Problem

Find Amplitude, Period, and Phase Shift y=2cos(pix-1)+2

The given problem pertains to the analysis of a trigonometric function, specifically a cosine function that has been modified with amplitude scaling, horizontal shifting, and vertical translation. The task is to determine three characteristics of this modified cosine wave:

  1. The Amplitude, which refers to the vertical stretch or compression of the wave and determines the maximum value the function reaches from its middle position (baseline or equilibrium position).

  2. The Period, which is the horizontal length of one complete cycle of the wave. In trigonometric terms, it is the interval required for the function to repeat its pattern, typically measured from peak to peak or trough to trough.

  3. The Phase Shift, which represents the horizontal displacement of the function from its standard position. This affects where the wave starts or 'originates' along the horizontal axis.

The equation provided is in a format that allows for the direct read-off of these parameters once you understand how the constants within the equation affect these characteristics.

$y = 2 cos \left(\right. \pi x - 1 \left.\right) + 2$

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1:

Identify the coefficients $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$ from the standard trigonometric form $a \cos(bx - c) + d$ to determine amplitude, period, phase shift, and vertical shift.

  • Amplitude coefficient ($a$): $2$
  • Frequency coefficient ($b$): $\pi$
  • Phase shift coefficient ($c$): $1$
  • Vertical shift ($d$): $2$

Step 2:

Calculate the amplitude by taking the absolute value of $a$.

  • Amplitude: $\left| 2 \right| = 2$

Step 3:

Determine the period using the formula $\frac{2\pi}{\left| b \right|}$.

Step 3.1:

Compute the period for $2\cos(\pi x - 1)$.

Step 3.1.1:

Apply the period formula $\frac{2\pi}{\left| b \right|}$.

Step 3.1.2:

Substitute $\pi$ for $b$ to find the period: $\frac{2\pi}{\left| \pi \right|}$.

Step 3.1.3:

Since $\pi \approx 3.14159265$ is positive, the absolute value is not needed: $\frac{2\pi}{\pi}$.

Step 3.1.4:

Eliminate the common $\pi$ factor.

Step 3.1.4.1:

Simplify by canceling out $\pi$: $\frac{2 \cancel{\pi}}{\cancel{\pi}}$.

Step 3.1.4.2:

Finalize the calculation: $2$.

Step 3.2:

Confirm the period is $2$.

Step 3.2.1:

Reapply the period formula $\frac{2\pi}{\left| b \right|}$.

Step 3.2.2:

Insert $\pi$ for $b$ again: $\frac{2\pi}{\left| \pi \right|}$.

Step 3.2.3:

Remove the absolute value as before: $\frac{2\pi}{\pi}$.

Step 3.2.4:

Proceed to cancel the common $\pi$ factor.

Step 3.2.4.1:

Cancel $\pi$: $\frac{2 \cancel{\pi}}{\cancel{\pi}}$.

Step 3.2.4.2:

Complete the division: $2$.

Step 3.3:

The period for a sum or difference of trigonometric functions is the maximum of the individual periods, which is $2$.

Step 4:

Calculate the phase shift with the formula $\frac{c}{b}$.

Step 4.1:

The phase shift is derived from $\frac{c}{b}$.

Step 4.2:

Input the known values of $c$ and $b$: Phase Shift: $\frac{1}{\pi}$.

Step 5:

Compile the characteristics of the trigonometric function.

  • Amplitude: $2$
  • Period: $2$
  • Phase Shift: $\frac{1}{\pi}$ (shifted $\frac{1}{\pi}$ units to the right)
  • Vertical Shift: $2$

Knowledge Notes:

To analyze and describe the properties of a trigonometric function, particularly a cosine function of the form $y = a\cos(bx - c) + d$, we use the following key concepts:

  1. Amplitude: The amplitude of a trigonometric function is the absolute value of the coefficient $a$. It determines the height of the wave's peaks and the depth of its troughs from the function's midline. In the given function, the amplitude is $|a|$.

  2. Period: The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle of the wave. It is calculated using the formula $\frac{2\pi}{|b|}$, where $b$ is the frequency coefficient. The period tells us how long it takes for the function to repeat its pattern.

  3. Phase Shift: The phase shift of a trigonometric function is the horizontal shift along the x-axis. It is determined by the formula $\frac{c}{b}$, where $c$ is the horizontal shift coefficient. A positive phase shift means the function is shifted to the right, while a negative shift indicates a shift to the left.

  4. Vertical Shift: The vertical shift is the value $d$ in the function, which moves the function up or down along the y-axis. It changes the midline of the wave but does not affect the amplitude or period.

  5. Frequency: The frequency is related to the period and is the number of cycles the function completes in a unit interval. It is given by the reciprocal of the period.

Understanding these properties allows us to graph the trigonometric function accurately and predict its behavior over any interval.

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