Question

How do you graph \[y = \dfrac{1}{4}\sec x\] and include two full periods?

Answer 1

Hint: Here in this question, we have to plot the graph of a given trigonometric function. To solve this better we have to find the amplitude and period. Firstly, compare the given trigonometric function in the form of \[a\sec \left( {bx - c} \right) + d\] , to Find the amplitude = \[\left| a \right|\] , then Find the period using the formula \[\dfrac{{2\pi }}{{\left| b \right|}}\] , \[\dfrac{c}{b}\] represent the phase shift and \[d\] represent the vertical shift, using all these we can plot the required graph.

Complete step by step solution:
Consider the given trigonometric function:
 \[ \Rightarrow \,\,y = \dfrac{1}{4}\sec x\] -------(1)
Let the above equation be similar to the form of equation i.e., \[a\sec \left( {bx - c} \right) + d\] to find the variables used to find the amplitude, and period.
Now consider the given expression \[ \Rightarrow \,\,y = \dfrac{1}{4}\sec x\]
Where,
 \[a = \dfrac{1}{4}\]
 \[b = 1\]
 \[c = 0\]
 \[d = 0\]
The Amplitude is the height from the centre line to the peak (or to the trough). Or we can measure the height from highest to lowest points and divide that by 2.
To Find the amplitude = \[\left| a \right|\] .
There is no amplitude for secant graphs. However, secant is the reciprocal of cosine graphs which do rely on amplitude for transformations. For this reason, amplitude must be considered as a vertical shift.
Phase shift \[\dfrac{c}{b} = \dfrac{0}{1} = 0\] .
Vertical shift up by \[d = 0\] .
Period is the complete revolution of a wave completing crest and followed by trough
Otherwise
The Period goes from one peak to the next (or from any point to the next matching point):
Find the period using the formula \[\dfrac{{2\pi }}{{\left| b \right|}}\]
 \[ \Rightarrow \,\,\] Period \[ = \dfrac{{2\pi }}{{\left| 1 \right|}} = \dfrac{{2\pi }}{1}\, = 2\pi \]
The sketch of the given function \[y = \dfrac{1}{4}\sec x\] is:

Note: The period is the length of the smallest interval that contains exactly one copy of the repeating pattern. The Amplitude is the height from the centre line to the peak. We use the form of equation i.e., \[a\sec \left( {bx - c} \right) + d\] and we have formula for the period and amplitude and hence we determine the values.