Graphing Trigonometric Functions ~~

Exploration Activity
~~ Name: __________________________
Independent Activity Worksheet
You must follow step-by-step to make sure you do not miss parts of this
assignment.

Create a T-Chart labeled Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions in

your Math Notebook.
Sine (Graph)
Cosine (Graph)
Tangent (Graph)

*In the chart, you will be responsible for recording any

features/descriptions about each type of graph as you explore
them. You may use bullet points.
NOW:
Go to Desmos.com on your iPad.
Click Launch Calculator button.
Type f(x) = in Space #1. Click the grey Functions button, and
click on sin
Next, type x so that you have f(x) = sin(x) in Space 1. Press
Enter.
** AMAZING, right?!** Record your observations of the f(x) = sin(x)
graph in your table.
NEXT:
Type "g(x)" in Space #2, and then click the grey Functions
button, and click on cos.
Type g(x)= cos(x) in Space 2. Press Enter.
**It doesnt get any better than that! Time to record your observations
of your cosine function in your table. Think about how it is
compared/contrasted with the sine function. Describe the xcoordinates that pass through the x-axis. **
EXCUSE MEARE YOU READY FOR THIS?!
Type h(x) in Space #3, and then click the grey Functions
button, and click on tan.
Type h(x) = tan(x) in Space 3. Press Enter and watch the magic
happen! Whoa!
**Record your observations of the tangent function. How would you
describe it? Consider the x-coordinates. Think about the
horizontal/vertical differences. What does it look like to you?
Reflective Questions:

Graphing Trigonometric Functions ~~

Exploration Activity
~~ Name: __________________________
1. Describe the similarities and differences between the graph of
a sine function and the graph of a cosine function. Why do
you think f(x) = sin x and g(x) = cos x are called the parent
functions of those functions? (3-5 sentences)
2. Why do you think the sine and cosine functions appear the
way they do? (2-3 sentences)
3. Describe the graph of a tangent function. What makes it look
so much different than graphs of the sine and cosine
functions? Be specific and give examples from the graph, or
your notes.
4. Finish the sentence: Something about a translation of a sine
and cosine function I didnt expect was
IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO EXPLORE TRANSLATIONS WITH TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTIONS.

Erase all functions in the spaces.

Press the Graph Settings (wrench) button in the top right hand
corner.
Click Grid and watch what happens.
Notice the Radians verses the Degrees. Notice the Unit Circle
Trigonometric Functions.
Type x2 + y2 = 1 in Space 1. What do you notice? (Notebook
Response)

Your Task:
Compare the functions:
o f(x) = sin(x)
o g(x) = sin (x 30)
o h(x) = sin (x + 30)
Write a Notebook Entry describing the differences between these
sine functions. How does the 30 differ between graphs.
Erase the above functions and compare the functions that follow:
o f(x) = cos(x)
o g(x) = cos (4x)
o h(x) = (cos x)
Write a Notebook Entry describing the differences between these
cosine functions. Think about a shift that occurred and why.