SQL Server ATAN() Function

SQL Server ATAN() Function

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

Syntax

SELECT ATAN(number);

The ATAN() function takes a single argument:

  • number: The numeric expression for which to find the arctangent.

Example SQL Server ATAN() Function Queries

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

1. Basic ATAN() Example

SELECT ATAN(1) AS result;

This query returns the arctangent of 1. The result will be:

result
------
0.7853981633974483

2. ATAN() with a Negative Value

SELECT ATAN(-1) AS result;

This query returns the arctangent of -1. The result will be:

result
------
-0.7853981633974483

3. ATAN() with a Column

SELECT angle_value, ATAN(angle_value) AS atan_value
FROM angles;

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

4. ATAN() with a Variable

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

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

result
------
0.4636476090008061

Full Example

Let's go through a complete example that includes creating a table, inserting data, and using the ATAN() 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, 1);
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 ATAN() Function

This step involves using the ATAN() function to return the arctangent of the angle_value column.

SELECT id, angle_value, ATAN(angle_value) AS atan_value
FROM example_table;

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

id  angle_value  atan_value
--- ------------ -----------
1   1            0.7853981633974483
2   0.5          0.4636476090008061
3   -0.5         -0.4636476090008061
4   -1           -0.7853981633974483

Conclusion

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