The three basic functions in trigonometry are sine, cosine and tangent. Based on these three functions the other three functions that are cotangent, secant and cosecant are derived.
All the trigonometrical concepts are based on these functions. Hence, to understand trigonometry further we need to learn these functions and their respective formulas at first.
If θ is the angle in a right-angled triangle, then
Sin θ = Perpendicular/Hypotenuse
Cos θ = Base/Hypotenuse
Tan θ = Perpendicular/Base
Perpendicular is the side opposite to the angle θ.
The base is the adjacent side to the angle θ.
The hypotenuse is the side opposite to the right angle
The other three functions i.e. cot, sec and cosec depend on tan, cos and sin respectively, such as:
Cot θ = 1/tan θ
Sec θ = 1/cos θ
Cosec θ = 1/sin θ
Hence,
Cot θ = Base/Perpendicular
Sec θ = Hypotenuse/Base
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