The sine function oscillates between its maximum and minimum, passing through 0 at x = 0, x = 180°, x = 360°, and so on. Using these points, we create a rough sketch. For cosine, both maximum and minimum are 1 and -1, respectively. For sine, the maximum is 1, and the minimum is -1. Next, we determine the maximum and minimum values. For the sine function, the y-intercept is 0, while for the cosine function, it’s 1. To begin the graph, we find the y-coordinate at x = 0, known as the y-intercept. For instance, y = sin(x) gives the y-coordinate for a given x-coordinate when graphing the sine function. The unit circle, with a radius of one unit, is useful for calculating function values at common angles like 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°.įor graphing sine or cosine, we find the y-coordinate using the function’s value for a given x-coordinate. To graph a trigonometric function, we start with key points and connect them. Tangent represents the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side. Cosine represents the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse. Sine represents the ratio of the side opposite an angle to the hypotenuse.

These functions are defined based on ratios of sides in a right triangle. The main trigonometric functions are sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot). Trigonometry functions are essential to understand before proceeding. How to Graph a Trig Function with Examples

Graphs of trig functions cheat sheet