Trigonometry
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
There are two notations commonly used to indicate an inverse trigonometric function.
arcsin 0.35837
21°
sin1 0.35837
21°
The notation arcsin means the angle whose sine is. The notation arc can be used as a prefix to
any of the trigonometric functions. Similarly, the notation sin-1 means the angle whose sine is.
It is important to remember that the -1 in this notation is not a negative exponent but merely an
indication of the inverse trigonometric function.
To perform this function on a calculator, enter the numerical value, press the INV key, then the
SIN, COS, or TAN key. To calculate the inverse function of cot, csc, and sec, the reciprocal key
must be pressed first then the SIN, COS, or TAN key.
Examples:
Evaluate the following inverse trigonometric functions.
arcsin 0.3746
22°
arccos 0.3746
69°
arctan 0.3839
21°
arccot 2.1445
arctan
1
2.1445
arctan 0.4663
25°
arcsec 2.6695
arccos
1
2.6695
arccos 0.3746
68°
arccsc 2.7904
arcsin
1
2.7904
arcsin 0.3584
21°
Rev. 0
Page 7
MA-04
