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 4.13b
Textbook Question
Graph each function over a one-period interval. See Examples 1–3.
y = tan 4x

1
Step 1: Identify the basic properties of the tangent function. The tangent function, \( y = \tan(x) \), has a period of \( \pi \) and vertical asymptotes where the function is undefined.
Step 2: Determine the period of \( y = \tan(4x) \). The period of \( \tan(kx) \) is given by \( \frac{\pi}{k} \). For \( y = \tan(4x) \), the period is \( \frac{\pi}{4} \).
Step 3: Identify the vertical asymptotes. For \( y = \tan(4x) \), the vertical asymptotes occur at \( x = \frac{\pi}{8} + \frac{n\pi}{4} \), where \( n \) is an integer.
Step 4: Determine the x-intercepts. The x-intercepts of \( y = \tan(4x) \) occur at \( x = \frac{n\pi}{4} \), where \( n \) is an integer.
Step 5: Sketch the graph over one period. Plot the x-intercepts and vertical asymptotes, and draw the curve of the tangent function, which increases from negative to positive infinity between each pair of asymptotes.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Period of Trigonometric Functions
The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle of the function. For the tangent function, the standard period is π. However, when the function is modified, such as in y = tan(4x), the period is adjusted by the coefficient of x. In this case, the period becomes π/4, meaning the function will complete one full cycle over this interval.
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Graphing the Tangent Function
The tangent function, y = tan(x), has specific characteristics, including vertical asymptotes and points of intersection with the x-axis. The graph of y = tan(4x) will have vertical asymptotes where the function is undefined, specifically at x = (π/8) + (nπ/4) for integers n. Understanding these features is crucial for accurately sketching the graph.
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Transformations of Functions
Transformations involve changes to the basic form of a function, affecting its position, shape, or size. In the case of y = tan(4x), the '4' indicates a horizontal compression, which alters the spacing of the function's features, such as its period and asymptotes. Recognizing how transformations impact the graph is essential for accurate representation.
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