Sine & Cosine Function Modeling: Finding Correct Parameters
- Author:
- Tim Brzezinski
- Topic:
- Cosine, Function Graph, Sine
The following applet generates random sinusoidal waves when you click the "Generate New Wave" button.
Your job is to find one set of values of the parameters (a, b, c, & d) so that the graph of the function y = a sin(bx - c) + d matches the black graph displayed.
Then, your job is to find one set of values of the parameters (a, b, c, & d) so that the graph of the function y = a cos(bx - c) + d matches the black graph displayed.
Remember! There are infinitely many parameterizations (possible sets of values for a, b, c, d) of this function (due to its periodic nature!!!)
One more thing: To type in the pi-symbol, simply type "pi". For example, to type in 2*pi/15, simply type "2pi/15".
Questions:
1) Of the parameters a, b, c, & d, which one(s) NEVER CHANGE (regardless of which model you use?) Explain.
2) Of the parameters a, b, c, & d, which one(s) CAN CHANGE? Why can these parameters differ? Explain.