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Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions

Learning goals

  • States principal domains and ranges used to define inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Evaluates inverse trigonometric expressions on principal branches.
  • Distinguishes inverse functions from reciprocals.
  • Uses domain restrictions to solve trigonometric equations correctly.

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Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 1
For each principal inverse trigonometric function, state its domain and its range. a) \(y=\arcsin(x)\) b) \(y=\arccos(x)\) c) \(y=\arctan(x)\)

Hints

- The domain of an inverse function comes from the range of the restricted original function. - The range of an inverse function is the interval chosen to make the original trigonometric function one-to-one. - Compare the standard restricted branches of sine, cosine, and tangent rather than their full periodic graphs.

Solution

1. Sine is restricted to \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\) to define its principal inverse. On that interval its outputs cover \([-1,1]\). Therefore, \(\arcsin\) has domain \([-1,1]\) and range \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). 2. Cosine is restricted to \([0,\pi]\) for its principal inverse, and its outputs there cover \([-1,1]\). Therefore, \(\arccos\) has domain \([-1,1]\) and range \([0,\pi]\). 3. Tangent is restricted to \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\), where its outputs cover all real numbers. Therefore, \(\arctan\) has domain \(\mathbb{R}\) and range \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\).

Answer

a) Domain: \([-1,1]\); range: \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\) b) Domain: \([-1,1]\); range: \([0,\pi]\) c) Domain: \(\mathbb{R}\); range: \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 2
Evaluate \(\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\) exactly. Give the principal value in radians.

Hints

- Recall the principal range of the arcsine function. - Look for a standard angle whose sine is the given value. - Check that the angle you choose lies in the principal arcsine range.

Solution

1. The principal range of arcsine is \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). 2. The angle in that range whose sine is \(\frac{1}{2}\) is \(\frac{\pi}{6}\).

Answer

\(\frac{\pi}{6}\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 3
Is \(\arccos(1.2)\) defined as a real number? State the domain fact that decides your answer.

Hints

- Focus on the allowable inputs of the real-valued inverse cosine function. - Compare the given input directly with the endpoints of that domain.

Solution

1. The real-valued function \(\arccos(x)\) has domain \([-1,1]\). 2. Since \(1.2\notin[-1,1]\), \(\arccos(1.2)\) is not defined as a real number.

Answer

No. The real-valued domain of \(\arccos(x)\) is \([-1,1]\), and \(1.2\) is outside that interval.
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 4
Find \(\arccos(-1)\) in radians. Use the principal range \([0,\pi]\).

Hints

- Inverse cosine asks for an angle, not a ratio. - Which unit-circle angle points straight left? - Check that the angle is in the principal interval.

Solution

1. \(\arccos(-1)\) is the angle in \([0,\pi]\) whose cosine is \(-1\). 2. Cosine equals \(-1\) at the half-turn angle \(\pi\), which is in that range.

Answer

\(\pi\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 5
Complete the table of principal values. All answers are in radians. <table><tr><th>Input \(x\)</th><th>\(\arctan(x)\)</th></tr><tr><td>\(-1\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td></tr><tr><td>\(0\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td></tr><tr><td>\(1\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td></tr></table> How are \(\arctan(-1)\) and \(\arctan(1)\) related?

Hints

- The arctangent outputs lie strictly between \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). - Think about the tangent ratios at a \(45^\circ\) reference angle. - Check the sign of each input before choosing a principal angle. - Look for a relationship between the outputs of the two nonzero inputs.

Solution

1. Tangent is \(-1\) at \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\), which lies between \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). 2. Tangent is \(0\) at \(0\), so \(\arctan(0)=0\). 3. Tangent is \(1\) at \(\frac{\pi}{4}\), also within the principal interval. 4. The values at inputs \(-1\) and \(1\) have equal magnitudes and opposite signs.

Answer

<table><tr><th>Input \(x\)</th><th>\(\arctan(x)\)</th></tr><tr><td>\(-1\)</td><td>\(-\frac{\pi}{4}\)</td></tr><tr><td>\(0\)</td><td>\(0\)</td></tr><tr><td>\(1\)</td><td>\(\frac{\pi}{4}\)</td></tr></table> \(\arctan(-1)=-\arctan(1)\): the values are opposites.
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 6
For each input, decide whether \(\arcsin(x)\) and \(\arctan(x)\) are real numbers. <table><tr><th>Input \(x\)</th><th>\(\arcsin(x)\)</th><th>\(\arctan(x)\)</th></tr><tr><td>\(-2\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td></tr><tr><td>\(0\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td></tr><tr><td>\(\frac{1}{2}\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td><td>\(\square\)</td></tr></table> Write Yes or No in each blank.

Hints

- If \(\arcsin(x)=\theta\), what equation involving \(\sin(\theta)\) would have to be true? - Ask the same question for inverse tangent. - Which outputs can the original sine and tangent functions produce?

Solution

1. The input of inverse sine must be between \(-1\) and \(1\), including the endpoints. Thus, \(-2\) is not allowed but \(0\) and \(\frac{1}{2}\) are. 2. Inverse tangent accepts every real input, so all three inputs are allowed.

Answer

<table><tr><th>Input \(x\)</th><th>\(\arcsin(x)\)</th><th>\(\arctan(x)\)</th></tr><tr><td>\(-2\)</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>\(0\)</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>\(\frac{1}{2}\)</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr></table>
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 7
A student writes \(\arcsin(0)=\pi\) because \(\sin(\pi)=0\). Explain the mistake and give the correct value of \(\arcsin(0)\).

Hints

- More than one angle can have the same sine value. - Which interval does \(\arcsin\) use for its outputs? - Find the angle inside that interval whose sine is zero.

Solution

1. Although \(\sin(\pi)=0\), inverse sine gives an angle only in its principal range \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). 2. The angle in this range whose sine is zero is \(0\). Therefore, \(\arcsin(0)=0\).

Answer

\(\arcsin(0)=0\). The angle \(\pi\) is outside the principal range of inverse sine.
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 8
Solve each equation exactly. Check that each given angle lies in the range of the inverse trigonometric function. a) \(\arccos(x)=\frac{3\pi}{4}\) b) \(2\arctan(x)=-\frac{\pi}{2}\) c) \(\arcsin(2x-1)=\frac{\pi}{2}\)

Hints

- Apply the corresponding trigonometric function to undo each inverse function. - Check the principal-value range of each inverse trigonometric function. - Isolate the inverse tangent before applying tangent. - Use exact unit-circle values.

Solution

1. a) Since \(\frac{3\pi}{4}\in[0,\pi]\), apply cosine: \(x=\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)=-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\). 2. b) First divide by \(2\): \(\arctan(x)=-\frac{\pi}{4}\). This angle lies in \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\), so \(x=\tan\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)=-1\). 3. c) Since \(\frac{\pi}{2}\in\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\), apply sine: \(2x-1=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=1\). Thus, \(x=1\), and the inverse-sine input is \(2(1)-1=1\), which is valid.

Answer

a) \(x=-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\) b) \(x=-1\) c) \(x=1\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 9
Evaluate each expression exactly. a) \(\sin\left(\arcsin\left(-\frac{3}{5}\right)\right)\) b) \(\arcsin\left(\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)\right)\) c) Explain why the value in part b) is not \(\frac{5\pi}{6}\).

Hints

- Distinguish between applying sine after arcsine and applying arcsine after sine. - Check the principal output range of arcsine before assuming two functions cancel. - For part b), first identify the sine value of the given standard angle. - Ask which angle in the principal arcsine range has that same sine.

Solution

1. The expression \(\arcsin\left(-\frac{3}{5}\right)\) is an angle whose sine is \(-\frac{3}{5}\), so applying sine gives \(-\frac{3}{5}\). 2. Since \(\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\), the second expression becomes \(\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)=\frac{\pi}{6}\). 3. Arcsine returns values only in its principal range \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). The angle \(\frac{5\pi}{6}\) lies outside that range, while \(\frac{\pi}{6}\) lies inside it and has the same sine.

Answer

a) \(-\frac{3}{5}\) b) \(\frac{\pi}{6}\) c) Arcsine must return an angle in \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\), so it returns the principal angle with the same sine rather than \(\frac{5\pi}{6}\).
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 10
Lucía says, “\(\arcsin(x)\) and \(\csc(x)\) mean the same thing because both undo sine.” a) Evaluate \(\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\) exactly. b) Evaluate \(\csc\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\) exactly. c) Explain why these two functions are different, including what kind of input and output each one uses.

Hints

- Ask what question \(\arcsin\) answers about a sine value. - Recall the reciprocal relationship that defines cosecant. - Compare the type of input and the type of output in the two expressions.

Solution

1. \(\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\) asks for the principal angle whose sine is \(\frac{1}{2}\). Therefore, \(\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)=\frac{\pi}{6}\). 2. Cosecant is the reciprocal of sine. Since \(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\), \(\csc\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)=2\). 3. Arcsine is an inverse function: it takes a sine value in \([-1,1]\) and returns a principal angle. Cosecant is a reciprocal trigonometric function: it takes an angle and returns the reciprocal of that angle's sine value, when the sine is nonzero.

Answer

a) \(\frac{\pi}{6}\) b) \(2\) c) Arcsine maps a sine value to a principal angle; cosecant maps an angle to the reciprocal of its sine value. They are not the same operation.
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 11
Both \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\) and \(\frac{4\pi}{3}\) have cosine \(-\frac{1}{2}\). Which is \(\arccos\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)\)? Explain why the other angle is not the principal value.

Hints

- Inverse cosine returns only one angle for each allowed input. - Look up the interval of principal inverse-cosine outputs. - Compare each candidate angle with the endpoints of that interval.

Solution

1. The principal values of inverse cosine are in \([0,\pi]\). 2. \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\) lies in that range, while \(\frac{4\pi}{3}>\pi\) does not. 3. Hence \(\arccos\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)=\frac{2\pi}{3}\).

Answer

\(\frac{2\pi}{3}\). The angle \(\frac{4\pi}{3}\) has the same cosine but is outside \([0,\pi]\).
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 12
Find the real-number domain of \(f(x)=\arcsin(2x+3)\). Give your answer as an interval.

Hints

- Which input values are allowed inside inverse sine? - Make an inequality for the entire expression in parentheses. - Apply the same operation to all three parts of the inequality.

Solution

1. Inverse sine requires \(-1\le2x+3\le1\). 2. Subtract \(3\): \(-4\le2x\le-2\). 3. Divide by \(2\): \(-2\le x\le-1\).

Answer

\([-2,-1]\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 13
Curves \(f\) and \(g\) are reflections of each other across the dashed line \(y=x\). Which curve represents \(y=\arccos(x)\)? Explain using the curve's possible x-values.
Figure for problem 561317

Hints

- The domain of an inverse is the range of the original function. - Cosine outputs lie between two fixed bounds. - Compare the horizontal extent of the two curves.

Solution

1. Inverse cosine accepts inputs from \(-1\) to \(1\), so its graph must have x-values in \([-1,1]\). 2. Curve \(g\) runs from x-value \(-1\) to x-value \(1\), while \(f\) is the restricted cosine graph on \([0,\pi]\). 3. Therefore, \(g\) is \(y=\arccos(x)\).

Answer

\(g\), because its domain is \([-1,1]\).
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 14
Without using a calculator, decide which is larger: \(\arctan(1)\) or \(\arctan(3)\). Explain using the behavior of tangent on the principal interval.

Hints

- Think of the angles whose tangent values are \(1\) and \(3\). - Does tangent increase or decrease between \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\)? - Compare the angles from the order of their tangent values, not from calculator approximations.

Solution

1. Tangent increases throughout its principal interval \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\). 2. Since \(3>1\), the angle with tangent \(3\) is larger than the angle with tangent \(1\). 3. Thus \(\arctan(3)>\arctan(1)\); both angles lie between \(0\) and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\).

Answer

\(\arctan(3)>\arctan(1)\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 15
A point \(P(x, y)\) lies on the unit circle in Quadrant I, and its y-coordinate is \(0.45\). 1. Find the angle \(\alpha\) between the positive x-axis and \(\overline{OP}\), where \(O\) is the origin. Round to the nearest hundredth of a degree. 2. Find the x-coordinate of \(P\). Round to the nearest hundredth.

Hints

- Which trigonometric function is represented by the y-coordinate on the unit circle? - How can an inverse trigonometric function recover an angle from a sine value? - What equation relates the coordinates of every point on the unit circle?

Solution

1. On the unit circle, the y-coordinate equals \(\sin(\alpha)\). Thus, \(\sin(\alpha)=0.45\), so \(\alpha=\arcsin(0.45)\approx26.74^\circ\). 2. Because \(P\) is in Quadrant I, its x-coordinate is positive. Using \(x^2+y^2=1\), \(x=\sqrt{1-0.45^2}=\sqrt{0.7975}\approx0.89\).

Answer

1. \(\alpha\approx26.74^\circ\) 2. \(x\approx0.89\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 16
Let \(f(x)=\arccos(x+1)\). 1) Find the maximal real domain of \(f\). 2) Find the range of \(f\). 3) Find the y-intercept of the graph. 4) Find the value of \(x\) for which \(f(x)=\frac{\pi}{3}\).

Hints

- Start with the allowable inputs of the real-valued arccosine function. - For the range, determine what values the inside expression actually covers over the domain. - A y-intercept has \(x=0\). - For the final part, connect the inverse-cosine value to the corresponding exact cosine value.

Solution

1. The input of \(\arccos\) must lie in \([-1,1]\). Thus, \(-1\le x+1\le1\), which gives \(-2\le x\le0\). The domain is \([-2,0]\). 2. As \(x\) runs through \([-2,0]\), the input \(x+1\) runs through all of \([-1,1]\). Therefore, \(f\) takes the full principal arccosine range \([0,\pi]\). 3. At \(x=0\), \(f(0)=\arccos(1)=0\). Therefore, the y-intercept is \((0,0)\). 4. Solve \(\arccos(x+1)=\frac{\pi}{3}\). Then \(x+1=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\), so \(x=-\frac{1}{2}\).

Answer

1) \([-2,0]\) 2) \([0,\pi]\) 3) \((0,0)\) 4) \(x=-\frac{1}{2}\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 17
The function \(f(x)=\cos(x)\) has domain \([0,2\pi]\). a) Use the graph to explain why \(f\) is not invertible on this entire domain. b) Find the two largest subintervals of \([0,2\pi]\) on which the restriction of \(f\) is invertible. c) Name the inverse of the cosine function when cosine is restricted to \([0,\pi]\).
Figure for problem 533548

Hints

- Recall the shape of one full cosine cycle. - Find the intervals where the graph moves only downward or only upward. - The standard inverse cosine uses the decreasing half-cycle from \(0\) to \(\pi\).

Solution

1. The graph fails the horizontal line test. For example, \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}{2}\right)=0\). 2. Therefore, cosine is not one-to-one on \([0,2\pi]\) and is not invertible on that entire interval. 3. Cosine is strictly decreasing on \([0,\pi]\) and strictly increasing on \([\pi,2\pi]\). 4. These are the two largest subintervals on which the restrictions are invertible. 5. The inverse of cosine restricted to \([0,\pi]\) is the inverse cosine function, written \(\arccos(x)\).

Answer

a) The function is not invertible because it fails the horizontal line test; for example, \(f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=f\left(\frac{3\pi}{2}\right)=0\). b) \([0,\pi]\) and \([\pi,2\pi]\) c) The inverse cosine function, \(\arccos(x)\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 18
Panel a shows the branch of sine used to define \(\arcsin\). Panel b shows the branch of tangent used to define \(\arctan\). a) Use panel a to state the domain and range of \(y=\arcsin(x)\). b) Use panel b to state the domain and range of \(y=\arctan(x)\). c) Explain why the endpoints of the arcsine range are included but the endpoints of the arctangent range are not.
Figure for problem 550972

Hints

- For an inverse function, exchange the roles of the original graph's inputs and outputs. - Notice whether each restricted graph actually contains its boundary x-values or only approaches them. - Use brackets for attained boundary values and parentheses for boundaries that are never attained.

Solution

1. On the restricted sine branch, the input interval is \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\), and the graph reaches every output from \(-1\) through \(1\). Reversing inputs and outputs gives \(\arcsin\) domain \([-1,1]\) and range \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). 2. On the restricted tangent branch, the input interval is \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\), and its outputs cover all real numbers. Therefore, \(\arctan\) has domain \(\mathbb{R}\) and range \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\). 3. The restricted sine graph actually contains the endpoint points \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},-1\right)\) and \(\left(\frac{\pi}{2},1\right)\). The tangent graph instead approaches vertical asymptotes at \(x=-\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\) without attaining those x-values. After inversion, that distinction becomes included versus excluded range endpoints.

Answer

a) Domain: \([-1,1]\); range: \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\) b) Domain: \(\mathbb{R}\); range: \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) c) Sine attains the endpoints of its restricted input interval, while tangent only approaches its bounding asymptotes and is never defined there.
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 19
Find the domain and range of \(f(x)=2\arctan(x-1)+\frac{\pi}{4}\).

Hints

- Start with the domain and principal range of the parent arctangent function. - Decide whether the horizontal shift changes which real inputs are allowed. - Apply the outside vertical stretch and vertical shift to the endpoints of the parent range. - Preserve whether the parent range endpoints are included or excluded.

Solution

1. Arctangent accepts every real input, and replacing \(x\) by \(x-1\) does not restrict the input. Therefore, the domain is all real numbers. 2. The range of \(\arctan(x)\) is \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\). 3. Multiplying the output by \(2\) gives \((-\pi,\pi)\). Adding \(\frac{\pi}{4}\) shifts that interval to \(\left(-\frac{3\pi}{4},\frac{5\pi}{4}\right)\).

Answer

Domain: \((-\infty, \infty)\) Range: \(\left(-\frac{3\pi}{4},\frac{5\pi}{4}\right)\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 20
Evaluate each expression exactly. For each one, identify the principal range that determines the returned angle. a) \(\arccos\left(\cos\left(\frac{5\pi}{3}\right)\right)\) b) \(\arctan\left(\tan\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)\right)\) c) \(\arcsin\left(\sin\left(-\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)\right)\)

Hints

- Do not assume an inverse trigonometric function always returns the angle originally placed inside the direct function. - Write the principal output range for arccosine, arctangent, and arcsine before evaluating. - Find the direct trigonometric value first, then choose an equivalent angle inside the required principal range. - Check each returned angle against both its trigonometric value and its inverse-function range.

Solution

1. Since \(\cos\left(\frac{5\pi}{3}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\), arccosine must return the angle in \([0,\pi]\) with cosine \(\frac{1}{2}\), which is \(\frac{\pi}{3}\). 2. Since \(\tan\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)=-1\), arctangent must return the angle in \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) with tangent \(-1\), which is \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\). 3. Since \(\sin\left(-\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)=-\frac{1}{2}\), arcsine must return the angle in \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\) with sine \(-\frac{1}{2}\), which is \(-\frac{\pi}{6}\). 4. In each case, the inverse function returns its principal representative rather than automatically returning the original input angle.

Answer

a) \(\frac{\pi}{3}\); principal arccosine range: \([0,\pi]\) b) \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\); principal arctangent range: \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) c) \(-\frac{\pi}{6}\); principal arcsine range: \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\)
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 21
The graph shows two curves, u and v, and the line \(y=x\). One curve is \(y=\arcsin(x)\); the other is \(y=\sin(x)\) restricted to \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). The formulas are not matched to the curve labels. a) Identify curves u and v. Justify the identification using a visible domain, range, or endpoint feature. b) Explain how the two curves are related geometrically to the line \(y=x\). c) Use the graph to state the domain and range of \(y=\arcsin(x)\). d) The marked point \(P\) on curve u is \(\left(\frac{\pi}{6},\frac{1}{2}\right)\). Give the corresponding point on curve v and explain the coordinate change.
Figure for problem 555529

Hints

- Compare the horizontal and vertical extents of the two curves; one is restricted in x to the sine interval, while the other is restricted in x to inverse-sine inputs. - Look at corresponding parts of the two curves on opposite sides of the dashed line. - After identifying the inverse curve, read its allowable x-values and y-values from the displayed extents. - Use the geometric relationship from part b) to determine what happens to the coordinates of \(P\).

Solution

1. Curve u extends horizontally to \(x=\pm\frac{\pi}{2}\) but has y-values only from \(-1\) to \(1\), so u is the restricted sine graph. Curve v has x-values only from \(-1\) to \(1\) but extends vertically to \(y=\pm\frac{\pi}{2}\), so v is \(y=\arcsin(x)\). 2. The two curves are mirror images across \(y=x\). This is the geometric relationship between a one-to-one function and its inverse. 3. From curve v, the domain of \(\arcsin\) is \([-1,1]\), and its range is \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\). 4. Reflection across \(y=x\) exchanges the coordinates of \(P\), so the corresponding point on v is \(\left(\frac{1}{2},\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\).

Answer

a) u: restricted \(y=\sin(x)\); v: \(y=\arcsin(x)\) b) The curves are reflections across \(y=x\). c) Domain: \([-1,1]\); range: \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\) d) \(\left(\frac{1}{2},\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\); the x- and y-coordinates are exchanged.
Domains and ranges of inverse trigonometric functions 22
The function \(H(x)=\arcsin(2\cos(x))\) is considered for \(0\le x\le2\pi\). a) Find every interval of x-values where \(H(x)\) is real. b) Give the range of \(H\) on that domain. Explain whether its endpoints occur.

Hints

- Begin with the allowed input interval for inverse sine. - Translate that condition into bounds on cosine. - Find all regions of one turn where cosine stays between the two bounds. - Check whether the extreme allowed inverse-sine inputs are actually attained.

Solution

1. The inverse-sine input must satisfy \(-1\le2\cos(x)\le1\), or \(-\frac{1}{2}\le\cos(x)\le\frac{1}{2}\). 2. On one full turn, this holds for \(\frac{\pi}{3}\le x\le\frac{2\pi}{3}\) and \(\frac{4\pi}{3}\le x\le\frac{5\pi}{3}\). 3. Over the first interval, \(2\cos(x)\) moves continuously from \(1\) to \(-1\), so inverse sine takes every value from \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) to \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\). 4. The endpoints occur when the input equals \(\pm1\). Thus the range is \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\), including both endpoints.

Answer

a) \(\left[\frac{\pi}{3},\frac{2\pi}{3}\right]\cup\left[\frac{4\pi}{3},\frac{5\pi}{3}\right]\) b) \(\left[-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right]\); both endpoints occur.

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