Periodic Functions (09/08/2008)

1. The main point of the reading was to learn about periodic functions and their oscillating nature, often represented using the functions sine and cosine. The amplitude and period define these functions, and they are affected by different variables in the function:

In y = Acos(Bt)+C

A affects amplitude
B affects period
C affects the vertical shift of the function

2. Something that was a bit challenging for me in the reading was to conceptualize how to define the specific periodic function from just looking at the graph. However I am sure I will have plenty of practice doing that in the problems later on.

3. Most interesting to me about periodic functions is the ability to make predictions of the future if a trend has been observed. I imagine that there must be many applications for this kind of functions.