In Exercises 21–28, an object moves in simple harmonic motion described by the given equation, where t is measured in seconds and d in inches. In each exercise, find the following: a. the maximum displacement b. the frequency c. the time required for one cycle. d = −4 sin 3π/2 t
Ch. 2 - Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions; Inverse Trigonometric Functions

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Blitzer 3rd Edition
Ch. 2 - Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions; Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Problem 28
Blitzer 3rd Edition
Ch. 2 - Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions; Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Problem 28Chapter 2, Problem 28
Use each graph to obtain the graph of the corresponding reciprocal function, cosecant or secant. Give the equation of the function for the graph that you obtain.
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Identify the original trigonometric function from the given graph, which will be either sine or cosine, since their reciprocals are cosecant and secant respectively.
Recall that the reciprocal function of sine is cosecant, defined as \(y = \csc x = \frac{1}{\sin x}\), and the reciprocal function of cosine is secant, defined as \(y = \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x}\).
Note the key features of the original graph: where the function crosses the x-axis (zeros), where it has maximum and minimum values, and its period. These features help determine the behavior of the reciprocal function.
Use the fact that the reciprocal function will have vertical asymptotes where the original function is zero, because division by zero is undefined. For example, if the original function is \(\sin x\), then \(\csc x\) has vertical asymptotes where \(\sin x = 0\).
Sketch the reciprocal graph by plotting points where the original function has maximum and minimum values (these become the minimum and maximum points of the reciprocal), and draw vertical asymptotes at the zeros of the original function. Finally, write the equation of the reciprocal function based on the original function identified.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions
Reciprocal functions like cosecant (csc) and secant (sec) are defined as the reciprocals of sine and cosine, respectively. Specifically, csc(x) = 1/sin(x) and sec(x) = 1/cos(x). Understanding these relationships is essential to transform sine or cosine graphs into their reciprocal counterparts.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Graphing Reciprocal Functions
To graph reciprocal functions, identify points where the original sine or cosine function is zero, as these correspond to vertical asymptotes in the reciprocal graph. The reciprocal graph will have peaks where the original function has maxima or minima, and it will never cross the x-axis since the reciprocal of zero is undefined.
Recommended video:
Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
Equation Identification from Graphs
Determining the equation from a graph involves recognizing amplitude, period, phase shift, and vertical shift. For reciprocal functions, these parameters come from the original sine or cosine function before taking the reciprocal. Accurately identifying these features allows writing the correct cosecant or secant function equation.
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Convert Equations from Polar to Rectangular
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