Chapter 10: Problem 38
Solve the given problems.Use a calculator to view the indicated curves.Find the function and graph it for a function of the form \(y=2 \cos (2 x-c)\) that passes through \((\pi / 6,2)\) and for which \(c\) has the smallest possible positive value.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is \(y = 2 \cos(2x - \pi/3)\). This graph passes through \((\pi/6, 2)\) with the smallest positive phase shift.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Given Function
The function is of the form \(y = 2 \cos(2x - c)\). This is a cosine function with an amplitude of 2 and a frequency component represented by \(2x\). The variable \(c\) is the phase shift, and we need to determine its value such that the function passes through the point \((\pi/6, 2)\) with the smallest positive \(c\).
02
Substitute the Point into the Function
Substitute \(x = \pi/6\) and \(y = 2\) into the function: \(2 = 2 \cos(2(\pi/6) - c)\). This simplifies to \(1 = \cos(\pi/3 - c)\).
03
Solve for the Inside of the Cosine
In order for \(\cos(\theta) = 1\), \(\theta\) must equal \(2n\pi\) for any integer \(n\). So, set \(\pi/3 - c = 2n\pi\).
04
Simplify and Solve for \(c\)
Rearrange the equation to solve for \(c\): \(c = \pi/3 - 2n\pi\).
05
Determine the Smallest Positive \(c\)
To find the smallest positive \(c\), set \(n = 0\) to get \(c = \pi/3\). There are no smaller positive values for \(c\) because increasing \(n\) would make \(c\) negative or convert it into a larger positive\/negative integer multiple of \(2\pi\).
06
Verify the Solution
Substitute \(c = \pi/3\) back into the original function to verify: \(y = 2 \cos(2x - \pi/3)\). Insert \(x = \pi/6\) and calculate: \(y = 2 \cos((\pi/3) - \pi/3) = 2 \cos(0) = 2\). The point \((\pi/6, 2)\) satisfies the function.
07
Graph the Function
Graph the function \(y = 2 \cos(2x - \pi/3)\). This function has an amplitude of 2, a frequency of 2 cycles over \(2\pi\), and is shifted \(\pi/3\) to the right.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cosine Function
The cosine function is a fundamental component of trigonometry. It is used to describe oscillations and waves, such as sound and electromagnetic waves. The basic form of a cosine function is written as \(y = a \cos(bx + c) + d\), where each parameter plays a specific role:
- \(a\) is the amplitude, which determines the height of the wave from the center line to its peak. In our exercise, the amplitude is 2, indicating the wave reaches 2 units above and below the x-axis.
- \(b\) influences the frequency of the function, which we will explore in another section.
- \(c\) controls the phase shift, a topic we will discuss in depth soon.
- \(d\) is the vertical shift, moving the entire function up or down, but is not utilized in our problem.
Phase Shift
Phase shift in trigonometry refers to the horizontal translation of a function. It determines how far left or right the function is shifted from its standard position. The phase shift is calculated from the expression \(bx + c\) in the cosine function \(y = a \cos(bx + c)\).
- When the phase shift is positive, the graph of the function shifts to the left. Conversely, a negative phase shift moves the graph to the right.
- In our problem, the function is expressed as \(y = 2 \cos(2x - c)\), where the phase shift \(c\) is what we needed to calculate. The smallest positive value for \(c\) we found was \(\pi/3\), meaning the function shifts \(\pi/3\) units to the right.
- The phase shift is essential for positioning the wave correctly to match boundary conditions or specific data points, like we did with the point \((\pi / 6, 2)\).
Frequency in Trigonometry
The frequency of a trigonometric function refers to how often the function's cycle repeats over a particular interval. In the context of the cosine function \(y = a \cos(bx + c)\), frequency is controlled by the parameter \(b\).
- A higher frequency indicates more cycles over a given period. For a function \(y = 2 \cos(2x - c)\), such as in our problem, the coefficient of \(x\) (which is 2) indicates the frequency. This means that there are 2 complete cycles of the cosine wave every \(2\pi\) units.
- In trigonometric terms, frequency is often represented as the number of periods or oscillations within the interval \([0, 2\pi]\).
- Frequency is an important concept when analyzing waves and oscillatory behavior in both natural and technological contexts. It explains how rapidly phenomena like sound waves, alternating currents, or vibrations occur.