Graphs of Sine and Cosine

Question 1

What are Periodic Functions?

Answer 1

Periodic functions are functions that repeat exactly in regular intervals called cycles. The Length of the cycle is called its period.

Question 2

What is the Amplitude?

Answer 2

The amplitude of sine and cosine functions is half of the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the function. The amplitude is always positive.

Question 3

What is the Frequency?

Answer 3

Frequency is the number of cycles in a given unit of time, so it is the reciprocal of the period of a function. The Frequency equals one divided by the period.

Question 4

What is the Hertz?

Answer 4

Hertz (Hz) is the standard measure of frequency and represents one cycle per second.

Question 5

What is a Phase Shift?

Answer 5

A Phase Shift is a horizontal translation of a periodic function. A phase shift of h units moves the graph left (h 0).

Question 6

What is the formula for a Trigonometric Graph?

Answer 6

y=(a)(sin)(b)(x-h)+k. a=amplitude, b=period, h=phase shift, k=vertical shift.