We cover the inverses to the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, cosecant, and their derivatives. The remarkable fact is that although these functions and their inverses are transcendental (complicated) functions, the derivatives are algebraic functions. Also, we meet my all-time favorite function: arctan.
1. Section 3.5
Inverse Trigonometric
Functions
V63.0121.021, Calculus I
New York University
November 2, 2010
Announcements
Midterm grades have been submitted
Quiz 3 this week in recitation on Section 2.6, 2.8, 3.1, 3.2
Thank you for the evaluations
. . . . . .
2. Announcements
Midterm grades have been
submitted
Quiz 3 this week in
recitation on Section 2.6,
2.8, 3.1, 3.2
Thank you for the
evaluations
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 2 / 40
3. Evaluations: The good
“Exceptional competence and effectively articulate. (Do not fire
him)”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 3 / 40
4. Evaluations: The good
“Exceptional competence and effectively articulate. (Do not fire
him)”
“Good guy”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 3 / 40
5. Evaluations: The good
“Exceptional competence and effectively articulate. (Do not fire
him)”
“Good guy”
“He’s the clear man”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 3 / 40
6. Evaluations: The good
“Exceptional competence and effectively articulate. (Do not fire
him)”
“Good guy”
“He’s the clear man”
“Love the juices”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 3 / 40
7. Evaluations: The bad
Too fast, not enough examples
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 4 / 40
8. Evaluations: The bad
Too fast, not enough examples
Not enough time to do everything
Lecture is not the only learning time (recitation and independent
study)
I try to balance concept and procedure
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 4 / 40
9. Evaluations: The bad
Too fast, not enough examples
Not enough time to do everything
Lecture is not the only learning time (recitation and independent
study)
I try to balance concept and procedure
Too many proofs
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 4 / 40
10. Evaluations: The bad
Too fast, not enough examples
Not enough time to do everything
Lecture is not the only learning time (recitation and independent
study)
I try to balance concept and procedure
Too many proofs
In this course we care about concepts
There will be conceptual problems on the exam
Concepts are the keys to overcoming templated problems
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 4 / 40
11. Evaluations: technological comments
Smart board issues
laser pointer visibility
slides sometimes move fast
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 5 / 40
12. Evaluations: The ugly
“If class was even remotely interesting this class would be
awesome.”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 6 / 40
13. Evaluations: The ugly
“If class was even remotely interesting this class would be
awesome.”
“Sometimes condescending/rude.”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 6 / 40
14. Evaluations: The ugly
“If class was even remotely interesting this class would be
awesome.”
“Sometimes condescending/rude.”
“Can’t pick his nose without checking his notes, and he still gets it
wrong the first time.”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 6 / 40
15. Evaluations: The ugly
“If class was even remotely interesting this class would be
awesome.”
“Sometimes condescending/rude.”
“Can’t pick his nose without checking his notes, and he still gets it
wrong the first time.”
“If I were chained to a desk and forced to see this guy teach, I
would chew my arm off in order to get free.”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 6 / 40
16. A slide on slides
Pro
“Powerpoints explain topics carefully step-by-step”
“Powerpoint and lesson flow smoothly”
“Can visualize material well”
“I like that you post slides beforehand”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 7 / 40
17. A slide on slides
Pro
“Powerpoints explain topics carefully step-by-step”
“Powerpoint and lesson flow smoothly”
“Can visualize material well”
“I like that you post slides beforehand”
Con
“I would like to have him use the chalkboard more.”
“It’s so unnatural to learn math via powerpoint.”
“I hate powerpoint.”
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 7 / 40
18. A slide on slides
Pro
“Powerpoints explain topics carefully step-by-step”
“Powerpoint and lesson flow smoothly”
“Can visualize material well”
“I like that you post slides beforehand”
Con
“I would like to have him use the chalkboard more.”
“It’s so unnatural to learn math via powerpoint.”
“I hate powerpoint.”
Why I like them
Board handwriting not an issue
Easy to put online; notetaking is more than transcription
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 7 / 40
19. My handwriting
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 8 / 40
20. A slide on slides
Pro
“Powerpoints explain topics carefully step-by-step”
“Powerpoint and lesson flow smoothly”
“Can visualize material well”
“I like that you post slides beforehand”
Con
“I would like to have him use the chalkboard more.”
“It’s so unnatural to learn math via powerpoint.”
“I hate powerpoint.”
Why I like them
Board handwriting not an issue
Easy to put online; notetaking is more than transcription
What we can do
if you have suggestions for details to put in, I’m listening
Feel free to ask me to fill in something on the board
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 9 / 40
21. Objectives
Know the definitions,
domains, ranges, and
other properties of the
inverse trignometric
functions: arcsin, arccos,
arctan, arcsec, arccsc,
arccot.
Know the derivatives of the
inverse trignometric
functions.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 10 / 40
23. What is an inverse function?
Definition
Let f be a function with domain D and range E. The inverse of f is the
function f−1 defined by:
f−1 (b) = a,
where a is chosen so that f(a) = b.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 12 / 40
24. What is an inverse function?
Definition
Let f be a function with domain D and range E. The inverse of f is the
function f−1 defined by:
f−1 (b) = a,
where a is chosen so that f(a) = b.
So
f−1 (f(x)) = x, f(f−1 (x)) = x
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 12 / 40
25. What functions are invertible?
In order for f−1 to be a function, there must be only one a in D
corresponding to each b in E.
Such a function is called one-to-one
The graph of such a function passes the horizontal line test: any
horizontal line intersects the graph in exactly one point if at all.
If f is continuous, then f−1 is continuous.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 13 / 40
26. Graphing the inverse function
y
.
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
.
x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
27. Graphing the inverse function
y
.
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
So if (a, b) is on the graph
of f, then (b, a) is on the
graph of f−1 .
. b, a)
(
.
. . a, b)
(
.
x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
28. Graphing the inverse function
y
. y
. =x
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
So if (a, b) is on the graph
of f, then (b, a) is on the
graph of f−1 .
. b, a)
(
On the xy-plane, the point .
(b, a) is the reflection of
(a, b) in the line y = x. . . a, b)
(
.
x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
29. Graphing the inverse function
y
. y
. =x
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
So if (a, b) is on the graph
of f, then (b, a) is on the
graph of f−1 .
. b, a)
(
On the xy-plane, the point .
(b, a) is the reflection of
(a, b) in the line y = x. . . a, b)
(
.
x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
30. Graphing the inverse function
y
. y
. =x
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
So if (a, b) is on the graph
of f, then (b, a) is on the
graph of f−1 .
. b, a)
(
On the xy-plane, the point .
(b, a) is the reflection of
(a, b) in the line y = x. . . a, b)
(
.
x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
31. Graphing the inverse function
y
. y
. =x
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
So if (a, b) is on the graph
of f, then (b, a) is on the
graph of f−1 .
. b, a)
(
On the xy-plane, the point .
(b, a) is the reflection of
(a, b) in the line y = x. . . a, b)
(
Therefore:
.
x
.
Fact
The graph of f−1 is the reflection of the graph of f in the line y = x.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
32. Graphing the inverse function
y
. y
. =x
If b = f(a), then f−1 (b) = a.
So if (a, b) is on the graph
of f, then (b, a) is on the
graph of f−1 .
. b, a)
(
On the xy-plane, the point .
(b, a) is the reflection of
(a, b) in the line y = x. . . a, b)
(
Therefore:
.
x
.
Fact
The graph of f−1 is the reflection of the graph of f in the line y = x.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 14 / 40
33. arcsin
Arcsin is the inverse of the sine function after restriction to [−π/2, π/2].
y
.
. . . x
.
π π s
. in
−
. .
2 2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 15 / 40
34. arcsin
Arcsin is the inverse of the sine function after restriction to [−π/2, π/2].
y
.
.
. . . x
.
π π s
. in
−
. . .
2 2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 15 / 40
35. arcsin
Arcsin is the inverse of the sine function after restriction to [−π/2, π/2].
y
.
y
. =x
.
. . . x
.
π π s
. in
−
. . .
2 2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 15 / 40
36. arcsin
Arcsin is the inverse of the sine function after restriction to [−π/2, π/2].
y
.
. . rcsin
a
.
. . . x
.
π π s
. in
−
. . .
2 2
.
The domain of arcsin is [−1, 1]
[ π π]
The range of arcsin is − ,
2 2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 15 / 40
37. arccos
Arccos is the inverse of the cosine function after restriction to [0, π]
y
.
c
. os
. . x
.
0
. .
π
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 16 / 40
38. arccos
Arccos is the inverse of the cosine function after restriction to [0, π]
y
.
.
c
. os
. . x
.
0
. .
π
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 16 / 40
39. arccos
Arccos is the inverse of the cosine function after restriction to [0, π]
y
.
y
. =x
.
c
. os
. . x
.
0
. .
π
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 16 / 40
40. arccos
Arccos is the inverse of the cosine function after restriction to [0, π]
. . rccos
a
y
.
.
c
. os
. . . x
.
0
. .
π
.
The domain of arccos is [−1, 1]
The range of arccos is [0, π]
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 16 / 40
41. arctan
Arctan is the inverse of the tangent function after restriction to
[−π/2, π/2]. y
.
. x
.
3π π π 3π
−
. −
. . .
2 2 2 2
t
.an
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 17 / 40
42. arctan
Arctan is the inverse of the tangent function after restriction to
[−π/2, π/2]. y
.
. x
.
3π π π 3π
−
. −
. . .
2 2 2 2
t
.an
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 17 / 40
43. arctan
y
. =x
Arctan is the inverse of the tangent function after restriction to
[−π/2, π/2]. y
.
. x
.
3π π π 3π
−
. −
. . .
2 2 2 2
t
.an
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 17 / 40
44. arctan
Arctan is the inverse of the tangent function after restriction to
[−π/2, π/2]. y
.
π
. a
. rctan
2
. x
.
π
−
.
2
The domain of arctan is (−∞, ∞)
( π π)
The range of arctan is − ,
2 2
π π
lim arctan x = , lim arctan x = −
x→∞ 2 x→−∞ 2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 17 / 40
45. arcsec
Arcsecant is the inverse of secant after restriction to
[0, π/2) ∪ (π, 3π/2]. y
.
. x
.
3π π π 3π
−
. −
. . .
2 2 2 2
s
. ec
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 18 / 40
46. arcsec
Arcsecant is the inverse of secant after restriction to
[0, π/2) ∪ (π, 3π/2]. y
.
.
. x
.
3π π π 3π
−
. −
. . . .
2 2 2 2
s
. ec
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 18 / 40
47. arcsec
Arcsecant is the inverse of secant after restriction to . = x
y
[0, π/2) ∪ (π, 3π/2]. y
.
.
. x
.
3π π π 3π
−
. −
. . . .
2 2 2 2
s
. ec
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 18 / 40
48. arcsec 3π
.
2
Arcsecant is the inverse of secant after restriction to
[0, π/2) ∪ (π, 3π/2]. . . y
π
.
2 .
. . x
.
.
The domain of arcsec is (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞)
[ π ) (π ]
The range of arcsec is 0, ∪ ,π
2 2
π 3π
lim arcsec x = , lim arcsec x =
x→∞ 2 x→−∞ 2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 18 / 40
49. Values of Trigonometric Functions
π π π π
x 0
6 4 3 2
√ √
1 2 3
sin x 0 1
2 2 2
√ √
3 2 1
cos x 1 0
2 2 2
1 √
tan x 0 √ 1 3 undef
3
√ 1
cot x undef 3 1 √ 0
3
2 2
sec x 1 √ √ 2 undef
3 2
2 2
csc x undef 2 √ √ 1
2 3
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 19 / 40
50. Check: Values of inverse trigonometric functions
Example
Find
arcsin(1/2)
arctan(−1)
( √ )
2
arccos −
2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 20 / 40
52. What is arctan(−1)?
.
3
. π/4
.
. .
.
−
. π/4
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 21 / 40
53. What is arctan(−1)?
.
( )
3
. π/4 3π
. Yes, tan = −1
4
√
2
s
. in(3π/4) =
2
.
√ .
2
. os(3π/4) = −
c
2
.
−
. π/4
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 21 / 40
54. What is arctan(−1)?
.
) (
3
. π/4 3π
. Yes, tan = −1
4
√ But, the)
( π π range of arctan is
2
s
. in(3π/4) = − ,
2 2 2
.
√ .
2
. os(3π/4) = −
c
2
.
−
. π/4
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 21 / 40
55. What is arctan(−1)?
.
(
)
3
. π/4 3π
. Yes, tan = −1
4
But, the)
( π π range of arctan is
√ − ,
2 2 2
c
. os(π/4) =
. 2 Another angle whose
. π
tangent is −1 is − , and
√ 4
2 this is in the right range.
. in(π/4) = −
s
2
.
−
. π/4
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 21 / 40
56. What is arctan(−1)?
.
(
)
3
. π/4 3π
. Yes, tan = −1
4
But, the)
( π π range of arctan is
√ − ,
2 2 2
c
. os(π/4) =
. 2 Another angle whose
. π
tangent is −1 is − , and
√ 4
2 this is in the right range.
. in(π/4) = −
s π
2 So arctan(−1) = −
4
.
−
. π/4
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 21 / 40
59. Caution: Notational ambiguity
. in2 x =.(sin x)2
s . in−1 x = (sin x)−1
s
sinn x means the nth power of sin x, except when n = −1!
The book uses sin−1 x for the inverse of sin x, and never for
(sin x)−1 .
1
I use csc x for and arcsin x for the inverse of sin x.
sin x
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 23 / 40
61. The Inverse Function Theorem
Theorem (The Inverse Function Theorem)
Let f be differentiable at a, and f′ (a) ̸= 0. Then f−1 is defined in an
open interval containing b = f(a), and
1
(f−1 )′ (b) = ′ −1
f (f (b))
In Leibniz notation we have
dx 1
=
dy dy/dx
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 25 / 40
62. The Inverse Function Theorem
Theorem (The Inverse Function Theorem)
Let f be differentiable at a, and f′ (a) ̸= 0. Then f−1 is defined in an
open interval containing b = f(a), and
1
(f−1 )′ (b) = ′ −1
f (f (b))
In Leibniz notation we have
dx 1
=
dy dy/dx
Upshot: Many times the derivative of f−1 (x) can be found by implicit
differentiation and the derivative of f:
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 25 / 40
63. Illustrating the Inverse Function Theorem
.
Example
Use the inverse function theorem to find the derivative of the square root
function.
. . . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 26 / 40
64. Illustrating the Inverse Function Theorem
.
Example
Use the inverse function theorem to find the derivative of the square root
function.
Solution (Newtonian notation)
√
Let f(x) = x2 so that f−1 (y) = y. Then f′ (u) = 2u so for any b > 0 we have
1
(f−1 )′ (b) = √
2 b
. . . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 26 / 40
65. Illustrating the Inverse Function Theorem
.
Example
Use the inverse function theorem to find the derivative of the square root
function.
Solution (Newtonian notation)
√
Let f(x) = x2 so that f−1 (y) = y. Then f′ (u) = 2u so for any b > 0 we have
1
(f−1 )′ (b) = √
2 b
Solution (Leibniz notation)
If the original function is y = x2 , then the inverse function is defined by x = y2 .
Differentiate implicitly:
dy dy 1
1 = 2y =⇒ = √
dx dx 2 x
. . . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 26 / 40
66. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
67. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
68. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
. .
y
. = arcsin x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
69. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
1
.. ..
x
y
. = arcsin x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
70. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
1
.. ..
x
y
. = arcsin x
. √
. 1 − x2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
71. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
√
cos(arcsin x) = 1 − x2
1
.. ..
x
y
. = arcsin x
. √
. 1 − x2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
72. Derivation: The derivative of arcsin
Let y = arcsin x, so x = sin y. Then
dy dy 1 1
cos y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx cos y cos(arcsin x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
√
cos(arcsin x) = 1 − x2
So 1
.. ..
x
Fact
y
. = arcsin x
d 1 . √
arcsin(x) = √ . 1 − x2
dx 1 − x2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 27 / 40
73. Graphing arcsin and its derivative
1
.√
1 − x2
The domain of f is [−1, 1],
but the domain of f′ is . . rcsin
a
(−1, 1)
lim f′ (x) = +∞
x→1−
lim f′ (x) = +∞ .
| . .
|
x→−1+ −
. 1 1
.
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 28 / 40
74. Composing with arcsin
Example
Let f(x) = arcsin(x3 + 1). Find f′ (x).
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 29 / 40
75. Composing with arcsin
Example
Let f(x) = arcsin(x3 + 1). Find f′ (x).
Solution
We have
d 1 d 3
arcsin(x3 + 1) = √ (x + 1)
dx 1 − (x3 + 1)2 dx
3x2
=√
−x6 − 2x3
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 29 / 40
76. Derivation: The derivative of arccos
Let y = arccos x, so x = cos y. Then
dy dy 1 1
− sin y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx − sin y − sin(arccos x)
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 30 / 40
77. Derivation: The derivative of arccos
Let y = arccos x, so x = cos y. Then
dy dy 1 1
− sin y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx − sin y − sin(arccos x)
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
√
sin(arccos x) = 1 − x2
So 1
. √
. 1 − x2
Fact
y
. = arccos x
d 1 .
arccos(x) = − √ x
.
dx 1 − x2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 30 / 40
78. Graphing arcsin and arccos
. . rccos
a
. . rcsin
a
.
| . |.
.
−
. 1 1
.
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 31 / 40
79. Graphing arcsin and arccos
. . rccos
a
Note
(π )
cos θ = sin −θ
. . rcsin
a 2
π
=⇒ arccos x = − arcsin x
2
.
| . |.
. So it’s not a surprise that their
−
. 1 1
. derivatives are opposites.
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 31 / 40
80. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
81. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
82. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
.
y
. = arctan x
. .
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
83. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
..
x
y
. = arctan x
. .
1
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
84. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
√
. 1 + x2 ..
x
y
. = arctan x
. .
1
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
85. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
1
cos(arctan x) = √
1 + x2
√
. 1 + x2 ..
x
y
. = arctan x
. .
1
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
86. Derivation: The derivative of arctan
Let y = arctan x, so x = tan y. Then
dy dy 1
sec2 y = 1 =⇒ = = cos2 (arctan x)
dx dx sec2 y
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
1
cos(arctan x) = √
1 + x2
√
. 1 + x2 ..
x
So
Fact
y
. = arctan x
d 1 . .
arctan(x) = 1
.
dx 1 + x2
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 32 / 40
87. Graphing arctan and its derivative
y
.
. /2
π
a
. rctan
1
.
1 + x2
. x
.
−
. π/2
The domain of f and f′ are both (−∞, ∞)
Because of the horizontal asymptotes, lim f′ (x) = 0
x→±∞
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 33 / 40
88. Composing with arctan
Example
√
Let f(x) = arctan x. Find f′ (x).
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 34 / 40
89. Composing with arctan
Example
√
Let f(x) = arctan x. Find f′ (x).
Solution
d √ 1 d√ 1 1
arctan x = (√ )2 x= · √
dx 1+ x dx 1+x 2 x
1
= √ √
2 x + 2x x
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 34 / 40
90. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
91. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
92. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
93. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
94. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
y
. = arcsec x
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
95. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
x
.
y
. = arcsec x
.
1
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
96. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
√
x2 − 1
tan(arcsec x) =
1
√
x
. . x2 − 1
y
. = arcsec x
.
1
.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
97. Derivation: The derivative of arcsec
Try this first. Let y = arcsec x, so x = sec y. Then
dy dy 1 1
sec y tan y = 1 =⇒ = =
dx dx sec y tan y x tan(arcsec(x))
To simplify, look at a right
triangle:
√
x2 − 1
tan(arcsec x) =
1
So √
x
. . x2 − 1
Fact
y
. = arcsec x
.
d 1
arcsec(x) = √ 1
.
dx x x2 − 1
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 35 / 40
98. Another Example
Example
Let f(x) = earcsec 3x . Find f′ (x).
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 36 / 40
99. Another Example
Example
Let f(x) = earcsec 3x . Find f′ (x).
Solution
1
f′ (x) = earcsec 3x · √ ·3
3x (3x)2 − 1
3earcsec 3x
= √
3x 9x2 − 1
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 36 / 40
101. Application
Example
One of the guiding principles of
most sports is to “keep your
eye on the ball.” In baseball, a
batter stands 2 ft away from
home plate as a pitch is thrown
with a velocity of 130 ft/sec
(about 90 mph). At what rate
does the batter’s angle of gaze
need to change to follow the
ball as it crosses home plate?
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 38 / 40
102. Application
Example
One of the guiding principles of
most sports is to “keep your
eye on the ball.” In baseball, a
batter stands 2 ft away from
home plate as a pitch is thrown
with a velocity of 130 ft/sec
(about 90 mph). At what rate
does the batter’s angle of gaze
need to change to follow the
ball as it crosses home plate?
Solution
Let y(t) be the distance from the ball to home plate, and θ the angle the
batter’s eyes make with home plate while following the ball. We know
y′ = −130 and we want θ′ at the moment that y = 0.
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 38 / 40
103. Solution
Let y(t) be the distance from the ball to home plate, and θ the angle the
batter’s eyes make with home plate while following the ball. We know
y′ = −130 and we want θ′ at the moment that y = 0.
y
.
1
. 30 ft/sec
.
θ
.
. 2
. ft
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 39 / 40
104. Solution
Let y(t) be the distance from the ball to home plate, and θ the angle the
batter’s eyes make with home plate while following the ball. We know
y′ = −130 and we want θ′ at the moment that y = 0.
We have θ = arctan(y/2). Thus
dθ 1 1 dy
= ·
dt 1 + (y/2)2 2 dt
y
.
1
. 30 ft/sec
.
θ
.
. 2
. ft
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 39 / 40
105. Solution
Let y(t) be the distance from the ball to home plate, and θ the angle the
batter’s eyes make with home plate while following the ball. We know
y′ = −130 and we want θ′ at the moment that y = 0.
We have θ = arctan(y/2). Thus
dθ 1 1 dy
= ·
dt 1 + (y/2)2 2 dt
When y = 0 and y′ = −130,
then y
.
dθ 1 1
= · (−130) = −65 rad/sec 1
. 30 ft/sec
dt y=0 1+0 2
.
θ
.
. 2
. ft
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 39 / 40
106. Solution
Let y(t) be the distance from the ball to home plate, and θ the angle the
batter’s eyes make with home plate while following the ball. We know
y′ = −130 and we want θ′ at the moment that y = 0.
We have θ = arctan(y/2). Thus
dθ 1 1 dy
= ·
dt 1 + (y/2)2 2 dt
When y = 0 and y′ = −130,
then y
.
dθ 1 1
= · (−130) = −65 rad/sec 1
. 30 ft/sec
dt y=0 1+0 2
The human eye can only track .
θ
.
at 3 rad/sec! . 2
. ft
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 39 / 40
107. Summary
y y′
1
arcsin x √
1 − x2
1
arccos x − √ Remarkable that the
1 − x2
derivatives of these
1
arctan x transcendental functions
1 + x2 are algebraic (or even
1 rational!)
arccot x −
1 + x2
1
arcsec x √
x x2 − 1
1
arccsc x − √
x x2 − 1
. . . . . .
V63.0121.021, Calculus I (NYU) Section 3.5 Inverse Trigonometric Functions November 2, 2010 40 / 40