Chapter 10: Problem 6
Sketch the curves of the given functions by addition of ordinates. $$y=\frac{1}{4} x^{2}+\cos 3 x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Sketch separate curves for \(\frac{1}{4}x^2\) and \(\cos 3x\), add their ordinates point-by-point, and connect these points smoothly to get the final curve.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Components
The given function is the sum of two separate functions: a quadratic function \(y_1 = \frac{1}{4}x^2\) and a trigonometric function \(y_2 = \cos 3x\). We will analyze these components separately to understand their individual behavior.
02
Analyze the Quadratic Function
The function \(y_1 = \frac{1}{4}x^2\) is a parabola that opens upwards with its vertex at the origin \((0,0)\). The coefficient \(\frac{1}{4}\) makes it wider than the standard parabola \(y = x^2\). We sketch a smooth curve passing through the origin and curving upwards in both directions.
03
Analyze the Trigonometric Function
The function \(y_2 = \cos 3x\) represents a cosine wave. The period of this cosine function is \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\) because the period of \(\cos x\) is \(2\pi\) and the multiplier \(3\) compresses the wave horizontally. This wave oscillates between -1 and 1. Sketch multiple periods of this wave to the same x-axis.
04
Add the Ordinates
To sketch the combined function \(y = \frac{1}{4}x^2 + \cos 3x\), add the ordinates (y-values) of \(y_1\) and \(y_2\) for various x-values. Select some critical points such as peaks, troughs, and zero crossings of \(\cos 3x\), and calculate the corresponding y-values by summing the ordinates of \(y_1\) and \(y_2\). This will help in getting the shape of the combined curve.
05
Sketch the Combined Curve
Using the calculated points from Step 4, sketch the final curve. Begin by plotting a few key points where the ordinance addition was performed, and ensure these points are consistent with the expected behavior of both \(y_1\) and \(y_2\). Connect these points smoothly to reflect the continuous nature of both functions. The resulting curve combines the upward-opening trend of the parabola with the oscillations of the cosine wave.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Functions
Quadratic functions are a type of polynomial function where the highest exponent of the variable is 2. The general form of a quadratic function is: \[ y = ax^2 + bx + c \]Here, \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants, and \(a eq 0\). These functions graph as parabolas, which are symmetrical, U-shaped curves.
- The vertex of the parabola is the highest or lowest point. For the function \(y = \frac{1}{4}x^2\), the vertex is at the origin, \((0,0)\).
- If \(a > 0\), the parabola opens upward. If \(a < 0\), it opens downward. This gives our parabola a gentle upward opening since \(a = \frac{1}{4}\), making it wider than \(y = x^2\).
- The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex, given by \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\), and in standard form, it's just \(x= 0\).
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions like sine and cosine are fundamental in mathematics for modeling periodic phenomena, such as sound waves or the oscillations in the given problem. The function \[ y_2 = \cos(3x) \]is a cosine function with a horizontal compression caused by the multiplier of 3.
- The basic cosine function, \(\cos x\), has a period of \(2\pi\), which is the distance required to complete one full cycle.
- By adding a number to \(x\) within the cosine argument, the function's graph is horizontally compressed, changing the period to \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\).
- The amplitude (height of the wave) remains 1, meaning that the wave oscillates between 1 and -1.
- The cosine wave has peaks (maximum points) and troughs (minimum points) that occur at regular intervals.
Addition of Ordinates
The addition of ordinates is a method used to sum the y-values of multiple functions at specific x-values. This technique is critical when dealing with compounded functions, like in the given exercise.
- For any x-value, calculate the y-value for each function separately. In our task, these are the quadratic \(y_1\) and the trigonometric \(y_2\) functions.
- Add these y-values together to get the ordinate for the combined function, \(y = \frac{1}{4}x^2 + \cos(3x)\).
- Selecting key x-values, such as where the cosine function peaks or crosses the x-axis, helps in effectively applying this method.
- This approach allows students to visualize how combined functions behave, granting insight into more complex graphing processes.
Curve Sketching
Curve sketching involves drawing a graph of a function based on its important characteristics without the use of plotting software or calculators. This exercise combines both algebraic understanding and visualization.
- Begin by analyzing and plotting the individual functions separately. Use their key features, such as vertex or amplitude.
- Through addition of ordinates, calculate key points for those values of x which are visually significant, such as peaks and crossings.
- Plot these calculated points onto a graph to provide a guideline for sketching the curve.
- Use these points to draw a smooth curve, ensuring that the transitions between calculated points reflect the physics and math of the function.