Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a fundamental concept in calculus that involves finding the derivative of a function. The derivative represents the rate of change of a function with respect to its variable. In this context, differentiating the daylight function D(t) will provide the rate at which the number of daylight hours changes over time, which is essential for solving the problem.
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Cosine Function
The cosine function is a periodic function that describes the relationship between the angle and the lengths of the sides of a right triangle. In the given daylight function D(t), the cosine term models the seasonal variation in daylight hours, reflecting how daylight changes throughout the year. Understanding its properties, such as periodicity and amplitude, is crucial for interpreting the function's behavior.
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Graph of Sine and Cosine Function
Rate of Change
The rate of change refers to how a quantity changes in relation to another variable. In this scenario, it specifically pertains to how the number of daylight hours changes with respect to time (days of the year). By calculating the derivative of D(t), we can determine the instantaneous rate of change of daylight hours at any given day, which is key to answering the question.
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