ACT Math : Tangent

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : How To Find The Period Of The Tangent

What is the period of the following tangent function?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The period of the tangent function defined in its standard form  has a period of . When you multiply the argument of the trigonometric function by a constant, you shorten its period of repetition. (Think of it like this: You pass through more iterations for each value  that you use.) If you have , this has one fifth of the period of the standard tangent function.  In the equation given, none of the other details matter regarding the period. They alter other aspects of the equation (its "width," its location, etc.). The period is altered only by the parameter. Thus, the period of this function is  of , or .

Example Question #2 : How To Find The Period Of The Tangent

What is the period of the following trigonometric equation:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For tangent and cotangent the period is given by the formula:

 where  comes from .

Thus we see from our equation  and so
.

Example Question #3 : How To Find The Period Of The Tangent

What is the period of the trigonometric function given by:
?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To find the period of a tangent funciton use the following formula:

 where  comes from .

thus we get that  so 

Example Question #1 : How To Find The Period Of The Tangent

What is the period of the following trigonometric function:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To find the period of a tangent or cotangent function use the following formula:

 

from the general tirogonometric formula: 

Since we have,

 

we have

.

Thus we get that 

Example Question #1 : How To Find The Domain Of The Tangent

What is domain of the function  from the interval ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Rewrite the tangent function in terms of cosine and sine.

Since the denominator cannot be zero, evaluate all values of theta where  on the interval .

These values of theta are asymptotes and will not exist on the tangent curve. They will not be included in the domain and parentheses will be used in the interval notation.

The correct solution is .

Example Question #2 : How To Find The Domain Of The Tangent

Where does the domain NOT exist for ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The domain for the parent function of tangent does not exist for:

The amplitude and the vertical shift will not affect the domain or the period of the graph.

The tells us that the graph will shift right  units.

Therefore, the asymptotes will be located at:

The locations of the asymptotes are:

Example Question #3 : How To Find The Domain Of The Tangent

Find the domain of .  Assume  is for all real numbers.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The domain of  does not exist at , for  is an integer.  

The ends of every period approaches to either positive or negative infinity. Notice that for this problem, the entire graph shifts to the right  units. This means that the asymptotes would also shift right by the same distance.

The asymptotes will exist at:

Therefore, the domain of  will exist anywhere EXCEPT:

Example Question #1 : How To Find The Range Of The Tangent

Find the range of: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The function  is related to .  The range of the tangent function is .

The range of  is unaffected by the amplitude and the y-intercept.  Therefore, the answer is .

Example Question #1 : How To Find The Range Of The Tangent

What is the range of the trigonometric fuction defined by:
?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For tangent and cotangent functions, the range is always all real numbers. 

Example Question #1 : How To Find The Range Of The Tangent

What is the range of the given trigonometric function:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The range of a function is every value that the funciton's results take. For tangent and cotangent, the function spans from  and so the range is:

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