Graph y=|cos(pix)|
The question is requesting to create a visual representation, specifically a graph, of the absolute value of the cosine function when the argument is pi times x. This means to plot the function y=|cos(πx)| on a Cartesian coordinate system, where the independent variable x is scaled by π within the cosine function. The absolute value operation ensures that all the values of y are non-negative, so the resulting graph would display the standard cosine wave that has been reflected about the x-axis for any part where the cosine would normally be negative, resulting in a wave that bounces above the x-axis only.
The vertex for the function
Set the argument of the cosine function inside the absolute value to zero:
Find the value of
Apply the inverse cosine to both sides:
Recognize that
Divide both sides by
Since cosine is positive in the first and fourth quadrants, find the second solution by subtracting the reference angle from
Combine terms and divide by
Calculate the period of the cosine function:
The solutions repeat every
Express the general solution as
Replace
Apply the cosine function to the expression:
The absolute value vertex is
The domain is all real numbers: Interval Notation:
Use the vertices
The problem involves graphing the function
Absolute Value Function: The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, without considering direction. The absolute value function graph is a V-shaped graph.
Cosine Function: The cosine function is a periodic function with a period of
Transformations of Functions: The graph of
Period of a Function: The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle of the wave. For
Inverse Trigonometric Functions: These functions are used to find the angle that corresponds to a given trigonometric ratio. For example,
Domain of a Function: The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined.
Graphing Techniques: To graph an absolute value function, it is often helpful to find the vertex and use symmetry, along with the period of the underlying trigonometric function, to plot additional points.
Set-Builder Notation: A notation to describe a set by stating the properties that its members must satisfy. For example,
Interval Notation: A notation to describe the set of numbers lying between two endpoints. The notation
By understanding these concepts, one can graph the function