Skip to main content
Mathematics LibreTexts

6.2: Graphs of the Circular Functions

  • Page ID
    112434
  • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    ( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

    \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

    \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

    \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

    \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

    \(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)

    We can graph the circular functions \(y=\sin t, y=\cos t\), and \(y=\tan t\) just as we graphed trigonometric functions of angles in degrees. The only difference is that we scale the horizontal axis in radians.

    The Sine and Cosine Functions

    Consider the graph shown below.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 6.36.02 PM.png

    You should be able to recognize this graph as \(y=\sin t\). For example, you can see that the graph completes one cycle at \(t=2 \pi\) radians, or approximately 6.28. It reaches its maximum value, \(y=1\), at \(t=\frac{\pi}{2}\), or approximately 1.57. You should also notice that \(y=0\) at \(t=\pi\), approximately 3.14.

    Instead of scaling the horizontal axis with integers, we often use multiples of \(\pi\). Using such a scale, we can show the exact location of the intercepts of the graph, and of its high and low points.

    Example 6.28

    Graph one cycle of \(y=\sin t\), and scale the horizontal axis in multiples of \(\pi\).

    Answer

    We start by making a table of values for \(\sin t\), where \(t\) is in radians. We'll use the special values of \(t\), because we know the sines of those values.

    \(t\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\sin t\) 0 0.500 0.707 0.866 1.000 0.866 0.707 0.500 0

    In order to plot the points in the table, we scale the horizontal axis in multiples of \(\frac{\pi}{12}\).

    (Note that the special values are all multiples of \(\frac{\pi}{12}\). Thus, \(\frac{\pi}{6}=2\left(\frac{\pi}{12}\right), \frac{\pi}{4}=3\left(\frac{\pi}{12}\right)\), and so on.) The table lists values of \(\sin t\) in the first two quadrants; in quadrants three and four the sine values are negative.

    \(t\) \(\pi\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{4\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{11\pi}{6}\) \(2\pi\)
    \(\sin t\) 0 -0.500 -0.707 -0.866 -1.000 -0.866 -0.707 -0.500 0

    The completed graph is shown below.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 6.47.46 PM.png

    Checkpoint 6.29

    a Complete the table of values for \(y = \cos t\).

    \(t\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\cos t\)                  
    \(t\) \(\pi\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{4\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{11\pi}{6}\) \(2\pi\)
    \(\cos t\)                  

    b Graph one cycle of \(y = \cos t\), and scale the horizontal axis in multiples of \(\pi\). Use the grid below.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 6.52.15 PM.png

    Answer

    a

    \(t\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\cos t\) 1 \(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\) \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\) \(\dfrac{1}{2}\) 0 \(\dfrac{-1}{2}\) \(\dfrac{-1}{\sqrt{2}}\) \(\dfrac{-\sqrt{3}}{2}\) -1

    b

    \(t\) \(\pi\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{4\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{11\pi}{6}\) \(2\pi\)
    \(\cos t\) -1 \(-\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\) \(-\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\) \(-\dfrac{1}{2}\) 0 \(\dfrac{1}{2}\) \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\) \(\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\) 1

    c Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 6.56.25 PM.png

    Note 6.30 Because we know the basic shapes of the sine and cosine graphs, to make an adequate graph it is usually sufficient to plot the guide points at the quadrantal angles, and then draw a smooth curve through the points. Try it for yourself. Use the axes below.

    \(t\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\pi\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{2}\) \(2\pi\)
    \(\sin t\) 0 1 0 -1 0

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 6.58.23 PM.png

    Activity 6.4 Graphs of Sine and Cosine.

    We are going to graph \(f(\theta)=\sin \theta\) and \(g(\theta)=\cos \theta\) from their definitions. The unit circle at the left of each grid is marked off in radians. (Each tick mark is 0.1 radian.) The \(x\)-axis of each grid is also marked in radians.

    1 Choose a value of \(\theta\) along the horizontal axis of the \(f(\theta)=\sin \theta\) grid. This value of \(\theta\) represents an angle in radians.

    2 Now look at the unit circle and find the point \(P\) designated by that same angle in radians.

    3 Measure the vertical (signed) distance that gives the \(y\)-coordinate of point \(P\).

    4 At the value of \(\theta\) you chose in step 1, lightly draw a vertical line segment the same length as the \(y\)-coordinate of \(P\). Put a dot at the top (or bottom) of the line segment.

    5 Repeat for some more values of \(\theta\). Connect the dots to see the graph of \(f(\theta)=\sin \theta\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.05.22 PM.png

    1 Choose a value of \(\theta\) along the horizontal axis of the \(g(\theta)=\cos \theta\) grid. This value of \(\theta\) represents an angle in radians.

    2 Now look at the unit circle and find the point \(P\) designated by that same angle in radians.

    3 Measure the horizontal (signed) distance that gives the \(x\)-coordinate of point \(P\).

    4 At the value of \(\theta\) you chose in step 1, lightly draw a vertical line segment the same length as the \(x\)-coordinate of \(P\). Put a dot at the top (or bottom) of the line segment.

    5 Repeat for some more values of \(\theta\). Connect the dots to see the graph of \(g(\theta)=\cos \theta\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.07.49 PM.png

    The Tangent Function

    Finally, we consider the graph of the tangent function. Once again, the only difference between this new graph and our old version of the tangent graph in degrees is that the horizontal axis is scaled in radians.

    Example 6.31

    Graph the tangent function, \(y=\tan t\), where \(t\) is measured in radians.

    Answer

    We begin by making a table of values for the tangent function. We choose the special values for \(t\) between 0 and \(\pi\).

    \(t\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\tan t\) 0 0.577 1 1.732 --- -1.732 -1 -0.577 0

    Plot the points and connect them with smooth curves, remembering that \(\tan \left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) is undefined. The graph repeats for values of \(t\) between \(\pi\) and \(2 \pi\). So, while the old graph had vertical asymptotes at \(\theta=90^{\circ}\) and \(\theta=270^{\circ}\), this graph has vertical asymptotes at \(t=\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(t=\frac{3 \pi}{2}\). The figure below shows the graph of \(y=\tan t\) for \(0 \leq t \leq 2 \pi\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.26.52 PM.png

    Checkpoint 6.32

    Sketch a graph of the tangent function \(y=\tan t\) and scale the horizontal axis in integers, as shown below. Label the \(t\)-intercepts and the vertical asymptotes with their coordinates.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.33.08 PM.png

    Answer

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.33.24 PM.png

    Activity 6.5 Solving Equations.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.35.00 PM.png

    1.

    a Use the graph of \(y=\sin x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x=0.65\). Show your solutions on the graph.

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x=0.65\). Show your solutions on the circle.

    2.

    a Use the graph of \(y=\sin x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x=-0.2\). Show your solutions on the graph.

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x=-0.2\). Show your solutions on the circle.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.38.15 PM.png

    3.

    a Use the graph of \(y=\cos x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x=0.15\). Show your solutions on the graph.

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x=0.15\). Show your solutions on the circle.

    4.

    a Use the graph of \(y=\cos x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x=-0.4\). Show your solutions on the graph.

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x=-0.4\). Show your solutions on the circle.

    Solving Equations

    We can also find solutions in radians to trigonometric equations.

    Example 6.33

    Use a graph to find all solutions of \(\cos t = −0.62\) between 0 and \(2\pi\).

    Answer

    The figure shows a graph of \(y = \cos t\), with \(t\) in radians, and the horizontal line \(y = -0.62\). The solutions of the equation are the \(t\)-coordinates of the intersection points, and these appear to be about \(t = 2.25\) and slightly over 4.0, perhaps 4.05. You can check that these values roughly satisfy the equation; it is difficult to read the graph with any greater accuracy.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.45.03 PM.png

    Checkpoint 6.34

    Use a graph to find the two angles between 0 and \(2\pi\) that satisfy \(\sin t = −0.85\).

    Answer

    Approximately 4.14 and 5.25

    We can also solve equations algebraically, using a calculator or computer to obtain more accurate values for the solutions.

    Example 6.35

    Solve the equation \(\cos t=-0.62\) algebraically, for \(0 \leq t \leq 2 \pi\).

    Answer

    The cosine is negative in the second and third quadrants, so we expect to find our answers between \(t=1.57\) and \(t=4.71\). We use a calculator to find one of the angles:

    \(\cos ^{-1}(-0.62)=2.23953903\)

    Rounded to hundredths, the second quadrant angle is \(t_1=2.24\) radians. To find the other angle, we first find the reference angle for \(t_1\):

    \(\text { reference angle }=\pi-t_1=0.90\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.51.35 PM.png

    The third quadrant angle with the same reference angle is

    \(t_2=\pi+0.90=4.04\)

    Thus, the two solutions are \(t_1=2.24\) and \(t_2=4.04\) radians, as shown in the figure.

    Checkpoint 6.36

    Solve the equation \(\sin t=-0.85\) algebraically, for \(0 \leq t \leq 2 \pi\).

    Answer

    4.16, 5.27

    We can find exact values for the solutions of equations involving the special values without using a calculator.

    Example 6.37

    Find exact values for all the solutions of \(\tan t=1\).

    Answer

    Because \(\tan \frac{\pi}{4}=1\), one of the solutions is \(t_1=\frac{\pi}{4}\). Remember that there are two solutions between 0 and \(2 \pi\); and the tangent function is positive in the third quadrant.

    The third quadrant angle with reference angle \(\frac{\pi}{4}\) is \(\pi+\frac{\pi}{4}=\frac{5 \pi}{4},\) so the second solution is \(t_2=\frac{5 \pi}{4}\).

    All other solutions of the equation \(\tan t=1\) can be found by adding (or subtracting) multiples of \(2 \pi\) to these two solutions. We write the solutions as

    \(t=\dfrac{\pi}{4} \pm 2 \pi k, \quad \dfrac{5 \pi}{4} \pm 2 \pi k, \quad\) where \(k\) is an integer.

    Checkpoint 6.38

    Find exact values for all the solutions of \(\tan t=-\sqrt{3}\).

    Answer

    \(\dfrac{2 \pi}{3} \pm 2 \pi k, \dfrac{5 \pi}{3} \pm 2 \pi k\)

    Modeling with Circular Functions

    Now that we have used radians to define the trigonometric functions, we can describe periodic phenomena as functions of time (or other variables besides angles).

    For example, we began this chapter with a Ferris wheel of radius 100 feet that rotates once every 8 minutes. If you board the Ferris wheel at the bottom, your height is given as a function of time by

    \(h=f(t)=100-100 \cos \left(\dfrac{\pi}{4} t\right)\)

    where \(t\) is measured in minutes after boarding.

    Thus, after 2 minutes your height is

    \begin{aligned}
    f(2) & =100-100 \cos \left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) \\
    & =100-100(0)=100
    \end{aligned}

    and after 4 minutes your height is

    \(f(4)=100-100 \cos (\pi)\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 7.59.48 PM.png

    The graph of \(h=f(t)\) is shown above. From the graph, we see that the midline of the function is \(h=100\), its amplitude is 100, and its period is 8 (which is reasonable because the Ferris wheel rotates every 8 minutes).

    Example 6.39

    The formula

    \(D(t)=12.25-5.25 \cos \left(\dfrac{\pi}{6} t\right)\)

    gives the number of hours of daylight in Glasgow, Scotland, as a function of time, in months after January 1.

    a Graph the function on your calculator (make sure the calculator is set in radian mode).

    b State the midline, amplitude, and period of the graph.

    c How many hours of daylight does Glasgow enjoy on the longest day of the year?

    d In which months does Glasgow experience less than 8 hours of light per day?

    Answer

    a The graph is shown below.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.05.24 PM.png

    b The midline of the graph is \(D\) = 12.25 hours, the amplitude is 5.25 hours, and the period is 12 months.

    c On the longest day of the year, there are 12.25 + 5.25 = 17.5 hours of daylight in Glasgow.

    d From the graph, we see that \(D(t)<8\) for \(t\) between 0 and 2, or in January and February. \(D(t)\) is also less than 8 for a short time between \(t=11\) and \(t=12\), at the end of December.

    Checkpoint 6.40

    The pistons in an automobile engine move up and down in the cylinders. If \(t\) is in milliseconds, the distance from the top of the piston to the top of the cylinder is given in centimeters by

    \(D=7+6 \sin (4 \pi t)\)

    a Graph the function on your calculator (make sure the calculator is set in radian mode).

    b State the midline, amplitude, and period of the graph.

    c Find the largest and the smallest clearance between the piston and the top of the cylinder.

    Answer

    a Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.09.48 PM.png

    b Midline: \(D=7\), amplitude: 6 , period: \(0.5 \mathrm{millisec}\)

    c Largest: \(13 \mathrm{~cm}\), smallest: \(1 \mathrm{~cm}\)

    Domain and Range

    The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values. For many familiar functions, the domain is the set of all real numbers. In particular, the domain of any linear or quadratic function is the set of all real numbers.

    Consider the functions \(f(x)=2 x+5\) and \(g(x)=x^2-4\) shown below. We can use any real number as an input for either of these functions, and their graphs extend across the entire \(x\)-axis.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.15.09 PM.png

    However, for other types of functions we must sometimes exclude certain values from the domain. For example, the domain of the function \(h(x)=\sqrt{x+3}\) is restricted because we cannot take the square root of a negative number. We must have \(x+3 \geq 0\), so the domain of the function consists of all \(x \geq-3\).

    You can see the domain of a function in its graph; notice that there are no points on the graph of \(h(x)=\sqrt{x+3}\) with \(x\)-coordinates less than -3.

    The range of a function is the set of all output values for the function. We can also see the range of a function in its graph; it is the set of all \(y\)-values for points on the graph.

    • Because the graph of \(f(x)=2 x+5\) extends infinitely in both directions, its range consists of all real numbers. There is an input value that will produce any output we want.
    • However, the range of \(g(x)=x^2-4\) consists of all \(y \geq-4\), because there are no points on the graph with \(y\)-coordinate less than -4.
    • The range of \(h(x)=\sqrt{x+3}\) consists of all \(y \geq 0\).
    Example 6.41

    Find the domain and range of each function.

    a \(f(x)=1-x^2\)

    b \(g(x)=\dfrac{1}{x-3}\)

    Answer

    a There are no restrictions on the input values for this function, so its domain is all real numbers. The graph is a parabola with high point at (0,1), so the range of the function is all \(y \leq 1\). See the figure below.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.27.59 PM.png

    b Because we cannot divide by zero, we cannot allow \(x=3\) for this function. Thus, the domain of \(g\) is all real numbers except 3. The graph has a horizontal asymptote at \(y=0\), and you can see that there is no input that will produce an output of zero. So the range of \(g\) is all real numbers except 0.

    Checkpoint 6.42

    Use the formula and a graph to find the domain and range.

    a \(f(x)=\dfrac{2 x}{x+4}\)

    b \(g(x)=1+\sqrt{5-x}\)

    Answer

    a Dom \((f)\): all real numbers except -4, Rge \((f)\): all real numbers except 2

    b Dom \((8):(-\infty, 5], \operatorname{Rge}(g):[1, \infty)\)

    What about the domain and range of the trigonometric functions? The sine and cosine both include all real numbers in their domains; we can find the sine or cosine of any number. Because the output values of the sine and cosine are both defined by the coordinates of points on a unit circle, their values cannot be greater than 1 or less than −1.

    The tangent function is undefined at odd multiples of \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) (that is, at \(\left.\cdots, \frac{-3 \pi}{2}, \frac{-\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{3 \pi}{2}, \cdots\right)\), so those values must be excluded from its domain. However, the output values of the tangent function increase without bound as the input approaches \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) from the left, and decrease from the right. The range of the tangent is all real numbers.

    These facts about the three trigonometric functions appear in the Section 6.3 Summary. Review the following skills you will need for this section.

    Algebra Refresher 6.6

    Evaluate the function in part (a), and solve the equation in part (b).

    1. \(f(x)=x^2+1\)

    a \(f(5)\)

    b \(f(x)=5\)

    2. \(g(x)=x^3-2\)

    a \(g(-10)\)

    b \(g(x)=-10\)

    3. \(h(t)=\sqrt{2 t+6}\)

    a \(h(3)\)

    b \(h(t)=3\)

    4. \(m(t)=6\left(2^t\right)\)

    a \(m(3)\)

    b \(m(t)=3\)

    Algebra Refresher Answers

    1. a 26

    b \(\pm 2\)

    2. a -102

    b -2

    3. a \(2\sqrt{3}\)

    b \(\dfrac{3}{2}\)

    4. a 48

    b -1

    Section 6.3 Summary

    Vocabulary

    • Domain

    • Range

    Concepts

    1 We can use circular functions of real numbers to describe periodic phenomena.

    2 The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values. The range of a function is the set of all output values for the function.

    3 We can use a graph to solve trigonometric equations, or the inverse trig keys on a calculator or computer. We can find exact values for the solutions of equations involving the special values without using a calculator.

    \(f(x) = \sin x\).

    4 Domain: all real numbers

    Range: [−1, 1]

    Period: \(2\pi\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.57.00 PM.png

    \(g(x) = \cos x\).

    Domain: all real numbers

    Range: [−1, 1]

    Period: \(2\pi\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.58.53 PM.png

    \(h(x) = \tan x\).

    Domain: all real numbers except \(\cdots, \dfrac{-3 \pi}{2}, \dfrac{-\pi}{2}, \dfrac{\pi}{2}, \dfrac{3 \pi}{2}, \cdots\)

    Range: all real numbers

    Period: \(\pi\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 8.59.54 PM.png

    Study Questions

    1 How do the graphs of the circular functions differ from the graphs of the trigonometric functions of angles in degrees?

    2 Use guidepoints to sketch graphs of \(y=\cos t\) and \(y=\tan t\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.01.52 PM.png

    For each equation below, suppose that \(\omega\) is one of the solutions between 0 and \(2 \pi\). Use the diagram to find the other solution.

    3 \(\sin t=k\)

    4 \(\cos t=k\)

    5 \(\tan t=k\)

    Skills

    1 Graph the trig functions of real numbers #1–8

    2 Solve trigonometric equations graphically #9–20

    3 Work with reference angles #21–26

    4 Solve trigonometric equations algebraically #27–52

    5 Evaluate trigonometric functions of real numbers #45–58

    6 Use trigonometric models #59–62

    7 Locate points on the graphs of the trigonometric functions #63–70

    8 Find the domain and range of a function #71–80

    Homework 6.3

    1.

    a Use your calculator to complete the table of values. Round values to hundredths.

    \(\theta\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{12}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{12}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{12}\) \(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{11\pi}{12}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\cos \theta\)                          

    b Sketch a graph of \(y = \cos \theta\) on the grid.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.13.30 PM.png

    2.

    a. Use your calculator to complete the table of values. Round values to hundredths.

    \(\theta\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{12}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{7\pi}{12}\) \(\dfrac{2\pi}{3}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{5\pi}{6}\) \(\dfrac{11\pi}{12}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\sin \theta\)                        

    b. Sketch a graph of \(y = \sin \theta\) on the grid.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.17.31 PM.png

    3. Sketch a graph of \(y = \sin x\) on each grid.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.18.12 PM.png Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.18.21 PM.png

    4. Sketch a graph of \(y = \cos x\) on each grid.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.18.12 PM.png Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.18.21 PM.png

    5.

    a Sketch a graph of \(f(x) = \sin x\) where \(x\) is a real number.

    b State the domain and range of \(f(x) = \sin x\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.26.30 PM.png

    6.

    a Sketch a graph of \(g(x) = \cos x\) where \(x\) is a real number.

    b State the domain and range of \(g(x) = \cos x\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.27.27 PM.png

    7.

    a Sketch a graph of \(h(x) = \tan x\) where \(x\) is a real number.

    b State the domain and range of \(h(x) = \tan x\).

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.28.20 PM.png

    8. Sketch \(f(x) = \cos x\) and \(g(x) = \sin x\) on the same grid.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.29.07 PM.png

    For Problems 9–10, use the figures below. Show your solutions on the graphs.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.29.46 PM.png

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.29.56 PM.png

    9.

    a Use the graph of \(y = \sin x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x = 0.65\).

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x = 0.35\).

    10.

    a Use the graph of \(y = \sin x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x = −0.2\).

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\sin x = −0.6\).

    For Problems 11–12, use the figures below. Show your solutions on the graphs.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.31.37 PM.png

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.31.47 PM.png

    11.

    a Use the graph of \(y = \cos x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x = −0.4\).

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x = −0.8\).

    12.

    a Use the graph of \(y = \cos x\) to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x = 0.15\).

    b Use the unit circle to estimate two solutions of the equation \(\cos x = 0.55\).

    For Problems 13–20, use the graph of \(y = \tan x\) to estimate two solutions to the equation.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.40.25 PM.png

    13. \(\tan x = 4\)

    14. \(\tan x = 7\)

    15. \(\tan x = -0.5\)

    16. \(\tan x = -2.5\)

    17. \(\sin x = 5.5 \cos x\)

    18. \(\sin x = -4.5 \cos x\)

    19. \(-2 \sin x = 3 \cos x\)

    20. \(2 \sin x = \cos x\)

    For Problems 21–26, find an angle in each quadrant, rounded to tenths, with the same reference angle as the angle given in radians.

    21. 5.8

    22. 2.9

    23. 3.7

    24. 5.1

    25. 1.8

    26. 4.4

    For Problems 27–32, find all solutions between 0 and \(2\pi\). Round to two decimal places. Sketch your solutions on a unit circle.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-08 at 9.56.15 PM.png

    27. \(\cos t=0.74\)
    28. \(\sin t=0.58\)
    29. \(\tan t=1.6\)
    30. \(\tan x=-0.6\)
    31. \(\sin x=-0.72\)
    32. \(\cos x=-0.48\)

    For Problems 33-44, solve the equation. Give exact values between 0 and \(2 \pi\).

    33. \(\sin t=-1\)
    34. \(\tan t=-1\)
    35. \(\tan x=1\)
    36. \(\cos x=0\)
    37. \(\cos z=\dfrac{1}{2}\)
    38. \(\sin z=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\)
    39. \(\tan s=-\sqrt{3}\)
    40. \(\tan s=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)
    41. \(\sin t=\dfrac{-1}{\sqrt{2}}\)
    42. \(\cos t=\dfrac{-1}{2}\)
    43. \(\cos x=\dfrac{-\sqrt{3}}{2}\)
    44. \(\sin x=\dfrac{-\sqrt{3}}{2}\)

    For Problems 45-52, use your calculator in radian mode. In part (a), evaluate the trigonometric function, and in part (b), find all solutions between 0 and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). Round your answers to two decimal places.

    45.

    a \(x=\sin 0.9\)

    b \(\sin x=0.9\)

    46.

    a \(x=\cos 0.73\)

    b \(\cos x=0.73\)

    47.

    a \(x=\tan 3.4\)

    b \(\tan x=3.4\)

    48.

    a \(x=\tan 5.8\)

    b \(\tan x=5.8\)

    49.

    a \(x=\cos 2.7\)

    b \(\cos x=2.7\)

    50.

    a \(x=\sin 1.2\)

    b \(\sin x=1.2\)

    51.

    a. \(x=\sin \dfrac{\pi}{4}\)

    b. \(\sin x=\dfrac{\pi}{4}\)

    52.

    a. \(x=\cos \dfrac{\pi}{6}\)

    b. \(\cos x=\dfrac{\pi}{6}\)

    For Problems 53-58, evaluate the function.

    53. \(f(t)-12 \sin \left(2 t-\dfrac{\pi}{4}\right), \quad t=\dfrac{3 \pi}{4}\)

    54. \(F(t)=40 \sin \left(\dfrac{t}{3}+\dfrac{\pi}{6}\right), \quad t=\pi\)

    55. \(G(x)=8 \cos \left(\dfrac{x}{2}+\dfrac{2 \pi}{3}\right), \quad x=\dfrac{\pi}{3}\)

    56. \(g(x)=-2 \cos (3 x-\pi), \quad x=\dfrac{5 \pi}{4}\)

    57. \(H(\theta)=6-2 \tan \left(3 \theta-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right), \quad \theta=\dfrac{5 \pi}{6}\)

    58. \(h(\theta)=2+4 \tan \left(\dfrac{\theta}{2}-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right), \quad \theta=\dfrac{3 \pi}{2}\)

    59. When observed from earth, the moon looks like a disk that is partially visible and partially in shadow. The percentage of the disk that is visible can be approximated by

    \(V(t)=50 \cos (0.21 t)+50\)

    where \(t\) is the number of days since the last full moon.

    a. Graph \(V(t)\) in the window

    \(X_{\text{min}} = 0, X_{\text{max}} = 30\)

    \(Y_{\text{min}} = 0, Y_{\text{max}} = 120\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 6.47.21 PM.png

    b. Sketch the graph on the grid.

    c. Label on your graph the points that correspond to full moon, half moon, and new moon. (New moon occurs when the part of the moon receiving sunlight is facing directly away from the earth.)

    d. At what times during the lunar month is \(25 \%\) of the moon visible? Mark those points on your graph.

    e. During which days is less than \(50 \%\) of the moon visible? Mark the corresponding points on your graph.

    60. The tide in Malibu is approximated by the function

    \(h(t)=2.5-2.5 \cos (0.5 t)\)

    measured in feet above low tide, where \(t\) is the number of hours since the last low tide.

    a. Graph \(h(t)\) in the window

    \(X_{\text{min}} = 0, X_{\text{max}} = 25\)

    \(Y_{\text{min}} = 0, Y_{\text{max}} = 6\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.04.46 PM.png

    b. Sketch the graph on the grid.

    c. Label on your graph the points that correspond to high tide and low tide.

    d. How high is high tide, and at what times does it occur?

    e. At what times during the 25-hour period is the tide 4 feet above low tide? Mark those points on your graph.

    f. Kathie walks along the beach only when the tide is below 1 foot. Find the intervals on your graph when the tide is below 1 foot.

    61. The average daily high temperature in the town of Beardsley, Arizona is approximated by the function

    \(T(d)=85.5-19.5 \cos (0.0175 d-0.436)\)

    where the temperature is measured in degrees Fahrenheit, and \(d\) is the number of days since January 1.

    a Graph \(T(d)\) in the window

    \(X_{\text{min}} = 0, X_{\text{max}} = 365\)

    \(Y_{\text{min}} = 0, Y_{\text{max}} = 110\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.07.55 PM.png

    b Sketch the graph on the grid.

    c Label on your graph the points that correspond to highest and lowest average temperature.

    d What is the hottest day and what is its average temperature? What is the day with the lowest average temperature, and what is that temperature?

    e At what times during the year are average high temperatures above \(90^{\circ}\)? Mark those points on your graph.

    62. A weight is suspended from the ceiling on a spring. The weight is pushed straight up, compressing the spring, then released. The height of the weight above the ground is given by the function

    \(H(t)=2+0.5 \cos (6 t)\)

    where the height is measured in meters, and \(t\) is the number of seconds since the mass was released.

    a Graph \(H(t)\) in the window

    \(X_{\text{min}} = 0, X_{\text{max}} = 3\)

    \(Y_{\text{min}} = 0, Y_{\text{max}} = 3\)

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.11.12 PM.png

    b Sketch the graph on the grid.

    c Label on your graph the points that correspond to highest and lowest positions of the mass.

    d How high is highest point, and when is that height attained during the first 3 seconds?

    e How high is lowest point, and when is that height attained during the first 3 seconds?

    f Find the intervals during the first 3 seconds when the mass is less than 2 meters above the ground.

    For Problems 63–66, the figure shows an arc of length \(t\), and the coordinates of its terminal point. Find the terminal point of each related arc given below, and give its sine, cosine, and tangent.

    a \(2\pi - t\)

    b \(\pi - t\)

    c \(\pi + t\)

    63.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.20.00 PM.png

    64.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.20.13 PM.png

    65.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.20.31 PM.png

    66.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.20.45 PM.png

    67. Locate the four values \(t, 2\pi − t, \pi − t\), and \(\pi + t\) from Problem 63 on the graph of \(f(t) = \sin t\), on the graph of \(g(t) = \cos t\), and on the graph of \(h(t) = \tan t\) shown below.

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.23.08 PM.png

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.23.23 PM.png

    Screen Shot 2023-01-09 at 7.23.44 PM.png

    68. Repeat Problem 67 for the values in Problem 64.

    69. Repeat Problem 67 for the values in Problem 65.

    70. Repeat Problem 67 for the values in Problem 66.

    For Problems 71–78,

    a Sketch a graph of the function.

    b State the domain and range of the function.

    71. \(f(x)=9-x^2\)

    72. \(g(x)=5+\dfrac{1}{2} x\)

    73. \(h(x)=\dfrac{-1}{x^2}+2\)

    74. \(j(x)=-3+\dfrac{1}{x^2}\)

    75. \(F(x)=\sqrt{x-6}\)

    76. \(G(x)=6-\sqrt{x}\)

    77. \(H(x)=-\sqrt{4-x^2}\)

    78. \(J(x)=\sqrt{1-x^2}\)

    79.

    a Sketch a graph of \(y=\cos x\), using the guidepoints in the table below.

    \(x\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\pi\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{2}\) \(2\pi\)
    \(\cos x\)          

    b State the domain and range of the function \(y=\cos x\).

    80.

    a Sketch a graph of \(y=\tan x\), using the guidepoints in the table below.

    \(x\) 0 \(\dfrac{\pi}{4}\) \(\dfrac{\pi}{2}\) \(\dfrac{3\pi}{4}\) \(\pi\)
    \(\cos x\)          

    b State the domain and range of the function \(y=\tan x\).


    This page titled 6.2: Graphs of the Circular Functions is shared under a GNU Free Documentation License 1.3 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Katherine Yoshiwara via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

    • Was this article helpful?