Chapter 5: Problem 53
Graph each of the functions by first rewriting it as a sine, cosine, or tangent of a difference or sum. $$ y=\sin x \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)+\cos x \cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is \( y = \cos\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right) \), a cosine wave shifted right by \( \frac{\pi}{4} \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Trigonometric Identity
The equation given, \( y = \sin x \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) + \cos x \cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) \), resembles the cosine sum identity. The identity is: \( \cos(a - b) = \cos a \cos b + \sin a \sin b \).
02
Apply the Cosine Sum Identity
Using the identity \( \cos(a - b) = \cos a \cos b + \sin a \sin b \), we equate with our function: \( a = x \) and \( b = \frac{\pi}{4}\). Therefore, \( \sin x \sin \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) + \cos x \cos \left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \cos\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right) \).
03
Simplify the Function
The function simplifies to \( y = \cos\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right) \). This means the given function is a cosine function with a phase shift.
04
Graph the Function
To graph \( y = \cos\left(x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right) \), recognize it's a standard cosine wave shifted to the right by \( \frac{\pi}{4} \). The amplitude is 1, the period is \( 2\pi \), and the vertical shift is 0.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sine Function
The sine function is a fundamental component of trigonometry, used to describe oscillating phenomena such as sound waves, light, and the motion of pendulums. It is expressed mathematically as \( y = \sin x \), where \( x \) represents the angle in radians. This function has a few key characteristics:
- **Periodicity**: It repeats every \( 2\pi \) radians. This regularity makes it a periodic function.
- **Range**: The sine function oscillates between -1 and 1, giving it this specific range of values.
- **Zeros**: These occur at multiples of \( \pi \), that is, when \( x = 0, \pi, 2\pi, \ldots \).
Cosine Function
The cosine function shares many similarities with the sine function, yet has distinct features that make it unique. It is represented as \( y = \cos x \). Here are some important aspects of the cosine function:
- **Shape and Period**: Similar to the sine function, the cosine function is periodic with a period of \( 2\pi \). Its wave peaks at \( 1 \) when\( x = 0 \), more directly showing its maxima.
- **Symmetry**: Unlike the sine function, the cosine function is symmetric about the y-axis. This property is known as even, meaning \( \cos(-x) = \cos x \).
- **Values**: Maximum at \( 1 \) and minimum at \( -1 \), the cosine curve starts from \( (0, 1) \) for \( x = 0 \).
Phase Shift
Phase shift is an important concept that shifts the wave horizontally along the x-axis without altering its shape. When we modify a trigonometric function such as cosine or sine, the term usually added or subtracted inside the function modifies its phase. This is crucial for understanding functions such as \( y = \cos(x - \frac{\pi}{4}) \):
- **Direction**: A minus sign within the function \( (x - c) \) indicates a rightward shift by \( c \) units. Conversely, a plus sign \( (x + c) \) indicates a leftward shift.
- **Effect on Graph**: The graph's shape remains constant, but its starting point along the x-axis shifts. In our example, shifting right by \( \frac{\pi}{4} \) moves every point in the graph accordingly.
- **Practical Application**: This concept is often used to align waves in synchronization with real-world patterns, such as in signal processing or synchronizing lights in traffic systems.