MySQL COT() Function

The COT() function returns the cotangent of a given number, which is expressed in radians.

Syntax

COT(number)

Definition and Usage

• The COT() function computes the cotangent of a number (in radians).
• Cotangent is the reciprocal of the tangent, meaning: cot(x)=1tan(x)\text{cot}(x) = \frac{1}{\text{tan}(x)}
• If the value of number is 0, the function will return an error or NULL, as cotangent of 0 is undefined.

Parameter Values

Technical Details

• Works in: From MySQL 4.0
• Result: Returns a numeric value that is the cotangent of the provided number.

Examples

Example 1: Cotangent of a number

SELECT COT(6) AS Result;

Result:

Result: -0.437653722

Explanation: The cotangent of 6 radians is -0.437653722.

Example 2: Cotangent of a negative number

SELECT COT(-2) AS Result;

Result:

Result:  -0.642092615

Explanation: The cotangent of -2 radians is -0.642092615.

Example 3: Cotangent of zero

SELECT COT(0) AS Result;

Result:

Result: NULL

Explanation: The cotangent of 0 is undefined, so it returns NULL.

Usage Notes

1. Radians:

   • The COT() function requires the angle to be provided in radians. If the angle is in degrees, you need to convert it using the RADIANS() function.

2. Undefined Value:

   • Cotangent is undefined when the tangent is 0, i.e., at multiples of π (like π, 2π, etc.). In such cases, the function returns NULL.

Practical Query Example:

Example: Calculate the cotangent of a 45-degree angle

To calculate the cotangent of 45 degrees, first convert it to radians:

SELECT COT(RADIANS(45)) AS CotangentOf45Degrees;

Result:

CotangentOf45Degrees: 1

Explanation: The cotangent of 45 degrees (which is equivalent to π/4 radians) is 1.

The COT() function is useful for trigonometric calculations involving angles, particularly when working with reciprocal trigonometric functions like cotangent.