1. What is math.atan(x) in Python?

The math.atan(x) function in Python returns the arc tangent of x (in radians). The arctangent is the inverse of the tangent function, returning the angle whose tangent is the given number.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Python's math.atan() function to compute:

Where:

• \( x \) — Ratio of opposite/adjacent sides (unitless)
• \( \theta \) — Resulting angle in radians

Explanation: The function takes a ratio (x) and returns the corresponding angle in radians. We also convert this to degrees for convenience.

3. Practical Applications

Details: Arctangent is commonly used in:

• Trigonometry problems
• Computer graphics (angle calculations)
• Physics (vector angle calculations)
• Navigation systems

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any real number as input. The calculator will return:

• The angle in radians (primary result)
• The angle in degrees (converted from radians)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between atan and atan2?
A: atan takes a single argument (y/x ratio), while atan2 takes separate y and x arguments and handles quadrant determination.

Q2: What is the range of math.atan()?
A: The output range is from -π/2 to π/2 radians (-90° to 90°).

Q3: How precise is this calculation?
A: The precision matches Python's floating-point arithmetic (about 15-17 significant digits).

Q4: Can I calculate arctangent for complex numbers?
A: No, math.atan() only works with real numbers. For complex numbers, use cmath.atan().

Q5: What happens if I input infinity?
A: math.atan(±infinity) returns ±π/2 (or ±90°).