Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and secant, relate angles to ratios of sides in right triangles. The secant function, specifically, is defined as the reciprocal of the cosine function. Understanding these functions is essential for determining their values based on the angle's quadrant and sign.
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Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Angle Measurement and Quadrants
Angles in trigonometry are often measured in degrees or radians and can be positive or negative. The sign of trigonometric functions depends on the quadrant in which the angle lies. For example, in the first quadrant, all functions are positive, while in the second quadrant, sine is positive, and cosine and secant are negative.
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Even and Odd Functions
Trigonometric functions can be classified as even or odd. The secant function is an even function, meaning that sec(-θ) = sec(θ). This property is crucial when evaluating sec(−θ) since it allows us to conclude that its value will be the same as sec(θ), simplifying the analysis of the function's sign based on the angle's quadrant.
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