PSK Lesson Notes - Trig
Elementary Algebra
Introduction to Algebra Linear Equations and Inequalities Functions and Graphs I Lines and thier Graphs Linear Systems Exponents & Polynomials
Intermediate Algebra
Factoring Rational Expressions Rational Equations and Applications Radical Expressions Nonlinear Equations and Applications Functions and Graphs II Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Precalculus I / College Algebra
Equations and Inequalitites Functions and Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Systems and Matrices Geometry Basics Conic Sections Sequences and Series
Precalculus II / Trigonometry
The Six Trigonometric Functions Right Triangle Trigonometry Circular Functions Graphs of Trigonometric Functions Trigonometric Identities Trigonometric Equations Oblique Triangles and the Laws Vectors Complex, Parametric, and Polar Forms
Calculus I
Limits and Continuity Derivatives Analysis of Curves Antiderivatives
Calculus II
Transcendental Functions
Geometry Physics Integration Techniques Calculus of Infinity Parametric, Polar, and Conic Curves
Calculus III

Course: Trigonometry
Topic: Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
Subtopic: Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Overview

We have worked with inverse trig functions (such as tan^-1(1/sqrt3)=pi/6) before, but primarily just evaluating them on a calculator or via the unit circle. In this lesson we formally define inverse trig functions and extend our knowledge about them including their exploring their graphs, domains, and ranges.

Before studying inverse trigonometric functions, I strongly recommend that you review inverse functions in general. See the supplementary resources below for review sites.

It is very important to remember that while regular functions take an angle input and output a ratio, inverse trig functions take a ratio input and output the corresponding angle. The answer from an inverse trig function is an angle. Note the units (degrees or radians) in which the output angle needs to be.

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

• 4.7.1 Graph the three main inverse trig functions arcsin(x), arccos(x), arctan(x)
• 4.7.2 Know the domain and range of all six inverse trig functions
• 4.7.3 Know in which quadrants the answers from each of the six inverse trig functions lie (important!)
• 4.7.4 Evaluate inverse trig functions manually
• 4.7.5 Evaluate compositions of trig and inverse trig functions both numeric, such as tan(cos^-1(-sqrt3/2)), and algebraic, such as sec(sin^-1(x))`

Terminology

Terms you should be able to define: vertical and horizontal line tests, one-to-one trig function, inverse trigonometric function

Mini-Lectures and Examples

Supplementary Resources (optional)

Need a general review of inverse functions? Patrick Just Math Tutorial's Inverse Functions - The Basics is a comprehensive (rather long) video with a good variety of algebraic processes related to inverse functions.

And from James Sousa's MathIsPower4U come lots of videos and examples, for you!

Mini-Lesson on general inverse functions:
Inverse Functions
Animation:  Illustrate why a function must be one-to-one to have an inverse function

rev. 2021-02-08