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 its behavior, including its asymptotes and points of discontinuity, is crucial for graphing.
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Vertical Transformations
Vertical transformations involve shifting a function up or down on the graph. In the function y = -1 + 2 tan x, the '-1' indicates a downward shift of the entire graph by one unit. This transformation affects the y-values of the function without altering its shape or period.
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Amplitude and Stretching
In trigonometric functions, amplitude typically refers to the height of the wave from its midline. However, for the tangent function, which does not have a maximum or minimum value, the coefficient '2' in '2 tan x' indicates a vertical stretch. This means the function's values will be scaled by a factor of 2, affecting the steepness of the graph.
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