Find The Equation Of A Sine Or Cosine Graph

These lessons are compiled to help Algebra 2 students find the equations of sine and cosine graphs.

We have included a tool that will plot the sine graph f(x) = A sin(B(x-h))+ k, given the values A, B, h and k. Use it to check your answers.

The following diagram shows how to find the equation of a sine graph. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions.

Find An Equation For The Sine Or Cosine Wave

When finding the equation for a trig function, try to identify if it is a sine or cosine graph.

To find the equation of sine waves given the graph:

1. Find the amplitude which is half the distance between the maximum and minimum.
2. Find the period of the function which is the horizontal distance for the function to repeat. If the period is more than 2π then B is a fraction; use the formula period = 2π/B to find the exact value.
3. Find any phase shift, h.

How To Determine The Equation Of A Sine And Cosine Graph?

The general equation of a sine graph is y = A sin(B(x - D)) + C
The general equation of a cosine graph is y = A cos(B(x - D)) + C

Examples:
Given a transformed graph of sine or cosine, determine a possible equation.

Trigonometry: Finding An Equation From A Graph

Writing Equation Of Sin And Cos Graph

Examples:
Find the equation of the given graph in terms of sine and cosine.

Determining The Equation Of A Trigonometric Function
Determining the amplitude and period of sine and cosine functions.

How To Come Up With The Equation Of A Sin/Cos Function When Given The Graph?

How To Get Equation Of A Sine Curve?

How To Identify The Graph Of A Stretched Cosine Curve?
This video demonstrates how to stretch and shrink the sine and cosine curves.

Finding The Equation Of Sine Or Cosine Given Its Graph

Sine Graph Calculator

Enter in the values for f(x) = Asin(B(x-h))+k into the sine graph calculator to check your answer.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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