Why did you need to ask? How to calculate cos^4(10)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of cos^4(10) and the confusion regarding its interpretation compared to cos(10^4). Participants explore the meaning of the notation and the capabilities of calculators in performing such calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in calculating cos^4(10) with their calculator and recalls a statement from a lecturer about cos(10^4) potentially yielding the same result.
  • Another participant provides a numerical approximation for cos^4(10) and a different value for cos(10^4), suggesting they are not equivalent.
  • A third participant questions why the original poster's calculator cannot compute cos^4(10) and implies that the issue may stem from a misunderstanding of the notation.
  • A later reply reiterates the definition of cos^n(x) as (cos x)^n, suggesting that understanding this notation should resolve the calculator issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether cos(10^4) and cos^4(10) yield the same result, as one participant asserts they are different while another recalls a lecturer's claim. The discussion reflects differing interpretations of the notation and calculator functionality.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the original poster's understanding of the notation, which may affect their ability to use the calculator correctly. The discussion does not resolve the potential confusion between the two expressions.

howsaboutno
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hello my calculator can't do Cos^4(10).
my lecturer i think said that Cos(10^4) would give the same answer but i can't remember what exactly he said. Please help me!
 
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Cos^4(10)=(Cos(10))^4~0.49567377320016326248312233272211
Cos(10^4)~-0.95215536825901485124038676066331
 
WHY can't your calculator do cos4(10)? It certainly looks straightforward. Do you get some kind of error message?
 
howsaboutno said:
hello my calculator can't do Cos^4(10).
my lecturer i think said that Cos(10^4) would give the same answer but i can't remember what exactly he said. Please help me!

Well from your post it's pretty clear that you don't even understand what cos^4(10) means, so surely the underlying problem is here and not with the calculator.

[itex]\cos^n(x)[/itex] means [itex](\cos\,x)^n[/itex], ok.

So now you know what it means I suppose that your calculator will now be able to do it.
 

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