Range of a trigonometric function

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SUMMARY

The range of the function y=(2cosx+1)/(2cosx-1) is determined to be Ran = (-∞, 1/3] U [3, +∞). The algebraic manipulation leads to the expression y = tan(3x/2)/tan(x/2), which reveals discontinuities that contribute to the function's range extending to both positive and negative infinity. Key points include the behavior of the function near cosx=1/2, specifically at x=π/6, where the function approaches significant values influenced by the discontinuity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation of functions.
  • Familiarity with the concept of discontinuities in functions.
  • Basic graphing skills for trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of discontinuous functions in trigonometry.
  • Learn about the behavior of the tangent function and its applications.
  • Explore the implications of limits in relation to trigonometric functions.
  • Investigate the graphical representation of rational functions and their ranges.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior and range of trigonometric functions.

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Homework Statement



Find the range of the function: y=(2cosx+1)/(2cosx-1) algebraically

Homework Equations



Reducing it, I obtained: y= tan(3x/2)/tan(x/2), but the discontinuity confuses me

The Attempt at a Solution



I did it with my calculator and this is the result:

Ran = (-oo,1/3] U [3,+oo) but I hope I can get help with the algebraic solution.

Thanks in advance.
 
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The discontinuity is quite useful, as that informs you that the range of the function reaches infinity and minus infinity. If cosx=1/2, then x=pi/6(along with a variety of other numbers). 2cos(pi/6)+1=2. So we have something like 2/e, where e is a small number, when x is near pi/6. If x is less than pi/6, e is negative, and can be arbitrarily small. If x is greater than pi/6, e is positive and arbitrarily small. So if e is negative, it goes to negative infinity, if e is positive it goes to positive infinity.

It's similar to how the graph of 1/x works
 

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