Determining secant/cosecant equations for a graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the equations for secant and cosecant functions based on a given graph. The proposed secant equation is confirmed as y = 3 Sec(x - π/4), while the correct cosecant equation is identified as y = -3 csc(4x + π/2). Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between secant and cosecant as reciprocal functions and suggest drawing inverse graphs to aid in visualizing these relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically secant and cosecant
  • Familiarity with graphing techniques for trigonometric equations
  • Knowledge of the properties of periodic functions
  • Ability to manipulate and interpret inverse functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of secant and cosecant functions in trigonometry
  • Learn how to graph inverse trigonometric functions
  • Explore the relationship between sine, cosine, secant, and cosecant
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations using a graphing calculator like the TI-83
USEFUL FOR

Students learning trigonometry, educators teaching reciprocal functions, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of graphing secant and cosecant equations.

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Homework Statement



http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2097/56413287.jpg [/URL]

The Attempt at a Solution



I believe that the Secant curve has the equation y = 3 Sec ( x - pi/4) However I'm having difficulty figuring out what the cosecant equation would be. Wouldn't it just be the same thing but with a csc instead of sec?
 
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Hi Random-Hero-! :smile:
Random-Hero- said:
I believe that the Secant curve has the equation y = 3 Sec ( x - pi/4)

Nooo (except for the 3) …

what is the period?

Hint: draw the inverse graph first … that should help you with both parts of the question :wink:
 
would it be these?

secant: -3sec(4x)

cosecant: -3csc(4x+pi/2)
 
Random-Hero- said:
would it be these?

secant: -3sec(4x)

cosecant: -3csc(4x+pi/2)

I think you're just guessing :rolleyes:

try again, and this time give your reasons for your answer :smile:

(remember, sec = 1/cos, and csc = 1/sin)

(and what is the period?)
 
I'm just totally lost, I genuinely have NO idea what I'm doing, I just punched those into my Ti-83 and the graph that came up looked identical, but I want to figure it out by eye. Is there a site that covers this somewhere with reciprocal trig?
 
Random-Hero- said:
I'm just totally lost …

ok, try this …

draw the inverse of the graph …

you have a graph of y against x

in pencil, draw 3/y against x (it'll be in the middle, and it should be a continuous wave) …

can you write that pencil graph as a cos or sin? :smile:
 

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