The Cotangent Function In Math: Definition And Formula

cotangent of theta

x/y

The cotangent of theta is defined as the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side in a right triangle where theta is one of the acute angles. In mathematical notation, the cotangent of theta is expressed as:

cot(theta) = adjacent side / opposite side

Alternatively, it can also be defined as the reciprocal of the tangent function:

cot(theta) = 1 / tan(theta)

Therefore, if you know the values of the adjacent and opposite sides of a right triangle, you can find the cotangent of theta using the above formula.

It is important to note that the cotangent function is undefined at 90 degrees (or pi/2 radians) because the opposite side of the triangle is zero. In addition, the cotangent function is periodic with a period of pi radians or 180 degrees.

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