Math.acos()

The Math.acos() function returns the arccosine (in radians) of a number, that is

x[-1;1],Math.acos(x)=arccos(x)= the unique y[0;π]such thatcos(y)=x\forall x \in [{-1};1],\;\mathtt{\operatorname{Math.acos}(x)} = \arccos(x) = \text{ the unique } \; y \in [0; \pi] \, \text{such that} \; \cos(y) = x

Syntax

Math.acos(x)

Parameters

x
A number representing a cosine, where x is between -1 and 1.

Return value

The arccosine (angle in radians) of the given number if it's between -1 and 1; otherwise, NaN.

Description

The Math.acos() method returns a numeric value between 0 and π radians for x between -1 and 1. If the value of x is outside this range, it returns NaN.

Because acos() is a static method of Math, you always use it as Math.acos(), rather than as a method of a Math object you created (Math is not a constructor).

Examples

Using Math.acos()

Math.acos(-2);  // NaN
Math.acos(-1);  // 3.141592653589793
Math.acos(0);   // 1.5707963267948966
Math.acos(0.5); // 1.0471975511965979
Math.acos(1);   // 0
Math.acos(2);   // NaN

For values less than -1 or greater than 1, Math.acos() returns NaN.

Specifications

Specification
ECMAScript (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.acos' in that specification.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobileServer
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung InternetNode.js
acosChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1IE Full support 3Opera Full support 3Safari Full support 1WebView Android Full support 1Chrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS Full support 1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0nodejs Full support 0.1.100

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also