Cofunction

Cofunction identity: tan(π/2 − θ) = cot θ

tan(π2θ)=cotθ\tan(\tfrac{\pi}{2} - \theta) = \cot\theta

Tangent and cotangent are cofunctions: tan(π/2 − θ) = cot θ. The same complementary-angle relationship holds for every function-and-cofunction pair - sine/cosine, tangent/cotangent, secant/cosecant.

Related Cofunction identities

Common questions

What is the tan(π/2 − θ) = cot θ identity?

Tangent and cotangent are cofunctions: tan(π/2 − θ) = cot θ. The same complementary-angle relationship holds for every function-and-cofunction pair - sine/cosine, tangent/cotangent, secant/cosecant.

Which identities are related to tan(π/2 − θ) = cot θ?

tan(π/2 − θ) = cot θ belongs to the Cofunction group. The identities used alongside it most often are sin(π/2 − θ) = cos θ and cos(π/2 − θ) = sin θ.

Practise it

Reading a formula is not the same as recalling it under time pressure. The workspace drills Cofunction questions in the quiz, and the triangle solver shows a worked solution for any triangle you type in.

Or browse all 45 identities in the full reference, or read the trigonometry guides for the method behind them.