Can I Sketch the Graph of \sin\Theta = \frac{\pi}{2} - \Theta Symmetrically?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around sketching the graph of the equation \(\sin\Theta = \frac{\pi}{2} - \Theta\) and its relationship to the function \(\sin(\frac{\pi}{2} - \Theta)\). Participants explore the symmetry of the graph and its implications for sketching.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the symmetry of the graph around \(\Theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\) and question the validity of their reasoning regarding transformations of the sine function. There is also confusion about how to represent the function on a coordinate plane with a single variable.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the reasoning presented, while others seek clarification on the correctness of their thought processes. The conversation reflects a mix of validation and exploration of different perspectives without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a miscommunication regarding the original question, which may have influenced the discussion. Participants express a desire for feedback on their reasoning rather than direct answers.

Tau
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This is the problem:

Sketch the graph of:

[tex]\sin\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex] - [tex]\Theta[/tex]


Now the graph (between 0 and pi) is symmetrical about the line

[tex]\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

So I can write the equation as

[tex]\sin\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex] + [tex]\Theta[/tex]

This will be a graph of [tex]\sin\Theta[/tex] pulled [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex] units to the left.

Is this reasoning correct?

If it is, would you do it a different way?


Thanks
Jeremy

(Noone wants a gmail invite?lol!)
 
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What I am not understanding is how you sketch it on a coordinate plane if there is only one variable (theta).
 
I am SUCH AN IDIOT!

I mistyped the entire question. You all now see what a dufus I am.

Anyway, here is the question (typed properly this time):

Sketch the graph of:

y = [tex]\sin(\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex] - [tex]\Theta[/tex])

and using the same reasoning above I end up with

y = [tex]\sin(\Theta[/tex] + [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex])

Which is a curve of [tex]sin\Theta[/tex] pulled half pi units to the left
Now- is this reasoning correct.

If it is, would any of you done it a different way?
 
Both of the expressions are equal to cos theta.
 
I know that both curves are the same.

But I want to know if I reasoned it out correctly.

Were the actions I took (see first post) the correct ones. Was I thinking along the correct lines?
 
I can see that no one is interested in giving me an answer.

Oh well.
 
Yes, your reasoning is fine.
 
Well, both equations do simplify to cos theta, so yeah they are the same function. If you meant, "how do I see for sure that they are the same function?" you can always try substitution.

sin theta when theta equals zero is zero. Substituting (using degrees because I don't have those pretty graphics), your first equation becomes:

y = sin (90 - 0) = sin (90) - sin (0) = 1 - 0 = 1

Then your next equation becomes:

y = sin (0 + 90) = sin (0) + sin (90) = 0 + 1 = 1

To check to see that both equations can be substituted for simply y = cos (theta).

y = cos (0) = 1

The math police would probably arrest me if they found me dumping in numbers like this when you are probably asking for a formal proof, but it's good enough for me so I hope it helped.
 
Last edited:
Thanks guys

I thought for a moment that I was alone in the dark.

More questions to come soon!
 

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