tan

[red and white kop!]

im having a hard time keeping track of y values in tan function graphs. i know how to sketch the basic shape, obviously, but scaling and identifying f(alpha) in all that is very vague to me, and i find it impossible to find anything graphically from the graphs i draw including cotangents. any helpful hints? :?

 

[fasteddie65]

When graphing the tangent function, remember that tangent is undefined at odd multiplies of ?/2.

So, let's say we are graphing y = tan 3x. Set 3x = ?/2. x = ?/6. So this function has a vertical asymptote at ?/6, and at odd multiplies of ?/6 as well.

Also since tan ?/4 = 1, set 3x = ?/4. x = ?/12. So this function contains the point (?/12, 1). Use symmetry and the periodicity of the function to find more points with y-coordinate 1 (or -1).

 

[Denis]

tangent is undefined at odd multiplies of ?/2.

I've seen word "undefined" also used for other math stuff...
It is a most unfortunate word to use...
Anybody agree?

 

[red and white kop!]

thank you fasteddie, i must say the werewolf is not very helpful here. what do you suggest instead of undefined, huh? inexistant?