SQL Server TAN()

SQL Server TAN() Function

The SQL Server TAN() function returns the tangent of a specified angle in radians. This function is useful for performing trigonometric calculations.

Syntax

SELECT TAN(angle_in_radians);

The TAN() function takes a single argument:

  • angle_in_radians: The angle in radians for which to calculate the tangent.

Example SQL Server TAN() Function Queries

Let's look at some examples of SQL Server TAN() function queries:

1. Basic TAN() Example

SELECT TAN(PI() / 4) AS result;

This query returns the tangent of π/4 radians (45 degrees). The result will be:

result
------
1

2. TAN() with π/6 Radians

SELECT TAN(PI() / 6) AS result;

This query returns the tangent of π/6 radians (30 degrees). The result will be:

result
------
0.5773502691896257

3. TAN() with a Column

SELECT angle_in_radians, TAN(angle_in_radians) AS tangent_value
FROM angles;

This query returns the tangent of the angle_in_radians column for each record in the angles table. The result will show the original angle_in_radians and its corresponding tangent_value.

4. TAN() with a Variable

DECLARE @angle FLOAT;
SET @angle = PI() / 3;
SELECT TAN(@angle) AS result;

This query uses a variable to store an angle in radians and then returns its tangent. The result will be:

result
------
1.7320508075688772

Full Example

Let's go through a complete example that includes creating a table, inserting data, and using the TAN() function.

Step 1: Creating a Table

This step involves creating a new table named angles to store some sample data.

CREATE TABLE angles (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    angle_in_radians FLOAT
);

In this example, we create a table named angles with columns for id and angle_in_radians.

Step 2: Inserting Data into the Table

This step involves inserting some sample data into the angles table.

INSERT INTO angles (id, angle_in_radians) VALUES (1, PI() / 4);
INSERT INTO angles (id, angle_in_radians) VALUES (2, PI() / 6);
INSERT INTO angles (id, angle_in_radians) VALUES (3, PI() / 3);
INSERT INTO angles (id, angle_in_radians) VALUES (4, PI());

Here, we insert data into the angles table.

Step 3: Using the TAN() Function

This step involves using the TAN() function to return the tangent of the angle_in_radians column.

SELECT id, angle_in_radians, TAN(angle_in_radians) AS tangent_value
FROM angles;

This query retrieves the id, angle_in_radians, and the tangent of the angle_in_radians column for each row in the angles table. The result will be:

id  angle_in_radians  tangent_value
--- ----------------- --------------
1   0.7853981634      1
2   0.5235987756      0.5773502691896257
3   1.0471975512      1.7320508075688772
4   3.1415926536      -1.2246467991473532E-16

Conclusion

The SQL Server TAN() function is a powerful tool for returning the tangent of a specified angle in radians. Understanding how to use the TAN() function and its syntax is essential for effective trigonometric calculations and data processing in SQL Server.