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 4.33a
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionDecide whether each statement is true or false. If false, explain why.
The tangent and secant functions are undefined for the same values.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Tangent Function
The tangent function, defined as the ratio of the sine to the cosine of an angle (tan(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ)), is undefined when the cosine of the angle is zero. This occurs at odd multiples of π/2 (90 degrees), where the function approaches infinity, leading to vertical asymptotes on the graph.
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Secant Function
The secant function is the reciprocal of the cosine function (sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ)). It is undefined at the same angles where the cosine is zero, specifically at odd multiples of π/2 (90 degrees). Thus, secant also has vertical asymptotes at these points, indicating that the function does not have a defined value.
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Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
Undefined Functions
A function is considered undefined at certain points when it cannot produce a valid output. For both tangent and secant functions, this occurs at angles where the denominator of their respective ratios (cosine for tangent and secant) equals zero. Understanding these undefined points is crucial for analyzing the behavior of these trigonometric functions.
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Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
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