Definition

A mathematical function that represents the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the opposite side in a right triangle, or the cosine of an angle divided by its sine.

Example

In trigonometry, the cotangent of a 45-degree angle is equal to 1.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term cotangent?

Yeah, I think it's a trigonometric function, right?

Exactly! It's actually the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side in a right triangle.

That makes sense, I always get confused with those functions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cotangent is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "tangens" (from Latin, meaning touching). The term refers to the function that relates to the tangent in a right triangle, thus connecting the two concepts together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'together' ('co-') and 'touching' ('tangens') to remember that cotangent relates to the tangent function in trigonometry.

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