Question

The depth of the water at the end of a pier changes periodically along with the movement of tides. On a particular day, low tides occur at 12:00 am and 12:30 pm, with a depth of 2. 5 m, while high tides occur at 6:15 am and 6:45 pm, with a depth of 5. 5 m. Let t = 0 be 12:00 am. Which periodic function, sine or cosine, would be a simpler model for the situation? Explain.

Answer 1

The depth of the water at the end of a pier changes peri along with the movement depth 12.009 am or two

Answer 2

A cosine function would be a simpler model for the situation.

The minimum depth (low tide) occurs at t = 0. A reflection of the cosine curve also has a minimum at t = 0.

A sine model would require a phase shift, while a cosine model does not.

edge 2022

hope it helps :)