Chapter 5: Problem 20
Find the period, and graph the function. $$y=\tan 4 x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The period of \( y = \tan 4x \) is \( \frac{\pi}{4} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Basic Function
The basic function we're working with is the tangent function, which is given by \( y = \tan x \). The parent function \( y = \tan x \) has a period of \( \pi \).
02
Determine the Period of the Given Function
For a function of the form \( y = \tan(bx) \), the period is given by \( \frac{\pi}{|b|} \). In this case, \( b = 4 \), so the period of \( y = \tan 4x \) is \( \frac{\pi}{4} \).
03
Graph the Basic Tangent Function for One Period
To understand the transformation, sketch the graph of \( y = \tan x \) over a single period from \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \) to \( \frac{\pi}{2} \). The graph will have vertical asymptotes at these points and will pass through the origin \((0,0)\).
04
Apply the Period Transformation and Graph
Given the period \( \frac{\pi}{4} \), divide this interval into four equal parts to plot the graph of \( y = \tan 4x \). Start plotting from \( -\frac{\pi}{8} \) to \( \frac{\pi}{8} \), with vertical asymptotes at these boundaries, and draw the tangent curve through the origin. Extend this pattern to sketch the full graph over several periods.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Tangent Function
The tangent function, represented as \( y = \tan x \), is a fundamental trigonometric function. Unlike sine and cosine, which have a repeating pattern over \( 2\pi \), the tangent function has a period of \( \pi \). This means it repeats its values over every interval of \( \pi \) rather than \( 2\pi \).
- The graph of \( y = \tan x \) features vertical asymptotes, which are lines the graph approaches but never touches or crosses.
- These asymptotes occur at \( x = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi \), where \( n \) is any integer, and they result in the characteristic repeating pattern of the tangent graph.
- The function is undefined at these points because the tangent of these angles results in division by zero.
Period of a Function
The period of a function is the distance over which the function's shape repeats. For trigonometric functions, understanding the period is crucial to graphing and analyzing behavior.
- The standard period of the basic tangent function \( y = \tan x \) is \( \pi \).
- When the function becomes \( y = \tan(bx) \), the period is adjusted by the factor \( b \). The new period can be found using the formula \( \frac{\pi}{|b|} \).
Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphing trigonometric functions like \( y = \tan 4x \) involves understanding how transformations affect the graph's shape and position. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to graph these functions:
- Identify the basic function: Start with understanding the basic parent tangent function \( y = \tan x \) over one cycle, stretching from \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \) to \( \frac{\pi}{2} \).
- Calculate the new period: Using the period calculation, find \( \frac{\pi}{b} \) which transforms the graph. Here, it's \( \frac{\pi}{4} \).
- Sketch the graph for the new period: Begin drawing the graph for one period from \( -\frac{\pi}{8} \) to \( \frac{\pi}{8} \), ensuring to place vertical asymptotes at these points.
- Include key points: Plot the origin \((0,0)\) and observe the pattern forming.
- Repeat the pattern: Extend the pattern to fill the desired graph length, repeating these steps over multiple periods.