Q.
3 Define the following terms as they relate to sinusoidal functions: maximum value, cycle,
frequency, instantaneous value and time period.
1. Maximum Value
In English:
The maximum value of a sinusoidal function (like sine or cosine) is the highest point that the function
can reach on the graph. For the basic sine and cosine functions, the maximum value is +1.
But if the function is multiplied by a number (called the amplitude), then the maximum value
becomes equal to that number.
For example:
• For the function y = sin(x), maximum value = +1
• For the function y = 5 sin(x), maximum value = +5
It is the peak of the wave — the topmost point on the graph.
Formula:
If the function is y = A sin(x) or y = A cos(x), then:
Maximum value = +A
2. Cycle – Explained in Detail
In Simple English:
A cycle in a sinusoidal function (like sine or cosine) means one full wave or one complete
pattern of the graph.
A sinusoidal function repeats its shape again and again. Each time it completes its full wave
and starts repeating, that is called one cycle.
Example with Sine Function:
Let’s understand using the sine function:
y = sin(x)
If we start from x = 0, then:
• The value of sin(0) is 0
• It rises to its maximum value of +1
• Then comes back to 0
• Goes down to its minimum value of -1
• And again returns to 0
This entire journey from 0 → +1 → 0 → -1 → 0 is one full cycle.
After this, the sine wave repeats the same pattern again.
3. Frequency
In English: Frequency is the number of cycles (waves) a sinusoidal function completes in one
second (or in one unit of time).
In other words, it tells us how fast the wave is repeating.
• If the wave is repeating more times in one second, it has a higher frequency.
• If it is repeating less, the frequency is lower.
Formula of Frequency:
Frequency (f)=1Time Period (T)\text{Frequency (f)} = \frac{1}{\text{Time Period
(T)}}Frequency (f)=Time Period (T)1
Where:
• f = frequency (in Hertz)
• T = time period (in seconds)
Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
1 Hertz (Hz) means 1 cycle per second.
4. Instantaneous Value – Explained in Detail
In Simple English:
The Instantaneous Value means the value of the wave at a specific moment in time or at a
specific angle.
In sinusoidal functions like sine or cosine, the value keeps changing continuously as time or angle
increases..
The value at one specific moment is called the instantaneous value."
5. Time Period
In English:
The time period (T) of a sinusoidal function is the time needed to complete one full cycle.
In simpler terms, it tells us how long one wave needs to finish from start to end.
Formula:
Time period (T) = 1 / Frequency (f)
For example:
If the frequency is 2 Hz, then the time period is 1 / 2 = 0.5 seconds