Trig Question, Find x-intercepts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the x-intercepts of the function y = -5sin(4x + π/3) within the interval [-π/6, π/2). Participants are exploring the implications of the sine function's periodicity and the transformations applied to the standard sine function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of finding x-intercepts by setting the function equal to zero and manipulating the resulting equation. There are attempts to determine the correct interval for the transformed variable 4x + π/3. Some participants express confusion about their calculations and seek clarification on the periodic nature of the sine function.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their attempts at solving the problem, with some suggesting that they have found potential x-intercepts. There is an ongoing exploration of the periodicity of the sine function and how it affects the x-intercepts within the specified interval. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of intervals and the periodic nature of the function.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the specified interval and the properties of the sine function, including its periodicity and the transformations applied to it. There is an acknowledgment of the need to find multiple x-intercepts within the given range.

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Homework Statement



List all x-intercepts for y= -5sin(4x+pi/3) On the interval [-pi/6, pi/2)



Homework Equations



I know that y=sin has x-intercepts at 0, pi, and 2pi on the interval of [0, 2pi] but when I try to solve it the same way here it doesn't really come out the same.


The Attempt at a Solution



This is how I tried to solve it,

-pi/6 < 4x + pi/3 < pi/2 ----> I subtract pi/3 from both -pi/6 and pi/2

= -3pi/6 < 4x < pi/6 ----> Then I divide 4 by both

= -3pi/24 < x < pi / 24

so the x-intercepts would be -3pi/24 (-pi/8) and pi/24 and the midpoint between those but I guess its wrong :(
 
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dolpho said:

Homework Statement



List all x-intercepts for y= -5sin(4x+pi/3) On the interval [-pi/6, pi/2)

Homework Equations



I know that y=sin has x-intercepts at 0, pi, and 2pi on the interval of [0, 2pi] but when I try to solve it the same way here it doesn't really come out the same.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is how I tried to solve it,

-pi/6 < 4x + pi/3 < pi/2 ----> I subtract pi/3 from both -pi/6 and pi/2

= -3pi/6 < 4x < pi/6 ----> Then I divide 4 by both

= -3pi/24 < x < pi / 24

so the x-intercepts would be -3pi/24 (-pi/8) and pi/24 and the midpoint between those but I guess its wrong :(
Hello dolpho. Welcome back to PF !

You're told that \displaystyle -\frac{\pi}{6}\le x\le\frac{\pi}{2}\ . Now find the interval on which \displaystyle 4x+\frac{\pi}{3} then occurs.

You have worked it out as if \displaystyle -\frac{\pi}{6}\le \left(4x+\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\le\frac{\pi}{2}\ .
 
SammyS said:
Hello dolpho. Welcome back to PF !

You're told that \displaystyle -\frac{\pi}{6}\le x\le\frac{\pi}{2}\ . Now find the interval on which \displaystyle 4x+\frac{\pi}{3} then occurs.

You have worked it out as if \displaystyle -\frac{\pi}{6}\le \left(4x+\frac{\pi}{3}\right)\le\frac{\pi}{2}\ .

Ahhh my mind is messed up on this problem!

I worked it another way so that

0= -5sin(4x + pi/3)

-pi/3 = 4x

-pi/12 = x

So I think that part is right but what if I wanted to find more x-intercepts along the interval of -pi / 6 and pi/2?
 
dolpho said:
Ahhh my mind is messed up on this problem!

I worked it another way so that

0= -5sin(4x + pi/3)

-pi/3 = 4x

-pi/12 = x

So I think that part is right but what if I wanted to find more x-intercepts along the interval of -pi / 6 and pi/2?

\Large period=\frac{2\pi}{b}
for the form:
\large asin(bx-c)+d
so your b value is 4. There will be an x intercept every half-period.
 
dolpho said:
Ahhh my mind is messed up on this problem!

I worked it another way so that

0= -5sin(4x + pi/3)

-pi/3 = 4x

-pi/12 = x

So I think that part is right but what if I wanted to find more x-intercepts along the interval of -pi / 6 and pi/2?
You could work it out:

\displaystyle -\frac{\pi}{6}\le x\le\frac{\pi}{2}\

\displaystyle -\frac{4\pi}{6}\le 4x\le\frac{4\pi}{2}\

\displaystyle -\frac{2\pi}{3}+\frac{\pi}{3}\le 4x+\frac{\pi}{3}\le2\pi+\frac{\pi}{3}\

etc.
 
Ok so I think I found the answer.

0 = -5sin(4x+pi/3)

-pi/3 = 4x

-pi/12 = 1 x-int, Then I find out the period so, 2pi / 4 = pi/2

Add pi/2 to -pi/12 = 5pi/12. Then find the midpoint between those so the x-intercepts would be

-pi/12, pi/6 and 5pi/12

Anyone get the same answers?
 
dolpho said:
Ok so I think I found the answer.

0 = -5sin(4x+pi/3)

-pi/3 = 4x

-pi/12 = 1 x-int, Then I find out the period so, 2pi / 4 = pi/2

Add pi/2 to -pi/12 = 5pi/12. Then find the midpoint between those so the x-intercepts would be

-pi/12, pi/6 and 5pi/12

Anyone get the same answers?

Those are correct.
 

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