Math Problem Statement

The function graphed is either of the form y = a sin(bx) or y = a cos(bx), where b > 0. Determine the equation of the graph.

Solution

The image asks to find the equation of a function, which is either of the form y=asin(bx)y = a \sin(bx) or y=acos(bx)y = a \cos(bx), given its graph. It also specifies that you should determine the constants aa, bb, and DD.

Let's work through the process of finding the equation.

Analyzing the Graph:

  1. Type of Function: The function resembles a cosine wave, based on the starting point at (0,1)(0, 1), suggesting a cosine function y=acos(bx)y = a \cos(bx).

  2. Amplitude aa: The amplitude is the distance from the middle of the wave to the peak. The peak value on the graph appears to be at y=1y = 1, so the amplitude a=1a = 1.

  3. Period and Frequency bb: The period of the function is the horizontal length of one complete cycle. From the graph, the function completes one full cycle between x=0x = 0 and x=2πx = 2\pi, implying that the period T=2πT = 2\pi. The period is related to bb by the formula T=2πbT = \frac{2\pi}{b}. Thus, b=1b = 1.

  4. Vertical Shift DD: The function does not seem to be shifted vertically since the middle of the wave is on the xx-axis.

Equation:

Thus, the equation of the function should be: y=cos(x)y = \cos(x)

Would you like a further breakdown of the steps or clarifications? Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How would the equation change if the function were a sine function instead of a cosine function?
  2. What effect would a vertical shift DD have on the equation and the graph?
  3. How would the graph look if the amplitude aa were different from 1?
  4. If the period were different (e.g., π\pi instead of 2π2\pi), how would that affect the equation?
  5. How can you tell if a function is a sine or cosine just by looking at the graph?

Tip: Always start by identifying the amplitude, period, and vertical shift when determining the equation of trigonometric functions based on their graphs.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Graphing Functions
Amplitude
Period

Formulas

y = a sin(bx)
y = a cos(bx)
Period formula: T = 2π / b

Theorems

Trigonometric function properties
Periodicity of sine and cosine functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12