Expert Reviewer: David Chen, CFA | Financial & Mathematical Analyst
Last Updated: October 2023
The secant on calculator tool is designed to help students, engineers, and mathematicians quickly find the secant of any given angle. By calculating the reciprocal of the cosine function, this tool provides precise results in both degrees and radians, including step-by-step breakdowns for educational clarity.
Secant on Calculator
Step-by-Step Calculation:
secant on calculator Formula:
$$sec(\theta) = \frac{1}{cos(\theta)}$$
Source: Wolfram Alpha Trigonometry Resources
Variables:
- θ (Theta): The input angle in degrees or radians.
- cos(θ): The cosine value of the angle.
- sec(θ): The secant value (reciprocal of cosine).
Related Calculators:
What is secant on calculator?
In trigonometry, the secant is one of the six fundamental trigonometric functions. It is defined as the reciprocal of the cosine function. When you look for a “secant on calculator” function, you are essentially asking the machine to solve for the hypotenuse divided by the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle.
Since most standard calculators do not have a dedicated “SEC” button, users must compute it by finding $cos(\theta)$ first and then taking its reciprocal ($1/x$). This module automates that process to ensure accuracy and save time.
How to Calculate secant on calculator (Example):
- Identify the angle (e.g., 60°).
- Determine the unit (Degrees).
- Calculate the cosine: $cos(60^\circ) = 0.5$.
- Find the reciprocal: $1 / 0.5 = 2$.
- Therefore, $sec(60^\circ) = 2$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Why is my secant calculator showing an error?
Secant is undefined when the cosine is zero. This happens at 90°, 270°, or $\pi/2$ radians.
Is secant the same as inverse cosine?
No. Secant is the reciprocal ($1/cos$), while inverse cosine ($arccos$) finds the angle from a ratio.
How do I convert radians to degrees?
Multiply the radian value by $180/\pi$.
What is the range of the secant function?
The output is always $\leq -1$ or $\geq 1$. It never falls between -1 and 1.