What is the best way to denote tangent and other trigonometric functions: tg or tan, ctg or cot. What notation is commonly used and standardized?
Best way to denote some trigonometric functions ("tg" vs "tan", "ctg" vs "cot")
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trigonometry
notation
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1FWIW: I'd not say $\tan$ and $\cot$ are "best", but they are the notation that more people understand than $\mathrm{tg}$ and $\mathrm{ctg}$. So, if you're writing for a wide audience, you might consider using the more popular ones. – 2012-08-07
3 Answers
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In current US textbooks, $\tan$ and $\cot$ are commonly used and standardized. Also: $\sin, \cos, \sec, \csc$. In other countries, and in the 19th century, you will find others.
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Some people are familiar with tg and some people are familiar with tan.So, for wide use just define the notation.It solve your's problem I think.
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Standard
ISO 80000-2 Quantities and units — Part 2: Mathematical signs and symbols to be used in the natural sciences and technology
is perfectly clear: the right symbols are $\tan x$ (item 2-13.4) and $\cot x$ (item 2-13.5).
To cite the standard: "$\text{tg } x$, $\text{ctg } x$ should not be used."