Trig function of arc trig functions and the reverse

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationships between trigonometric functions and their inverse functions, specifically exploring expressions like sin(arccos(x)), cos(arcsin(x)), and their reverses. The scope includes theoretical exploration and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that sin(arccos(x)) equals (1-x^2)^0.5 and seeks similar expressions for other trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Another participant provides expressions for cos(arcsin(x)) and tan(arccos(x)), indicating their derivation from known identities.
  • A question is raised about the validity of certain expressions, such as arccos(tan(x)), due to the range restrictions of the cosine function, suggesting that the tangent can exceed the permissible range for the arccos function.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the quadrant considerations for the expression tan(arccos(x)), noting that it may not hold if arccos(x) is in the second quadrant.
  • Another participant suggests that if angles are restricted to the first quadrant, all formulas can be derived using right triangles, providing an example with sin(arctan(x)).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of certain expressions, particularly regarding the ranges of the functions involved. There is no consensus on the applicability of all proposed relationships.

Contextual Notes

Some expressions may depend on the specific ranges of the angles involved, and there are unresolved concerns about multi-valued problems and quadrant considerations that affect the validity of certain identities.

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I know the sin(arccos(x)) = (1-x^2)^0.5

I was wondering what some of the others are:

cos(arcsin(X))
tan(arcsin(X))
tan(arccos(x))
sin(arctan(x))
cos(arctan(x))

also the reverse:

arcsin(cos(x))
arcsin(tan(X))
arccos(Sin(X))
arccos(tan(X))
arctan(sin(X))
arctan(cos(X))
 
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Let me do two:

\cos(arcsin(x))=\sqrt{1-\sin(arcsin(x))}=\sqrt{1-x^2}

and

\tan(arccos(x))=\sqrt{\frac{1}{\cos^2(arccos(x))}-1}=\sqrt{\frac{1}{x^2}-1}

I'll let you find out the other ones...
 
are these always possible? I mean take

arccos(tan(x))

for example, the cosine of an angle is always between 0 and 1, and so, the argument to the arccos function should be a number between 0 and 1...but the tangent of an angle can get pretty large...so, I think these is no solution here...same for others.
 
micromass said:
Let me do two:


\tan(arccos(x))=\sqrt{\frac{1}{\cos^2(arccos(x))}-1}=\sqrt{\frac{1}{x^2}-1}

Not if arccos(x) is in the second quadrant.
 
As long as your "angles" are in the first quadrant (so you don't have multi-value problems), you can get all of those formulas by constructing an appropriate right triangle.

For example, to get sin(arctan(x)), imagine a right triangle with "opposite side" x and "near side" 1 (so that the tangent of the angle opposite side "x" is x/1= x and the angle is arctan(x)). By the Pythagorean theorem, it will have "hypotenuse" \sqrt{x^2+ 1}. Sine is "opposite side over hypotenuse" so sin(arctan(x))= \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+ 1}}.
 

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