Formula Used:
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Sec A is the value of the trigonometric secant function of the angle A. Secant is a trigonometric function that is defined as the ratio of the hypotenuse to the shorter side adjacent to an acute angle (in a right-angled triangle); the reciprocal of a cosine.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The secant function is calculated as the reciprocal of the cosine function for the given angle.
Details: Secant calculations are important in various fields including mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer graphics where trigonometric relationships are essential.
Tips: Enter the angle in radians. The angle must be a valid non-negative number.
Q1: What is the relationship between secant and cosine?
A: Secant is the reciprocal of cosine: sec(A) = 1/cos(A).
Q2: What are the typical values of secant function?
A: The secant function ranges from (-∞, -1] ∪ [1, ∞) and is undefined when cosine equals zero.
Q3: Can I use degrees instead of radians?
A: This calculator uses radians. To convert degrees to radians, multiply by π/180.
Q4: When is the secant function undefined?
A: The secant function is undefined when cos(A) = 0, which occurs at odd multiples of π/2.
Q5: What are practical applications of secant function?
A: Secant is used in wave equations, optics, electrical engineering, and many other physics and engineering applications.