Math Problem Statement

What is the equation of the sinusoidal graph shown?

Solution

The graph you provided shows a sinusoidal function, most likely a variation of either a sine or cosine function due to its periodic behavior and shape. Let's analyze it step by step:

Key Features:

  1. Amplitude: The graph reaches a maximum value of 5 and a minimum value of 0, so the amplitude (the distance from the middle to the peak) is 2.5. However, since the graph starts at a higher value (not zero), it seems to have a vertical shift.

  2. Period: The distance from one peak to the next is 2π2\pi, which is typical for sine and cosine functions.

  3. Vertical Shift: The graph oscillates between 0 and 5. The middle of this range is 2.52.5, suggesting that the function is vertically shifted by 2.5 units upwards.

  4. Type of Function: This graph resembles a cosine function, because it reaches a maximum at x=0x = 0. A typical cosine function cos(x)\cos(x) starts at a maximum when x=0x = 0.

General Equation:

The form of the cosine function is given by: y=Acos(BxC)+Dy = A \cos(Bx - C) + D where:

  • AA is the amplitude,
  • BB affects the period (Period=2πB\text{Period} = \frac{2\pi}{B}),
  • CC is the phase shift (horizontal shift),
  • DD is the vertical shift.

From the graph:

  • The amplitude A=2.5A = 2.5,
  • The period is 2π2\pi, so B=1B = 1,
  • The vertical shift D=2.5D = 2.5,
  • No horizontal shift is observed, so C=0C = 0.

Thus, the equation of the graph is: y=2.5cos(x)+2.5y = 2.5 \cos(x) + 2.5

This represents a cosine function with an amplitude of 2.5, a vertical shift of 2.5 units upwards, and a period of 2π2\pi.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How would the graph look if the amplitude were doubled?
  2. What happens to the graph if the period is halved?
  3. How does a sine graph compare to this cosine graph?
  4. What effect does changing the vertical shift to 0 have on the graph?
  5. How would the graph change if there were a phase shift?

Tip:

When analyzing trigonometric graphs, always check for amplitude, period, phase shift, and vertical shift to write the correct equation!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sinusoidal Functions
Cosine Function

Formulas

General cosine function: y = A * cos(Bx - C) + D
Amplitude = max value - min value / 2
Period = 2π / B

Theorems

Periodic nature of cosine and sine functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12