Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine and cosine, are fundamental periodic functions that describe relationships between angles and sides in right triangles. The cosine function, in particular, represents the x-coordinate of a point on the unit circle as the angle varies. Understanding these functions is essential for graphing and analyzing their behavior over specified intervals.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques involve plotting points on a coordinate system to visualize mathematical functions. For trigonometric functions, this includes identifying key points, such as maxima, minima, and intercepts, as well as understanding the periodic nature of these functions. In this case, adding the y-coordinates of two cosine functions requires careful consideration of their individual graphs to create a combined graph.
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Periodicity and Amplitude
Periodicity refers to the repeating nature of trigonometric functions, where the cosine function has a period of 2π. Amplitude indicates the height of the wave from its midline, which is crucial when combining functions. In the given function, y = cos x + cos 2x, the periodicity and amplitude of each cosine function will affect the overall shape of the graph, necessitating an understanding of how these properties interact.
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