What is Sine: Definition and 520 Discussions

In mathematics, the sine is a trigonometric function of an angle. The sine of an acute angle is defined in the context of a right triangle: for the specified angle, it is the ratio of the length of the side that is opposite that angle, to the length of the longest side of the triangle (the hypotenuse). For an angle



x


{\displaystyle x}
, the sine function is denoted simply as



sin

x


{\displaystyle \sin x}
.More generally, the definition of sine (and other trigonometric functions) can be extended to any real value in terms of the length of a certain line segment in a unit circle. More modern definitions express the sine as an infinite series, or as the solution of certain differential equations, allowing their extension to arbitrary positive and negative values and even to complex numbers.
The sine function is commonly used to model periodic phenomena such as sound and light waves, the position and velocity of harmonic oscillators, sunlight intensity and day length, and average temperature variations throughout the year.
The function sine can be traced to the jyā and koṭi-jyā functions used in Gupta period Indian astronomy (Aryabhatiya, Surya Siddhanta), via translation from Sanskrit to Arabic, and then from Arabic to Latin. The word "sine" (Latin "sinus") comes from a Latin mistranslation by Robert of Chester of the Arabic jiba, which is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word for half the chord, jya-ardha.

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  1. A

    Modified sine wave vs pure sine wave inverter

    i was desigining a simple ( simple as in no MPPT) PV-pump standalone system, and we decided on using an AC-pump, so while i was searching for inverters i noticed the remarkable difference in price ranges, so i started to read about the difference between the two, so far the disadvantages of the...
  2. G

    Oscillatory motion equation in sine function

    Homework Statement The equation y = A sin(kx - wt + pi/2) is the same as a. y = -A sin(kx - wt + pi/2) b. y = A cos(kx - wt) c. y = -A cos(kx - wt) d. y = -A sin(kx - wt - pi/2) e. y = A sin(kx - wt + (3pi)/2) Homework Equations y = A sin[(2pi)/lamda * x - (2pi)/period * t + (phase constant)]...
  3. N

    B Sine/Cosine behaving like a linear function

    Hello all. After completing a problem in which we derived the formulas for potential and spring force energy as functions of time, with simple harmonic motion I noticed the equations are EXACTLY the same, but with sine and cosine switched. The equations were: A sin^2(pi * t) A cos^2(pi * t) I...
  4. NickTheFill

    I Period of a Sine Wave: Understand How to Measure in Radians

    Dear all Something is bugging me. I hope you can help. I read in texts that if f(t) = sin(t) then the period of the function is the time taken (secs) to complete one cycle. I also read in texts that if f(t) = sin(2t) then the period of the halved. No problems here. I see that (2*t) = (omega*t)...
  5. F

    I Amplitude decaying sine function

    Hello, I am numerically plotting a sine function sin(x) with amplitude 1 from x=0 to x=15. No problem with that. The next step gives me problems: I would like the sine function amplitude to decay exponentially starting at x=5 and not before that (the amplitude remains 1). I think I need to...
  6. R

    Rewriting cos function as sine function

    Homework Statement So in an AC circuit with inductance, I found I = (-ε_{max} cos(ωt)) / ωL I want to rewrite this as a sine function.Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I can ignore ε_{max} / ωL and work with -cos(ωt) I set ωt = θ I know cos(θ) = sin(θ+pi/2) so -cosθ =...
  7. L

    Integration of even powers of sine and cosine

    Homework Statement Homework Equations cos2x = (1+cos2x)/2 sin2x = (1-cos2x)/2 The Attempt at a Solution I believe you would use the double angle formula repeatedly but that is very tedious; is there a more concise way to solve the problem?
  8. L

    Generate sine wave with signal generator on scope

    I'm new to electronics, and using my new equiptment I would like to generate a sine signal on my function generator and display it on my oscilloscope. Equipment: * The scope is Rigol DS1054Z * Function generator is a $60 digital chinese. My problem is: When I plug connect the function...
  9. kaniello

    A Help with Discrete Sine Transform

    Hi, I am a neophyte in Discrete Fourier Transform and I am procticing with discrete Sine-transform. Specifically I want to calculate $$ \mathcal{F}_s \lbrace x \cdot e^{-x^2} \rbrace = \int\limits_{0}^{\infty } x \cdot e^{-x^2} \cdot \sin\left(x\right)\, \mathrm{d}x = \frac{1}{2} \pi^2 \omega...
  10. Simoyd

    I Regression of a sine wave

    So my question is, how does this work (hopefully I'm allowed to do hyperlinks): https://www.desmos.com/calculator/zlvrts7mul Given a table of x and y coordinates, how do I find the sin wave of best fit. I need to get f (frequency), a (amplitude), and p (phase) for the function in this form f(x)...
  11. T

    Why Does a Single Sine Wave Show Multiple Frequencies on a dB Graph?

    So I am just working with a synth and I am having it create a single sine wave. I am then looking at the output on a db vs frequency graph and I would expect the db to only be reading at the frequency of that sine wave, but there are readings from 20 Hz all the way to 2k Hz sometimes(althought...
  12. Pushoam

    What is the radius of the circular arc in a sine curve trajectory?

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Every small part of the trajectory can be taken as a circular arc. Then, $$\frac { m v^2} R ≤ kmg $$ But how to find out R from the sine-curve?
  13. jdawg

    How to Determine Various Waveform Parameters from a Graph?

    Homework Statement Given the wave form, determine the period, frequency, peak amplitude, peak to peak amplitude, voltage offset, phase angle, signal equation, rms voltage.Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Hi! So the main issue I'm having with this problem is reading the values I need...
  14. Bunny-chan

    Determining a trigonometric limit

    Homework Statement Calculate the following limit: Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I don't know how to proceed with this. I've tried to multiply by the conjugate, and to simplify the expression (x+\pi) to u, but I wasn't very sucessful. To what kind of algebric device I could...
  15. C

    Finding Resultant Force Using Cosine and Sine Law

    Homework Statement "Calculate the net force with the resultant angle acting on each object indicated in the diagram." The line going off to the southeast is supposed to be straight. My computer art skills aren't great. | 22 N | |_ _ _ _ _ \ ) 35 degrees \ \ 38 N 2...
  16. evinda

    MHB Sine fourier series with period 1

    Hello! (Wave) I want to find the Fourier series of $f(x)=x, 0 \leq x<1$. It is a series with period $1$. In our case, the function is odd. So in order to find the Fourier series, we would find the odd extension of $f$ and then use the following formulas: $a_n=0 , \ \ \forall n \geq 0$...
  17. F

    I Second order DE with Sine function

    I have this second order differential equation but I'm stumped as to how to solve this since the zeroth order term has a Sine function in it and the variable is embedded. ##\ddot y(t) + 3H (1+Q) \dot y(t) -m^2 f \sin(\frac{y(t)}{f}) = 0## ##H~##, ##~Q~##, ##~m~##, and ##~f~## are just...
  18. D

    Fourier/heat problem involving hyperbolic sine

    Homework Statement A rectangular box measuring a x b x c has all its walls at temperature T1 except for the one at z=c which is held at temperature T2. When the box comes to equilibrium, the temperature function T(x,y,z) satisfies ∂T/∂t =D∇2T with the time derivative on the left equal to zero...
  19. F

    Solving a Physics Problem: Sine vs. Cosine Theta

    Homework Statement Question is provided The Attempt at a Solution The required solution is provided My question is, the examiner have used sine theta in their expression for change in potential. I keep ending up with 1 - cosine theta Second question is how did they get rid of theta in the...
  20. FritoTaco

    How do I Graph the Sine Function for y=2-sin(2πx/3)?

    Homework Statement Problem: y=2-sin\dfrac{2\pi x}{3} Homework Equations Standard Equation: y = A sin(B(x - C)) + D A: amplitude is A B: period is \dfrac{2\pi}{|b|} C: phase shift is \dfrac{C}{B} D: vertical shift is D Count Formula: \dfrac{1}{4}\cdot period (What you use to choose your...
  21. Liam C

    B What do Sine, Cosine and Tangent do?

    When I press these buttons on my calculator to find the third side or an angle in a triangle, what calculation is happening? What is the logic behind it all? I know it's a very basic question, but I am only in grade 10 and have not started Math yet this year.
  22. V

    Components of a force. When do I use cos or sin?

    Here is an example of a problem I am having trouble with. I need to find the i, j, k of A. I have no issues with finding the components for B, but A I just can't wrap my head around when to use cos or sin. Especially here with double projection. I know that A is : (-10 cos70 sin30, 10 cos70...
  23. Battlemage!

    Integral of dn/(n^2 - 4) using trig substitution with sine

    Homework Statement \int_{}^{∞} \frac{1}{n^2 - 4} dn Homework Equations I'm trying to do this a way that it isn't usually done. Normally this is done with partial fractions. I'm trying to do it by using trig substitution using sine, which requires some algebraic manipulation. For some reason...
  24. D

    Sum of Sine and Cosine: Expressing Any Sum as C sin(α+ϕ)

    Homework Statement Show that any sum: Asin(α) + Bcos(α) can be written as : C sin(α+ϕ) 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution i can express cos(a) as as sin(90-a), and then try to use the formula that adds sines, but it gives the form of cos*sin. [/B]
  25. D

    Explaining the Sine Formula to Acoustics Students

    I'm (a music academic) teaching a musical acoustics course to a very mixed group (music students, science students, and neither). Today, I covered the basic concept of simple harmonic motion and how this produces a sine wave pattern of motion over time. In the extra time we had left over, I...
  26. Liam C

    What is 2nd Sine? Solving a Triangle with 13.5 Hypotenuse

    Homework Statement A triangle with a hypotenuse of 13.5 and height of 11.8. Find the measure of angle P. Angle p is on the same line as the 90 degree angle and I found out that it must be sine. Homework Equations sine = opposite/hypotenuse The Attempt at a Solution sin p = 11.8/13.5 sin p =...
  27. P

    B How to find out various sine values from its graph.

    Question (and Answer): The answer is written in thin black, inc = increasing, dec = decreasing. Am I wrong anywhere? Thanks!
  28. karush

    MHB LCC 205 8.4.12 sine substitution

    $\tiny{LCC \ \ 205 \ \ \ 8.4.12 \ \ sine \ \ substitution }$ $$\displaystyle I=\int_{1/2}^{1} \frac{\sqrt{1-{x}^{2 }}}{{x}^{2 }} \ dx $$ Substitution $$\displaystyle x = \sin \left({u}\right) \ \ \ dx=\cos\left({u}\right)\ du $$ Change of variables $$\arcsin\left({1/2...
  29. karush

    MHB LCC 205 8.4.7 sine substitution (definite integral)

    $\tiny{LCC \ \ 205 \ \ \ 8.4.7 \ \ sine \ \ substitution }$ $\displaystyle I=\int_0^{5/2} \frac{1}{\sqrt{25-x^2}}\ dx =\frac{\pi}{6} $ $$\displaystyle x=5\sin\left({u}\right) \ \ \ dx=5\cos\left({u}\right) \ \ du $$ $$\displaystyle I=\int_0^{5/2} \frac{1}{\sqrt{25-25 \sin^2...
  30. G

    MHB Question related to inverse sine functions

    Please guide why answers are different in following two cases and which one is correct? Case 1. sin-1 ( – 1/2 ) – sin-1 (– 1) = 7π/6 – 3π/2 = – π/3 Case 2. sin-1 ( – 1/2 ) – sin-1 (– 1) = – sin-1 ( 1/2 ) + sin-1 (1)...
  31. 1

    Why is this triangle not right? (sine -1 is bigger than 1)

    the black triangle is given, and red triangle is me trying to work it out why is my trangle wrong? and what is the right triangle? someone is sliding down a slope, with 2ms-2 of acceleration (not actually given which direction, maybe I'm wrong there, but the person is acelerating at 2ms-2 down...
  32. lep11

    Solving tricky limit (involving defined integral and sine)

    Homework Statement Calculate ##\lim_{x\to 1} \frac{1}{x-1} \int_{1}^{f(x)} sin(\pi t^2) dt##. f is differentiable in the neighbourhood of point ##x=1## and ##f(1)=1##. Homework Equations If ##f## is continuous on a closed interval ##[a,b]##, then there exists ##ξ∈]a,b[## such that...
  33. F

    How Do I Generate Quarter Sine Waves?

    Hello, I need to find out how to generate a standing sine wave, or a quarter sine wave. I had no trouble finding out how to create a full or half wave rectifier, but very little generating a quarter wave, & that info mostly dealt with sound waves. I am doing this for experimental purposes...
  34. F

    Understanding Half Range Sine Series: A_0 Value and Theoretical Expectations

    Homework Statement f(x) = x , 0 <x<1/2 1/2 , 1/2 < x <1 in this question , I am not convinced that a_ 0 = 0 for half range sine series , because i found that but , thoerically , for half rang sine series , a_ 0 must be = 0 , ,am i right ? why the value of A- 0 that i got is not = 0 ...
  35. S

    I Trigonometry - sine waves between objects

    Can you use any trigonometric wave to describe a phenomenon between two different objects? In the sense like a line or parabola would talk about a relation between two variable thanks so much in advance
  36. P

    Sine Wave Questions: Wavelength, Frequency, Speed

    Homework Statement A sinusoidal transverse wave traveling on a string is described at t=2.0s by y(x)=0.1sin(4πx+(33π/40) and at x=1.0m by y(t)=0.1sin((17π/4)+4πt) a. What is the wavelength and the amplitude? b. What is the frequency (Hz) and direction of propagation? c. What is the speed? d...
  37. S

    MHB Define a discontinuous sine function?

    Hi! I want to define a sine function that is discontinuous at multiples of $\pi$. The multiplier is to be an integer. How can I do that? I am thinking about something like this: $$f(x)=\begin{cases}sin(x) & x \in \Bbb{R} \\ \text{undefined} & x=n \cdot \pi | n \in \Bbb{Z} \text{ and } x \in...
  38. N

    Solve Sine Wave Function Homework

    Homework Statement A sine function is given.And the question is At which time does the deflection (y) reaches a maximum? y= 3sin (800πxt+π/3) Homework Equations y= A sin (wt+Φ) A=amplitude w= angular frequency Φ= initial phase 3. The Attempt at a Solution I already have solution. But I don't...
  39. Einstein's Cat

    Sine function in equation issue

    < Mentor Note -- thread moved to HH from the technical physics forums, so no HH Template is shown > Say one has the equation of 90= Sin^-1(a) + Sin^-1(b), how would one made the term "b" the subject of such an equation? Please excuse any naivety.
  40. nazmus sakib

    Fourier sine series for a triangular wave on a finite string

    Homework Statement A string of length L =8 is fixed at both ends. It is given a small triangular displacement and released from rest at t=0. Find out Fourier coefficient Bn. Homework Equations what should i use for U0(x) ? The Attempt at a Solution
  41. F

    Engineering Circuit Analysis-Converting a square wave to a sine wave

    Homework Statement For an upcoming lab I've been asked to build a circuit to convert a square wave (vi(t))e into a sine wave (v0(t)) by selecting appropriate resistor/capacitor values for the circuit below (from what I know, it's impossible to produce an accurate sine wave with just this, I...
  42. stevendaryl

    I Interpreting the Sine Integral in Physics

    Properly speaking, since sin(x) and cos(x) don't go to zero as x \rightarrow \infty, the following integrals are undefined: \int_0^{\infty} cos(kx) dk \int_0^{\infty} sin(kx) dk However, in the handwavy way of physicists, we can often pretend that the cosine integral "converges" to \delta(x)...
  43. RJLiberator

    How to Find Fourier Series for a Given Function Using Sine Series?

    Homework Statement Find the Fourier series for the following function (0 ≤ x ≤ L): y(x) = Ax(L-x) Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution 1. We start with the sum from n to infinity of A_n*sin(n*pi*x/L) where An = B_n*Ax(l-x) 2. We have the integral from 0 to L of f(x)*sin(m*pi*x/L) dx...
  44. P

    Euler Formula: Understanding (4.25) to (4.26)

    can someone explain how you go from (4.25) to (4.26) using Euler's formulas in the attachment?
  45. D

    Average of sine function

    How to find the average value of sin2wt? Mod note: Thread locked due to lack of homework template and no effort shown.
  46. G

    MHB Calculating $\displaystyle \lim_{x\to 0}$ Complex Limit

    $\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x^2-\sin^2{x}}{\tan(3x^4)}$ How do you calculate this one? L'hopital gives me $\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{2x\cos^2(3x^4)-\sin{2x}\cos^2(3x^4)}{12x^3}$
  47. Zeeboozoo

    Tangibly Explaining HUP to General Chemistry Students

    I understand this topic has been brought up before, however there appears to be "truth" or "lies" and very little in between when it comes to explaining the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) to students of freshman chemistry. I'm teaching university general chemistry to students who've had...
  48. C

    Cosine and sine of 2Pi/5 problem

    We have a complex number ω = cos(2π/5) +isin(2π/5) and we have two complex numbers a and b, such that: a= ω + ω4 and b= ω2 + ω3. I have to prove that a + b = -1 and a*b= -1. Then, based on that, determine cos(2π/5) and sin(2π/5). I've tried to solve this using trigonometry. First a+b, i got...
  49. Ravendark

    Integral with sine, cosine, and rational function

    Homework Statement I would like to compute the following integral: I = \int\limits_0^\pi \mathrm{d}\theta \, \frac{\sin^2 \theta}{a^2 + b^2 - 2 \sqrt{ab} \cos \theta} where ##a,b \in \mathbb{R}_+##. 2. The attempt at a solution Substitution ##x = \cos \theta## yields I = \int\limits_{-1}^1...
  50. S

    Finding the Intersection of a Sinusoidal Function and a Line

    Homework Statement Hi! I'm trying to find the points of intersection of a sinusoidal function and a line. The line is y=x/7. The function is y=sinx. Can someone tell me how to determine the number of intersections and exact intersections. I would also like to know if the same method can be...
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