Concept/Theory
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The function \(\cos^{-1}x\), also called the inverse cosine function, gives the principal value of the angle whose cosine is \(x\).
The principal value range of \(\cos^{-1}x\) is
Therefore, while evaluating an expression of the form \(\cos^{-1}(\cos\theta)\), we cannot always directly write \(\cos^{-1}(\cos\theta)=\theta\). This is valid only when \(\theta\) lies in the principal value range \([0,\pi]\).
If the given angle lies outside this interval, it must first be reduced to an equivalent angle whose value lies in the principal range of \(\cos^{-1}x\).
Step-by-step Plan
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Rewrite \(\dfrac{13\pi}{6}\) as a full revolution plus a standard angle.
Use the periodicity of the cosine function.
Evaluate the resulting standard cosine value.
Apply the principal value range of \(\cos^{-1}x\).
Obtain the required principal value.
Complete Solution
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- We have\[\cos^{-1}\left(\cos\dfrac{13\pi}{6}\right)\]
- First, express the angle \(\dfrac{13\pi}{6}\) as\[\begin{aligned}\dfrac{13\pi}{6}&=\dfrac{12\pi}{6}+\dfrac{\pi}{6}\\ &=2\pi+\dfrac{\pi}{6}\end{aligned}\]
- Therefore, \(\cos\dfrac{13\pi}{6}=\cos\dfrac{\pi}{6}=\dfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\).
- Since cosine is periodic with period \(2\pi\),\[\cos(\theta+2\pi)=\cos\theta\]
- Hence,\[\cos\left(2\pi+\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right)=\cos\dfrac{\pi}{6}\]
- Using the standard trigonometric value,\[\cos\dfrac{\pi}{6}=\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\]
- Thus, the given expression becomes\[\cos^{-1}\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)\]
- We know that\[\cos\dfrac{\pi}{6}=\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\]
- Since,\[\dfrac{\pi}{6}\in[0,\pi],\]it belongs to the principal value range of \(\cos^{-1}x\). Therefore\[\cos^{-1}\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)=\dfrac{\pi}{6}\]
- Hence,\[\boxed{\cos^{-1}\left(\cos\dfrac{13\pi}{6}\right)=\dfrac{\pi}{6}}\]
Exam Significance
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This problem tests a fundamental concept of inverse trigonometric functions: the distinction between a trigonometric angle and the principal value of its inverse trigonometric function.
In board examinations, questions involving \(\sin^{-1}(\sin\theta)\), \(\cos^{-1}(\cos\theta)\), and \(\tan^{-1}(\tan\theta)\) frequently test whether the student knows the corresponding principal value ranges. A direct cancellation of the trigonometric function and its inverse without checking the principal range can lead to an incorrect answer.
Significance for Competitive Entrance Examinations
For competitive examinations, this concept is particularly important because inverse trigonometric expressions are often combined with angles outside their principal ranges. The ability to reduce an angle using periodicity and then select the correct principal value allows such questions to be solved quickly and reliably.
The key point is that
only when
For angles outside this interval, the angle must first be transformed to the corresponding angle in the principal value range.
Key Takeaways
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Key Takeaways›Key Takeaways · 6 points
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The principal value range of \(\cos^{-1}x\) is \([0,\pi]\).
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The cosine function has period \(2\pi\).
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\(\dfrac{13\pi}{6}=2\pi+\dfrac{\pi}{6}\).
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Therefore, \(\cos\dfrac{13\pi}{6}=\cos\dfrac{\pi}{6}=\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\).
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The principal value of \(\cos^{-1}\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)\) is \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\).
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Always check the principal value range before simplifying an inverse trigonometric expression.
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