Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphs of Tangent and Cotangent Functions
Problem 4.24
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionGraph each function over a one-period interval.
y = ½ sec x
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
0m:0sPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Secant Function
The secant function, denoted as sec(x), is the reciprocal of the cosine function. It is defined as sec(x) = 1/cos(x). The secant function has a period of 2π, meaning it repeats its values every 2π units. It is important to note that sec(x) is undefined wherever cos(x) equals zero, which occurs at odd multiples of π/2.
Recommended video:
6:22
Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphing trigonometric functions involves plotting the values of the function over a specified interval. For the secant function, the graph will exhibit vertical asymptotes at points where the cosine function is zero. Understanding the behavior of the function, including its amplitude and period, is crucial for accurately representing it on a graph.
Recommended video:
6:04
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Amplitude and Vertical Stretch
Amplitude refers to the height of the wave from its midline to its peak. In the function y = ½ sec x, the coefficient ½ indicates a vertical stretch, meaning the graph of sec x is scaled down by a factor of 2. This affects the range of the function, making it oscillate between -½ and ½, while still maintaining the same periodicity.
Recommended video:
6:02
Stretches and Shrinks of Functions
Watch next
Master Introduction to Tangent Graph with a bite sized video explanation from Nick Kaneko
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice