I Is arcsec = 1 divided by arccos ? Arcsec = 1/arccos

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The discussion centers around the relationship between the arcsecant and arccosine functions, specifically questioning whether arcsec(x) equals 1/arccos(x). Participants clarify that these two functions are not equivalent, as they have different domains and yield different results for the same inputs. The confusion arises from the properties of inverse and reciprocal functions, leading to a deeper exploration of their derivatives and calculations. It is emphasized that while arcsec(1/x) can be related to arccos(x), the two functions do not equate directly. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding the distinct characteristics of inverse trigonometric functions.
  • #31
Vividly said:
Its completely different. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Unless arccos(x) ≠arcsec(1/x) like I stated at the top right of the board.
If you insist on your own idiosynchratic approach to trig identities, then I think the onus is on you to sort out the problems. I would encourage you to study this derivation. Let ##x = \cos y##, with ##y \in [0, \pi]## :
$$\arccos(x) = \arccos(\cos y) = y$$ $$arcsec(\frac 1 x) = arcsec(\sec y) = y$$ QED
 
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  • #32
Vividly said:
Its completely different. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Unless arccos(x) ≠arcsec(1/x) like I stated at the top right of the board.
I think I know what I did wrong. I redid the problem and got the right answer. I just don’t understand how when you put values in the calculator for arccosx and arcsec(1/x) you get and error for one and a number for the other.
 

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  • #33
Vividly said:
I think I know what I did wrong. I redid the problem and got the right answer. I just don’t understand how when you put values in the calculator for arccosx and arcsec(1/x) you get and error for one and a number for the other.
The calculator on my phone doesn't have an option for ##arcsec##; nor does excel (it seems); nor does ##arcsec## exist in Latex. None of that matters in light of post #31.
 
  • #34
PeroK said:
The calculator on my phone doesn't have an option for ##arcsec##; nor does excel (it seems); nor does ##arcsec## exist in Latex. None of that matters in light of post #31.
This youtube video teaches you how to put it in the calculator.

 
  • #35
I like that equation:$$\sec^{-1}(-2) = \cos^{-1}(-\frac 1 2) = \frac {2\pi}{3}$$
 
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