How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

This handout includes instructions for graphing processes of basic, amplitude shifts,
horizontal shifts, and vertical shifts of trigonometric functions.

You can navigate to specific sections of this handout by clicking the links below.

The Unit Circle and the Values of Sine and Cosine Functions: pg. 1

Graphing Sine and Cosine Functions y = sin x y = cos x: pg. 3

Graphing the Tangent Function y = tan x: pg. 6

The Form y = A sin (Bx + C) + D: pg. 7

Amplitude Shifts of Trigonometric Functions: pg. 8

Horizontal Shifts of Trigonometric Functions: pg. 8

Period Compression or Expansion of Trigonometric Functions: pg. 9

Vertical Shifts of Trigonometric Functions: pg. 10

Strategies, Summary, and Exercises: pg. 11

The Unit Circle and the Values of Sine and Cosine Functions
The unit circle is a circle with a radius that equals 1. The angle θ is formed from the φ
(phi) ray extending from the origin through a point p on the unit circle and the x-axis; see
diagram below. The value of sin θ equals the y-coordinate of the point p and the value of
cos θ equals the x- coordinate of the point p as shown in the diagram below.

Provided by 1 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 (0,1)
p = (cos θ, sin θ)
θ

(-1,0) (1,0)

(0,-1)

This unit circle below shows the measurements of angles in radians and degrees. Beginning
π
at 0π, follow the circle counter-clockwise. As angle θ increases to radians or 90°, the value
2

of cosine (the x-coordinate) decreases because the point is approaching the y-axis.

Meanwhile, the value of sine (the y-coordinate) increases. When one counter-clockwise

revolution has been completed, the point has moved 360° or 2π.

π or 90°
2

0π or 0°
π or 180° 2π or 360°

3𝜋𝜋
or 270°
2

Provided by 2 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
Graphing Sine and Cosine Functions y = sin x and y = cos x
There are two ways to prepare for graphing the basic sine and cosine functions in the form
y = sin x and y = cos x: evaluating the function and using the unit circle.

π 3π
To evaluate the basic sine function, set up a table of values using the intervals 0π, , , and 2π
2 2

for x and calculating the corresponding y value.

f(x) or y = sin x

f(x) or y x

0 0π
π
1
2
0 π
3π
-1
2
0 2π

To use the unit circle, the x-coordinates remain the same as within the list above. To find the
y- coordinate of the point to graph, first locate the point p on the unit circle that corresponds
to the angle θ given by the x-coordinate. Then, use the y-coordinate of the point p as the y
value of the point to graph.

π 3π
To draw the graph of one period of sine or y = sin x, label the x-axis with the values 0π, , π, ,
2 2

and 2π. Then plot points for the value of f(x) or y from either the table or the unit circle.

Provided by 3 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 1

0π π π 3π 2π
2 2
-1

Other points may be added for the intermediate values between those listed above to obtain a
more complete graph, and a best fit line can be drawn by connecting the points. The figure
below is the completed graph showing one and a half periods of the sine function.

1
y = sin x

0π π π 3π 2π 5π 3π
2 2 2
-1

One period

The graph of the cosine function y = cos x is drawn in a similar manner as the sine function.
Using a table of values:
f(x) or y = cos x

f(x) or y x

1 0π
π
0
2
-1 π
3π
0
2
1 2π

Provided by 4 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
To use the unit circle, the x-coordinate remains the same as the list on the previous page. To
find the y-coordinate of the point to graph, first locate the point p on the unit circle that
corresponds to the angle θ given by the x-coordinate. Then, use the x-coordinate of the
point p as the y value of the point to graph.

𝜋𝜋
To draw the graph of one period of cosine or y = cos x, label the x-axis with the values 0π, , π,
2
3𝜋𝜋
, and 2π. Then plot points for the value of f(x) or y from either the table or the unit circle.
2

0π π π 3π 2π
2 2
-1

Add other points as required for the intermediate values between those above to obtain a
more complete graph, and draw a best fit line connecting the points. The graph below shows
one and a half periods.

1 y = cos x

0π π π 3π 2π 3π
5π
2 2 2
-1
One period

Provided by 5 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 Graphing the Tangent Function y = tan x
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
The tangent value at angle θ is equal to the sine value divided by the cosine value � �
𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉

0
of the same angle θ. The value of tangent at 0π for the unit circle is , which is equivalent to 0.
1

𝜋𝜋 1
The value of tangent at is . This yields a divide by 0 error or undefined (try this in your
2 0

𝜋𝜋
calculator). Therefore, the tangent function is undefined at . This is illustrated by drawing an
2

𝜋𝜋
asymptote (vertical dashed line) at . See the figure below.
2

0π π π 3π 2π
2 2
-1
0
The value of tangent at π is , which results in 0. To determine how the tangent behaves between
1
π π
0π and the asymptote, find the sine and cosine values of , which is half way between 0π and .
4 2
π √2
Looking at the handout Common Trigonometric Angle Measurements, the tangent of is (sine)
4 2

√2 √2 2
divided by (cosine). Flipping the cosine value and multiplying gives × which simplifies to 1.
2 2 √2
π
The value of tangent at is therefore 1. These points have been added to the graph below.
4

0π π π π 3π 2π
4 2 2
-1

Provided by 6 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 3𝜋𝜋
Next, calculate the value of tangent for . Consulting with Common Trigonometric Angle
4
3𝜋𝜋 √2 √2
Measurements, the tangent of is (sine) divided by – (cosine). This simplifies to a tangent
4 2 2

value of -1. Now, draw the tangent function graph so that the line approaches the asymptote
without touching or crossing it. The image on the next page shows the completed graph of one
and a half periods of the tangent function.

y = tan x

0 π π 3π π 5π 3π 7π 2
4 2 4 4 2 4
-1

One period

The period of the basic tangent function is π, and the graph will repeat from π to 2π.

The Form y = A sin(Bx + C) + D

The form y = A sin(Bx + C) is the general form of the sine function. From this general form of
the sine function, the amplitude, horizontal, phase, and vertical shifts from the basic
trigonometric forms can be determined.
A : modifies the amplitude in the y direction above and below the center line
B : influences the period and phase shift of the graph
C : influences the phase shift of the graph
D : shifts the center line of the graph on the y-axis

Provided by 7 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
Amplitude Shifts of Trigonometric Functions
The basic graphs illustrate the trigonometric functions when the A value is 1. This A = 1 is
used as an amplitude value of 1. If the value A is not 1, then the absolute value of A value is
the new amplitude of the function. Any number |A| greater than 1 will vertically stretch the
graph (increase the amplitude) while a number |A| smaller than 1 will compress the graph
closer to the x-axis.

Example: Graph y = 3 sin x.

Solution: The graph of y = 3 sin x is the same as the graph of y = sin x except the
minimum and maximum of the graph has been increased to -3 and 3 respectively
from -1 and 1.

2 y = 3 sin x

Amplitude
1 is now 3 up
0 π π 3π 2π 3π
5π
-1 2 2 2
Amplitude
-2 is now 3 down
-3

Horizontal Shifts of Trigonometric Functions

A horizontal shift is when the entire graph shifts left or right along the x-axis. This is shown
symbolically as y = sin(Bx – C). Note the minus sign in the formula. To find the phase shift (or
C
the amount the graph shifted) divide C by B � �. For instance, the phase shift of y = cos(2x – π)
𝐵𝐵
𝛑𝛑
can be found by dividing π (C) by 2 (B), and the answer is . Another example is the phase shift of
𝟐𝟐
𝛑𝛑
y = sin(-2x – π) which is –π (C) divided by -2 (B), and the result is . Be careful when dealing
𝟐𝟐

Provided by 8 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
with the signs. A positive sign takes the place of the double negative signs in the form
y = sin(x + π). The C is negative because this example is also written as y = sin(x-(- π)), which
produces the negative π phase shift (graphed below). It is important to remember a positive
phase shift means the graph is shifted right or in the positive direction. A negative phase shift
means the graph shifts to the left or in the negative direction.

Phase shift = -π y = sin(x + π)

1

-π -π 0 π π 3π 2π
2 2 2
-1

Period Compression or Expansion of Trigonometric Functions

The value of B also influences the period, or length of one cycle, of trigonometric functions.
The period of the basic sine and cosine functions is 2π while the period of the basic tangent
𝟐𝟐𝛑𝛑
function is π. The period equation for sine and cosine is: Period = |𝐁𝐁|. For tangent, the
𝛑𝛑
period equation is: Period = |𝐁𝐁|. Period compression occurs if the absolute value of B is

greater than 1; this means the function oscillates more frequently. Period expansion occurs
if the absolute value of B is less than 1; this means the function oscillates more slowly.

The starting point of the graph is determined by the phase shift. To determine the key points
for the new period, divide the period into 4 equal parts and add this part to successive x values
beginning with the starting point.

Provided by 9 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 Example: Graph y = sin(2x – π)

Solution: A = 1, B = 2, C = π, D = not written so 0

The amplitude of A is 1
𝑪𝑪 𝛑𝛑 𝛑𝛑
The horizontal (phase) shift is = =
𝑩𝑩 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐
𝟐𝟐𝛑𝛑 𝟐𝟐𝛑𝛑
The period changes to |𝐁𝐁| = |𝟐𝟐| = π

π
The starting point is . To find the 5 key points, divide π by 4 to obtain the value of the 4
2

π π
equal parts: . Then add to the starting point and each successive value of x to find the
4 4

π 3π 5π 3π
remaining four points. The 5 key points are: , , π, , . Once the key points are
2 4 4 2

determined, evaluate the equation at these values and plot the resulting points.

y = sin(2x – π)
1 π
Phase shift =
2

0π π 3π π 3π 7π 2π 5π 3π
2 4 2 4 2
-1 5π 9π
4 4

Vertical Shifts of Trigonometric Functions

A vertical shift occurs when the entire graph shifts up or down along the y-axis. This is
shown symbolically as y = sin (x) + D. This is different from horizontal shifts because there
are no parentheses around the D, and D is always a constant. In these examples, the
graph of y = sin (x) + 2 would shift the centerline, thus the entire graph, up 2 units, and
y = tan (x) – 1 would shift the entire graph down 1 unit.

Provided by 10 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 1 y = tan x – 1

0π π 5π 2π
π π 3π 3π
4 2 4 4 2
-1

-2

Strategies, Summary, and Exercises

By using the following guidelines, it will make trigonometric functions easier to graph:
1) Recall the values of sine and cosine on the unit circle.
2) Identify the amplitude shift value A, in y = A sin x, y = A cos x, etc.
𝑪𝑪
3) Identify the horizontal shift value , in y = sin(Bx – C), y = cos(Bx – C), etc.
𝑩𝑩

4) The period compression or expansion of the graph is determined by dividing

the period of the basic function by the absolute value of B .
5) Identify the vertical shift value D, in y = sin (x) + D, y = cos (x) + D, etc.
6) The phase shift (if any) is the starting point to graphing the function. Divide the
period by 4 to determine the 5 points to graph on the x -axis.
7) Use the 5 points to determine corresponding y-coordinate.

Exercises:
Find the amplitude shift, horizontal shift, period, and vertical shift of the following and graph
one period.
1
1) y = sin x + 1
4

2) y = 2 sin x
1
3) y = cos(– x + π) – 1
2
Provided by 11 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions
The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
Solutions to Exercises
1
1) y = sin x + 1
4

First find the values of A, B, C, and D

1
A = , B = 1, C = not written which means 0, and D = 1
4

1
Amplitude shift is A, A = 4

𝐶𝐶 0
Horizontal shift is 𝐵𝐵 = 1 = 0

2𝜋𝜋
Period is = 2π
|1|

Vertical shift is D = 1
1
Graph of one period of y = sin x + 1
4

1¼
1
¾
½
¼
0π π π 3π 2
-¼
2 2

2) y = 2 sin x

First find the values of A, B, C, and D

A =2, B = 1, C = not written which means 0, and D = 0

Amplitude shift is A, A = 2
𝐶𝐶 𝟎𝟎
Horizontal shift is 𝐵𝐵 = 𝟏𝟏 = 0
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
Period is = 2π
|𝟏𝟏|

Vertical shift is D = 0

Provided by 12 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013
 Graph of one period of 2sin x

0π π π 3π 2π
2 2
-1

-2

1
3) y = cos(– x + π) – 1
2

First find the values of A, B, C, and D

1
A = , B = –1, C = –π, and D = –1
2

1
Amplitude shift is A, A = 2

𝐶𝐶 –π
Horizontal shift is 𝐵𝐵 = −𝟏𝟏 = 𝜋𝜋

𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
Period is = 2π
|−𝟏𝟏|

Vertical shift is D = –1

1
Graph of one period of y = cos(– x + π) – 1
2

0π π π 3π 2π 5π 3π
-½
2 2 4
-1

Provided by 13 How to Graph Trigonometric Functions

The Academic Center for Excellence Created September 2013