What is the result of calculating arcsin(sin√5)?

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The discussion revolves around calculating arcsin(sin(√5)), emphasizing the importance of understanding the domains of inverse trigonometric functions. It highlights that arcsin and sin are not universally inverse functions, particularly when the input exceeds the principal range of arcsin, which is [-π/2, π/2]. Participants explore the relationship between sin and its coterminal angles, noting that arcsin(sin(√5)) does not equal √5 due to its value being outside the defined range. The correct approach involves recognizing that arcsin(sin(√5)) simplifies to π - √5, as √5 is approximately 2.236, placing it in the second quadrant. Ultimately, the solution requires careful consideration of the angle's quadrant and the properties of sine and arcsine functions.
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Homework Statement



Calculate arcsin(sin√5).

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



f(1/2) = sin(1/2)
= π / 6

f'(x) = cosx

f'(1/2) = cos(1/2)
= π / 3

y = π / 6 + π / 3(x - 1/2)
= π / 3 x

f(√5) = π / 3 (√5)
= √5π / 3

I tried using linear approximation, but didnt get the correct answer of π - √5
 
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arcsin(sin x) = x, PROVIDED that x is in the interval [-pi/2, pi/2]. You need to find a number x such that sin(x) = sin(sqrt(5)), where x is in [-pi/2, pi/2].
 


TsAmE, I might add that Calculus *methods* are not appropriate for this problem (even though it might appear in a calc book/course).
This is more about, as Mark44 has mentioned, coterminal angles and the domain of inverse trig functions.

Some people have an easier time working with degrees at first. Could you calculate
arcsin(sin(113degrees))?
 


you need to calculate arcsin(sin√5) ?

arcsin and sin are inverse functions of each other, thus:
arcsin(sin(x)) = x :)
 


gomunkul51 said:
you need to calculate arcsin(sin√5) ?

arcsin and sin are inverse functions of each other, thus:
arcsin(sin(x)) = x :)

This is not true in general, and definitely not true in this case arcsin(sin(\sqrt{5})) \neq \sqrt{5}. See post #2.
 


Mark44 said:
This is not true in general, and definitely not true in this case arcsin(sin(\sqrt{5})) \neq \sqrt{5}. See post #2.

yup. my mistake.
 


I don't know how much is assumed that you know in terms of numbers, but I remember that
\sqrt{5} \approx 2.236

... and I remember the radian equivalent of the angles for each quadrant (for example, the angles in Q1 go from 0 to ~1.571 rad), so I could figure out what quadrant \sqrt{5}\,rad is.

Also, it would be helpful to know one of the trig identities that deal with symmetry. (I hope that wasn't too many hints.)69
 


TsAmE said:

Homework Statement



Calculate arcsin(sin√5).

I tried using linear approximation, but didnt get the correct answer of π - √5

Use the identity sin(x) = sin(\pi[/tex] - x)
 


Bohrok said:
Use the identity sin(x) = sin(\pi[/tex] - x)
<br /> <br /> If that is the case then:<br /> <br /> arcsin(sin√5) = arc(sin(π - √5)), but π - √5 is still in the 2nd quadrant which doesn&#039;t satisfy arc(sinx) = x [-π/2, π/2]. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f615.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":confused:" title="Confused :confused:" data-smilie="5"data-shortname=":confused:" />
 
  • #10


Not quite. By intuition, \pi is a bit more than 3 and \sqrt{5} is a bit more than 2, so \pi-\sqrt{5} is approximately 1. But \pi/2 is a number a bit more than 3 and halved, so a bit more than 1.5. Obviously \pi-\sqrt{5}&lt;\pi/2 so it is in the first quadrant.
 

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