Difference between revisions of "Cosine"
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(move down equation - it does not really define a cosine) |
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'''Cosine''' is a [[trigonometric function]] describing the [[ratio]] of the adjacent side to the [[hypotenuse]] in a [[right triangle]]. It is often abbreviated ''cos''. | '''Cosine''' is a [[trigonometric function]] describing the [[ratio]] of the adjacent side to the [[hypotenuse]] in a [[right triangle]]. It is often abbreviated ''cos''. | ||
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The basic cosine graph is as follow: | The basic cosine graph is as follow: | ||
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That would be a full period of the graph - as 2π [[radians]] is equivalent to one circle. The graph continues in that pattern. | That would be a full period of the graph - as 2π [[radians]] is equivalent to one circle. The graph continues in that pattern. | ||
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| + | ==Relation to secant== | ||
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| + | <math>\cos \theta = \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \theta \right) = \frac{1}{\sec \theta}\,</math> | ||
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[[Category:Trigonometry]] | [[Category:Trigonometry]] | ||
Revision as of 12:18, December 8, 2008
Cosine is a trigonometric function describing the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle. It is often abbreviated cos.
The basic cosine graph is as follow:
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That would be a full period of the graph - as 2π radians is equivalent to one circle. The graph continues in that pattern.
Relation to secant
<math>\cos \theta = \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2} - \theta \right) = \frac{1}{\sec \theta}\,</math>