In Exercises 17–24, graph two periods of the given cotangent function. y = 2 cot x
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4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphs of Tangent and Cotangent Functions
Problem 21
Textbook Question
In Exercises 18–24, graph two full periods of the given tangent or cotangent function. y = −tan(x − π/4)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the basic function and its transformations. The given function is \(y = -\tan\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right)\), which is a tangent function shifted horizontally and reflected vertically.
Recall the period of the basic tangent function \(\tan x\) is \(\pi\). Since there is no coefficient multiplying \(x\) inside the function (other than 1), the period remains \(\pi\).
Determine the horizontal shift (phase shift). The function is shifted to the right by \(\frac{\pi}{4}\) because of the term \((x - \frac{\pi}{4})\) inside the tangent.
Account for the vertical reflection. The negative sign in front of the tangent means the graph is reflected over the x-axis, so all \(y\) values of \(\tan\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right)\) are multiplied by \(-1\).
To graph two full periods, plot the function from \(x = \frac{\pi}{4}\) to \(x = \frac{\pi}{4} + 2\pi\). Mark the vertical asymptotes where the tangent function is undefined, which occur at \(x = \frac{\pi}{4} + \frac{\pi}{2} + k\pi\) for integers \(k\), and sketch the curve accordingly with the reflection and shift.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Period of the Tangent Function
The tangent function has a fundamental period of π, meaning its values repeat every π units. For y = tan(x), one full period spans an interval of length π. When graphing two full periods, you need to cover an interval of length 2π along the x-axis.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Tangent Graph
Phase Shift
A phase shift occurs when the input variable x is replaced by (x − c), shifting the graph horizontally by c units. In y = −tan(x − π/4), the graph is shifted π/4 units to the right. This affects the location of key features like asymptotes and zeros.
Recommended video:
Phase Shifts
Reflection and Amplitude in Tangent Functions
The negative sign in front of the tangent function, as in y = −tan(x − π/4), reflects the graph across the x-axis, reversing its increasing and decreasing behavior. Unlike sine and cosine, tangent has no amplitude since it is unbounded, but reflections affect the direction of the curve.
Recommended video:
Amplitude and Reflection of Sine and Cosine
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