Transformations of Trigonometric functions
Transformations of Trigonometric functions
PHYSICS
Transformation of
Trigonometric Functions
Menuka Suwinda
Sine and Cosine Graphs Reference Evans 6.2
Plotting the values of f (x) = sin x and g(x) = cos x for x ∈ R gives the
following graphs
f �x�
1
x
�2 Π �Π Π 2Π 3Π 4Π
�1
g�x�
1
x
�2 Π �Π Π 2Π 3Π 4Π
�1
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Properties of Sine and Cosine Graphs
• The sine and cosine functions repeat themselves after an interval (or period) of
2π units. That is:
These functions are therefore said to be periodic or cyclic, with period 2π.
• The maximum and minimum values of sin x and cos x are 1 and −1 respec-
tively. The graphs of f (x) = sin x and g(x) = cos x are therefore said to have
an amplitude of 1.
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Graph of Tangent Function Reference Evans 6.6
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Properties of Tan Graph
The graph has vertical asymptotes at these x-values, which are usually indicated
by dotted or dashed vertical lines.
• The tangent function repeats itself after an interval of π units. That is:
π
tan θ = tan(θ + π), for all θ ∈ R\{(2k + 1) | k ∈ Z}
2
This function therefore has period π.
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Dilations of Trig Graphs Reference Evans 6.2, 6.3 & 6.6
Sketch the following graphs - the standard sin or cos graph is shown - state the
period and amplitude of the transformed graph in each case. � �
Note: a dilation in the x direction (e.g. y = cos bx) changes the period to b2π
and one in the y direction (e.g. y = a sin x) changes the amplitude (to a)
1.
y = sin 2x 2. y = 3 cos
� x�
3. y = −52 sin x 4. y = cos 2x
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Translations of Trigonometric Graphs
Sketch the following graphs on the axes below –adding or subtracting a value to
the trig function will translate the graph up or down, while adding or subtracting a
value to the x term will translate the graph to the left or right respectively.
1. y = tan(x − π4 )
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2. y = sin(x) + 3
3. y = cos(x + π)
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Multiple Transformations
Sketch the following sequence of graphs on the same set of axes. � �
y1 = sin x y2 = −2 sin x y3 = −2 sin 3x π
y4 = −2 sin 3x − 2
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