How do the graphs of sine and cosine relate to each of the others? Emphasize asymptotes in your response.
Before we begin, it is important to note that the equation for sine is (y/r) and cosine is (x/r), which means they can never be undefined (on the unit circle) and therefore not be an asymptote.
Now, let's begin with tangent. Tangent, in terms of identities, has the equation of (sin/cos). In terms of graphing, we know that if cos is 0, it will be undefined and give the equation asymptotes, restrictions. The asymptotes help restrict the graph as well as how it will look. We know that tangent has a pattern, in terms of unit circle, of +-+-. So asymptotes help determine where the graph will lie. It will be easier to show you so look below for reference.
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©Mrs. Kirch's Desmos |
As we can see, the unit circle is divided into four and the tangent (orange line) pattern in the unit circle helps determine the pattern that the tangent has as well as what it will look like. Now, this relates to sine and cosine because In the first quadrant, all are positive and are above the x-axis. In the second quadrant, only sine is positive, so cosine and tangent are negative. In the third quadrant, only tangent is positive and is the only one above the x-axis. Lastly, tangent and sine are negative so sine is the only one above the x-axis. There are similarities between the two every from quadrant to quadrant.
Now as for cotangent? Same rules apply like tangent! Look below and you can see that the only difference is the direction because cotangent goes left to right and tangent goes right to left.
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©Mrs. Kirck's Demos |
Now as for secant? Well, lets look at the picture below. (Secant is the blue line.)
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©Mrs. Kirch's Demos |
Now we can see that there are asymptotes restricting the secant graph and making multiple ones. However, when we look, we can see a similarity between secant and another function. Can you see it? Whenever cosine is positive, the secant graph goes up. When the cosine graph is negative, the graph goes down. I know, I know, you've just been mind blown right now. But hold on, there's one more.
Look at cosecant below. (Cosecant is the blue line.)
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©Mrs. Kirch's Desmos |
Do you see a similarity despite the asymptotes restricting the cosecant graph? BY JOLLY YOU'VE GOT IT! Whenever the sine graph is negative, the cosecant graph is negative and whenever the sine graph is positive, the cosecant graph is positive.