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02 Horizontal Shifts

The document explains horizontal shifts in trigonometric functions, detailing how the parameter 𝑝 affects the graph's position. It provides examples of sine, cosine, and tangent functions with specific shifts, illustrating the process of sketching these graphs. Additionally, it includes worked examples and exercises for practice in applying these concepts.

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28 views5 pages

02 Horizontal Shifts

The document explains horizontal shifts in trigonometric functions, detailing how the parameter 𝑝 affects the graph's position. It provides examples of sine, cosine, and tangent functions with specific shifts, illustrating the process of sketching these graphs. Additionally, it includes worked examples and exercises for practice in applying these concepts.

Uploaded by

smkdhz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Grade 11 Trigonometric Functions:

Document 2: Horizontal shifts

Horizontal shifts: the role of 𝑝

As you should recall from algebraic functions, the 𝑝 value causes shifts left or right:

𝑦 = 𝑎 sin(𝑥 + 𝑝) + 𝑞
𝑦 = 𝑎 cos(𝑥 + 𝑝) + 𝑞
𝑦 = 𝑎 tan(𝑥 + 𝑝) + 𝑞

We know that adding or subtracting a constant from 𝑥 in a function shifts the graph horizontally.
e.g. 𝑦 = sin(𝑥 + 30°) is obtained by shifting 𝒚 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 30° to the left
This is because effectively the new "ZERO" position on the x axis is where

𝑥 + 30 = 0.

i.e. where 𝑥 = − 30, hence a shift to the left.

e.g. 𝑦 = cos(𝑥 − 20°) is obtained by shifting 𝒚 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 20° to the right.

 𝑝 > 0 The graph is shifted to the left NOTE: This is if the bracket is (𝑥 + 𝑝)
The general formula in a question could
 𝑃 < 0 The graph is shifted to the right also be written as (𝑥 − 𝑝) in which case
the opposite shifts would be true for 𝑝.

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Worked Example 1: Sketch the graphs of the following functions:
1. 𝑦 = sin(𝑥 + 30°), 𝑥 ∈ [−390°; 330°]
2. 𝑦 = tan(𝑥 − 15°), 𝑥 ∈ [−75°; 195°]

Solutions:

1. 𝑦 = sin(𝑥 + 30°), 𝑥 ∈ [−390°; 330°]


Step 1: Consider the basic shape: 𝑦 = sin 𝑥

Step 2: Consider the horizontal shift


𝑝 = 30°: This is a sin graph which is shifted 30° to the left. Think of the 5 critical points (the 3
zeros, the max and the min) each moved 30° to the left, and joined to give the new sin
graph.

Step 3: Now extend the interval for the final sketch and label all those critical points,
including the 𝑦 intercept.

Note: The 𝑦 intercept AND the coordinates of the end-points, if they are not lying on the 𝑥
axis must be shown. It can be found by substituting 𝑥 = 0 AND the lower and upper 𝑥 values
of the given interval into the given equation:
1
𝑦 intercept: 𝑦 = sin(0 + 30°) = 2

Starting point: For 𝑥 = −390°, 𝑦 = sin(−390° + 30°) = 0


Ending point: For 𝑥 = 330°, 𝑦 = sin(330° + 30°) = 0

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2. 𝑦 = tan(𝑥 − 15°), 𝑥 ∈ [−75°; 195°]

Step 1: Consider the basic shape: 𝑦 = tan 𝑥 with asymptotes at 𝑥 = 90° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 270°

Step 2: Consider the horizontal shift

𝑝 = −15° This is a tan graph which is shifted 15° to the right. Think of the critical points
(the zeros, and the points showing the gradient or steepness) as well as the asymptotes each
moved 15° to the right

Step 3: Now extend the interval for the final sketch and label all those critical points, including
the 𝑦 intercept.

(60°; 1)
NOTE: Add arrows where the
graph approaches the asymptotes
(−30; −1) (150°; −1)

Step 4: Calculating the 𝑦 intercept:

𝑦 = tan(0° − 15°) ≈ −0,27

From the above we can see that:

Rules for sketching graphs of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑥 + 𝑝), 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥 + 𝑝), 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝑥 + 𝑝)

 Sketch the basic graph first


 If 𝑝 > 0 then shift the critical points on the basic graph 𝑝 units left.
 If 𝑝 < 0 then shift the critical points on the basic graph 𝑝 units right.

3
Worked Example 2: Sketch the graphs of the following functions:
1. 𝑦 = −2 cos(𝑥 − 20°), 𝑥 ∈ [−160°; 200°]
2. 5.2 𝑦 = tan(𝑥 + 60°) − 1, 𝑥 ∈ [−150°; 180°]

Solutions:
1. 𝑦 = −2 cos(𝑥 − 20°), 𝑥 ∈ [−160°; 200°]

Step 1: Consider the basic shape: 𝑦 = cos 𝑥 with an 𝑎 = −2 so stretch the cos graph
vertically up to 2 and down to -2 and then the graph is reflected in the 𝑥 axis.

Step 2: Consider the horizontal shift


𝑝 = −20° the cos graph is shifted 20° to the right. Think of the 5 critical points ( the 3 zeros,
the max and the min) each moved 20° to the right, and joined to give the new cos graph.

Step 3: Now see the required interval: 𝑥 ∈ [−160°; 200°].The graph has been drawn up to
380°, but needs to be ‘cut off’ now at 200°, which is the maximum value. Lastly, extend the
graph pattern to -160°, which is the minimum value.

NOTE: You may be asked to label all


Turning points and/or ‘end’ points, so you
would label (−160°; 2); (200°; 2) as well

Step 4: Calculating the 𝑦 intercept:

𝑦 = −2 cos(0° − 20°) ≈ −1,88

4
3. 𝑦 = tan(𝑥 + 60°) − 1, 𝑥 ∈ [−150°; 180°]

Step 1: Consider the basic shape: 𝑦 = tan 𝑥 with asymptotes at 𝑥 = 90° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 270°

Step 2: Consider the horizontal shift


𝑝 = 60° the tan graph is shifted 60° to the left. Think of the critical points (the zeros, and
the points showing the gradient or steepness) as well as the asymptotes each moved 60° to
the left.
Lastly, 𝑞 = −1 so the graph is shifted down 1 unit.

Step 3: Now see the required interval: 𝑥 ∈ [−160°; 200°].The graph has been drawn up to
380°, but needs to be ‘cut off’ now at 200°, which is the maximum value. Lastly, extend the
graph pattern to -160°, which is the minimum value.

NOTE: Add arrows where the graph


approaches the asymptotes

NOTE: You may be asked to label all


important points and/or ‘end’ points,
and you will lose marks if this is then
not done

Step 4: Calculating the 𝑦 intercept:

𝑦 = tan(0° + 60°) − 1 ≈ 0,73

Exercise: Exercise 6 pg126 (1 and 4)


Draw accurate graphs – the ‘blocks’ in your exercise books will help with this

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