Graphing Secant y = -1/2 sec(x) - Free math lesson

The video tutorial covers the basics of trigonometric functions, focusing on sine, cosine, secant, and cosecant. It explains how to graph secant by first graphing its reciprocal, cosine. The tutorial discusses amplitude, reflection over the X-axis, and the calculation of periods and intervals. It guides viewers through drawing the cosine graph, identifying key points like intercepts and maximum/minimum values, and finally graphing the secant function using the cosine graph as a reference. The concept of vertical asymptotes in the secant graph is also explained.

Which trigonometric function is the reciprocal of secant?

• Sine

• Cosine

• Tangent

• Cosecant

What is the amplitude of a function if the absolute value of 'a' is -1/2?

• 0

• 1/2

• -1/2

• 1

How many intervals are used to divide the period of a cosine function?

• 5

• 4

• 3

• 2

What is the period of a cosine function when B is 1?

• π

• π/2

• 4π

• 2π

Where does the cosine graph start if it is reflected over the X-axis?

• At -1

• At -1/2

• At 1

• At 0

What happens at the intercepts of a cosine graph when plotting a secant graph?

• They become maximum points

• They remain unchanged

• They become minimum points

• They become vertical asymptotes

How is the secant graph related to the maximum and minimum points of the cosine graph?

• They are ignored

• They form parabolas

• They are doubled

• They become intercepts