Two Transverse Sinusoidal waves combine in a medium

AI Thread Summary
Two transverse sinusoidal waves described by the functions y1 = 3sin(π(x + 0.600t)) and y2 = 3sin(π(x - 0.600t)) combine to yield y = y1 + y2 = 6sin(πx)cos(0.600πt). The confusion arises from interpreting the sine function; it should be understood as three times the sine of the angle π(x + 0.600t), not as a multiplication that results in zero. The notation without square brackets can lead to misinterpretation, but the sine function is not zero in this context. Clarification on the notation emphasizes the correct mathematical interpretation. Understanding the wave functions correctly is crucial for solving the problem.
Willjeezy
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Homework Statement


Two Transverse Sinusoidal waves combine in a medium are described by the wave functions:

y1 = 3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

y2 = 3sin∏(x - 0.600t)

what is y1 + y2?

Homework Equations


the hint is that I am supposed to use:
sin(α + β) = sin(α)cos(β) + cos(α)sin(β)

The Attempt at a Solution


the answer in the back is:
y = y1 + y2 = 6sin(∏x)cos(0.600∏t)

I am not really sure how they got that. In fact,the notation of y1 and y2 confuse me because y1 says:

y1=3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

and I interpret this as 3 multiplied by sin∏ multiplied by (x+0.600t)

but the problem is sin∏ = 0, so don't both equations just reduce to 0?

y1 = 0
y2 = 0?

Can someone clarify this for me?
 
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Willjeezy said:
y1=3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

and I interpret this as 3 multiplied by sin∏ multiplied by (x+0.600t)



No. 3sin[π(x + 0.6t)] means "three times the sine of the angle π(x + 0.6t)".
 
hmm.3sin[π(x + 0.6t)]

it was written verbatim as:
3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

thanks, rude man.
 
Last edited:
Willjeezy said:
hmm.

I wasn't sure if it was a typo, they are missing the outer square brackets

3sin[π(x + 0.6t)]

it was written verbatim as:
3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

thanks, rude man.

I just added the square brackets for emphasis for your benefit.

Why would anyone write "sinπ" when that quantity is zero?
 
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