SQL Server ASIN() Function

SQL Server ASIN() Function

The SQL Server ASIN() function returns the arcsine, or inverse sine, of a specified number. The result is expressed in radians and is useful in trigonometric calculations.

Syntax

SELECT ASIN(number);

The ASIN() function takes a single argument:

  • number: The numeric expression for which to find the arcsine. The value must be between -1 and 1.

Example SQL Server ASIN() Function Queries

Let's look at some examples of SQL Server ASIN() function queries:

1. Basic ASIN() Example

SELECT ASIN(0) AS result;

This query returns the arcsine of 0. The result will be:

result
------
0

2. ASIN() with a Positive Value

SELECT ASIN(0.5) AS result;

This query returns the arcsine of 0.5. The result will be:

result
------
0.5235987755982989

3. ASIN() with a Column

SELECT angle_value, ASIN(angle_value) AS asin_value
FROM angles;

This query returns the arcsine of the angle_value column for each record in the angles table. The result will show the original angle_value and its corresponding arcsine as asin_value.

4. ASIN() with a Variable

DECLARE @myValue FLOAT;
SET @myValue = -0.5;
SELECT ASIN(@myValue) AS result;

This query uses a variable to store a numeric value and then returns its arcsine. The result will be:

result
------
-0.5235987755982989

Full Example

Let's go through a complete example that includes creating a table, inserting data, and using the ASIN() function.

Step 1: Creating a Table

This step involves creating a new table named example_table to store some sample data.

CREATE TABLE example_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    angle_value FLOAT
);

In this example, we create a table named example_table with columns for id and angle_value.

Step 2: Inserting Data into the Table

This step involves inserting some sample data into the example_table.

INSERT INTO example_table (id, angle_value) VALUES (1, 0);
INSERT INTO example_table (id, angle_value) VALUES (2, 0.5);
INSERT INTO example_table (id, angle_value) VALUES (3, -0.5);
INSERT INTO example_table (id, angle_value) VALUES (4, 1);

Here, we insert data into the example_table.

Step 3: Using the ASIN() Function

This step involves using the ASIN() function to return the arcsine of the angle_value column.

SELECT id, angle_value, ASIN(angle_value) AS asin_value
FROM example_table;

This query retrieves the id, angle_value, and the arcsine of the angle_value column for each row in the example_table. The result will be:

id  angle_value  asin_value
--- ------------ -----------
1   0            0
2   0.5          0.5235987755982989
3   -0.5         -0.5235987755982989
4   1            1.5707963267948966

Conclusion

The SQL Server ASIN() function is a powerful tool for returning the arcsine, or inverse sine, of a specified number. Understanding how to use the ASIN() function and its syntax is essential for effective trigonometric calculations and data processing in SQL Server.