Sinusoidal Functions
f(x) = mx + c f(x) = a · sin(bx) + d
Heitor Junqueiro · Matheus Estrada · Noah Coutinho · Miguel Nascimento
Part 1 — Linear Modelling: The Scenario
Lucas wants to save money. He already has R$200 in his piggy bank and puts away R$50 every
month. We model the total amount saved over time using a linear function.
Variable Definitions
x f(x)
Number of months saving Total amount saved
unit: months unit: R$ (Reais)
The Function — f(x) = 50x + 200
f(x) = 50x + 200
m = 50 (Gradient) c = 200 (y-intercept)
Lucas saves R$50 every month. Before saving starts (x = 0), Lucas already has R$200.
For every +1 month, total saved increases by R$50. This is where the line crosses the y-axis.
This is the rate of change (the slope of the line). It represents the starting amount.
Table of Values — f(x) = 50x + 200
x (months) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
f(x) (R$) 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Sample calculations:
f(0) = 50(0) + 200 = 200 f(2) = 50(2) + 200 = 300
f(4) = 50(4) + 200 = 400 f(6) = 50(6) + 200 = 500
Domain: x ≥ 0, x ∈ ℤ
Part 1 — Graph & Conclusion
Conclusion
f(x) = 50x + 200 models constant growth
(a perfect linear fit for steady saving.)
m = 50 is the key: it's a real choice. Save more
each month and the gradient steepens.
Limitation: real saving isn't constant. Months
vary, making the true pattern slightly
non-linear.
Whether truly linear: probably not forever —
but a good approximation for short-term
planning.
Part 2
Sinusoidal Functions
f(x) = a · sin(bx) + d (or cos)
a b d
Amplitude Period modifier Vertical shift
Controls the height of the wave Controls how fast it repeats Moves the principal axis up/down
Key Features of f(x) = sin(x)
Amplitude
|a| = 1
Half the distance between max (1) and min (−1). The
wave reaches 1 unit above and below the axis.
Period
360° (when b = 1)
The wave completes one full cycle every 360°.
Increasing b makes it repeat faster.
Principal Axis
y = 0 (when d = 0)
The horizontal centre line of the wave. Shifts up or
down by changing d.
How Parameters Change the Wave
f(x) = 2·sin(x) f(x) = sin(2x) f(x) = sin(x) + 3
Amplitude × 2 Period ÷ 2 Axis shifts to y=3
Max=2, min=−2. Wave stretches vertically. b=2: wave repeats twice as fast. Period = d=3: entire wave moves up. Max=4, min=2.
Period unchanged. 180°. Amplitude unchanged. Shape unchanged.
Real-World Application — Ocean Tides
Why Tides?
Ocean tides rise and fall due to the Moon's gravity in a
repeating, wave-like pattern being a perfect real-world
sinusoid.
h(t) = 3·sin(0.5t) + 5
Interpretation
a = 3 → tidal range of 6 m (amplitude)
b = 0.5 → period ≈ 12.6 h
d = 5 → mean sea level sits at 5 m
t = time in hours
Conclusion — Sinusoidal Functions
〜
Sinusoidal functions are nature's language for anything that oscillates
a
What surprised us most: just three parameters completely reshape the wave. Changing a single number shifts the
whole behaviour of the model.
★
The real-world connection was the most incredible discovery, as ocean tides aren't just similar to sinusoidal
functions they are one, precise enough to predict with an equation.
?
One thing we're still curious about: do more complex real-world oscillations (like earthquakes or brain waves) still
follow f(x) = a·sin(bx) + d, or do they need a different model entirely?