key term - Arcsine

Definition

Arcsine is the inverse function of the sine function, used to find an angle whose sine value is known. It is typically denoted as $$ ext{arcsin}(x)$$ or $$ ext{sin}^{-1}(x)$$ and takes an input from the range $$[-1, 1]$$ to output angles in radians or degrees within the interval $$[-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]$$. This function is crucial for solving trigonometric equations and inequalities where the sine of an angle is given.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The range of arcsine is limited to angles between $$-\frac{\pi}{2}$$ and $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$, which reflects the vertical line test for functions.
2. When using arcsine, only values from $$[-1, 1]$$ are acceptable inputs because those correspond to possible sine values.
3. Graphing arcsine shows a curve that passes through the origin and is increasing, demonstrating that it is a one-to-one function within its defined range.
4. The derivative of arcsine can be calculated using calculus, resulting in $$\frac{d}{dx} \text{arcsin}(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}$$ for inputs within (-1, 1).
5. Arcsine is particularly useful in solving equations like $$\sin(x) = k$$, where k is a known value in the interval [-1, 1], allowing us to find specific angle solutions.

Review Questions

• How does the arcsine function relate to the sine function in terms of their domains and ranges?
  • The arcsine function serves as the inverse of the sine function. While the sine function can take any real number as input and produces outputs in the range [-1, 1], arcsine accepts inputs only from this range. The output of arcsine provides angles specifically within the range $$[-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]$$. This limited range ensures that each sine value corresponds to exactly one angle, maintaining the properties required for inverse functions.
• Explain how you would use arcsine to solve a trigonometric equation involving sine, such as $$\sin(x) = 0.5$$.
  • To solve an equation like $$\sin(x) = 0.5$$ using arcsine, you would apply the arcsine function to both sides: $$x = \text{arcsin}(0.5)$$. This gives you one solution within the principal range of arcsine, which is $$x = \frac{\pi}{6}$$ radians (or 30 degrees). However, it's also important to consider that sine is periodic; therefore, additional solutions can be derived by adding integer multiples of $$2\pi$$ to your initial answer for general solutions.
• Analyze how understanding arcsine contributes to solving inequalities involving trigonometric functions, such as $$\sin(x) > 0.3$$.
  • Understanding arcsine helps in addressing inequalities like $$\sin(x) > 0.3$$ by first determining critical values with arcsin. You would find a reference angle using $$x = \text{arcsin}(0.3)$$ which gives one specific angle. From here, knowing that sine is positive in both the first and second quadrants allows you to determine all angles satisfying this inequality by considering all possible rotations (such as adding multiples of $$2\pi$$) while remaining aware of intervals where sine retains its positive value.

Related terms

Sine Function:

A fundamental trigonometric function that relates an angle of a right triangle to the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the hypotenuse.

Inverse Functions: Functions that reverse the effect of another function; for instance, if $$f(x)$$ gives you an output, then $$f^{-1}(x)$$ will return you to the original input.

Unit Circle:

A circle with a radius of one centered at the origin of a coordinate plane, used to define trigonometric functions and their inverses based on angles.