What Are the Key Transformations for Trigonometric Graphs?

AI Thread Summary
Graph transformations for trigonometric functions involve adjusting parameters in the sinusoidal equation f(x) = a sin(b(x - h)) + k. Changing the value of b modifies the period of the graph, while altering a affects the amplitude and can also cause a reflection across the x-axis if negative. The parameter h introduces a phase shift, moving the graph horizontally, and k shifts it vertically. The discussion highlights that these transformations are applicable to trigonometric graphs, allowing for cycles to be increased or decreased. Overall, understanding these transformations is essential for graphing and analyzing sinusoidal functions effectively.
Peter G.
Messages
439
Reaction score
0
I am revising my graph transformations and I am curious:

If we graph sin (2x) or sin (x/2) we are able to increase and reduce their cycles.

Is there any transformation for other lines/graphs?

My doubt is we can also do 2 sin (x), which is the stretch parallel to the y-axis as I am familiar.

But I am guessing the cycle increase and decrease is unique to the trigonometric curves?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sinusoids are written in the form
f(x) = a \sin (b(x - h)) + k

Altering b affects the period of the graph, as you said. And yes, altering a will affect the amplitude (ie. vertical stretch or shrink). And if a is negative, there would be a reflection across the x-axis as well. Altering h would affect the phase shift (ie. horizontal shift), and altering k would move the graph of the sinusoid up or down.
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Back
Top