19.

2 GRAPHING TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

19.2.1. The Circular functions.

(0 , 1)
𝑃(cos 𝜃, sin 𝜃)𝑟 = 1
𝜃
(𝑥 , 𝑦)
(−1,0) (1,0)

(0, −1)

Consider the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 having its center at the origin and a radius of
length one unit, this is commonly referred to as the unit circle.
(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
Ordinate abscissa
Since 𝑟 = 1 ,the formula 𝑆 = 𝑟𝜃 becomes 𝑆 = 𝜃. That is to say, numerically the
length of the arc from (1,0) to 𝑃 equals the measure of angle 𝜃 in radians.
7𝜋 7𝜋
For example, if 𝜃 = , then 𝑆 = units.
6 6

7𝜋 7𝜋
𝑆= 𝜃=
6 6

(−1,0) (1,0)
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦)
●

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

The point 𝑝(𝑥, 𝑦) is referred to as the point on the unit circle that corresponds to
𝑆. An important consequence, is that we can now consider the trigonometric
functions using a domain of real numbers independent of any reference to angles.
In such a setting, the trigonometric functions are often referred to as the circular
functions.
If 𝑆 is a real number and 𝑝(𝑥, 𝑦) is the point on the unit circle that corresponds to
𝑆, then using SOHCAHTOA,we have the following definitions :
1
sin 𝑆 = 𝑦 , csc 𝑆 = if 𝑦 ≠ 0
𝑦
1
cos 𝑆 = 𝑥 , sec 𝑆 = if 𝑥 ≠ 0
𝑥
𝑦 𝑥
tan 𝑆 = if 𝑥 ≠ 0 , cot 𝑆 = if 𝑦 ≠ 0
𝑥 𝑦

Example 2.1.1
Determine the circular functions sin 𝑆 , cos 𝑆 and tan 𝑆 for
𝜋 3𝜋 −3𝜋
a) 𝑆 = 𝜋 𝑏) 𝑆 = 𝑐) 𝑆 = 𝑑) 𝑆 =
4 2 2

Solutions
a) 𝑆 = 𝜋 𝑦

𝜃
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦)
●

(−1,0) (1,0) 𝑥

𝑆 = 𝜋 Corresponds to (−1,0)
sin 𝜋 = 𝑦 = 0
cos 𝜋 = 𝑥 = −1

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 𝑦 0
tan 𝜋 = = =0
𝑥 −1

𝜋
b) 𝑆=
4

𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) ● 𝜋
𝜃=
4
𝜃

(−1,0) (1,0) 𝑥

The point 𝑝(𝑥, 𝑦) must lie on the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 that bisect the 1𝑠𝑡 quadrant.
𝑦 = 𝑥 … (i)
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 … (ii)
Substitute equation (i) in to equation (ii)
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 1
𝑦2 + 𝑦2 = 1
2𝑦 2 = 1
1
𝑦2 =
2
1 1 1 √2 √2
𝑦 = ±√ = = × =∓ ,
2 √2 √2 √2 2

𝑥 and y are positive because p is in the first quadrant.

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 √2 √2
𝑃( , )
2 2
and the circular functions are determined as follows:

𝜋 √2
sin =𝑦=
4 2
𝜋 √2
cos =𝑥=
4 2
√2
𝜋 𝑦 2
tan = = =1
4 𝑥 √2
2
3𝜋
c) 𝑆 =
4

S 𝑥
𝑆
(0 , −1)
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦)

3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 𝑦 −1
sin = −1 , cos = 0 and tan = = which is undefined.
4 4 4 𝑥 0

−3𝜋
d) 𝑆 =
2

−3𝜋 3𝜋
sin = − sin = 1,
2 2
W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023
 −3𝜋 3𝜋
cos = cos = −1
2 2
−3𝜋 3𝜋
and tan = − tan undefined.
4 4

19.2.2. The sine and cosine curves

𝒚
(0 , 1) 90°

(𝑥 , 𝑦)
180 0
(−1,0) (1,0) 𝑥

(0, −1)
270

(𝑥 , 𝑦) = (cos 𝜃, sin 𝜃)
𝜃 is in degrees
𝜃 0 90 180 270 360
𝑓(𝜃) 0 1 0 −1 0

𝜃 0 − 90 − 18 − 270 − 360
𝑓(𝜃) 0 −1 0 −1 0

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 1

−180 − 90 0 90 180 270 360

−1
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥
Domain: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 , Range:−1 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 1 and the period is 3600 or 2𝜋.

In the same way:

−𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
-𝜋 0 𝜋
2 2 2

-1

𝑓(𝜃) = cos 𝜃
Domain: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 , Range: −1 ≤ 𝑓(𝜃) ≤ 1 and the period is 2𝜋.
2.2.1 Period.
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Definition 2.2.1
A function f is called periodic if there exists a positive real number p such that
𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑝) = 𝑓(𝑥)
for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓. The smallest value for p is called the period of the
function. Sine and Cosine functions have both a period of2𝜋.
𝟐𝝅
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒃𝒙 and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒃𝒙 have a period of where 𝒃 > 0
𝒃

If 𝑏 < 0,then we can first apply the appropriate property,sin( −𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 or
cos( −𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥.For example, to graph 𝑓(𝑥) = sin(−3𝑥),we can first change to
f( 𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛3𝑥 and then proceed.
Examples 2.2.1
a) Find the period of f( 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠3𝑥 and sketch the graph for one period beginning
at 𝑥 = 0
b) Find the period of f( 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜋𝑥 and sketch the graph for one period beginning
at 𝑥 = 0
Solution
a) f( 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠3𝑥
2𝜋
3𝑥 = 2𝜋, 𝑥 = period.
3

1 f( 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

𝜋 3𝜋
0 𝜋 2𝜋
2 2

-1

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

Now let’s divide the interval into 4 equal parts:
2𝜋 2𝜋 1 𝜋
3 = × =
3 4 6
4

y
● ●
1 f( 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠3𝑥

● ●

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋
0
6 3 2 3

-1

b)
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝜋𝑥
𝜋𝑥 = 2𝜋, 𝑥 = 2
Again, by dividing the interval from 0 to 2 into 4 equal subintervals:
2 1
=
4 2
𝒇(𝒙)

1
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝜋𝑥

1 3
0 1 2 x
2 2

-1

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

2.2. 2 Amplitude
In general, we can state that the amplitude of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 or
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 is |𝑎|.
1 1 1
For example, the amplitude of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is | | = and the amplitude of
2 2 2

𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 is |−2| = 2.

Together, the concept of period and amplitude help us graph functions of the form
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑏𝑥 or 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑏𝑥
Examples 2.2.1
a) Sketch 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 and determine its amplitude
Solution

𝑓(𝑥) = 3sin 𝑥
|3| = 3 amplitude
3

1
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥

𝜋 3𝜋
0 𝜋 2𝜋 x
2 2

-1

−3

1
b) Find the period and amplitude of 𝑓(𝑥) = −3 sin 𝑥 and sketch the curve for
2
one period beginning at 𝑥 = 0
Solution
1
The period is 𝑥 = 2𝜋 ⇒ 𝑥 = 4𝜋 and the amplitude is |−3| = 3
2
1
The curve is thus a reflection of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 sin 𝑥 on the 𝑥-axis
2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 y
3 ⦁
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥
-1

0 𝜋 2𝜋 3𝜋 4𝜋 x
-1

−3 ⦁
1
𝑓(𝑥) = 3sin 𝑥
2
1
𝑓(𝑥) = −3sin 𝑥
2

2.2.3 Phase Shift

In general, the phase shift of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙 − 𝒄) or 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒙 − 𝒄) is |𝒄|. If c is
positive, the shift is to the right and if c is negative, the shift is to the left.
Property 2.3.1
Consider the functions 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄) and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄) where
𝒃 > 0.
𝟐𝝅
a) The period of both curves is
𝒃

b) The amplitude of both curves is |𝒂|.

c) The phase shift of both curves is to the right if c is positive and to the left if c
is negative.

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

Examples 2.3.1
a) Find the period, amplitude and phase shift of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2sin(𝑥 − 𝜋) and
sketch the curve.
Solution
By applying property 2.3.1, we can determine the following information
directly from the equation:
𝑓(𝑥) = 2sin 1(𝑥 − 𝜋)

Amplitude is: period is: phase shift is

2𝜋
|2| = 2 =2𝜋 |𝜋| = 𝜋 units to the right.
1

Thus, one complete cycle of a sine curve having amplitude of 2 is contained

in the interval from 𝑥 = 𝜋 to 𝑥 = 𝜋 + 2𝜋 = 3𝜋
The curve repeats itself every 2𝜋 units in both directions.
y
2

3𝜋 5𝜋
-𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 3𝜋 x
2 2

-2

𝜋
b) Find the period, amplitude and phase shift of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2𝑥 − ) and
2
sketch the curve

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 Solution
𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2𝑥 − )
2
𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝑥 − )
4
From this form, we can obtain the following information

𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝑥 − )
4

Amplitude is: period is: phase shift is

2𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
|3| = 3 =𝜋 | | = units to the right.
2 4 4

Therefore, One complete cycle of a cosine curve having an amplitude of

𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
3 is contained in the interval from 𝑥 = to 𝑥 = + 𝜋 = .
4 4 4

The curve repeats itself every 𝜋 units in both directions.

𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2𝑥 − )
2

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
- 𝜋
2 4 2 4 4

-3

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

19. 2.3. Graphing the other basic Trigonometric Functions
sin 𝑥
Recall that tan 𝑥 = and therefore, it is not defined at those values for which
cos 𝑥
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
cos 𝑥 = 0 (namely at 𝑥 = ± ,± ,± 𝑒. 𝑡. 𝑐).Thus, to graph
2 2 2
𝑓(𝑥) = tan 𝑥,we will first use vertical dashed lines to indicate those values of x for
which the tangent function is undefined.
𝜋
Let’s consider some functional values of 𝑥 in the interval between 𝑥 = − and
2
𝜋
𝑥 = as indicated in the table below.
2

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥
𝜋
− − √3
3
𝜋
− −1
4
𝜋 √3
− −
6 3
0 0

𝜋 √3
6 3
𝜋
1
4
𝜋
3
√3

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥

𝜋 𝜋 x
− 0
2 2

𝜋 𝜋
The lines 𝑥 = − and 𝑥 = are asymptotes.
2 2
𝜋 3𝜋
Using a similar approach, we can graph 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 in the intervals <x<
2 2
3𝜋 𝜋
and − <x<
2 2

Notice that 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 is getting larger as x increases.

f(x)

3𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
− −𝜋 − 0 𝜋
2 2 2 2

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥

Range:IR: domain: cosx≠ 0

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023
Note that the tangent function has a period of 𝜋.
We can graph the cotangent function in much the same manner that we graphed
the tangent function.
cos 𝑥
cot 𝑥 = where sin 𝑥 ≠ 0.Therefore, cotangent function is not defined at
sin 𝑥

𝑥 = 0,±𝜋, ±2𝜋, 𝑒𝑡𝑐. These values locate the interval asymptotes.

f(x)

𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
−𝜋 − 0 𝜋 2𝜋 x
2 2 2

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑥

The period of cotangent is 𝜋 and Range: 𝑅, Domain:sin 𝑥 ≠ 0.

2.3.1. Variations of tangent and cotangent functions.

We have seen that both the tangent and the cotangent functions have period 𝜋.
That is, they repeat themselves every 𝜋 units. This also means that their
asymptotes are 𝜋 units apart.
The general equations 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄) and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄), b>0.The
number 𝒂 affects ordinate values but has no significance in terms of amplitude. In
𝝅
each case, the period is determined by and the phase shift is again |𝑪|.
𝒃

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

Examples 4.1.1
𝜋
a) Find the period and phase shift of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝑥 − ) and sketch the
4
curve.
Solution
𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 tan 1 (𝑥 − )
4
𝜋 𝜋
Period is = 𝜋 and the phase shift is units to the right.
1 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Lets shift the asymptotes 𝑥 = − and 𝑥 = of 𝑔(𝑥) = tan 𝑥 to the right
2 2 4
𝜋 3𝜋
units, so we have asymptotes at 𝑥 = − and 𝑥 = . The curve crosses the
4 4
𝜋 𝜋
x- axis at 𝑥 = since 𝑓 ( ) = 0
4 4

Explanation:
𝜋 𝜋 −2𝜋 + 𝜋 𝜋
− + = =
2 4 4 4
𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 + 𝜋 3𝜋
+ = =
2 4 4 4
𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = 2tan(𝑥 - )
4
𝑓(𝑥)

𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 x
− 0
4 4 4

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 1
b) Find the period and phase shift of 𝑓(𝑥) = cot(2𝑥 + 𝜋) and sketch the
2
curve.
Solution
1
𝑓(𝑥) = cot(2𝑥 + 𝜋)
2
1 𝜋
= cot 2 (𝑥 + )
2 2
𝜋 𝜋
Period is and phase shift is units to the left by − .
2 2

𝜋 𝜋 2𝜋 − 𝜋 𝜋
− = =
1 2 2 2
𝜋 𝜋
0− =−
2 2
𝜋 𝜋
Let’s shift the asymptotes of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑥, 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = to the left units.
2 2
𝜋
So, we have asymptotes at 𝑥 = − and at 𝑥 = 0.
2
𝜋 𝜋
− −
2 4
2𝜋 3𝜋
− −𝜋 =−
4 4
1
𝑓(𝑥) = cot(2𝑥 + 𝜋)
2

f(x)

3𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
−𝜋 − − − 0 x
2 2 4 4 2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

19.2.4. Cosecant and Secant curves
The graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑥 and 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 can be sketched rather easily by
1 1
using the reciprocal relationships 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑥 = and = .
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

We first draw the sine and cosine curves (dashed curves) and then used those
curves to help sketch the cosecant and secant curves respectively. The following
general properties should be noted:
1) Because all functional values of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 are between ±1 inclusive, we
know that all functional values for 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑥 and 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 are greater than or equal
to 1 or less than or equal to -1
2) For graphing 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑥,vertical asymptotes exist at 𝑥 = 0 ±𝜋, ±2𝜋 𝑒𝑡𝑐
3) For graphing 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 ,vertical asymptotes exist at 𝑥 =
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
± ,± ,± , 𝑒𝑡𝑐
2 2 2
4) Both the cosecant and secant functions have a period of 2𝜋.

−2𝜋 −𝜋 0 𝜋 2𝜋
-1

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑥

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 1

5𝜋 .
− 3𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
2 − − 0
2 2 2 2

-1

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥

The two equations 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑐) and 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑐) are used to
express variations of the cosecant and secant curves respectively.
The number 𝑎 simply affects ordinate values but has no significance relative to the
amplitude. For both 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒄𝒔𝒄𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄) and 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒃(𝒙 − 𝒄) where 𝒃 >
𝟐𝝅
𝟎, the period is determined by and the phase shift is again |𝒄|.
𝒃

Example 2.5.1
𝜋
Find the period and the phase shift of 𝑓(𝑥) = csc 2 (𝑥 − ) and sketch the curve.
4

Solution
𝜋
𝑓(𝑥) = csc 2(𝑥 − )
4

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 2𝜋 𝜋
Period is = 𝜋 and the phase shift is units to the right
2 4
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
We have asymptotes at = , 𝑥 = and 𝑥 =
4 4 4

f(x)

𝜋
𝜋
2
𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋
4 4 4

19. 2.5. Inverse trigonometric functions

2.5.1. The inverse sine functions
Before introducing the inverse trigonometric functions, let’s review some general
ideas pertaining to inverse functions.
1) If the components of each ordered pair of a given one to one function are
interchanged, the resulting function and the given function are called
inverses of each other (remember that only one to one functions have
inverses).
2) If f and g are inverses, then 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑥 for all x in the domain of 𝑔 and
𝑔(𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 for all x in the domain of 𝑓
3) Graphically, two functions that are inverses of each other are mirror image
with reference to the line 𝑦 = 𝑥

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 It is evident that the sine function over the domain of all real numbers is not
a one to one function. For example, suppose we consider the solution for
1
sin 𝑥 =
2
𝑓(𝑥)

1
x
11𝜋 7𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 17𝜋
− -
6 6 6 6 6

−1 y = sin 𝑥

𝜋
Certainly, is a solution but there are infinite many more solutions such as
6
5𝜋 13𝜋 17𝜋 7𝜋 11𝜋
, , , − , −
6 6 6 6 6

e.t.c.
However, we can form a one to one function from the sine function, and not
eliminate any values from its range by restricting the domain to the interval
𝜋 𝜋
− ≤𝑥≤ .
2 2

Therefore, we have a new function defined by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 having

𝜋 𝜋
domain − ≤ 𝑥 ≤ and range −1 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 1
2 2

1 ●

𝜋 𝜋
−
2 2
●
-1

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

Now the inverse sine function can be defined as follows:
Definition 5.1.1
The inverse sine function is defined by 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥 if and only if 𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 where
𝜋 𝜋
−1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1 and − ≤ 𝑦 ≤
2 2

In the above definition, the equation 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥 can be read

1
y is the angle whose sine is 𝑥. Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 means y is the angle
2
between
𝜋 𝜋 1 𝜋
− ≤ 𝑥 ≤ whose sine is ,thus 𝑦 = (the angle can also be expressed as 300 ).
2 2 2 6

Examples 5.1.1
√2 𝜋 𝜋
a) Solve 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− ) for y where − ≤ 𝑦 ≤
2 2 2

Solution
𝜋 𝜋
We should recall that the angle between − and inclusive, whose sine equals
2 2
√2 𝜋
- is −
2 4
𝜋
Therefore, 𝑦 =
4

Explanation

√2
(𝑦 = sin−1 (− )) 𝑠𝑖𝑛
2

√2
(sin 𝑦 = − ) (−1)
2

√2
− sin 𝑦 =
2
√2
sin(−𝑦) =
2
𝜋 𝜋
−𝑦 = ⟹𝑦=−
4 4

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 1
b) Evaluate cos (𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− ))
2

Solution
1 𝜋
The expression cos (𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− )) means the cosine of the angle between −
2 2
𝜋 1
and inclusive, whose sine is − .
2 2
1 𝜋
The angle whose sine is − is −
2 6

Explanation
1
Let 𝜃 = sin−1 (− )
2

1
(sin 𝜃 = − ) − 1
2
1
− sin 𝜃 =
2
1
sin(−𝜃) =
2
𝜋
−𝜃 =
6
𝜋
𝜃=−
6
1 𝜋 𝜋 √3
∴ cos (𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− )) = cos (− ) = cos (− ) =
2 6 6 2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 c) Graph 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥
Solution
𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥

𝜋
−1 −
2
√𝟑 𝜋
−
𝟐 3
𝟏 𝜋
− −
𝟐 6
0 0
1 𝜋
2 6
√3 𝜋
2 3
𝜋
1
2

𝜋
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑟𝑐 sin 𝑥
2

-1 1
𝜋
−
2

Domain= {𝑥: − 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1}
𝜋 𝜋
Range = {𝑦: − ≤ 𝑦 ≤ }
2 2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

NOTE
The inverse sine function is also called the arcsine function and the notation
𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 can be used in place of 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑥.
2.5.2 The inverse cosine functions.
Definition 5.2.1.
The inverse cosine function or arc𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒 function is defined by
𝑦 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 −1 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑟𝑐𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥
if and only if 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦 where −1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝜋
Graph
𝑓(𝑥)

𝜋
𝜋
𝑦 = cos −1 𝑥
2

-1 0 1 𝑥

Domain= {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅| − 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1} Range= { 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅: 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝜋}

Example 5.2.1
√3
a) Solve 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (− ) for y where 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝜋
2

Solution
√3 𝜋
The angle whose cosine is − is 𝑦 =
2 6

1
b) Evaluate sin (𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( ))
2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

 Solution
1
The expression 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( )) means the sine of the angle between 0
2
1 𝜋
and 𝜋 inclusive whose cosine is . We know that is the angle whose
2 3
1 𝜋 √3
cosine is and we know that sin ( ) =
2 3 2

1 √3
Therefore, sin (𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( )) = .
2 2

2.5.3 The inverse tangent function

Definition 5.3.1
The inverse tangent function or arctangent function is defined by
𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥
𝜋 𝜋
if and only if 𝑥 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑦 where −∞ < 𝑥 < ∞ and − < 𝑦 <
2 2

Graph

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥

𝜋
2

𝑥
𝜋
−
2

𝜋 𝜋
Domain= (−∞, ∞) Range= {𝑦 ∈ 𝑅: − < 𝑦 < }
2 2

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023

Example 5.3.1
√3
a) Solve 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (− ) for y where −900 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 900
3

Solution
√3
The angle between −900 and 900 inclusive whose tangent is − is 𝑦 = −300
3
4
b) Find an exact value for sin (𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ) without using a calculator or a table.
3

Solution
4 𝜋 𝜋 4
Let 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 , that is 𝜃 is the angle between − and whose tangent is ,
3 2 2 3

Therefore, 𝜃 is a first quadrant angle from the right triangle formed, we obtain
𝑟 2 = 32 + 42 = 9 + 19 = 25 giving 𝑟 = 5

𝑦
4
Thus sin𝜃 =
5
4 4
∴ sin (tan−1 ) = r=5 4
3 5
𝜃
�
3
Necessary definitions
1. The inverse cotangent function is defined by
𝜋 𝜋
𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥 if and only if 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑦 where −∞ < 𝑥 < ∞ and − < 𝑦 <
2 2
and 𝑦 ≠ 0
2. The inverse cosecant function is defined by 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 −1 𝑥 if and only if 𝑥 =
𝜋 𝜋
𝑐𝑠𝑐𝑦 where |𝑥| ≥ 1 , − ≤ 𝑦 ≤ , and 𝑦 ≠ 0
2 2
3. The inverse secant function is defined by 𝑦 = 𝑆𝑒𝑐 −1 𝑥 if and only if 𝑥 = 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑦
𝜋
where |𝑥| ≥ 1,0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝜋 and 𝑦 ≠
2
Graph the functions y = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥 , 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 −1 𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑆𝑒𝑐 −1 𝑥

W.SAKALA MA110 LECTURE NOTES 2022/2023