How do I calculate inverse trig functions?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the inverse tangent (arctan) of 35 over 65, with a discrepancy between the degree and radian outputs. The user initially misunderstands the conversion between radians and degrees, leading to confusion over the results from the Google calculator. Participants clarify that the 'RAD'/'DEG' button on calculators allows for unit conversion, which is essential for accurate calculations. Additionally, one radian is explained as approximately 57.3 degrees, reinforcing the importance of understanding these conversions. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of mastering unit conversions in trigonometric calculations.
Alanay
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On the paper I'm reading the arctan of 35 over 65 is approx. 28.30degrees.

When I use the Google calculator "arctan(35/65)" gives me 0.493941369 rad.

What am I doing wrong?
 
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Alanay said:
On the paper I'm reading the arctan of 35 over 65 is approx. 28.30degrees.

When I use the Google calculator "arctan(35/65)" gives me 0.493941369 rad.

What am I doing wrong?
What is 28.30 degrees in radians?
 
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Samy_A said:
What is 28.30 degrees in radians?
Ah, I wasn't told I could convert radians to degrees. Thank you. :eek:
 
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Alanay said:
Ah, I wasn't told I could convert radians to degrees. Thank you. :eek:

Nobody has to ""allow"" you to change units; you can do it if you want to, and sometimes you MUST do it (as in this case).
 
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Alanay said:
Ah, I wasn't told I could convert radians to degrees. Thank you. :eek:
That's what the 'RAD'/'DEG' button in the upper left hand calculator is for, to allow you to select the units of angular measure.

Haven't you ever used a regular calculator with this feature?
 
SteamKing said:
That's what the 'RAD'/'DEG' button in the upper left hand calculator is for, to allow you to select the units of angular measure.

Haven't you ever used a regular calculator with this feature?
No, I did poorly in my Math exams. Now I am going to be studying science and engineering which is very ambitious if you think about my past with mathematics. But now I'm 18 it isn't very difficult to grasp different concepts so I'm learning at a much faster rate. My only problem is not being distracted. Thanks for notifying me of the option on the calculator, I never noticed it before.
 
Hey, one radian is 180 degrees / pi, which is about 57.3 degrees.

In other words, 360 degrees is equal to 2*pi radians. Keep these numbers in mind, they may save you in future tests / quizzes!
 
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