Chapter 6: Problem 4
Evaluate the following expressions, giving the answer in radians. $$ \sin ^{-1}\left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(-\frac{\pi}{4}\)
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Inverse Sine Function
The inverse sine function, \( ext{sin}^{-1}(x)\), returns the angle whose sine is \(x\). The result is given within the range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\), known as the principal value range for sine. We need to find the angle whose sine is \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\).
02
Identify the Reference Angle
Recall that \(\sin(\frac{\pi}{4}) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\). Therefore, the reference angle for \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\) is \(\frac{\pi}{4}\), but negative for the inverse function because we're looking for \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\).
03
Determine the Correct Angle in the Principal Range
Since \(x\) in \( ext{sin}^{-1}(x)\) is \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\), and we know \( ext{sin}(\theta)\) is \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\) at \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\) in the principal range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\), the angle we seek must be \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\).
04
Verify the Solution
Check that \( ext{sin}(-\frac{\pi}{4})\) equals \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\). Since this is true, \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\) is correct. Thus, \(\sin^{-1}\left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right) = -\frac{\pi}{4}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radians
Radians are a way to measure angles based on the radius of a circle. Instead of the usual degrees, which most people are familiar with, radians provide a more natural measure in mathematics.
For example, the sine of an angle can be found using radian measures, especially when dealing with inverse functions like \(\sin^{-1}(x)\). In this context, using radians becomes very handy, especially in calculus or higher-level mathematics. Students often find it easier once they get accustomed to this measure compared to degrees.
- One full circle is equal to \(2\pi\) radians.
- Half a circle is \(\pi\) radians, equivalent to 180 degrees.
- A right angle, being a quarter of a circle, measures \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) radians.
For example, the sine of an angle can be found using radian measures, especially when dealing with inverse functions like \(\sin^{-1}(x)\). In this context, using radians becomes very handy, especially in calculus or higher-level mathematics. Students often find it easier once they get accustomed to this measure compared to degrees.
Sine Function
The sine function is a fundamental concept in trigonometry. It relates an angle to the length of the opposite side over the hypotenuse in a right triangle.
The inverse sine function, denoted as \(\sin^{-1}(x)\), reverses the process, finding the angle for a given sine value.
In this exercise, \(\sin^{-1}\left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)\) finds the angle for which the sine is \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\). This specific sine value corresponds to an angle of \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\) in the principal value range for inverse sine, \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\).
- The function is usually written as \(\sin(\theta)\), where \(\theta\) is the angle in radians or degrees.
- The sine function has a range of values from -1 to 1.
The inverse sine function, denoted as \(\sin^{-1}(x)\), reverses the process, finding the angle for a given sine value.
In this exercise, \(\sin^{-1}\left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)\) finds the angle for which the sine is \(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\). This specific sine value corresponds to an angle of \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\) in the principal value range for inverse sine, \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\).
Reference Angle
A reference angle is the acute angle a given angle makes with the horizontal axis. These angles play a crucial role in understanding trigonometric functions for their exact values.
This helps us determine \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\) as the needed angle in the principal range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\). Reference angles simplify finding angles with specific trigonometric values by highlighting the basic relationships.
- The angle's sine has the same absolute value as its reference angle but might differ in sign, depending on the quadrant.
- Reference angles provide a straightforward way to gauge angles outside the standard angle ranges.
This helps us determine \(-\frac{\pi}{4}\) as the needed angle in the principal range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\). Reference angles simplify finding angles with specific trigonometric values by highlighting the basic relationships.