Geometry and trigonometry
Tangent
In right-triangle trigonometry, tangent is opposite side divided by adjacent side; in geometry it can also mean a line touching a curve locally.
Common notation tan(θ)=opposite/adjacent
In one sentence
What does Tangent mean?
In right-triangle trigonometry, tangent is opposite side divided by adjacent side; in geometry it can also mean a line touching a curve locally.
How it is written
tan(θ)=opposite/adjacent
A compact example
If opposite=3 and adjacent=4, tan(θ)=0.75.
Other names and search terms
tan.
Clear answers
Questions about Tangent
What does Tangent mean in mathematics?
In right-triangle trigonometry, tangent is opposite side divided by adjacent side; in geometry it can also mean a line touching a curve locally.
How is Tangent written?
A common notation is tan(θ)=opposite/adjacent.
What is an example of Tangent?
If opposite=3 and adjacent=4, tan(θ)=0.75.