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 range of values greater than or equal to 1 or less than or equal to -1, and it is undefined wherever the cosine function is zero, leading to vertical asymptotes in its graph.
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Period of a Trigonometric Function
The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle of the function. For the secant function, the standard period is 2π. However, when the function is transformed, such as in y = sec(x/3), the period is affected by the coefficient of x, resulting in a new period calculated as 2π divided by the coefficient, which in this case is 3, yielding a period of 6π.
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Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphing trigonometric functions involves plotting the function's values over a specified interval. For secant functions, it is essential to identify the vertical asymptotes where the cosine function is zero, as well as the points where the function intersects the y-axis. Understanding the transformations, such as shifts and stretches, is crucial for accurately representing the function's behavior over its period.
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