MHB Is tan(x)^2 proper notation for the trig function tangent squared?

[xyz_1965]

Is tan^2 (x) the same as tan(x)^2?

Note: I could have used any trig function.

I know that tan^2 (x) means (tan x)^2.
What does tan (x)^2 mean? Is it proper notation?

 

[MarkFL]

I don't consider $$\tan(x)^2$$ to be proper notation. It is unclear whether the argument or the function is being squared.

 

[xyz_1965]

I don't consider $$\tan(x)^2$$ to be proper notation. It is unclear whether the argument or the function is being squared.

I concur.

 

[skeeter]

$\tan(x)^2$ is an acceptable form of syntax for $\tan^2{x}$ used in many calculators.

 

[topsquark]

Personally I would like to see [math]tan(x)^2 = tan(x) \cdot tan(x)[/math]. My problem isn't with the 2 but with a -1. [math]f^{-1}(x)[/math] may be equally considered to be [math]\dfrac{1}{f(x)}[/math] or the inverse function of f(x).

So long as the parenthesis are included in [math]tan(x)^2[/math] I have no problem with the expression.

-Dan