Pre-Calculus For Dummies
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Almost every function has an inverse. An inverse function basically undoes a function. The trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent all have inverses, and they're often called arcsin, arccos, and arctan.

In trig functions, theta is the input, and the output is the ratio of the sides of a triangle. If you're given the ratio of the sides and need to find an angle, you must use the inverse trig function:

Inverse sine, cosine, and tangent functions.

Here's what an inverse trig function looks like in action. To find the angle theta in degrees in a right triangle if the tanθ = 1.7, follow these steps:

  1. Isolate the trig function on one side and move everything else to the other.

    This step is done already. Tangent is on the left and the decimal 1.7 is on the right:

    Tangent of theta equals 1.7

  2. Isolate the variable.

    You're given the ratio for the trig function and have to find the angle. To work backward and figure out the angle, use some algebra. You have to undo the tangent function, which means using the inverse tangent function on both sides:

    Using the inverse tangent to find the angle.

    This equation simplifies to

    Angle equals the inverse tangent of 1.7

  3. Solve the simplified equation.

    The solution for the angle.

    Read the problem carefully so you know whether the angle you're looking for should be expressed in degrees or radians. Set your calculator to the correct mode.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Mary Jane Sterling aught algebra, business calculus, geometry, and finite mathematics at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years. She is the author of several For Dummies books, including Algebra Workbook For Dummies, Algebra II For Dummies, and Algebra II Workbook For Dummies.

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