Group 2

Cosine Function

The trigonometric ratios can also be considered as functions of a variable which is the measure
of an angle. This angle measure can either be given in degrees or radians . Here, we will use
radians.

The graph of a cosine function y=cos(x)y=cos(x) is looks like this:

Properties of the Cosine Function, y=cos(x)y=cos(x) .

Domain : (−∞,∞)(−∞,∞)
Range : [−1,1][−1,1] or −1≤y≤1−1≤y≤1
yy -intercept : (0,1)(0,1)
xx -intercept : (nπ2,0)(nπ2,0) , where nn is an integer.
Period: 2π2π
Continuity: continuous on (−∞,∞)(−∞,∞)
Symmetry: yy -axis (even function)
The maximum value of y=cos(x)y=cos(x) occurs when x=2nπx=2nπ , where nn is an integer.
The minimum value of y=cos(x)y=cos(x) occurs when x=π+2nπx=π+2nπ , where nn is an
integer.
Amplitude and Period a Cosine Function

The amplitude of the graph of y=acos(bx)y=acos(bx) is the amount by which it varies above and
below the xx -axis.
Amplitude = | aa |
The period of a cosine function is the length of the shortest interval on the xx -axis over which
the graph repeats.
Period = 2π|b|

Example:
Sketch the graphs of y=cos(x)y=cos(x) and y=2cos(x)y=2cos(x) . Compare the graphs.
For the function y=2cos(x)y=2cos(x) , the graph has an amplitude 22 . Since b=1b=1 , the graph
has a period of 2π2π . Thus, it cycles once from 00 to 2π2π with one maximum of 22 , and one
minimum of −2−2 .

Observe the graphs of y=cos(x)y=cos(x) and y=2cos(x)y=2cos(x) . Each has the same xx -
intercepts, but y=2cos(x)y=2cos(x) has an amplitude that is twice the amplitude
of y=cos(x)y=cos(x) .