Graphs of

Trigonometric
Functions
Grade 10
CAPS
Mathematics
Series
 Outcomes for this Topic

In this Topic the focus will be on:

In this DVD you will:
The graphs and characteristics of the three
basic trigonometric functions (Unit 1)
• Revise factorization.
Unit 1.
Generalization of the effect of parameters which
• Revise simplification of algebraic fractions.
result in vertical shifts and vertical stretches of
the three basic trigonometric functions Unit (Unit 2. 2)
• Discuss when trinomials can be factorized.
Interpretations of trigonometric graphs Unit (Unit
3. 3)
2
 Unit 1

Graphs of the
Three Basic
Trigonometric
Functions Grade 10
CAPS
Mathematics
Series
 Outcomes for Unit 1
In this Unit we will discuss:

• The usefulness of the CAST diagram, unit circle and

special angles in finding specific points on the
graphs of basic trigonometric functions

• Plotting of specific points on the Cartesian plane,

identifying a trend and sketching of graphs of basic
trigonometric functions

• Identification of the characteristics of the graphs of

basic trigonometric functions
Signs of Trigonometric Ratios in the Four Quadrants

sin   0 sin   0
cos   0 cos   0
tan   0 tan   0

sin   0 sin   0
cos   0 cos   0
tan   0 tan   0
Special angles related to 90, 180, 270 and 360

Consider the unit circle:

sin180  0
sin 90  1
cos180  1
cos 90  0
0
tan180  0 1
1 tan 90   
0

sin 270  1 sin 0  sin 360  0

cos 270  0 cos 0  cos 360  1
1 sin 0
tan 270    tan 0  0
0 cos 0
Trigonometric ratios related to 30°, 45° and 60°
Consider the following special right-angled triangles:

sin 60  0.87

cos 60  0.5
tan 60  1.73
sin 30  0.5
cos 30  0.87
tan 30  0.58
sin 45  0.71
cos 45  0.71
tan 45  1
Using the Unit Circle to represent angles related
to 30°, 45° and 60° in all Four Quadrants
Summary : Specific points on the Unit Circle for reference
angles 0, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90 in all Four Quadrants
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Notation for point should be (𝑎; 𝑏) and decimal comma should be used.
 Input - Output Tables
If we utilize:
• the special points on the unit circle or
• the table feature of the CASIO fx-82ES/ZA calculator,
the following input-output tables can be completed.
x 0 30 45 60 90 120 135 150 180
y  sin x 0 0,5 0,71 0,87 1 0,87 0,71 0,5 0
y  cos x 1 0,87 0,71 0,5 0 0,5 0,71 0,87 1
y  tan x 0 0,58 1 1,73  1,73 1 0,58 0

x 180 210 225 240 270 300 315 330 360

y  sin x 0 0,5 0,71 0,87 1 0,87 0,71 0,5 0
y  cos x 1 0,87 0,71 0,5 0 0,5 0,71 0,87 1
y  tan x 0 0,58 1 1,73  1,73 1 0,58 0
Sketch of function defined by y  sin x where x   0, 360

Possible method :
• Minimum requirement: Plot at least points where y  sin x is equal to 0 or  1
• You may, in addition, plot points where y  sin x is equal to  0,5
• Points where y  sin x is equal to  0,87 can be added x y  sin x
0 0
• Look for a general trend
30 0,5
• Draw the best fit curve Check signs and position: 60 0,87
Using the CAST Diagram 90 1
120 0,87
150 0,5
180 0
210 0,5
240 0,87
270 1
300 0,87
330 0.5
360 0
Sketch of function defined by y  cos x where x   0, 360

Possible method :
• Minimum requirement: Plot at least points where y  cos x is equal to 0 or  1
• You may, in addition, plot points where y  cos x is equal to  0,5
• Points where y  cos x is equal to  0,87 can be added x y  cos x
0 1
• Look for a general trend
30 0,87
• Draw the best fit curve Check signs and position:
60 0,5
Using the CAST Diagram 90 0
120 0,5
150 0,87
180 1
210 0,87
240 0,5
270 0
300 0,5
330 0,87
360 1
Sketch of function defined by y  tan x where x   0, 360

Possible method : x y  tan x

• Draw vertical asymptotes defined by x  90 and x  270 0 0
• Plot at least the points where y  tan x is equal to 0 45 1
• Additional points where y  tan x  1 can be plotted
 90 


• Take note where y  tan x tends to  
 

90   
• Look for a general trend Check signs and position:
• Draw the best fit curve Using the CAST Diagram 135 1
180 0
225 1
 270 


 270 

 
315 1
360 0
 Characteristics of function defined by y  sin x

• Period is 360 as the cycle of a wave is completed every 360

• Domain  but we will only focus on  0;360
• Amplitude is 1: Maximum height of wave above and below x  axis
• Take note of intercepts and turning points
• Range   1;1
 Characteristics of function defined by y  cos x

• Period is 360 as the cycle of a wave is completed every 360

• Domain  but we will only focus on 0;360
• Amplitude is 1: Maximum height of wave above and below x  axis
• Take note of intercepts and turning points
• Range   1;1
 Characteristics of function defined by y  tan x

• Period is 180 as the cycle of a wave is completed every 180

• Domain    90  180 k  ; k  • Asymptotes at:
Focus only on x   0;360  90; 270 x  90  180 k ; k 
Focus only on x  90and x  270
• Take note of intercepts
• Range 
 Tutorial 1: Basic Trigonometric Graphs

Sketch the given trigonometric functions defined below.

• Take note of restrictions to the domain.
• In each problem discuss the characteristics linked
to domain, range, amplitude, points of intersection
with axes, asymptotes, coordinates of turning point(s)
and coordinates of end-points.
PAUSE Unit
1. Function defined by y  sin x if x  90;360
• Do Tutorial 1
• Then View Solutions
2. Function defined by y  cos  if   90; 270

3. Function defined by y  tan  if    45;315

 Tutorial 1: Problem 1: Suggested Solution

1. Function defined by y  sin x if x  90;360

Period 360 Asymptotes None
x  90;360
Domain Minimum turning-point(s)  270; 1
Range y   1;1
Minimum Value y  1
Amplitude 1
Points on x  axis 180;0  and  360;0  Maximum turning-point(s)  90;1
Roots x  180 and x  360 Maximum Value y 1
Points on y  axis None Coordinates of end-points  90;1 and  360;0 
 Tutorial 1: Problem 2: Suggested Solution

2. Function defined by y  cos  if   90; 270

Period 360 Asymptotes None
  90; 270
Domain
Minimum turning-point(s) 180; 1
Range y   1;0
Minimum Value y  1
Amplitude 1
Maximum turning-point(s) None
Points on   axis  90;0  and  270;0 
Roots   90 and   270 Maximum Value y0
Points on y  axis None Coordinates of end-points  90;0  and  270;0 
 Tutorial 1: Problem 3: Suggested Solution

3. Function defined by y  tan  if    45;315

Period 180
Domain    45;315  90; 270
Range y
Amplitude Undefined
Points on   axis 180; 0 
Roots   180
Points on y  axis None

Virtual lines defined by

Asymptotes
x  90 and x  270.
Minimum turning-point(s) None
Minimum Value Undefined
Maximum turning-point(s) None
Maximum Value Undefined
Coordinates of end-points  45;1 and  315; 1
 Unit 2

Vertical Shifts and

Vertical Stretches
Grade 10
CAPS
Mathematics
Series
 Outcomes for Unit 2
In this Unit we will:

• Investigate a parameter which causes points on the graph of a

trigonometric function to shift vertically

• Investigate a parameter which causes points on the graph of a

trigonometric function to correspond to a vertical stretch,
vertical compression or reflection in the horizontal axis

• Generalize the effect of the two parameters on points and the

defining equations of trigonometric functions

• Sketch the graphs of transformed trigonometric functions

• Identify changes in the characteristics of the transformed

trigonometric functions
Points on the functions defined by y  sin x  p where p 

Use your calculator to complete the following table:

x 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360
y  sin x 0 0,5 0,87 1 0,87 0,5 0 0,5 0,87 1 0,87 0,5 0
y1  sin x  2 2 2,5 2,87 3 2,87 2,5 2 1,5 1,13 1 1,13 1,5 2
y2  sin x  4 4 4,5 4,87 5 4,87 4,5 4 3,5 3,13 3 3,13 3,5 4
y3  sin x  1 1 0,5 0,13 0 0,13 0,5 1 1,5 1,87 2 1,87 1,5 1
y4  sin x  3 3 2,5 2,13 2 2,13 2,5 3 3,5 3,87 5 3,87 3,5 4

• Plot these points

• Identify trends and
• Sketch the graph of the transformed function
 Vertical Shifts: Effect of parameter p on the
function defined by y  sin x  p
If p  4 then all points on the graph of the
function defined by y  sin x is shifted 4 units
vertically upwards
All points  a; b  on the graph of the function
defined by y  sin x transforms to  a; b  4  and
now lie on the graph of the transformed function
defined by y  sin x  4
If p  1 then all points on y  sin x and the
graph is shifted 1 units vertically downwards
All points  a; b  on y  sin x transforms
to  a; b  1 which lie on the graph of y  sin x  1

 p  2 will shift points and graph 2 units vertically upwards

Similarily 
 p  3 will shift points and graph 3 units vertically downwards
 a; b  2  on y  sin x  2

All points  a; b  on y  sin x transforms to 
 a; b  3 on y  sin x  3

Generalizing effect of parameter p on the function
defined by y  sin x  p

Effect of p on points and defining equation :

Points:  x; y  
Transforms to
  x; y  p 

Equation: y  sin x   y  sin x  p
Transforms to

 All points on y  sin x is shifted p units vertically

 upwards to obtain points on y  sin x  p

If p  0 : 
 Curve of y  sin x is shifted p units vertically
 upwards to obtain the curve of y  sin x  p
 All points on y  sin x is shifted p units vertically
 downwards to obtain points on y  sin x  p

If p  0 : 
 Curve of y  sin x is shifted p units vertically
 downwards to obtain the curve of y  sin x  p
 Effect of parameter p on the function
defined by y  cos x  p

If p  0 points and curve is shifted p units vertically upwards

If p  0 points and curve is shifted p units vertically downwards

Effect of parameter p on characteristics of the function
defined by y  cos x  p

Domain

Unchanged: Period
Amplitude


Similar observations will be

applicable to sine function
Changes to range:  x  intercepts
From  1  cos x  1  y  intercept

Note changes to: 
To  1  p  cos x  p  1  p
Turning-points
Range is  1  p;1  p  End-points
 Effect of parameter p on characteristics of the function
defined by y  tan x  p

 x  intercepts

Note changes to:  y  intercept
End-points


 Domain
 Range

Unchanged: 
 Period

 Asymptotes
If p  0 points and curve of y  tan x is shifted p units vertically upwards
If p  0 points and curve of y  tan x is shifted p units vertically downwards
Vertical Shifts: Dynamic Investigation applied to g ( x)  sin x

In this investigation we focus on:

Dynamic movement of the basic curve: By means of slider p
Dynamic changes to points on basic curve:  x; y    x; y  p 
Dynamic changes to the defining equation: g  x   sin x  f  x   sin x  p
 90;1   90;1  p 
Changes to the maximum and minimum turning points: 
 270; 1   270; 1  p 
Changes to the range of the basic function:  1;1   1  p;1  p 

Dynamic Investigation:
Vertical Shifts
 Effect of parameter q on the curve of y  q  f ( x) :
Reflection in x  axis if q  1
If q  1 then all points on the graph of f
defined by f ( x )  sin x is reflected in the x  axis
All points  a; b  on the graph of y  sin x transforms
to  a; b  which lie on the graph of y   sin x
Similarily, graphs of y   cos x and y   tan x
are reflections in the x-axis of the graphs of
y  cos x and y  tan x, respectively.
All points  a; b  on the graph of y  cos x (y  tan x)
transforms to  a; b  which lie on the graph of y   cos x ( y   tan x)
 Effect of parameter q on the curve of y  q  f ( x) where
f is a function in x (Vertical Stretches)
sin x or

In general: Assume f  x   cos x or
 tan x

If q  1 then the graph of y  q  f  x  is a vertical
stretch of the graph of f by the factor q
If q  1 then the graph of y  q  f  x  is a reflection of
the graph of f in the x  axis followed by a vertical
stretch of this graph by the factor q
All points  a; b  on y  f  x  transforms
to  a; qb  on y  q  f  x 

If q  2 then all points on the graph of the If q  3 then all points on the graph of the
function defined by y  sin x is reflected in
function defined by y  sin x is vertically
the x  axis and then stretched vertically by a
stretched by a factor 2.
factor 3.
All points  a; b  on the graph of the function
All points  a; b  on the graph of the function
defined by y  sin x transforms to  a; 2b  which defined by y  sin x transforms to  a; 3b  which
now lie on the graph of the transformed function now lie on the graph of the transformed function
defined by y  2sin x defined by y  3sin x
 Effect of parameter q on the curve of y  q  f ( x) where
f is a function in x (Vertical Compressions)
sin x or

In general: Assume f  x   cos x or
 tan x

If 0  q  1 the graph of y  q  f  x  is a vertical
1
compression of f by the factor
q
If  1  q  0 then the graph of y  q  f  x  is a
reflection of the graph of f in the x  axis followed
1
by a vertical compression of f by the factor
q
1
If q  then all points on the graph of the All points  a; b  on the graph of y  f  x  transform
2
to  a; qb  which now lie on the graph of y  q  f  x 
function defined by y  sin x is vertically
1
compressed by a factor 2. If q  0.25   then all points on the graph of
4
All points  a; b  on the graph of the function
y  sin x is reflected in the x  axis and then
 b
defined by y  sin x transforms to  a;  which vertically compressed by the factor 4
 2
All points  a; b  on the graph of y  sin x transforms
now lie on the graph of the transformed function
1  b
defined by y  sin x to  a;   which now lie on the graph of y  0.25sin x
2  4
Vertical Stretches: Dynamic Investigations applied to g ( x)  q  sin x

In these investigations we focus on :

Dynamic change in shape of the basic curve
Vertical stretch by factor q if q  1
In addition we focus on :
Vertical compression by factor q if 0  q  1 Dynamic changes to points on basic curve
Reflection in x  axis if q  1 Dynamic changes to the defining equation
Changes to the maximum and minimum turning points
Changes to the range of the basic function
Changes to the amplitude

Investigations:
1. Stretch
2. Compression
 Combining a Vertical Shift and a Vertical Stretch
Two transformations at the same time not required in CAPS Curriculum

Consider the function defined by

Vertical Stretch by factor 2.
y  2  sin x  3 Vertical Shift by 3 units upward.
Select  90;1 on the graph of y  sin x. Is the order in which
the two parameters
Check if  90;8  satisfies y  2 sin x  3 are applied important?

Check if  90;5  satisfies y  2 sin x  3 Stretch before Shift!

 90 ;1 by 3 units upward 

Vertical Shift
90; 4  by factor 2   90;8 

Vertical Stretch

 90 ;1 by factor 2 

Vertical Stretch
 90; 2  by 3 units upward  90;5 

Vertical Shift

Note: Shift may preceed a stretch but then defining equation is different.
y  sin x 
Vertical Shift
by 3 units upward
y  sin x  3 
Vertical Stretch
by factor 2
 y  2  sin x  3   2 sin x  6
and  90;8  will satisfy the equation y  2 sin x  6
 Effect of Vertical Stretch or Compression or Reflection in x  axis
on the characteristics of the basic Sine function
Two transformations at the same time not required in CAPS Curriculum
Consider graph of a function defined by y  2 sin x  3
Parameters 2 and  3 will only have an effect
on the y  component of any point
Defining Equation y  2 sin x  3
Period Unchanged: 360
Domain Unchanged: x   0;360
Range Changed: y   5; 1
Amplitude Changed: 2
Points on x  axis Changed: No x  intercepts
Roots Changed: No roots
Points on y  axis Changed:  0; 3
Asymtotes Unchanged: None
Minimum turning-point Changed:  270; 5 
Minimum Value Changed: y  5
Maximum turning-point Changed:  90; 1
Maximum Value Changed: y  1
Coordinates of end-points Changed:  0; 3  and  360; 3
 Tutorial 2: Vertical Shifts and Vertical Stretches
Applied to Graphs of Basic Trigonometric Functions
Complete the following table :
Defining Defining
Point on Point on
equation equation of
graph of graph of
of basic transformed
basic function transformed function
function function
1. y  sin x  90;1 y  2 sin x  3 PAUSE Unit
2. y  cos x 180; 1 y  3cos x  4 • Do Tutorial 2
• Then View Solutions
3. y  tan x 135; 1 y  2 tan x  3

4. A transformed function is defined by y  g  x   3cos x  2:

x 0 90 180 270 360
(a) Complete the table:
y  g  x
(b) Sketch the transformed function.
(c) Identify range, amplitude, end- and turning-points of g .
Tutorial 2: Problems 1 to 3: Suggested Solutions
Complete the table:
Defining Defining Point on the
Point
equation equation of graph of
on basic Check (test)
of basic transformed transformed
function
function function function correctness
1. y  sin x  90;1 y  2sin x  3  90; 1 of solutions.
2. y  cos x 180; 1 y  3cos x  4 180;7 
3. y  tan x 135; 1 y  2 tan x  3 135;1

1.  90 ;1 by factor 2 

Vertical Stretch
 90 ; 2  by 3 units downwards  90; 1

Vertical Shift

2. 180; 1 

Reflection in x axis
Vertical stretch by factor 3 180;3  
Vertical Shift
by 4 units upward 180;7 
3. 135; 1 
Vertical Stretch
by factor 2
 135; 2  
Vertical Shift
by 3 units upward 135;1
 Tutorial 2: Problem 4: Suggested Solution
Two transformations at the same time not required in CAPS Curriculum
4. A transformed function is defined by y  g  x   3cos x  2:
x 0 90 180 270 360
(a) Complete the table:
y  g  x  1 2 5 2 1
(b) Sketch the transformed function:

(c) Range: y   1;5

Amplitude: 3
End-points:  0; 1 and  360; 1
Maximum turning-point: 180;5 
 Unit 3

Interpreting
Graphs of
Trigonometric
Functions Grade 10
CAPS
Mathematics
Series
 Outcomes for Unit 3
In this Unit we will:

• Determine the defining equations of transformed

trigonometric functions from given graphs

• Solve basic trigonometric equations and inequalities

which are derived from given graphs

• Identify relationships between different trigonometric

functions from given graphs
Finding the characteristics of the function g from its graph
if g  x   p tan x  q; p, q 
Two transformations at the same time not required in CAPS Curriculum
Given the graph of the function defined
by g  x   p tan x  q. Utilize the given
co-ordinates on the graph to determine:
1. The defining equation for g.
2. The values of a, b and c.
3. Root(s) and y  intercept for g .
4. The domain and range of g.
5. Intervals over which g  x   0.
6. Intervals over which g  x   0.
2. x  180  a  3  0  2  2
x  0  b  3  0  2  2
g  x   0  0  3tan c  2
1.  45; 1  g  1  p  q 1
2
135;5   g  5   p  q 2  tan c 
3
 2q  4  q  2 and  1  p  2  p  3 2
 c  tan 1    33,69
 g  x   3 tan x  2 3
Finding the characteristics of the function g from its graph
if g  x   p tan x  q; p, q 
Two transformations at the same time not required in CAPS Curriculum
Given the graph of the function defined
by g  x   p tan x  q. Utilize the given
co-ordinates on the graph to determine:
1. The defining equation for g.
2. The values of a, b and c.
3. Root(s) and y  intercept for g .
4. The domain and range of g. Know:
5. Intervals over which g  x   0. g  x   3 tan x  2
6. Intervals over which g  x   0. a  b  2 and c  33.69
Vertical Asymtote: x  90
3. Root where x  c  33.69
y  intercept where y  b  2 5. g  x   0 when
x   0; 33.69   90;180
4. Domain   0;90    90;180
Range   ;    6. g  x   0 when x  33.69;90 
Finding the characteristics of the functions f and g from their
graphs if f ( x)  sin( x) and g  x   cos( x)

1. Sketch the graphs of f  x   sin x and g  x   cos x on

the same system of axes over the domain  0;360.

2. Determine the value(s) or

intervals of x for which:
2.1 f  x  g  x
2.2 f  x  g  x
2.3 f  x  g  x
f  x
f  x 2.4 0
2.1 f ( x)  g ( x)   tan x  1 g  x
g  x
 x  45; 225
2.4 Where f  x  and g  x  are both
2.2 f  x   g  x   x   45; 225  positive or both negative:
2.3 f  x   g  x   x   0; 45   225;360  x   0;90   180;270 
Tutorial 3: Interpreting Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
Two transformations at the same time not required in CAPS Curriculum

1. Given the graph of the function defined 2. Sketch the function h defined by
by g  x   p cos x  q. Utilize the given h  x   2sin x for x   0;360.
co-ordinates on the graph to determine: Determine the value(s) or
1.1 The defining equation for g. interval(s) of x for which:
1.2 The values of a, b and c. 2.1 h  x   0
1.3 The maximum value and y  intercept of g . 2.2 h  x   0
1.4 The range and amplitude of g. 2.3 h  x   0
1.5 Intervals over which g  x   0. 2.4 h( x)  1
1.6 Intervals over which g  x   0.

PAUSE Unit
• Do Tutorial 3
• Then View Solutions
 Tutorial 3: Problem 1: Suggested Solutions
1. Given the graph of the function defined
by g  x   p cos x  q. Utilize the given
co-ordinates on the graph to determine:
1.1 The defining equation for g.
1.2 The values of a, b and c.
1.3 The maximum value and y  intercept for g .
1.4 The range and amplitude of g.
1.5 Intervals over which g  x   0.
1.3 Maximum value when g ( x)  5
1.6 Intervals over which g  x   0.
y  intercept where y  g  x   a  1
1.1  90;3  g  3  p  0  q  q  3
180;5   g  5  p   1  3  p  2 1.4 Range  1;5
 g  x   2 cos x  3
Amplitude is 2
1.2 x  0   a  2  3  1
g  x   3  3  2  cos b  3  cos b  0 1.5 g  x   0 when x   0;360
 b  270 or 90.
Also x  360  c  2  1  3  1 1.6 g  x   0 when x   
Tutorial 3: Problem 2: Suggested Solutions
2. Sketch the function h is defined by
h  x   2sin x for x   0;360.
Determine the value(s) or
interval(s) of x for which:
2.1 h  x  0
2.2 h  x  0
2.3 h  x  0
2.4 h( x )  1

2.1 h( x )  0
 x  0;180; 360
1
2.4 h  x   1  2sin x  1  sin x 
2.2 h  x   0 when x   0;180  2
1
But sin x   x  30;150
2.3 h  x   0 when x  180;360 2
End of Topic Slides on Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

REMEMBER!
•Consult text-books and past papers and memos
for additional examples.
•Attempt as many as possible other similar
examples on your own.
•Compare your methods with those that were
discussed in these Topic slides.
•Repeat this procedure until you are confident.

•Do not forget: Practice makes perfect!