RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

UNIT X – DERIVATIVES OF INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Introduction
The six trigonometric functions produce real numbers in the interval [-∞, +∞] for all angles
assigned to the argument of the function. This means that a trigonometric function receives angle as
an input and produces a real number as an output. In this unit, we will explore the inverses of the
trigonometric functions where the input is a real number, and the output is an angle. The domain of
this function varies from function to function. Later in this unit, we will discuss the differentiation of
inverse trigonometric functions.

�Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, you are expected to:
1. Identify the principal values of inverse trigonometric functions.
2. Derive trigonometric expressions from the value of inverse trigonometric functions.
3. Differentiate inverse trigonometric functions.
4. Solve application problems involving inverse trigonometric functions.

10.1 Review of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The Graphs of the Six Trigonometric Functions

In functional notation, we can formally write y = sin (x) to mean the sine function, y = cos (x)
to mean the cosine function, etc. in which x represents the angle in radians. The graph of each
trigonometric function is periodic. It is generated by revolving the point P around the circle. Thus,
the cycle repeats every 360° or 2π radians for sine. cosines, secants, and cosecants.
𝜋𝜋
On the other hand, the tangent function is undefined for every 2 of rotation while the cotangent
is undefined for every π of rotation. For tangent and cotangent functions the cycle repeats every π
rotation P. The graphs of the six trigonometric functions are shown in Figure 10.1.

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Fig. 10.1. Graphs of the six trigonometric functions (source:

https://slideplayer.com/slide/6500896/)

Observe that the trigonometric functions are not one-to-one, meaning there are multiple values
of x that correspond to a single value of y. In fact, if we draw a horizontal line in each graph of the
six trigonometric functions, we will notice that for any value of y in the range, we get infinite values
of x in the domain. Functions that are not one-to-one are not invertible. To make each trigonometric
function invertible, we restrict the domain of x to principal values.

Trigonometric functions Principal values

𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝑦𝑦 = sin(𝑥𝑥) − 2 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝑦𝑦 = csc(𝑥𝑥) −𝜋𝜋 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ − 2 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2

𝑦𝑦 = cos(𝑥𝑥) 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 𝜋𝜋
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝑦𝑦 = sec(𝑥𝑥) −𝜋𝜋 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ − 2 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2
𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝑦𝑦 = tan(𝑥𝑥) − 2 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2

𝑦𝑦 = cot(𝑥𝑥) 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 𝜋𝜋

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The Six Inverse Trigonometric Functions

An inverse trigonometric function is the inverse of a trigonometric function in the principal

𝜋𝜋
values. One whose argument x and function values y are interchanged. For example, if 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 6 =
𝜋𝜋
0.5, then 𝑦𝑦 = arcsin(0.5) = 6 . In terms of principal values, we have the following six inverse
trigonometric functions.

Inverse Trigonometric functions Principal values

𝑦𝑦 = arcsin(𝑥𝑥) −1 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 (𝑥𝑥) −∞ < 𝑥𝑥 ≤ −1 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 1 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 < ∞
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑥𝑥) -1≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑦𝑦 = arcsec(𝑥𝑥) −∞ < 𝑥𝑥 ≤ −1 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 1 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 < ∞
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑥𝑥) −∞ ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ ∞
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎(𝑥𝑥) -∞ ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ ∞
The Graphs of the Six Inverse Trigonometric Functions

The graphs of the six inverse trigonometric functions in terms of the principal values depict
one-to-one and onto functions. Notice that if we rotate the graph of a trigonometric functions 90°
counterclockwise and then flip the principal values of the curve 180°counterclockwise about the
vertical axis (y-axis), we obtain the graph of the corresponding inverse trigonometric functions.

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e) (f)

Fig 10.2. The graphs of the six inverse trigonometric functions (source: Calculus by Larson &
Edwards)

10.2 Relationships Between Trigonometric Functions and Inverse Trigonometric Functions

For any real number x within the principal values, we obtain the trigonometric function of the
inverse trigonometric function of x. For simplicity, let θ be the value of an inverse trigonometric
function of x. Using the Pythagorean Theorem on a right triangle whose base angle is θ and the
definitions of trigonometric functions, we can derive the values of sin θ, cos θ, and tan θ in terms of
x.

Examples.
𝜋𝜋
1. Given arcsin(𝑥𝑥) = 7
Find the principal value of x.

Solution:
𝑦𝑦 = arcsin 𝑥𝑥, 𝑥𝑥 = sin (𝑦𝑦)
𝜋𝜋
𝑥𝑥 = sin �7 � = 0.43388 (ans)
NOTE: Be sure to set the angle mode of your calculator to radian angle.

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

2𝜋𝜋
2. Given arctan(𝑥𝑥) = − 5
. Find the principal value of x.

Solution:
𝑦𝑦 = arctan 𝑥𝑥, 𝑥𝑥 = tan(𝑦𝑦)

2𝜋𝜋
𝑥𝑥 = tan �− 5
� = −3.0777 (ans)

3. If 𝜃𝜃 = arcsin(𝑥𝑥), derive the values of sin 𝜃𝜃, cos 𝜃𝜃, and tan 𝜃𝜃.

Solution:

𝜃𝜃 = arcsin(𝑥𝑥) ⇒ sin θ = x (ans)

cos 𝜃𝜃 = √1 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝜃𝜃 [basic identity] 1 x

θ
cos 𝜃𝜃 = √1 − 𝑥𝑥 2 (ans)
�1 − 𝑥𝑥 2
sin 𝜃𝜃 𝑥𝑥
tan 𝜃𝜃 = cos 𝜃𝜃 = √1−𝑥𝑥 2 (ans)

4. If 𝜃𝜃 = arccos(𝑥𝑥), derive the values of sin 𝜃𝜃, cos 𝜃𝜃, and tan 𝜃𝜃.

Solution:

𝜃𝜃 = arccos(𝑥𝑥) ⇒ cos θ = x (ans)

sin 𝜃𝜃 = √1 − 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 𝜃𝜃 1
�1 − 𝑥𝑥 2
sin 𝜃𝜃 = √1 − 𝑥𝑥 2 (ans) θ
x
sin 𝜃𝜃 √1−𝑥𝑥 2
tan 𝜃𝜃 = cos 𝜃𝜃 = (ans)
𝑥𝑥

5. If 𝜃𝜃 = arctan(𝑥𝑥), derive the values of sin 𝜃𝜃, cos 𝜃𝜃, and tan 𝜃𝜃.

Solution:

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

𝜃𝜃 = arctan(𝑥𝑥) ⇒ tan 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑥𝑥 (ans)

𝑥𝑥 �1 + 𝑥𝑥 2
tan 𝜃𝜃 = 1
x

sin 𝜃𝜃 =
𝑥𝑥
(ans) θ
√1+𝑥𝑥 2
1
1
cos 𝜃𝜃 = √1+𝑥𝑥 2 (ans)

� Test Your Skills 10.1

Set the angle mode of your calculator to radian angle. Then answer the following.
13𝜋𝜋
1. Given: arccos(𝑥𝑥) = 45
. Find the principal value of x.

2𝜋𝜋
2. Given: arccot(𝑥𝑥) = 3
. Find the principal value of x.

𝜋𝜋
3. If arcsin(𝑥𝑥) = 6 , find the value of arctan(𝑥𝑥).

√2
4. If 𝑦𝑦 = arccos � 2 �, find the principal value of tan(𝑦𝑦).

5. If 𝑦𝑦 = arctan (5), find the principal value of cos (𝑦𝑦).

10.3 Differentiation of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Let us derive the formula for the derivative of 𝑦𝑦 = arcsin(𝑥𝑥). First, we invert it to the sine function.

𝑦𝑦 = arcsin(𝑥𝑥) ⟺ 𝑥𝑥 = sin(𝑦𝑦)

Differentiate implicitly with respect to x the function 𝑥𝑥 = sin(𝑦𝑦).

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
1 = cos (𝑦𝑦)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
=
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 cos (𝑦𝑦)

From basic trigonometric identities, we know that

cos(𝑦𝑦) = �1 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝑦𝑦

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Substitute,
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
=
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 �1 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝑦𝑦
But sin (𝑦𝑦) = 𝑥𝑥,

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
=
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 √1 − 𝑥𝑥 2

Therefore,
𝑑𝑑 1
(arcsin(𝑥𝑥)) =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 √1 − 𝑥𝑥 2

If 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥), using the chain rule for differentiation, the general formula for the derivative of
arcsin (𝑥𝑥) is expressed as

𝑑𝑑 1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(arcsin(𝑢𝑢)) =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 √1 − 𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

The complete list of the derivatives of the six inverse trigonometric functions are shown below. They
are derived using the procedure shown above with 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥).
𝑑𝑑 1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(1) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(arcsin(𝑢𝑢)) = √1−𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(2) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(arccos(𝑢𝑢)) = √1−𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑 1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(3) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(arctan(𝑢𝑢)) = 1+𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(4) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(arccot(𝑢𝑢)) = 1+𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑 1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(5) (arcsec(𝑢𝑢)) =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑢𝑢√𝑢𝑢2 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(6) (arccsc(𝑢𝑢)) =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑢𝑢√𝑢𝑢2 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Examples.
Find the indicated derivative of the following inverse trigonometric functions.

1. 𝑦𝑦 = arcsin(5𝑥𝑥), find 𝑦𝑦′.

Solution:
𝑑𝑑
𝑦𝑦 ′ = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arcsin(5𝑥𝑥))

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 5𝑥𝑥, 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 5 and using formula (1),

1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
𝑦𝑦 ′ = √1−𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = (5)
�1−(5𝑥𝑥)2

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

5
𝑦𝑦 ′ = √1−25𝑥𝑥 2 (ans)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2. 𝑦𝑦 = arccos (2𝑥𝑥 2 ), find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Solution:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arccos (2𝑥𝑥 2 )

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 2𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 4𝑥𝑥 and using formula (2),

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −1
= √1−𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = (4𝑥𝑥)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 �1−(2𝑥𝑥 2 )2

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −4𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= √1−4𝑥𝑥 4 (ans)

𝑥𝑥
3. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = arctan(2), find 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥).

Solution:
𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥
𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arctan (2)

𝑥𝑥 1
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 2, 𝑢𝑢′ = 2 and using formula (3),

1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 1
𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 1+𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑥𝑥
1+( )2 2
2

1 1 2
𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥2
= 𝑥𝑥2
= (ans)
2(1+ ) 2+ 4+𝑥𝑥 2
4 2

4. 𝑦𝑦 = arccot(𝑥𝑥 + 4), find 𝑦𝑦 ′ .

Solution:
𝑑𝑑
𝑦𝑦 ′ = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arccot(𝑥𝑥 + 4))

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑥𝑥 + 4, 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 1 and using formula (4),

−1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −1 −1
𝑦𝑦 ′ = 1+𝑢𝑢2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 1+(𝑥𝑥+4)2 . 1 = 1+𝑥𝑥 2+8𝑥𝑥+16
−1
𝑦𝑦 ′ = 𝑥𝑥 2 +8𝑥𝑥+17 (ans)

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𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
5. 𝜃𝜃 = arcsec (3𝑥𝑥 2 ), find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Solution:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arcsec (3𝑥𝑥 2 ))

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 3𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 6𝑥𝑥 and using formula (5),

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
= = ∙ 6𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑢𝑢√𝑢𝑢2 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (3𝑥𝑥 2 )�(3𝑥𝑥 2 )2 −1

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
= (ans)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥√9𝑥𝑥 4 −1

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
6. 𝛼𝛼 = arccsc (2𝑥𝑥 − 1), find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 .

Solution:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arccsc(2𝑥𝑥 − 1))
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 2𝑥𝑥 − 1, 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 2 and using formula (6),
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −1
= = ∙2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑢𝑢√𝑢𝑢2 −1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (2𝑥𝑥−1)�(2𝑥𝑥−1)2 −1

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −2 −2 −1
= (2𝑥𝑥−1)√4𝑥𝑥 2 = = (ans)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −4𝑥𝑥+1−1 (2𝑥𝑥−1)√4𝑥𝑥 2 −4 (2𝑥𝑥−1)√𝑥𝑥 2 −1

� Test Your Skills 10.2

Differentiate the following inverse trigonometric functions. Simplify your answers whenever
necessary.

1+√3
1. 𝑦𝑦 = arcsin ( ), find 𝑦𝑦′.
3

𝑥𝑥−2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2. 𝑦𝑦 = arccos � 2
�, find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 .

3. 𝑦𝑦 = arctan (1 + √𝑥𝑥), find 𝑦𝑦′.

𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
4. 𝑦𝑦 = arccot( 4 ), find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 .

5. 𝑦𝑦 = arcsec(√𝑥𝑥 + 1), find 𝑦𝑦′.

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10.4 Application Problems

Example 1. Rate of the angle of elevation

An airplane flies at an altitude of 5 miles with a constant speed of 400 miles per hour toward a point
directly over an observer. Consider θ and x as shown in the figure below. How fast is the angle θ
increasing (in rad/min) when x = 10 miles?

Figure:

Given:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= −400 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚ℎ, the rate at which the horizontal distance of the plane from the observer is
decreasing (constant)

y =5 mile, the altitude of the plane (constant)

𝜃𝜃 = the angle of elevation in radians of the airplane from the observer (variable)

x = 10 miles, the horizontal distance of the plane from the observer at the time of observation.

Required:

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= the rate at which at the angle of elevation is changing at the time of observation.

Solution:

θ
x

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5
tan 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑥𝑥

5
𝜃𝜃 = arctan �𝑥𝑥� = arctan(5𝑥𝑥 −1 )

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arctan(5𝑥𝑥 −1 )) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑 1 −5 −5 −5
(arctan(5𝑥𝑥 −1 )) = ∙ 𝑥𝑥 2 = 𝑥𝑥 2 (1+25𝑥𝑥−2 ) = 𝑥𝑥 2+25
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1+(5𝑥𝑥−1 )2

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −5
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= (𝑥𝑥 2 +25)(−400)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2000
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑥𝑥 2 +25

When x = 10 mi.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2000 2000 2000

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= (10)2 +25 = 100+25 = 125
= 16 rad/hr

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 ℎ𝑟𝑟

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 16 ℎ𝑟𝑟
𝑥𝑥 60 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 0.267 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟/𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (ans)

Example 2. A ladder problem

A ladder 25 ft long leans against a vertical wall. If the lower end is pulled away at the rate of 6 ft/sec,
how fast is the angle (in rad/s) between the ladder and the floor changing when the lower end is 7 ft
from the wall?

Given:
25 ft – length of the ladder
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 6 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓/𝑠𝑠, the rate at which the distance of the lower end of the ladder is moving away from the
wall

x = 7 ft, the distance of the lower end of the ladder from the wall at the time of observation.

Required:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= the rate at which the angle between the ladder and the ground is changing in rad/s.

Solution:

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

25 ft

dx/dt
θ

𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥
cos 𝜃𝜃 = 25 ⟺ 𝜃𝜃 = arccos (25)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (arccos �25�) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥 −1 1 −1 −1
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(arccos �25�) = 2 25
= �625−𝑥𝑥2
= √625−𝑥𝑥 2
�1−� 𝑥𝑥 � 25
25 25

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −1 −6
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= √625−𝑥𝑥 2 ∙ 6 = √625−𝑥𝑥 2

When x = 7 ft.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −6 −6 −6 1
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= √625−72 = = 24
= − 4 rad/s, decreasing (ans)
√576

Example 3. Maximizing the subtended angle

A photographer is taking a picture of a painting hung in an

art gallery. The height of the painting is 4 feet. The camera
lens is 1 foot below the lower edge of the painting, as shown
in the figure below. How far should the camera be from the
painting to maximize the angle subtended by the camera
lens?

Figure:

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Given:
4 ft. - height of the painting
1 ft. – distance of the lens of the camera as measured from the lower edge of the painting.

Required:
Value of x (in ft.) that will give the maximum subtended angle 𝛽𝛽.

Solution:

Consider the angles 𝛼𝛼, 𝜃𝜃, 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝛽𝛽 in the figure.

1 1
tan 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑥𝑥 ⟺ 𝛼𝛼 = arctan(𝑥𝑥)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 −1 −1
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1 � 𝑥𝑥 2 � = 𝑥𝑥 2 +1
1+ 2
𝑥𝑥

5 5
tan 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑥𝑥
⟺ 𝜃𝜃 = arctan(𝑥𝑥)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 −5 −5
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 25 � 𝑥𝑥 2 � = 𝑥𝑥 2+25
1+ 2
𝑥𝑥

𝛽𝛽 = 𝜃𝜃 − 𝛼𝛼 

Differentiating both sides of  with respect to x.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −5 1

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
− 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑥𝑥 2 +25 + 𝑥𝑥 2 +1

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −5𝑥𝑥 2 −5+𝑥𝑥2 +25 −4𝑥𝑥 2 +20

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= (𝑥𝑥 2 +25)(𝑥𝑥 2 +1)
= (𝑥𝑥 2+25)(𝑥𝑥 2+1) [addition of rational expressions]

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Set 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0,

−4𝑥𝑥 2 +20
(𝑥𝑥 2 +25)(𝑥𝑥 2 +1)
=0

−4𝑥𝑥 2 + 20 = 0

𝑥𝑥 2 − 5 = 0 [divide both sides by -4.]

𝑥𝑥 = ±√5 [discard −√5.]

𝑥𝑥 = √5

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Since there is only one value for x, then there is no need for the SDT.

Therefore, 𝑥𝑥 = √5 = 2.236 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 (ans)

Example 4. Rate of change of the angle of elevation of the cord of a kite

A kite is 60 ft. high with 100 ft of cord out. If the kite is flying horizontally at 4 mi/hr directly away
from the boy flying it, find the rate of the angle of elevation of the cord.

Given:
60 ft. – height of the kite as observed vertically from the boy.

100 ft. – the length of the cord from the boy to the kite.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 4 mi/hr, the rate at which the kite is flying horizontally away from the boy.

Required:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= the rate of change (rad/s) of the angle of elevation of the cord.

Solution:

60
tan 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑥𝑥

60
𝜃𝜃 = arctan( 𝑥𝑥 )
60
Let 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 60 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 ∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = − 𝑥𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 ∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

1 60 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 60 ∙ − 𝑥𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
1+( )2
𝑥𝑥

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 4 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 5280 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 ℎ𝑟𝑟 88

Where 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= ℎ𝑟𝑟
∙ 1𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
∙ 3600 𝑠𝑠 = 15 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓/𝑠𝑠

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 60 88
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= − 𝑥𝑥2+3600 ∙ 𝑥𝑥 2 ∙ 15
𝑥𝑥2

−352
= 𝑥𝑥 2 +3600

When 𝑠𝑠 = 100 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓.

𝑥𝑥 = √1002 − 602 = 80 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −352 22
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 802 +3600 = − 625 rad/s, decreasing (ans)

Example 5. Rate of rotation of the distance between two cars

A car drives south at 20 mi/hr. Another car, starting from the same point at the same time and
travelling 40 mi/hr, goes east for 30 minutes then turns north. Find the rate of rotation of the line
joining the cars 1 hour after the start.

Given:
20 mi./hr – speed of the first car driving south.

40 mi/hr. – speed of the second car driving east then 30 mins. later due north.

Required:

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= the rate of rotation (in rad/hr) of the line joining the two cars after 1 hour.

Solution:

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Distance = Speed x Time

After 30 minutes, the second car has travelled 40 mi/hr x 0.5 hr = 20 mi.

At any time 𝑡𝑡 (in hours), the first car has travelled 20t miles southward while the second car has
travelled 40(t – 0.5) miles northward.

20𝑡𝑡+40(𝑡𝑡−0.5) 60𝑡𝑡−20
Thus, tan 𝜃𝜃 = 20
= 20
= 3𝑡𝑡 − 1

𝜃𝜃 = arctan(3𝑡𝑡 − 1)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1+(3𝑡𝑡−1)2
∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (3𝑡𝑡 − 1)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1+(3𝑡𝑡−1)2 ∙ 3

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1+(3𝑡𝑡−1)2

When 𝑡𝑡 = 1 hr.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 3 3 3
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1+(3−1)2
= 1+4 = 5 rad/hr, increasing (ans)

� Test Your Skills 10.3

Solve the following problems.

1. A hot-air balloon, leaving the ground 20 m from an observer, rises at the rate of 3 m/s. How
fast (in rad/s) is the angle of elevation of the line of sight increasing after 10 seconds?

2. The altitude of a right triangle increases at the rate of 5 inches per second. During this change,
the base of the triangle remains at 12 inches. If the original altitude of the triangle is 6 inches,
find the time rate of change of the base angle (in rad/s) at the instant when the angle is 60°?

3. A photographer is taking a picture of a painting hung in an art gallery. The height of the
painting is 3 feet. The camera lens is 2 foot below the lower edge of the painting. Find the
maximum angle (in degrees) subtended by the upper and lower edges of the painting with the
camera.

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RB Astillero Calculus 1 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

� Answers to Tests Your Skills

Test Your Skills 10.1
13𝜋𝜋
1. 𝑥𝑥 = cos � 45 � = 0.616

2𝜋𝜋 1
2. 𝑥𝑥 = cot � 3 � = 2𝜋𝜋 = −0.577
tan ( )
3

𝜋𝜋 1
3. 𝑦𝑦 = arcsin(𝑥𝑥) , 𝑥𝑥 = sin(𝑦𝑦) = sin �6 � = 2

1
arctan(𝑥𝑥) = arctan �2� = 0.46364
4. 1
5. 0.1961

Test Your Skills 10.2

1. 0
−1
2. √4𝑥𝑥−𝑥𝑥 2
1
3. 4√𝑥𝑥+4𝑥𝑥+2𝑥𝑥√𝑥𝑥
−8𝑥𝑥
4. 16+𝑥𝑥 4
1
5. 2(𝑥𝑥+1)√𝑥𝑥

Test Your Skills 10.3

1. 0.04615 rad/s
2. 0.10417 rad/s
3. 25.377°

17