The formula $f(x) = r \sin(\omega x + \theta) + c$ represents a sinusoidal function, which describes a wave-like pattern. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

1. Amplitude (r):

• The parameter $r$ represents the amplitude of the sine wave. It controls how "tall" or "short" the wave is, i.e., the maximum distance the wave reaches from its average value (also called the midline). If $r$ is positive, the wave peaks at $r$ and troughs at $-r$. If $r$ is negative, the wave is flipped vertically.

2. Angular Frequency (𝜔):

• The parameter $\omega$ (omega) is the angular frequency, which dictates how quickly the wave oscillates. Specifically, it controls the number of oscillations (cycles) the sine wave completes in a given interval. A higher $\omega$ leads to more cycles, meaning the wave oscillates more rapidly. In simpler terms, it stretches or compresses the wave horizontally.

3. Phase Shift (𝜃):

• The parameter $\theta$ (theta) is the phase shift, which shifts the wave left or right along the x-axis. A positive $\theta$ shifts the wave to the left, and a negative $\theta$ shifts it to the right. This adjusts the starting point of the wave.

4. Vertical Shift (c):

• The parameter $c$ represents the vertical shift. It moves the entire sine wave up or down by $c$ units. If $c$ is positive, the wave shifts upward; if $c$ is negative, the wave shifts downward. This changes the midline of the wave from $y = 0$ to $y = c$.

5. Sine Component (𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑥 + 𝜃)):

• The function inside the sine, $\sin(\omega x + \theta)$, oscillates between -1 and 1. The other parameters modify this basic oscillation, but this part of the function determines the periodic behavior of the wave.

Overall Behavior:

The function $f(x) = r \sin(\omega x + \theta) + c$ can describe many real-world waveforms, such as sound waves, light waves, and tides, by modifying the amplitude, frequency, phase, and vertical position.

Summary:

• $r$ = amplitude (height of the wave)
• $\omega$ = angular frequency (how fast the wave oscillates)
• $\theta$ = phase shift (shifts left or right)
• $c$ = vertical shift (moves wave up or down)

Would you like to explore any specific part of this formula further?

Follow-up Questions:

1. How does changing the amplitude $r$ affect the graph of the sine wave?
2. What is the relationship between angular frequency $\omega$ and the period of the sine function?
3. How would a negative phase shift $\theta$ influence the graph?
4. Can you explain the difference between phase shift and vertical shift?
5. How can we determine the period of the sine wave from $\omega$?

Tip: For the sine function, the period $T$ (the length of one full cycle) is given by $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$.