Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Graphs of the Sine and Cosine Functions
Problem 4.33
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionFor each function, give the amplitude, period, vertical translation, and phase shift, as applicable.
y = -¼ cos (½ x + π/2)
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Amplitude
Amplitude refers to the maximum distance a wave reaches from its central axis or equilibrium position. In the context of cosine functions, it is determined by the coefficient in front of the cosine term. For the function y = -¼ cos (½ x + π/2), the amplitude is |−¼|, which equals ¼, indicating the wave oscillates between ¼ and -¼.
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Period
The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle of the wave. It can be calculated using the formula P = 2π / |b|, where b is the coefficient of x in the function. For the given function y = -¼ cos (½ x + π/2), the coefficient b is ½, resulting in a period of P = 2π / (½) = 4π.
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Phase Shift
Phase shift refers to the horizontal displacement of a wave from its standard position. It is determined by the term inside the cosine function. In the function y = -¼ cos (½ x + π/2), the phase shift can be calculated by setting the inside of the cosine to zero: ½ x + π/2 = 0, leading to a phase shift of x = -π, indicating the wave is shifted π units to the left.
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