Ch. 2 - Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions; Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Blitzer3rd EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780137316601Not the one you use?Change textbook

Blitzer 3rd Edition

Ch. 2 - Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions; Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Problem 15

Chapter 2, Problem 15

In Exercises 14–15, use the method of adding y-coordinates to graph each function for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π. y = sin x + cos 1/2 x

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Identify the two separate functions involved: \( y_1 = \sin x \) and \( y_2 = \cos \frac{1}{2} x \). We will graph each function individually over the interval \( 0 \leq x \leq 2\pi \).

Create a table of values for \( y_1 = \sin x \) by choosing key points in the interval \( 0, \frac{\pi}{2}, \pi, \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi \) and calculating \( \sin x \) at these points.

Similarly, create a table of values for \( y_2 = \cos \frac{1}{2} x \) using the same \( x \)-values, but calculate \( \cos \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right) \) at each point.

Add the corresponding \( y \)-coordinates from the two tables to find the values of \( y = \sin x + \cos \frac{1}{2} x \) at each \( x \)-value. This means for each \( x \), compute \( y = y_1 + y_2 \).

Plot the points \( (x, y) \) obtained from the sums on the coordinate plane and connect them smoothly to graph the function \( y = \sin x + \cos \frac{1}{2} x \) over the interval \( 0 \leq x \leq 2\pi \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Graphing Trigonometric Functions

Graphing trigonometric functions involves plotting points based on their values at various x-coordinates, typically over one or more periods. Understanding the shape and period of sine and cosine functions helps in accurately sketching their graphs.

Period and Frequency of Trigonometric Functions

The period of a trigonometric function is the length of one complete cycle. For y = cos(1/2 x), the period is 4π because the frequency is halved. Recognizing how coefficients inside the function affect the period is essential for correct graphing.

Adding Functions by Summing y-Coordinates

When adding two functions, the resulting graph is found by adding their y-values at each x-coordinate. This method requires calculating y-values of each function separately and then summing them to get the combined function's graph.

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