Is the cosine function an odd function?

Answer 1

• No. Cosine, along with sec, is an even function. The odd functions are sin, tan, csc, and cot. The reason for this is because is you take the opposite of the y-value for the cosine function, the overall value of the function is not affected.
• Take, for example, cos(60 degrees), which equals POSITIVE 1/2.
• If you flip it over the x-axis, making the y's negative, it becomes cos(-60 degrees), or cos(300 degrees). This equals POSITIVE 1/2.
• Now let's look at an odd function. For example, sin(30 degrees) equals POSITIVE 1/2. Now take the opposite of this.
• sin(-30 degrees), or sin(330 degrees), equals NEGATIVE 1/2. This is because it is found in the fourth quadrant, where the y's are negative. Sine of theta, by definition, is y divided by r. If y is negative, sine is negative.

Answer 2

No.