose a 15-foot ladder leans against the side of a house so that the angle of elevation of the ladder is 42 degrees. How far is the foot of the ladder from the side of the house?