Brain Fade About Trig w/Differential

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    Brain Trig
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The discussion revolves around the confusion between secant and cosecant functions, specifically their definitions as sec(x) = 1/cos(x) and csc(x) = 1/sin(x). Participants clarify the distinction between these functions and the notation used on calculators, emphasizing that \sin^{-1} refers to the inverse sine function, not 1/sin(x). There are also concerns about obtaining incorrect answers while applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, with suggestions to avoid rounding errors during calculations. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding trigonometric identities and careful computation to achieve accurate results. The participants conclude that the book may contain errors in its answers, reinforcing the need for thorough verification of calculations.
  • #31
Multiply 1/(square root of 3) by the (square root of 3)/(square root of 3). Leaving you with the square root of 3 in the numerator and 3 in the denominator. Then multiply that by 2/1 (same thing as 2) to give you 2(square root of 3)/3.

How did you think I rationalized?
 
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  • #32
Why have you multiplied by 2/1? That has changed the fraction. Once you have mulitplied by \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}} the fraction is now rational. When you mulitplied by \frac{2}{1} you changed the fraction!
 
  • #33
Hootenanny said:
Why have you multiplied by 2/1? That has changed the fraction. Once you have mulitplied by \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}} the fraction is now rational. When you mulitplied by \frac{2}{1} you changed the fraction!
?
What? What do you mean? I just don't get this!
<br /> \mathop{\int} \limits_{-\frac{\pi}{6}} ^ {\frac{\pi}{6}} \sec ^ 2 x dx = \tan \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) - \tan \left( - \frac{\pi}{6} \right) = 2 \tan \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{2 \sqrt{3}}{3}
What misskitty did is, needless to say, completely correct!
 
  • #34
I apologise, it was just in her post she said she mulitplied by two, I didn't understand where it came from. I only saw the \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, not the \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}
 

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