Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Secant Function
The secant function, denoted as sec(x), is the reciprocal of the cosine function. It is defined as sec(x) = 1/cos(x). The secant function has vertical asymptotes where the cosine function is zero, leading to undefined values. Understanding the behavior of the secant function is crucial for graphing it accurately, especially in identifying its periodic nature and asymptotic behavior.
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Period of a Trigonometric Function
The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle of the function. For the secant function, the standard period is 2π, but this can change with transformations. In the given function y = 3 sec[(1/4)x], the coefficient (1/4) affects the period, stretching it to 8π. Recognizing how to determine and adjust the period is essential for accurate graphing.
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Vertical Stretch
A vertical stretch occurs when a function is multiplied by a constant factor greater than one, affecting the amplitude of the graph. In the function y = 3 sec[(1/4)x], the factor of 3 indicates that the graph of the secant function will be stretched vertically by this factor. This means that the peaks and troughs of the graph will be three times higher or lower than the standard secant function, which is important for visualizing the graph's shape.
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