Math Problem Statement

Write the equation for the cosine function going down with amplitude = 3 and period = π/2.

Solution

To determine the equation for the cosine function based on the given conditions, let's analyze the information provided:

  1. Amplitude = 3: This means the coefficient in front of the cosine function is 3.

  2. The function is "going down": This indicates that the cosine function should start with a negative amplitude, making it 3-3.

  3. Period = π2\frac{\pi}{2}: For a cosine function, the period TT is determined by the formula: T=2πBT = \frac{2\pi}{B} where BB is the frequency modifier of the angle θ\theta in cos(Bθ)\cos(B \theta).

    Solving for BB: 2πB=π2\frac{2\pi}{B} = \frac{\pi}{2} B=4B = 4

Therefore, the equation that satisfies these conditions is: y=3cos(4θ)y = -3 \cos(4\theta)

The correct answer is: y=3cos4θy = -3 \cos 4\theta

Would you like a further breakdown, or do you have any other questions?

Here are five related questions that build on this problem:

  1. How would the equation change if the amplitude were increased to 5?
  2. What would the equation look like if the function was a sine function instead?
  3. How do we determine the phase shift of a trigonometric function?
  4. What would the graph of this function look like?
  5. How do amplitude and period affect the shape of a cosine wave?

Tip: Remember, the period of a cosine function is calculated by dividing 2π2\pi by the frequency modifier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosine Functions
Amplitude and Period of Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

y = A cos(Bθ)
T = 2π/B

Theorems

Period of a Trigonometric Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12