The COT function in Google Sheets is used to compute the cotangent of a given angle expressed in radians. This trigonometric function is particularly useful in various mathematical, engineering, and scientific applications, where angles must be converted into their cotangent values for calculations involving triangles or periodic functions.

Syntax

COT(angle)

angle: The angle in radians for which the cotangent value is to be computed.

Example #1

=COT(1)

This function computes the cotangent of 1 radian. The result is approximately 0.6421, indicating the cotangent value for that angle.

Example #2

=COT(0)

This evaluates the cotangent for an angle of 0 radians. In this case, the function would return an error since cotangent is undefined at that angle, specifically a division by zero error.

Example #3

=COT(π/4)

This calculates the cotangent of 45 degrees (π/4 radians), which equals 1. Thus, the result is simply 1, showcasing the cotangent of this common angle.

Error handling

• DIV/0!: Occurs when the angle is 0 or a multiple of π, as the cotangent is undefined at these points.
• VALUE!: Arises when the input provided is not a valid number, such as a text string or an empty cell.

Conclusion

The COT function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for anyone needing to perform cotangent calculations within their spreadsheets. Understanding its syntax and potential errors can significantly enhance your efficiency in dealing with trigonometric functions and improve accuracy in your mathematical operations.