Understanding the restriction on x in arccos(x) = arctan(x)

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In summary, the equations $\arccos\left({x}\right)=\arctan\left({x}\right)$ and $\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$ are not the same, as the former is the inverse function of the latter. In the first quadrant, the two functions intersect, but they never intersect in a negative or zero value of $x$. This can be seen by graphing both functions and noting that the range of $\arctan(x)$ does not include negative values.
  • #1
karush
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$\arccos\left({x}\right)=\arctan\left({x}\right)$

Explain why $x$ cannot negative or $0$

I assume that

$$\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$$

This intersects in Q1 but why never negative or 0?
 
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  • #2
karush said:
$\arccos\left({x}\right)=\arctan\left({x}\right)$

Explain why $x$ cannot negative or $0$

I assume that

$$\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$$

This intersects in Q1 but why never negative or 0?

Hi karush! (Smile)

I'm afraid that $\cos\left({\theta}\right)=\tan\left({\theta}\right)$ is something entirely different.
I suggest to make a drawing of both $\arccos x$ and $\arctan x$ in the same graph.
It should show that their intersection can only be in Q1.
 
  • #3
So you mean simply because the graph intersects in Q1 that explains why? .
They did show a graph of that with the problem
 
  • #4
As the inverse trigonometric functions are normally defined, where do the domains of the two given functions intersect? As a follow-up, can you then find the exact value of $x$?
 
  • #5
I believe that the arccosine covers both I & II quadrants. However, the arctangent covers both I & III quadrants.
Clearly, arccosine doesn't intersect the origin (arctangent on the other hand, can).
Therefore, in the I quadrant, they clearly intersect.
 
  • #6
The range of $\arctan(x)$ is between $-\dfrac{\pi}{2}$ and $\dfrac{\pi}{2}$ (inclusive), i.e. quadrants I and IV.
 
  • #7
greg1313, I thought arctangent is in quadrants I and III.
 
  • #8
suluclac said:
greg1313, I thought arctangent is in quadrants I and III.

Quadrants I and III are where the tangent function is positive...whereas the standard chosen domain for the tangent function in which it is one-to-one and the concept of an inverse is meaningful is:

\(\displaystyle \left(-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\)
 
  • #9
Yes, I understand that the tangent is positive on quadrants I & III, but regardless of the arctangent going through the origin, the lines extend to quadrants I & III. Perhaps I'm not understanding the point here.
 

FAQ: Understanding the restriction on x in arccos(x) = arctan(x)

What is the relationship between Arccos(x) and arctan(x)?

The relationship between Arccos(x) and arctan(x) is that they are both inverse trigonometric functions. This means that they are used to find the angle measure of a right triangle given the ratio of its sides. Arccos(x) is the inverse function of cosine, while arctan(x) is the inverse function of tangent.

How do you solve equations involving Arccos(x) and arctan(x)?

To solve equations involving Arccos(x) and arctan(x), you can use the identities for inverse trigonometric functions. For example, you can use the identity Arccos(x) = arctan(sqrt(1-x^2)/x) to rewrite the equation in terms of arctan(x). Then, you can use algebraic or trigonometric identities to solve for x.

Can Arccos(x) and arctan(x) be used interchangeably?

No, Arccos(x) and arctan(x) cannot be used interchangeably. They are different functions with different domains and ranges. Arccos(x) has a domain of [-1,1] and a range of [0,π], while arctan(x) has a domain of (-∞,∞) and a range of (-π/2,π/2).

What are the real solutions to the equation Arccos(x) = arctan(x)?

The real solutions to the equation Arccos(x) = arctan(x) are x = 0 and x = 1/√2. These can be found by setting the two functions equal to each other and solving for x using the identities mentioned earlier.

How is the graph of Arccos(x) = arctan(x) related to the graphs of Arccos(x) and arctan(x)?

The graph of Arccos(x) = arctan(x) is the intersection of the graphs of Arccos(x) and arctan(x). This means that the points where the two graphs intersect are the solutions to the equation. The graph of Arccos(x) = arctan(x) will have two points of intersection, corresponding to the two real solutions to the equation.

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