Mark M. answered 05/05/16
Tutor
5.0
(278)
Mathematics Teacher - NCLB Highly Qualified
The trigonometric functions start with an input of an angle and an output of a number.
Example:
sin π/6 = 0.5
To designate the inverse, starting with the number and getting the angle the -1 exponent is used.
Example
sin-1 0.5 = π/6
Note that the inverse of a function, in general and with trigonometric functions, is not necessarily a function.
And alternate is using the preface "arc," as in arcsin.
Kylie H.
So I explain it by explaining the function without the inverse first? Were your example you explaining those functions?
Report
05/05/16
Mark M.
Inverse operations are numerous in algebra, e.g., addition and subtraction are inverse operations, just like tying and untying your shoes. To understand one, one must understand the other.
Another approach, I cannot be a brother and be the only child! You cannot have an inverse unless you have something of which it is the inverse.
Report
05/05/16
David W.
It seems simple to just use the words "y is the angle whose cosine is x. That is, x=cos(y)."
Report
05/06/16
Kenneth S.
05/05/16