What Causes Oscillatory Behavior in Sinusoidal Functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the oscillatory behavior of the sinusoidal function defined by the equation ##2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t-\frac{\pi}{6}) + 6##. The user identifies equilibrium points at 4.392, 7, and 8 and observes that the function oscillates around the first equilibrium point when t is set to 4, 5, or 6. The user struggles to explain the oscillation condition and its dependence on initial conditions, particularly around inflection points. The analysis reveals that oscillation occurs at these critical points, indicating a sensitivity to initial values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sinusoidal functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with equilibrium points in dynamical systems
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and transformations
  • Basic concepts of oscillatory behavior in mathematical functions
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  • Explore the concept of equilibrium points in dynamical systems
  • Study the effects of initial conditions on oscillatory behavior
  • Learn about inflection points and their role in function behavior
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of oscillation conditions in sinusoidal functions
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Students studying calculus, mathematicians interested in oscillatory dynamics, and educators teaching sinusoidal functions and their applications.

rmiller70015
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Homework Statement



This isn't really part of my homework, my homework was to draw a pretty graph, but I am curious about some behavior.
I was given a picture of a sinusoidal function. I found it was ##2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t-\frac{\pi}{6}) + 6##. Then I used trig identities to get ##\sqrt{3}sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t) - cos(\frac{\pi}{3}t) +6## and set it equal to ##t## to get ##\sqrt{3}sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t) - cos(\frac{\pi}{3}t) - t =-6##. I then plotted ##\sqrt{3}sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t) - cos(\frac{\pi}{3}t) - t = 0## and ##y = -6## and found the intercepts to get my equilibrium points of 4.392, 7, and 8.

This is where I am having issues. The web diagram's behavior around the first equilibrium is sensitive to initial conditions. Graphically I found that when t = 4, 5, or 6, the diagram will oscillate around the fixed point indefinitely. I'm having trouble explaining why this is.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried starting off by saying the oscillation condition is ##t_n = t_{n+2}## and ##t_{n+1} = t_{n+3}##.

I think that the updating formula is ##t_{n+1} = (1-n)t_n + (1-n)t_n[2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t - \frac{\pi}{6})+6]##

Then,
##t_{n+1} = (1-n)t_n[7+2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t - \frac{\pi}{6})] = t_{n+3} = (1-(n+2))t_{n+2}[7+2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t-\frac{\pi}{6})]##
Division gives:
##\frac{t_n}{t_{n+2}} = \frac{-(1+n)t_{n+2}[7+2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t - \frac{\pi}{6})]}{(1-n)t_n[7 + 2sin(\frac{\pi}{3}t - \frac{\pi}{6})]}##
But this ends up telling me that 1 = -1, so, I'm not sure what to do from here or if this was the correct way to do things. I need to find some expression that allows the oscillation conditions to be met.

Edit: Upon closer inspection it appears that this oscillatory behavior occurs at the inflection points and half way between the inflection points.
 
Last edited:
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I can't understand. If you fix t=4, then what is "oscillating"? And what initial conditions are you referring to?
 

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