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What is the value of \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4} - \frac{\pi }{2}?\)

This question was previously asked in
NDA II 2019 GAT Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2019)
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The question asks for the value of the expression \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4} - \frac{\pi }{2}\). To solve this, we need to use properties of inverse trigonometric functions.

Understanding Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Inverse trigonometric functions, also known as arc functions, are the inverse functions of the trigonometric functions. They provide the angle whose trigonometric function is equal to a given value. For example, \({\sin ^{ - 1}}x\) gives the angle \(\theta\) such that \(\sin \theta = x\).

We can use specific identities to simplify expressions involving inverse trigonometric functions.

Applying Inverse Trigonometry Identities

The expression is \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4} - \frac{\pi }{2}\). Let's analyze each term:

The first term is \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5}\). This is the angle whose sine is \(\frac{4}{5}\).

The second term is \({\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4}\). This is the angle whose secant is \(\frac{5}{4}\).

The third term is \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\).

We know the identity relating inverse secant and inverse cosine:

\({\sec ^{ - 1}}x = {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{x}\), provided that \(|x| \ge 1\).

In our expression, the second term is \({\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4}\). Here, \(x = \frac{5}{4}\). Since \(|\frac{5}{4}| = \frac{5}{4} \ge 1\), we can apply the identity:

\({\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4} = {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{{5/4}} = {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5}\).

Now, substitute this back into the original expression:

\({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} - \frac{\pi }{2}\).

Using the Complementary Angle Identity

We also know a fundamental identity involving inverse sine and inverse cosine:

\({\sin ^{ - 1}}x + {\cos ^{ - 1}}x = \frac{\pi }{2}\), provided that \(x \in [-1, 1]\).

In our simplified expression, we have \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5}\). Here, \(x = \frac{4}{5}\). Since \(\frac{4}{5}\) is in the interval \([-1, 1]\), we can apply this identity:

\({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} = \frac{\pi }{2}\).

Substitute this value back into the expression:

\(\frac{\pi }{2} - \frac{\pi }{2}\).

Final Calculation

Now, perform the final subtraction:

\(\frac{\pi }{2} - \frac{\pi }{2} = 0\).

Therefore, the value of the given expression is \(0\).

Step Expression Identity Used
1 \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4} - \frac{\pi }{2}\) Original expression
2 \({\sec ^{ - 1}}\frac{5}{4} = {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5}\) \({\sec ^{ - 1}}x = {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{x}\) for \(|x| \ge 1\)
3 \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} - \frac{\pi }{2}\) Substitute result from Step 2 into Step 1
4 \({\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} + {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{4}{5} = \frac{\pi }{2}\) \({\sin ^{ - 1}}x + {\cos ^{ - 1}}x = \frac{\pi }{2}\) for \(x \in [-1, 1]\)
5 \(\frac{\pi }{2} - \frac{\pi }{2}\) Substitute result from Step 4 into Step 3
6 \(0\) Final calculation

Revision Table: Key Inverse Trigonometric Identities

Identity Condition
\({\sin ^{ - 1}}x + {\cos ^{ - 1}}x = \frac{\pi }{2}\) \(x \in [-1, 1]\)
\({\tan ^{ - 1}}x + {\cot ^{ - 1}}x = \frac{\pi }{2}\) \(x \in (-\infty, \infty)\)
\({\sec ^{ - 1}}x + {\csc ^{ - 1}}x = \frac{\pi }{2}\) \(|x| \ge 1\)
\({\sec ^{ - 1}}x = {\cos ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{x}\) \(|x| \ge 1\)
\({\csc ^{ - 1}}x = {\sin ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{x}\) \(|x| \ge 1\)
\({\cot ^{ - 1}}x = {\tan ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{x}\) \(x > 0\)
\({\cot ^{ - 1}}x = \pi + {\tan ^{ - 1}}\frac{1}{x}\) \(x < 0\)

Additional Information: Domains and Ranges

When working with inverse trigonometric functions, it's important to remember their specific domains and ranges to ensure the identities are applied correctly. The principal value branches are usually used.

\(y = {\sin ^{ - 1}}x\): Domain \([-1, 1]\), Range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\).

\(y = {\cos ^{ - 1}}x\): Domain \([-1, 1]\), Range \([0, \pi]\).

\(y = {\tan ^{ - 1}}x\): Domain \((-\infty, \infty)\), Range \((-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2})\).

\(y = {\cot ^{ - 1}}x\): Domain \((-\infty, \infty)\), Range \((0, \pi)\).

\(y = {\sec ^{ - 1}}x\): Domain \((-\infty, -1] \cup [1, \infty)\), Range \([0, \frac{\pi}{2}) \cup (\frac{\pi}{2}, \pi]\).

\(y = {\csc ^{ - 1}}x\): Domain \((-\infty, -1] \cup [1, \infty)\), Range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, 0) \cup (0, \frac{\pi}{2}]\).

In this problem, \(\frac{4}{5}\) is in the domain of \({\sin ^{ - 1}}x\) and \({\cos ^{ - 1}}x\), and \(\frac{5}{4}\) is in the domain of \({\sec ^{ - 1}}x\), satisfying the conditions for the identities used.

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