Question related to inverse sine functions

In summary, the correct answer is Case 2, as it follows the convention for the domain of the inverse sine function. The first case, while mathematically correct, does not consider the restricted domain.
  • #1
gsn57iaf
2
0
Please guide why answers are different in following
two cases and which one is correct?
Case 1. sin-1 ( – 1/2 ) – sin-1 (– 1) = 7π/6 – 3π/2 = – π/3
Case 2. sin-1 ( – 1/2 ) – sin-1 (– 1)
= – sin-1 ( 1/2 ) + sin-1 (1)

= – π/6 + π/2 = π/3
 
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  • #2
gsn57iaf said:
Please guide why answers are different in following
two cases and which one is correct?
Case 1. sin-1 ( – 1/2 ) – sin-1 (– 1) = 7π/6 – 3π/2 = – π/3
Case 2. sin-1 ( – 1/2 ) – sin-1 (– 1)
= – sin-1 ( 1/2 ) + sin-1 (1)

= – π/6 + π/2 = π/3

In order to have an inverse function, a function needs to be one-to-one on its domain. As $\displaystyle \begin{align*} y = \sin{(x)} \end{align*}$ is not, its domain is restricted. By convention, the domain chosen is $\displaystyle \begin{align*} -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \end{align*}$. That means that the inverse sine function is defined to give an output restricted to $\displaystyle \begin{align*} -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq \arcsin{(x)} \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \end{align*}$. So with this knowledge, which one do you think gives the correct answer?
 
  • #3
Prove It said:
In order to have an inverse function, a function needs to be one-to-one on its domain. As $\displaystyle \begin{align*} y = \sin{(x)} \end{align*}$ is not, its domain is restricted. By convention, the domain chosen is $\displaystyle \begin{align*} -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \end{align*}$. That means that the inverse sine function is defined to give an output restricted to $\displaystyle \begin{align*} -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq \arcsin{(x)} \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \end{align*}$. So with this knowledge, which one do you think gives the correct answer?

Thanks sir. The key $\displaystyle \begin{align*} -\frac{\pi}{2} \leq \arcsin{(x)} \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \end{align*}$ I ignored in search of answer.
 

Related to Question related to inverse sine functions

1. What is an inverse sine function?

An inverse sine function, also known as arcsine function, is the inverse of the sine function. It takes in a value between -1 and 1 and returns an angle in radians. It is denoted by sin^-1(x) or arcsin(x).

2. How is the inverse sine function related to the sine function?

The inverse sine function is the inverse of the sine function. This means that the output of the inverse sine function is the input of the sine function, and vice versa. In other words, the inverse sine function "undoes" the operation of the sine function.

3. What are the domain and range of the inverse sine function?

The domain of the inverse sine function is [-1,1], which means it takes in values between -1 and 1. The range of the inverse sine function is [-π/2,π/2], which means it returns angles between -π/2 and π/2 in radians.

4. How do you solve equations involving inverse sine functions?

To solve equations involving inverse sine functions, you can use the inverse property of the sine function. For example, if you have an equation sin^-1(x) = y, you can rewrite it as sin(y) = x and solve for x by using the sine function. You can also use a calculator or a table of inverse sine values to find the solution.

5. What are some real-world applications of inverse sine functions?

Inverse sine functions are commonly used in trigonometry and geometry to solve for missing angles or sides in triangles. They are also used in physics and engineering to calculate the angular displacement of moving objects. Inverse sine functions also have applications in fields such as statistics, signal processing, and navigation systems.

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