Final answer:
The equation for the sine function f(x), which models the tide in the harbor over a 24-hour period, is f(x) = 5.05 sin((2π/24) x) + 5.15.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tide in the harbor can be modeled by a sinusoidal function. Given that the tide measures 5.15 ft at midnight, rises to a high of 10.2 ft, falls to a low of 0.1 ft, and then rises back to 5.15 ft by the next midnight, we can use these key points to determine the equation for the sine function f(x).
- The amplitude of the sinusoidal function is half the difference between the high and low tides, which is (10.2 - 0.1) / 2 = 5.05 ft.
- The midline of the function is the average of the high and low tides, which is (10.2 + 0.1) / 2 = 5.15 ft.
- The period of the function is 24 hours, so the frequency is 1 wave per 24 hours.
Combining these values, the equation for the sine function f(x) that models the tide in the harbor over a 24-hour period is:
f(x) = 5.05 sin((2π/24) x) + 5.15