Transforming the Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

If the angle x is expressed in radian measure then f (x) = sinx, g(x) = cosx and h(x) = tanx
become functions of a real variable.
y = sinx

y
1

Amplitude: 1
Period: 2

amplitude
2

period

y = cosx
y
period

Amplitude: 1
Period: 2

x
amplitude

1
y = tanx
y
2

Period =
period

O
1
2

3. Sketch each graph of the reciprocal trigonometric functions.

Here are the graphs of the reciprocal ratios.

y

y  cosec x

1
y  sin x
3

2

2

2

-1

y
y  sec x

1
y  cos x

2

3

2

2

-1

Chapter 5 Trigonometric Functions

y  tan x

2

3

2

2

y  cot x

We have sketched these functions in the domain 0 b x b 2Q which gives

all the angles in one revolution of a circle. However, we could turn around the
circle again and have angles greater than 2Q , as well as negative angles.
These graphs all repeat at regular intervals. They are called periodic
functions.

Investigation
Here is a general sine function. Notice that the shape that occurs between

225

1.

y = f (x) b e.g. y = sinx b i.e. The graph of y = sinx is shifted b units vertically
e.g:

y = sin x + 2

2.

y = af (x)
e.g:

e.g. y = asinx.

y = 2sin x; y = 12 sin x

The a alters the amplitude.

3.

i.e.

The period is altered according to the formula:

The period is altered using the formula:

e.g:

y = sin 2 x; y = sin 12 x

e.g:

y = tan 2 x
y

4.

y = f (x ) e.g. y = sin(x )

The graph experiences a phase shift of .

To determine the starting point of the graph, solve the equation sin ( x ) = 0 .
e.g:

y = sin ( x + 4 )

5.

The graph has been shifted

Putting it all together

y = sin ( 2 x 3 )

units to the left.

e.g.

The graph experiences a phase shift of

e.g:

and a period change.

The graph has been shifted

units to the right,

but the period has been halved.

y

Exercises: Cambridge Year 11

Ex 14C qq 1 8; 10 16; 21 23