Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

arctangent

Noun

/ˌɑːrkˈtæn.dʒənt/

Definition

The arctangent is the inverse function of the tangent function, which gives the angle whose tangent is a given number. It is commonly used in trigonometry.

Examples

The arctangent of 1 is 45 degrees or π/4 radians.
In a programming context, you can often find the arctangent function as atan or tan^-1.
To find the angle from the tangent ratio, use the arctangent function on your calculator.

Meaning

Arctangent is used to determine the angle formed by a tangent line and the x-axis, usually expressed in radians or degrees. It helps in calculating angles in right-angled triangles when the lengths of the opposite and adjacent sides are known.