Math Problem Statement

Give the formula for the function which would have the graph shown below.

Solution

The graph provided is a sinusoidal function, which is most likely either a sine or cosine function. To determine the equation, we will analyze the graph based on its amplitude, period, phase shift, and vertical shift.

Key observations:

  1. Amplitude: The maximum value is approximately 4, and the minimum value is -4. Therefore, the amplitude is 4.

  2. Period: The function completes one cycle between -5 and 5 on the x-axis. The period of a standard sine or cosine function is 2π2\pi, but in this case, the period is 10. Thus, the period adjustment factor (related to the frequency) is 2π10=π5\frac{2\pi}{10} = \frac{\pi}{5}.

  3. Phase shift: The graph appears to be a cosine function, as it starts at a maximum value at x=5x = -5. Since the standard cosine function starts at its maximum at x=0x = 0, this indicates a phase shift of -5 units to the left.

  4. Vertical shift: There is no vertical shift, as the function oscillates symmetrically around the x-axis.

Equation form:

A cosine function with these characteristics can be written as: y=Acos(B(xC))+Dy = A \cos(B(x - C)) + D Where:

  • AA is the amplitude (4),
  • BB is related to the period B=2πPeriod=π5B = \frac{2\pi}{\text{Period}} = \frac{\pi}{5},
  • CC is the phase shift (-5),
  • DD is the vertical shift (0).

Thus, the equation for the graph is: y=4cos(π5(x+5))y = 4 \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{5}(x + 5)\right)

Would you like further details or explanations on any part of this solution?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the difference between a sine and a cosine function graph?
  2. How do you determine the amplitude and period from a graph?
  3. How do phase shifts affect the graph of sinusoidal functions?
  4. What are the real-life applications of sinusoidal functions?
  5. How does a vertical shift modify the equation of a sinusoidal function?

Tip: When identifying the period of a sinusoidal function from a graph, measure the distance between two consecutive maximum or minimum points.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sinusoidal Functions
Amplitude
Period
Phase Shift

Formulas

General form of cosine function: y = A * cos(B(x - C)) + D
Period formula: B = 2π / Period
Phase shift: x + C (for left or right shift)

Theorems

Properties of Sinusoidal Functions
Cosine Wave Transformations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12