Secant function's graph oscillates, having vertical asymptotes at odd multiples of π/2 for x-intercepts.
The function y = sec(x) represents the secant function, which is the reciprocal of the cosine function. Let's create a table of key values and graph the function y = sec(x).
Table of Key Values:
To analyze the secant function, let's find its maxima, minima, and x-intercepts:
1. Maximum and Minimum:
The secant function has no maximum or minimum points as it oscillates indefinitely between -∞ and ∞.
2. X-intercepts:
The x-intercepts occur where the secant function has values of zero. Since the secant function is the reciprocal of the cosine function, its x-intercepts are where the cosine function equals zero.
The cosine function has x-intercepts at odd multiples of
. Hence, the x-intercepts for the secant function y = sec(x) occur at
,
,
.
Graph of y = sec(x):
The graph shows the secant function \(y = \sec(x)\). As seen in the graph, the function has vertical asymptotes at its x-intercepts where the cosine function equals zero. The curve oscillates between these asymptotes, showcasing its periodic behavior.
The function is undefined at the x-intercepts, resulting in vertical asymptotes where the graph approaches positive or negative infinity. This graph visually demonstrates the periodic nature of the secant function and its behavior around the x-intercepts.