How Do You Add Arccos(x), Arccos(y), and Arccos(z)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the addition of the inverse cosine functions, specifically arccos(x), arccos(y), and arccos(z). The derived formula for the sum of two inverse cosines is arccos(x) + arccos(y) = arccos(xy - √((1-x²)(1-y²))). For three variables, the formula expands to arccos(xyz - z√((1-x²)(1-y²)) - x√((1-y²)(1-z²)) - y√((1-z²)(1-x²))). This mathematical approach utilizes trigonometric identities to simplify the expressions involving arccosine functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine and sine.
  • Familiarity with inverse trigonometric functions, particularly arccosine.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation involving square roots and variables.
  • Basic understanding of the unit circle and its properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of trigonometric identities, particularly those involving sums of angles.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Explore advanced topics in trigonometry, such as the Law of Cosines.
  • Investigate the geometric interpretations of arccosine functions on the unit circle.
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Mathematicians, students studying trigonometry, and anyone interested in advanced mathematical concepts involving inverse trigonometric functions.

Trepidation
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arccos(x) + arccos(y) = ?

How are these added? I can't find it anywhere, and I'm sure there has to be a way...


Actually, what would be more helpful would be
arccos(x) + arccos(y) + arccos(z)

Or even
cos(x) + cos(y) + cox(z)


Well... Thanks for your help.
 
Last edited:
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Please elaborate. Are x and y arbitrary? Do they represent a coordinate pair on the unit circle?
 
x and y (and z, if you care to answer the other parts) are arbitrary variables; they have nothing to do with any coordinates.
 
Take the cosine (or sine) of both sides of the equation.
 
OK if my math is correct then
arccos(x) + arccos(y) = arccos( xy - \sqrt{(1-x^2)(1-y^2)})

Yea that should be right.
 
Last edited:
I think it's correct.

and

\arccos (x) + \arccos (y) + \arccos (z) =<br /> \arccos(xyz - z \sqrt{(1-x^2)(1-y^2)} - x \sqrt{(1-y^2)(1-z^2)} - y \sqrt{(1-z^2)(1-x^2)})

Let X=\arccos(x), Y=\arccos(y), Z=\arccos(z) then

\cos(X+Y+Z) = \cos(X+Y) \cos(Z) - \sin(X+Y) \sin(Z)
<br /> = (\cos(X) \cos(Y) - \sin(X) \sin(Y)) \cos(Z) - (\sin(X) \cos(Y) + \cos(X) \sin(Y)) \sin(X) <br /> = ...
= xyz - z \sqrt{(1-x^2)(1-y^2)} -y \sqrt{(1-z^2)(1-x^2)} - x \sqrt{(1-y^2)(1-z^2)}
 
Last edited:

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