To use this function, choose .
The cosine of an acute angle of a right triangle is the ratio of the adjacent leg to the hypotenuse (the longest side, opposite the right angle), measured in radians.
The cosine of angle θ is the ratio 4/5, or 0.8.
The cosine of θ can also be defined more generally as the x-coordinate of the point on the unit circle that is located at angle θ from the origin (measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis).
Syntax
COS(angle in radians)
For angle_in_radians, specify the radians or the column of radians.
Example
| Column | Calculator expression | Result |
|---|---|---|
| C1 contains 1 | COS(C1) | 0.540302305868 |
Uses
Cosine and other trigonometric functions are used to model wave motion and periodic phenomena, such as seasonal patterns. They form the foundation for advanced analyses in electrical engineering, digital image processing, radiography, thermodynamics, telecommunications and many other fields in science and technology.
