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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the addition of the inverse cosine functions, specifically arccos(x), arccos(y), and arccos(z). Participants explore how to express the sum of these functions mathematically, considering both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to add arccos(x) and arccos(y), expressing uncertainty about the existence of a formula for this operation.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether x and y are arbitrary variables or represent coordinates on the unit circle.
  • A participant clarifies that x, y, and z are arbitrary variables and not related to coordinates.
  • One suggestion is made to take the cosine (or sine) of both sides of the equation to explore the addition further.
  • A participant proposes a formula for arccos(x) + arccos(y) involving a square root expression, suggesting it is correct.
  • Another participant agrees with the proposed formula and extends it to include arccos(z), providing a more complex expression involving multiple variables and square roots.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a definitive method for adding arccos functions, as participants present different approaches and formulas without agreement on their correctness.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical expressions and assumptions that may not be fully resolved, such as the dependence on the values of x, y, and z and the conditions under which the proposed formulas hold.

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 - [tex]\sqrt{(1-x^2)(1-y^2)}[/tex])

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

and

[tex]\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)})[/tex]

Let [tex]X=\arccos(x), Y=\arccos(y), Z=\arccos(z)[/tex] then

[tex]\cos(X+Y+Z) = \cos(X+Y) \cos(Z) - \sin(X+Y) \sin(Z)[/tex]
[tex] = (\cos(X) \cos(Y) - \sin(X) \sin(Y)) \cos(Z) - (\sin(X) \cos(Y) + \cos(X) \sin(Y)) \sin(X) <br /> = ...[/tex]
[tex]= 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)}[/tex]
 
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