Trig Questiooon!!

[Guest]

can anyone help me with this problem??

I'm not sure how to do it.

An object that weighs 2 lbs is suspended in a liquild. When the object is depressed 3 feet from its equilibrium point, it will oscillate according to the formula x = 3 cos (8t), where t is the number of seconds after the object is released. How many seconds are in the period of oscillation?

I have a feeling most of the info isn't needed but I'm just not sure where to start and what exactly to do!

 

[wjm11]

An object that weighs 2 lbs is suspended in a liquid. When the object is depressed 3 feet from its equilibrium point, it will oscillate according to the formula x = 3 cos (8t), where t is the number of seconds after the object is released. How many seconds are in the period of oscillation?

Hi alz0120,

I recommend you sketch a graph of the problem to start. Graphs can be very enlightening. You can visually inspect the time from peak to peak or trough to trough of the “wave.” This is a graphical solution to your question.

Also, recognize that in the “cos 8t” term, the coefficient of t (the 8) has a direct relationship to the period of the function. In general terms, let us call this coefficient “A”. “A” is equal to 2pi divided by the period, P. Also, P = 2pi/A.

Hope this helps.