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10.5: Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions

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In this section, we return to our discussion of the circular (trigonometric) functions as functions of real numbers and pick up where we left off in Sections 10.2.1 and 10.3.1. As usual, we begin our study with the functions f(t)=cos(t) and g(t)=sin(t).

10.5.1 Graphs of the Cosine and Sine Functions

From Theorem 10.5 in Section 10.2.1, we know that the domain of f(t)=cos(t) and of g(t)=sin(t) is all real numbers, (,), and the range of both functions is [1,1]. The Even / Odd Identities in Theorem 10.12 tell us cos(t)=cos(t) for all real numbers t and sin(t)=sin(t) for all real numbers t. This means f(t)=cos(t) is an even function, while g(t)=sin(t) is an odd function.1 Another important property of these functions is that for coterminal angles α and β, cos(α)=cos(β) and sin(α)=sin(β). Said differently, cos(t+2πk)=cos(t) and sin(t+2πk)=sin(t) for all real numbers t and any integer k. This last property is given a special name.

Definition 10.3. Periodic Functions

A function f is said to be periodic if there is a real number c so that f(t+c)=f(t) for all real numbers t in the domain of f. The smallest positive number p for which f(t+p)=f(t) for all real numbers t in the domain of f, if it exists, is called the period of f.

We have already seen a family of periodic functions in Section 2.1: the constant functions. However, despite being periodic a constant function has no period. (We’ll leave that odd gem as an exercise for you.) Returning to the circular functions, we see that by Definition 10.3, f(t)=cos(t) is periodic, since cos(t+2πk)=cos(t) for any integer k. To determine the period of f, we need to find the smallest real number p so that f(t+p)=f(t) for all real numbers t or, said differently, the smallest positive real number p such that cos(t+p)=cos(t) for all real numbers t. We know that cos(t+2π)=cos(t) for all real numbers t but the question remains if any smaller real number will do the trick. Suppose p>0 and cos(t+p)=cos(t) for all real numbers t. Then, in particular, cos(0+p)=cos(0) so that cos(p)=1. From this we know p is a multiple of 2π and, since the smallest positive multiple of 2π is 2π itself, we have the result. Similarly, we can show g(t)=sin(t) is also periodic with 2π as its period.2 Having period 2π essentially means that we can completely understand everything about the functions f(t)=cos(t) and g(t)=sin(t) by studying one interval of length 2π, say [0,2π].3

One last property of the functions f(t)=cos(t) and g(t)=sin(t) is worth pointing out: both of these functions are continuous and smooth. Recall from Section 3.1 that geometrically this means the graphs of the cosine and sine functions have no jumps, gaps, holes in the graph, asymptotes, corners or cusps. As we shall see, the graphs of both f(t)=cos(t) and g(t)=sin(t) meander nicely and don’t cause any trouble. We summarize these facts in the following theorem.

Theorem 10.22. Properties of the Cosine and Sine Functions
  • The function f(x)=cos(x)
    • has domain (,)
    • has range [1,1]
    • is continuous and smooth
    • is even
    • has period 2π
  • The function g(x)=sin(x)
    • has domain (,)
    • has range [1,1]
    • is continuous and smooth
    • is odd
    • has period 2π

In the chart above, we followed the convention established in Section 1.6 and used x as the independent variable and y as the dependent variable.5 This allows us to turn our attention to graphing the cosine and sine functions in the Cartesian Plane. To graph y=cos(x), we make a table as we did in Section 1.6 using some of the ‘common values’ of x in the interval [0,2π]. This generates a portion of the cosine graph, which we call the ‘fundamental cycle’ of y=cos(x).

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 2.55.05 PM.png

A few things about the graph above are worth mentioning. First, this graph represents only part of the graph of y=cos(x). To get the entire graph, we imagine ‘copying and pasting’ this graph end to end infinitely in both directions (left and right) on the x-axis. Secondly, the vertical scale here has been greatly exaggerated for clarity and aesthetics. Below is an accurate-to-scale graph of y=cos(x) showing several cycles with the ‘fundamental cycle’ plotted thicker than the others. The graph of y=cos(x) is usually described as ‘wavelike’ – indeed, many of the applications involving the cosine and sine functions feature modeling wavelike phenomena.

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 3.09.56 PM.png

An accurately scaled graph of y=cos(x).

We can plot the fundamental cycle of the graph of y=sin(x) similarly, with similar results.

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 3.11.31 PM.png

As with the graph of y=cos(x), we provide an accurately scaled graph of y=sin(x) below with the fundamental cycle highlighted.

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 3.12.58 PM.png

An accurately scaled graph y=sin(x).

It is no accident that the graphs of y=cos(x) and y=sin(x) are so similar. Using a cofunction identity along with the even property of cosine, we have

sin(x)=cos(π2x)=cos((xπ2))=cos(xπ2)

Recalling Section 1.7, we see from this formula that the graph of y=sin(x) is the result of shifting the graph of y=cos(x) to the right π2 units. A visual inspection confirms this.

Now that we know the basic shapes of the graphs of y=cos(x) and y=sin(x), we can use Theorem 1.7 in Section 1.7 to graph more complicated curves. To do so, we need to keep track of the movement of some key points on the original graphs. We choose to track the values x=0, π2, π, 3π2 and 2π. These ‘quarter marks’ correspond to quadrantal angles, and as such, mark the location of the zeros and the local extrema of these functions over exactly one period. Before we begin our next example, we need to review the concept of the ‘argument’ of a function as first introduced in Section 1.4. For the function f(x)=15cos(2xπ), the argument of f is x. We shall have occasion, however, to refer to the argument of the cosine, which in this case is 2xπ. Loosely stated, the argument of a trigonometric function is the expression ‘inside’ the function.

Example 10.5.1.

Graph one cycle of the following functions. State the period of each.

  1. f(x)=3cos(πxπ2)+1
  2. g(x)=12sin(π2x)+32

Solution.

  1. We set the argument of the cosine, πxπ2, equal to each of the values: 0, π2, π, 3π2, 2π and solve for x. We summarize the results below. aπxπ2=ax0πxπ2=01π2πxπ2=π22ππxπ2=π33π2πxπ2=3π242ππxπ2=2π5

    Next, we substitute each of these x values into f(x)=3cos(πxπ2)+1 to determine the corresponding y-values and connect the dots in a pleasing wavelike fashion.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 3.36.11 PM.png

    One cycle is graphed on [1,5] so the period is the length of that interval which is 4.

  2. Proceeding as above, we set the argument of the sine, π2x, equal to each of our quarter marks and solve for x.

    aπ2x=ax0π2x=0π2π2π2x=π2π4ππ2x=π03π2π2x=3π2π42ππ2x=2ππ2

    We now find the corresponding y-values on the graph by substituting each of these x-values into g(x)=12sin(π2x)+32. Once again, we connect the dots in a wavelike fashion.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 3.37.16 PM.png

    One cycle was graphed on the interval [π2,π2] so the period is π2(π2)=π.

The functions in Example 10.5.1 are examples of sinusoids. Roughly speaking, a sinusoid is the result of taking the basic graph of f(x)=cos(x) or g(x)=sin(x) and performing any of the transformations6 mentioned in Section 1.7. Sinusoids can be characterized by four properties: period, amplitude, phase shift and vertical shift. We have already discussed period, that is, how long it takes for the sinusoid to complete one cycle. The standard period of both f(x)=cos(x) and g(x)=sin(x) is 2π, but horizontal scalings will change the period of the resulting sinusoid. The amplitude of the sinusoid is a measure of how ‘tall’ the wave is, as indicated in the figure below. The amplitude of the standard cosine and sine functions is 1, but vertical scalings can alter this.

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 3.47.41 PM.png

The phase shift of the sinusoid is the horizontal shift experienced by the fundamental cycle. We have seen that a phase (horizontal) shift of π2 to the right takes f(x)=cos(x) to g(x)=sin(x) since cos(xπ2)=sin(x). As the reader can verify, a phase shift of π2 to the left takes g(x)=sin(x) to f(x)=cos(x). The vertical shift of a sinusoid is exactly the same as the vertical shifts in Section 1.7. In most contexts, the vertical shift of a sinusoid is assumed to be 0, but we state the more general case below. The following theorem, which is reminiscent of Theorem 1.7 in Section 1.7, shows how to find these four fundamental quantities from the formula of the given sinusoid.

Theorem 10.23.

For ω>0, the functions C(x)=Acos(ωx+ϕ)+BandS(x)=Asin(ωx+ϕ)+B

  • have period 2πω
  • have amplitude |A|
  • have phase shift ϕω
  • have vertical shift B

We note that in some scientific and engineering circles, the quantity ϕ mentioned in Theorem 10.23 is called the phase of the sinusoid. Since our interest in this book is primarily with graphing sinusoids, we focus our attention on the horizontal shift ϕω induced by ϕ.

The proof of Theorem 10.23 is a direct application of Theorem 1.7 in Section 1.7 and is left to the reader. The parameter ω, which is stipulated to be positive, is called the (angular) frequency of the sinusoid and is the number of cycles the sinusoid completes over a 2π interval. We can always ensure ω>0 using the Even/Odd Identities.7 We now test out Theorem 10.23 using the functions f and g featured in Example 10.5.1. First, we write f(x) in the form prescribed in Theorem 10.23,

f(x)=3cos(πxπ2)+1=3cos(π2x+(π2))+1,

so that A=3, ω=π2, ϕ=π2 and B=1. According to Theorem 10.23, the period of f is 2πω=2ππ/2=4, the amplitude is |A|=|3|=3, the phase shift is ϕω=π/2π/2=1 (indicating a shift to the right 1 unit) and the vertical shift is B=1 (indicating a shift up 1 unit.) All of these match with our graph of y=f(x). Moreover, if we start with the basic shape of the cosine graph, shift it 1 unit to the right, 1 unit up, stretch the amplitude to 3 and shrink the period to 4, we will have reconstructed one period of the graph of y=f(x). In other words, instead of tracking the five ‘quarter marks’ through the transformations to plot y=f(x), we can use five other pieces of information: the phase shift, vertical shift, amplitude, period and basic shape of the cosine curve. Turning our attention now to the function g in Example 10.5.1, we first need to use the odd property of the sine function to write it in the form required by Theorem 10.23

g(x)=12sin(π2x)+32=12sin((2xπ))+32=12sin(2xπ)+32=12sin(2x+(π))+32

We find A=12, ω=2, ϕ=π and B=32. The period is then 2π2=π, the amplitude is |12|=12, the phase shift is π2=π2 (indicating a shift right π2 units) and the vertical shift is up 32. Note that, in this case, all of the data match our graph of y=g(x) with the exception of the phase shift. [phaseshiftissue] Instead of the graph starting at x=π2, it ends there. Remember, however, that the graph presented in Example 10.5.1 is only one portion of the graph of y=g(x). Indeed, another complete cycle begins at x=π2, and this is the cycle Theorem 10.23 is detecting. The reason for the discrepancy is that, in order to apply Theorem 10.23, we had to rewrite the formula for g(x) using the odd property of the sine function. Note that whether we graph y=g(x) using the ‘quarter marks’ approach or using the Theorem 10.23, we get one complete cycle of the graph, which means we have completely determined the sinusoid.

Example 10.5.2

Below is the graph of one complete cycle of a sinusoid y=f(x).

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.08.55 PM.png

One cycle of y=f(x).

  1. Find a cosine function whose graph matches the graph of y=f(x).
  2. Find a sine function whose graph matches the graph of y=f(x).

Solution.

  1. We fit the data to a function of the form C(x)=Acos(ωx+ϕ)+B. Since one cycle is graphed over the interval [1,5], its period is 5(1)=6. According to Theorem 10.23, 6=2πω, so that ω=π3. Next, we see that the phase shift is 1, so we have ϕω=1, or ϕ=ω=π3. To find the amplitude, note that the range of the sinusoid is [32,52]. As a result, the amplitude A=12[52(32)]=12(4)=2. Finally, to determine the vertical shift, we average the endpoints of the range to find B=12[52+(32)]=12(1)=12. Our final answer is C(x)=2cos(π3x+π3)+12.
  2. Most of the work to fit the data to a function of the form S(x)=Asin(ωx+ϕ)+B is done. The period, amplitude and vertical shift are the same as before with ω=π3, A=2 and B=12. The trickier part is finding the phase shift. To that end, we imagine extending the graph of the given sinusoid as in the figure below so that we can identify a cycle beginning at (72,12). Taking the phase shift to be 72, we get ϕω=72, or ϕ=72ω=72(π3)=7π6. Hence, our answer is S(x)=2sin(π3x7π6)+12.
Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.11.01 PM.pngExtending the graph of y=f(x).

Note that each of the answers given in Example 10.5.2 is one choice out of many possible answers. For example, when fitting a sine function to the data, we could have chosen to start at (12,12) taking A=2. In this case, the phase shift is 12 so ϕ=π6 for an answer of S(x)=2sin(π3xπ6)+12. Alternatively, we could have extended the graph of y=f(x) to the left and considered a sine function starting at (52,12), and so on. Each of these formulas determine the same sinusoid curve and their formulas are all equivalent using identities. Speaking of identities, if we use the sum identity for cosine, we can expand the formula to yield C(x)=Acos(ωx+ϕ)+B=Acos(ωx)cos(ϕ)Asin(ωx)sin(ϕ)+B. Similarly, using the sum identity for sine, we get S(x)=Asin(ωx+ϕ)+B=Asin(ωx)cos(ϕ)+Acos(ωx)sin(ϕ)+B. Making these observations allows us to recognize (and graph) functions as sinusoids which, at first glance, don’t appear to fit the forms of either C(x) or S(x).

Example 10.5.3.

Consider the function f(x)=cos(2x)3sin(2x). Find a formula for f(x):

  1. in the form C(x)=Acos(ωx+ϕ)+B for ω>0
  2. in the form S(x)=Asin(ωx+ϕ)+B for ω>0

Check your answers analytically using identities and graphically using a calculator.

Solution.

  1. The key to this problem is to use the expanded forms of the sinusoid formulas and match up corresponding coefficients. Equating f(x)=cos(2x)3sin(2x) with the expanded form of C(x)=Acos(ωx+ϕ)+B, we get

    cos(2x)3sin(2x)=Acos(ωx)cos(ϕ)Asin(ωx)sin(ϕ)+B

    It should be clear that we can take ω=2 and B=0 to get

    cos(2x)3sin(2x)=Acos(2x)cos(ϕ)Asin(2x)sin(ϕ)

    To determine A and ϕ, a bit more work is involved. We get started by equating the coefficients of the trigonometric functions on either side of the equation. On the left hand side, the coefficient of cos(2x) is 1, while on the right hand side, it is Acos(ϕ). Since this equation is to hold for all real numbers, we must have8 that Acos(ϕ)=1. Similarly, we find by equating the coefficients of sin(2x) that Asin(ϕ)=3. What we have here is a system of nonlinear equations! We can temporarily eliminate the dependence on ϕ by using the Pythagorean Identity. We know cos2(ϕ)+sin2(ϕ)=1, so multiplying this by A2 gives A2cos2(ϕ)+A2sin2(ϕ)=A2. Since Acos(ϕ)=1 and Asin(ϕ)=3, we get A2=12+(3)2=4 or A=±2. Choosing A=2, we have 2cos(ϕ)=1 and 2sin(ϕ)=3 or, after some rearrangement, cos(ϕ)=12 and sin(ϕ)=32. One such angle ϕ which satisfies this criteria is ϕ=π3. Hence, one way to write f(x) as a sinusoid is f(x)=2cos(2x+π3). We can easily check our answer using the sum formula for cosine f(x)=2cos(2x+π3)=2[cos(2x)cos(π3)sin(2x)sin(π3)]=2[cos(2x)(12)sin(2x)(32)]=cos(2x)3sin(2x)

  2. Proceeding as before, we equate f(x)=cos(2x)3sin(2x) with the expanded form of S(x)=Asin(ωx+ϕ)+B to get

    cos(2x)3sin(2x)=Asin(ωx)cos(ϕ)+Acos(ωx)sin(ϕ)+B

    Once again, we may take ω=2 and B=0 so that

    cos(2x)3sin(2x)=Asin(2x)cos(ϕ)+Acos(2x)sin(ϕ)

    We equate9 the coefficients of cos(2x) on either side and get Asin(ϕ)=1 and Acos(ϕ)=3. Using A2cos2(ϕ)+A2sin2(ϕ)=A2 as before, we get A=±2, and again we choose A=2. This means 2sin(ϕ)=1, or sin(ϕ)=12, and 2cos(ϕ)=3, which means cos(ϕ)=32. One such angle which meets these criteria is ϕ=5π6. Hence, we have f(x)=2sin(2x+5π6). Checking our work analytically, we have f(x)=2sin(2x+5π6)=2[sin(2x)cos(5π6)+cos(2x)sin(5π6)]=2[sin(2x)(32)+cos(2x)(12)]=cos(2x)3sin(2x) Graphing the three formulas for f(x) result in the identical curve, verifying our analytic work.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.25.43 PM.png

It is important to note that in order for the technique presented in Example 10.5.3 to fit a function into one of the forms in Theorem 10.23, the arguments of the cosine and sine function much match. That is, while f(x)=cos(2x)3sin(2x) is a sinusoid, g(x)=cos(2x)3sin(3x) is not.10 It is also worth mentioning that, had we chosen A=2 instead of A=2 as we worked through Example 10.5.3, our final answers would have looked different. The reader is encouraged to rework Example 10.5.3 using A=2 to see what these differences are, and then for a challenging exercise, use identities to show that the formulas are all equivalent. The general equations to fit a function of the form f(x)=acos(ωx)+bsin(ωx)+B into one of the forms in Theorem 10.23 are explored in Exercise 35.

10.5.2. Graphs of the Secant and Cosecant Functions

We now turn our attention to graphing y=sec(x). Since sec(x)=1cos(x), we can use our table of values for the graph of y=cos(x) and take reciprocals. We know from Section 10.3.1 that the domain of F(x)=sec(x) excludes all odd multiples of π2, and sure enough, we run into trouble at x=π2 and x=3π2 since cos(x)=0 at these values. Using the notation introduced in Section 4.2, we have that as xπ2, cos(x)0+, so sec(x). (See Section 10.3.1 for a more detailed analysis.) Similarly, we find that as xπ2+, sec(x); as x3π2, sec(x); and as x3π2+, sec(x). This means we have a pair of vertical asymptotes to the graph of y=sec(x), x=π2 and x=3π2. Since cos(x) is periodic with period 2π, it follows that sec(x) is also.11 Below we graph a fundamental cycle of y=sec(x) along with a more complete graph obtained by the usual ‘copying and pasting.’12

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.49.00 PM.png
Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.49.55 PM.png

The graph of y=sec(x).

As one would expect, to graph y=csc(x) we begin with y=sin(x) and take reciprocals of the corresponding y-values. Here, we encounter issues at x=0, x=π and x=2π. Proceeding with the usual analysis, we graph the fundamental cycle of y=csc(x) below along with the dotted graph of y=sin(x) for reference. Since y=sin(x) and y=cos(x) are merely phase shifts of each other, so too are y=csc(x) and y=sec(x).

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.56.12 PM.png

The 'fundamental cycle' of y=csc(x).

Once again, our domain and range work in Section 10.3.1 is verified geometrically in the graph of y=G(x)=csc(x).

Screen Shot 2022-05-12 at 4.58.06 PM.png

The graph of y=csc(x).

Note that, on the intervals between the vertical asymptotes, both F(x)=sec(x) and G(x)=csc(x) are continuous and smooth. In other words, they are continuous and smooth on their domains.13 The following theorem summarizes the properties of the secant and cosecant functions. Note that all of these properties are direct results of them being reciprocals of the cosine and sine functions, respectively.

Theorem 10.24. Properties of the Secant and Cosecant Functions
  • The function F(x)=sec(x)
    • has domain {x:xπ2+πk,k is an integer }=k=((2k+1)π2,(2k+3)π2)
    • has range {y:|y|1}=(,1][1,)
    • is continuous and smooth on its domain
    • is even
    • has period 2π
  • The function G(x)=csc(x)
    • has domain {x:xπk,k is an integer }=k=(kπ,(k+1)π)
    • has range {y:|y|1}=(,1][1,)
    • is continuous and smooth on its domain
    • is odd
    • has period 2π

In the next example, we discuss graphing more general secant and cosecant curves.

Example 10.5.4

Graph one cycle of the following functions. State the period of each.

  1. f(x)=12sec(2x)
  2. g(x)=csc(ππx)53

Solution.

  1. To graph y=12sec(2x), we follow the same procedure as in Example 10.5.1. First, we set the argument of secant, 2x, equal to the ‘quarter marks’ 0, π2, π, 3π2 and 2π and solve for x.

    a2x=ax02x=00π22x=π2π4π2x=ππ23π22x=3π23π42π2x=2ππ

    Next, we substitute these x values into f(x). If f(x) exists, we have a point on the graph; otherwise, we have found a vertical asymptote. In addition to these points and asymptotes, we have graphed the associated cosine curve – in this case y=12cos(2x) – dotted in the picture below. Since one cycle is graphed over the interval [0,π], the period is π0=π.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.15.10 PM.png

  2. Proceeding as before, we set the argument of cosecant in g(x)=csc(ππx)53 equal to the quarter marks and solve for x.

    aππx=ax0ππx=01π2ππx=π212πππx=π03π2ππx=3π2122πππx=2π1

    Substituting these x-values into g(x), we generate the graph below and find the period to be 1(1)=2. The associated sine curve, y=sin(ππx)53, is dotted in as a reference.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.16.19 PM.png

Before moving on, we note that it is possible to speak of the period, phase shift and vertical shift of secant and cosecant graphs and use even/odd identities to put them in a form similar to the sinusoid forms mentioned in Theorem 10.23. Since these quantities match those of the corresponding cosine and sine curves, we do not spell this out explicitly. Finally, since the ranges of secant and cosecant are unbounded, there is no amplitude associated with these curves.

10.5.3. Graphs of the Tangent and Cotangent Functions

Finally, we turn our attention to the graphs of the tangent and cotangent functions. When constructing a table of values for the tangent function, we see that J(x)=tan(x) is undefined at x=π2 and x=3π2, in accordance with our findings in Section 10.3.1. As xπ2, sin(x)1 and cos(x)0+, so that tan(x)=sin(x)cos(x) producing a vertical asymptote at x=π2. Using a similar analysis, we get that as xπ2+, tan(x); as x3π2, tan(x); and as x3π2+, tan(x). Plotting this information and performing the usual ‘copy and paste’ produces:

Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.31.20 PM.png
Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.31.57 PM.png

From the graph, it appears as if the tangent function is periodic with period π. To prove that this is the case, we appeal to the sum formula for tangents. We have: tan(x+π)=tan(x)+tan(π)1tan(x)tan(π)=tan(x)+01(tan(x))(0)=tan(x),

which tells us the period of tan(x) is at most π. To show that it is exactly π, suppose p is a positive real number so that tan(x+p)=tan(x) for all real numbers x. For x=0, we have tan(p)=tan(0+p)=tan(0)=0, which means p is a multiple of π. The smallest positive multiple of π is π itself, so we have established the result. We take as our fundamental cycle for y=tan(x) the interval (π2,π2), and use as our ‘quarter marks’ x=π2, π4, 0, π4 and π2. From the graph, we see confirmation of our domain and range work in Section 10.3.1.

It should be no surprise that K(x)=cot(x) behaves similarly to J(x)=tan(x). Plotting cot(x) over the interval [0,2π] results in the graph below.

Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.40.28 PM.png

From these data, it clearly appears as if the period of cot(x) is π, and we leave it to the reader to prove this.14 We take as one fundamental cycle the interval (0,π) with quarter marks: x=0, π4, π2, 3π4 and π. A more complete graph of y=cot(x) is below, along with the fundamental cycle highlighted as usual. Once again, we see the domain and range of K(x)=cot(x) as read from the graph matches with what we found analytically in Section 10.3.1.

Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.46.20 PM.png

The graph of y=cot(x).

The properties of the tangent and cotangent functions are summarized below. As with Theorem 10.24, each of the results below can be traced back to properties of the cosine and sine functions and the definition of the tangent and cotangent functions as quotients thereof.

Theorem 10.25. Properties of the Tangent and Cotangent Functions
  • The function J(x)=tan(x)
    • has domain {x:xπ2+πk,k is an integer }=k=((2k+1)π2,(2k+3)π2)
    • has range (,)
    • is continuous and smooth on its domain
    • is odd
    • has period π
  • The function K(x)=cot(x)
    • has domain {x:xπk,k is an integer }=k=(kπ,(k+1)π)
    • has range (,)
    • is continuous and smooth on its domain
    • is odd
    • has period π
Example 10.5.5

Graph one cycle of the following functions. Find the period.

  1. f(x)=1tan(x2).
  2. g(x)=2cot(π2x+π)+1.

Solution.

  1. We proceed as we have in all of the previous graphing examples by setting the argument of tangent in f(x)=1tan(x2), namely x2, equal to each of the ‘quarter marks’ π2, π4, 0, π4 and π2, and solving for x.

    ax2=axπ2x2=π2ππ4x2=π4π20x2=00π4x2=π4π2π2x2=π2π

    Substituting these x-values into f(x), we find points on the graph and the vertical asymptotes.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.51.30 PM.png

    We see that the period is π(π)=2π.

  2. The ‘quarter marks’ for the fundamental cycle of the cotangent curve are 0, π4, π2, 3π4 and π. To graph g(x)=2cot(π2x+π)+1, we begin by setting π2x+π equal to each quarter mark and solving for x.

    aπ2x+π=ax0π2x+π=02π4π2x+π=π432π2π2x+π=π213π4π2x+π=3π412ππ2x+π=π0

    We now use these x-values to generate our graph.

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 3.53.16 PM.png

As with the secant and cosecant functions, it is possible to extend the notion of period, phase shift and vertical shift to the tangent and cotangent functions as we did for the cosine and sine functions in Theorem 10.23. Since the number of classical applications involving sinusoids far outnumber those involving tangent and cotangent functions, we omit this. The ambitious reader is invited to formulate such a theorem, however.

10.5.4 Exercises

In Exercises 1 - 24, graph one cycle of the given function. State the period, amplitude, phase shift and vertical shift of the function.

  1. y=3sin(x)
  2. y=sin(3x)
  3. y=2cos(x)
  4. y=cos(xπ2)
  5. y=sin(x+π3)
  6. y=sin(2xπ)
  7. y=13cos(12x+π3)
  8. y=cos(3x2π)+4
  9. y=sin(xπ4)2
  10. y=23cos(π24x)+1
  11. y=32cos(2x+π3)12
  12. y=4sin(2πx+π)

In Exercises 13 - 24, graph one cycle of the given function. State the period of the function.

  1. y=tan(xπ3)
  2. y=2tan(14x)3
  3. y=13tan(2xπ)+1
  4. y=sec(xπ2)
  5. y=csc(x+π3)
  6. y=13sec(12x+π3)
  7. y=csc(2xπ)
  8. y=sec(3x2π)+4
  9. y=csc(xπ4)2
  10. y=cot(x+π6)
  11. y=11cot(15x)
  12. y=13cot(2x+3π2)+1

In Exercises 25 - 34, use Example 10.5.3 as a guide to show that the function is a sinusoid by rewriting it in the forms C(x)=Acos(ωx+ϕ)+B and S(x)=Asin(ωx+ϕ)+B for ω>0 and 0ϕ<2π.

  1. f(x)=2sin(x)+2cos(x)+1
  2. f(x)=33sin(3x)3cos(3x)
  3. f(x)=sin(x)+cos(x)2
  4. f(x)=12sin(2x)32cos(2x)
  5. f(x)=23cos(x)2sin(x)
  6. f(x)=32cos(2x)332sin(2x)+6
  7. f(x)=12cos(5x)32sin(5x)
  8. f(x)=63cos(3x)6sin(3x)3
  9. f(x)=522sin(x)522cos(x)
  10. f(x)=3sin(x6)33cos(x6)
  11. In Exercises 25 - 34, you should have noticed a relationship between the phases ϕ for the S(x) and C(x). Show that if f(x)=Asin(ωx+α)+B, then f(x)=Acos(ωx+β)+B where β=απ2.
  12. Let ϕ be an angle measured in radians and let P(a,b) be a point on the terminal side of ϕ when it is drawn in standard position. Use Theorem 10.3 and the sum identity for sine in Theorem 10.15 to show that f(x)=asin(ωx)+bcos(ωx)+B (with ω>0) can be rewritten as f(x)=a2+b2sin(ωx+ϕ)+B.
  13. With the help of your classmates, express the domains of the functions in Examples 10.5.4 and 10.5.5 using extended interval notation. (We will revisit this in Section 10.7.)

In Exercises 38 - 43, verify the identity by graphing the right and left hand sides on a calculator.

  1. sin2(x)+cos2(x)=1
  2. sec2(x)tan2(x)=1
  3. cos(x)=sin(π2x)
  4. tan(x+π)=tan(x)
  5. sin(2x)=2sin(x)cos(x)
  6. tan(x2)=sin(x)1+cos(x)

In Exercises 44 - 50, graph the function with the help of your calculator and discuss the given questions with your classmates.

  1. f(x)=cos(3x)+sin(x). Is this function periodic? If so, what is the period?
  2. f(x)=sin(x)x. What appears to be the horizontal asymptote of the graph?
  3. f(x)=xsin(x). Graph y=±x on the same set of axes and describe the behavior of f.
  4. f(x)=sin(1x). What’s happening as x0?
  5. f(x)=xtan(x). Graph y=x on the same set of axes and describe the behavior of f.
  6. f(x)=e0.1x(cos(2x)+sin(2x)). Graph y=±e0.1x on the same set of axes and describe the behavior of f.
  7. f(x)=e0.1x(cos(2x)+2sin(x)). Graph y=±e0.1x on the same set of axes and describe the behavior of f.
  8. Show that a constant function f is periodic by showing that f(x+117)=f(x) for all real numbers x. Then show that f has no period by showing that you cannot find a smallest number p such that f(x+p)=f(x) for all real numbers x. Said another way, show that f(x+p)=f(x) for all real numbers x for ALL values of p>0, so no smallest value exists to satisfy the definition of ‘period’.

10.5.5. Answers

  1. y=3sin(x)
    Period: 2π
    Amplitude: 3
    Phase Shift: 0
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.08.51 PM.png

  2. y=sin(3x)
    Period: 2π3
    Amplitude: 1
    Phase Shift: 0
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.10.05 PM.png

  3. y=2cos(x)
    Period: 2π
    Amplitude: 2
    Phase Shift: 0
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.10.54 PM.png

  4. y=cos(xπ2)
    Period: 2π
    Amplitude: 1
    Phase Shift: π2
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.33.01 PM.png

  5. y=sin(x+π3)
    Period: 2π
    Amplitude: 1
    Phase Shift: π3
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.33.49 PM.png

  6. y=sin(2xπ)
    Period: π
    Amplitude: 1
    Phase Shift: π2
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.36.54 PM.png

  7. y=13cos(12x+π3)
    Period: 4π
    Amplitude: 13
    Phase Shift: 2π3
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.37.31 PM.png

  8. y=cos(3x2π)+4
    Period: 2π3
    Amplitude: 1
    Phase Shift: 2π3
    Vertical Shift: 4

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.39.27 PM.png

  9. y=sin(xπ4)2
    Period: 2π
    Amplitude: 1
    Phase Shift: π4 (You need to use
    y=sin(x+π4)2 to find this.)15
    Vertical Shift: 2

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.40.28 PM.png

  10. y=23cos(π24x)+1
    Period: π2
    Amplitude: 23
    Phase Shift: π8 (You need to use
    y=23cos(4xπ2)+1 to find this.)16
    Vertical Shift: 1

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.41.47 PM.png

  11. y=32cos(2x+π3)12
    Period: π
    Amplitude: 32
    Phase Shift: π6
    Vertical Shift: 12

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.42.32 PM.png

  12. y=4sin(2πx+π)
    Period: 1
    Amplitude: 4
    Phase Shift: 12 (You need to use
    y=4sin(2πxπ) to find this.)17
    Vertical Shift: 0

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.56.14 PM.png

  13. y=tan(xπ3)
    Period: π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-13 at 4.59.18 PM.png

  14. y=2tan(14x)3
    Period: 4π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.13.37 PM.png

  15. y=13tan(2xπ)+1
    is equivalent to
    y=13tan(2x+π)+1
    via the Even / Odd identity for tangent.
    Period: π2

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.16.30 PM.png

  16. y=sec(xπ2)
    Start with y=cos(xπ2)
    Period: 2π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.17.09 PM.png

  17. y=csc(x+π3)
    Start with y=sin(x+π3)
    Period: 2π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.17.47 PM.png

  18. y=13sec(12x+π3)
    Start with y=13cos(12x+π3)
    Period: 4π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.18.29 PM.png

  19. y=csc(2xπ)
    Start with y=sin(2xπ)
    Period: π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.19.07 PM.png

  20. y=sec(3x2π)+4
    Start with y=cos(3x2π)+4
    Period: 2π3

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.20.58 PM.png

  21. y=csc(xπ4)2
    Start with y=sin(xπ4)2
    Period: 2π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.21.40 PM.png

  22. y=cot(x+π6)
    Period: π

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.22.22 PM.png

  23. y = -11\cot \left( \dfrac{1}{5} x \right)
    Period: 5\pi

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.23.00 PM.png

  24. y = \dfrac{1}{3} \cot \left( 2x + \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \right) + 1
    Period: \dfrac{\pi}{2}

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 5.23.36 PM.png

  25. f(x) = \sqrt{2}\sin(x) + \sqrt{2}\cos(x) + 1 = 2\sin\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) + 1 = 2\cos\left(x + \dfrac{7\pi}{4}\right) + 1
  26. f(x) = 3\sqrt{3}\sin(3x) - 3\cos(3x) = 6\sin\left(3x + \dfrac{11\pi}{6}\right) = 6\cos\left(3x + \dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right)
  27. f(x) = -\sin(x) + \cos(x) - 2 = \sqrt{2}\sin\left(x + \dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right) - 2 = \sqrt{2}\cos\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) - 2
  28. f(x) = -\dfrac{1}{2}\sin(2x) - \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\cos(2x) = \sin\left(2x + \dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right) = \cos\left(2x + \dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right)
  29. f(x) = 2\sqrt{3} \cos(x) - 2\sin(x) = 4\sin\left(x+\dfrac{2\pi}{3} \right) = 4\cos\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right)
  30. f(x) = \dfrac{3}{2} \cos(2x) - \dfrac{3\sqrt{3}}{2} \sin(2x) + 6 =3\sin\left(2x + \dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right) + 6 = 3\cos\left(2x + \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) + 6
  31. f(x) = -\dfrac{1}{2} \cos(5x) -\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \sin(5x) = \sin\left(5x + \dfrac{7\pi}{6}\right) = \cos\left(5x + \dfrac{2\pi}{3}\right)
  32. f(x) = -6\sqrt{3} \cos(3x) - 6\sin(3x) - 3 = 12\sin\left(3x + \dfrac{4\pi}{3}\right) - 3 = 12\cos\left(3x + \dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right) - 3
  33. f(x) = \dfrac{5\sqrt{2}}{2} \sin(x) -\dfrac{5\sqrt{2}}{2} \cos(x) = 5\sin\left(x + \dfrac{7\pi}{4}\right)= 5\cos\left(x + \dfrac{5\pi}{4}\right)
  34. f(x) =3\sin\left(\dfrac{x}{6}\right) -3\sqrt{3} \cos\left(\dfrac{x}{6}\right) = 6\sin\left( \dfrac{x}{6}+\dfrac{5\pi}{3}\right)= 6\cos\left( \dfrac{x}{6}+\dfrac{7\pi}{6}\right)

Reference

1 See section 1.6 for a review of these concepts.

2 Alternatively, we can use the Cofunction Identities in Theorem 10.14 to show that g(t)=\sin (t) is periodic with period 2 \pi since g(t)=\sin (t)=\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{2}-t\right)=f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}-t\right).

3 Technically, we should study the interval [0,2 \pi),4 since whatever happens at t=2 \pi is the same as what happens at t = 0. As we will see shortly, t=2 \pi gives us an extra ‘check’ when we go to graph these functions.

4 In some advanced texts, the interval of choice is [-\pi, \pi).

5 The use of x and y in this context is not to be confused with the x- and y-coordinates of points on the Unit Circle which define cosine and sine. Using the term ‘trigonometric function’ as opposed to ‘circular function’ can help with that, but one could then ask, “Hey, where’s the triangle

6 We have already seen how the Even/Odd and Cofunction Identities can be used to rewrite g(x)=\sin (x) as a transformed version of f(x)=\cos (x), so of course, the reverse is true: f(x)=\cos (x) can be written as a transformed version of g(x)=\sin (x). The authors have seen some instances where sinusoids are always converted to cosine functions while in other disciplines, the sinusoids are always written in terms of sine functions. We will discuss the applications of sinusoids in greater detail in Chapter 11. Until then, we will keep our options

7 Try using the formulas in Theorem 10.23 applied to C(x)=\cos (-x+\pi) to see why we need \omega>0.

8 This should remind you of equation coefficients of like powers of x in Section 8.6.

9 Be careful here!

10 This graph does, however, exhibit sinusoid-like characteristics! Check it out!

11 Provided \sec (\alpha) and \sec (\beta) are defined, \sec (\alpha)=\sec (\beta) if and only if \cos (\alpha)=\cos (\beta). Hence, \sec (x) inherits its period from \cos (x).

12 In Section 10.3.1, we argued the range of F(x)=\sec (x) is (-\infty,-1] \cup[1, \infty). We can now see this graphically.

13 Just like the rational functions in Chapter 4 are continuous and smooth on their domains because polynomials are continuous and smooth everywhere, the secant and cosecant functions are continuous and smooth on their domains since the cosine and sine functions are continuous and smooth everywhere.

14 Certainly, mimicking the proof that the period of \tan (x) is an option; for another approach, consider transforming \tan (x) to \cot (x) using identities.

15 Two cycles of the graph are shown to illustrate the discrepancy discussed on page 796.

16 Again, we graph two cycles to illustrate the discrepancy discussed on page 796.

17 This will be the last time we graph two cycles to illustrate the discrepancy discussed on page 796.


This page titled 10.5: Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Carl Stitz & Jeff Zeager via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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