Suppose we are given
cos -1 (1/2)
Principal value of cos -1 (1/2) means
the angle x where cos x = 1/2
We use this table for our help
Range |
Positive |
Negative |
|
sin -1 |
[-π/2, π/2] |
θ |
– θ |
cos -1 |
[0,π] |
θ |
π – θ |
tan -1 |
(-π/2, π/2) |
θ |
– θ |
And we follow these steps
- Put y = cos -1 (1/2)
- So, cos y = 1/2
- Now ignore the signs and find value of θ
- Using the table, Find principal value according to the table
Let's look at some examples
Find the principal value of cos –1 ( 1/2 )
Find the principal value of cos –1 (-1 /2 )
Find the principal value of sin –1 ( 1/2 )
Find the principal value of sin –1 (-1/2)
Find the principal value of tan –1 (1)
Find the principal value of tan –1 (-1 )