Cosine Sum Identity

cos(A + B) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B

π
Example 3.5.1. Find the exact values of cos 105◦ and cos 12 .

Solution.

cos 105◦ = cos(60◦ + 45◦ )

= cos 60◦ cos 45◦ − sin 60◦ sin 45◦
√ √ √
1 2 3 2
= · − ·
2√ 2 √ 2 2
2− 6
=
4

π π π
cos = cos −
12 4 6
π π π π
= cos cos + sin sin
√ 4√ 6 √ 4 6
2 3 2 1
= · + ·
√2 √2 2 2
6+ 2
= 
4
3 12
Example 3.5.2. Given cos α = 5
and sin β = 13
, where α lies in QIV and β in
QI, find cos(α + β).

Solution. We will be needing sin α and cos β.

! " #2
√ 3 4
2
sin α = − 1 − cos α = − 1 − =−
5 5
! " #2
12 5
$
2
cos β = 1 − sin β = 1− =
13 13

cos(α + β) = cos α cos β − sin α sin β

" #
3 5 4 12
= · − −
5 13 5 13
63
= 
65

195
Seatwork/Homework 3.5.1
√ √
7π 2− 6
1. Find the exact value of cos . Answer:
12 4
7π π π π π π π
Solution. cos = cos + = cos cos − sin sin
12 4 3 √ 4 3√ √ 4 √3 √
2 1 2 3 2− 6
= · − · =
2 2 2 2 4
2. Express
cos(5x) cos(2x) + sin(5x) sin(2x)
as a single cosine expression. Answer: cos(3x)
Solution. cos(5x) cos(2x) + sin(5x) sin(2x) = cos(5x − 2x) = cos(3x)
1 1
3. Given cos α = and cos β = − , where α lies in QI and β in QIII, find
3 4 √
−1 − 2 30
cos(α − β). Answer:
12
√
1 2 2
Solution. cos α = and α in QI =⇒ sin α =
3 3
√
1 15
cos β = − and α in QIII =⇒ sin β = −
4 4
cos (α − β) = cos α cos β + sin α sin β
" # √ % √ & √
1 1 2 2 15 −1 − 2 30
= − + − =
3 4 3 4 12

3.5.2. The Cofunction Identities and the Sine Sum and Difference
Identities

In the Cosine Difference Identity, if we let A = π2 , we get

π π π
cos − B = cos cos B + sin sin B
2 2 2
= (0) cos B + (1) sin B
= sin B.

From this identity, if we replace B with π2 − B, we have

'π π ( π
cos − − B = sin −B
2 2 2
π
cos B = sin −B .
2

196
 As for the tangent function, we have

sin π2 − B
π ) *
tan −B =
cos π2 − B
) *
2
cos B
=
sin B
= cot B.

We have just derived another set of identities.

Cofunction Identities
Teaching Notes
The Cofunction
π π
Identities for the cos − B = sin B sin − B = cos B
reciprocal 2 2
functions will π
follow: tan − B = cot B

csc π2 − B = 2
 sec B
sec π2 − B =
csc B

cot π2 − B = Using the first two cofunction identities, we now derive the identity for sin(A+
tan B.
B).
'π (
sin(A + B) = cos − (A + B)
'2 π (
= cos − A − B)
 π2 π
= cos − A cos B + sin − A sin B
2 2
= sin A cos B + cos A sin B

Sine Sum Identity

sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B

In the last identity, replacing B with −B and applying the even-odd identities
yield

sin(A − B) = sin[A + (−B)]

= sin A cos(−B) + cos A sin(−B)
= sin A cos B − cos A sin B.

197
 Sine Difference Identity

sin(A − B) = sin A cos B − cos A sin B

) 5π *
Example 3.5.3. Find the exact value of sin 12
.

Solution.
" #
5π π π
sin = sin +
12 4 6
π π π π
= sin cos + cos sin
√ 4√ √6 4 6
2 3 2 1
= · + ·
√2 2
√ 2 2
6+ 2
= 
4
3
Example 3.5.4. If sin α = 13 and sin β = 12 , where 0 < α < π
2
and π
2
< β < π,
find sin(α + β) and sin(β − α).

Solution. We first compute cos α and cos β.

! " #2 √
+ 3 4 10
cos α = 1 − sin2 α = 1 − =
13 13
! " #2 √
1 3
$
2
cos β = − 1 − sin β = − 1− =−
2 2

sin(α + β) = sin α cos β + cos α sin β

% √ & √
3 3 4 10 1
= − + ·
13 2 13 2
√ √
4 10 − 3 3
=
26

sin(β − α) = sin β cos α − cos β sin α

√ % √ &
1 4 10 3 3
= · − −
2 13 2 13
√ √
4 10 + 3 3
= 
26

198
Example 3.5.5. Prove:

sin(x + y) = (1 + cot x tan y) sin x cos y.

Solution.

(1 + cot x tan y) sin x cos y

= sin x cos y + cot x tan y sin x cos y
cos x sin y
= sin x cos y + sin x cos y
sin x cos y
= sin x cos y + cos x sin y
= sin(x + y) 

Seatwork/Homework 3.5.2
√ √
π 6− 2
1. Find the exact value of sin . Answer:
12 4
π π π π π π π
Solution. sin = sin − = sin cos − cos sin
12 4 6 √ 4√ 6 √ 4 6
2 3 2 1
= · − ·
√2 2
√ 2 2
6− 2
=
4
√
◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ 3
2. Find the exact value of sin 20 cos 80 − sin 80 cos 20 . Answer: −
2
Solution. sin 20◦ cos 80◦ − sin 80◦ cos 20◦ = sin(20◦ − 80◦ )
√
◦ ◦ 3
= sin(−60 ) = − sin 60 = −
2
sin(x + y) tan x + tan y
3. Prove: = .
sin(x − y) tan x − tan y
sin(x + y) sin x cos y + cos x sin y
Solution. =
sin(x − y) sin x cos y − cos x sin y
1
sin x cos y + cos x sin y cos x cos y
= ·
sin x cos y − cos x sin y 1
cos x cos y
sin x cos y cos x sin y
+
cos x cos y cos x cos y tan x + tan y
= =
sin x cos y cos x sin y tan x − tan y
−
cos x cos y cos x cos y

199
3.5.3. The Tangent Sum and Difference Identities

Recall that tan x is the ratio of sin x over cos x. When we replace x with A + B,
we obtain
sin(A + B)
tan(A + B) = .
cos(A + B)
Using the sum identities for sine and cosine, and then dividing the numerator
and denominator by cos A cos B, we have
sin A cos B + cos A sin B
tan(A + B) =
cos A cos B − sin A sin B
sin A cos B cos A sin B
cos A cos B
+ cos A cos B
= cos A cos B sin A sin B
cos A cos B
− cos A cos B
tan A + tan B
= .
1 − tan A tan B
We have just established the tangent sum identity.
In the above identity, if we replace B with −B and use the even-odd identity
tan(−θ) = − tan θ, we get

tan(A − B) = tan[A + (−B)]

tan A + tan(−B)
=
1 − tan A tan(−B)
tan A − tan B
= .
1 + tan A tan B
This is the tangent difference identity.

Tangent Sum and Difference Identities

tan A + tan B
tan(A + B) =
1 − tan A tan B
tan A − tan B
tan(A − B) =
1 + tan A tan B

Seatwork/Homework 3.5.3
) 5π *
, and tan − 7π
)π* ) *
1. Find the exact values of tan 12
, tan 12 12
.
√ √ √
Answer: 2 + 3, 2 − 3, 2 + 3

200
 √
3
5π π π tan π4 + tan π6 1+ 3
√
Solution. tan = tan + = π π =
√ =2+ 3
12 4 6 1 − tan 4 tan 6 1− 3
3
√
3
π π π tan π4 − tan π6 1− 3
√
tan = tan − = π π = =2− 3
√
12 4 6 1 + tan 4 tan 6 1+ 3
3
√
" #
7π 5π
tan − = tan =2+ 3
12 12
)π *
2. Express tan 4 + θ and tan(2π − θ) in terms of tan θ.
π tan π4 + tan θ 1 + tan θ
Solution. tan +θ = π =
4 1 − tan 4 tan θ 1 − tan θ
tan 2π − tan θ
tan(2π − θ) = = − tan θ
1 + tan 2π tan θ
cot A cot B − 1
3. Prove: cot(A + B) = .
cot A + cot B
1 1 − tan A tan B
Solution. cot(A + B) = =
tan(A + B) tan A + tan B
1 − tan A tan B cot A cot B
= ·
tan A + tan B cot A cot B
cot A cot B − 1
=
cot A + cot B

Exercises 3.5

1. Find the exact value.

√ √
◦ 2− 6
(a) cos 255 Answer:
4 √
π
(b) tan 12 Answer: 2 − 3
√ √
6− 2
(c) sin 735◦ Answer:
4 √
(d) cot 285◦ Answer: −2 + 3
1
(e) cos π9 cos 2π
) * ) * )π* ) 2π *
9
− sin 9
sin 9
Answer:
2
tan 20◦ + tan 25◦
(f) Answer: 1
1 − tan 20◦ tan 25◦
2. Given some information about a and b, find sin(a+b), cos(a−b), and tan(a+b).
(a) sin a = − 35 , cos b = 12
13
, a lies in the third quadrant, and b in the first
quadrant
56 63 56
Answer: sin(a + b) = − ; cos(a − b) = − ; tan(a + b) =
65 65 33
5
Solution. cos a = − 45 , sin b = 13

201
 (b) cos a = 21 , tan b = − 23 , 0 < a < π2 , and π2 < b < π
√ √ √ √
3 13 − 2 39 3 39 − 2 13
Answer: sin(a + b) = ; cos(a − b) = ; tan(a +
√ 26 26
24 − 13 3
b) =
23 √ √ √
Solution. sin a = 23 , cos b = − 2 1313 , sin b = 3 1313
(c) sec a = − 52 , cot b = 53 , a in QII, and b in QIII
√ √ √ √
10 34 − 3 714 6 34 − 5 714
Answer: sin(a + b) = ; cos(a − b) = ;
√ 170 170
−375 + 68 28
tan(a + b) =
489 √ √ √
Solution. cos a = − 25 , sin a = 521 , cos b = − 3 3434 , sin b = − 5 3434

3. Simplify the following expressions.

(a) cos(π − x) Answer: − cos x

(b) tan(x + π) Answer: tan x
(c) sin 3π
) *
2
+ x Answer: − cos x
(d) cos(x − π) Answer: − cos x

4. Prove each identity.

(a) sin(x − y) sin(x + y) = sin2 x − sin2 y

Solution. sin(x − y) sin(x + y)
= (sin x cos y − cos x sin y)(sin x cos y + cos x sin y)
= sin2 x cos2 y − cos2 x sin2 y
= (sin2 x)(1 − sin2 y) − (1 − sin2 x) sin2 y
= sin2 x − sin2 x sin2 y − (sin2 y − sin2 x sin2 y)
= sin2 x − sin2 y
(b) cos(x − y) = (cot x + tan y) sin x cos y
" #
cos x sin y
Solution. (cot x + tan y) sin x cos y = + sin x cos y
sin x cos y
= cos x cos y + sin x sin y = cos(x − y)
csc x csc y
(c) sec(x + y) =
cot x cot y − 1
Solution.
1 1
sec(x + y) = =
cos(x + y) cos x cos y − sin x sin y
1
1 sin x sin y
= · 1
cos x cos y − sin x sin y sin x sin y

202
 1
sin x sin y
= cos x cos y−sin x sin y
sin x sin y
csc x csc y
=
cot x cot y − 1

cos(x + y) 1 − tan x tan y

(d) =
cos(x − y) 1 + tan x tan y
cos(x + y) cos x cos y − sin x sin y
Solution. =
cos(x − y) cos x cos y + sin x sin y
1
cos x cos y − sin x sin y cos x cos y
= · 1
cos x cos y + sin x sin y cos x cos y
cos x cos y−sin x sin y
cos x cos y
= cos x cos y+sin x sin y
cos x cos y
1 − tan x tan y
=
1 + tan x tan y
5. Let n be an integer. Prove that cos(nπ + θ) = (−1)n cos θ and sin(nπ + θ) =
(−1)n sin θ.
Solution. cos(nπ) = (−1)n and sin(nπ) = 0 for any integer n.
cos(nπ + θ) = cos(nπ) cos θ − sin(nπ) sin θ = (−1)n cos θ
sin(nπ + θ) = sin(nπ) cos θ + cos(nπ) sin θ = (−1)n sin θ
6. In an alternating current circuit, the instantaneous power P (t) at time t is
given by

P (t) = Im Vm cos ϕ sin2 (ωt) − Im Vm sin ϕ sin(ωt) cos(ωt),

where Im and Vm are the maximum current (in amperes) and voltage (in volts),
respectively. Express this function as a product of two sine functions.
Solution. P (t) = Im Vm sin(ωt)[cos ϕ sin(ωt) − sin ϕ cos(ωt)]
= Im Vm sin(ωt) sin(ϕ − ωt)
% 7. The force F (in pounds) on the back of a person when he or she bends over
at an acute angle θ (in degrees) is given by F = 0.6Wsin
sin(θ+90)
12
, where W is the
weight (in pounds) of the person.

(a) Simplify the formula for F .

(b) Find the force on the back of a person whose weight is 154.32 lbs if he
bends an angle of 40◦ .
(c) How many pounds should a person weigh for his back to endure a force
of 275 lbs if he bends 38◦ ?

203
 Solution
0.6W sin(θ + 90◦ 0.6W cos θ
(a) F (θ) = =
sin 12 ◦ sin 12◦
0.6(154.32) cos 40◦
(b) F = ≈ 340.46 lbs
sin 12◦
F sin 12◦ 275 sin 12◦
(c) W = = ≈ 121.17 lbs
0.6 cos θ 0.6 cos 38◦
8. (a) Prove: sin x + sin y = 2 sin x+y
) * ) x−y *
2
cos 2
.
(b) A particle is moving according to the equation of motion
 π  π
s(t) = sin 4t + + sin 4t + ,
3 6
where s(t) centimeters is the directed distance of the particle from the
origin at t seconds.
(i) Express s(t) in the form s(t) = a sin(bt + c).
(ii) Find the amplitude and frequency of the motion. (Here, frequency is
defined as the reciprocal of the period.)
Solution
(a) Adding the identities

sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B

sin(A − B) = sin A cos B − cos A sin B,

we get
sin(A + B) + sin(A − B) = 2 sin A cos B.
x+y x−y
Let A = 2
and B = 2
.
Then A + B = x and A − B = y. Thus, we
have " # " #
x+y x−y
sin x + sin y = 2 sin cos .
2 2
 π  π
(b) (i) s(t) = sin 4t + + sin 4t +
" 3π # 6 "
4t + 3 + 4t + π6 4t + π3 − 4t − π6
#
= 2 sin cos
2 2
 π  π
= 2 sin 4t + cos
√ √ 4 12
2+ 6 π
= sin 4t +
√ 2√ 4 √ √
2+ 6  π 2+ 6  π
(ii) s(t) = sin 4t + = sin 4 t +
2 √ √ 4 2 16
2+ 6 4 2
Amplitude = ; frequency = =
2 2π π
204
 9. The dual tone multi-frequency is the signal information used in touch-tone
phones to identify which digit you touched on the keypad. It works by adding
a pair of sounds, one with a lower frequency and one with a higher frequency.
Refer to the chart below. For example, the sound created by touching 6 is
produced by adding a 770-hertz sound to a 1477-hertz sound. (Note that
“hertz” is a unit of frequency and is equal to 1 cycle per second.) This sound
is modeled by the equation
s(t) = sin(2π · 770t) + sin(2π · 1477t),
where t is time in seconds.

http://cnx.org/contents/XGjYtByD@4/Lab-6-Analog-to-Digital-Conver

(a) Write the equation of the sound created by touching the * (asterisk) key
as a product of sine and cosine functions.
(b) In (a), what is the maximum value of s(t)?
Solution
(a) s(t) = sin(2π · 941t) + sin(2π · 1209t) = 2 sin(2150πt) cos(536πt)
(b) Max value = 2 occurring at t = 0.75 + k, k nonnegative integer
10. (a) Prove: cos x + cos y = 2 cos x+y cos x−y
) * ) *
2 2
.
(b) Two atmospheric waves in space produce pressures of F (t) and G(t) pas-
cals at t seconds, where
" #
3π
F (t) = 0.04 cos(2πt) and G(t) = 0.04 cos 2πt − .
4
Express the total pressure P (t) = F (t) + G(t) in the form
P (t) = a cos(bt + c).

205
 Solution
(a) Adding the identities
cos(A + B) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B
cos(A − B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B,
we get
cos(A + B) + cos(A − B) = 2 cos A cos B.
x+y x−y
Let A = 2
and B = 2
.Then A + B = x and A − B = y. Thus, we
have " # " #
x+y x−y
cos x + cos y = 2 cos cos .
2 2
(b) P (t) = F (t) + G(t)
" #
3π
= 0.04 cos(2πt) + 0.04 cos 2πt −
4
3π # 3π
2πt + 2πt − 4 2πt − 2πt +
" " #
4
= 0.04 · 2 cos cos
2 2
" # " #
3π 3π
= 0.08 cos 2πt − cos
8 8
√
$ " #
3π
= 0.04 2 − 2 cos 2πt −
8
11. (a) In the figure, two intersecting lines have equations y = m1 x + b1 and
y = m2 x + b2 , respectively. Let θ be the acute angle between them, as
shown. Prove that
m2 − m1
tan θ = .
1 + m1 m2

(b) Two non-vertical lines intersect at the point (−3, 2), and one angle be-
tween them measures 30◦ . If one line is 2y = x + 7, find the equation of
the other line.

206
 Solution

(a) Let α and β be the angles between each line and the (positive side) x-axis,
as shown in the following diagram:

Then m1 = tan α and m2 = tan β, so that

tan β − tan α m2 − m1
tan θ = tan(β − α) = = .
1 + tan α tan β 1 + m1 m2

(b) Solve for m2 in the equation

m2 − 12
tan 30◦ = ,
1 + 12 m2

and then use the point-slope form of the equation of the line to get
√
5 3+8
y= (x + 3) + 2.
11
12. The length s(θ) of the shadow cast by a vertical pole when the angle of the
sun with the horizontal is given by
h sin(90◦ − θ)
s(θ) = ,
sin θ
where h is the height of the pole.

207
 (a) Express s(θ) as a single trigonometric expression.
(b) At what angle θ will give the shortest shadow of the pole? Longest
shadow?

Answer: (a) s(θ) = h cot θ; (b) Shortest shadow occurs at θ = 90◦ . But the
length of the shadow increases when the value of θ approaches 0◦ ; that is, no
maximum length for the shadow.
13. In #ABC, prove that

tan A + tan B + tan C = tan A tan B tan C.

Solution

A + B + C = 180◦ =⇒ tan(A + B + C) = tan 180◦ = 0

tan A + tan(B + C)
= 0 =⇒ tan A + tan(B + C) = 0
1 − tan A tan(B + C)
tan B + tan C
tan A + =0
1 − tan B tan C
tan A − tan A tan B tan C + tan B + tan C
=0
1 − tan B tan C
=⇒ tan A − tan A tan B tan C + tan B + tan C = 0
tan A + tan B + tan C = tan A tan B tan C

Lesson 3.6. Double-Angle and Half-Angle Identities

Time Frame: 2 one-hour sessions

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(1) derive the double-angle and half-angle identities;
(2) simplify trigonometric expressions using known identities;
(3) prove other trigonometric identities using known identities; and
(4) solve situational problems involving trigonometric identities.

208
Lesson Outline
(1) The double-angle and half-angle identities for cosine, sine, and tangent
(2) More trigonometric identities

Introduction
Trigonometric identities simplify the computations of trigonometric expres-
sions. In this lesson, we continue on establishing more) trigonometric identities.
In particular, we derive the formulas for f (2θ) and f 21 θ , where f is the sine,
*

cosine, or tangent function.

3.6.1. Double-Angle Identities

Recall the sum identities for sine and cosine.

sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B

cos(A + B) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B

When A = B, these identities becomes

sin 2A = sin A cos A + cos A sin A = 2 sin A cos A

and
cos 2A = cos A cos A − sin A sin A = cos2 A − sin2 A.

Double-Angle Identities for Sine and Cosine

sin 2A = 2 sin A cos A cos 2A = cos2 A − sin2 A

The double-identity for cosine has other forms. We use the Pythagorean
identity sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1.

cos 2A = cos2 A − sin2 A

= cos2 A − (1 − cos2 A)
= 2 cos2 A − 1

cos 2A = cos2 A − sin2 A

= (1 − sin2 A) − sin2 A
= 1 − 2 sin2 A

209
 Other Double-Angle Identities for Cosine

cos 2A = 2 cos2 A − 1 cos 2A = 1 − 2 sin2 A

3 π
Example 3.6.1. Given sin t = 5
and 2
< t < π, find sin 2t and cos 2t.

Solution. We first find cos t using the Pythagorean identity. Since t lies in QII,
we have ! " #2
+
2 3 4
cos t = − 1 − sin t = − 1 − =− .
5 5

sin 2t = 2 sin t cos t cos 2t = 1 − 2 sin2 t

" #" # " #2
3 4 3
=2 − =1−2
5 5 5
24 7
=− = 
25 25
In the last example, we may compute cos 2t using one of the other two double-
angle identities for cosine. For the sake of answering the curious minds, we include
the computations here.

cos 2t = cos2 t − sin2 t cos 2t = 2 cos2 t − 1

" # 2 " #2 " #2
4 3 4
= − − =2 − −1
5 5 5
7 7
= =
25 25

In the three cosine double-angle identities, which formula to use depends on

the convenience, what is given, and what is asked.
Example 3.6.2. Derive an identity for sin 3x in terms of sin x.

Solution. We use the sum identity for sine, the double-angle identities for sine
and cosine, and the Pythagorean identity.

sin 3x = sin(2x + x)
= sin 2x cos x + cos 2x sin x
= (2 sin x cos x) cos x + (1 − 2 sin2 x) sin x
= 2 sin x cos2 x + sin x − 2 sin3 x
= 2(sin x)(1 − sin2 x) + sin x − 2 sin3 x
= 3 sin x − 4 sin3 x 

210
 For the double-angle formula for tangent, we recall the tangent sum identity:
tan A + tan B
tan(A + B) = .
1 − tan A tan B
When A = B, we obtain
tan A + tan A 2 tan A
tan(A + A) = = .
1 − tan A tan A 1 − tan2 A

Tangent Double-Angle Identity

2 tan A
tan 2A =
1 − tan2 A

Example 3.6.3. If tan θ = − 31 and sec θ > 0, find sin 2θ, cos 2θ, and tan 2θ.

Solution. We can compute immediately tan 2θ.

2 − 31
) *
2 tan θ 3
tan 2θ = 2
= ) 1 *2 = −
1 − tan θ 1− − 4
3

From the given information, we deduce that θ lies in QIV. Using one Pythagorean
identity, we compute cos θ through sec θ. (We may also use the technique dis-
cussed in Lesson 3.2 by solving for x, y, and r.) Then we proceed to find cos 2θ.
! " #2 √
+ 1 10
sec θ = 1 + tan2 θ = 1 + − =
3 3
√
1 1 3 10
cos θ = = √ =
sec θ 10 10
3
% √ &2
3 10 4
cos 2θ = 2 cos2 θ − 1 = 2 −1=
10 5
sin 2θ 3
tan 2θ = =⇒ sin 2θ = tan 2θ cos 2θ = − 
cos 2θ 5

Seatwork/Homework 3.6.1

2 3π
1. If cos θ = 3
and 2
< θ < 2π, find sin 2θ, cos 2θ, and tan 2θ.
√
4 5 1 √
Answer: sin 2θ = − , cos 2θ = − , tan 2θ = 4 5
9 9

211
 3 tan θ − tan3 θ
2. Express tan 3θ in terms of tan θ. Answer: tan 3θ =
1 − 3 tan2 θ
2 tan θ
3. Prove: = sin 2θ.
1 + tan2 θ
2 tan θ 2 tan θ
Solution. 2
= = 2 sin θ cos θ = sin 2θ
1 + tan θ sec2 θ

3.6.2. Half-Angle Identities

Recall two of the three double-angle identities for cosine:

cos 2A = 2 cos2 A − 1 and cos 2A = 1 − 2 sin2 A.

From these identities, we obtain two useful identities expressing sin2 A and cos2 A
in terms of cos 2A as follows:
1 + cos 2A 1 − cos 2A
cos2 A = and sin2 A = .
2 2

Some Useful Identities

1 + cos 2A 1 − cos 2A
cos2 A = sin2 A =
2 2

From these identities, replacing A with A2 , we get

)A*
A 1 + cos 2 1 + cos A
cos2 = 2
=
2 2 2
and )A*
A 1 − cos 2 1 − cos A
sin2 = 2
= .
2 2 2
These are the half-angle identities for sine and cosine.

Half-Angle Identities for Sine and Cosine

" # " #
2 A 1 + cos A 2 A 1 − cos A
cos = sin =
2 2 2 2

Because of the “square” in the formulas, we get

, ,
A 1 + cos A A 1 − cos A
cos = ± and sin = ± .
2 2 2 2
The appropriate signs of cos A2 and sin A2 depend on which quadrant A
2
lies.

212
Example 3.6.4. Find the exact values of sin 22.5◦ and cos 22.5◦ .

Solution. Clearly, 22.5◦ lies in QI (and so sin 22.5◦ and cos 22.5◦ are both posi-
tive), and 22.5◦ is the half-angle of 45◦ .
√ √
! +
2
,
◦ 1 − cos 45 ◦ 1 − 2 2− 2
sin 22.5 = = =
2 2 2
√ √
! +
2
,
◦ 1 + cos 45 ◦ 1 + 2 2+ 2
cos 22.5 = = = 
2 2 2
" #
2 θ tan θ + sin θ
Example 3.6.5. Prove: cos = .
2 2 tan θ

Solution.
" #
2 θ 1 + cos θ
cos =
2 2
" #
1 + cos θ tan θ
=
2 tan θ
tan θ + cos θ tan θ
=
2 tan θ
sin θ
tan θ + cos θ · cos θ
=
2 tan θ
tan θ + sin θ
= 
2 tan θ
We now derive the first version of the half-angle formula for tangent.
A sin A2
tan =
2 cos A2
% &
sin A2 2 sin A2
=
cos A2 2 sin A2
2 A
) *
2 sin 2
=
2 sin A2 cos A2
2 · 1−cos A
= ) 2 A*
sin 2 · 2
1 − cos A
=
sin A
There is another version of the tangent half-angle formula, and we can derive
it from the first version.
A 1 − cos A
tan =
2 sin A
213
 " #
1 − cos A 1 + cos A
=
sin A 1 + cos A
1 − cos2 A
=
(sin A)(1 + cos A)
sin2 A
=
(sin A)(1 + cos A)
sin A
=
1 + cos A

Tangent Half-Angle Identities

A 1 − cos A A sin A
tan = tan =
2 sin A 2 1 + cos A
sin A2
" #
A A 1 − cos A
tan = tan2 =
2 cos A2 2 1 + cos A

π
Example 3.6.6. Find the exact value of tan 12 .

Solution. √
3
π 1 − cos π6 1− 2
√
tan = π = 1 =2− 3 
12 sin 6 2

Example 3.6.7. If sin θ = − 52 , cot θ > 0, and 0 ≤ θ < 2π, find sin 2θ , cos 2θ , and
tan 2θ .

Solution. Since sin θ < 0 and cot θ > 0, we conclude the π < θ < 3π 2
. It follows
that
π θ 3π
< < ,
2 2 4
which means that 2θ lies in QII.
! " #2 √
+ 2 21
cos θ = − 1 − sin2 θ = − 1 − − =−
5 5
-  √
√
.
, . 1 − − 21 +
θ 1 − cos θ / 5 50 + 10 21
sin = = =
2 2 2 10
-  √
√
.
, . 1 + − 21 +
θ 1 + cos θ / 5 50 − 10 21
cos = − =− =−
2 2 2 10
 √
1 − − 521 √
θ 1 − cos θ 5 + 21
tan = = =− 
2 sin θ − 25 2

214
Seatwork/Homework 3.6.2
√
1. Find the exact value of tan π8 . Answer: 2−1
3 3π θ θ θ
2. If cos θ = 5
and 2
< θ < 2π, find sin 2
, cos 2
, and tan 2
.
√ √
5
Answer: sin 2θ = 5
, cos 2θ = − 2 5 5 , tan 2θ = − 12
" #
2A 2 − 2 cos A
3. Prove: sec = .
2 sin2 A
A 1 2 2(1 − cos A) 2 − 2 cos A
Solution. sec2 = = = =
2 2
cos 2 A
1 + cos A 2
1 − cos A sin2 A

Exercises 3.6

1. Given some information about θ, find sin 2θ, cos 2θ, and tan 2θ.

(a) cos θ = − 14 and π

2
<θ<π
√ √
15 15
Answer: sin 2θ = − 8
, cos 2θ = − 87 , tan 2θ = 7
5
(b) sec θ = 2
and sin θ > 0
√ √
4 21
Answer: sin 2θ = 25
, 17
cos 2θ = − 25 , tan 2θ = − 4 1721
3π
(c) tan θ = −2 and 2
< θ < 2π
Answer: sin 2θ = − 54 , cos 2θ = − 35 , tan 2θ = 4
3
3
(d) sin θ = 5
and tan θ < 0
24 7
Answer: sin 2θ = − 25 , cos 2θ = 25
, tan 2θ = − 24
7

2. Given the same information as in Item (1), where 0 ≤ θ < 2π, find sin 2θ , cos 2θ ,
and tan 2θ .
Answer:
√ √ √
10 6 15
(a) sin 2θ = 4
, cos 2θ =4
, tan θ
2
= 3
√ √ √
30
(b) sin 2θ = 10
,cos 2θ = 1070 , tan 2θ = 721
√ √ √ √ √
50−10 5 50+10 5 1− 5
(c) sin 2θ = 10
, cos θ
2
= − 10
, tan 2θ = 2
√ √
3 10
(d) sin 2θ = 10
, cos 2θ = 1010 , tan 2θ = 3

3. Express each expression as one trigonometric expression, but do not find the
exact value.

(a) 2 sin 10◦ cos 10◦ Answer: sin 20◦

,
1 − cos 7π
) *
6
(b) Answer: sin 7π
12
2

215
 (c) 1 − 2 sin2
) 3π *
10
Answer: cos 3π
5
1 + cos 8
(d) Answer: cos2 4
2
4. Prove each identity.

(a) tan2 2θ = (csc θ − cot θ)2

) *

θ 1 − cos θ 1 − cos θ 1 − cos θ

Solution. tan2 = = ·
2 1 + cos θ 1 + cos θ 1 − cos θ
(1 − cos θ)2
=
1 − cos2 θ
" #2
1 − cos θ
= = (csc θ − cot θ)2
sin θ
(b) tan 2θ + cot 2θ = 2 csc θ
θ θ 1 − cos θ sin θ
Solution. tan + cot = +
2 2 sin θ 1 − cos θ
(1 − cos θ)2 + sin2 θ
=
(sin θ)(1 − cos θ)
1 − 2 cos θ + cos2 θ + sin2 θ
=
(sin θ)(1 − cos θ)
2 − 2 cos θ 2
= = = 2 csc θ
(sin θ)(1 − cos θ) sin θ
(c) sec2 2θ = (csc2 θ)(2 − 2 cos θ)
) *

θ 1 2
Solution. sec2 = θ
=
2 cos2 2 1 + cos θ
2 1 − cos θ
= ·
1 + cos θ 1 − cos θ
2 − 2 cos θ
= = (csc2 θ)(2 − 2 cos θ)
sin2 θ
5. If a = 2 tan θ, express sin 2θ and cos 2θ in terms of a.
4a 4 − a2
Answer: sin 2θ = , cos 2θ =
4 + a2 4 + a2
Solution. sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
2 2 tan θ 2 tan θ 2 · a2 4a
= 2 tan θ cos θ = 2
= 2
= ) a *2 =
sec θ 1 + tan θ 1+ 2 4 + a2

cos 2θ = 2 cos2 θ − 1
2 2 2 4 − a2
= − 1 = − 1 = ) *2 − 1 =
sec2 θ 1 + tan2 θ 1 + a2 4 + a2

216
 1
6. Find the exact value of cos 36◦ − cos 72◦ . Answer:
2
Solution
cos 36◦ − cos 72◦ 2(cos 36◦ + cos 72◦ )
cos 36◦ − cos 72◦ = ·
1 2(cos 36◦ + cos 72◦ )
2 cos2 36◦ − 2 cos2 72◦
=
2(cos 36◦ + cos 72◦ )
(2 cos2 36◦ − 1) − (2 cos2 72◦ − 1)
=
2(cos 36◦ + cos 72◦ )
cos 72◦ − cos 144◦
= Half-Angle Identity
2(cos 36◦ + cos 72◦ )
cos 72◦ + cos 36◦
= cos(180◦ − θ) = − cos θ
2(cos 36◦ + cos 72◦ )
1
=
2
% 7. The range R of a projectile fired at an acute angle θ with the horizontal and
with an initial velocity of v meters per second is given by
v2
R= sin(2θ),
g
where g is the acceleration due to gravity, which is 9.81 m/sec2 near the Earth’s
surface.
(a) An archer targets an object 100 meters away from her position. If she
positions her arrow at an angle of 32◦ and releases the arrow at the speed
of 30 m/sec, will she hit her target? Answer: No
2
30
Solution. R = · sin(2 · 32◦ ) ≈ 82.46 < 100
9.81
(b) If sin θ = 52 , solve for v when R = 50. Answer: v ≈ 25.86 m/sec
√
2 21
Solution. sin θ = and θ acute angle =⇒ cos θ =
5√ 5
v2 2 21
50 = ·2· · =⇒ v ≈ 25.86
9.81 5 5
(c) Given v, find the value of θ that gives the largest possible range. At this
v2
θ, what is the range? Answer: θ = 45◦ , largest R =
g
Solution. To reach the largest R, sin(2θ) must be 1.
8. The figure shows a laser scanner projection system. The optical angle θ, throw
distance D, and projected image width W are related by the equation
W
2
D= .
csc θ − cot θ

217
 Solve for W in terms D and 2θ . Answer: W = 2D tan 2θ

https://pangolin.com/userhelp/scanangles.htm

9. The slope of a mountain makes an angle of 45◦ with the horizontal. At the
base of the mountain, a cannon is fired at an angle θ with the horizontal, where
45◦ < θ < 90◦ , and with initial velocity of v m/sec. Neglecting air resistance,
the distance R (in meters) it drops on the slope of the mountain from the base
is given by √
2 2v 2
R= (sin θ − cos θ) cos θ,
g
where g is the acceleration due to gravity in m/sec2 . Express this formula for
R in terms of 2θ.
√
2 2v 2
Solution. R = (sin θ − cos θ) cos θ
g
√ 2
2v
= (2 sin θ cos θ − 2 cos2 θ)
g
√ 2
2v
= [sin 2θ − (cos 2θ + 1)]
g
√ 2
2v
= (sin 2θ − cos 2θ − 1)
g

218
 Lesson 3.7. Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Time Frame: 3 one-hour sessions

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(1) graph the six basic inverse trigonometric functions;
(2) illustrate the domain and range of the inverse trigonometric functions;
(3) evaluate inverse trigonometric expressions; and
(4) solve situational problems involving inverse trigonometric functions.

Lesson Outline
(1) Definitions of the six inverse trigonometric functions
(2) Graphs of inverse trigonometric functions
(3) Domain and range of inverse trigonometric functions
(4) Evaluation of inverse trigonometric expressions

Introduction
In the previous lessons on functions (algebraic and trigonometric), given a
number in the domain of a function, we computed for the value of the function
at that number. Now, given a value in the range of the function, we reverse this
process by finding a number in the domain whose function value is the given
one. Observe that, in this process, the function involved may or may not give a
unique number in the domain. For example, each of the functions f (x) = x2 and
g(x) = cos x do not give a unique number in their respective domains for some
values of each function. Given f (x) = 1, the function gives x = ±1. If g(x) = 1,
then x = 2kπ, where k is an integer. Because of this possibility, in order that
the reverse process produces a function, we restrict this process to one-to-one
functions or at least restrict the domain of a non-one-to-one function to make it
one-to-one so that the process works. Loosely speaking, a function that reverses
what a given function f does is called its inverse function, and is usually denoted
by f −1 .
Teaching Notes More formally, two functions f and g are inverse functions if
The concept of
inverse function
was studied in g(f (x)) = x for any x in the domain of f ,
General
Mathematics
course.
and
f (g(x)) = x for any x in the domain of g.
We denote the inverse function of a function f by f −1 . The graphs of a function
and its inverse function are symmetric with respect to the line y = x.

219
 In this lesson, we first restrict the domain of each trigonometric function
because each of them is not one-to-one. We then define each respective inverse
function and evaluate the values of each inverse trigonometric function.

3.7.1. Inverse Sine Function

All the trigonometric functions that we consider are periodic over their entire
domains. This means that all trigonometric functions are not one-to-one if we
consider their whole domains, which implies that they have no inverses over those
sets. But there is a way to make each of the trigonometric functions one-to-one.
This is done by restricting their respective domains. The restrictions will give us
well-defined inverse trigonometric functions.
The domain of the sine function is the set R of real numbers, and its range is
the closed interval [−1, 1]. As observed in the previous lessons, the sine function
is not one-to-one, and the first step is to restrict its domain (by agreeing what the
convention is) with the following conditions: (1) the sine function is one-to-one
in that restricted domain, and (2) the range remains the same.

The inverse of the (restricted) sine function

0 π f π(x)
1 = sin x, where the
domain is restricted to the closed interval − 2 , 2 , is called the inverse
sine function or arcsine function, denoted by f −1 (x) = sin−1 x or
f −1 (x) = arcsin 0x. Here, the domain of f −1 (x) = arcsin x is [−1, 1],
and its range is − π2 , π2 . Thus,
1

y = sin−1 x or y = arcsin x

if and only if
sin y = x,
where −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and − π2 ≤ y ≤ π2 .

Throughout the lesson, we interchangeably use sin−1 x and arcsin x to mean

the inverse sine function.

Example 3.7.1. Find the exact value of each expression.

(1) sin−1 21 (3) arcsin 0
(4) sin−1 − 12
) *
(2) arcsin(−1)

Solution. (1) Let θ = sin−1 21 . This is equivalent to sin θ =0 12 . This

1 means that
π π
we are looking for the number θ in the closed interval − 2 , 2 whose sine is
1
2
. We get θ = π6 . Thus, we have sin−1 21 = π6 .

(2) arcsin(−1) = − π2 because sin − π2 = −1 and − π2 ∈ − π2 , π2 .

) * 0 1

220
(3) arcsin 0 = 0
(4) sin−1 − 12 = − π6
) *


As emphasized
0 π π 1in the last example, as long as −1 ≤ x−1 ≤ 1, sin−1 x is that
number y ∈ − 2 , 2 such that sin y = x. If |x| > 1, then sin x is not defined in
R.
We can sometimes find the exact value of sin−1 x (that is, we can find a value
in terms of π), but if no such special value exists, then we leave it in the form
sin−1 x. For example, as shown above, sin−1 12 is equal to π6 . However, as studied
in Lesson 3.2, no special number θ satisfies sin θ = 23 , so we leave sin−1 23 as is.
Example) 3.7.2.* Find the exact value of each expression.
(1) sin sin−1 21 (3) arcsin(sin π)
(4) sin sin−1 − 12
) π* ) ) **
(2) arcsin sin 3

Solution. (1) sin sin−1 12 = sin π6 = 1

) *
2
√
(2) arcsin sin π3 = arcsin 23 = π3
) *

(3) arcsin(sin π) = arcsin 0 = 0

(4) sin sin−1 − 12 = sin − π6 = − 12
) ) ** ) *


From the last example, we have the following observations:

1. sin(arcsin x) = x for any x ∈ [−1, 1]; and

2. arcsin(sin θ) = θ if and only0 if θ 1∈ − π2 , π2 , and if θ &∈ − π2 , π2 , then
0 1 0 1

arcsin(sin θ) = ϕ, where ϕ ∈ − π2 , π2 such that sin ϕ = sin θ.

To sketch the graph of y = sin−1 x, Table 3.28 presents the tables of values
for y = sin x and y = sin−1 x. Recall that the graphs of y = sin x and y = sin−1 x
are symmetric with respect to the line y = x. This means that if a point (a, b) is
on y = sin x, then (b, a) is on y = sin−1 x.

x − π2 − π3 − π4 − π6 0 π
6
π
4
π
3
π
2
y = sin x √ √ √ √
3 2 2 3
y −1 − 2
− 2
− 21 0 1
2 2 2
1

√ √ √ √
3 2 2 3
−1
x −1 − 2
− 2
− 21 0 1
2 2 2
1
y = sin x
y − π2 − π3 − π4 − π6 0 π
6
π
4
π
3
π
2

Table 3.28

221
 The graph (solid thick curve) of the restricted sine function y = sin x is shown
in Figure 3.29(a), while the graph of inverse sine function y = arcsin x is shown
in Figure 3.29(b).

(a) y = sin x (b) y = sin−1 x

Figure 3.29

Example 3.7.3. Sketch the graph of y = sin−1 (x + 1).

Solution 1. In this solution, we use translation of graphs.

Because y = sin−1 (x + 1) is equivalent to y = sin−1 [x − (−1)], the graph of
y = sin−1 (x + 1) is 1-unit to the left of y = sin−1 x. The graph below shows
y = sin−1 (x + 1) (solid line) and y = sin−1 x (dashed line).

222
 Solution 2. In this solution, we graph first the corresponding sine function, and
then use the symmetry with respect to y = x to graph the inverse function.

y = sin−1 (x + 1) ⇐⇒ sin y = x + 1 ⇐⇒ x = sin y − 1

The graph below shows the process of graphing of y = sin−1 (x + 1) from y =

Teaching Notes sin x − 1 with − π ≤ x ≤ π , and then reflecting it with respect to y = x.
Keep in mind that, 2 2
because of the
restriction in the
domain, we have
the following:
sin(sin−1 x) = x
for all x ∈ [−1, 1].
But sin−1 (sin x) is
not always x. We
have
sin−1 (sin x) = x
only if
− π2 ≤ x ≤ π2 .

Seatwork/Homework 3.7.1

1. Find the exact value of each expression.

π
(a) sin−1 1 Answer: 2
 √
(b) arcsin − 22 Answer: − π2
√
(c) arcsin 23 Answer: π
3
 √
(d) sin −1
− 23 Answer: − π3
 √ √
(e) sin sin−1 22 Answer: 2
2

(f) arcsin sin π3 π

) *
Answer: 3

(g) arcsin cos − π3 π

) ) **
Answer: 6

(h) sin−1 sin 4π Answer: − π3

) *
3

223
2. Sketch the graph of each equation.
(a) y = sin−1 (x − 2)

(b) y = sin−1 (2x)

224
 3.7.2. Inverse Cosine Function

The development of the other inverse trigonometric functions follows similarly

from that of the inverse sine function.

y = cos−1 x or y = arccos x
Teaching Notes means
Observe that this
definition of
cos y = x,
cos−1 x is
equivalent to where −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ π.
cos−1 x =
π
2
− sin−1 x.

The graph (solid thick curve) of the restricted cosine function y = cos x is
shown in Figure 3.30(a), while the graph of inverse cosine function y = arccos x
is shown in Figure 3.30(b).

(a) y = cos x (b) y = cos−1 x

Figure 3.30

Example 3.7.4. Find the exact value of each expression.

(4) cos−1 cos 3π
) *
(1) cos−1 0 4
 √
(2) arccos − 23 (5) arccos cos 7π
) *
6
  √  √
(3) cos cos−1 − 23 (6) sin cos−1 2
2

π
Solution. (1) cos−1 0 = 2
because cos π2 = 0 and π
2
∈ [0, π].
 √
(2) arccos − 23 = 5π 6

225
   √ √ √
(3) cos cos−1 − 23 =− 2
3
because − 2
3
∈ [−1, 1]

(4) cos−1 cos 3π 3π

because 3π
) *
4
= 4 4
∈ [0, π].
 √
(5) arccos cos 7π − 23 = 5π
) *
6
= arccos 6
 √ √
2 2
(6) sin cos−1 2
= 2


Example 3.7.5. Simplify: sin arcsin 23 + arccos 21 .

) *

Solution. We know that arccos 21 = π3 . Using the Sine Sum Identity, we have

sin arcsin 32 + arccos 21

) *

= sin arcsin 32 + π3
) *

= sin arcsin 32 cos π3 + cos arcsin 32 sin π3

) * ) *
* √
= 23 · 12 + cos arcsin 23 · 23
)
√
= 13 + 23 cos arcsin 23 .
) *

We compute cos arcsin 23 . Let θ = arcsin 23 . By definition, sin θ = 32 , where

) *

θ lies in QI. Using the Pythagorean identity, we have

+ √
cos arcsin 32 = cos θ = 1 − sin2 θ = 35 .
) *

Going back to the original computations above, we have

√
sin arcsin 32 + arccos 12 = 31 + 23 cos arcsin 23
) * ) *
√ √
1 3 5
= 3
+ 2
· 3
√
2+ 15
= 6
. 

Example 3.7.6. Simplify: sin 2 cos−1 − 45 .

) ) **

Solution. Let θ = cos−1 − 45 . Then cos θ = − 54 . Because cos θ < 0 and range
) *

)ofπ inverse cosine function is [0, π], we know that θ must be within the interval
the Pythagorean Identity, we get sin θ = 53 .
1
2
, π . Using
Using the Sine Double-Angle Identity, we have

sin 2 cos−1 − 45 = sin 2θ

) ) **

= 2 sin θ cos θ
= 2 · 35 − 54
) *

= − 24
25
. 

226
Example 3.7.7. Sketch the graph of y = 41 cos−1 (2x).

Solution.
1 1
y= cos−1 (2x) ⇐⇒ 4y = cos−1 (2x) ⇐⇒ x = cos(4y)
4 2
We graph first y = 12 cos(4x). The domain of this graph comes from the restriction
of cosine as follows:
π
0 ≤ 4x ≤ π =⇒ 0 ≤ x ≤ .
4
Then reflect this graph with respect to y = x, and we finally obtain the graph of
y = 14 cos−1 (2x) (solid line).

In the last example, we may also use the following technique. In graphing
y = 14 cos−1 (2x), the horizontal length of cos−1 x is reduced to half, while the
vertical height is reduced to quarter. This comparison technique is shown in
the graph below with the graph of y = cos−1 x in dashed line and the graph of
y = 14 cos−1 (2x) in solid line.

227
Seatwork/Homework 3.7.2

1. Find the exact value of each expression.

(a) cos−1 (−1) Answer: π
 √
(b) arccos − 22 Answer: 3π
4

(c) arccos sin 5π

) *
Answer: 0
) 2 **
(d) cos cos−1 − 52 Answer: − 52
)

(e) cos−1 − tan 3π

) *
Answer: 0
) ) 413π ** π
(f) arccos cos − 3 Answer: 3

2. Simplify each expression.

√ √
4 2− 5
cos−1 23 − 31
) −1
) **
(a) cos − sin Answer:
9
Solution. Let α = cos−1 23 . This implies that cos α √
= 2
3
and α in
5
QI. Using )a Pythagorean identity, one gets sin α = 3 . Similarly, let
1
− 3 .√This implies that sin β = − 31 and β in QIV. Then,
−1
*
β = sin
we get cos β = 2 3 2 .
We now use Cosine Difference Identity, and the given and computed
values to simplify the expression.
" " ##
−1 2 −1 1
cos cos − sin − = cos(α − β)
3 3
" # % √ & %√ & " # √ √
2 2 2 5 1 4 2− 5
= cos α cos β + sin α sin β = + − = .
3 3 3 3 9
√ √
−17 3 − 4 21
− 12 2
) ) * *
(b) tan arcsin + arccos Answer:
5
9
Solution. Note that arcsin − 2 = − 6 . Second, we let θ =√ arccos 25 ,
) 1* π

which means that cos θ = 25 and θ is in QI. We get tan θ = 221 .

" " # #
1 2  π
tan arcsin − + arccos = tan − + θ
2 5 6
tan(− π6 ) + tan θ
=
1 − (tan(− π6 ))(tan θ)
√ √
− 3 21
3
+ 2
= √ √
1 − ( −3 3 )( 221 )
√ √
−17 3 − 4 21
=
9
228
 3. Sketch the graph of each equation.

(a) y = 2 cos−1 (3x)

(b) y = 21 cos−1 (x + 2)

3.7.3. Inverse Tangent Function and the Remaining Inverse

Trigonometric Functions

The inverse tangent function is similarly defined as inverse sine and inverse cosine
functions.

y = tan−1 x or y = arctan x
means
tan y = x,
where x ∈ R and − π2 < y < π2 .

229
 The graph (solid thick curve) of the restricted function y = tan x is shown
in Figure 3.31(a), while the graph of inverse function y = arctan x is shown in
Figure 3.31(b).

(a) y = tan x (b) y = tan−1 x

Figure 3.31

Example 3.7.8. Find the exact value of each expression.

(4) tan−1 tan − π6
) ) **
(1) tan−1 1
) √ *
(5) tan−1 tan 7π
) *
(2) arctan − 3 6
(3) tan tan−1 − 52 (6) arctan tan − 19π
) ) ** ) ) **
6

Solution. Note the range of arctan is the open interval − π2 , π2 .

) *

(1) tan−1 1 = π4
) √ *
(2) arctan − 3 = − π3

(3) tan tan−1 − 25 = − 52

) ) **

(4) tan−1 tan − π6 = − π6 because − π6 ∈ − π2 , π2 .

) ) ** ) *

(5) Here, note that 7π

) π π*
6
∈
& − 2 , 2 . Use the idea of reference angle, we know that
tan 7π
6
= tan π
6
.
" #
−1 7π  π π
tan tan = tan−1 tan =
6 6 6

(6) Here, we cannot use the idea of reference angle, but the idea can help in a
way. The number (or angle) − 19π
6
is in QII, wherein tangent is negative, and

230
 its reference angle is π6 .
" " ##
19π   π
arctan tan − = arctan tan −
6 6
π
=− 
6
Example) 3.7.9. )Find**the exact value of each expression.
(1) sin 2 tan−1 − 83 (2) tan sin−1 53 − tan−1 14
) *

Solution. (1) Let θ = tan−1 − 83 . Then tan θ = − 38 . Following the notations in

) *

Lesson 3.2 and the definition of inverse tangent

+ function, we know
√ that θ lies
2
in QIV, and x = 3 and y = −8. We get r = 3 + (−8) = 73. 2

Applying the Sine Double-Angle Identity (page 209) gives

" " ##
−1 8
sin 2 tan − = sin 2θ
3
= 2 sin θ cos θ
y x
=2· ·
"r r # " #
8 3
= 2 −√ √
73 73
48
=− .
73
(2) Using the Tangent Difference Identity, we obtain
" #
3 1
tan sin−1 − tan−1
5 4
tan sin 5 − tan tan−1 41
) −1 3 * ) *
=
1 + tan sin−1 35 tan tan−1 41
) * ) *

tan sin−1 53 − 14
) *
= * .
1 + tan sin−1 35 · 41
)

We are left to compute tan sin−1 35 . We proceed as in (1) above. Let

) *

θ = sin−1 35 . Then sin θ = 35 . From the definition of inverse sine function and
the notations used √ in Lesson 3.2, we know that θ lies in QI, and y = 3 and
r = 5. We get x = 52 − 32 = 4, so that tan θ = xy = 43 .
) −1 3 * 1
tan sin 5 − 4
" #
3 1
tan sin−1 − tan−1 =
1 + tan sin−1 35 · 41
) *
5 4
3
− 41
4
=
1 + 43 · 41
8
= 
19
231
% Example 3.7.10. A student is
viewing a painting in a museum.
Standing 6 ft from the painting,
the eye level of the student is 5 ft
above the ground. If the paint-
ing is 10 ft tall and its base is
4 ft above the ground, find the
viewing angle subtended by the
painting at the eyes of the stu-
dent.

Solution. Let θ be the viewing angle, and let θ = α + β as shown below.

We observe that
1 9
tan α = and tan β = .
6 6
Using the Tangent Sum Identity, we have
tan α + tan β
tan θ = tan(α + β) =
1 − tan α tan β
1
+9
= 6 169
1− 6 · 6
20
= .
9
20
Using a calculator, the viewing angle is θ = tan−1 9
≈ 65.8◦ . 

We now define the remaining inverse trigonometric functions. Teaching Notes

Keep in mind that
the domain
Define restrictions are
π conventions we set.
cot−1 x = − tan−1 x. Other books and
2 sources might have
It follows that the domain of y = cot−1 x is R and its range is (0, π). different domain
restrictions. The
restrictions we
made aim to make
calculus
computations
y = sec−1 x or y = arcsec x easier in the future.

means
sec y = x,
π
∪ π, 3π
0 * 0 *
where |x| ≥ 1 and y ∈ 0, 2 2
.

232
 Define
π
csc−1 x = − sec−1 x.
2
This means )that the1domain of y = csc−1 x is (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞) and
its range is −π, − π2 ∪ 0, π2 .
) 1

The graphs of these last three inverse trigonometric functions are shown in
Figures 3.32, 3.33, and 3.34, respectively.

(a) y = cot x (b) y = cot−1 x

Figure 3.32

(a) y = sec x (b) y = sec−1 x

Figure 3.33

233
 (a) y = csc x (b) y = csc−1 x

Figure 3.34

Observe that the process in getting the value of an inverse function is the
same to all inverse functions. That is, y = f −1 (x) is the same as f (y) = x. We
need to remember the range of each inverse trigonometric function. Table 3.35
summarizes all the information about the six inverse trigonometric functions.

Function Domain Range Graph

Figure
− π2 , π2
0 1
sin−1 x [−1, 1]
3.29(b)
Figure
cos−1 x [−1, 1] [0, π]
3.30(b)
Figure
− π2 , π2
) *
tan−1 x R
3.31(b)
Figure
cot−1 x R (0, π)
3.32(b)
Figure
0, π2 ∪ π, 3π
0 * 0 *
sec−1 x {x : |x| ≥ 1} 2 3.33(b)
Figure
−π, − π2 ∪ 0, π2
) 1 ) 1
csc−1 x {x : |x| ≥ 1}
3.34(b)
Table 3.35

Example 3.7.11. Find the exact value of each expression.

) √ *
(1) sec−1 (−2)
 √ (3) cot −1
 − )3 *  √
−1 2 3
(2) csc − 3 (4) sin sec −1 3
− 2 − csc −1
−233

234
 4π
because sec 4π 4π
∈ π, 3π
0 *
Solution. (1) sec−1 (−2) = 3 3
= −2 and 3 2
 √
(2) csc−1 − 2 3 3 = − 2π
3
) √ * 5π
(3) cot−1 − 3 = 6
 √
−233 = − 2π
−1 −1
) 3*
(4) From (2), we know that csc 3
. Let θ = sec − 2 . Then
sec θ = − 32 . From defined range of inverse secant function and the notations
in Lesson
+ 3.2, θ lies in QIII,
√ and r = 3 and x = −2.√ Solving for y, we get
y = − 3 − (−2) = − 5. It follows that sin θ = − 35 and cos θ = − 32 .
2 2

We now use the Sine Sum Identity.

% " # % √ && " " ##
−1 3 −1 2 3 2π
sin sec − − csc − = sin θ − −
2 3 3
" #
2π
= sin θ +
3
2π 2π
= sin θ cos + cos θ sin
% √ &3" # " 3 # % √ &
5 1 2 3
= − − + −
3 2 3 2
√ √
5−2 3
= 
6

Seatwork/Homework 3.7.3

1. Find the exact value of each expression.

(a) sec−1 (−1) Answer: π
(b) arctan(−1) Answer: − π4
(c) arccsc csc 5π π
) *
2
Answer: 2
(d) cot (cot−1 (−10)) Answer: −10
(e) sec−1 − tan 3π
) *
Answer: 0
) 4**
(f) csc csc−1 − 83 Answer: − 83
)

2. Simplify each expression.

√ √
) 5
* 6 10 + 210
(a) cos arcsec − arccot 3
2
Answer:
50
Solution. Let α = arcsec 25 and β = arccot 3. These imply that sec α =
5
2
and cot β = 3, where
√
α and β are
√
both in QI. We√obtain the following:
cos α = 5 , sin α = 5 , cos β = 10 , and sin β = 1010 .
2 21 3 10

235
 Using Cosine Difference Identity and the above values, we simplify the
expression as follows:
5
cos(arcsec− arccot 3) = cos α cos β + sin α sin β
2
" # % √ & %√ & %√ &
2 3 10 21 10
= +
5 10 5 10
√ √
6 10 + 210
=
50
" " # #
−1 1 −1 5 7
(b) tan tan − + tan Answer:
2 3 11
Solution
tan tan−1 − 21 + tan tan−1 35
" " # # ) ) ** ) *
−1 1 −1 5
tan tan − + tan =
1 − tan tan−1 − 21 tan tan−1 53
) ) ** ) *
2 3
− 21 + 53 7
= ) 1* )5* =
1 − −2 3 11

Exercises 3.7

1. Find the exact value of each expression.

(a) sin−1 − 21 Answer: − π6

) *

π
(b) cos−1 0 Answer: 2
√ π
(c) tan−1 3 Answer: 3
(d) csc−1 1 Answer: π2
(e) sec−1 (−2) Answer: 4π
3
3π
(f) cot−1 (−1) Answer: 4
1
(g) csc−1 2
Answer: Undefined
% 2. Find the value of each expression using a calculator. Round your answer to
two decimal places.

(a) sin−1 (1/3) Answer: 0.34

(b) cos−1 (−2/5) Answer: 1.98
(c) tan−1 (100) Answer: 1.56
(d) csc−1 (11/9) Answer: 0.96
(e) sec−1 (−20/3) Answer: 1.72
(f) cot−1 (5/7) Answer: 0.95

236
3. Simplify each expression.

(a) cos−1 cos π3 π

) *
Answer: 3
(b) csc−1 tan π6
) *
Answer: undefined
(c) tan−1 tan 5π π
) *
Answer:
−1
) ) 4 π ** 4
π
(d) sin cos − 4 Answer: 4
(e) cos−1 csc π3 π
) *
Answer: 6

4. Simplify each expression.

(a) sin sin−1 12 + cos−1 21

) *
Answer: 1
 √  √
(b) cos tan−1 3 + sin−1 − 23 Answer: 1
(c) tan (2 tan−1 (−1)) Answer: undefined
(d) cos tan−1 34 + cos−1 13
5 33
) *
Answer: − 65
 √
(e) sin 2 sin−1 12 − 3 tan−1 33 Answer: − 21

5. Solve for t in terms of x.

(a) x = sin 3t Answer: t = 31 sin−1 x

x
(b) x = 2 tan(t + 1) Answer: t = tan−1 2
−1
cos−1 (2x)−1
(c) x = 12 cos(2t + 1) Answer: t = 2
(d) x = 2 − 23 sec(1 − t) Answer: t = 1 − sec−1 32 (2 − x)
) *

1
Answer: t = 23 − 31 cot−1 21 − x
) *
(e) x = 2
− cot(2 − 3t)

6. Sketch the graph of each function.

(a) y = cos−1 (x + 1)

237
(b) y = sin−1 (x − 2)

(c) y = sin−1 2x

x
(d) y = cos−1
2

238
(e) y = 2 cos−1 (x − 1)

(f) y = − 21 sin−1 (2x)

(g) y = 2 sin−1 (2x + 2)

239
 (h) y = −2 cos−1 (2x − 1)

7. Solve for x in the equation sin−1 (x2 − 2x) = − π2 . Answer: x = 1

8. Solve for x in the equation tan−1 (4x2 + 5x − 7) = − π4 . Answer: −2, 43
9. A woman is standing x ft from a wall with a billboard nailed on it. The
billboard is 15 ft tall, and its base is 6 ft above the eye level of the woman.
Find the viewing angle subtended on the eyes of the woman from the base to
15x
the top of the billboard. Answer: tan−1 2
x + 126
% 10. During a leap year, the number of hours of daylight in a city can be modeled
by D(t) = 12 + 2.4 sin(0.017t − 1.377), where t is the day of the year (that is,
t = 1 means January 1, t = 60 is February 29, and so on).

(a) Give one day of that year whose number of hours of daylight is about
14.4. Answer: ≈ 173 days, so the day would be June 21
(b) Find another day of that year whose number of hours of daylight is the
same as that of February 29.
Answer: ≈ 287 days, so the day would be October 13
% 11. After getting a job, a man started saving a percentage of his annual income,
which can be modeled by

P (t) = 2.5 cos(0.157t) + 5.2,

where P (t) is the percentage of his annual income that he was able to save on
year t after he got a job.

(a) What percentage of his annual income did he save on the second year?
Answer: 7.58% of his annual income

240
 (b) On what year right after getting a job did he save the least?
Answer: 20 years after getting a job
(c) On what year right after getting a job did he save the most? When would
it happen again? Answer: 40 years after getting a job
(d) If he got his job at the age of 20, how much will he save on the year of
his retirement (that is, when he is 60)? Answer: 7.7% of his annual
income

12. Prove each identity.

√
1+x 2
(a) cos (tan−1 x) = 1+x 2 , x ∈ R

Solution. Let θ = tan−1 x, where x is any real number. This implies that
tan θ = x. One can think of a right triangle, with acute angle θ whose
opposite side is x and adjacent side as 1. Solving for the hypotenuse,
√ adjacent side 1
√
1+x2
we get 1 + x2 . Thus cos θ = = √1+x = 2 . But
hypotenuse
√
2 1+x
1+x2
θ = tan−1 x, therefore, cos(tan−1 x) = 1+x 2 .

(b) sin (tan−1 2x) = √ 2x , x∈R

1+4x2
−1
Solution. Let θ = tan 2x, where x is any real number. This implies that
tan θ = 2x. One can think of a right triangle, with acute angle θ whose
opposite side is 2x and adjacent side as 1. Solving for the hypotenuse, we
√ opposite side 2x −1
get 1 + 4x2 . Thus sin θ = = √1+4x 2 . But θ = tan 2x,
hypotenuse
−1 2x
therefore, sin(tan 2x) = √1+4x2 .
(c) tan−1 x + tan−1 x1 = π2 , x > 0
Solution. To prove the identity, one can prove an equivalent identity;
that is, to show that sin(tan−1 x + tan−1 x1 ) = 1, x > 0.
Let α = tan−1 x and β = tan−1 x1 . The same techniques as above are
x
applied to get the following: sin α = √1+x √ 1 1
2 , cos α = 1+x2
, sin β = √1+x 2,
x
and cos β = 1+x2 .
√

We now do the following manipulations:

1
sin(tan−1 x + tan−1 )
x
= sin(α + β) = sin α cos β + cos α sin β
" #" # " #" #
x x 1 1
= √ √ + √ √
1 + x2 1 + x2 1 + x2 1 + x2
x2 + 1
= = 1.
1 + x2
1
It follows that tan−1 x + tan−1 x
= π2 .

241
 (d) sin−1 x + cos−1 x = π2 , x ∈ [−1, 1]
Solution. Same as in (c), we show that sin(sin−1 x + cos−1 x) = 1, where
x ∈ [−1, 1].
Let α = sin−1 x and β = cos−1 x. It follows that sin α = x and√cos β = x.
Using fundamental identities, we obtain the following: cos α = 1 − x2 =
sin β.
Then, we do the following manipulations:
sin(sin−1 x + cos−1 x) = sin(α + β)
= sin α cos β + cos α sin β
√ √
= x(x) + ( 1 − x2 )( 1 − x2 )
= x2 + 1 − x2
= 1.
Therefore, sin−1 x + cos−1 x = π2 .

Lesson 3.8. Trigonometric Equations

Time Frame: 3 one-hour sessions

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(1) solve trigonometric equations; and
(2) solve situational problems involving trigonometric equations.

Lesson Outline
(1) Definition of a trigonometric equation
(2) Solution to a trigonometric equation
(3) Techniques of solving a trigonometric equation

Introduction
We have studied equations in Lesson 3.4. We differentiated an identity from
a conditional equation. Recall that an identity is an equation that is true for all
values of the variable in the domain of the equation, while a conditional equation
is an equation that is not an identity.
In this lesson, we mostly study conditional trigonometric equations. We
have started it unnoticeably in the preceding lesson. For example, the equa-
tion sin x = 21 has the unique solution x = sin−1 21 = π6 in the closed interval

242
 − π2 , π2 . However, if we consider the entire domain (not the restricted domain)
0 1

of the sine function, which is the set R of real numbers, there are solutions (other
than π6 ) of the equation sin x = 12 . This current lesson explores the techniques of
solving (conditional) trigonometric equations.
We divide the lesson into two groups of equations: the ones with a basic way
of solving and those that use more advanced techniques.

3.8.1. Solutions of a Trigonometric Equation

Any equation that involves trigonometric expressions is called a trigonometric

Teaching Notes equation. Recall that a solution or a root of an equation is a number in the domain
The word
“solution” has two
of the equation that, when substituted to the variable, makes the equation true.
meanings in our The set of all solutions of an equation is called the solution set of the equation.
discussion. One is
a process of solving Technically, the basic method to show that a particular number is a solution
a problem, and the
other is a number of an equation is to substitute the number to the variable and see if the equation
that makes an becomes true. However, we may use our knowledge gained from the previous
equation true. The
intended meaning lessons to do a quicker verification process by not doing the manual substitution
depends on the and checking. We use this technique in the example.
context of its
usage.
Example 3.8.1. Which numbers in the set 0, π6 , π4 , π3 , π2 , 2π 3π 5π
2 3
3
, 4
, 6
, π, 2π are
Teaching Notes solutions to the following equations?
In the process of
showing that a (1) sin x =
1
2
(7) cos2 x = cos 2x + sin2 x
number is a
solution of an (2) tan x = 1 (8) sin x + cos 2x = 0
equation, note that √
we cannot assume (3) 3 sec x = −2 3 (9) 2 sin x + tan x − 2 cos x = 2
yet that it is a √
solution. This (4) 3| cot x| = 1 (10) sin2 x + cos2 x = 2
means that we
cannot use the (5) sec2 x − tan2 x = 1 (11) sin 2x = sin x
equality sign yet in
the process. (6) sin x + cos x = 0 (12) 2 tan x + 4 sin x = 2 + sec x

Solution. Note that the choices (except 2π) are numbers within the interval [0, π].
To quickly determine which numbers among the choices are solutions to a par-
Teaching Notes ticular equation, we use some distinctive properties of the possible solutions.
In the actual
classroom
discussion, you
may only choose
(1) The sine function is positive on (0, π). From Lesson 3.2, we recall that π6 is
some of these an obvious solution. We may imagine the graph of y = sin x. We may also
items.
use the idea of reference angle. Thus, among the choices, only π6 and 5π
6
are
1
the only solutions of sin x = 2 .

(2) Since tan x = 1 >) 0, any

* solution of the equation among the choices must
π
be in the interval 0, 2 (that is, in QI). Again, among the choices, the only
solution to tan x = 1 is π4 .

243
 √
(3) Here, the given equation is equivalent to sec x = − 2 3 3 . Among the choices, Teaching Notes
√ For convenience in
the only solution of the equation 3 sec x = −2 3 is 5π6
. showing or finding
a solution of an
(4) Eliminating
√
the absolute
√
value sign, the given equation is equivalent to√cot x = equation, we may
use an equivalent
3 3 3 π
or cot x = − . Among the choices, the only solution of cot x = is ,
3 equation. By
3 3
2π
√ 3
definition, the
while the other equation has 3 . Thus, the only solutions of 3| cot x| = 1 solutions of the
from the given set are π3 and 2π3
. equivalent equation
are exactly the
same as the
(5) The given equation is one of the Pythagorean Identities (page 185). It means solutions of the
that all numbers in the domain of the equation are solutions. The domain original equation.
π
of the equation is R \ {x : cos x = 0}. Thus, all except 2
are solutions of
sec2 x − tan2 x = 1.

(6) For the sum of sin x and cos x to be 0, they must have equal absolute values
but different signs. Among the choices, only 3π
4
satisfies these properties, and
it is the only solution of sin x + cos x = 0.

(7) This equations is one of the Double-Angle Identities for Cosine. This means
that all numbers in the domain of the equation are its solutions. Because the
domain of the given equation is R, all numbers in the given set are solutions
of cos2 x = cos 2x + sin2 x.

(8) We substitute each number in the choices to the expression on the left-side
of the equation, and select those numbers that give resulting values equal to
1. Teaching Notes
If one side of an
equation is
x = 0: sin 0 + cos 2(0) = 0 + 1 = 1 constant and if the
1 non-constant
x = π6 : sin π6 + cos 2( π6 ) = 2
+ 12 = 1 expression is a bit
√ √ complicated, the
2 2
x = π4 : sin π4 + cos 2( π4 ) = 2
+ 0 = 2 basic method of
√ √ showing that a
3 1 3−1
x = π3 : sin π3 + cos 2( π3 ) = 2
− 2
= 2
number is a
solution of the
x = π2 : sin π2 + cos 2( π2 ) = 1 − 1 = 0 equation is more
appropriate; that
√ √
2π 3 3−1 is, to start on the
x= 3
: sin 2π
3
+ cos 2( 2π
3
)= 2
− 1
2
= 2 non-constant side,
√ √ then substitute the
2
x= 3π
4
: sin 3π
4
+ cos 2( 3π
4
)= 2
+ 0 = 22 number to the
variable, simplify
5π
x= 6
: sin 5π
6
+ cos 2( 5π
6
)= 1
2
+ 21 = 1 the expression, and
end on the value of
x = π: sin π + cos 2π = 0 + 1 = 1 the constant on the
other side.
x = 2π: sin 2π + cos 2(2π) = 0 + 1 = 1

From these values, the only solution of sin x + cos 2x = 0 among the choices
is π2 .

(9) We again substitute the numbers in the given set one by one, and see which
resulting values are equal to 1.

244