Finding Inverses of Trig Functions Without Prior Knowledge

  • Thread starter bill nye scienceguy!
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Inverse
In summary, the inverse of sec^2x is cos^2x. To find the inverse of sec^2x, you can use the identity cos^2x = 1/sec^2x. Yes, the inverse of sec^2x and cos^2x are equivalent identities. You can simplify the inverse of sec^2x to 1/cos^2x. The inverse of sec^2x is important because it is a fundamental identity in mathematics and has many applications in fields such as trigonometry, physics, and engineering.
  • #1
bill nye scienceguy!
127
0
and how would i go about working out the inverses of trig functions if i didnt already know them?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
First off: [tex]\sec^2\theta=1+\tan^2\theta[/tex]
=

[tex]\sec\theta={\sqrt{1 +\tan^2\theta}}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
bill nye scienceguy! said:
and how would i go about working out the inverses of trig functions if i didnt already know them?

Vague question but I suspect you mean do the following.

x = 1 / cos^2(y)

sqrt(x) = 1/cos(y)

1/sqrt(x) = cos(y)

y = arccos(1/sqrt(x))

Now that's only half the solution, the most important part is working out the domain and range for which this inverse makes sense.
 

FAQ: Finding Inverses of Trig Functions Without Prior Knowledge

What is the inverse of sec^2x?

The inverse of sec^2x is cos^2x.

How do you find the inverse of sec^2x?

To find the inverse of sec^2x, you can use the identity cos^2x = 1/sec^2x.

Is the inverse of sec^2x the same as cos^2x?

Yes, the inverse of sec^2x and cos^2x are equivalent identities.

Can you simplify the inverse of sec^2x?

Yes, you can simplify the inverse of sec^2x to 1/cos^2x.

Why is the inverse of sec^2x important?

The inverse of sec^2x is important because it is a fundamental identity in mathematics and has many applications in fields such as trigonometry, physics, and engineering.

Similar threads

Back
Top