Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cotangent Function
The cotangent function, denoted as cot(x), is the reciprocal of the tangent function. It is defined as cot(x) = cos(x)/sin(x). The cotangent function has a period of π, meaning it repeats its values every π units along the x-axis. Understanding its behavior, including asymptotes and zeros, is crucial for graphing.
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Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphing trigonometric functions involves plotting their values over a specified interval. Key features to identify include amplitude, period, phase shift, and vertical shift. For the cotangent function, it is important to note the locations of vertical asymptotes, which occur where the sine function is zero, as these points indicate where the function is undefined.
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Transformations of Functions
Transformations of functions involve shifting, stretching, or reflecting the graph of a function. In the given equation, y = -3 cot(π/2 x), the negative sign indicates a reflection across the x-axis, while the coefficient -3 represents a vertical stretch. Understanding these transformations helps in accurately sketching the graph of the function.
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