Secant: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in mathematical contexts, especially in geometry and trigonometry, to refer to a straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points.

• In geometry, a secant of a circle intersects the circle at two points.
• The concept of a secant line is important in the study of calculus.

A basic term in geometry referring to a straight one-dimensional figure having no thickness and extending infinitely in both directions. Used in various contexts, ranging from everyday language to advanced mathematics.

• A line is an undefined term in Euclidean geometry.

Used to describe the point or points where two or more curves meet or cross each other. Common in mathematics and related fields.

• The curve intersection can be found by solving the equations of the two curves simultaneously.
• Understanding curve intersections helps in the analysis of complex functions.

Used in geometry and trigonometry to describe a line that intersects a curve at two or more points or in trigonometry specifically related to the secant function.

• In this circle, the secant intersects the circumference at points A and B.
• We need to calculate the secant value of angle θ in this trigonometric function.

Used in geometry to describe a line segment that joins two points on a curve, often inside a circle.

• The chord AB divides the circle into two segments.
• If you know the length of the chord, you can determine the distance from the center of the circle to the chord.

Used in geometry to describe lines that cross each other at any point, without specific emphasis on the conditions or number of points they intersect.

• The two intersecting lines create four angles at the point of intersection.
• In this diagram, the intersecting lines cross each other at point P.

In calculus, 'secant' can also refer to an approximation of the tangent to a curve, used as part of the secant method for finding roots of a function. It is a technical term in this context.

• The secant method involves iterating with secant lines to approximate the solution to the equation

In general use, a 'connecting line' can describe any line that joins two points together. It's a versatile term and can be applied in various contexts such as maps, diagrams, or even narratives.

• Draw a connecting line between points A and B on the map to show the direct route

In statistics or data analysis, 'average line' is used to describe a line that represents the average value of a data set over time. It is often used in graphical representations to show trends or central tendencies.

• The average line on the graph shows the median sales figures for the past year