Graph each inverse circular function by hand. y = arcsec [(1/2)x]
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Step 1: Understand the function y = \text{arcsec}[(1/2)x]. The arcsecant function, \text{arcsec}(x), is the inverse of the secant function, \text{sec}(y), where \text{sec}(y) = x.
Step 2: Recognize the domain of the arcsecant function. The domain of \text{arcsec}(x) is x \leq -1 or x \geq 1. For y = \text{arcsec}[(1/2)x], solve (1/2)x \leq -1 or (1/2)x \geq 1 to find the domain of x.
Step 3: Solve the inequalities from Step 2. For (1/2)x \leq -1, multiply both sides by 2 to get x \leq -2. For (1/2)x \geq 1, multiply both sides by 2 to get x \geq 2. Thus, the domain of x is x \leq -2 or x \geq 2.
Step 4: Determine the range of the arcsecant function. The range of \text{arcsec}(x) is [0, \pi/2) \cup (\pi/2, \pi]. This means y will take values in this range.
Step 5: Sketch the graph. Plot the function y = \text{arcsec}[(1/2)x] using the domain and range determined. Note that the graph will have two branches, one for x \leq -2 and another for x \geq 2, and will approach vertical asymptotes at x = -2 and x = 2.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inverse Circular Functions
Inverse circular functions, such as arcsecant, are the inverses of the standard trigonometric functions. They allow us to find angles when given a ratio. For example, the function y = arcsec(x) gives the angle whose secant is x. Understanding these functions is crucial for graphing and interpreting their behavior.
The domain and range of inverse functions differ from their original functions. For arcsec(x), the domain is x ≤ -1 or x ≥ 1, while the range is [0, π/2) ∪ (π/2, π]. Knowing these restrictions is essential for accurately graphing the function and understanding where it is defined.
Transformations involve shifting, stretching, or compressing the graph of a function. In the case of y = arcsec[(1/2)x], the factor (1/2) affects the horizontal stretch of the graph. Recognizing how transformations impact the graph's shape and position is vital for accurate hand-drawing of the function.