Comparing End Behavior of y=sin(x) and y=sin(x/2)

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The end behavior of y=sin(x) and y=sin(x/2) is oscillatory, with both functions oscillating between -1 and 1. However, sin(x oscillates twice as rapidly as sin(x/2), which has a period of 4π, making it stretched along the x-axis by a factor of 2. There are no asymptotes or holes in sin(x/2), and its zeros occur at multiples of 2nπ. The discussion emphasizes the fundamental nature of trigonometric functions and their graphical characteristics. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for analyzing their properties effectively.
frenkie
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is y=sin(x) the end behavior of y=sin(x/2)?
 
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Yep, oscillatory. the function oscillates between -1 and 1.
 
I wish i knew what that looks like? is there a picture anywhere? sorry if that's too much trouble.
 
and why is it oscillatory?
 
frenkie said:
is the end behavior of sin(x/2) = sin(x) because the function settles on that equation...and i have no idea why it is oscillatory? care to explain?


also, are there any interesting points in the graph of sin(x/2)...i think the teacher is asking for asymptotes, holes and etc...which don't exist in sin(x/2)..correct?

sin(x/2) looks just like sin(x), only its squished along the x-axis by a factor of 2.
 
also, are there any interesting points in the graph of sin(x/2)...my last question.
 
:eek:

The behaviour of trig fns like sine is fundamental!

Have a look on mathworld or such.

(btw: in answer to your last question - zero at 0, 2n\pi, \pi\in\mathbb{Z}, diff to find extrema etc...)
 
J77 said:
:eek:

The behaviour of trig fns like sine is fundamental!

Have a look on mathworld or such.

(btw: in answer to your last question - zero at 0, 2n\pi, \pi\in\mathbb{Z}, diff to find extrema etc...)

sin\left( \frac{x}{2}\right) =0\mbox{ if }x=2n\pi,n\in\mathbb{Z}

J77, double click on the equations to see how to typeset in here (we don't use $..$)
 
thank you very much guys..appreciate your help...
 
  • #10
And no, there are no other points of interest.
 
  • #11
benorin said:
And no, there are no other points of interest.
:biggrin:

Thanks for the latex thing, benorin.
 
  • #13
frenkie: is y=sin(x) the end behavior of y=sin(x/2)?

benorin: Yep, oscillatory. the function oscillates between -1 and 1.

The question doesn't even make any sense. But I would hesitate before saying, "yep". Yes, they do both oscillate between the same 2 fixed numbers, but the former oscillates twice as rapidly as the latter.

benorin said:
sin(x/2) looks just like sin(x), only its squished along the x-axis by a factor of 2.

No, it is stretched out by a factor of 2. The period of \sin(x/2) is 4\pi, which is twice as long as the period of \sin(x).
 

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