Chapter 4: Problem 30
Evaluate each expression without using a calculator, and write your answers in radians. $$\arcsin \left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(-\frac{\pi}{3}\) radians
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to evaluate the expression \( \arcsin \left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \) without using a calculator and provide the answer in radians.
02
Recall the Function Definition
The function \( \arcsin(x) \) gives the angle \( \theta \) such that \( \sin(\theta) = x \) and \( \theta \) is in the range \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq \theta \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \).
03
Identify the Known Sine Values
Recall that \( \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \). Therefore, the negative of this, \( \sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \).
04
Apply the Arcsine Function
Apply \( \arcsin \) to both sides of the equation \( \sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \) to obtain \( \arcsin\left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = -\frac{\pi}{3} \).
05
Verify the Solution
Verify that the solution \( \theta = -\frac{\pi}{3} \) is within the range \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq \theta \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \) and that \( \sin(-\frac{\pi}{3}) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \). Thus, it satisfies the condition for \( \arcsin \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sine Values
The sine function, denoted as \( \sin \), is a fundamental trigonometric function. It relates the ratio of the opposite side of a right triangle to its hypotenuse for any given angle within the triangle. It takes an angle as an input and outputs a value between -1 and 1.
To evaluate expressions involving the sine function, it's helpful to remember some common sine values for well-known angles:
To evaluate expressions involving the sine function, it's helpful to remember some common sine values for well-known angles:
- \( \sin 0 = 0 \)
- \( \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2} \)
- \( \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \)
- \( \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \)
- \( \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 1 \)
Angle in Radians
Angles can be measured in degrees or radians, but for trigonometry, radians are often more convenient. One complete revolution around a circle is \( 2\pi \) radians, equivalent to 360 degrees. Consequently, \( \pi \) radians is equal to 180 degrees.
Radians provide a direct connection between the arc length of a circle and the radius. Therefore:
Radians provide a direct connection between the arc length of a circle and the radius. Therefore:
- 90 degrees is \( \frac{\pi}{2} \) radians
- 60 degrees is \( \frac{\pi}{3} \) radians
- 45 degrees is \( \frac{\pi}{4} \) radians
Function Range
The range of a function represents all possible output values it can produce. For the \( \arcsin \) or inverse sine function, this range is restricted. It outputs angles \( \theta \) where \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq \theta \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \). This restriction ensures that each input has a unique output, making \( \arcsin \) a well-defined function.
When evaluating \( \arcsin \left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \), the resulting angle \( \theta \) must lie within this range. Since \( \sin \left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), the solution to \( \arcsin \left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \) is \( -\frac{\pi}{3} \). This value satisfies the range condition perfectly:
When evaluating \( \arcsin \left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \), the resulting angle \( \theta \) must lie within this range. Since \( \sin \left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), the solution to \( \arcsin \left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \) is \( -\frac{\pi}{3} \). This value satisfies the range condition perfectly:
- It stays within \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq -\frac{\pi}{3} \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \).