Match each function with its graph in choices A–I. (One choice will not be used.) y = -1 + cos x
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D. <IMAGE> E. <IMAGE> F. <IMAGE>
G. <IMAGE> H. <IMAGE> I. <IMAGE>
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Step 1: Understand the function y = -1 + \cos x. This is a transformation of the basic cosine function y = \cos x.
Step 2: Identify the transformation. The function y = -1 + \cos x is a vertical shift of the cosine function downward by 1 unit.
Step 3: Recall the properties of the cosine function. The basic cosine function y = \cos x has a range of [-1, 1] and a period of 2\pi.
Step 4: Apply the vertical shift to the range. The range of y = -1 + \cos x becomes [-2, 0] because each value of \cos x is decreased by 1.
Step 5: Match the transformed function to the graph. Look for a graph that has a cosine wave shape, with a range from -2 to 0, and a period of 2\pi.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cosine Function
The cosine function, denoted as cos(x), is a fundamental trigonometric function that describes the relationship between the angle and the adjacent side of a right triangle. It oscillates between -1 and 1, with a period of 2π. Understanding its graph is crucial for identifying transformations, such as shifts and reflections, which affect its appearance.
Vertical shifts occur when a constant is added to or subtracted from a function, resulting in the entire graph moving up or down. In the function y = -1 + cos(x), the '-1' indicates a downward shift of the cosine graph by one unit. This concept is essential for accurately matching the function to its corresponding graph.
Graph interpretation involves analyzing the visual representation of a function to extract key features such as amplitude, period, and phase shifts. For the function y = -1 + cos(x), recognizing the amplitude (1), the period (2π), and the downward shift helps in selecting the correct graph from the provided options. This skill is vital for solving problems in trigonometry.