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3.5 Sinusoidal functions

Lesson

Introduction

Learning objective

  • 3.5.A Identify key characteristics of the sine and cosine functions.

Sinusoidal functions

The sine function (\sin\theta) and the cosine function (\cos\theta) are both sinusoidal functions because they have the same shape and similar characteristics which we can understand more through their phase shift.

Phase shift

Horizontal movement or shift of sine or cosine function when an angle is added

For example, adding \dfrac{\pi}{2} to the angle in the sine function \sin \theta will result in \sin \left( \theta +\dfrac{\pi}{2} \right).

By adding \dfrac{\pi}{2} to the angle before evaluting the sine function, we obtain output values which were further to the right on the original sine function. For example, at \theta = 0 we have \sin\left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = \sin\dfrac{\pi}{2} = 1at \theta = \dfrac{\pi}{2} we have \sin\left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = \sin \pi = 0and at \theta = \pi we have \sin\left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right) = \sin \dfrac{3\pi}{2} = -1

If we plot these points and compare to the original function \sin\theta, we can see that the function has been shifted to the left \dfrac{\pi}{2} units.

-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
f \left( \theta \right) =\sin \theta
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
f \left( \theta \right) =\sin \left( \theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2} \right)

Notice that the new function is the same as the cosine function.

-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
f \left( \theta \right) =\sin \left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right)
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
f \left( \theta \right) =\cos \theta

Because of this, we can prove that both functions have similar characteristics. Moreover, we can establish the sinusoidal rule that applies to all angles:

\cos \theta=\sin \left(\theta+ \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right)

\sin \theta=\cos \left( \theta-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right)

Examples

Example 1

Use the relationship between sine and cosine to complete the following:

a

Given f(\theta) = \sin(2\theta), write the corresponding cosine function.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

To convert a sine function to its corresponding cosine function, we use the phase shift relationship, \sin(\theta) = \cos\left(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Apply the idea

To illustrate this more clearly let's make the substitution x=2 \theta and write the identity as \sin(x)=\cos\left(x-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Reversing our substitution, we get \sin(2\theta)=\cos\left(2\theta-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

b

Given f(\theta) = \sin(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{3}), write the corresponding cosine function.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

To convert a sine function to its corresponding cosine function, we use the phase shift relationship, \sin(\theta) = \cos\left(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Apply the idea

To illustrate this more clearly let's make the substitution x=\theta-\dfrac{\pi}{3} and write the identity as \sin(x)=\cos\left(x-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Reversing our substitution, we get \sin\left(\theta-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)=\cos\left(\theta-\dfrac{\pi}{3}-\dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Simplifying the expression gives us:

\sin\left(\theta-\dfrac{\pi}{3}\right) = \cos\left(\theta - \dfrac{5\pi}{6}\right)

c

Given g(\theta) = \cos\left(3\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right), write the corresponding sine function.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

To convert a sine function to its corresponding cosine function, we use the phase shift relationship, \cos(\theta) = \sin\left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Apply the idea

To illustrate this more clearly let's make the substitution x=3\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{4} and write the identity as \cos(x) = \sin\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Reversing our substitution, we get \cos\left(3\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right)=\sin\left(3\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{4} + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Simplifying the expression gives us:

\cos\left(3\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) = \sin\left(3\theta + \dfrac{3\pi}{4}\right)

d

Given g(\theta) = \cos\left(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right), write the corresponding sine function.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

To convert a sine function to its corresponding cosine function, we use the phase shift relationship, \cos(\theta) = \sin\left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Apply the idea

To illustrate this more clearly let's make the substitution x=\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{6} and write the identity as \cos(x) = \sin\left(x + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Reversing our substitution, we get \cos\left(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right)=\sin\left(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{6} + \dfrac{\pi}{2}\right).

Simplifying this expression results in:

\cos\left(\theta - \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right) = \sin\left(\theta + \dfrac{\pi}{3}\right)

Idea summary

We can say that sine and cosine functions are sinusoidal functions because they have the same shape and share similar characteristics even shifting their graphs sideways.

We can prove that both functions are sinusoidal through the following rule.

\displaystyle \cos \theta=\sin \theta+ \dfrac{\pi}{2}
\bm{\theta}
is any angle in the unit circle

Key characteristics of the sine function

The sine function, f \left( \theta \right)= \sin \theta, is a periodic function with a domain represented by the measure \theta of an angle in standard position, and a range, \sin \theta, represented by the vertical leg, or the y-coordinate, of the right triangle positioned in the unit circle.

Periodic function

A function that repeats a pattern of y-values at regular intervals

We can describe the graph of the sine function as an unwrapping of the unit circle, with its full cycle or period repeating every 2 \pi, as this is the full revolution of the unit circle:

A unit circle drawn on a four quadrant coordinate plane. A radius of the unit circle is also drawn in the first quadrant. The radius makes an angle theta from the positive x axis. A right triangle with the radius as the hypotenuse and a leg on the x axis is shown. The vertical leg of the triangle is labeled sine theta. The first and fourth quadrant of another coordinate system is shown with the origin located at point (1,0) of the first coordinate system. A sine function is graphed in the second coordinate system. Speak to your teacher for more details.

Because of its periodic nature, the function repeats its values in a given interval which is defined by frequency.

Frequency

How often the function repeats its values in a given interval and is the the reciprocal of the period of a function

The frequency can be calculated by finding the reciprocal of the full period 2\pi.

\displaystyle \text{Frequency}\displaystyle =\displaystyle \dfrac1{2\pi}

Recall that the graph of f \left( \theta \right)= \sin \theta will oscillate accordingly between -1 and 1. This will give us information about the amplitude and midline of the periodic sine function.

Amplitude

Half the distance between the maximum and minimum values of a periodic function

The amplitude of a function is calculated using the formula\text{Amplitude}=\dfrac{1}{2} \left( \text{maximum value} - \text{minimum value} \right)The amplitude of f \left( \theta \right)=\sin \theta is calculated as \text{amplitude}=\dfrac{1}{2}\left(1 - \left(-1\right) \right)= \dfrac{1}{2} \left(2 \right)= 1.

Midline

The horizontal line through the average of the maximum and minimum values of a periodic function

The equation of the midline of a function is calculated using the formulay=\dfrac{1}{2} \left( \text{maximum value} + \text{minimum value} \right)The equation of the midline of f \left( \theta \right)=\sin \theta is calculated as y=\dfrac{1}{2}\left(1 + \left(-1\right) \right)= \dfrac{1}{2} \left(0 \right)= 0 or y=0.

Some of the key features of the sine function are as follows:

  • Domain: \left( -\infty, \infty \right)

  • Range: \left[-1, 1\right]

  • x-intercept: x=0+n \pi, n is any integer
  • y-intercept: y=0
  • Period: 2 \pi

  • Frequency: \dfrac {1}{ 2\pi}
  • Amplitude: 1

  • Midline: y=0

The graph of sine function plotted on a first and fourth quadrant coordinate plane. Dashed red line labeled midline is drawn on the x axis. Dashed vertical lines labeled amplitude are drawn from graph's peak and trough to the x axis. The part of the graph in the interval 0 to 2 pi on the x axis is labeled period. Speak to your teacher for more details.

Examples

Example 2

Consider the graph of f \left(\theta \right) = \sin \theta:

-2π
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
a

What do the values of \theta from - 2 \pi \leq \theta \leq 0 represent on f \left( \theta \right) = \sin \theta and the unit circle?

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the same approach to graphing f \left( \theta \right) = \sin \theta from -2 \pi to 0 from part 1 (b). Recall that negative values of an angle on the coordinate grid represent clockwise rotations around the origin.

Apply the idea

The graph of f \left( \theta \right) = \sin \theta between -2 \pi and 0 represents one full clockwise rotation along the unit circle.

b

Describe the interval on the sine function between 90 \degree and 270 \degree. Explain how this relates to rotations in the unit circle.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

90 \degree and 270 \degree are located at \dfrac{\pi}{2} and \dfrac{3 \pi}{2}. Highlight this interval on the graph of f \left(\theta \right) = \sin \theta.

-2π
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)

The interval on the unit circle from \dfrac{\pi}{2} to \dfrac{3 \pi}{2} can be highlighted to show the interval that corresponds to the graph of f \left( \theta \right) = \sin \theta.

The unit circle with the special angles labeled. Starting from the positive x axis then moving counterclockwise, the special angles are: 0, pi over 6, pi over 4, pi over 3, pi over 2, 2 pi over 3, 3 pi over 4, 5 pi over 6, pi, 7 pi over 6, 5 pi over 4, 4 pi over 3, 3 pi over 2, 5 pi over 3, 7 pi over 4, and 11 pi over 6. The part of the unit circle on the second and third quadrant are shaded. Speak to your teacher for more details.
Apply the idea

The graph of sine is decreasing from 90 \degree to 270 \degree while the y-coordinates are also decreasing over the same interval on the unit circle as we rotate counterclockwise.

The graph of sine has a positive interval from 90 \degree to 180 \degree. As the central angle of the unit circle rotates counterclockwise from 90 \degree to 180 \degree, the y-coordinates on the unit circle will start at 1 and decrease to 0. This is why we see a positive interval from 90 \degree to 180 \degree in the graph of the sine function.

The graph of sine has a negative interval from 180 \degree to 270 \degree, and the y-coordinates on the unit circle are also negative over the same interval. As the angle continues to rotate from 180 \degree to 270 \degree, the angle is in the third quadrant, where the y-coordinates are negative, and decrease from 0 to -1.

As we move along the x-axis in the positive direction for the graph of sine, we are rotating counterclockwise along the unit circle. Each value of \theta on the graph corresponds to the angle of \theta on the unit circle.

c

The amplitude of the sine function is 1. Explain how this relates to the unit circle.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the definition of amplitude that it is half the distance between the maximum and minimum values of a periodic function.

Apply the idea

Graphically, we see that the sine function reaches a maximum of 1 and a minimum of -1, making its amplitude 1. The amplitude of the sine function is equivalent to the radius of the unit circle, which is 1 unit.

d

Consider the point \left( \dfrac{\pi}{4}, \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) on the graph. Then, look at the point on the function where \theta is 2 \pi units greater and where \theta is 2 \pi units smaller. What do you notice? Explain why this occurs.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Find the point \left( \dfrac{\pi}{4}, \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) on the graph and \theta \pm 2 \pi.

-2π
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
Apply the idea

The points on the function where \theta is 2 \pi units greater or smaller share the same y-value as \dfrac{\pi}{4}.

This makes sense because we know that the sine function is periodic, and its period is 2 \pi, meaning that the graph will continue to repeat the same pattern every multiple of 2 \pi, and if plotted on the unit circle, each of these angles would be coterminal to one another.

Example 3

Consider the transformation of the sine function on the graph below:

A graph of a sine function plotted on a first and fourth quadrant coordinate plane. The graph passes through points (0, negative 1), (pi over 2, negative 1), (pi, negative 1). Speak to your teacher for more details.
a

State the domain and range.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The graph continues in both the positive and negative x-direction, and reaches a minimum and maximum value for y. Use interval notation to write the domain and range.

Apply the idea

Domain: \left( -\infty, \infty \right)

Range: [-3, 1]

b

Identify the y-intercept.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Just like the parent sine function, there is one y-intercept.

Apply the idea

The y-intercept occurs at y=-1.

c

What is the period?

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

The period of the function is \pi.

Reflect and check

Unlike the parent function of sine, the y-values for the transformed graph begin to repeat after a shorter period.

d

What is the frequency?

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The frequency of the function is the reciprocal of the period.

Apply the idea
\displaystyle \text{Frequency}\displaystyle =\displaystyle \dfrac{1}{\pi}Take the reciprocal of the period
e

State the amplitude and midline.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the formulas for amplitude and midline to calculate the key features:\text{amplitude}=\dfrac{1}{2} \left( \text{maximum value} - \text{minimum value} \right)

\text{midline: } y=\dfrac{1}{2} \left( \text{maximum value} + \text{minimum value} \right)

Apply the idea
\displaystyle \text{amplitude}\displaystyle =\displaystyle \dfrac{1}{2} \left( \text{maximum value} - \text{minimum value} \right)
\displaystyle =\displaystyle \dfrac{1}{2} \left(1 - \left(-3 \right) \right)Substitution
\displaystyle =\displaystyle 2Evaluate the subtraction and multiplication
\displaystyle \text{midline: }y\displaystyle =\displaystyle \dfrac{1}{2} \left( \text{maximum value} + \text{minimum value} \right)
\displaystyle y\displaystyle =\displaystyle \dfrac{1}{2} \left( 1+ \left(-3 \right) \right)Substitution
\displaystyle y\displaystyle =\displaystyle -1Evaluate the addition and multiplication
Reflect and check

If we draw a line at y=-1, we can see that it is exactly halfway between the minimum and maximum points. We can also visually confirm on the graph that the distance between the midline and the maximum and between the midline and the minimum is the amplitude, 2.

A graph of a sine function plotted on a first and fourth quadrant coordinate plane. The graph passes through points (0, negative 1), (pi over 2, negative 1), (pi, negative 1). A horizontal dashed line labeled y equals negative 1 connects the three points. A dashed vertical line labeled amplitude equals 2 is also drawn. Speak to your teacher for more details.
Idea summary

The graph of f \left( \theta \right) = \sin \theta relates closely to the y-coordinate of points on the unit circle. Remember some of the key features of the sine function are as follows:

  • Domain: \left( -\infty, \infty \right)
  • Range: [-1, 1]
  • x-intercept: x=0+n \pi, n is any integer
  • y-intercept: y=0
  • Period: 2 \pi
  • Frequency: \dfrac {1}{ 2\pi}
  • Amplitude: 1
  • Midline: y=0

Key characteristics of the cosine function

The cosine function, f \left( x \right) = \cos \theta, is a periodic function represented by the measure of \theta of an angle in standard position, and a range, \cos \theta, represented by the horizontal leg, or the x-coordinate, of the right triangle positioned in the unit circle.

We can describe the graph of the cosine function as an unwrapping of the unit circle, with its full cycle or period repeating every 2 \pi, as this is the full revolution of the unit circle:

A unit circle drawn on a four quadrant coordinate plane. A radius of the unit circle is also drawn in the first quadrant. The radius makes an angle theta from the positive x axis. A right triangle with the radius as the hypotenuse and a leg on the x axis is shown. The vertical leg of the triangle is labeled cosine theta. The first and fourth quadrant of another coordinate system is shown with the origin located at point (1,0) of the first coordinate system. A cosine function is graphed in the second coordinate system. Speak to your teacher for more details.

Recall that the graph of f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta will oscillate accordingly between -1 and 1. This will give us information about the amplitude and midline of the periodic cosine function.

Some of the key features of the cosine function are as follows:

  • Domain: \left( -\infty, \infty \right)

  • Range: \left[-1, 1\right]

  • x-intercept: x=\dfrac{\pi}{2}+n \pi, n is any integer
  • y-intercept: y=1
  • Period: 2 \pi

  • Frequency: \dfrac1{2 \pi}

  • Amplitude: 1

  • Midline: y=0

The graph of cosine function plotted on a first and fourth quadrant coordinate plane. Dashed red line labeled midline is drawn on the x axis. Dashed vertical lines labeled amplitude are drawn from graph's peaks and trough to the x axis. The part of the graph in the interval 0 to 2 pi on the x axis is labeled period. Speak to your teacher for more details.

Examples

Example 4

Consider the function f \left(\theta \right) = \cos \theta.

a

Complete the table with values in exact form:

\theta0\dfrac{\pi}{3}\dfrac{\pi}{2}\dfrac{2 \pi}{3}\pi\dfrac{4 \pi}{3}\dfrac{3 \pi}{2}\dfrac{5 \pi}{3}2 \pi
\cos \theta
Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Since the function f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta is represented by the x-coordinate on the unit circle, we can use the x-coordinates at each angle on the unit circle to complete the table of values.

Apply the idea
\theta0\dfrac{\pi}{3}\dfrac{\pi}{2}\dfrac{2 \pi}{3}\pi\dfrac{4 \pi}{3}\dfrac{3 \pi}{2}\dfrac{5 \pi}{3}2 \pi
\cos \theta1\dfrac{1}{2}0-\dfrac{1}{2}-1-\dfrac{1}{2}0\dfrac{1}{2}1
b

Sketch a graph for f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta on the domain [-2 \pi, 2 \pi].

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Plot the points for [0, 2 \pi] using the table.

Then, we can work backwards along the unit circle to each negative value of \theta which is coterminal to a positive angle between 0 and 2 \pi and match the values of cosine from the unit circle.

Apply the idea
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)

For the function from -2\pi to 0, \theta= \dfrac{-\pi}{2} is coterminal to \alpha= \dfrac{3 \pi}{2}, and since \cos \left( \dfrac{3\pi}{2} \right)=0, \cos \left( \dfrac{-\pi}{2} \right) = 0 also. The following coterminal angles give the exact values:

\cos \left( -\pi \right) = \cos \left( \pi \right) = -1

\cos \left( \dfrac{-3 \pi}{2} \right) = \cos \left( \dfrac{\pi}{2} \right) = 0

\cos \left( -2 \pi \right) = \cos \left( 2 \pi \right) = 1

-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
c

State the sign of \cos \left( \dfrac{-\pi}{12} \right).

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Using a revolution of the coordinate plane split into 24 equal parts, we can see that \dfrac{-\pi}{12} is in the fourth quadrant. We can use this to determine the sign of cosine at this angle.

The unit circle with each semi circle split into 12 equal parts. The 1/12 part below in the fourth quadrant and below the positive x axis is highlighted and labeled negative pi over 12.
Apply the idea

Since the sign of the x-coordinate is positive in the fourth quadrant, \cos \left( \dfrac{- \pi}{12} \right) is positive.

Example 5

Consider the graph of f \left(\theta \right) = \cos \theta:

-2π
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
a

What do the values of \theta from - 2 \pi \leq \theta \leq 0 represent on f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta and the unit circle?

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the same approach to graphing f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta from -2 \pi to 0 from part 1 (b). Recall that negative values of an angle on the coordinate grid represent clockwise rotations around the origin.

Apply the idea

The graph of f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta between -2 \pi and 0 represents one full clockwise rotation along the unit circle.

b

Describe the interval on the cosine function between 90 \degree and 270 \degree. Explain how this relates to rotations in the unit circle.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

90 \degree and 270 \degree are located at \dfrac{\pi}{2} and \dfrac{3 \pi}{2}. Highlight this interval on the graph of f \left(\theta \right) = \cos \theta.

-2π
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)

The interval on the unit circle from \dfrac{\pi}{2} to \dfrac{3 \pi}{2} can be highlighted to show the interval that corresponds to the graph of f \left(\theta \right) = \cos \theta.

The unit circle with the special angles labeled. Starting from the positive x axis then moving counterclockwise, the special angles are: 0, pi over 6, pi over 4, pi over 3, pi over 2, 2 pi over 3, 3 pi over 4, 5 pi over 6, pi, 7 pi over 6, 5 pi over 4, 4 pi over 3, 3 pi over 2, 5 pi over 3, 7 pi over 4, and 11 pi over 6. The part of the unit circle on the second and third quadrant are shaded. Speak to your teacher for more details.
Apply the idea

The graph of cosine is negative from 90 \degree to 270 \degree while the x-coordinates are also negative over the same interval on the unit circle as we rotate counterclockwise.

The graph of cosine has a decreasing interval from 90 \degree to 180 \degree. As the central angle of the unit circle rotates counterclockwise from 90 \degree to 180 \degree, the x-coordinates on the unit circle will start at 0 and decrease to -1. This is why we see a decreasing interval from 90 \degree to 180 \degree in the graph of the cosine function.

The graph of cosine has an increasing interval from 180 \degree to 270 \degree, and the x-coordinates on the unit circle are also increasing over the same interval. As the angle continues to rotate from 180 \degree to 270 \degree, the angle is in the third quadrant, where the x-coordinates increase from -1 to 0.

As we move along the x-axis in the positive direction for the graph of cosine, we are rotating counterclockwise along the unit circle. Each value of \theta on the graph corresponds to the angle of \theta on the unit circle.

c

The amplitude of the cosine function is 1. Explain how this relates to the unit circle.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Use the definition of amplitude that it is half the distance between the maximum and minimum values of a periodic function.

Apply the idea

Graphically, we see that the cosine function reaches a maximum of 1 and a minimum of -1, making its amplitude 1. The amplitude of the cosine function is equivalent to the radius of the unit circle, which is 1 unit.

d

Consider the point \left( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{1}{2} \right) on the graph. Then, look at the point on the function where \theta is 2 \pi units greater and where \theta is 2 \pi units smaller. What do you notice? Explain why this occurs.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Find the point \left( \dfrac{\pi}{3}, \dfrac{1}{2} \right) on the graph and \theta \pm 2 \pi.

-2π
-1π
\theta
-1
1
f \left( \theta \right)
Apply the idea

The points on the function where \theta is 2 \pi units greater or smaller share the same y-value as \dfrac{\pi}{3}.

This makes sense because we know that the cosine function is periodic, and its period is 2 \pi, meaning that the graph will continue to repeat the same pattern every multiple of 2 \pi, and if plotted on the unit circle, each of these angles would be coterminal to one another.

Idea summary

The graph of f \left( \theta \right) = \cos \theta relates closely to the x-coordinate of points on the unit circle. Remember some of the key features of the cosine function are as follows:

  • Domain: \left( -\infty, \infty \right)
  • Range: [-1, 1]
  • x-intercept: x=\dfrac{\pi}{2}+n \pi, n is any integer
  • y-intercept: y=1
  • Period: 2 \pi
  • Amplitude: 1
  • Midline: y=0

Outcomes

3.5.A

Identify key characteristics of the sine and cosine functions.

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