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Ch. 1 - Angles and the Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 1, Problem 5

In Exercises 5–12, graph two periods of the given tangent function. y = 3 tan x/4

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Identify the standard form of the tangent function: \( y = a \tan(bx - c) + d \). In this case, \( a = 3 \), \( b = \frac{1}{4} \), \( c = 0 \), and \( d = 0 \).
Determine the period of the function. The period of a tangent function is given by \( \frac{\pi}{|b|} \). Substitute \( b = \frac{1}{4} \) to find the period.
Calculate the vertical stretch/compression. The coefficient \( a = 3 \) indicates a vertical stretch by a factor of 3.
Identify the asymptotes of the function. For \( y = \tan(bx) \), the vertical asymptotes occur at \( bx = \frac{\pi}{2} + k\pi \), where \( k \) is an integer. Solve for \( x \) using \( b = \frac{1}{4} \).
Graph two periods of the function by plotting key points, including the intercepts and asymptotes, and sketching the curve between these points, considering the vertical stretch.

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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 fundamental trigonometric function defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle. It is periodic with a period of π, meaning it repeats its values every π radians. Understanding the basic shape and properties of the tangent function is essential for graphing transformations.
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Introduction to Tangent Graph

Transformations of Functions

Transformations involve changing the position or shape of a function's graph. In the given function y = 3 tan(x/4), the coefficient '3' vertically stretches the graph by a factor of 3, while 'x/4' indicates a horizontal stretch, increasing the period to 4π. Recognizing these transformations helps in accurately sketching the graph.
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Domain and Range of Function Transformations

Graphing Periodic Functions

Graphing periodic functions like the tangent function requires understanding their key features, including asymptotes, intercepts, and periodicity. For the tangent function, vertical asymptotes occur where the function is undefined, specifically at odd multiples of π/2. Knowing how to identify these features is crucial for accurately graphing two periods of the function.
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Period of Sine and Cosine Functions
Related Practice
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–4, graph one period of each function. y = 2 tan x/2
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Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–4, a point P(x, y) is shown on the unit circle corresponding to a real number t. Find the values of the trigonometric functions at t.
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In Exercises 1–8, use the given vectors to find v⋅w and v⋅v. v = -6i - 5j, w = -10i - 8j

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In Exercises 5–18, the unit circle has been divided into twelve equal arcs, corresponding to t-values of 0, 𝜋, 𝜋, 𝜋, 2𝜋, 5𝜋, 𝜋, 7𝜋, 4𝜋, 3𝜋, 5𝜋, 11𝜋, and 2𝜋. 6 3 2 3 6 6 3 2 3 6 Use the (x,y) coordinates in the figure to find the value of each trigonometric function at the indicated real number, t, or state that the expression is undefined. sin 𝜋/3
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Textbook Question

The unit circle has been divided into twelve equal arcs, corresponding to t-values of


0, 𝜋/6, 𝜋/3, 𝜋/2, 2𝜋/3, 5𝜋/6, 𝜋, 7𝜋/6, 4𝜋/3, 3𝜋/2, 5𝜋/3, 11𝜋/6, and 2𝜋


Use the (x,y) coordinates in the figure to find the value of each trigonometric function at the indicated real number, t, or state that the expression is undefined.

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cos 5𝜋/6

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Textbook Question
In Exercises 5–18, the unit circle has been divided into twelve equal arcs, corresponding to t-values of 0, 𝜋, 𝜋, 𝜋, 2𝜋, 5𝜋, 𝜋, 7𝜋, 4𝜋, 3𝜋, 5𝜋, 11𝜋, and 2𝜋. 6 3 2 3 6 6 3 2 3 6 Use the (x,y) coordinates in the figure to find the value of each trigonometric function at the indicated real number, t, or state that the expression is undefined.

cos 2𝜋/3
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