Math Problem Statement

Graph the function y = 3 cos(2x) - 1 and determine the amplitude and period.

Solution

From the image provided, here is the information extracted and analyzed:

  1. Amplitude and Period (Question a, part i):

    • The equation provided for the graph is y=3cos(2x)1y = 3 \cos(2x) - 1.
    • Amplitude: The amplitude of a cosine function y=Acos(Bx)+Cy = A \cos(Bx) + C is given by the absolute value of AA. Here, A=3A = 3, so the amplitude is 3.
    • Period: The period of a cosine function is calculated as 2πB\frac{2\pi}{B}. Here, B=2B = 2, so the period =2π2=π= \frac{2\pi}{2} = \pi. In degrees, this is equivalent to 180180^\circ, so the period is 2 (in terms of the problem, this likely represents a simplified unit).
  2. Graph (Question ii):

    • The function y=3cos(2x)1y = 3 \cos(2x) - 1 is graphed on the yy-axis against the xx-axis.
    • Key points at each quarter cycle (90°, 180°, 270°, 360°) are marked, showing the oscillation from a maximum of 2 to a minimum of -4.
    • The phase shift and vertical shift (downward by 1 unit due to "-1") are applied.

Would you like a step-by-step breakdown of the graph characteristics or other parts of the question?


Additional Questions to Explore:

  1. How does changing the amplitude affect the shape of a cosine graph?
  2. What impact does adjusting the period have on the cosine function's frequency?
  3. How would a phase shift (e.g., y=3cos(2xπ4)y = 3 \cos(2x - \frac{\pi}{4})) affect the graph?
  4. What happens if a sine function is used instead of cosine, keeping amplitude and period the same?
  5. How is the graph affected by altering the vertical shift (e.g., y=3cos(2x)+2y = 3 \cos(2x) + 2)?

Tip: Remember that amplitude affects the "height" of peaks and troughs, while period determines the "width" or frequency of cycles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Graphing Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

y = A cos(Bx) + C
Amplitude = |A|
Period = 2π / B

Theorems

Trigonometric Function Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12