Determine the equation when given a graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the equation of a sinusoidal function based on its graph, specifically in the form y=Asin(Bx+C). Participants are exploring the characteristics of the graph, including amplitude and period, while grappling with the implications of phase shifts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the amplitude and attempt to calculate the period using the relationship C/B. There is uncertainty regarding how to determine the period without clear markers on the X-axis. Some participants suggest estimating the period from the graph and question the calculations of others.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's reasoning. There is a recognition of progress as participants refine their understanding of the period and phase shift, though no consensus has been reached on the final equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment and are referencing their experiences with a recent exam, which may influence their understanding and confidence in the material.

Feodalherren
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Homework Statement


graph.jpg

The graph goes on for ever in both directions and we know that it's in the form
y=Asin(Bx+C)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure what to do here. The amplitude is easy, it's 2.

C/B = Period
Correct?

I'm at a loss here.
 
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Feodalherren said:

Homework Statement


graph.jpg

The graph goes on for ever in both directions and we know that it's in the form
y=Asin(Bx+C)
Or y = A sin(B(x + C/B))
Feodalherren said:

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure what to do here. The amplitude is easy, it's 2.

C/B = Period
Correct?
No. If you had y = sin(x + D), the period would be ##2\pi##.
If you had y = sin(2(x + D)), the period would be ##2\pi/2##, right?


Feodalherren said:
I'm at a loss here.
 
Hmm I'm not sure I'm following your logic here. What throws me off is the fact that I have no pies on the X-axis. I have no idea how to start calculating the period.

If I had a 2pi it would be easy enough, I'd just see how many cycles the graph completes in a 2pi interval.
 
Feodalherren said:
Hmm I'm not sure I'm following your logic here. What throws me off is the fact that I have no pies on the X-axis. I have no idea how to start calculating the period.
From your graph, can you estimate what the period is?
Feodalherren said:
If I had a 2pi it would be easy enough, I'd just see how many cycles the graph completes in a 2pi interval.
 
P=12/13

?
 
Feodalherren said:
P=12/13

?
?

How did you get that?
 
Your graph shows slightly more than one period of this function.
 
I graphed it by hand since I remembered it of my final today and I couldn't solve it. Assume that the graph goes on forever.

Hmm okay let me retry.
Every integer is divided into 6 parts as you can see from the graph.
When calculating the period I start from the 1/6 and go to 13/6 where the graph repeats itself.
This means that the period is 12/6 = 2?
The phase shift is 1/6 so the end result would be

y=2sin(2x-1/6)

Correct?

I feel like I'm missing a pi somewhere... Is it y=2sin(pi(x)-1/6) ?
 
Last edited:
Feodalherren said:
I graphed it by hand since I remembered it of my final today and I couldn't solve it. Assume that the graph goes on forever.

Hmm okay let me retry.
Every integer is divided into 6 parts as you can see from the graph.
When calculating the period I start from the 1/6 and go to 13/6 where the graph repeats itself.
This means that the period is 12/6 = 2?
Yes.
Feodalherren said:
The phase shift is 1/6 so the end result would be

y=2sin(2x-1/6)

Correct?
No, but you're getting closer than you were before.

Let's look at a simpler example, y = sin(2x). Its period is ##2\pi/2 = \pi##. Your function has a period of 2, so the number that multiplies x needs to be what?
Feodalherren said:
I feel like I'm missing a pi somewhere... Is it y=2sin(pi(x)-1/6) ?

This is very close. If you want to shift the graph of y = sin(2x) to the right by 1/2, it would be y = sin(2(x - 1/2)). Does that give you an idea?
 
  • #10
Hmm... Okay. My period is

2pi / 2 = pi.
y=2sin(pi(x))

Now, to phase shift 1/6 of a unit I do

y = 2sin(pi(x) - pi/6)

?
 
  • #11
Feodalherren said:
Hmm... Okay. My period is

2pi / 2 = pi.
y=2sin(pi(x))

Now, to phase shift 1/6 of a unit I do

y = 2sin(pi(x) - pi/6)

?

That looks right.
 
  • #12
Thanks a bunch. Much appreciated. I totally bombed my final but at least I walked away with some new knowledge.
 

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