Johns Hopkins University

Precalculus: Periodic Functions

Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD

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4.7

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Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(100 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Model data with both single and multivariable functions

  • Visualize and analyze data using different technologies.

  • Understand properties of different types of functions to apply them accordingly to model different situations.

  • Perform vector operations, such as addition, scalar multiplication, dot product, and cross product, to analyze geometry in space.

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Precalculus through Data and Modelling Specialization
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There are 5 modules in this course

In this course, we expand our collection of functions which we can use to model by studying periodic functions. Periodic functions are functions whose graphs repeat themselves after a certain point. It is natural to study periodic functions as many natural phenomena are repetitive or cyclical: the motion of the planets in our solar system, days of the week, seasons, and the natural rhythm of the heart. Thus, the functions introduced in this course add considerably to our ability to model physical processes. In this module, we begin by learning methods of measuring angles.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

Many common phenomena have oscillatory or periodic behavior. To model this behavior requires an understanding of functions that exhibit periodic behavior like sine, cosine, and tangent. These functions are introduced using right triangles in this module, which then lets us explore their algebraic relations.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

Sine and cosine are now introduced using the unit circle, which is the circle centered at the origin with radius one. This definition of our key periodic functions extends the definition originally introduced with right triangles.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

The most basic periodic functions, sine and cosine, were defined for all real numbers. We now study their quotients and reciprocals. However, care must be taken to ensure we do not divide by zero. In this module, we will complete our catalog of periodic functions

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

In an effort to simplify the work involving our periodic functions, we introduce common identities. This dramatically increases their usefulness in applications. This module will emphasize the development of a small core of identities that are continually needed and can be used to determine a much larger collection. While the number of identities is small in this module, an understanding of these and how to derive others from them is essential for success as you continue your studies.

What's included

2 videos2 readings2 assignments

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.9 (39 ratings)
Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD

Top Instructor

Johns Hopkins University
20 Courses542,310 learners

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