Trigonometry - Trigonometric Graphs and Parameters

Trigonometry - Trigonometric Graphs and Parameters

TGM Original Questions

The figure below shows a pair of interlocked gears, where Gear I has a radius of \(12\) cm and Gear II has a radius of \(8\) cm. At the moment \(t = 0\) (in seconds), the pair of gears starts rotating, where Gear I rotates clockwise and Gear II rotates anti-clockwise. Let \(A\), \(B\) be the points on the edges of Gear I and Gear II where the two gears meet at \(t = 0\).

  1. Given that Gear I completes one full rotation every \(6\) seconds, find the time for Gear II to complete one full rotation.
  2. Let \(y_1\) cm (respectively, \(y_2\) cm) be the vertical distance of point \(A\) (respectively, point \(B\)) from the centre of Gear I (respectively, Gear II). Based on your answer in (i), Express \(y_1\), \(y_2\) as a function of the time \(t\), respectively.
  3. On the same diagram, sketch the graphs of \(y_1\) and \(y_2\) for \(0 \le t \le 12\).
  4. Find the distance between point \(A\) and point \(B\) at \(t = 6\).
  5. Let \(T\) be the moment when the two gears meet each other at points \(A\) and \(B\) for the \(n^{\mathrm{th}}\) time. Express \(T\) in terms of \(n\), stating your workings clearly.

Solution:

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Answer:(i) \(4\text{ s}\). (ii) \(y_1=12\left|\sin\!\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{3}\right)\right|\), \(y_2=8\left|\sin\!\left(\dfrac{\pi t}{2}\right)\right|\). (iii) Absolute-sine graphs shown. (iv) \(16\text{ cm}\). (v) \(T=12(n-1)\text{ s}\) when the initial meeting counts first; \(T=12n\text{ s}\) for positive-time meetings only.

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