Graphs of trigonometric functions can be produced in degrees or in radians.
The graphs appearing here will be done in radians.

hintgal
When hand-drawing the graphs of sine and cosine, draw vertical dotted lines at  f intervals to remind you of the connection to the four quadrants from the unit circle and to keep your graphs accurate. 
(Such dotted lines will resemble the dashed vertical grid lines in the graphs below.)

The sine and cosine functions take on y-values between -1 and +1.

bullet Sine Function:   y = sin x
y = sin x
sincos5
called a "wave" because of its rolling wave-like
   appearance (also referred to as oscillating)
amplitude: 1  (height)
period: 2π  (length of one cycle)
frequency:  1cycle in 2π radians [or 1/(2π)]
domain:  f
range:  f 
At x = 0, the sine wave is on the shoreline! (meaning the y-value is equal to zero)

dividerdash

bullet Cosine Function:   y = cos x
y = cos x
sincos10
called a "wave" because of its rolling wave-like
   appearance
 amplitude: 1
period: 2π 
 
frequency:  1 cycle in 2π radians [or 1/(2π )]
 
domain:  f
 
range:  f 
At x = 0, the cosine wave breaks off the cliff! (meaning the y-value is equal to one)


Remember:
The cosine curve is really the exact same graph as the sine curve shifted 90º, or π/2 radians, to the left!

dividerdash

ti84c
How to use your graphing calculator for graphing trig functions.
click here.
MathBits Calculator Pages

divider


NOTE: The re-posting of materials (in part or whole) from this site to the Internet is copyright violation
and is not considered "fair use" for educators. Please read the "Terms of Use".