Arctan(y/x) in AP Calculus AB/BC

Definition

The arctan(y/x) is the inverse tangent function that gives the angle whose tangent is equal to y/x. It measures the angle between the positive x-axis and a line connecting the origin to a point (x, y) on the coordinate plane.

Related terms

Inverse Tangent Function:

A mathematical function that returns the angle whose tangent is equal to a given value. For example, arctan(1) = π/4 radians or 45 degrees.

Coordinate Plane: A two-dimensional plane formed by two perpendicular number lines called axes (usually x and y), where points are defined by their distances from these axes.

Tangent:

In trigonometry, it refers to a ratio of two sides of a right triangle—opposite over adjacent—and also represents the slope of a line in relation to the x-axis.