MySQL ACOS() function

Last update on September 09 2023 07:59:56 (UTC/GMT +8 hours)

ACOS() function

MySQL ACOS() returns the arc cosine of a number. The function returns NULL when the value of the number is not between the range -1 to 1. It's a mathematical function that finds the angle whose cosine is the specified number.

This function is useful in -

It helps in finding angles in right triangles and is used in various fields like physics, engineering, and astronomy.
While COS() takes an angle and returns its cosine, ACOS() takes a cosine value and returns the angle.
In geometry, especially in applications dealing with coordinates and vectors, ACOS() is used to calculate angles between vectors or lines.
ACOS() is used in the calculation of arc lengths in circular segments.
In computer graphics and animation, ACOS() is used to determine the angles for smooth transitions between orientations of 3D objects.

Syntax:

ACOS(N)

Argument:

Name	Description
N	A number whose arc cosine value is to be retrieved.

Syntax Diagram:

MySQL Version: 8.0

Example:

Code:

SELECT ACOS(1);

Explanation:

The above MySQL statement will return the cosine value of the number defined as an argument.

Output:

mysql> SELECT ACOS(1);
+---------+
| ACOS(1) |
+---------+
|       0 | 
+---------+
1 row in set (0.02 sec)

Example : ACOS() function using fractional number

Code:

SELECT ACOS(1.001);

Explanation:

The above MySQL statement will return NULL because the value defined in the argument is greater than the range.

Output:

mysql> SELECT ACOS(1.001);
+-------------+
| ACOS(1.001) |
+-------------+
|        NULL | 
+-------------+
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

Example: ACOS() function using zero(0)

Code:

 SELECT ACOS(0);

Explanation:

The above MySQL statement will return the cosine value of the number defined as an argument.

Output:

mysql> SELECT ACOS(0);
+-----------------+
| ACOS(0)         |
+-----------------+
| 1.5707963267949 | 
+-----------------+
1 row in set (0.00 sec)

All Mathematical Functions

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