Chapter 5: Problem 4
State the amplitude of each periodic function. Sketch the graph of each function. a) \(y=2 \sin \theta\) b) \(y=\frac{1}{2} \cos \theta\) c) \(y=-\frac{1}{3} \sin x\) d) \(y=-6 \cos x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a) Amplitude = 2 b) Amplitude = \frac{1}{2}\ c) Amplitude = \frac{1}{3}\ d) Amplitude = 6
Step by step solution
01
- Identify the amplitude
The amplitude of a periodic function of the form \(y = A \sin \theta\) or \(y = A \cos \theta\) is the absolute value of the coefficient A. This tells us the maximum distance from the midline to the peak of the wave.
02
- Amplitude of each function
a) For \(y = 2 \sin \theta\), the coefficient A is 2. Thus, the amplitude is \[ |2| = 2 \] b) For \(y = \frac{1}{2} \cos \theta\), the coefficient A is \frac{1}{2}\. Thus, the amplitude is \[ |\frac{1}{2}| = \frac{1}{2} \] c) For \(y = -\frac{1}{3} \sin x\), the coefficient A is -\frac{1}{3}\. Thus, the amplitude is \[ |\frac{1}{3}| = \frac{1}{3} \] d) For \(y = -6 \cos x\), the coefficient A is -6. Thus, the amplitude is \[ |6| = 6 \]
03
- Sketch each graph
To sketch the graph: \ 1. For \(y = 2 \sin \theta\), draw a sine wave with peaks at 2 and troughs at -2. 2. For \(y = \frac{1}{2} \cos \theta\), draw a cosine wave with peaks at \frac{1}{2}\ and troughs at -\frac{1}{2}\. 3. For \(y = -\frac{1}{3} \sin x\), draw a sine wave reflected over the x-axis with peaks at -\frac{1}{3}\ and troughs at \frac{1}{3}\. 4. For \(y = -6 \cos x\), draw a cosine wave reflected over the x-axis with peaks at -6 and troughs at 6.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sin Function
The sine function, represented as \(y = \sin \theta\), is a fundamental periodic function. It's widely used in trigonometry and represented by a wave-like pattern. The sine function oscillates between -1 and 1. One full cycle of \(\sin \theta\) occurs over an interval of \[0, 2\pi \] on the x-axis. Key points to note:
- At \theta = 0\, the function starts at 0.
- It reaches its maximum value of 1 at \theta = \frac{\text{\pi}}{2}\.
- It returns to 0 at \theta = \pi\.
- It hits its minimum value of -1 at \theta = \frac{3\text{\pi}}{2}\.
- Completes the cycle back at 0 when \theta = 2\pi\.
Cos Function
The cosine function, denoted as \(y = \cos \theta\), is another core periodic function in trigonometry. It has a similar wave-like appearance but starts at a maximum value. The cosine function also moves between -1 and 1. Over an interval of \[0, 2\pi \], the key points are:
- At \theta = 0\, the function begins at 1.
- It goes down to 0 at \theta = \frac{\text{\pi}}{2}\.
- It reaches -1 at \theta = \pi\.
- It moves back up to 0 at \theta = \frac{3\text{\pi}}{2}\.
- Finally, it returns to 1 at \theta = 2\pi\.
Graphing Periodic Functions
To graph periodic functions like \(y = \sin \theta\) or \(y = \cos \theta\), follow these steps:
- Identify the amplitude from the coefficient \(A\). This defines the maximum value the graph reaches from its midline.
- Determine the period of the function. For \(\sin \theta\) and \(\cos \theta\), the period is \2\pi\.
- Find key points, such as maximums, minimums, and points where the function crosses the midline (usually at 0).
- Plot these points accurately on your graph.
- Connect the points smoothly to form the characteristic wave shape.
- If the coefficient is negative, reflect the graph over the x-axis. For example, with \(y= -\cos \theta\), peaks become troughs and vice versa.
Absolute Value of Coefficient
The absolute value of a coefficient in functions like \(y = A \sin \theta\) or \(y = A \cos \theta\) is critical for determining the amplitude. Amplitude is the height of the wave from the midline to the peak. Here's how to find it:
- Take the coefficient \(A\) in front of \sin\ or \cos\.
- Calculate its absolute value, represented as \|A|\. This removes any negative sign, ensuring the amplitude is positive.
- In \(y = 2 \sin \theta\), the amplitude is \|2| = 2\.
- In \(y = -6 \cos x\), the amplitude is \|6| = 6\.