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cotangent

Pronunciation: [koʊˈtæn.dʒənt]

Word

Context: "mathematics"

(noun) cotangent is a special math function that helps you find a specific ratio in a right triangle. It compares the length of the side next to an angle to the length of the side opposite that angle. It's often used in trigonometry.

Example

In a right triangle, the cotangent of a 30-degree angle is equal to the length of the adjacent side divided by the length of the opposite side.

Example

The cotangent of a right angle is not defined, because the opposite side has a length of zero.

Example

What is the cotangent of a 45-degree angle in a right triangle?

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