NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2

ALGEBRA II

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

Student Outcomes
 Students define the secant function and the co-functions in terms of points on the unit circle. They relate the
names for these functions to the geometric relationships among lines, angles, and right triangles in a unit circle
diagram.
 Students use reciprocal relationships to relate the trigonometric functions to each other and use these
relationships to evaluate trigonometric functions at multiples of 30, 45, and 60 degrees.

Lesson Notes
The geometry of the unit circle and its related triangles provide a clue as to how the different reciprocal functions got
their names. This lesson draws out the connections among tangent and secant lines of a circle, angle relationships, and
the trigonometric functions. The names for the various trigonometric functions make more sense to students when
viewed through the lens of geometric figures, providing students with an opportunity to practice MP.7. Students make
sense of the domain and range of these functions and use the definitions to evaluate the trigonometric functions for
rotations that are multiples of 30, 45, and 60 degrees.
The relevant vocabulary upon which this lesson is based appears below.
SECANT FUNCTION (description): The secant function,
sec: {𝑥 ∈ ℝ | 𝑥 ≠ 90 + 180𝑘 for all integers 𝑘} → ℝ
can be defined as follows: Let 𝜃 be any real number such that 𝜃 ≠ 90 + 180𝑘 for all integers 𝑘. In the
Cartesian plane, rotate the initial ray by 𝜃 degrees about the origin. Intersect the resulting terminal ray with the
1
unit circle to get a point (𝑥𝜃 , 𝑦𝜃 ). The value of sec(𝜃°) is .
𝑥𝜃

COSECANT FUNCTION (description): The cosecant function,

csc: {𝑥 ∈ ℝ | 𝑥 ≠ 180𝑘 for all integers 𝑘} → ℝ
can be defined as follows: Let 𝜃 be any real number such that 𝜃 ≠ 180𝑘 for all integers 𝑘. In the Cartesian
plane, rotate the initial ray by 𝜃 degrees about the origin. Intersect the resulting terminal ray with the unit
1
circle to get a point (𝑥𝜃 , 𝑦𝜃 ). The value of csc(𝜃°) is .
𝑦𝜃

COTANGENT FUNCTION (description): The cotangent function,

cot: {𝑥 ∈ ℝ | 𝑥 ≠ 180𝑘 for all integers 𝑘} → ℝ
can be defined as follows: Let 𝜃 be any real number such that 𝜃 ≠ 180𝑘 for all integers 𝑘. In the Cartesian
plane, rotate the initial ray by 𝜃 degrees about the origin. Intersect the resulting terminal ray with the unit
𝑥𝜃
circle to get a point (𝑥𝜃 , 𝑦𝜃 ). The value of cot(𝜃°) is .
𝑦𝜃

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Classwork
Opening Exercise (5 minutes)
Give students a short time to work independently on this Opening Exercise (about 2 minutes). Lead a whole-class
discussion afterward to reinforce the reasons why the different segments have the given measures. If students have
difficulty naming these segments in terms of trigonometric functions they have already studied, remind them of the
conclusions of the previous few lessons.

Opening Exercise

Find the length of each segment below in terms of the value of a trigonometric function.

𝑶𝑸 = 𝑷𝑸 = 𝑹𝑺 =

Debrief this exercise with a short discussion. For the purposes of this section, limit the values of 𝜃 to be between 0
and 90. Make sure that each student has labeled the proper line segments on his paper as sin(𝜃°), cos(𝜃°), tan(𝜃°),
and sec(𝜃°) before moving on to Example 1.
 Why is 𝑃𝑄 = sin(𝜃°)? Why is 𝑂𝑄 = cos(𝜃°)?
 The values of the sine and cosine functions correspond to the 𝑦- and 𝑥-coordinates of a point on the
unit circle where the terminal ray intersects the circle after a rotation of 𝜃 degrees about the origin.
 Why is 𝑅𝑆 = tan(𝜃°)?
𝑃𝑄 sin(𝜃°)
 In Lesson 5, we used similar triangles to show that ̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝑆 had length = .
𝑂𝑄 cos(𝜃°)
This quotient is tan(𝜃°).

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Scaffolding:
Since there are ways to calculate lengths for nearly every line segment in this diagram
using the length of the radius, or the cosine, sine, or tangent functions, it makes sense  Have students use different-
to find the length of ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑅 , the line segment on the terminal ray that intersects the colored highlighters or pencils
tangent line. to mark proportional
segments.
 What do you call a line that intersects a circle at more than one point?
Consider writing out the
 It is called a secant line. proportional relationships
 In Lesson 6, we saw that 𝑅𝑆 = tan(𝜃°), where 𝑅𝑆 ̅̅̅̅ lies on the line tangent to using the segment names first.
the unit circle at (1,0), which helped to explain how this trigonometric 𝑂𝑃 𝑂𝑅
For example, = .
function got its name. Let’s introduce a new function sec(𝜃°), the secant 𝑂𝑄 𝑂𝑆
of 𝜃, to be the length of ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑅 since this segment is on the secant line that  Provide a numeric example for
contains the terminal ray. Then the secant of 𝜃 is sec(𝜃°) = 𝑂𝑅. students to work first.

Example 1 (5 minutes)
Direct students to label the appropriate segments on their papers if they have not
already done so. Reproduce the Opening Exercise diagram on chart paper, and label
the segments on the diagram in a different color than the rest of the diagram so they
are easy to see. Refer to this chart often in the next section of the lesson.
 For more advanced students,
Example 1 skip the Opening Exercise and
Use similar triangles to find the value of 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) in terms of one other trigonometric
start by stating that a new
function. function, sec( 𝜃°) = 𝑂𝑅, is
Approach 1:
being introduced since ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑅 is
on the secant line that passes
𝑶𝑹 𝑶𝑷 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝟏 𝟏
By similar triangles, = , so = ; thus, 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = . through the center of the
𝑶𝑺 𝑶𝑸 𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
circle.
Approach 2:
𝑶𝑹 𝑶𝑷 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)/𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝟏 𝟏
By similar triangles = , so = = = ⋅ = ;
𝑶𝑺 𝑶𝑸 𝟏 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝟏
thus, 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = .
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)

Exercise 1 (5 minutes)
Following the same technique as in the previous lesson with the tangent function, use this working definition of the
secant function to extend it outside of the first quadrant. Present the definition of secant, and then ask students to
answer the following questions with a partner or in writing. Circulate around the classroom to informally assess
understanding and provide guidance. Lead a whole-class discussion based on these questions after giving individuals or
partners a few minutes to record their thoughts. Encourage students to revise what they wrote as the discussion
progresses. Start a bulleted list of the main points of this discussion on the board. Encourage students to draw a picture
representing both the circle description of the secant function and its relationship to cos(𝜃°) to assist them in answering
the question. A series of guided questions follows that help in scaffolding this discussion.

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Exercise 1

The definition of the secant function is offered below. Answer the questions to better understand this definition and the
domain and range of this function. Be prepared to discuss your responses with others in your class.

Let 𝜽 be any real number.

In the Cartesian plane, rotate the nonnegative

𝒙-axis by 𝜽 degrees about the origin. Intersect this
new ray with the unit circle to get a point (𝒙𝜽 , 𝒚𝜽 ).
𝟏
If 𝒙𝜽 ≠ 𝟎, then the value of 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) is . Otherwise,
𝒙𝜽
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) is undefined.
𝟏
In terms of the cosine function, 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) =
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
for 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) ≠ 𝟎.

a. What is the domain of the secant function?

The domain of the secant function is all real numbers 𝜽 such that 𝜽 ≠ 𝟗𝟎 + 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝒌, for all integers 𝒌.

b. The domains of the secant and tangent functions are the same. Why?

Both the tangent and secant functions can be written as rational expressions with 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) in the
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝟏
denominator. That is, 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = , and 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = . Since the restricted values in their domains
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
occur when the denominator is zero, it makes sense that they have the same domain.
MP.3
c. What is the range of the secant function? How is this range related to the range of the cosine function?
𝟏
Since 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = , and −𝟏 ≤ 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) ≤ 𝟏, we see that either 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) ≥ 𝟏, or 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) ≤ −𝟏.
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)

Thus, the range of the secant function is (−∞, −𝟏] ∪ [𝟏, ∞).

d. Is the secant function a periodic function? If so, what is its period?

Yes, its period is 𝟑𝟔𝟎.

Discussion (5 minutes)
Use these questions to scaffold the discussion to debrief the preceding exercise.
 What are the values of sec(𝜃°) when the terminal ray is horizontal? When the terminal ray is vertical?
 When the terminal ray is horizontal, it will coincide with the positive or negative 𝑥-axis, and
1 1
sec(𝜃°) = = 1, or sec(𝜃°) = = −1.
1 −1
1
 When the terminal ray is vertical, the 𝑥-coordinate of point 𝑃 is zero, so sec(𝜃°) = , which is
0
undefined. If we use the geometric interpretation of sec(𝜃°) as the length of the segment from the
origin to the intersection of the terminal ray and the tangent line to the circle at (1,0), then sec(𝜃°) is
undefined because the secant line containing the terminal ray and the tangent line will be parallel and
will not intersect.

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

 Name several values of 𝜃 for which sec(𝜃°) is undefined. Explain your reasoning.
 The secant of 𝜃 is undefined when cos(𝜃°) = 0 or when the terminal ray intersects the unit circle at
the 𝑦-axis. Some values of 𝜃 that meet these conditions include 90°, 270°, and 450°.
 What is the domain of the secant function?
 Answers will vary but should be equivalent to all real numbers except 90 + 180𝑘, where 𝑘 is an
integer. Students may also use set-builder notation such as {𝜃 ∈ ℝ| cos(𝜃°) ≠ 0}.
 The domains of the tangent and secant functions are the same. Why?
 Approach 1 (circle approach):
 The tangent and secant segments are defined based on their intersection, so at times when
they are parallel, these segments do not exist.
 Approach 2 (working definition approach):
 Both the tangent and secant functions are defined as rational expressions with cos(𝜃) in the
sin(𝜃°) 1
denominator. That is, tan(𝜃°) = , and sec(𝜃°) = . Since the restricted values in
cos(𝜃°) cos(𝜃°)
their domains occur when the denominator is zero, it makes sense that they have the same
domain.
 How do the values of the secant and cosine functions vary with each other? As cos(𝜃°) gets larger, what
happens to the value of sec(𝜃°)? As cos(𝜃°) gets smaller but stays positive, what happens to the value of
sec(𝜃°)? What about when cos(𝜃°) < 0?
 We know that sec(𝜃°) and cos(𝜃°) are reciprocals of each other, so as the magnitude of one gets
larger, the magnitude of the other gets smaller and vice versa. As cos(𝜃°) increases, sec(𝜃°) gets
closer to 1. As cos(𝜃°) decreases but stays positive, sec(𝜃°) increases without bound. When cos(𝜃°) is
negative, as cos(𝜃°) increases but stays negative, sec(𝜃°) decreases without bound. As cos(𝜃°)
decreases, sec(𝜃°) gets closer to −1.
 What is the smallest positive value of sec(𝜃°)? Where does this occur?
 The smallest positive value of sec(𝜃°) is 1 and occurs when cos(𝜃°) = 1, that is, when 𝜃 = 360𝑘,
for 𝑘 an integer.
 What is the largest negative value of sec(𝜃°)? Where does this occur?
 The largest negative value of sec(𝜃°) = −1 and occurs when cos(𝜃°) = −1; that is,
when 𝜃 = 180 + 360𝑘, for 𝑘 an integer.
 What is the range of the secant function?
 All real numbers outside of the interval (−1,1), including −1 and 1.
 Is the secant function a periodic function? If so, what is its period?
 The secant function is periodic, and the period is 360°.

Exercise 2 (5 minutes)
These questions get students thinking about the origin of the names of the co-functions. They start with the diagram
from the Opening Exercise and ask students how the diagram below compares to it. Then, the point of Example 2 is to
introduce the sine, secant, and tangent ratios of the complement to 𝜃 and justify why we name these functions cosine,
cosecant, and cotangent.

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Exercise 2

In the diagram, the horizontal blue line is tangent to the unit circle at (𝟎, 𝟏).

Scaffolding:
 Students struggling to see
the complementary
relationships among the
trigonometric functions
may benefit from drawing
a. How does this diagram compare to the one given in the Opening Exercise? the unit circle on a
It is basically the same diagram with different angles and lengths marked. We can transparency or patty
consider a rotation through 𝜷 degrees measured clockwise from the 𝒚-axis instead of paper and reflecting across
a rotation through 𝜽 degrees measured counterclockwise from the 𝒙-axis. It is
the diagonal line 𝑦 = 𝑥 so
essentially a reflection of the diagram from the Opening Exercise across the diagonal
line with equation 𝒚 = 𝒙. that the 𝑥-axis and 𝑦-axis
are interchanged.

b. What is the relationship between 𝜷 and 𝜽?

 Students may need to be
shown where sin(𝜃°) is on
Angles 𝑻𝑶𝑷 and 𝑺𝑶𝑷 are complements, so 𝜷 + 𝜽 = 𝟗𝟎.
the diagram as well.
MP.7
c. Which segment in the figure has length 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)? Which segment has length 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)?

𝑶𝑼 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°), and 𝑼𝑷 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°).

d. Which segment in the figure has length 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜷°)? Which segment has length 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜷°)?

𝑼𝑷 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜷°), and 𝑶𝑼 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°).

e. How can you write 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) in terms of the trigonometric functions of 𝜷?

𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜷°), and 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜷°).

Briefly review the solutions to these exercises before moving on. Reinforce the result of part (e) that the cosine of an
acute angle is the same as the sine of its complement. Ask students to consider whether the trigonometric ratios of the
complement of an angle might be related to the original angle in a similar fashion. Record student responses to the
exercises and any other predictions or thoughts on another sheet of chart paper.

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Example 2 (5 minutes)
1 1
Use similar triangles to show that if 𝜃 + 𝛽 = 90, then sec(𝛽°) = and tan(𝛽°) = . Depending on students’
sin(𝜃°) tan(𝜃°)
level, provide additional scaffolding or just have groups work independently on this. Circulate around the classroom as
they work.

Example 2

The horizontal blue line is tangent to the circle at (𝟎, 𝟏).

a. If two angles are complements with measures 𝜷 and 𝜽 as shown in the diagram, use similar triangles to show
𝟏
that 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜷°) = .
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
𝑶𝑹 𝑻𝑹 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜷°) 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜷°)
Consider triangles △ 𝑶𝑷𝑼 and △ 𝑶𝑹𝑻. Then = , so = . Since 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜷°) and
𝑶𝑷 𝑼𝑷 𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜷°), we can write
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜷°)
( )
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜷°)
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜷°) =
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
( )
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
=
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝟏
= .
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

b. If two angles are complements with measures 𝜷 and 𝜽 as shown in the diagram, use similar triangles to show
𝟏
that 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜷°) = .
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°)

𝑹𝑻 𝑼𝑷 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜷°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

Using triangles △ 𝑶𝑷𝑼 and △ 𝑶𝑹𝑻, we have = . Then = . Since 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = ,
𝑶𝑻 𝑶𝑼 𝟏 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝟏
then = ; so, 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜷°) = .
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°)

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Discussion (7 minutes)
1 1
The reciprocal functions and are called the cosecant and cotangent functions. The cosine function has
sin(𝜃°) tan(𝜃°)
already been defined in terms of a point on the unit circle. The same can be done with the cosecant and cotangent
functions. All three functions introduced in this lesson are defined below.
Scaffolding:
1
For each of the reciprocal functions, use the facts that sec(𝜃°) = , To help students keep track of
cos(𝜃°)
1 1 the reciprocal definitions,
csc(𝜃°) = , and cot(𝜃°) = to extend the definitions of these functions
sin(𝜃°) tan(𝜃°) mention that every
beyond the first quadrant and to help with the following ideas. Have students work in trigonometric function has a
pairs to answer the following questions before sharing their conclusions with the class. co-function.

Discussion

Definitions of the cosecant and cotangent functions are offered below. Answer the questions to better understand the
definitions and the domains and ranges of these functions. Be prepared to discuss your responses with others in your
class.

Let 𝜽 be any real number such that 𝜽 ≠ 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝒌, for all

integers 𝒌.

In the Cartesian plane, rotate the initial ray by

𝜽 degrees about the origin. Intersect the resulting
terminal ray with the unit circle to get a point (𝒙𝜽 , 𝒚𝜽 ).
𝟏
The value of 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) is .
𝒚𝜽
𝒙𝜽
The value of 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) is .
𝒚𝜽

The secant, cosecant, and cotangent functions are often

referred to as reciprocal functions. Why do you think these functions are so named?

These functions are the reciprocals of the three main trigonometric functions:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = , 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) = , and 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) = .
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°)

Why are the domains of these functions restricted?

We restrict the domain to prevent division by zero.

We restrict the domain because the geometric shapes defining the functions must make sense (i.e., based on the
intersection of distinct parallel lines).

The domains of the cosecant and cotangent functions are the same. Why?

Both the cosecant and cotangent functions are equal to rational expressions that have 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) in the denominator.

What is the range of the cosecant function? How is this range related to the range of the sine function?

The sine function has range [−𝟏, 𝟏], so the cosecant function has range (−∞, −𝟏] ∪ [𝟏, ∞). The two ranges only intersect
at −𝟏 and at 𝟏.

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

What is the range of the cotangent function? How is this range related to the range of the tangent function?

The range of the cotangent function is all real numbers. This is the same as the range of the tangent function.

 Why are the secant, cosecant, and cotangent functions called reciprocal functions?
 Each one is a reciprocal of cosine, sine, or tangent according to their definitions. For example, csc(𝜃°)
1
is equal to , the reciprocal of sin(𝜃°).
𝑦𝜃
 Which two of the reciprocal functions share the same domain? Why? What is their domain?
 The cosecant and cotangent functions share the same domain. Both functions can be written as a
rational expression with sin(𝜃°) in the denominator, so whenever sin(𝜃°) = 0, they are undefined. The
domain is all real numbers except 𝜃 such that sin(𝜃°) = 0. More specifically, the domain is
{𝜃 ∈ ℝ|𝜃 ≠ 180𝑘, for all integers 𝑘}.
 What is the smallest positive value of the cosecant function?
 As with the secant function, the smallest positive value of the cosecant function is 1. This is because the
cosecant function is the reciprocal of the sine function, which has a maximum value of 1. Also, the
secant and cosecant functions have values based on the length of line segments from the center of the
circle to the intersection with the tangent line. Thus, when positive, they must always be greater than
or equal to the radius of the circle.
 What is the greatest negative value of the cosecant function?
 The greatest negative value of the cosecant function is −1.
 What is the range of the cosecant function? What other trigonometric function has this range?
 The range of the cosecant function is all real numbers except between −1 and 1; that is, the range of
the cosecant function is (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞), which is the same as the range of the secant function.
 Can sec(𝜃°) or csc(𝜃°) be a number between 0 and 1? Can cot(𝜃°)? Explain why or why not.
 No, sec(𝜃°) and csc(𝜃°) cannot be between 0 and 1, but cot(𝜃°) can. Both the secant and cosecant
functions are reciprocals of functions that range from −1 to 1, while the cotangent function is the
reciprocal of a function that ranges across all real numbers. Whenever tan(𝜃°) > 1, 0 < cot(𝜃°) < 1.
 What is the value of cot(90°)?
cos(90°) 0
 cot(90°) = = = 0.
sin(90°) 1
 How does the range of the cotangent function compare to the range of the tangent function? Why?
 The ranges of the tangent and cotangent functions are the same. When tan(𝜃°) is close to 0, cot(𝜃°) is
far from 0, either positive or negative depending on the sign of tan(𝜃°). When tan(𝜃°) is far from 0,
then cot(𝜃°) is close to 0. Finally, when one function is undefined, the other is 0.

Closing (4 minutes)
 The secant and cosecant functions are reciprocals of the cosine and sine functions, respectively. The tangent
and cotangent functions are also reciprocals of each other. It is helpful to draw the circle diagram used to
define the tangent and secant functions to ensure mistakes are not made with the relationships derived from
similar triangles.

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

 This is a good time to summarize all six trigonometric functions. With a partner, in writing, or as a class, have
students summarize the definitions for sine, cosine, tangent, and the three reciprocal functions along with
their domains. Use this as an opportunity to check for any gaps in understanding. Use the following summary
as a model:

Let 𝜽 be any real number. In the Cartesian plane, rotate the initial ray by 𝜽 degrees about the origin.
Intersect the resulting terminal ray with the unit circle to get a point (𝒙𝜽 , 𝒚𝜽 ). Then:
Function Value For any 𝜽 such that … Formula

Sine 𝒚𝜽 𝜽 is a real number

Cosine 𝒙𝜽 𝜽 is a real number

𝒚𝜽 𝜽 ≠ 𝟗𝟎 + 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝒌, for all 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

Tangent 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) =
𝒙𝜽 integers 𝒌 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)

𝟏 𝜽 ≠ 𝟗𝟎 + 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝒌, for all 𝟏

Secant 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) =
𝒙𝜽 integers 𝒌 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)

𝟏 𝟏
Cosecant 𝜽 ≠ 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝒌, for all integers 𝒌 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) =
𝒚𝜽 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

𝒙𝜽 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
Cotangent 𝜽 ≠ 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝒌, for all integers 𝒌 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) =
𝒚𝜽 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

Exit Ticket (4 minutes)

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Name Date

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

Exit Ticket

Consider the following diagram, where segment 𝐴𝐵 is tangent to the circle at 𝐷. Right triangles 𝐵𝐴𝑂, 𝐵𝑂𝐷, 𝑂𝐴𝐷, and
𝑂𝐷𝐶 are similar. Identify each length 𝐴𝐷, 𝑂𝐴, 𝑂𝐵, and 𝐵𝐷 as one of the following: tan(𝜃°), cot(𝜃°), sec(𝜃°), and
csc(𝜃°).

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Exit Ticket Sample Solutions

Consider the following diagram, where segment 𝑨𝑩 is tangent to the circle at 𝑫. Right triangles 𝑩𝑨𝑶, 𝑩𝑶𝑫, 𝑶𝑨𝑫,
and 𝑶𝑫𝑪 are similar. Identify each length 𝑨𝑫, 𝑶𝑨, 𝑶𝑩, and 𝑩𝑫 as one of the following: 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°), 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°), 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°),
and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°).

𝑨𝑫 𝑪𝑫 𝑨𝑫 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
Since △ 𝑶𝑫𝑪 ~ △ 𝑶𝑫𝑨, = so = and thus 𝑨𝑫 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°).
𝑶𝑫 𝑶𝑪 𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝑶𝑨 𝑶𝑫 𝑶𝑨 𝟏
Since △ 𝑶𝑫𝑪 ~ △ 𝑶𝑫𝑨, = so = and thus 𝑶𝑨 = 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°).
𝑶𝑫 𝑶𝑪 𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)

𝑶𝑩 𝑶𝑪 𝑶𝑩 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝟏
Since △ 𝑶𝑫𝑪 ~ △ 𝑩𝑨𝑶, = so = and thus 𝑶𝑨 = 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = = 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°).
𝑶𝑨 𝑪𝑫 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

𝑩𝑫 𝑶𝑪 𝑩𝑫 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
Since △ 𝑶𝑫𝑪 ~ △ 𝑩𝑶𝑫, = so = and thus 𝑩𝑫 = 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°).
𝑶𝑫 𝑪𝑫 𝟏 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

Problem Set Sample Solutions

1. Use the reciprocal interpretations of 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°),

𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°), and 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) and the unit circle
provided to complete the table.

𝜽, in degrees 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°)

𝟎 𝟏 Undefined Undefined

𝟐√𝟑
𝟑𝟎 𝟐 √𝟑
𝟑

𝟒𝟓 √𝟐 √𝟐 𝟏

𝟐√𝟑 √𝟑
𝟔𝟎 𝟐
𝟑 𝟑

𝟗𝟎 Undefined 𝟏 𝟎

𝟐√𝟑 √𝟑
𝟏𝟐𝟎 −𝟐 −
𝟑 𝟑

𝟏𝟖𝟎 −𝟏 Undefined Undefined

𝟐𝟐𝟓 −√𝟐 −√𝟐 𝟏

𝟐√𝟑 √𝟑
𝟐𝟒𝟎 −𝟐 −
𝟑 𝟑

𝟐𝟕𝟎 Undefined −𝟏 𝟎

𝟑𝟏𝟓 √𝟐 −√𝟐 −𝟏

𝟐√𝟑
𝟑𝟑𝟎 −𝟐 −√𝟑
𝟑

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

2. Find the following values from the information given.

a. 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°); 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = 𝟎. 𝟑 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏𝟎
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = = =
𝟎. 𝟑 𝟑/𝟏𝟎 𝟑

b. 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°); 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = −𝟎. 𝟎𝟓 𝟏 𝟏

𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) = = = −𝟐𝟎
−𝟎. 𝟎𝟓 −𝟏/𝟐𝟎

c. 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°); 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟏 𝟏

𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) = =
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎

d. 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°); 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = −𝟎. 𝟗 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏𝟎

𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = = =−
−𝟎. 𝟗 −𝟗/𝟏𝟎 𝟗

e. 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°); 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝟎 𝟏 𝟏
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) = = , but this is undefined.
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) 𝟎

f. 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°); 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = −𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟓 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎

𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) = = =− = −𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎
−𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟓 −𝟓/𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟓

3. Choose three 𝜽 values from the table in Problem 𝟏 for which 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°), 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°), and 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) are defined and not
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)
zero. Show that for these values of 𝜽, = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°).
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)

√𝟑 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝟐√𝟑/𝟑 √𝟑 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)

For 𝜽 = 𝟑𝟎°, 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = , and = = . Thus, for 𝜽 = 𝟑𝟎, = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°).
𝟑 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) 𝟐 𝟑 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)

𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) √𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)
For 𝜽 = 𝟒𝟓°, 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝟏, and = = 𝟏. Thus, for 𝜽 = 𝟒𝟓, = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°).
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) √𝟐 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)

𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝟐 𝟑 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)
For 𝜽 = 𝟔𝟎°, 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = √𝟑, and
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)
= 𝟐√𝟑
=
√𝟑
= √𝟑. Thus, for 𝜽 = 𝟔𝟎,
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)
= 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°).
𝟑

4. Find the value of 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) for the following values of 𝜽.

a. 𝜽 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝟏
We know that 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟐𝟎°) = − , so 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟏𝟐𝟎°) = −𝟐, and then 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟏𝟐𝟎°)𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟏𝟐𝟎°) = 𝟏.
𝟐

b. 𝜽 = 𝟐𝟐𝟓
√𝟐
We know that 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟐𝟐𝟓°) = − , so s𝐞𝐜(𝟐𝟐𝟓°) = −√𝟐, and then 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟐𝟐𝟓°)𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟐𝟐𝟓°) = 𝟏.
𝟐

c. 𝜽 = 𝟑𝟑𝟎
√𝟑 𝟐
We know that 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟑𝟎°) = , so 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟑𝟑𝟎°) = , and then 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟑𝟑𝟎°)𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟑𝟎°) = 𝟏.
𝟐 √𝟑

d. Explain the reasons for the pattern you see in your responses to parts (a)–(c).
𝟏 𝟏
If 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) ≠ 𝟎, then 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = , so we know that 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = ∙ 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = 𝟏.
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

√𝟑
5. Draw a diagram representing the two values of 𝜽 between 𝟎 and 𝟑𝟔𝟎 so that 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = − . Find the values of
𝟐
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°), 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°), and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) for each value of 𝜽.

𝟐√𝟑
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝟐𝟒𝟎°) = √𝟑, 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟐𝟒𝟎°) = −𝟐, and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝟐𝟒𝟎°) = − .
𝟑
𝟐√𝟑
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝟑𝟎𝟎°) = −√𝟑, 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟑𝟎𝟎°) = 𝟐, and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝟑𝟎𝟎°) = − .
𝟑

𝟐 𝟐
6. Find the value of (𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)) − (𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°)) when 𝜽 = 𝟐𝟐𝟓.
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
(𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝟐𝟐𝟓°)) − (𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝟐𝟐𝟓°)) = (√𝟐) − 𝟏𝟐 = 𝟏

𝟐 𝟐
7. Find the value of (𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)) − (𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°)) when 𝜽 = 𝟑𝟑𝟎.
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
(𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)) − (𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°)) = (−𝟐)𝟐 − (−√𝟑) = 𝟒 − 𝟑 = 𝟏

Extension:

𝟏 𝟏 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)
8. Using the formulas 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) =
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
, 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) =
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
, and 𝐜𝐨𝐭(𝜽°) = 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟏(𝜽°), show that 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°),
where these functions are defined and not zero.
𝟏
𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝟏 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)
= = ⋅ 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°)
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) 𝟏 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°)

𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)
9. Tara showed that = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°), for values of 𝜽 for which the functions are defined and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) ≠ 𝟎, and
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)
then concluded that 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°). Explain what is wrong with her reasoning.
𝑨 𝑪
Just because = , this does not mean that 𝑨 = 𝑪 and 𝑩 = 𝑫. It only means that they are equivalent fractions.
𝑩 𝑫
𝟑 𝟗
For instance, = . Substituting any value of 𝜽 verifies that Tara is incorrect. Also, since the only values of 𝜽 in
𝟒 𝟏𝟐
the range of both secant and sine are – 𝟏 and 𝟏, we would have either 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = −𝟏
or 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝟏. Since the value of the sine function is either – 𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝟏, the value of the cosine function
𝟏
would be zero. Since 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = , we would have 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = 𝟏 or 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) = −𝟏. Since 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°) cannot be
𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°)
simultaneously zero and nonzero, it is impossible to have 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝜽°) and 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝜽°).

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

113
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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 7 M2
ALGEBRA II

10. From Lesson 6, Ren remembered that the tangent function is odd, meaning that −𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(−𝜽°) for all 𝜽 in
the domain of the tangent function. He concluded because of the relationship between the secant function,
cosecant function, and tangent function developed in Problem 9, it is impossible for both the secant and the
cosecant functions to be odd. Explain why he is correct.

If we assume that both the secant and cosecant functions are odd, then the tangent function could not be odd. That
is, we would get
𝐬𝐞𝐜(−𝜽°) −𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐬𝐞𝐜(𝜽°)
𝐭𝐚𝐧(−𝜽°) = = = = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°),
𝐜𝐬𝐜(−𝜽°) −𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°) 𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝜽°)
but that would contradict −𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°) = 𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝜽°). Thus, it is impossible for both the secant and cosecant functions to
be odd.

Lesson 7: Secant and the Co-Functions

114
This work is licensed under a
This work is derived from Eureka Math ™ and licensed by Great Minds. ©2015 Great Minds. eureka-math.org
This file derived from ALG II-M2-TE-1.3.0-08.2015 Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.