secant Definition
a straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points.
Using secant: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "secant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The secant of a circle is a line that intersects the circle at two points.
Example
The secant of a curve can be used to find the slope of the curve at a particular point.
secant Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for secant
- intersecting line
- cutting line
Phrases with secant
a mathematical function that describes the ratio between the hypotenuse and adjacent side of a right-angled triangle
Example
The secant function is the reciprocal of the cosine function.
a numerical method for finding the roots of a function by repeatedly drawing secant lines
Example
The secant method is an iterative process that can converge faster than the bisection method.
a type of foundation structure that uses intersecting piles to provide support for a building or other structure
Example
The construction crew used secant piles to create a strong foundation for the new skyscraper.
Origins of secant
from Latin 'secare', meaning 'to cut'
Summary: secant in Brief
In mathematics, 'secant' [ˈsiːkənt] refers to a straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points. It is used to find the slope of a curve at a particular point or to describe the ratio between the hypotenuse and adjacent side of a right-angled triangle, as in the secant function. The secant method is a numerical method for finding the roots of a function, while secant piles are used in construction to provide support for buildings.
