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
Textbook QuestionGraph each function over a one-period interval.
y = -2 tan (¼ 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.
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.
Recommended video:
5:43
Introduction to Tangent Graph
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.
Recommended video:
4:22
Domain and Range of Function Transformations
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.
Recommended video:
5:33
Period of Sine and Cosine Functions
Watch next
Master Introduction to Tangent Graph with a bite sized video explanation from Nick Kaneko
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice