Is -arctan(x/y) equal to arctan(y/x)?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the equivalence of -arctan(x/y) and arctan(y/x). While the two expressions are not equal, they have the same derivative when y is held constant. The person is seeking clarification on this concept.
  • #1
knowLittle
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Homework Statement


-arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) ?

Are they equivalent? I can't find anything online and I have seen that my solution to some problem involves
-arctan(x/y) and it agrees with Wolfram Alpha. On the other hand, my professor's solution shows the arctan(y/x) and this is why I am doubtful.

Any ideas?
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
knowLittle said:

Homework Statement


-arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) ?

Are they equivalent? I can't find anything online and I have seen that my solution to some problem involves
-arctan(x/y) and it agrees with Wolfram Alpha. On the other hand, my professor's solution shows the arctan(y/x) and this is why I am doubtful.

Any ideas?
Thank you.

They aren't equal. That would be silly, put x=1 and y=1. But the derivative d/dx with y a constant of arctan(y/x) is the same as the derivative of -arctan(x/y) if that's any help.
 
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FAQ: Is -arctan(x/y) equal to arctan(y/x)?

What is the equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) used for?

The equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) is used to find the value of the angle between two lines or vectors in a two-dimensional coordinate system.

How do you solve the equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x)?

To solve this equation, you will need to use the inverse tangent function (arctan) on both sides. This will give you the values of x and y, which can then be used to find the angle between the two lines or vectors.

What are the restrictions for x and y in the equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x)?

There are no specific restrictions for x and y in this equation. However, the equation is only valid when both x and y are non-zero values.

How does the equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) relate to trigonometric identities?

The equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) is a trigonometric identity. It is derived from the tangent angle addition formula: tan(A + B) = (tan A + tan B)/(1 - tan A * tan B). When A = arctan(x/y) and B = arctan(y/x), the equation becomes -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x).

What is the practical application of the equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x)?

The equation -arctan(x/y) = arctan(y/x) has various practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and mathematics. It is used to calculate angles in right triangles, determine the direction of a vector, and solve problems involving motion and forces. It is also used in navigation and geodesy to determine distances and angles between points on a curved surface.

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