Textbook Question
In Exercises 27–38, use a calculator to find the value of each expression rounded to two decimal places. sin⁻¹ 0.3
743
views
5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations
Inverse Sine, Cosine, & Tangent
2:08 minutesProblem 33
Textbook Question
In Exercises 29–51, find the exact value of each expression. Do not use a calculator. cos⁻¹ (− 1/2)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the function \(\cos^{-1}(x)\), also known as arccosine, gives the angle \(\theta\) in the range \(0 \leq \theta \leq \pi\) such that \(\cos(\theta) = x\).
Identify the value inside the arccosine function: here, it is \(-\frac{1}{2}\), so we want to find \(\theta\) such that \(\cos(\theta) = -\frac{1}{2}\).
Recall the unit circle values where cosine equals \(-\frac{1}{2}\). Cosine corresponds to the x-coordinate on the unit circle, so find the angles in \([0, \pi]\) where the x-coordinate is \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
From known special angles, \(\cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{1}{2}\) and \(\cos\left(\frac{4\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{1}{2}\), but since the range of \(\cos^{-1}\) is \([0, \pi]\), only \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\) is valid.
Therefore, the exact value of \(\cos^{-1}\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)\) is the angle \(\theta = \frac{2\pi}{3}\).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inverse Cosine Function (cos⁻¹ or arccos)
The inverse cosine function returns the angle whose cosine is a given value. It is defined for inputs between -1 and 1, and its output range is from 0 to π radians (0° to 180°). Understanding this helps find the angle corresponding to a specific cosine value without a calculator.
Recommended video:
4:49
Inverse Cosine
Unit Circle and Reference Angles
The unit circle represents angles and their cosine and sine values on a circle of radius 1. Knowing key points where cosine values are common fractions, like -1/2, helps identify exact angle measures. Reference angles simplify finding angles in different quadrants.
Recommended video:
5:31Reference Angles on the Unit Circle
Exact Values of Cosine for Special Angles
Certain angles, such as 30°, 60°, and 120°, have well-known exact cosine values like ±1/2 or ±√3/2. Recognizing these values allows you to determine the exact angle for cos⁻¹(-1/2) without approximation or calculators.
Recommended video:
6:04Example 1
Related Videos
Related Practice