Math Problem Statement

Find the vertical asymptotes (if any) of the graph of the function f(x) = tan(πx). Use n as an arbitrary integer if necessary. If an answer does not exist, enter DNE.

Solution

The given function is f(x)=tan(πx)f(x) = \tan(\pi x).

To find the vertical asymptotes of the function:

  1. Recall the behavior of the tangent function: The tangent function tan(θ)\tan(\theta) has vertical asymptotes wherever cos(θ)=0\cos(\theta) = 0, which corresponds to θ=π2+nπ\theta = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi, where nn is any integer.

  2. Apply this to the function tan(πx)\tan(\pi x): We need to find where tan(πx)\tan(\pi x) becomes undefined, which happens when cos(πx)=0\cos(\pi x) = 0.

  3. Solve for xx: cos(πx)=0whenπx=π2+nπ.\cos(\pi x) = 0 \quad \text{when} \quad \pi x = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi. Divide by π\pi: x=12+n.x = \frac{1}{2} + n. Hence, the vertical asymptotes occur at x=12+nx = \frac{1}{2} + n, where nn is any integer.

Conclusion:

The vertical asymptotes of the function f(x)=tan(πx)f(x) = \tan(\pi x) occur at x=12+nx = \frac{1}{2} + n, where nn is an integer.

Let me know if you need further details or have any questions!

Related Questions:

  1. What are the horizontal asymptotes of the tangent function?
  2. How does the graph of tan(πx)\tan(\pi x) differ from tan(x)\tan(x)?
  3. What are the zeros of f(x)=tan(πx)f(x) = \tan(\pi x)?
  4. How do you determine the period of the function tan(πx)\tan(\pi x)?
  5. Can you explain how to find the vertical asymptotes of sec(πx)\sec(\pi x)?

Tip:

For any trigonometric function like tangent, vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator of the associated sine and cosine function becomes zero.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Tangent Function
Vertical Asymptotes

Formulas

tan(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ)

Theorems

The tangent function has vertical asymptotes wherever cos(θ) = 0, corresponding to θ = π/2 + nπ.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12