Understanding the restriction on x in arccos(x) = arctan(x)

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the equation $\arccos(x) = \arctan(x)$ and the restrictions on the variable $x$, specifically addressing why $x$ cannot be negative or zero. Participants explore the implications of the graphs of the inverse trigonometric functions involved and their respective domains and ranges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the intersection of the graphs of $\arccos(x)$ and $\arctan(x)$ occurs only in the first quadrant, which may explain the restriction on $x$.
  • One participant proposes that the domains of the two functions need to be considered to find where they intersect.
  • Another participant notes that $\arccos(x)$ covers both the first and second quadrants, while $\arctan(x)$ covers the first and fourth quadrants, leading to a discussion about their intersection points.
  • There is a clarification regarding the range of $\arctan(x)$, which is stated to be between $-\frac{\pi}{2}$ and $\frac{\pi}{2}$, indicating its behavior in quadrants I and IV.
  • Some participants express confusion about the quadrants in which the tangent function is positive and how that relates to the arctangent function's definition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the intersection occurs in the first quadrant, but there is disagreement regarding the implications of the ranges and domains of the functions involved, particularly concerning the behavior of $\arctan(x)$ in different quadrants.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the exact values of $x$ at the intersection and the implications of the domains and ranges of the functions. Some assumptions about the behavior of the functions in different quadrants remain unexamined.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\arccos\left({x}\right)=\arctan\left({x}\right)$

Explain why $x$ cannot negative or $0$

I assume that

$$\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$$

This intersects in Q1 but why never negative or 0?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
karush said:
$\arccos\left({x}\right)=\arctan\left({x}\right)$

Explain why $x$ cannot negative or $0$

I assume that

$$\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$$

This intersects in Q1 but why never negative or 0?

Hi karush! (Smile)

I'm afraid that $\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$ is something entirely different.
I suggest to make a drawing of both $\arccos x$ and $\arctan x$ in the same graph.
It should show that their intersection can only be in Q1.
 
So you mean simply because the graph intersects in Q1 that explains why? .
They did show a graph of that with the problem
 
As the inverse trigonometric functions are normally defined, where do the domains of the two given functions intersect? As a follow-up, can you then find the exact value of $x$?
 
I believe that the arccosine covers both I & II quadrants. However, the arctangent covers both I & III quadrants.
Clearly, arccosine doesn't intersect the origin (arctangent on the other hand, can).
Therefore, in the I quadrant, they clearly intersect.
 
The range of $\arctan(x)$ is between $-\dfrac{\pi}{2}$ and $\dfrac{\pi}{2}$ (inclusive), i.e. quadrants I and IV.
 
greg1313, I thought arctangent is in quadrants I and III.
 
suluclac said:
greg1313, I thought arctangent is in quadrants I and III.

Quadrants I and III are where the tangent function is positive...whereas the standard chosen domain for the tangent function in which it is one-to-one and the concept of an inverse is meaningful is:

$$\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)$$
 
Yes, I understand that the tangent is positive on quadrants I & III, but regardless of the arctangent going through the origin, the lines extend to quadrants I & III. Perhaps I'm not understanding the point here.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K