GraphsDiagram

The Sine and Cosine Waves

Part of Trig Graphs — GCSE Mathematics

This diagram covers The Sine and Cosine Waves within Trig Graphs for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Trig Graphs in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 11 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 11 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 3 of 11

Practice

11 questions

Recall

11 flashcards

The Sine and Cosine Waves

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Trig Graphs. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Three Trigonometric Graphs — Quick Reference Key Points to Know by Heart The Language of Waves Transformations of Trig Graphs

Practice Questions for Trig Graphs

What is the period of the graph y = sin x?

A. 90°
B. 180°
C. 360°
D. 720°

1 markfoundation

Explain the relationship between the graphs of y = sin x and y = cos x.

2 markshigher

Quick Recall Flashcards

How are the sine and cosine graphs related?

The cosine graph is the sine graph shifted 90° to the LEFT. cos x = sin(x + 90°) OR sin x = cos(x - 90°) Both have the same shape, amplitude and period — the cosine graph simply starts at its maximum (1) rather than at zero.

Describe the key features of the sine graph y = sin x

Shape: smooth wave (S-shaped repeating curve) Amplitude: 1 (max value = 1, min value = -1) Period: 360° (repeats every 360°) Passes through: (0, 0), (90°, 1), (180°, 0), (270°, -1), (360°, 0) Symmetry: origin symmetry (odd function)

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The Three Trigonometric Graphs — Quick Reference

Key Points to Know by Heart