Math Problem Statement

Given the trigonometric function y = -2cos(k(x - α)) + d with -90° < α < 90°, and the graph, find the value of C in the equation Ccos(5α).

Solution

The image you provided contains a graph of the trigonometric function and a question asking for the value of CC in the equation Ccos(5α)C \cdot \cos(5\alpha). Let's break down the information and solve the problem.

Key information from the image:

  1. The given function is in the form: y=2cos(k(xα))+dy = -2 \cdot \cos(k(x - \alpha)) + d with constraints for α\alpha in degrees: 90<α<90-90^\circ < \alpha < 90^\circ.

  2. The graph is periodic and shows a cosine wave, with notable points at x=60x = 60^\circ and x=210x = 210^\circ, implying a half-cycle from 6060^\circ to 210210^\circ.

  3. The graph shows that the maximum value is y=5y = 5 and the minimum value is y=1y = 1, which gives us clues about the vertical shift (dd).

Solving the problem:

From the form of the equation y=2cos(k(xα))+dy = -2 \cdot \cos(k(x - \alpha)) + d:

  • Amplitude: The amplitude of the function is the coefficient in front of the cosine function, which is 2=2|-2| = 2. The difference between the maximum and minimum values on the graph is 51=45 - 1 = 4, confirming that the amplitude is 2.

  • Vertical Shift: The midline of the graph can be found as the average of the maximum and minimum values, which is: midline=5+12=3\text{midline} = \frac{5 + 1}{2} = 3 So, the vertical shift d=3d = 3.

  • Period: The period of a cosine function is given by 360k\frac{360^\circ}{k}. From the graph, it takes 21060=150210^\circ - 60^\circ = 150^\circ for half a cycle, so a full cycle would be 2×150=3002 \times 150^\circ = 300^\circ. Thus: 360k=300    k=360300=1.2\frac{360^\circ}{k} = 300^\circ \implies k = \frac{360^\circ}{300^\circ} = 1.2

  • Phase Shift: The graph crosses the midline at x=60x = 60^\circ, which is a clue for the phase shift α\alpha. Since cosine typically starts at a maximum at x=0x = 0^\circ, the phase shift α=60\alpha = 60^\circ.

Thus, the equation of the graph becomes: y=2cos(1.2(x60))+3y = -2 \cdot \cos(1.2(x - 60^\circ)) + 3

Now, to find the value of Ccos(5α)C \cdot \cos(5\alpha):

  • Given α=60\alpha = 60^\circ, we need to calculate Ccos(560)=Ccos(300)C \cdot \cos(5 \cdot 60^\circ) = C \cdot \cos(300^\circ).
  • cos(300)=12\cos(300^\circ) = \frac{1}{2}, so: C12=1    C=2C \cdot \frac{1}{2} = 1 \implies C = 2

Thus, the value of C=2C = 2.


Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you determine the amplitude of a trigonometric function from its graph?
  2. What is the significance of the vertical shift in trigonometric graphs?
  3. How does the phase shift affect the starting point of a cosine graph?
  4. What is the period of a cosine function and how is it calculated from the graph?
  5. How can trigonometric identities simplify solving problems like this?

Tip: Always check the key points on the graph (maximum, minimum, midline) to derive the amplitude, period, and phase shift easily.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosine Functions
Amplitude
Period
Phase Shift

Formulas

Amplitude = |A|
Period = 360°/k
y = A * cos(k(x - α)) + d

Theorems

Trigonometric Identities
Properties of Cosine Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12