Use ArcCos Calculator Online
Calculator
Visualization
Reference
Arccosine Calculator
Calculate the inverse cosine (arccos) of a value
arccos
Input must be between -1 and 1
Common Values:
Results
Angle in Degrees:
Angle in Radians:
Angle in π Format:
Calculation Details:
Angle Visualization:
Unit Circle Visualization
Visual representation of the arccosine angle
Adjust with Slider:
Arccosine:
60.00°
How to Read the Visualization
- Blue line: Represents the angle (θ) from the positive x-axis
- Green line: Represents the cosine value (x-coordinate on the unit circle)
- The cosine of an angle equals the x-coordinate of the point on the unit circle
- The arccosine (arccos) is the angle whose cosine equals the input value
- The domain of arccosine is [-1, 1] and its range is [0, π] radians or [0°, 180°]
Arccosine Reference
Common values and formulas
Common Arccosine Values
Value (x) | Exact Form | arccos(x) in Degrees | arccos(x) in Radians |
---|---|---|---|
-1 | -1 | 180° | π |
-0.866 | -√3/2 | 150° | 5π/6 |
-0.707 | -√2/2 | 135° | 3π/4 |
-0.5 | -1/2 | 120° | 2π/3 |
0 | 0 | 90° | π/2 |
0.5 | 1/2 | 60° | π/3 |
0.707 | √2/2 | 45° | π/4 |
0.866 | √3/2 | 30° | π/6 |
1 | 1 | 0° | 0 |
Arccosine Formulas
Definition
arccos(x) = θ, where cos(θ) = x
The arccosine of x is the angle θ whose cosine equals x. The result is the inverse of the cosine function.
Domain and Range
Domain: [-1, 1]
Range: [0, π] or [0°, 180°]
Range: [0, π] or [0°, 180°]
The arccosine function is only defined for values between -1 and 1 inclusive, and it returns angles in the first and second quadrants.
Useful Identities
- arccos(-x) = π - arccos(x)
- arccos(x) = π/2 - arcsin(x)
- arccos(x) = arctan(√(1-x²)/x) for x > 0
- arccos(x) = π + arctan(√(1-x²)/x) for x < 0
- cos(arccos(x)) = x
Applications
- Geometry: Finding angles in triangles, especially using the law of cosines
- Physics: Determining angles between vectors and calculating work
- Engineering: Finding angles in mechanical systems and structures
- Navigation: Calculating angles and bearings
- Computer Graphics: 3D rotations and transformations
Overview
An Arccos Calculator, or inverse cosine calculator, helps you find the angle whose cosine is a given number. This tool is particularly useful in fields such as mathematics, physics, engineering, and other disciplines where trigonometric functions are vital.
Features of an Arccos Calculator
•Input Field: A single input field where you can enter the cosine value of which you want to find the angle.
•Calculate Button: Executes the calculation when clicked.
•Result Display: Shows the angle in degrees or radians, depending on the user’s choice or default settings.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use an Arccos Calculator
1. Input the Cosine Value
•Enter the cosine value for which you need to find the corresponding angle. This value must be between -1 and 1, inclusive, as these are the possible values for the cosine of an angle.
2. Select the Unit of Measurement
•Choose whether you want the result in degrees or radians. Some calculators may default to one unit and provide an option to convert to the other.
3. Calculate the Angle
•Click the “Calculate” button to compute the arc cosine of the entered value. The calculator will use the inverse cosine function to find the angle.
4. View the Result
•The angle corresponding to the entered cosine value will be displayed. If the calculator includes a graphical representation, you might also see the angle depicted on a unit circle.
Example Usage
To find the angle whose cosine is 0.5:
•Input: Enter 0.5 in the calculator.
•Operation: Click on “Calculate.”
•Output: The calculator will display 60^\circ or approximately 1.047 radians, which is the arc cosine of 0.5.
Practical Applications
Using an Arccos Calculator can be beneficial in:
•Navigation and Geography: Determining directions and locations based on trigonometric calculations.
•Physics and Engineering: Solving problems related to wave motion, mechanics, and other applications involving trigonometric relationships.
•Education: Assisting students in understanding trigonometric functions and their inverses, enhancing their grasp of the subject.
Tips for Effective Use
•Accuracy of Inputs: Ensure the input value is within the valid range (-1 to 1) to avoid errors or invalid results.
•Understanding Results: Familiarize yourself with both radians and degrees to interpret the results correctly depending on the context.
Conclusion
An Arccos Calculator is an essential tool for anyone dealing with trigonometry, providing a straightforward method to invert cosine values into angles. It simplifies computations that might otherwise require complex or error-prone manual calculations, making it a valuable resource in both academic and professional settings.