How Does Phase Shift Affect a Cosine Wave in Trigonometry?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phase shift of a cosine wave represented by the equation y = cos(2*pi*f*t). To advance the cosine wave by 90 degrees, the correct transformation is y = cos(2*pi*f*t + pi/2). However, confusion arises regarding the frequency, where the phase shift should be interpreted as f*pi/2 instead of simply pi/2. Clarification is provided that cos(2*pi*f*t + pi/2) translates the wave by pi/2, while cos(2*pi*f(t + pi/2)) translates it by a different factor, specifically pi^2*f.

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  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine waves.
  • Familiarity with phase shifts in waveforms.
  • Basic knowledge of frequency and its impact on wave behavior.
  • Experience with MATLAB for waveform manipulation and indexing.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical principles of phase shifts in trigonometric functions.
  • Learn how to implement phase shifts in MATLAB using cosine functions.
  • Explore the differences between translating waveforms and modifying their frequency.
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Rudibot
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I'm a bit rusty..

I have a cosine
y = cos(2*pi*f*t)
If I want to advance the cosine by say 90 degrees
y = cos(2*pi*f*t + pi/2)

but..
this waveform has f cycles per 2*pi*t..so won't I be advancing the phase by f*pi/2?
someone pls straigthen me out - I'm working with Matlab indexes and I'm getting confused!
 
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Rudibot said:
I'm a bit rusty..

I have a cosine
y = cos(2*pi*f*t)
If I want to advance the cosine by say 90 degrees
y = cos(2*pi*f*t + pi/2)

but..
this waveform has f cycles per 2*pi*t..so won't I be advancing the phase by f*pi/2?
someone pls straigthen me out - I'm working with Matlab indexes and I'm getting confused!


I'm not really sure what're you asking, but \,\,\displaystyle{\cos \left(\alpha+\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=-\sin (\alpha)}\,\,

DonAntonio
 
cos(2*piZ*f*t+ pi/2) is different from cos(2*pi*f(t+ pi/2)). The first just translates the wave by pi/2, the second translates by pi^2*f.
 

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