This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Trigonometric Graphs 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 11 of 11 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 11 of 11
Practice
11 questions
Recall
11 flashcards
Topic Summary: Trigonometric Graphs
Three Graphs at a Glance
- sin x: starts (0, 0), period 360°, amp 1
- cos x: starts (0, 1), period 360°, amp 1
- tan x: period 180°, asymptotes at 90°, 270°
- cos x = sin(x + 90°) — shifted left 90°
Transformations
- a sin x → amplitude = a
- sin(nx) → period = 360°/n
- sin x + c → vertical shift up c
- sin(x − a°) → shift right a°
Key Vocabulary
- Amplitude: distance from midline to max/min
- Period: x-length of one full cycle
- Phase shift: horizontal translation
- Asymptote: vertical line where tan is undefined
Common Errors
- Period of sin(2x) = 720° (should be 180°)
- Only finding one solution to sin x = k
- Thinking cos x starts at 0 (it starts at 1)
- Phase shift direction — inside bracket means opposite