Brain Fade About Trig w/Differential

  • Thread starter Thread starter misskitty
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Brain Trig
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the secant and cosecant functions in trigonometry, specifically their definitions and how to compute them using calculators. Participants clarify that sec(x) = 1/cos(x) and csc(x) = 1/sin(x), emphasizing the distinction between these functions and their inverse counterparts, arcsin and arccos. The conversation also addresses the evaluation of definite integrals involving sec^2(x) and the importance of using radians in calculations. Rounding errors in calculator outputs are noted as a potential source of discrepancies in answers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions: secant and cosecant
  • Familiarity with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  • Ability to perform definite integrals
  • Knowledge of radians versus degrees in trigonometric calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the properties of trigonometric functions and their inverses
  • Practice evaluating definite integrals involving sec^2(x)
  • Learn about rounding errors in calculator outputs and how to minimize them
  • Explore the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in greater detail
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those grappling with trigonometric functions and definite integrals, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

  • #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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #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}}
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K