Learning Module for Pre-Calculus

LESSON The Six Circular Functions and their Graphs

EXPECTATIONS

1. Illustrate domain and range of the of the six circular functions.

2. Graph the six circular functions (a) amplitude, (b) period, (c) phase shift

Specifically, this module will help you to:

❖ Make table of values for a specific circular function.
❖ Describe the domain and range of the six circular functions.
❖ Graph the circular functions.
❖ Illustrate graphs of circular functions showing their different (a) amplitude,
(b) period and (c) phase shift.

PRETEST

Multiple choice. Write the number of the correct choice on the line provided.
Match each term on the left to the appropriate label on the graph shown. (For
numbers 1-3)

_____1. amplitude
_____2. period
_____3. vertical shift
_____4. A periodic function is one which ____________

a. gives the total angle is divided by the total time

b. repeats the same pattern over and over
c. has exactly 2p degrees for every period
d. gives the number of radians in one revolution around a circle

_____5. Which of the following functions represents the graph below?

a. 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠( 4𝑥) + 1
𝜋
b. 𝑦 = − 𝑐𝑜𝑠( 𝑥)
2
𝜋
c. 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 𝑥)
2
1
d. 𝑦 = − 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 𝑥)
2

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LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Complete the following table.

A.
in Degrees in Radian cos sin
0˚
90˚
180˚
270˚
360˚

B.

θ -
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 -
𝜋
0 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
2 − − 6
3 4 6 4 3 2
tanθ

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Many modern power companies use

alternating current to send electricity over
long-distance wires (sciencing.com,2018).
According to them in an alternating current,
the electrical charge regularly reverses
direction to deliver power safely and reliably
to homes and businesses. In addition,
Electrical engineers use trigonometry to
model this flow and the change of direction,
with the sine function used to model voltage.
Well in fact, they say every time you flip on a
light switch or turn on the television, you’re
Image:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Power_lin benefiting from one of trigonometry's many
es_north_of_Buckworth_-_geograph.org.uk_-_278618.jpg
uses.

In this module we will study about the graphs and properties of the six circular
functions. The skills that you have learn in evaluating circular functions is very useful
in this lesson. So, then are we ready?

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DISCUSSION

Graphs of Circular Functions

As discussed in the first module, circular functions are defined having domains
that are sets of numbers that correspond to the measures in radian units of the angles
of similar trigonometric functions. While, the ranges, is the same as of trigonometric
functions, which is the set of real numbers. These functions are called circular functions
because radian measures of angles are determined by the lengths of arcs of circles. To
be precise, trigonometric functions defined using the unit circle lead directly to these
circular functions. These circular functions are periodic, meaning they repeat over and
over again after a specified period.
Graphing the Sine Function

Let us consider the following table in graphing the y= sinθ function.

in Radian sin
0 0
𝜋 1
2
𝜋 0
3𝜋 -1
2
2𝜋 0

𝜋 3𝜋
The values of y= sinθ at 0, ,𝜋,
2 2
and 2𝜋 angles is 0,1, 0, -1, and 0
respectively so we have ordered pairs (0,0)
𝜋 3𝜋
, ( , 1), ( 𝜋, 0), ( ,-1) and (2𝜋,0) to graph in
2 2
the x-y coordinate plane. We only plotted
the points in the graph from 0˚ to 2 𝜋.

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The graph of the sine function is sinusoidal meaning it is a continuous wave that
repeats every 2Π period. The graph of sine function looks like this, the graph is
continuously repeating every 2Π period. The domain of the function is the set of real
numbers and the range is [−1,1].

Graphing the Cosine Function

Let us consider the following table in graphing the y= cosθ function.

in Radian cos
0 1
𝜋 0
2
𝜋 -1
3𝜋 0
2
2𝜋 1

𝜋 3𝜋
The values of y= cosθ at 0, ,𝜋,
2 2
and 2𝜋 angles is 1,0,-1,0 and 1
respectively so we have ordered pairs
𝜋 3𝜋
(0,1) , ( , 0), ( 𝜋, -1), ( ,0) and (2𝜋,1) to
2 2
graph in the x-y coordinate plane. We
only plotted the points in the graph from
0 to 2𝜋. Because the period of the cosine
function is 2𝜋. The period of a circular
function illustrate one complete wave
graph of the sine or cosine function.

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The graph of cosine function looks like this, the graph is continuously repeating
every 2𝜋 period. The domain of the function is the set of real numbers and the range is
[−1,0].

Graphing the Tangent Function

First let us make table of values for the tangent function using the following special
angles

θ -
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 -
𝜋
0 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
2 − − 6
3 4 6 4 3 2
tanθ Undefined −√3=1.7 -1 −√3 0 √3 1 √3 =1.7 undefined
3 3
= −.6 = .6

Then plot the points in the coordinate plane. We ony

π π
selected x-values from - to because one period of the
2 2
tangent function is π meaning from this interval the graph of
π π
the tangent function has one complete period from - to ,
2 2
after that the graph will only repeat continously.

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π π 3π kπ
Observe the graph of tangent function, it has asymptotes - , , or in , where
2 2 2 2
k is an odd integer. So, the domain of the tangent function is all real numbers except at
kπ
, where k is an odd integer. The range of the function is the set of all real numbers.
2
The period of the graph is 𝜋.

Graphs of Cosecant, Secant and Cotangent Functions

The graph of the cosecant function in the ( 0,2𝜋) interval of domain, can be

obtained by reflecting the graph of the sine function with respect to the line y = 1 in the

interval (0, 𝜋), and y =-1 in the interval [(𝜋, 2𝜋),and considering the values where the

cosecant function is undefined. The function is undefined at 0, 𝜋, 2 𝜋 and in any angle

𝑘𝜋, where k is an odd integer. So the domain of the cosecant function is all real numbers

except 0, 𝜋, 2 𝜋 and in any angle 𝑘𝜋, where k is an odd integer. While, the range of the

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function is y ≥ 1 and y ≤ -1. The period of this function is 2 𝜋.

The graph of the secant function has a period of 2 𝜋. The graph of the secant
π 3π
function in the interval (− , ) can be obtained by reflecting the graph of the cosine
2 2
π π π 3π
function in the interval ( − , ) about the line y=1and in the interval ( , ) about
2 2 2 2
π π kπ
the line y= -1. The graph has asymptotes at − , and in the angles , where k is an
2 2 2
kπ
odd integer. Thus, the domain of the function is all real numbers except at , where k
2
is an odd integer. The range of the function is also is y ≥ 1 and y ≤ -1.

The graph of the cotangent function is undefined at 0, 𝜋, 2 𝜋 and in k 𝜋 angles,

where k is an odd integer. Therefore, the domian of the function is all reals except 0,
𝜋, 2𝜋, and in k 𝜋 angles, where k is an odd integer. While, the range of the function is all
reals. The graph has a period 𝑜𝑓 𝜋.

The graph in the interval (-𝜋, 0) can be obtained by reflecting the graph of the

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 Learning Module for Pre-Calculus
π
tangent function about the line x= − . While the graph in the interval (-0, 𝜋) can be
2
π
obtained by reflecting the graph of the tangent function about the line x= .
2

Properties of the Graphs of Circular Functions

Period
The period is defined as one complete wave graph of a circular function. Consider
the function y=sinBθ and y=cosBθ, the period of the graph is defined by the formula p=
2π
.
B

Example:

1. y= sin2x
2π 2π
Solution: the period of the graph is p= = = 𝜋, hence the graph will have one
b 2
complete wave in the interval form 0 to 𝜋.

1
2. y= sin x
2
2π 2π
Solution: the period of the graph is p= = 1 = 4𝜋, hence the graph will have
b
2
one complete wave in the interval form 0 to 4𝜋.

Notice, that the effect of the value of b streches the graph or shrink horizontaly
the graph. In example 1, the value of b=2, it shortens one complete wave of the graph
from 2 𝜋 to 𝜋. While, in example 2 b=1/2, it lengthens one complete wave of the sine
function from 2 𝜋 to 4 𝜋, hence the graph is streched.

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Amplitude

The amplitue of the graph y= Asinθ and y= Acosθ, is A, the distance of the maximum
and minimum points from the x-axis. The effect of the value of a stretches or shrinks
the graph vertically.
Example:
1. y= 2sinx
Solution: The range of the mother graph y= sinx changes from [−1,1] to [−2,2] in the
graph of y= 2sinx.

2. y= 3cosx
Solution: The range of the mother graph y= cosx changes from [−1,1] to [−3,3] in the
graph of y= 2sinx.

Phase Shift and Vertical Shift

When the graph is translated horizontally we call that the Phase shift. Consider
the function y= sin(θ+C). The phase shift of the function is C units to the left from the
position of the mother graph y= sinθ. Meaning all the points of the graph y= sinθ will be
shifted C units to the left in this case. While, in y= sin(θ-C), the graph will be shifted C
units to the right.

When the graph is translated vertically we call that the Vertical shift. Consider
the function y= sinθ + D. The vertical shift of the function is D units upward from the
position of the mother graph y= sinθ. Meaning all the points of the graph y= sinθ will be
shifted C units upward, in this case. While, in y= sinθ-D, the graph will be shifted D
units downward.

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Examples:
π
1. y= cos (𝜃 − )
2
π
Solution: All points from the mother graph y= cos 𝜃 must be shifted to units to the
2
right.

π
2. y= sin 𝜃 +
2
π
Solution: All points from the mother graph y= sin𝜃 must be shifted to units to the
2
upward.

To summarize the properties:

y = A sin(B(x + C)) + D

✓ amplitude is A
✓ period is 2π/B
✓ phase shift is C
✓ vertical shift is D

Examples:
Sketch the graph of each function. Use only one period.
1
1. y= 2cos (𝜃 + 𝜋) + 1
2

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Solution: Determine the properties
2𝜋 2𝜋
Period: P= = 1 = 4𝜋
𝐵
2
Amplitude: A=2
Phase Shift: 𝜋 units to the left
Vertical Shift: 1 unit upward

The smaller graph represents the graph of the mother graph y= cos𝜃 and the
1
bigger one is the graph of y= 2cos (𝜃 + 𝜋) + 1. The phase shift of the graph is 𝜋 units to
2
1
the left and the period of the graph is 4 𝜋 so one period of the graph of y= 2cos (𝜃 + 𝜋)
2
+ 1, will start at – 𝜋 and will end at − 𝜋 + 4 𝜋 = 3 𝜋, from the starting point – 𝜋 we will
just add one period which is 4 𝜋 to get the endpoint of one period of the graph. Then the
vertical shift is one unit upward.

2. Identify the properties of the graph.

𝜋
A. y= 5cos2(𝜃 − ) -2
2
Solution:
2𝜋
Period: P= =𝜋
2
Amplitude: A=5

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𝜋
Phase Shift: units to the right
2
Vertical Shift: 2 units downward
𝜋
B. y= 6sin(𝜃 − ) - 3
4
Solution:
2𝜋
Period: P= = 2𝜋
1
Amplitude: A=6
𝜋
Phase Shift: units to the right
4
Vertical Shift: 3 units downward
Note: The red graph or the bigger graph is
𝜋
y= 6sin(𝜃 − ) – 3, while the blue graph or the
4
smaller graph is y=sin 𝜃.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1. Sketch the following mother graph. Use one period only.

1. y = sinx
2. y = cosx
3. y = tanx

Activity 2. Complete the following table for domain and range of the following circular
functions.

Circular Function Domain Range Period

1. y = sinx
2. y = cosx
3. y = tanx
4. y = cscx
5. y = secx
6. y = cotx

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Activity 3. Write an equation of the given trigonometric functions having the specified
characteristics

Trigonometric Function Amplitude Period Phase Vertical

Functions Shift
Shift

1 Cosine 6 4 None None

2 Sine 5 2 None Up 2
3
3 Cosine 15 4 Down 10
Left
2
4 Sine 2 none
Right
5 3 3

REMEMBER

Summarizing the properties of the graph of circular functions:

y = A sin(B(x + C)) + D

✓ amplitude is A
✓ period is 2π/B
✓ phase shift is C
✓ vertical shift is D

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Graph the following functions and give the properties.

1
1. y = 3 sin (2x) 2. y = 4 cos x 3. y = 5 sin x− +2
3 3

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