How to Calculate Inverse Trig Functions
What is Inverse Trig Functions?
Inverse trigonometric functions (arcsin, arccos, arctan) find the angle given a ratio. arcsin(x) asks "what angle has sine = x?" They are essential for solving triangles when side lengths are known but angles are not.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1arcsin(x): returns angle whose sine is x, range [−90°, 90°]
- 2arccos(x): returns angle whose cosine is x, range [0°, 180°]
- 3arctan(x): returns angle whose tangent is x, range (−90°, 90°)
- 4arctan2(y,x): full-circle angle from coordinates (−180° to 180°)
Worked Examples
Input
arcsin(0.5)
Result
30°
sin(30°) = 0.5
Input
arctan(1)
Result
45°
tan(45°) = 1
Input
arccos(0)
Result
90°
cos(90°) = 0
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