What is the period of the basic cosecant function ?
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- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 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 Secant and Cosecant Functions
Problem 31
Textbook Question
In Exercises 29–44, graph two periods of the given cosecant or secant function. y = 1/2 csc x/2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the given function: \(y = \frac{1}{2} \csc \left( \frac{x}{2} \right)\).
Recall that the cosecant function \(\csc \theta\) is the reciprocal of the sine function, so \(\csc \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta}\).
Determine the period of the function inside the cosecant. The standard period of \(\csc x\) is \(2\pi\). Since the argument is \(\frac{x}{2}\), the period \(P\) is given by \(P = \frac{2\pi}{\frac{1}{2}} = 4\pi\).
Since the problem asks for two periods, calculate the interval for \(x\) to graph: from \$0$ to \(2 \times 4\pi = 8\pi\).
Plot the graph by first sketching the sine function \(y = \sin \left( \frac{x}{2} \right)\) over \([0, 8\pi]\), then draw the cosecant as the reciprocal of sine, scaled by \(\frac{1}{2}\), noting vertical asymptotes where \(\sin \left( \frac{x}{2} \right) = 0\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Understanding the Cosecant Function
The cosecant function, csc(x), is the reciprocal of the sine function, defined as csc(x) = 1/sin(x). It is undefined where sin(x) = 0, leading to vertical asymptotes. Recognizing its periodicity and behavior near these asymptotes is essential for accurate graphing.
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Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
Effect of Transformations on Trigonometric Graphs
Transformations such as vertical scaling and horizontal stretching/compression alter the graph's shape and period. In y = (1/2) csc(x/2), the factor 1/2 scales the graph vertically, while the argument x/2 stretches the period horizontally, doubling it compared to the basic csc(x) function.
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Introduction to Transformations
Period of the Cosecant Function
The period of the basic cosecant function is 2π, matching the sine function's period. When the input is modified to x/2, the period becomes 4π, calculated by dividing 2π by the coefficient of x inside the function. Knowing the period helps in plotting the correct length for two full cycles.
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