Which of the following functions has a domain of all there real numbers?

a) #y = cotx#
b) #y = secx#
c) #y =sinx#
d) #y = tanx#

1 Answer
Jan 22, 2017

C. #y= sinx#

Explanation:

We need to look for asymptotes here. Whenever there are asymptotes, the domain will have restrictions.

A:

#y= cotx# can be written as #y = cosx/sinx# by the quotient identity. There are vertical asymptotes whenever the denominator equals #0#, so if:

#sinx = 0#

Then

#x = 0, pi#

These will be the asymptotes in #0 ≤ x < 2pi#. Therefore, #y =cotx# is not defined in all the real numbers.

B:

#y = secx# can be written as #y = 1/cosx#. Vertical asymptotes in #0 ≤ x < 2pi# will be at:

#cosx =0#

#x = pi/2, (3pi)/2#

Therefore, #y = secx# does not have a domain of all the real numbers.

C:

#y = sinx#

This has a denominator of #1#, or will never have a vertical asymptote. It is also continuous, so this is the function we're looking for.

D:

#y = tanx# can be written as #y = sinx/cosx#, which will have asymptotes at #x = pi/2# and #x= (3pi)/2# in 0 ≤ x <2pi#. It does not have a domain of all real numbers.

Hopefully this helps!