Math Problem Statement

arcsec(2) how do we solve

Solution

To solve arcsec(2)\text{arcsec}(2), we need to recall the definition and properties of the secant and inverse secant (arcsecant) functions.

Definition of arcsecant:

The arcsecant function, arcsec(x)\text{arcsec}(x), is the inverse of the secant function. This means that if: θ=arcsec(x)\theta = \text{arcsec}(x) then: sec(θ)=x\sec(\theta) = x and θ\theta is typically restricted to the range 0θ<π0 \leq \theta < \pi, with θπ2\theta \neq \frac{\pi}{2}.

Solve arcsec(2)\text{arcsec}(2):

We are solving for θ\theta such that: sec(θ)=2\sec(\theta) = 2 The secant is the reciprocal of the cosine: sec(θ)=1cos(θ)\sec(\theta) = \frac{1}{\cos(\theta)} So we can rewrite the equation as: 1cos(θ)=2\frac{1}{\cos(\theta)} = 2 Now, solving for cos(θ)\cos(\theta): cos(θ)=12\cos(\theta) = \frac{1}{2}

Step-by-Step Solution:

We need to find θ\theta such that cos(θ)=12\cos(\theta) = \frac{1}{2}, and θ\theta lies in the valid range for arcsec(x)\text{arcsec}(x).

  • The cosine of θ=π3\theta = \frac{\pi}{3} is 12\frac{1}{2}.
  • The secant function is positive in the first and fourth quadrants, but arcsec is defined in the first and second quadrants.

Thus, the correct value for θ\theta is: θ=π3\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}

Therefore: arcsec(2)=π3\text{arcsec}(2) = \frac{\pi}{3}

Would you like any further details on this, or a step-by-step breakdown?

Follow-up Questions:

  1. What is the domain and range of the arcsecant function?
  2. How does the secant function relate to the cosine function?
  3. Can we solve arcsec(2)\text{arcsec}(-2)? How?
  4. What are some other important inverse trigonometric functions?
  5. How do we solve for arccos(x)\text{arccos}(x) and arcsin(x)\text{arcsin}(x)?

Tip: Always check the domain restrictions when working with inverse trigonometric functions to avoid errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Secant and Cosine Functions

Formulas

arcsec(x) = θ, where sec(θ) = x
sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ)

Theorems

Inverse Trigonometric Function Properties
Secant-Cosine Relationship

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12