Basic trig question - finding the period of a sinusoid

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter DeusAbscondus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Period Trig
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the period of a sinusoidal function represented by the formula f(t)=Acos(ωt). The key takeaway is that the period T is calculated using the formula T=2π/ω, where ω represents the angular velocity. The confusion between period and angular velocity was clarified, emphasizing the correct representation of the sinusoidal function. Additionally, the importance of proper LaTeX formatting for mathematical expressions was highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically sinusoidal forms.
  • Familiarity with angular velocity and its relationship to periodic functions.
  • Basic knowledge of LaTeX for formatting mathematical expressions.
  • Experience with graphing tools like GeoGebra for visual representation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the period formula T=2π/ω in detail.
  • Explore the properties of sinusoidal functions and their transformations.
  • Learn how to effectively use LaTeX for mathematical documentation.
  • Investigate the application of GeoGebra for visualizing trigonometric functions.
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering trigonometric functions and their applications in mathematics and physics.

DeusAbscondus
Messages
176
Reaction score
0
Would someone kindly take a look at my geogebra snapshot attached,
and tell me a more formal way of representing the formula for the period of a trig function of form:

f(x)=Acos(bx)$$
where A is amplitude and b is period

Thanks,
D'abs​
http://www.mathhelpboards.com/images/mhb/misc/paperclip.png Attached Thumbnailshttp://www.mathhelpboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=753&d=1366260749


PS: sorry about sloppy maths: been away for months and seem to have forgotten use of $$ to wrap around text to create latex;
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Re: basic trig question

I would say you are confusing period with angular velocity.

If given the sinusoid:

$$f(t)=A\cos(\omega t)$$

then the angular velocity is $\omega$ and the period $T$ is:

$$T=\frac{2\pi}{\omega}$$

since we may write:

$$f(t+T)=A\cos(\omega(t+T))=A\cos(\omega t+2\pi)=A\cos(\omega t)=f(t)$$
 
Re: basic trig question

MarkFL said:
I would say you are confusing period with angular velocity.

If given the sinusoid:

$$f(t)=A\cos(\omega t)$$

then the angular velocity is $\omega$ and the period $T$ is:

$$T=\frac{2\pi}{\omega}$$

since we may write:

$$f(t+T)=A\cos(\omega(t+T))=A\cos(\omega t+2\pi)=A\cos(\omega t)=f(t)$$

Thanks kindly Mark.
This clears up my query.
(I also just realized why my $$s aren't working: i have re-installed OS and have yet to re-install a Tex program)
 
Re: basic trig question

DeusAbscondus said:
Thanks kindly Mark.
This clears up my query.
(I also just realized why my \$\$s aren't working: i have re-installed OS and have yet to re-install a Tex program)

If you're referring to your original post then I believe you just forgot the opening pair of dollar signs. You wrote: f(x)=Acos(bx)\$\$ but you need to write \$\$f(x)=Acos(bx)\$\$ and it will output:

$$f(x)=Acos(bx)$$

Hope this helps! :)