Chapter 4: Problem 22
In Exercises 9-24, sketch the graph of each sinusoidal function over one period. $$ y=-2+\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{2} x\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The period of the function is 4 and it is a shifted cosine wave down by 2 units.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Components of the Function
The given function is \( y = -2 + \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{2} x \right) \). This is a transformation of the basic cosine function \( y = \cos(x) \). Let's identify the transformations: **Vertical Shift:** Down 2 units (constant term "-2"). **Horizontal Compression:** The coefficient \( \frac{\pi}{2} \) modifies the period.
02
Calculate the Period of the Function
The period of a cosine function is \( 2\pi \). However, when a function is of the form \( \cos(bx) \), the period is \( \frac{2\pi}{b} \). In this case, \( b = \frac{\pi}{2} \), so the new period is: \[ \text{Period} = \frac{2\pi}{\frac{\pi}{2}} = 4 \]
03
Sketch the Graph over One Period
1. **Identify Key Points:** Divide the period (4) into 4 equal parts to determine key points: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. 2. **Start Sketching:** At \( x = 0 \), \( y = -2 + \cos(0) = -1 \). 3. **Continue Over the Period:** - At \( x = 1 \), \( y = -2 + \cos\left( \frac{\pi}{2} \right) = -2 \). - At \( x = 2 \), \( y = -2 + \cos(\pi) = -3 \). - At \( x = 3 \), \( y = -2 + \cos\left( \frac{3\pi}{2} \right) = -2 \). - At \( x = 4 \), \( y = -2 + \cos(2\pi) = -1 \). 4. **Plot the Points and Connect:** Plot these points on a graph with the x-axis scale from 0 to 4 and y-axis based on values calculated. Then smoothly connect them following the cosine wave pattern.
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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 aspect of trigonometry, often written as \( y = \cos(x) \). The graph of this function highlights its periodic nature, resembling a wave that oscillates smoothly between peaks and valleys.
- The cosine function starts at its maximum value, decreasing to a minimum before reaching the maximum again, completing one cycle.
- Its maximum value is 1 and minimum value is -1 when unaltered.
- First, it peaks, then crosses the midline, dips to the lowest point, and returns to the midline.
Periodic Functions
A key attribute of the cosine function, like other trigonometric functions, is that it is periodic. This means its pattern repeats at regular intervals.
- The standard period of a cosine function is \( 2\pi \), signifying the length required for one full cycle.
- Modifying the period changes the frequency of oscillations across a given domain.
Graph Transformations
Graph transformations are essential to altering the basic sine or cosine wave through shifts, stretches, or compressions. They help in adapting a graph to fit certain patterns or data.
- Transformations can move the graph vertically or horizontally, adjust its width, or change its amplitude.
- Understanding each type of transformation individually aids in predicting their combined effect on the graph.
Vertical Shift
A vertical shift occurs when the entire graph moves up or down along the y-axis. In the context of our function, the term \(-2\) signifies a downward shift.
- This means each point on the cosine graph moves down two units.
- The midline, originally at \( y = 0 \), shifts to \( y = -2 \).
- This shift does not affect the period or frequency but moves the waveform lower on the graph.
Horizontal Compression
Horizontal compression occurs when a graph is squeezed along the x-axis. This changes the frequency of the function's waves.
- For \( \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{2} x \right) \), the compression is due to the factor \( \frac{\pi}{2} \).
- This leads the cosine wave to complete its pattern more quickly, reducing the period to 4.
- Squeezing results in more cycles over the same interval, increasing the apparent frequency.