Equation to graph a sine wave that acts like a point on a unit circle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an equation to graph a sine wave that behaves like a unit circle but only produces positive values. Participants explore the mathematical formulation needed to achieve specific points on the graph at given angles, particularly focusing on the behavior of the sine function in degrees versus radians.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the equation Y = A * sin(x)^2, aiming for specific values at angles 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees.
  • Another participant suggests using |sin(x)| as a potential solution, questioning the conversion of degrees to radians and its effect on the period of the sine function.
  • Some participants discuss the correct conversion factor for degrees to radians, with one suggesting to multiply by π/180 instead of 180/π.
  • A later reply introduces a different formulation, suggesting y(x) = A/2(1 + sin(πx/180), indicating a different approach to achieving the desired graph behavior.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the correctness of their initial approach after receiving feedback, indicating a learning process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best equation to use, as multiple approaches are suggested, and some participants express satisfaction with different solutions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal formulation for the sine wave graph.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the input values (degrees vs. radians) and the specific behavior of the sine function at various angles. The discussion also highlights the potential for misunderstanding in mathematical conversions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in mathematical modeling, particularly in the context of trigonometric functions and their graphical representations.

btb4198
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I need an equation to graph a sine wave that act like a unit circle but only positive numbers.
so I need it to be 0 at 0, A at 90 , 0 at 180, A at 270, 0 at 360, and A at 450 and so on and so on...

Now I know sin(0) is 0 in degrees and sin(90) 1
and I know if you Square a number is will always get you a positive number
so Y = A* sin(x)^2 should work, but x has to be in degrees, so you have to convert from radians to degrees.

with is 180/π

so now I have
Y = A * sin(x*(180/π) ^2
but this is not working on my computer's graphing Calculator:
1633288714715.png


I made A = 5
I tried doing adding - 90
Y = A * sin(x*(180/π -90) ^2

but that did not work
I never trying adding 90, - 360 and 360 nothing is working.
why is this ? what am I missing ?
ago the graph should be 0 on 0, 180 , and 360 and should be A( in this case 5) only on 90, 270 and 450 and so on and so on
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Do you just want something like ##|sin(x)|##?

Also, your calculator probably assumes x is in radians to begin with, so when you try to convert it to degrees, you're shortening the period a lot more than you intended.
 
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Office_Shredder said:
Do you just want something like ##|sin(x)|##?

Also, your calculator probably assumes x is in radians to begin with, so when you try to convert it to degrees, you're shortening the period a lot more than you intended.
no that give me this:
1633290723767.png
 
I need it to go down on 90 and not 180
 
Try multiplying by ##\pi/180## instead of ##180/\pi## inside of the sine function to get the right conversion to degrees.
 
Office_Shredder said:
Try multiplying by ##\pi/180## instead of ##180/\pi## inside of the sine function to get the right conversion to degrees.
Thanks !
that work.
really weird google said this:
1633296394316.png


is it wrong then?
how you were right!
my graph is working on
 
btb4198 said:
I need an equation to graph a sine wave that act like a unit circle but only positive numbers.
so I need it to be 0 at 0, A at 90 , 0 at 180, A at 270, 0 at 360, and A at 450 and so on and so on...

Now I know sin(0) is 0 in degrees and sin(90) 1
and I know if you Square a number is will always get you a positive number
so Y = A* sin(x)^2 should work, but x has to be in degrees, so you have to convert from radians to degrees.

with is 180/π

so now I have
Y = A * sin(x*(180/π) ^2
but this is not working on my computer's graphing Calculator:
View attachment 290112

I made A = 5
I tried doing adding - 90
Y = A * sin(x*(180/π -90) ^2

but that did not work
I never trying adding 90, - 360 and 360 nothing is working.
why is this ? what am I missing ?
ago the graph should be 0 on 0, 180 , and 360 and should be A( in this case 5) only on 90, 270 and 450 and so on and so on

From the basic trig identities <br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \cos^2 x+ \sin^2 x &amp;= 1 \\<br /> \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x &amp;= \cos(2x)<br /> \end{align*}<br /> it follows that \sin^2 x = (1 - \cos (2x))/2. That's not what you want.

It sounds like what you want is y(x) = \frac{A}{2}\left(1 + \sin\left( \frac{\pi x}{180}\right)\right).
 
pasmith said:
From the basic trig identities <br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \cos^2 x+ \sin^2 x &amp;= 1 \\<br /> \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x &amp;= \cos(2x)<br /> \end{align*}<br /> it follows that \sin^2 x = (1 - \cos (2x))/2. That's not what you want.

It sounds like what you want is y(x) = \frac{A}{2}\left(1 + \sin\left( \frac{\pi x}{180}\right)\right).
No
Office_Shredder was right...
I got the graph I wanted
 

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