Grade Level: HG1

Course: Pre calculus

Branch: Functions

Topic: Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Inverse Trigonometric functions

The inverse trigonometric functions are the inverse functions of the trigonometric
functions, written , , , , , and .

Graph of y = arccosx

choose the portion of the graph of y = cosx from x = 0 to x = π.

The graph of the inverse of cosine x is found by reflecting the graph of cos x
through the line y = x.
The result is the graph y = arccos x:

The domain (the possible x-values) of arccos x is -1 ≤ x ≤ 1

The range (of y-values for the graph) for arccos x is 0 ≤ arccos x ≤ π

The inverse function of sine function (arcsin)

We define the inverse sine function as

π π
y = arcsinx for – ≤x≤
2 2

where y is angle whose sine is x , x = siny

The graph of arcsinx

Let’s see the graph of y = sinx then derive the curve of y = arcsinx

When we reflect the indicated portion of y = sinx through the line y = x, we

obtain the graph of arcsinx
We notice that the graph does not extend beyond the indicated boundaries of x
and y

The domain of arcsinx is -1≤ x ≤ 1

π π
The range of arcsinx is - ≤y≤
2 2

Inverse Tangent Function ( arctan x )

Let’s see the graph of y = tanx then derive the curve of y = arctanx

When we reflect the indicated portion of y = tanx through the line y = x, we

obtain the graph of arctanx
We notice that the graph does not extend beyond the indicated boundaries in both
the negative and the positive directions of x axis

The Domain of arctanx is Real Numbers

π π
The Range of arctanx is – ≤ arctanx ≤
2 2

The Inverse Secant Function arcsecx

Let’s see the graph of y = tanx then derive the curve of y = arctanx
The graph of y = arcsecx

The Domain of arcsecx is all values of x expect -1 ≤ x ≤1

π
The Range of arcsecx 0 < arcsecx < π , arcsecx ≠
2

The Inverse Cosecant Function

Let’s see the graph of y = cosecx then derive the curve of y = arccosecx
The graph of arccscx

The graph extends in the negative and positive x-directions

The Domain of arcsecx is all values of x expect -1 ≤ x ≤1

π
The Range of arcsecx – < arcsecx < π , arcsecx ≠ 0
2

The Inverse of Cotangent Function

Let’s see the graph of y = cotx then derive the curve of y = arccotx
The graph of arccotx

The graph extends in the negative and positive x-directions.

The Domain of arctanx is Real Numbers

π π
The Range of arctanx is – ≤ arctanx ≤
2 2

Quiz

1. Find cos (sin -1 0.5)

A) π /6
B) π /3
π
C)
2
D) None of these

2. Write down the meaning (in words) of y = 2 sin -1 x

A) y is the angle whose sine is x.

B) y is twice the angle whose sine is x.
C) x is twice the angle whose sine is y.
D) None of these
3. Evaluate sin -1 0

π
A)
2
B) π /3
C) 0
D) None of these

4. Evaluate sec -1 2

A) π /3
π
B)
2
C) π
D) None of these

5. Evaluate cos [ tan -1 (-1) ]

2
A)
2
B) 2
C) ½
D) None of these