Chapter 10: Problem 27
Solve the given problems. Find the function and graph it for a function of the form \(y=a \sin x\) that passes through \((\pi / 2,-2).\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is \(y = -2 \sin x\), and it reflects \(y = \sin x\) across the x-axis with an amplitude of 2.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Form of the Function
We are given the function form \(y = a \sin x\). To solve the problem, we need to determine the value of \(a\) such that the graph passes through the point \((\pi / 2, -2)\).
02
Plug the Given Point into the Function
Substitute the point \((\pi / 2, -2)\) into the function \(y = a \sin x\). This means we replace \(y\) with \(-2\) and \(x\) with \(\pi / 2\), giving us: \(-2 = a \sin (\pi / 2)\).
03
Simplify the Equation
Recall that \(\sin (\pi / 2) = 1\). Substituting this into the equation from Step 2, we have \(-2 = a \cdot 1\), simplifying to \(a = -2\).
04
Write the Specific Function
Now that we have determined that \(a = -2\), we can write the specific function as \(y = -2 \sin x\).
05
Consider Graphing the Function
To graph \(y = -2 \sin x\), start by plotting the basic points where \(y = \sin x\) is relevant, such as \(x = 0\), \(x = \pi / 2\), \(x = \pi\), etc. Multiply these sine values by \(-2\) and plot them accordingly. The graph will have an amplitude of 2 and reflect across the x-axis due to the negative coefficient.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Function Graphing
Graphing a function helps visualize its behavior and properties. It gives insight into how the function changes over different values of its variable. Here, we examine the function of the form \(y = a \sin x\). To graph such functions, steps typically include identifying key points across one complete wave (from \(0\) to \(2\pi\) for sine).
- Start by marking the x-values where sine has known values: \( x = 0, \pi/2, \pi, 3\pi/2, \text{and } 2\pi\).
- Calculate the corresponding y-values using the determined sine values and the coefficient \(a\).
Sine Function
The Sine function, written as \(\sin(x)\), is a basic trigonometric function tapping into the natural circular properties. It is periodic, meaning it repeats its shape over regular intervals, specifically every \(2\pi\) radians.
- The standard sine function \(y = \sin x\) oscillates between \(-1\) and \(1\).
- Key points include \(\sin 0 = 0\), \(\sin \frac{\pi}{2} = 1\), \(\sin \pi = 0\), and so forth, defining its wave-pattern.
Amplitude and Reflection
Amplitude in trigonometric functions pertains to the height from the base to the peak. For \(y = a \sin x\), the amplitude is the absolute value of \(a\). It determines the stretch or compression of the wave.
- If \(a = 1\), the wave peaks at \(1\) and troughs at \(-1\).
- If \( |a| > 1\), the wave is taller; \( |a| < 1\), the wave is shorter.
Equation Solving
Equation solving often involves substituting specific values to uncover unknown coefficients or solutions. In solving for \(a\) in \(y = a \sin x\), introduce known points to rearrange and solve the function.
- Substitute \(x\) and \(y\) from the given point \((\pi/2, -2)\).
- Understand that \(\sin (\pi/2) = 1\), allowing simplification of the equation.