GraphsDeep Dive

Transformations of Trig Graphs

Part of Trig Graphs · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This deep dive covers Transformations of Trig Graphs within Trig Graphs for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Trig Graphs in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 11 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 5 of 11 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 5 of 11

Practice

11 questions

Recall

11 flashcards

Transformations of Trig Graphs

Transformation Effect Example
y = a sin x Amplitude = |a| (vertical stretch) y = 3 sin x → oscillates −3 to 3
y = sin(nx) Period = 360°/n (horizontal compression) y = sin(2x) → period = 180°
y = sin x + c Vertical translation up c units y = sin x + 2 → midline at y = 2
y = sin(x − a°) Horizontal translation right a° (phase shift) y = sin(x − 30°) → shifts right 30°
y = −sin x Reflection in x-axis (flips upside down) y = −sin x → inverted wave

Remember: changes inside the brackets → opposite direction (sin(x + a) goes LEFT); changes outside → in the expected direction (sin x + a goes UP).

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.

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)

11 questions on Trig Graphs — practise free

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