Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cotangent

noun

/kəʊˈtæn.dʒənt/

Definition

In mathematics, cotangent is a trigonometric function that is defined as the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side of a right triangle. It is the reciprocal of the tangent function.

Examples

The cotangent of a 45-degree angle is 1.
To find the cotangent of an angle, divide the length of the adjacent side by the length of the opposite side.
In a right triangle, the cotangent can help solve for missing angles.

Meaning

Cotangent helps in understanding the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles, especially in trigonometry. It is used in various mathematical applications, including calculus, physics, and engineering.