By the definition, sec(x) =. Thus the domain of your function is the set of all real numbers, where cos(x) > 0. Notice the sign "strictly greater than zero". The sets of real numbers, where cos(x) > 0, is the union of open intervals U ( , ), over all integer k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . . The capital letter U, which you see the first in that line, denotes the Union of listed intervals.