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 4.21b
Textbook Question
Graph each function over a one-period interval.
y = -2 tan (¼ x)
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1
Identify the basic form of the tangent function: \( y = a \tan(bx) \). In this case, \( a = -2 \) and \( b = \frac{1}{4} \).
Determine the period of the tangent function. The period of \( \tan(bx) \) is given by \( \frac{\pi}{b} \). Substitute \( b = \frac{1}{4} \) to find the period.
Calculate the period: \( \frac{\pi}{\frac{1}{4}} = 4\pi \). This is the interval over which you will graph one period of the function.
Identify the vertical asymptotes of the function. For \( \tan(bx) \), the vertical asymptotes occur at \( bx = \frac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \), where \( k \) is an integer. Solve for \( x \) to find the asymptotes.
Graph the function over one period \([0, 4\pi]\), marking the vertical asymptotes and plotting key points such as the origin and the midpoint of the period, considering the vertical stretch and reflection due to \( a = -2 \).
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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, denoted as tan(x), is a periodic function defined as the ratio of the sine and cosine functions: tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x). It has a period of π, meaning it repeats its values every π radians. Understanding the behavior of the tangent function, including its asymptotes and points of discontinuity, is crucial for graphing it accurately.
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Transformation of Functions
Transformations of functions involve shifting, stretching, or reflecting the graph of a function. In the given function y = -2 tan(¼ x), the coefficient -2 indicates a vertical stretch and reflection across the x-axis, while the factor ¼ affects the horizontal stretch, increasing the period of the tangent function to 4π. Recognizing these transformations helps in accurately sketching the graph.
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Period of a Function
The period of a function is the length of the interval over which the function completes one full cycle. For the tangent function, the standard period is π, but it can be altered by a horizontal scaling factor. In the function y = -2 tan(¼ x), the period is modified to 4π due to the ¼ coefficient, which is essential for determining the interval over which to graph the function.
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