Math Problem Statement

I have the equation cos(pi/2 - arcsin(-4/5)). How do I approach solving this graphically?

Solution

To solve the equation cos(π2arcsin(45))\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\right) graphically, you can take the following approach, leveraging known trigonometric identities and inverse functions:

Steps:

  1. Understand the Inverse Function: The expression arcsin(45)\arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right) is the angle θ\theta whose sine value is 45-\frac{4}{5}. The arcsine function gives you the angle θ\theta in the range [π2,π2][- \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]. Thus, θ=arcsin(45)\theta = \arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right) is negative.

  2. Trigonometric Identity: Use the co-function identity: cos(π2θ)=sin(θ)\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \theta\right) = \sin(\theta) So, the expression simplifies to: cos(π2arcsin(45))=sin(arcsin(45))\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\right) = \sin\left(\arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\right)

  3. Simplify Using the Inverse Function: Since sin(arcsin(45))=45\sin\left(\arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\right) = -\frac{4}{5}, the equation becomes: cos(π2arcsin(45))=45\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\right) = -\frac{4}{5}

Graphical Interpretation:

  • Graph of Arcsin: Start by plotting the graph of the arcsin(x)\arcsin(x) function. Identify the point where arcsin(45)\arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right) occurs. This point will give you the angle corresponding to the value 45-\frac{4}{5}.

  • Use of Co-function: On the unit circle, find the angle that corresponds to the value arcsin(45)\arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right). Then apply the co-function identity to understand that cos(π2angle)\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \text{angle}\right) translates to the sine of that angle.

  • Confirm Graphically: To verify graphically, you could plot both cos\cos and sin\sin functions and check their values at arcsin(45)\arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right) and π2arcsin(45)\frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right), ensuring they match the algebraic results above.

Would you like further details on how to graph this step by step? Or maybe you'd like to see this worked out on a specific coordinate system?

5 Related Questions:

  1. What is the range of the arcsin(x)\arcsin(x) function and how does it affect solutions?
  2. How do trigonometric co-function identities simplify expressions like this one?
  3. How can you visualize arcsin(x)\arcsin(x) and arccos(x)\arccos(x) on the unit circle?
  4. What other identities involve arcsin(x)\arcsin(x) and arccos(x)\arccos(x)?
  5. How can you graphically interpret inverse trigonometric functions?

Tip:

Always use trigonometric identities to simplify expressions involving inverse functions, as they often lead to much simpler results.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Co-function Identities

Formulas

cos(pi/2 - θ) = sin(θ)
sin(arcsin(x)) = x

Theorems

Co-function Identity: cos(π/2 - θ) = sin(θ)
Inverse Trigonometric Function Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12