Math Problem Statement

What function is graphed below?

On a coordinate plane, the x axis ranges from negative pi to pi with an interval of quarter pi units and the y axis ranges from negative 6 to 6 with an interval of 2 units. It shows a curve that oscillates between positive and negative infinity as x approaches multiples of pi.The curve has vertical asymptotes at x equals plus or minus n times pi. The curve crosses the x axis at (pi by 4 comma 0) and (negative 3 pi by 4 comma 0).

y equal to cotangent (x minus StartFraction pi over 4 EndFraction)

y equal to tangent (x minus StartFraction pi over 4 EndFraction)

y equal to cotangent (x plus StartFraction pi over 4 EndFraction)

y equal to tangent (x plus StartFraction pi over 4 EndFraction)

Solution

Based on the description, the graph has vertical asymptotes at x=±nπx = \pm n\pi and crosses the x-axis at (π4,0)\left(\frac{\pi}{4}, 0\right) and (3π4,0)\left(-\frac{3\pi}{4}, 0\right), which is characteristic of a tangent function. Tangent functions exhibit vertical asymptotes at integer multiples of π\pi and oscillate between positive and negative infinity near those points.

Moreover, the graph's shift to cross the x-axis at π4\frac{\pi}{4} and 3π4-\frac{3\pi}{4} suggests a horizontal shift. The equation of the tangent function that matches this behavior is:

y=tan(xπ4)y = \tan\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right)

Thus, the correct answer is:

y=tan(xπ4)\boxed{y = \tan\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right)}

This equation reflects the tangent function shifted to the right by π4\frac{\pi}{4}, fitting the described properties of the graph.

Would you like more details on how transformations affect trigonometric functions or any specific part of the explanation?

Related Questions:

  1. How does the graph of y=tan(x)y = \tan(x) differ from y=cot(x)y = \cot(x)?
  2. What are the general characteristics of the tangent function’s graph?
  3. How do horizontal shifts affect the graph of trigonometric functions?
  4. What is the period of the tangent function, and how does it affect the graph?
  5. How do asymptotes relate to the period of the tangent and cotangent functions?

Tip: Tangent functions have vertical asymptotes at odd multiples of π2\frac{\pi}{2} when unshifted, which helps to identify transformations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Graph transformations
Tangent function

Formulas

y = tan(x - π/4)

Theorems

Transformation of trigonometric functions
Properties of tangent function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12