Question
Question: How do you evaluate \({{\sec }^{-1}}\left( \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \right)\) ?...
How do you evaluate sec−1(32) ?
Solution
The term sec−1 in our expression is nothing but the inverse of secθ. So first we equate our expression with a variable and then convert sec−1 into secx by sending it to the other side of the equation. Since secθ is cosθ1 , solving the given trigonometric quantity using cosθwould be easier. Find the value using the trigonometric values and then that θ will be the solution.
Complete step by step solution:
The given trigonometric expression is, sec−1(32)
Let us first equate it to a variable.
Let us now consider x=sec−1(32)
Now apply secθ on both sides of the expression.
Then the expression will now be,
⇒secx=sec(sec−1(32))
Whenever there are a function and its inverse then,f(f−1(x))=x
On substituting the values in the above postulate, we get,
Hence our expression will be,
⇒secx=(32)
Since secθ is cosθ1 converts out the expression in the same way.
⇒cosx1=(32)
On inverting the entire equation, we get,
⇒cosx=23
Using the trigonometric table for the values or using the right triangle and the Pythagoras theorem,
We know that cos6π=23
Therefore, the value of x where the cos value is 23 is when x is equal to 30∘ .
Hence x=sec−1(32)=30∘ or x=6π
Note: The inverse functions in trigonometry are also known as arc functions or anti trigonometric functions. They are majorly known as arc functions because they are most used to find the length of the arc needed to get the given or specified value. We can convert a function into an inverse function and vice versa. Always check when the trigonometric functions are given in degrees or radians. There is a lot of difference between both.1∘×180π=0.017Rad. Express everything in sinθ or cosθ to easily evaluate.