5.4.1

Secant, Cosecant & Cotangent

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Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

We can define three more trigonometric functions beyond the sine, cosine and tangent functions we know already.

Cosecant

Cosecant

  • The cosecant of an angle cscθ\csc\theta is equivalent to the reciprocal of the sine of that angle:
    • cscθ=1sinθ\csc\theta = \frac{1}{\sin\theta}
Secant

Secant

  • The secant of an angle secθ\sec\theta is equivalent to the reciprocal of the cos of that angle:
    • secθ=1cosθ\sec\theta = \frac{1}{\cos\theta}
Cotangent

Cotangent

  • The cotangent of an angle cotθ\cot\theta is equivalent to the reciprocal of the tan of that angle:
    • cotθ=1tanθ=cosθsinθ\cot\theta = \frac{1}{\tan\theta} = \frac{\cos\theta}{\sin\theta}
ASTC

ASTC

  • We can predict the sign of the trigonometric function of an angle measured from the positive xx-axis depending on which quadrant the angle lies in.
  • You can remember this rule by using the phrase "All Students Take Calculus".
Jump to other topics
1

Proof

2

Algebra & Functions

2.1

Powers & Roots

2.2

Quadratic Equations

2.3

Inequalities

2.4

Polynomials

2.5

Graphs

2.6

Functions

2.7

Transformation of Graphs

2.8

Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3

Coordinate Geometry

4

Sequences & Series

5

Trigonometry

6

Exponentials & Logarithms

7

Differentiation

8

Integration

9

Numerical Methods

10

Vectors

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