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14.1 Graphing Sine, Cosine, and

Tangent Functions
GOAL 1 GRAPHING SINE AND COSINE FUNCTIONS
What you should learn
GOAL 1 Graph sine and In this lesson you will learn to graph functions of the form y = a sin bx and
cosine functions, as applied y = a cos bx where a and b are positive constants and x is in radian measure.
in Example 3. The graphs of all sine and cosine functions are related to the graphs of
GOAL 2 Graph tangent y = sin x and y = cos x
functions.
which are shown below.
Why you should learn it y
M1
 To model repeating real- 1
life patterns, such as the amplitude: 1
vibrations of a tuning fork range:
1 ≤ y ≤ 1 3π π π π π 3π 2π x
in Ex. 52.  2
AL LI 2 2 2
FE
RE

m  1 period:
2π
Graph of y = sin x

y
M1
amplitude: 1
range:
1 ≤ y ≤ 1 2π 3π π π π π 3π 2π x
 2 2 2 2
1
m  1 period:
2π
Graph of y = cos x

The functions y = sin x and y = cos x have the following characteristics.

1. The domain of each function is all real numbers.
2. The range of each function is º1 ≤ y ≤ 1.
3. Each function is periodic, which means that its graph has a repeating pattern
that continues indefinitely. The shortest repeating portion is called a cycle.
The horizontal length of each cycle is called the period. Each graph shown
above has a period of 2π.
π
4. The maximum value of y = sin x is M = 1 and occurs when x =  + 2nπ
2
where n is any integer. The maximum value of y = cos x is also M = 1 and
occurs when x = 2nπ where n is any integer.
3π
5. The minimum value of y = sin x is m = º1 and occurs when x =  + 2nπ
2
where n is any integer. The minimum value of y = cos x is also m = º1 and
occurs when x = (2n + 1)π where n is any integer.
1
6. The amplitude of each function’s graph is (M º m) = 1.
2

14.1 Graphing Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions 831

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CHARACTERISTICS OF Y = A SIN B X AND Y = A COS B X

The amplitude and period of the graphs of y = a sin bx and y = a cos bx,
where a and b are nonzero real numbers, are as follows:
2π
amplitude = |a| and period = 
|b|
2π π
Examples The graph of y = 2 sin 4x has amplitude 2 and period  = .
4 2
1 1 2π
The graph of y =  cos 2πx has amplitude  and period  = 1.
3 3 2π

For a > 0 and b > 0, the graphs of y = a sin bx and y = a cos bx each have five
2π
key x-values on the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ : the x-values at which the maximum and
b
minimum values occur and the x-intercepts.

 14 p 2πb , a
y y = a sin bx y y = a cos bx

2πb , 0
(0, a)
 14 p 2πb , 0  2πb , a
(0, 0)
 34 p 2πb , 0
x
 12 p 2πb , 0
x

 34 p 2πb , a  12 p 2πb , a

EXAMPLE 1 Graphing Sine and Cosine Functions

Graph the function.

a. y = 2 sin x b. y = cos 2x

SOLUTION
2π 2π
a. The amplitude is a = 2 and the period is  =  = 2π. The five key points are:
b 1
Intercepts: (0, 0); (2π, 0); y

 1

 • 2π, 0 = (π, 0)
2 1

Maximum: 14 • 2π, 2 = π2, 2 π

2
3π
2
x

STUDENT HELP Minimum: 34 • 2π, º2 = 32π, º2

Study Tip
In Example 1 notice 2π 2π
how changes in a and b b. The amplitude is a = 1 and the period is  =  = π. The five key points are:
b 2

14 • π, 0 = π4, 0;

affect the graphs of
y = a sin bx and Intercepts: y
y = a cos bx. When
34 • π, 0 = 34π, 0
2
the value of a increases,
the amplitude is greater.
When the value of b x
Maximums: (0, 1); (π, 1) π
increases, the period is
shorter.
Minimum: 12 • π, º1 = π2, º1
832 Chapter 14 Trigonometric Graphs, Identities, and Equations
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EXAMPLE 2 Graphing a Cosine Function

1
Graph y =  cos πx.
3
SOLUTION
1 2π 2π
The amplitude is a =  and the period is  =  = 2. The five key points are:
3 b π

Intercepts: 14 • 2, 0 = 12, 0; y

34 • 2, 0 = 32, 0
2
3

Maximums: 0, 13; 2, 13 2 x

Minimum: 12 • 2, º13 = 1, º13

..........

The periodic nature of trigonometric functions is useful for modeling oscillating

motions or repeating patterns that occur in real life. Some examples are sound waves,
the motion of a pendulum or a spring, and seasons of the year. In such applications,
the reciprocal of the period is called the frequency. The frequency gives the
number of cycles per unit of time.

EXAMPLE 3 Modeling with a Sine Function

MUSIC When you strike a tuning fork, the vibrations cause changes in the pressure
of the surrounding air. A middle-A tuning fork vibrates with frequency f = 440 hertz
(cycles per second). You strike a middle-A tuning fork with a force that produces a
maximum pressure of 5 pascals.
a. Write a sine model that gives the pressure P as a function of time t (in seconds).
b. Graph the model.

FOCUS ON SOLUTION
APPLICATIONS
a. In the model P = a sin bt, the maximum pressure P is 5, so a = 5. You can use
the frequency to find the value of b.
1 b
frequency =  440 = 
period 2π
880π = b

 The pressure as a function of time is given by P = 5 sin 880πt.

1 1
b. The amplitude is a = 5 and the period is  = .
ƒ 440
The five key points are: P

L
AL I
4140 
Intercepts: (0, 0); , 0 ;
5

12 • 4140, 0 = 8180, 0

OSCILLOSCOPE
FE
RE

The oscilloscope is a
laboratory device invented t

14 • 4140, 5 = 17160 , 5

1 1
by Karl Braun in 1897. This 880 440
electrical instrument Maximum:
measures waveforms and
is the forerunner of today’s
television.
Minimum: 34 • 4140, º5 = 17360 , º5
14.1 Graphing Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions 833
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GOAL 2 GRAPHING TANGENT FUNCTIONS

The graph of y = tan x has the following characteristics.

π π
1. The domain is all real numbers except odd multiples of . At odd multiples of ,
2 2
the graph has vertical asymptotes.
2. The range is all real numbers.
3. The graph has a period of π.

C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S O F Y = A TA N B X

If a and b are nonzero real numbers, the graph of y = a tan bx has these
characteristics:
π
• The period is .
|b|
π
• There are vertical asymptotes at odd multiples of .
2|b|
π
Example The graph of y = 5 tan 3x has period  and asymptotes at
3
π π nπ
x = (2n + 1)  =  +  where n is any integer.
2(3) 6 3

The graph at the right shows five key x-values y

that can help you sketch the graph of
y = a tan bx for a > 0 and b > 0. These a
are the x-intercept, the x-values where the
asymptotes occur, and the x-values halfway π π π x
2b 4b 2b
between the x-intercept and the asymptotes.
At each halfway point, the function’s value is
either a or ºa.

EXAMPLE 4 Graphing a Tangent Function

3
Graph y =  tan 4x.
2
SOLUTION
π π
The period is  = . y
b 4

Intercept: (0, 0)
1
1 π π
Asymptotes: x =  • , or x = ;
2 4 8
π x
 π8
π
1 π π 16 8
x = º • , or x = º
2 4 8

Halfway points: 14 • π4, 32 = 1π6, 32;

º14 • π4, º32 = º1π6 , º32
834 Chapter 14 Trigonometric Graphs, Identities, and Equations
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GUIDED PRACTICE
Vocabulary Check ✓ 1. Define the terms cycle and period.
Concept Check ✓ 2. What are the domain and range of y = a sin bx, y = a cos bx, and y = a tan bx?
x 1
3. Consider the two functions y = 4 sin  and y =  sin 4x. Which function has the
3 3
greater amplitude? Which function has the longer period?
Skill Check ✓ Find the amplitude and period of the function.
1
4. y = 6 sin x 5. y = 3 cos πx 6. y =  cos 3x
4
2 π x
7. y =  sin x 8. y = 5 sin 3πx 9. y = cos 
3 3 2

Graph the function.

10. y = 3 sin x 11. y = cos 4x 12. y = tan 3x
1 2
13. y =  sin πx 14. y = 5 cos x 15. y = 2 tan 4x
4 3

16. PENDULUMS The motion of a certain pendulum

can be modeled by the function
d = 4 cos 8πt
where d is the pendulum’s horizontal displacement
(in inches) relative to its position at rest and t is the time
(in seconds). Graph the function. How far horizontally
does the pendulum travel from its original position?
d

PRACTICE AND APPLICATIONS

STUDENT HELP MATCHING GRAPHS Match the function with its graph.
Extra Practice 1 1
17. y = 2 sin x 18. y = 2 cos x 19. y = 2 sin 2x
to help you master 2 2
skills is on p. 959.
1
20. y = 2 tan x 21. y = 2 cos 2x 22. y = 2 tan 2x
2
A. y B. y C. y
2
1 1
x x
π π x
3π  π4 π
4

STUDENT HELP
D. y E. y F. y
HOMEWORK HELP
Examples 1, 2: Exs. 17–49 1 1 1
x
Example 3: Exs. 51–55
π π x π π x
Example 4: Exs. 17–22, 2π
32–43

14.1 Graphing Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions 835

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STUDENT HELP ANALYZING FUNCTIONS In Exercises 23–31, find the amplitude and period of
NE
ER T
the graph of the function.
HOMEWORK HELP
INT

Visit our Web site 23. y 24. y 25. y

www.mcdougallittell.com 0.5
1
for help with problem
solving in Exs. 44–49.
π x 1 2 x π π x
2 2

1 1
26. y =  cos πx 27. y = sin 2x 28. y = 3 cos x
2 4
1 1 1
29. y = 5 cos x 30. y = 2 sin πx 31. y =  sin 4πx
2 2 3

GRAPHING Draw one cycle of the function’s graph.

1 1 1 1
32. y = sin x 33. y = cos x 34. y =  tan πx 35. y =  sin x
4 5 4 4
36. y = 4 cos x 37. y = 4 tan 2x 38. y = 3 cos 2x 39. y = 8 sin x
1 1 1
40. y = 2 tan x 41. y =  sin πx 42. y = tan 4πx 43. y = 2 cos 6πx
3 2 4

WRITING EQUATIONS Write an equation of the form y = a sin bx, where a > 0
and b > 0, so that the graph has the given amplitude and period.
44. Amplitude: 1 45. Amplitude: 10 46. Amplitude: 2
Period: 5 Period: 4 Period: 2π
1
47. Amplitude:  48. Amplitude: 4 49. Amplitude: 3
2
π 1
Period: 3π Period:  Period: 
6 2
FOCUS ON 50. LOGICAL REASONING Use the fact that the frequency of a periodic function’s
CAREERS
graph is the reciprocal of the period to show that an oscillating motion with
maximum displacement a and frequency ƒ can be modeled by y = a sin 2π ft
or y = a cos 2π ft.
51. BOATING The displacement d (in feet) of a boat’s
water line above sea level as it moves over waves can
be modeled by the function
d = 2 sin 2πt
where t is the time (in seconds). Graph the height of
the boat over a three second time interval.
52. MUSIC A tuning fork vibrates with a frequency of 220 hertz (cycles per
second). You strike the tuning fork with a force that produces a maximum
L
AL I
pressure of 3 pascals. Write a sine model that gives the pressure P as a function
MUSICIAN
FE
RE

of the time t (in seconds). What is the period of the sound wave?
Musicians may
specialize in classical, rock, 53. SPRING MOTION The motion of a simple
jazz, or many other types
spring can be modeled by y = A cos kt where y is
of music. This profession
is very competitive and the spring’s vertical displacement (in feet) relative
demands a high degree of to its position at rest, A is the initial displacement
discipline and talent in order (in feet), k is a constant that measures the elasticity A
to succeed. of the spring, and t is the time (in seconds). Find
NE
ER T
the amplitude and period of a spring for which A
INT

CAREER LINK
www.mcdougallittell.com A = 0.5 foot and k = 6.

836 Chapter 14 Trigonometric Graphs, Identities, and Equations

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SIGHTSEEING In Exercises 54 and 55, use the following information.

Suppose you are standing 100 feet away from the base
Not drawn
of the Statue of Liberty with a video camera. As you to scale
videotape the statue, you pan up the side of the statue
at 5° per second.
h
54. Write and graph an equation that gives the height
you
h of the part of the statue seen through the video †
camera as a function of the time t. 100 ft

55. Find the change in height from t = 0 to t = 1, from t = 1 to t = 2, and from

t = 2 to t = 3. Briefly explain what happens to h as t increases.
Test 56. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which function represents the graph shown?
Preparation
¡
A
1
y =  tan 5x
2 ¡
B
1
y = 5 tan x
2
y
 π2 , 5
5
¡
C y = tan 5x ¡
D y = 5 tan 2x
π π π x
2

¡
E
1
y = 5 tan x
8
57. MULTIPLE CHOICE Which of the following is an x-intercept of the graph of
1 π
y =  sin x?
3 4

¡
A 4 ¡
B 2 ¡
C º6 ¡
D 1 ¡
E 4π
★ Challenge SKETCHING GRAPHS Sketch the graph of the function by plotting points.
Then state the function’s domain, range, and period.
58. y = csc x 59. y = sec x 60. y = cot x

MIXED REVIEW
GRAPHING Graph the quadratic function. Label the vertex and axis of
symmetry. (Review 5.1 for 14.2)
61. y = 2(x º 5)2 + 4 62. y = º(x º 3)2 º 7 63. y = 4(x + 2)2 º 1
3
64. y = º3(x + 1)2 + 6 65. y = (x º 1)2 º 2 66. y = 10(x + 4)2 + 3
4
CALCULATING PROBABILITY Find the probability of drawing the given
numbers if the integers 1 through 30 are placed in a hat and drawn randomly
without replacement. (Review 12.5)
67. an even number, then an odd number 68. the number 30, then an odd number
69. a multiple of 4, then an odd number 70. the number 19, then the number 20
FINDING REFERENCE ANGLES Sketch the angle. Then find its reference angle.
(Review 13.3)
71. 220° 72. º155° 73. 280° 74. º510°
35π 21π 17π 5π
75.  76.  77. º 78. º
3 4 6 8
79. PERSONAL FINANCE You deposit $1000 in an account that pays 1.5%
annual interest compounded continuously. How long will it take for the balance
to double? (Review 8.6)

14.1 Graphing Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions 837