Cosine Graph
More lessons on Trigonometry
In these lessons, we will look at graphing the cosine function and properties of the cosine function.
We will start with the unit circle.
A unit circle is a circle of radius one unit with its center at the origin.
Properties of the cosine function:
- The cosine function forms a wave that starts from the point (0,1)
- cos θ = 0 when θ = 90˚, 270˚.
- Maximum value of cos θ is 1 when θ = 0˚, 360˚. Minimum value of cos θ is –1 when θ = 180˚. So, the range of values of cos θ is – 1 ≤ cos θ ≤ 1.
- As the point P moves round the circle in either the clockwise or anticlockwise direction, the cosine curve above repeats itself for every interval of 360˚. Its period is 360˚.
Example:
The diagram shows a graph of y = cos x for 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°, determine the values of p, q and r.
Solution:
We know that cos 180˚ = –1. So, p = –1.
We know that for a cosine graph, cos θ = 0 for θ = 90˚ and 270˚. So, θ = 90˚
We know that for a cosine graph, cos θ = 1 for θ = 0˚ and 360˚.
So, r = 360˚
Example:
Sketch the graph of y = 2 cos x for 0˚ ≤ x ≤ 360˚.
Solution:
Set up a table of values for the equation y = 2cos x
| x | 0 |
90 |
180 |
270 |
360 |
cos x |
1 |
0 |
–1 |
0 |
1 |
2 cos x |
2 |
0 |
–2 |
0 |
2 |
Plot the points and join with a smooth curve.
Also take note that, the graphs of y = sin x and y = cos x, for 0˚ ≤ x ≤ 360˚, intersect at two points: x = 45˚ and x = 225˚.
How to graph basic sine and cosine functions (in degrees)?
The Graph of Cosine, y = cos (x)
Rotate to landscape screen format on a mobile phone or small tablet to use the Mathway widget, a free math problem solver that answers your questions with step-by-step explanations.
You can use the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice Algebra or other math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.
