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Multiple Choice
Evaluate the expression. sin−1(cos32π)
A
6π
B
65π
C
3π
D
−6π
Verified step by step guidance
1
First, understand that the expression involves the inverse sine function, \( \sin^{-1} \), which returns an angle whose sine is the given value. The range of \( \sin^{-1} \) is \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\).
Next, evaluate \( \cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right) \). The angle \( \frac{2\pi}{3} \) is in the second quadrant where cosine is negative. Use the reference angle \( \frac{\pi}{3} \) to find \( \cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right) = -\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{1}{2} \).
Now, substitute \( \cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{3}\right) = -\frac{1}{2} \) into the inverse sine function: \( \sin^{-1}\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right) \).
Determine the angle whose sine is \(-\frac{1}{2}\) within the range \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\). The angle that satisfies this is \(-\frac{\pi}{6}\), since \( \sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = -\frac{1}{2} \).
Thus, the expression \( \sin^{-1}\left(\cos\frac{2\pi}{3}\right) \) evaluates to \(-\frac{\pi}{6}\).