How To Find The Cotangent On A Graphing Calculator

In trigonometry, the cotangent is the reciprocal of the tangent. The formula for determining the tangent is the opposite side divided by the adjacent side of a triangle. So, since the cotangent is the reciprocal, then the formula for determining the cotangent is the adjacent side divided by the opposite side of the triangle. When inputting cotangent into a graphing calculator, you need to know the angle in degrees for which you are trying to find the cotangent.

Step 1

Type "1" into your graphing calculator.

Step 2

Press the division sign. The calculator is now prepared to perform a reciprocal calculation.

Step 3

Press the button marked "TAN."

Step 4

Type the angle for which you are calculating the cotangent.

Step 5

Press "ENTER" to solve for the cotangent.