Arctangent

Definition of Arctangent

• Arctangent is the inverse function of tangent. It is also written as arctan or . 

If y = tan x, then x = arctan y.

Examples of Arctangent

• or arctangent (1) = 45°

This means that the angle 45° has tangent equal to 1.

                                          

Solved Example on Arctangent

Find the value of sec [arctan ].

Choices:

A.

B.

C.

D.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Step 1: Let B = arctan . Then tan B = .

Step 2:   So, sec [arctan] = sec [arctan(tan B)].

Step 3: = sec B

Step 4: From the figure, we observe that, sec B = .

Step 5: So, sec[arctan] = .

               

Related Terms for Arctangent

• Tangent
• Inverse Function

Additional Links for Arctangent

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