How to graph a sin function with respect to it's limits and x intercepts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around sketching the curve of the function y=sin(x), focusing on understanding its domain, x-intercepts, and the implications of periodicity in trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to mathematically prove the x-intercepts of the sine function, questioning the relationship between the function's periodicity and its intercepts. There are inquiries about the behavior of the sine function at specific values, such as 0, π, and 2π, and confusion regarding calculator settings.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the periodic nature of the sine function and how to derive x-intercepts using the inverse sine function. The conversation reflects a mix of attempts to clarify misunderstandings about the function's behavior and the mathematical principles involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the differences between polynomial expressions and trigonometric functions, particularly in the context of finding x-intercepts. There is also mention of potential confusion stemming from calculator settings affecting the interpretation of sine values.

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I have been given a question to sketch the curve of y=sin(x). I have looked into finding the domain which I understand but I don't understand how I prove the x intercepts mathematically as when I make x=0 I obviously get a 0 value for y but a sin curve obviously intercepts and pi and 2pi etc, how do I prove this ? Also why when I put sin(3pi/2) into the calculator do I not get a negative figure ? or why when I put pi and 2pi in do I not get zero ?
 
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Check that your calculator is in radian mode, not degree mode.
 
sorry, i didn't have my calculator in radian mode. Still I don't understand how I get the values of the x intercepts mathamatically in the same way as you do with polynomial expressions ?
 
It's actually part what periodic functions are.
for a periodic function g(x): g(x+P)=g(x) where P is the period.
So your function [itex]f(x)=sin(x)[/itex] is as good as [itex]f(x)=sin (x \pm n\pi)[/itex] n=0,1,2...
so [itex]x=sin^{-1}(y) \pm n\pi[/itex]
now go ahead and put y=0 to get all your x intercepts.
 
that's the key to the door, thankyou :)
 
I've been trying all week but what I can't understand is that as [sin][/-1](0) is always 0 then any value I put in between 0 and 2∏ I get that value as an x intercept, where am I getting confused ?
 

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