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How to Graph a Periodic Function Tangent

Mathematical functions can take a number of different forms but all have the ability to manipulate an input in order to generate an output. There are numerous mathematical functions but only a few are periodic and these are generally known as trigonometric functions. There are three main trigonometric functions and these are known as sine (sin), cosine (cos) and tangent (tan). Periodic functions such as tangent can be graphed by using a scientific calculator to generate x and y values.

Things You'll Need

Scientific calculator
Graph paper
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a table with two columns. Label the first column "x" and the second column "tan(x)." Put the values 1 to 20 into the "x" column.
- 2
  Switch on the calculator. Enter the first value of x (1) into the calculator and then press the "tan" button. Write down the answer into the second column. Repeat this for all values of x, until the table is complete.
- 3
  Draw the axes onto the graph paper. Label the x-axis "x" and the y-axis "tan(x)." Look at the first value of x in the table. Find it on the x-axis. Find the corresponding y value in the table and find it on the y-axis. Mark a cross where the x and y values intersect. Repeat this for all data in the table. Using a ruler, draw a line in between adjacent points. The graph is now complete. The graph of tan(x) should be periodic and repeat at intervals of Pi.

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