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146 Chapter 4: Object Properties
appliestovaluesofxrestrictedby–/2 X ≤∏/2.
The graphs for these func tions appear like the
basic trigonometric function graphs, but turned
on their sides.
Graphs of basic arc functions
The hyperbolic functions are based on the
exponential constant
e
instead of on circular
measurement. However, they behave similarly to
the trigonometric functions and are named for
them.Thebasichyperbolicfunctionsare:
Graphs of basic hyperbolic functions
Vectors
This topic is a quick review for readers who need
a reminder about vector ar ithmetic. If you’re
familiar with vectors and vector calculations,
you can skip this topic. If this topic is difficult to
follow, you might consult a more basic reference
on mathematics.
A vector expresses a length and a direction in
a particular space. The vector is expressed as a
point; for example, [5, 5, 7]. The length is the
distance from the origin to that point, and the
direction is similarly from the origin to (and
through) the point.
In3dsMax,vectorshavethreevaluesanddescribe
positions in three-dimensional space. They can
also represent percent scaling in X, Y, and Z; and
(more abstractly) describe locations in RGB color
space.
Unit Vectors and B asi c Vectors
A unit vector has a length of one. Unit vectors are
often used to express direct ion only. The three
basic vectors are unit vectors that describe the
threeaxes(X,Y,andZ)of3Dspace.
Basic vectors and the XYZ axes
Adding and Subtracting Vectors
Adding two vectors creates a new vector that
combines the length and direction of the