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Glite Dictionary
tangent curve

tangent curve

8.1
A graph showing how tan x values change as the angle x changes
  • noun
  • /ˈtæn.dʒənt kɜrv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : curva tangente
  • The tangent curve has vertical asymptotes at every odd multiple of π/2.

Examples

  • The graphing calculator can plot a tangent curve to help visualize its periodic nature.

  • The tangent curve is periodic.

  • When studying trigonometry, students often examine the properties of the tangent curve.

  • Graphing a tangent curve can be challenging.

  • The tangent curve has vertical asymptotes at every odd multiple of π/2.

  • When studying trigonometry, students often examine the properties of the tangent curve.

  • The graphing calculator can plot a tangent curve to help visualize its periodic nature.

Synonyms

tan
vstangent curve
  • Specialized
3 8.1

The opposite side divided by the adjacent side in a right triangle

is the graph that plots how that ratio varies with angle
tangent
vstangent curve
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A ratio of the side opposite an angle to the side next to it in a right triangle

is the graph plotting that ratio as the angle changes

Surface Forms

tangent curve singular
tangent curves plural

Morphology

tangent + curve

The phrase is transparently compositional: 'tangent' names a trigonometric function and 'curve' denotes its plotted graph, so together they mean the graph of the tangent function. This follows the same, predictable naming pattern as 'sine curve' or 'cosine curve', so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning even if the term is somewhat technical.

Etymology

The noun tangent curve comes from the word tangent, which means 'to touch', and curve, a bending line. The name fits because the graph shows how the tangent value changes with the angle — imagine a wavy line that climbs very high and then falls near certain angles like cliffs, so tangent curve means the picture (graph) of y = tan x.