Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The cosecant function (csc(x)) is defined as 1 divided by the sine of x. In other words, csc(x) = 1/sin(x). It represents the ratio between the hypotenuse and opposite side in a right triangle.
Related terms
Sine Function: The sine function (sin(x)) represents the ratio between the length of the side opposite an angle in a right triangle and its hypotenuse.
Trigonometric Functions: Trigonometric functions include sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant. They relate the angles of a right triangle to the ratios of its sides.
Unit Circle: A unit circle is a circle with a radius of 1 unit centered at the origin (0,0) on a coordinate plane. It is commonly used to understand trigonometric functions and their values for different angles.