Sin, Cos and Tan Functions
The trigonometric functions of angles are the ratios of the various
sides of a triangle. Consider a right-angled triangle ABC as shown in the
figure below.
The following terminology is useful.
- Hypotenuse: The side opposite to the right angle in a triangle is
called the hypotenuse. Here the side AC is the hypotenuse.
- Opposite Side: The side opposite to the angle in consideration is
called the opposite side. So, if we are considering angle A, then the
opposite side is CB.
Base: The third side of the triangle, which is one of the arms
of the angle under consideration, is called the base. If A is the angle
under consideration, then the side AB is the base.
For angle A (sometimes referred to as angle CAB), the following
fundamental trigonometric functions can be defined.
Sine of A = sin A = Opposite Side / Hypotenuse = CB/CA = a/b
Cosine
of A = cos A = Base / Hypotenuse = AB/CA = c/b
Tangent of A = tan A =
Opposite Side / Base = CB/AB = a/c
Cosec, Sec and Cot Functions
Cosecant of A =
cosec A = 1 / sin A = b/a
Secant of A = sec A = 1 / cos A =
b/c
Cotangent of A = cot A = 1 / tan A = c/a
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