SOLUTION: What is the length of the period of the following equation: y=-2sin(x/2)

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: What is the length of the period of the following equation: y=-2sin(x/2)      Log On


   

Question 1138351: What is the length of the period of the following equation: y=-2sin(x/2)
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

The equation y=-2sin%28x%2F2%29 is the same as y=-2sin%28%281%2F2%29x-0%29%2B0

Compare y=-2sin%28%281%2F2%29x-0%29%2B0 to the form y=Asin%28Bx-C%29%2BD and we see that
A = -2
B = 1/2
C = 0
D = 0
The value of B determines the period

T = period

T = %282pi%29%2FB

T = %282pi%29%2F%281%2F2%29

T = %282pi%29%2A%282%2F1%29

T = 4pi

-----------------------------------------

Answer: The period is 4pi

Every 4pi units, the graph repeats itself.
note that 4pi radians converts to 720 degrees since 4pi*(180/pi) = 4*180 = 720