Reciprocal Identities
Each of the six trig functions has a reciprocal partner. This guide shows the three reciprocal identities, how to use them, and the mistakes to avoid. Quick answer: The reciprocal identities pair each trig function with its flip: csc θ = 1/sin θ, sec θ = 1/cos θ, and cot θ = 1/tan θ. They […]
How to Graph the Secant Function?
Understanding Secant as the Reciprocal of Cosine The secant function, written \(\sec(x)\), is defined as \(\sec(x) = \frac{1}{\cos(x)}\). This reciprocal relationship is the key to understanding how to graph secant. Wherever cosine is positive, secant is positive; wherever cosine is negative, secant is negative. Most importantly, wherever cosine is zero, secant is undefined and has […]