Graph of trigonometric functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of multiplying trigonometric functions by a constant, specifically focusing on the function y = pcos(x) where 'p' is an arbitrary constant. Participants explore how variations in 'p' influence the graph's characteristics, including amplitude and value ranges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the impact of the constant 'p' on the graph of cosine functions and extend the inquiry to other functions like y = pex and y = psin-1x. They consider specific values for 'p' to illustrate their points.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into how the amplitude of the cosine function changes with different values of 'p', noting that the function's range adjusts accordingly. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications for other functions, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted that the original poster's inquiry is not framed as a homework question, yet the discussion takes place within a Homework Help forum, prompting some to suggest adherence to forum guidelines.

ItsAnshumaan
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Member warned that homework template must be used
This is not a homework question but a general doubt.

Suppose we have a function y = pcosx, where 'p' is an arbitrary constant. So my question is how will the graph of this function change with different values of 'p'?

This doubt can also be extended for other functions like y = pex, y = p sin-1x etc, if the concept remains same.
 
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ItsAnshumaan said:
This is not a homework question but a general doubt.

Suppose we have a function y = pcosx, where 'p' is an arbitrary constant. So my question is how will the graph of this function change with different values of 'p'?

This doubt can also be extended for other functions like y = pex, y = p sin-1x etc, if the concept remains same.
Even though you say it's not a Homework problem, you should use the Homework template when you post in a Homework Forum.

At any rate:
What do you think is the effect on the graph, y = cos(x), if you multiply the cosine function by a constant, p, giving the resulting graph y = p⋅cos(x) ?

It may help to pick some value for p, such as p = 2 .
 
SammyS said:
Even though you say it's not a Homework problem, you should use the Homework template when you post in a Homework Forum.

At any rate:
What do you think is the effect on the graph, y = cos(x), if you multiply the cosine function by a constant, p, giving the resulting graph y = p⋅cos(x) ?

It may help to pick some value for p, such as p = 2 .

When p is 2, the y co-ordinate will be double of what it should had been in normal cosine graph. Hence I'm assuming that the amplitude of the wave will increase.
 
ItsAnshumaan said:
When p is 2, the y co-ordinate will be double of what it should had been in normal cosine graph. Hence I'm assuming that the amplitude of the wave will increase.

You are right. More generally, the cosine values has values in [-1,1] . When you consider the function f(x) = p*cos(x), f(x) has values in [-p,p].
Concerning other functions. Generally, when you have a function g(x), then p*g(x) will be the function where for every a in the domain of g, g(a) is multiplied with p.
 
Math_QED said:
You are right. More generally, the cosine values has values in [-1,1] . When you consider the function f(x) = p*cos(x), f(x) has values in [-p,p].
Concerning other functions. Generally, when you have a function g(x), then p*g(x) will be the function where for every a in the domain of g, g(a) is multiplied with p.
Thank you for the help :D
 

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