STAGE 2 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS NAME:

DIRECTED INVESTIGATION: INVESTIGATING FEATURES OF

TRIGONOMETRIC GRAPHS

TOPIC: TRIGONOMETRIC PRELIMINARIES

Graphs of Trigonometric Functions, Properties of Trigonometric Graphs.

A completed directed investigation should include:

• an introduction that demonstrates an understanding of the features of the problem or
situation investigated;
• evidence that instructions have been followed;
• appropriate representation of information gathered or produced, calculations, and results;
• a summary of results or findings, and conclusions drawn.

Your report should be structured to include:

• Introduction
• Mathematical Investigations
• Analysis/Discussion
• Conclusion
Note: Your report should be written in the form “The analysis ……” rather than
“When I analysed……”, or “When you analyse…….”.

Performance will be assessed on the extent to which the following are demonstrated:
• Mathematical skills and understandings (without electronic technology)
• Mathematical skills and understandings (with electronic technology)
• Analysis and interpretation of results and information
• The communication of mathematical information
• The organisation and presentation of material
• The ability to work independently

Achievement Level
Criteria 0 1 2 3 4 5
Mathematical skills &
understanding (without ET)
Mathematical skills &
understanding (with
ET)
Analysis and interpretation
of results and
information
Communication of
mathematical
information
Organisation &
presentation
Ability to work
independently

Comments:

SSABSA Support Materials: 53669113.doc, last updated 6 July 2004 page 1 of 2

Introduction

When modelling using trigonometric functions, it is important to know about any unusual features
of the graphs.
sin x cos x
During this investigation consider three different trigonometric graphs: y = , y= and
x x
tan x
y= . Look closely at small values of x and discuss the corresponding feature of the graph.
x

Mathematical Investigations, Analysis and Discussion

sin x
1. Draw f ( x) = , − 3π ≤ x ≤ 3π .
x

(a) Find the minimum and maximum values of f(x), and when they occur, for this
domain.
(b) Find the y-intercept. Comment on your findings.
(c) By looking at a table of values, analyse what is happening close to x = 0 (ie. consider
values close to x = 0 and find a trend). Document your procedure as you go.
sin x
(d) Consider y = sin x for x values close to zero. Compare these values to y = for
x
x values close to zero. Explain, by way of examples, what is happening.
(e) Using your knowledge of limits, write an expression for what is happening close to
sin x
x = 0 for y = .
x

cos x
2. Consider g ( x) = , − 3π ≤ x ≤ 3π .
x

(a) Present a graph for the domain.

(b) Supply a detailed discussion for the features of the curve close to x = 0. Your
discussion should include an analysis of a table of values, as well as consideration of
cos x
y = cos x and y= , similar to the methods in Task One.
x

tan x
3. Draw h( x) = , − 3π ≤ x ≤ 3π
x

Explain features of the graph, using similar methods to those in Task Two and Task One.

Extension

You may like to extend your analysis and discussion beyond that suggested above.

Conclusion

Summarise fully your findings from Tasks One, Two, and Three.

SSABSA Support Materials: 53669113.doc, last updated 6 July 2004 page 2 of 2