Tangent and Secant - Trigonometry versus Calculus

[RunningMan]

I am studying introductory calculus, and I have a good understanding of all of the concepts thus far. However, I have what is potentially a "silly" question, and I can't seem to find or come up with the answer on my own.

From the reading that I've done I'm pretty sure that a SECANT line is the chord connecting two points, and a TANGENT line is the best straight-line approximation to the curve at a single point. (Correct?)

But...I'm wondering what the connection is between the secant line (Calculus) and the secant function (Trig). Similarly, what is the relationship between the tangent tine (Calculus) and the tangent function (Trig).

Thanks in advance!

 

[tkhunny]

There may be some connections, but I would not waste any time pursuing them. Similar or identical words sometimes are used for entirely different things. Don't let it bother you. Just remember to specify what you are talking about. You wouldn't want to get off on a tangent while studying derivatives.

 

[RunningMan]

LOL... Thanks!