Tyrion101
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What is this asking for? Is it asking for the trig expression in the form of x and y? Or is it asking for something else?
The discussion focuses on rewriting trigonometric expressions as algebraic equations, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the notation and arguments of functions like arccos and arcsin. Participants emphasize the importance of clarity in mathematical writing, suggesting that substituting variables (e.g., letting B = some value) can aid in simplification, provided that the reasoning is transparent. The consensus is that while rewriting expressions for readability is acceptable, it must be done with proper notation and justification to avoid ambiguity.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying precalculus, educators teaching trigonometry, and anyone looking to improve their mathematical communication skills.
I don't see how it is possible to write an expression (trig or otherwise) as an equation. They are different kinds of things.Tyrion101 said:What is this asking for? Is it asking for the trig expression in the form of x and y? Or is it asking for something else?
No, this is good to do, as long as you are clear about what you are doing when you make the substitution, and then when you undo it. By that, I mean that you write something like "Let B = <whatever>..."Tyrion101 said:When I'm solving trig equations I will simply rewrite them in terms of x and y, so that they are easier to read, then plug back in the trig values when I'm done factoring and otherwise simplifying the problems. Is this a bad habit?
"Cos(arcos + arcsin)" is meaningless, though. arccos of what? arcsin of what? Each of these functions needs an argument; e.g., arccos(y) or arcsin(##\pi/2##).Tyrion101 said:I'm just confused as to if this is what it is talking about or if it is something else. Cos(arcos + arcsin) edit I used the wrong term. I meant expression for both, I'm tired and a bit ill.
You must be clear about what you say both to yourself and to other people. This means you need to use conventional notation. You must have a justifiable reason for assigning sines and cosines to x or y, and not simply do this for convenience of writing steps.Tyrion101 said:When I'm solving trig equations I will simply rewrite them in terms of x and y, so that they are easier to read, then plug back in the trig values when I'm done factoring and otherwise simplifying the problems. Is this a bad habit? I'm just confused as to if this is what it is talking about or if it is something else. Cos(arcos + arcsin) edit I used the wrong term. I meant expression for both, I'm tired and a bit ill.
Mark44 said:No, this is good to do, as long as you are clear about what you are doing when you make the substitution, and then when you undo it. By that, I mean that you write something like "Let B = <whatever>..."
"Cos(arcos + arcsin)" is meaningless, though. arccos of what? arcsin of what? Each of these functions needs an argument; e.g., arccos(y) or arcsin(##\pi/2##).
Like I said, your writing needs to be clear both to yourself and to others who read your work. You wrote something which was incomplete, and the readers will often not know what exact interpretation to make.Tyrion101 said:Sorry, both arcos and sin have x's, I'm rather tired and sick at the moment. So anything left out just assume it wasn't on purpose.