How do I graph a horizontal compression with trig functions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around graphing the function Y = -sin(2X) and understanding the implications of horizontal compression in trigonometric functions. Participants are exploring how to represent the transformation of the sine function in a graphing context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods for graphing the function, including identifying points where the function crosses the x-axis and understanding the period of the sine function. There are questions about how to graph different transformations, such as sin(1/2)x, and how these relate to the standard sine function.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered methods for graphing the function and understanding its period. There is ongoing exploration of different approaches to graphing sine functions with varying periods, but no consensus has been reached on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There are assumptions about the understanding of trigonometric functions and their transformations that are being questioned and clarified throughout the discussion.

CrossFit415
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Homework Statement



Y = - sin (2X)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So.. I know how to graph - sin, that's going to be one 1 but reversed. Now my problem is the (2x). How do I graph 2x in the trig graph? How would I go about making a horizontal compression? Thank you
 
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Hi CrossFit415! :smile:

Find all the points where sin2x = 0 …

that's where the graph has to cross the x-axis. :wink:
 
Thanks Tim
 
CrossFit415 said:

Homework Statement



Y = - sin (2X)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So.. I know how to graph - sin, that's going to be one 1 but reversed. Now my problem is the (2x). How do I graph 2x in the trig graph? How would I go about making a horizontal compression? Thank you

Tim has given you one method. Another is to just draw a sine curve on an unlabeled axis. Using the fact that the period of sin(bx) is 2pi/b you know the period of your function is pi. So mark x = pi at the end of the first period and label everything else accordingly.
 
LCKurtz said:
Tim has given you one method. Another is to just draw a sine curve on an unlabeled axis. Using the fact that the period of sin(bx) is 2pi/b you know the period of your function is pi. So mark x = pi at the end of the first period and label everything else accordingly.

Ok, so if I wanted to graph sin (1/2)x I would solve for 2 pi / (1/2) = 4pi. So how would I draw my graph compared to sin x?
 
CrossFit415 said:
Ok, so if I wanted to graph sin (1/2)x I would solve for 2 pi / (1/2) = 4pi. So how would I draw my graph compared to sin x?

sin(x) has a period of [itex]2\pi[/itex] (that is, it repeats itself every [itex]2\pi[/itex]) and since sin(x/2) has a period of [itex]4\pi[/itex] it would look...?
 
CrossFit415 said:
Ok, so if I wanted to graph sin (1/2)x I would solve for 2 pi / (1/2) = 4pi. So how would I draw my graph compared to sin x?

So label the end of the first period 4pi and everything else accordingly.
 

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