Evaluate sec(60 degrees )

Problem

sec(60)

Solution

1. Identify the definition of the secant function in terms of the cosine function.

sec(θ)=1/cos(θ)

2. Substitute the given angle of 60 into the identity.

sec(60)=1/cos(60)

3. Recall the exact value of cos(60) from the unit circle or a special right triangle (30−60−90.

cos(60)=1/2

4. Simplify the expression by dividing 1 by the fraction.

sec(60)=1/(1/2)

sec(60)=2

Final Answer

sec(60)=2

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