Trig Functions notes

This section is the mother graphs $y=\sin\theta$, $y=\cos\theta$ and $y=\tan\theta$ in degrees. NSC Paper 2 usually works in degrees, not radians. Trigonometric functions are examined in Paper 2 only (Trigonometry is about…

This section is the effect of a on $y=a\sin\theta$ and $y=a\cos\theta$. Amplitude is $|a|$. NSC Paper 2 only (Trigonometry is about 50 marks). Multiply every $y$-value of the mother wave by $a$: the graph stretches away…

This section is the effect of q on $y=\sin\theta+q$, $y=\cos\theta+q$ and $y=\tan\theta+q$. Vertical shift $q$ adds $q$ to every $y$-value of the mother graph: $q>0$ shifts the graph up; $q<0$ shifts it down. The new equilibrium…

This section is the effect of b on $y=\sin b\theta$, $y=\cos b\theta$ and $y=\tan b\theta$. Period is the number of degrees for one complete wave (one wavelength). NSC Paper 2 only (Trigonometry is about 50 marks). $|b|>1$…

This section is the effect of p on $y=\sin(\theta+p)$, $y=\cos(\theta+p)$ and $y=\tan(\theta+p)$. p is a horizontal shift (phase shift) of $p$ degrees. NSC Paper 2 only (Trigonometry is about 50 marks). Period and amplitude…