BackStudy Guide: Graphs and Properties of Trigonometric Functions (Precalculus)
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Graphs and Properties of Trigonometric Functions
Graphing Sine and Cosine Functions
The sine and cosine functions are fundamental periodic functions in trigonometry. Their general forms are:
Sine:
Cosine:
Key properties:
Amplitude: (the maximum displacement from the midline)
Period: (the length of one complete cycle)
Phase Shift: (horizontal shift of the graph)
Vertical Shift: (moves the graph up or down)
x-coordinates of quarter points: Start at phase shift, add period 4
y-coordinates of quarter points:
Graphing Tangent Functions
The tangent function has a different periodicity and features vertical asymptotes:
General form:
Period:
Vertical Asymptotes: Occur at the endpoints of the principal cycle
x-coordinates of center, left & right halfway points: Start at left vertical asymptote, add period 4
y-coordinates of center, left & right halfway points:
Tangent values: Left: , Center: $0
Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
Each trigonometric function has a distinct graph, characterized by its period, amplitude, and symmetry.

Even and Odd Properties of Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions can be classified as even or odd, which affects their symmetry:
Odd Functions: , , ,
Even Functions: ,
Inverse Trigonometric Function Intervals
Inverse trigonometric functions are defined on restricted intervals to ensure they are one-to-one:
: values , angles
: values , angles
: values , angles
Evaluating Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Inverse trigonometric functions return the angle whose trigonometric value is given. Their geometric interpretation is shown below:

Special Values of Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions have well-known values at special angles. These are often summarized in a table:
Angle | 0 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 1 | ||||
1 | 0 | ||||
0 | 1 | undefined |

Example Problems
Example 1: Sketching
Sketch the graph of and identify its properties: amplitude , period , phase shift , vertical shift . The graph is symmetric about the origin (odd function).
Example 2: Using Odd Function Property
Use the fact that is an odd function to determine which expression is equivalent to .
Example 3: Sketching
Sketch the graph of and identify its properties: period , vertical asymptotes at , odd function.
Example 4: Identifying Trigonometric Function from Graph
Given a graph of one cycle of a trigonometric function, determine the equation of the function in the form or .

Example 5: Determining Period and Quarter Points
Determine the period of and sketch its graph. The period is .
Example 6: Amplitude, Range, Period, and Phase Shift
Determine the amplitude, range, period, and phase shift for a given function and sketch the graph using quarter points.
Example 7: Tangent Function Principal Cycle
For a tangent function, determine the interval for the principal cycle, period, equations of vertical asymptotes, and coordinates of center and halfway points. Sketch the graph.
Example 8: Range of a Sine Function
Determine the range of . The range is .
Example 9: Exact Values of Trigonometric Expressions
Find the exact value of trigonometric expressions at special angles using the table above.
Summary Table: Trigonometric Function Properties
Function | Amplitude | Period | Phase Shift | Vertical Shift | Even/Odd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Odd | |||||
Even | |||||
N/A | Odd |
Additional info: Academic context and explanations have been expanded for clarity and completeness. Only directly relevant images and tables have been included to reinforce the study material.