1

Rev.S08
MAC 1114
Module 4
Graphs of the Circular
Functions
2 Rev.S08
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this module, you should be able to:
1. Recognize periodic functions.
2. Determine the amplitude and period, when given the equation
of a periodic function.
3. Find the phase shift and vertical shift, when given the
equation of a periodic function.
4. Graph sine and cosine functions.
5. Graph cosecant and secant functions.
6. Graph tangent and cotangent functions.
7. Interpret a trigonometric model.
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
3 Rev.S08
Graphs of the Circular Functions
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
- Graphs of the Sine and Cosine Functions - Graphs of the Sine and Cosine Functions
- Translations of the Graphs of the Sine and Cosine - Translations of the Graphs of the Sine and Cosine
Functions Functions
- Graphs of the Other Circular Functions - Graphs of the Other Circular Functions
There are three major topics in this module:
2
4 Rev.S08
Introduction to Periodic Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! A periodic function is a function f such that
f(x) = f(x + np),
for every real number x in the domain of f, every
integer n, and some positive real number p. The
smallest possible positive value of p is the period
of the function.
5 Rev.S08
Example of a Periodic Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
6 Rev.S08
Example of Another Periodic Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
3
7 Rev.S08
What is the Amplitude of a Periodic
Function?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! The amplitude of a periodic function is half the
difference between the maximum and minimum
values.
! The graph of y = a sin x or y = a cos x, with
a ! 0, will have the same shape as the graph of
y = sin x or y = cos x, respectively, except the
range will be ["|a|, |a|]. The amplitude is |a|.
8 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 3 sin(x) ?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
0 "3 0 3 0 3sin x
0 "1 0 1 0 sin x
# 3#/2 # #/2 0 x
Note the difference between sin x and 3sin x. What is the
difference?
9 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = sin(2x)?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! The period is 2#/2 = #. The graph will complete
one period over the interval [0, #].
! The endpoints are 0 and #, the three middle
points are:
! Plot points and join in a smooth curve.
4
10 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = sin(2x)?
(Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
Note the difference between sin x and sin 2x. What is the
difference?
11 Rev.S08
Period of a Periodic Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
Based on the previous example, we can
generalize the following:
!For b > 0, the graph of y = sin bx will
resemble that of y = sin x, but with period 2#/b.
!The graph of y = cos bx will resemble that of
y = cos x, with period 2#/b.
12 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = cos (2x/3)
over one period?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! The period is 3#.
! Divide the interval into four equal parts.
"
! Obtain key points for one period.
1 0 "1 0 1 cos 2x/3
2# 3#/2 # #/2 0 2x/3
3# 9#/4 3#/2 3#/4 0 x
5
13 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = cos(2x/3)
over one period? (Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! The amplitude is 1.
! Join the points and connect with a smooth curve.
14 Rev.S08
Guidelines for Sketching Graphs of Sine
and Cosine Functions
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! To graph y = a sin bx or y = a cos bx, with
b > 0, follow these steps.
! Step 1 Find the period, 2#/b. Start with 0 on
the x-axis, and lay off a distance of
2#/b.
! Step 2 Divide the interval into four equal parts.
! Step 3 Evaluate the function for each of the
five x-values resulting from Step 2.
The points will be maximum points,
minimum points, and x-intercepts.
15 Rev.S08
Guidelines for Sketching Graphs of Sine
and Cosine Functions Continued
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 4 Plot the points found in Step 3, and join
them with a sinusoidal curve having
amplitude |a|.
! Step 5 Draw the graph over additional periods,
to the right and to the left, as needed.
6
16 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = "2 sin(4x)?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 1 Period = 2#/4 = #/2. The function will
be graphed over the interval [0, #/2] .
! Step 2 Divide the interval into four equal parts.
! Step 3 Make a table of values
0 2 0 "2 0 "2 sin 4x
0 "1 0 1 0 sin 4x
2# 3#/2 # #/2 0 4x
#/2 3#/8 #/4 #/8 0 x
17 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = "2 sin(4x)? (Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Plot the points and join them with a sinusoidal
curve with amplitude 2.
18 Rev.S08
What is a Phase Shift?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! In trigonometric functions, a horizontal translation
is called a phase shift.
! In the equation
the graph is shifted #/2 units to the right.
7
19 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = sin (x " #/3) by Using
Horizontal Translation or Phase Shift?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Find the interval for one period.
! Divide the interval into four equal parts.
20 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = sin (x " #/3) by Using
Horizontal Translation or Phase Shift?
(Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
0 "1 0 1 0 sin (x " #/3)
2# 3#/2 # #/2 0 x " #/3
7#/3 11#/6 4#/3 5#/6 #/3 x
21 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 3 cos(x + #/4) by Using
Horizontal Translation or Phase Shift?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Find the interval.
! Divide into four equal parts.
8
22 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 3 cos(x + #/4) by Using
Horizontal Translation or Phase Shift?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
3 0 "3 0 3 3 cos (x + #/4)
1 0 "1 0 1 cos(x + #/4)
2# 3#/2 # #/2 0 x + #/4
7#/4 5#/4 3#/4 #/4 "#/4 x
23 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 2 " 2 sin 3x by Using
Vertical Translation or Vertical Shift?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
2 4 2 0 2 2 " 2 sin 3x
0 2 0 "2 0 "2 sin 3x
2# 3#/2 # #/2 0 3x
2#/3 #/2 #/3 #/6 0 x
! The graph is translated 2 units up from the graph
y = "2 sin 3x.
24 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 2 " 2 sin 3x by Using
Vertical Translation or Vertical Shift?
(Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Plot the points and connect.
9
25 Rev.S08
Further Guidelines for Sketching Graphs
of Sine and Cosine Functions
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
Method 1: Follow these steps.
!Step 1 Find an interval whose length is one
period 2#/b by solving the three part
inequality 0 $ b(x " d) $ 2#.
!Step 2 Divide the interval into four equal parts.
!Step 3 Evaluate the function for each of the
five x-values resulting from Step 2. The
points will be maximum points,
minimum points, and points that intersect the
line y = c (middle points of the wave.)
26 Rev.S08
Further Guidelines for Sketching Graphs
of Sine and Cosine Functions (Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 4 Plot the points found in Step 3, and join
them with a sinusoidal curve having
amplitude |a|.
! Step 5 Draw the graph over additional periods,
to the right and to the left, as needed.
Method 2: First graph the basic circular function. The
amplitude of the function is |a|, and the period
is 2#/b. Then use translations to graph the
desired function. The vertical translation is c
units up if c > 0 and |c| units down if c < 0.
The horizontal translation (phase shift) is d
units to the right if d > 0 and |d| units to the
left if d < 0.
27 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = "1 + 2 sin (4x + #)?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Write the expression in the
form c + a sin b(x " d) by
rewriting 4x + # as
! Step 1
! Step 2: Divide the
interval.
! Step 3 Table
10
28 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = "1 + 2 sin (4x + #)?(Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
"1 "3 "1 1 "1 "1 + 2sin(4x + #)
2 "2 0 2 0 2 sin 4(x + #/4)
0 "1 0 1 0 sin 4(x + #/4)
2# 3#/2 # #/2 0 4(x + #/4)
#/2 3#/8 #/4 #/8 0 x + #/4
#/4 #/8 0 "#/8 "#/4 x
29 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = "1 + 2 sin (4x + #)?
(Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Steps 4 and 5
" Plot the points found in the table and join then with a
sinusoidal curve.
30 Rev.S08
Lets Take a Look at Other Circular
Functions.
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
11
31 Rev.S08
Cosecant Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
32 Rev.S08
Secant Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
33 Rev.S08
Guidelines for Sketching Graphs of
Cosecant and Secant Functions
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! To graph y = csc bx or y = sec bx, with b > 0,
follow these steps.
! Step 1 Graph the corresponding reciprocal
function as a guide, using a dashed
curve.
y = cos bx y = a sec bx
y = a sin bx y = a csc bx
Use as a Guide To Graph
12
34 Rev.S08
Guidelines for Sketching Graphs of
Cosecant and Secant Functions Continued
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 2 Sketch the vertical asymptotes.
- They will have equations of the form x = k,
where k is an x-intercept of the graph
of the guide function.
! Step 3 Sketch the graph of the desired function
by drawing the typical U-shapes branches
between the adjacent asymptotes.
- The branches will be above the graph of the
guide function when the guide function values
are positive and below the graph of the guide
function when the guide function values are
negative.
35 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 2 sec(x/2)?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
Step 1: Graph the corresponding reciprocal function
y = 2 cos (x/2).
The function has amplitude 2 and one period of the graph
lies along the interval that satisfies the inequality
Divide the interval into four equal parts.
36 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = 2 sec(x/2)? (Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 2: Sketch the vertical asymptotes. These occur at x-
values for which the guide function equals 0, such as x =
"3#, x = 3#, x = #, x = 3#.
! Step 3: Sketch the graph of y = 2 sec x/2 by drawing the
typical U-shaped branches, approaching the asymptotes.
13
37 Rev.S08
Tangent Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
38 Rev.S08
Cotangent Function
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
39 Rev.S08
Guidelines for Sketching Graphs of
Tangent and Cotangent Functions
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! To graph y = tan bx or y = cot bx, with b > 0,
follow these steps.
! Step 1 Determine the period, #/b. To locate
two adjacent vertical asymptotes solve
the following equations for x:
14
40 Rev.S08
Guidelines for Sketching Graphs of Tangent
and Cotangent Functions continued
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 2 Sketch the two vertical asymptotes found in
Step 1.
! Step 3 Divide the interval formed by the vertical
asymptotes into four equal parts.
! Step 4 Evaluate the function for the first-quarter
point, midpoint, and third-quarter point, using
the x-values found in Step 3.
! Step 5 Join the points with a smooth curve,
approaching the vertical asymptotes. Indicate
additional asymptotes and periods of the
graph as necessary.
41 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = tan(2x)?
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 1: The period of the function is #/2. The
two asymptotes have equations
x = "#/4 and x = #/4.
! Step 2: Sketch the two vertical asymptotes
found. x = #/4.
! Step 3: Divide the interval into four equal parts.
This gives the following key x-values.
" First quarter: "#/8
" Middle value: 0 Third quarter: #/8
42 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = tan(2x)? (Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Step 4: Evaluate the function
! Step 5: Join the points with a
smooth curve, approaching the
vertical asymptotes. Indicate
additional asymptotes and periods of
the graph as necessary.
1 0 "1 tan 2x
#/4 0 "#/4 2x
#/8 0 "#/8 x
15
43 Rev.S08
How to Graph y = tan(2x)? (Cont.)
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
! Every y value for this
function will be 2 units
more than the
corresponding y in
y = tan x, causing the
graph to be translated 2
units up compared to
y = tan x.
44 Rev.S08
What have we learned?
We have learned to:
1. Recognize periodic functions.
2. Determine the amplitude and period, when given the equation
of a periodic function.
3. Find the phase shift and vertical shift, when given the
equation of a periodic function.
4. Graph sine and cosine functions.
5. Graph cosecant and secant functions.
6. Graph tangent and cotangent functions.
7. Interpret a trigonometric model.
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.
45 Rev.S08
Credit
Some of these slides have been adapted/modified in part/whole from
the slides of the following textbook:
Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Trigonometry, 8th
Edition
http://faculty.valenciacc.edu/ashaw/
Click link to download other modules.