# Math Help - arcsin and csc.

1. ## arcsin and csc.

What is the difference between arcsin and co-secant?

$\textrm{csc}=\textrm{sin}^{-1}$
$\textrm{sin}^{-1}=\textrm{arcsin}$

Many threads I have read say they are equal but when I input them into a calculator I get different values.

2. Originally Posted by integral
What is the difference between arcsin and co-secant?

$\textrm{csc}=\textrm{sin}^{-1}$
$\textrm{sin}^{-1}=\textrm{arcsin}$

Many threads I have read say they are equal but when I input them into a calculator I get different values.
arcsin is the inverse function of sine. It reverses what the sine function does.

cosec is the reciprocal of sine.

Generally, if you see $\sin ^{-1}$, it will be referring to arcsin. Confusing, I know, but that is the notation unfortunately. The reciprocal of sine is almost always referred to as cosec.

3. arcsin is the inverse function of sine. It reverses what the sine function does.
Tha'ts a reciprocal

Generally, if you see , it will be referring to arcsin. Confusing, I know, but that is the notation unfortunately. The reciprocal of sine is almost always referred to as cosec.
is sin^{-1} not a reciprocal...?
Even if not, how on earth would you notate the difference between arcsin and csc. $acrsin=sin^{-1}$, $csc=\frac{1}{sin}$

They look soo much the same.