Sinusoidal function, find its parameters

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The discussion revolves around modeling the height of water in a harbor using a sinusoidal function, h(t) = a + b sin(kt + c). The parameters to be determined include a mean level of 2.5 meters, an amplitude of 1.5 meters, and a period of 12 hours. Initial conditions indicate that at t=0, the height is 2.5 meters, with subsequent heights recorded at 4, 5.5, and 7 meters at 12, 24, and 36 hours respectively. The problem-solving process involves setting up equations based on these height measurements and applying trigonometric identities to find the unknown parameters. The discussion highlights the complexity of the problem and the need for hints to guide the solution.
voltaire101
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Homework Statement



Measurements of the height h(t) of water in a harbor are recorded ,where h is measured in meters and t in hours.It was noted that the rise and fall of a tide is modeled by a sinusoidal function giving the height by : h(t)=a+bsin(kt+c).

(a) Obtain values of the parameters a,b,c and k if measurement started when the level is equal to the mean level of 2.5 meters and has an amplitude of 1.5 meters and a period of 12 hours.

b) Compute the rate of change of the water height.


c) Find the highest and lowest values of h and the times at which they are taken.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



This is a very complex problem (I think). OK, I tried to solve it in many way but with no progress, finally the doctor said that he will give us a hint. So I wrote this hint and I found it was very far from my attempts to solve it.

So I will type the doctor's hints..

at t=0 the height was 2.5

every 12 hours there is an amplitude of 1.5 meters

He also wrote this: (I don't know why he chose four periods)

when t=0 h=2.5
when t=12 h=4
when t=24 h=5.5
when t=36 h=7

when t=0 2.5=a+bsin(c)

when t=12 4=a+bsin(12k+c)

when t=24 5.5=a+bsin(24kc)

when t=36 7=a+bsin(36k+c)

for the first period:
sin(c)=\frac{2.5-a}{b}

for the second period:
sin(12k+c)=sin(12k)cos(c)+cos(12k)sin(c)

... At this point I lost reception.
 
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