Math Problem Statement

Write an equation of the form y = a sin(bx) or y = a cos(bx) to describe the graph below.

Solution

The question asks for the equation of a sine or cosine function in the form y=asin(bx)y = a \sin(bx) or y=acos(bx)y = a \cos(bx), based on the given graph. Let's break down the graph to extract the required values for aa and bb for the function.

Step 1: Identify the amplitude (a)

The amplitude is the maximum distance from the middle of the wave to its peak or trough. In the graph:

  • The maximum value appears to be 3, and the minimum value is -3.
  • Thus, the amplitude a=3a = 3.

Step 2: Identify the period (b)

The period is the distance required for the graph to complete one full cycle. The period can be found by looking at the distance along the x-axis for one complete wave.

  • From the graph, one full cycle occurs between x=0x = 0 and x=2πx = 2\pi.
  • The formula for the period of a sine or cosine function is 2πb\frac{2\pi}{b}, and since the period is 2π2\pi, we have: 2πb=2π    b=1\frac{2\pi}{b} = 2\pi \implies b = 1

Step 3: Sine or Cosine?

Looking at the shape of the graph:

  • The graph starts at 0, rises to a maximum, then drops to a minimum, and finally returns to 0. This behavior corresponds to the sine function.

Final Equation:

The equation of the graph is: y=3sin(x)y = 3 \sin(x)

Would you like further details on this, or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How does the equation change if the graph shifts horizontally?
  2. What happens to the graph if the amplitude aa is negative?
  3. How do you determine the phase shift of a sine or cosine function?
  4. What is the significance of the value bb in sine and cosine functions?
  5. How would the equation look if the graph was a cosine function instead of sine?

Tip: Always verify the period and amplitude visually before deciding the equation type (sine or cosine).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sine Function
Cosine Function

Formulas

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

Theorems

Sine and Cosine function properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11