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

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The discussion revolves around the end behavior of the functions y=sin(x) and y=sin(x/2), focusing on their oscillatory nature and graphical characteristics. Participants explore how these functions relate to each other in terms of their oscillation and periodicity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the relationship between the end behavior of the two functions, particularly whether y=sin(x) represents the end behavior of y=sin(x/2). There are inquiries about the graphical representation and characteristics of the functions, including oscillation and points of interest such as zeros and extrema.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide insights into the oscillatory nature of the functions and their graphical similarities, while others express confusion about the implications of their behaviors. There is a mix of agreement and differing interpretations regarding the characteristics of the functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the functions oscillate between -1 and 1 and discuss the implications of their periodicity, with specific mention of the period of sin(x/2) being longer than that of sin(x). There are also references to the absence of asymptotes or holes in the graph of sin(x/2).

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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