Question

how do i graph this? sin t + 1/2 cos t = f(t)

Answer 1

How about using a computer program?

Answer 2

so i have to use a comp program for this?

Answer 3

or you can write it as a single function of sine and graph that

Answer 4

Or that, anyway, the computer will make it easier.

Answer 5

how would I do that? make sin t = -1/2 cos t?

Answer 6

that is for sure
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sin%28x%29%2B.5cos%28x%29

Answer 7

guess what i really want is to understand how to do this.
if i cant be done by hand then i want to at least understand the concept

Answer 8

you can use
\[a\sin(x)+b\cos(x)=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\sin(x+\theta)\]
where
\[\tan(\theta)=\frac{b}{a}\]

Answer 9

so the basic idea is that it will look just like sine, only with a different amplitude, and also a phase shift

Answer 10

It can be done by hand and the identity sat73 wrote down is very useful in lots of contexts.

Answer 11

thanks