Equations of Simple Harmonic Motion

The displacement y (directed height or length) of an object behaving in a simple harmonic

motion with respect to time t is given by one of the following equations:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑏(𝑡 − 𝑐) + 𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑏(𝑡 − 𝑐) + 𝑑
. In both equations, we have the following information:
• amplitude = |a| = 1 2(M m) - the maximum displacement above and below the rest position or
central position or equilibrium, where M is the maximum height and m is the minimum height;
• period = 2⇡ |b| - the time required to complete one cycle (from one highest or lowest point to
the next);
• frequency = |b| 2⇡ - the number of cycles per unit of time; • c - responsible for the horizontal
shift in time; and
• d - responsible for the vertical shift in displacement.
Example 3.3.10. A weight is suspended from a spring and is moving up and down in a simple
harmonic motion. At start, the weight is pulled down 5 cm below the resting position, and then
released. After 8 seconds, the weight reaches its highest location for the first time. Find the
equation of the motion.
Solution. We are given that the weight is located at its lowest position at t = 0; that is, y = 5
whent = 0. Therefore, the equation isy = 5cosbt.
Because it took the weight 8 seconds from the lowest point to its immediate highest point, half
the period is 8 seconds.
1 2𝜋 𝜋 𝜋𝑡
∙ =8 𝑏= 𝑦 = 5𝑐𝑜𝑠
2 𝑏 8 8
Example 3.3.11. Suppose you ride a Ferris wheel. The lowest point of the wheel is 3 meters o↵
the ground, and its diameter is 20 m. After it started, the Ferris wheel revolves at a constant
speed, and it takes 32 seconds to bring you back again to the riding point. After riding for 150
seconds, find your approximate height above the ground.
Solution. We ignore first the fixed value of 3 m o↵ the ground,and assume that the central
position passes through the center of the wheel and is parallel to the ground.
Let t be the time (in seconds) elapsed that you have been riding the Ferris wheel, and y is he
directed distance of your location with respect to the assumed central position at time t. Because
y = 10 when t = 0, the appropriate model is y = 10cos bt for t ≥ 0.
Given that the Ferris wheel takes 32 seconds to move from the lowest point to the next, the
period is 32.
 2𝜋 𝜋 𝜋𝑡
= 32 𝑏= 𝑦 = −10𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑏 16 16

150
When t = 150, we get y = 10cos 16 ≈ 3.83.

Bringing back the original condition given in the problem that the riding point is 3 m o↵
the ground, after riding for 150 seconds, you are approximately located 3.83 + 13 = 16.83 m o↵
the ground.
In the last example, the central position or equilibrium may be vertically shifted from the
ground or sea level (the role of the constant d). In the same way, the starting point may also be
horizontally shifted (the role of the constant c). Moreover, as observed in Sub-Lesson 3.3.3 (see
page 157), to find the function that describes a particular simple harmonic motion, we can either
choose
y = a sin b (t −c) +d
or
y = a cos b (t−c)+d
and determine the appropriate values of a, b, c, and d. In fact, we can assume that a and b are
positive numbers, and c is the smallest such nonnegative number.
Example 3.3.12. A signal buoy in Laguna Bay bobs up and down with the height h of its
transmitter (in feet) above sea level modeled by ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑏𝑡 + 𝑑 at time t (in seconds).
During a small squall, its height varies from 1 ft to 9 ft above sea level, and it takes 3.5 seconds
from one 9-ft height to the next. Find the values of the constants a, b, and d.
Solution. We solve the constants step by step.
• The minimum and maximum values of h(t) are 1 ft and 9 ft, respectively. Thus, the amplitude is
1 1
a = 2 (𝑀 − 𝑚) = 2 (9 − 1) = 4.

• Because it takes 3.5 seconds from one 9-ft height to the next, the period is 3.5. Thus, we have
2𝜋 4𝜋
= 3.5, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑏 = 7 .
𝑏

• Because the lowest point is 1 ft above the sea level and the amplitude is 4, it follows that d = 5.
2
Example 3.3.13. A variable star is a star whose brightness fluctuates as observed from Earth. The
magnitude of visual brightness of one variable star ranges from 2.0 to 10 .1, and it takes 332 days
to observe one maximum brightness to the next. Assuming that the visual brightness of the star
can be modeled by the equation y = a sin b(t−c) + d, t in days, and putting t = 0 at a time when
the star is at its maximum brightness, find the constants a, b, c, and d, where a ,b > 0 and c the
least non negative number possible.
Solution.
𝑀 − 𝑚 10.1 − 2.0
𝑎= = = 4.05
2 2
2𝜋 𝜋
= 332 𝑏 =
𝑏 166
𝑑 = 𝑎 + 𝑚 = 4.05 + 2.0 = 6.05
For the (ordinary) sine function to start at the highest point at t = 0, the least possible horizontal
3𝜋
movement to the right (positive value) is 2 units.

3𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋
𝑏𝑐 = 𝑐= = = 249
2 2𝑏 2 ⋅ 𝜋
166

Example 3.3.14. The path of a fast-moving particle traces a circle with equation.
(𝑥 + 7)2 + ( 𝑦 − 5)2 = 36
It starts at point (−1,5), moves clockwise, and passes the point (−7,11) for the first time after
traveling 6 microseconds. Where is the particle after traveling 15 microseconds?
Solution. As described above, we may choose sine or cosine function. Here, we choose the sine
function to describe both x and y in terms of time t in microseconds; that is, we let
𝑥 = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑏(𝑡 − 𝑐) + 𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑓(𝑡 − 𝑔) + ℎ,
where we appropriately choose the positive values for a, b, e, andf, and the least nonnegative
values for c and g.
The given circle has radius 6 and center (7,5). Defining the central position of the values of x as
the line x = 7 and that of the values ofy as the line y = 5, we get a = e = 6,d = 7, and h = 5.
From the point (1,5) to the point (7,11) (moving clockwise), the particle has traveled three-
fourths of the complete cycle; that is, three-fourths of the period must be 2.
3 2𝜋 3 2𝜋 𝜋
∙ = ∙ =6 𝑏=𝑓
4 𝑏 4 𝑓 4
As the particle starts at (−1,5) and moves clockwise, the values of 𝑥 start at its highest value
(𝑥 = − 1) and move downward toward its central position (𝑥 = −7) and continue to its lowest
3𝜋
value (𝑥 = −13). Therefore, the graph of 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑏𝑡 + 𝑑 has to 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 2𝑏 = 6 units to the right,
and so we get 𝑐 = 6. As to the value of g, we observe the values ofy start at its central position
(𝑦 = 5) and go downward to its lowest value ( 𝑦 = −1). Similar to the argument used in
𝜋
determining c, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑡 + ℎ has to move 𝑏 = 4 units to the right, implying
that 𝑔 = 4.
 Hence, We have the following equations of 𝑥 and y in terms of 𝑡:
𝜋 𝜋
𝑥 = 6𝑠𝑖𝑛 4 (𝑡 − 6) − 7 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 6𝑠𝑖𝑛 4 (𝑡 − 4) + 5.

When 𝑡 = 15, we get

𝜋
𝑥 = 6𝑠𝑖𝑛 (15 − 6) − 7 = −7 + 3√2 ≈ −2.76
4
and
𝜋
𝑦 = 6𝑠𝑖𝑛 (15 − 4) + 5 = 5 + 3√2 ≈ 9.24.
4
That is, after traveling for 15 microseconds, the particle is located near the point (−2.76,9.24).
 Trigonometric Equations

Seatwork/Homework 3.8.1
In each equation, list down its solutions from the set⇡ 3,⇡ 4, ⇡ 6, ⇡ 4, 2⇡ 3 ,⇡,3⇡ 2 .
𝜋
(1)√3𝑠𝑒𝑐0 = 2 Answer: 6
𝜋
(2) (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)(tan 𝑥 + 1) = 0 Answer:− , 𝜋
4
𝜋
(3) 2+cos𝜃 = 1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 Answer:− 3 , 𝜋
2𝜋 3𝜋
(4) cos𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Answer: 3 , 2

3.8.2. Equations with One Term

From the preceding discussion, you may observe that there may be more solutions of a given
equations outside the given set. We now find all solutions of a given equation.
We will start with a group of equations having straightforward techniques of finding their
solutions. These simple techniques involve at least one of the following ideas:
(1) equivalent equations (that is, equations that have the same solutions as the original
equation);
(2) periodicity of the trigonometric function involved;
(3) inverse trigonometric function;
(4) values of the trigonometric function involved on the interval [0, 𝜋] or [0 ,2𝜋] (depending on
the periodicity of the function); and
(5) Zero-Factor Law: 𝑎𝑏 = 0 if and only 𝑖𝑓 𝑎 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑏 = 0.
To “solve an equation” means to find all solutions of the equation. Here, unless stated as angles
measured in degrees, we mean solutions of the equation that are real numbers (or equivalently,
angles measured in radians).

Example 3.8.2. Solve the equation 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 1 = 0.

Solution. The given equation is equivalent to
 1
cos 𝑥 = .
2
𝜋
On the interval [0,2𝜋], there are only two solutions of the last equation, and these are = (this is
3
5𝜋
in QI) and 𝑥 = (in QIV).
3
𝜋
Because the period of cosine function is 2𝜋, the complete solutions of the equation are 𝑥 = 3 +
5𝜋
𝑘(2𝜋) and 𝑥 = + 𝑘(2𝜋) for all integers 𝑘.
3
𝜋
In the preceding example, by saying that the “complete solutions are 𝑥 = + 𝑘(2𝜋) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 =
3
5𝜋
+ 𝑘(2𝜋) for all integers 𝑘,” we mean that any integral value of k will produce a solution to
3
𝜋 19𝜋
the given equation. Teaching For example, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑘 = 3, 𝑥 = + 3(2 𝜋) = is a solution of
3 3
5𝜋 7𝜋
the equation. When 𝑘 = −2, 𝑥 = + (−2)(2𝜋) = is another solution 𝑜𝑓2 cos 𝑥1 = 0.
3 3
𝜋 19𝜋
The family of solutions 𝑥 = + 𝑘(2𝜋) can be equivalently enumerated as𝑥 = +
3 3
5𝜋 7𝜋
2𝑘𝜋, while the family 𝑥 = + 𝑘(2𝜋) can also be stated 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 = − + 2𝑘𝜋.
3 3

Example 3.8.3. Solve: (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 − 1) = 0.

Solution. By the Zero-Factor Law, the given equation is equivalent to
1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 − 1 = 0
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 1
𝜋
𝜃 = 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ 𝜃 = 4 + 𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
𝜋
Therefore, the solutions of the equation are 𝜃 = 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃 = 4 + 𝑘𝜋 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑘 ∈ 𝑍.

Example 3.8.4. Find all values of x in the interval [−2𝜋, 2𝜋] that satisfy the equation (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 −
1)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 1) = 0.
Solution.
sinx1 = 0 or sin x +1=0
sin x = 1 sin x = 1
𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋
𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 − x= 𝑜𝑟 − 2
2 2
𝜋 3𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋
Solutions:2 , − , ,−2
2 2

Example 3.8.5. Solve: cos 𝑥 = 0 .1.

Solution. There is no special number whose cosine is 0.1. However, because 0.1 ∈ [−1,1], there
is a number whose cosine is 0.1. In fact, in anyone-period interval, with 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0 .1 > 0, we
expect two solutions: one in QI and another in QIV. We use the inverse cosine function.
From Lesson 3.7, one particular solution of cos x =0 .1 in QI is x = cos1 0.1. We can use this
solution to get a particular solution in QIV, and this is 𝑥 = 2𝜋 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 0.1, which is equivalent
to 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 0.1.
From the above particular solutions, we can produce all solutions of cos x = 0.1, and these are
𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 0.1 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 0.1 + 2𝑘𝜋 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
Example 3.8.6. Solve: 3𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 + 5 = 0.
Solution.
5
3𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 + 5 = 0 =) 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =
3
We expect only one solution in any one-period interval.
5 5
tan𝜃 = − 3 =) 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (− 3) + 𝑘π, 𝑘 ∈ 𝑍

Example 3.8.7. The voltage V (in volts) coming from an electricity distributing company is
fluctuating according to the function V (t) = 200+170sin(120𝜋t) at time t in seconds.
(1) Determine the first time it takes to reach 300 volts.
(2) For what values of t does the voltage reach its maximum value?

Solution. (1) We solve for the least positive value of t such that V (t) = 300.
200 + 170𝑠𝑖𝑛(120𝜋𝑡) = 300
100
sin(120𝜋t)=170
100
120𝜋t = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 170
100
−1
𝑠𝑖𝑛 170
t= ≈ 0.00167𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
120𝜋

(2) The maximum value of V (t) happens when and only when the maximum value of sin(120⇡t)
is reached. We know that the maximum value of sin(120⇡t) is 1, and it follows that the maximum
value of V (t) is 370 volts. Thus, we need to solve for all values of t such that sin(120⇡t) = 1.
sin(120𝜋t) = 1
𝜋
120𝜋t = 2 +2k𝜋, k nonnegative integer
 𝜋
+ 2𝑘𝜋
t =2 120 2
1
+ 2𝑘
t = 2 120 ≈ 0.00417 + 0.017k

This means that the voltage is maximum when t ⇡ 0.00417+0.017k for each nonnegative integer
k.
3.8.3. Equations with Two or More Terms
We will now consider a group of equations having multi-step techniques of finding their
solutions. Coupled with the straightforward techniques discussed in the preceding discussion,
these more advanced techniques involve factoring of expressions and trigonometric identities.
The primary goal is to reduce a given equation into equivalent one-term equations.
Example 3.8.8. Solve: 2 cos 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
Solution
2 cos 𝑥 tan 𝑥 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
2cos 𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 − 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0
(2 cos 𝑥)(tan 𝑥 − 1) = 0
2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 − 1 = 0
𝑐𝑜𝑠 = 0 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 1
𝜋 𝜋
𝑥= + 2𝑘𝜋 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = + 𝑘𝜋,
2 4
3𝜋
𝑥= + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘∈ℤ
2
𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋
Solution:2 = 2𝑘𝜋, + 2𝑘𝜋, 4 + 𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ
2

Example 3.8.9. Solve for x 2 [0,2⇡): sin2x = sinx.

Solution.
Sin 2x = sin x
Sin 2x − sin x =0
2 sin x cos x – sin x = 0 Sine Double-Angle Identity
(sin x) (2cosx1) = 0

Sin x = 0 or 2 cos x −1= 0

 x = 0 or x = 𝜋 cosx = ½
𝜋 5𝜋
x = 3 or x = 3
𝜋 5𝜋
Solutions: 0, 𝜋, ,
3 3

Tips in Solving Trigonometric Equations

(1) If the equation contains only one trigonometric term, isolate that term, and solve for the
variable.
(2) If the equation is quadratic in form, we may use factoring, finding square roots, or the
quadratic formula.
(3) Rewrite the equation to have 0 on one side, and then factor (if appropriate) the expression on
the other side.
(4) If the equation contains more than one trigonometric function, try to express everything in
terms of one trigonometric function. Here, identities are useful.
(5) If half or multiple angles are present, express them in terms of a trigonometric expression of a
single angle, except when all angles involved have the same multiplicity wherein, in this case,
retain the angle. Half-angle and double-angle identities are useful in simplification.

Example 3.8.10. Solve for x ∈ [0,2𝜋): 2cos² x = 1 + sin x.

Solution.
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 x = 1 + sin x
2(1 - 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 x) = 1 + sin x Pythagorean Identity
2sin² x + sinx1=0
(2sin x - 1) (sin x + 1) = 0 Factoring
2sinx1 = 0 or sin x +1=0
1
Sin x = 2 sin x = 1
𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
x = 6 or x = x=
6 2
𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
Solutions: 6 , ,
6 2

Example 3.8.11. Solve for x ∈ [0,2𝜋) in the equation 3 cos² x + 2 sin x = 2.

Solution.
3 cos² x + 2 sin x =2
3(1-sin² x) + 2 sin x = 2 Pythagorean Identity
(3 sin x + 1) (sin x1) = 0 Factoring
3sin x + 1 = 0 or 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 1 = 0.
Sin x = 1 3 sin x =1
𝜋
x = sin 1(1 3)+2𝜋 x=2

or
1
x = 𝜋 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1(− )
3

1 1 𝜋
Solutions: : 2𝜋 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (3) +, 𝜋 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (3) , 2
1
One part of the last solution needs further explanation. In the equation 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 3, we expect two
3𝜋 3𝜋
solutions in the interval [0 ,2𝜋): one in (𝜋 , ) (which is QIII), and another in ( 2 ,2𝜋) (which
2
1
is QIV). Since no special number satisfies 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = − 3, we use inverse sine function. Because the
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 1
range of 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 is [− 2 , 2 ], we know that 2 < 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (3) < 0. From this value, to get the solution
3𝜋 1
in ( 2 ,2𝜋), we simply add 2𝜋 to this value, resulting to 𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (3) + 2𝜋. On the other hand,
3𝜋 1 1
to get the solution in (𝜋, ), we simply add −𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (3) to 𝜋, resulting to 𝑥 = 𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (− 3).
2
𝑥
Example 3.8.12. Solve: 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + 5𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 2= 2.

Solution.
𝜋
Sin²x + 5cos² 2 = 2
1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + 5( ) = 2 Cosine Half-Angle Identity 2
2

2sin² x + 5cosx +1=0

2(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥) + 5𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 1 = 0 Pythagorean Identity
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 − 5𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 3 = 0
(2cosx + 1)(cosx-3) = 0
2cosx + 1 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 3 = 0
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 2 cos x =3
 2𝜋
𝑥 = + 2𝑘𝜋 𝑜𝑟 no solution
3
4𝜋
𝑥 = + 2𝑘𝜋
3

k∈Z
2𝜋 4𝜋
Solutions: + 2𝑘𝜋, + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ 𝑍
3 3

Example 3.8.13. Solve for x ∈ [0,2𝜋) in the 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 tan 2𝑥 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0.

Solution:
𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝑥 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0
𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑥
2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0
𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥

𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑥 − 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 = 0
Apply the Double-Angle Identities for Sine and Cosine, and then factor.
2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 2(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛² 𝑥) = 0
(2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥)(2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 1) = 0
2cosx = 0 or 2sinx1 = 0 or sin x +1=0
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = −1
2
𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 6 𝑜𝑟 𝑥= 2
3𝜋 𝜋
𝑥= x=56
2

These values of x should be checked in the original equation because tan2x may not be defined.
Upon checking, this is not the case for each value of x obtained. The solutions are
𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
⇡2 , ,6, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 .
2 6 2

Example 3.8.14. A weight is suspended from a spring and vibrating vertically according to the
equation
4 5
𝑓(𝑡) = 20 cos 𝜋(𝑡 − 6
5

where f(t) centimeters is the directed distance of the weight from its central position at t seconds,
and the positive distance means above its central position.
(1) At what time is the displacement of the weight 5 cm below its central position for the first
time?
(2) For what values of t does the weight reach its farthest point below its central position?
Solution. (1) We find the least positive value of t such that f(t)=5.
4 5
20 cos (5 𝜋 (𝑡 − 6)) = −5

4 5 1
𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝜋(𝑡 − 6)) = − 4

There are two families of solutions for this equation.

4 5 1
• 5 𝜋(t – 6= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −3 (− 4) +2k𝜋, k ∈ 𝑍
1
5 𝑐𝑜𝑠−1 (− )+2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ 𝑍
4
t=6+ 4
𝜋
5

In this family of solutions, the least positive value of t happens when k = 0, and this is
1
5 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (− )+2(0)𝜋
4
t =6 + 4 ≈ 1.5589.
𝜋
5

4 5 1
• 5 𝜋 (t – 6) = 2𝜋 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (− 4) + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ∈ 𝑍
1
5 2𝜋−𝑐𝑜𝑠−1 (− )+2𝑘𝜋
4
t=6 + 4
𝜋
5

Here, the least positive value of t happens when k = 1, and this is

1
5 2𝜋− 𝑐𝑜𝑠−1 (− )+2(−1)𝜋
4
t=6+ 4 ≈ 0.1078.
𝜋
5

Therefore, the first time that the displacement of the weight is 5 cm below its central position is
at about 0.1078 seconds.
(2) The minimum value of f(t) happens when and only when the minimum value of 5
4 5 4 5
cos5 𝜋 (𝑡 − 6)is reached. The minimum value of cos5 𝜋 (𝑡 − 6)is -1 which implies that the
farthest point the weight can reach below its central position is 20 cm. Thus, we need to solve for
4 5
all values of t such that 𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝜋(𝑡 − 6) = 1.
4 5
𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝜋(𝑡 − 6 = −1
4 5
𝜋(𝑡 − 6 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (−1) + 2𝑘𝜋, 𝑘 ≥ 0
5
4 5
5
𝜋(𝑡 − 6 = 𝜋 + 2𝑘𝜋⇡
 5 𝜋=2𝑘𝜋 25 5
𝑡 =6 + 4 = 12 + 2k
𝜋
5

Therefore, the weight reaches its farthest point (which is 20 cm) below its central position
25 5
𝑎𝑡 𝑡 = 12 + 2 𝑘 for every integer k ≥ 0.
 Simple Harmonic Motion
And
Trigonometric Equations

Submitted by:Martin Andrae Ratunil

Mico Villanil
Neale Emerson Latras
Joco Uayan
Zardmel Ederango
Submitted To: