Phase Shift and period for the function y=5cos3(@+60degrees)-1

[conner22]

What is the phase shift and period for the function y=5cos3(the zero looking thing idk what it's called+60degrees)-1

 

[ksdhart2]

This seems like a fairly straightforward exercise in using the definitions of the terms you've been taught in class. The phase shift is how far the function is shifted to the right of its usual position. If the function is shifted to the left, the phase shift will be negative. Since the "base function" is cos(3 theta [The "zero looking thing"] + 60 degrees), is the function you're given shifted to the left or the right? By how much? What, then, is the phase shift? The period is how often the function repeats. The base function is a cosine, so you know the period is 2 pi, and your function has a multiple of five out front. How does that change the period? I strongly recommend graphing the function to get a feel for what's going on - it can also help you check your answers.

If you need a refresher on this material, try here.