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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating arcsin(sin(√5)), which relates to the properties of inverse trigonometric functions and their domains. The discussion touches on the implications of the angle's value in relation to the defined range of the arcsin function.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between arcsin and sin, questioning the conditions under which arcsin(sin(x)) equals x. There are attempts to apply linear approximation and identities related to sine functions. Some participants suggest considering the quadrant in which √5 lies and its implications for the arcsin function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the problem and exploring various interpretations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of identities and the importance of the angle's range, but no consensus has been reached on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the interval restrictions for the arcsin function, as well as the need to consider coterminal angles and the quadrant in which √5 falls. Participants also express uncertainty about the assumptions regarding prior knowledge of trigonometric identities and properties.

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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([itex]\sqrt{5}[/itex])) [itex]\neq[/itex] [itex]\sqrt{5}[/itex]. See post #2.
 


Mark44 said:
This is not true in general, and definitely not true in this case arcsin(sin([itex]\sqrt{5}[/itex])) [itex]\neq[/itex] [itex]\sqrt{5}[/itex]. 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
[tex]\sqrt{5} \approx 2.236[/tex]

... 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 [tex]\sqrt{5}\,rad[/tex] 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([itex]\pi[/tex] - x)[/itex]
 


Bohrok said:
Use the identity sin(x) = sin([itex]\pi[/tex] - x)[/itex]
[itex] <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'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:" />[/itex]
 
  • #10


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

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