Name: ____________________________
Discovering Trig Function Equations from Graphs
Objective: Use patterns and reasoning to discover the amplitude, period, phase shift, vertical
shift and equations of sine and cosine graphs through guided inquiry.
Part 1: Warm-Up – Observing Patterns
Study the graph provided by your teacher or on the board.
Without knowing the equation, try to answer the following:
a) What is the maximum and minimum y-value?
b) How long does it take the wave to repeat? (One full cycle)
c) Where does the graph start its cycle?
d) Does it resemble a sine or cosine graph more?
Part 2: Guided Exploration – Use the Clues
For each graph in the next pages, fill in what you can observe. Use the clues from your
answers to try writing the equation that matches each graph. Use the form:
𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑑)) + 𝑐 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑑)) + 𝑐
1. Graph 1 Observations:
● Amplitude = _______
● Period = _______
● Phase Shift = _______
● Vertical Shift = _______
● Equation (in terms of sine or cosine): ____________________________
2. Graph 2 Observations:
● Amplitude = _______
● Period = _______
● Phase Shift = _______
● Vertical Shift = _______
● Equation (in terms of sine or cosine): ___________________________
3. Graph 3 Observations:
● Amplitude = _______
● Period = _______
● Phase Shift = _______
● Vertical Shift = _______
● Equation (in terms of sine or cosine): ____________________________
4. Graph 4 Observations:
● Amplitude = _______
● Period = _______
● Phase Shift = _______
● Vertical Shift = _______
● Equation (in terms of sine or cosine): ____________________________
5. Graph 5 Observations:
● Amplitude = _______
● Period = _______
● Phase Shift = _______
● Vertical Shift = _______
● Equation (in terms of sine or cosine): ____________________________
6. Graph 6 Observations:
● Amplitude = _______
● Period = _______
● Phase Shift = _______
● Vertical Shift = _______
● Equation (in terms of sine or cosine): ____________________________
Part 3: Apply What You Know
You are given the following equations. Sketch one full period of each graph based on your
understanding of amplitude, period, and phase shift. Then compare with a graphing
calculator.
● 𝑓(𝑥) =− 2 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
Amplitude = _______ Period = _______ Phase Shift = _______ Vertical Shift = _______
2 π
● 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 3 𝑥 − 6
)
Amplitude = _______ Period = _______ Phase Shift = _______ Vertical Shift = _______
π
● 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (2π𝑥 + 2
) −1
Amplitude = _______ Period = _______ Phase Shift = _______ Vertical Shift = _______
Part 4: Reflection and Discussion
Reflect on what you learned by answering these questions:
1. How does changing the coefficient in front of sin or cos affect the graph?
2. How does changing the value inside the parentheses affect the wave?
3. How would you explain the steps to identify the equation of a trig graph to a friend?
