Amplitude, Period, Phase Shift - Sec. 6.

The amplitude of the functions y = Asin x and y = Acos x is the absolute value
of A, or A .
Example 1: State the amplitude of the function y = 3cos x.
Amplitude = 3
We will graph this function in class and compare it to the graph
of y = cos x.

360˚
The period of the functions y = sin kx and y = cos kx is . The period of
k
180˚
the function y = tan kx is .
k
Example 2: State the period of the function y = sin 4x.
360˚
period = = 90˚
4
We will graph this function in class and compare it to the graph
of y = sin x.

c
The phase shift of the function y = Asin(kx + c) is − . If c > 0, the shift is
k
to the left. If c < 0, the shift is to the right. This definition applies to all
of the trig fuctions.
Example 3: State the phase shift of the function y = tan(x - 45˚).
c −45˚
phase shift = − =− = 45˚
k 1
Since c < 0, the shift is the the right.
We will graph this function in class and compare it to the graph
of y = tan x.

Example 4: State the amplitude, period, and phase shift for the function
y = -4sin(2x - 90˚).
amplitude = −4 = 4
360˚
period = = 90˚
4
c −90˚
phase shift = − =− = 45˚ (shift is to the right)
k 2
Example 5: Find the amplitude, period, and phase shift of the function
y = 2tan(3x + 270˚)
amplitude = none (the tan and cot graphs have no amplitude)
180˚
period = = 60˚
3
c 270˚
phase shift = − = − = −90˚ (shift is to the left)
k 3

We can write an equation for a trig function if we are given the amplitude,
period, and phase shift.

Example 6: Find the possible equations of a cosine function with amplitude 3,

period 90˚, and phase shift 45˚.
The form of the equation will be y = Acos(kx + c).
First find A:
amplitude = 3 means that A = 3, so A = 3 or -3.

Now, find k when the period is 90˚.

360˚
period =
k
360˚
= 90˚
k
90˚k = 360˚
k= 4

Then, find c for a phase shift of 45˚.

c
phase shift = −
k
c
− = 45˚
k
c
− = 45˚
4
c = −180˚

The possible equations are:

y = 3cos(4x - 180˚) or y = -3cos(4x - 180˚)