Question

Find the amplitude of y = -4 - 2cos(3(x - π)).
a) 2
b) 4
c) -2
d) -4

Answer 1

The amplitude of the function y = -4 - 2cos(3(x - π)) is 2, found by taking the absolute value of the coefficient in front of the cosine function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking for the amplitude of the function y = -4 - 2cos(3(x - π)). In general, the amplitude of a cosine function of the form y = A cos(B(x - C)) + D is the absolute value of the coefficient A. This coefficient determines how far the graph of the function goes above and below its midpoint value. In the given function, this coefficient is -2. Therefore, the amplitude is the absolute value of -2, which is 2.