Average height of a wave The surface of a water wave is described by y = 5 (1 + cos 𝓍) , for ― π ≤ 𝓍 ≤ π, where y = 0 corresponds to a trough of the wave (see figure). Find the average height of the wave above the trough on [ ―π , π] .

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem. The goal is to find the average height of the wave above the trough over the interval [−π, π]. The wave is described by the function y = 5(1 + cos(x)), where y = 0 corresponds to the trough.
2. Step 2: Recall the formula for the average value of a function f(x) over an interval [a, b]: Average value = (1 / (b - a)) * ∫[a to b] f(x) dx. Here, f(x) = 5(1 + cos(x)), a = −π, and b = π.
3. Step 3: Set up the integral for the average value. Substitute the given function and interval into the formula: Average value = (1 / (π - (−π))) * ∫[−π to π] 5(1 + cos(x)) dx.
4. Step 4: Simplify the expression. The denominator becomes 2π, so Average value = (1 / 2π) * ∫[−π to π] 5(1 + cos(x)) dx. Factor out the constant 5 from the integral: Average value = (5 / 2π) * ∫[−π to π] (1 + cos(x)) dx.
5. Step 5: Break the integral into two parts: ∫[−π to π] (1 + cos(x)) dx = ∫[−π to π] 1 dx + ∫[−π to π] cos(x) dx. Evaluate each integral separately. The integral of 1 over [−π, π] is straightforward, and the integral of cos(x) over [−π, π] can be solved using trigonometric properties.

Key Concepts

Average Value of a Function

The average value of a continuous function over an interval is calculated using the formula: (1/(b-a)) * ∫[a to b] f(x) dx. This concept is essential for determining the average height of the wave, as it allows us to find the mean value of the function y = 5(1 + cos x) over the specified interval from -π to π.

Integration

Integration is a fundamental concept in calculus that involves finding the area under a curve represented by a function. In this context, we will use definite integration to calculate the total area under the wave function y = 5(1 + cos x) over the interval [-π, π], which is necessary for computing the average height of the wave.

Cosine Function Properties

The cosine function is periodic and oscillates between -1 and 1. In the given wave function y = 5(1 + cos x), the term (1 + cos x) shifts the graph vertically, ensuring that the wave's height is always non-negative. Understanding the behavior of the cosine function is crucial for analyzing the wave's shape and determining its average height above the trough.