Kylie H.

asked • 05/05/16

I don't understand how i am supposed to "explain the meaning"

Explain the meaning of y=cos-1x

1 Expert Answer

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Mark M. answered • 05/05/16

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Kenneth S.

It's not a good idea to call the -1 that is above a function-name an exponent; it is not an exponent.  The notation is widespread, but whenever it's in use it is not be considered, called or treated as an exponent.  That's why the arc prefix is used instead, for inverse of restricted-domain trigonometric functions.
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05/05/16

Kylie H.

So I explain it by explaining the function without the inverse first? Were your example you explaining those functions?
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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.
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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)."
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05/06/16

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