Grade 11 → Trigonometry → Graphs of Trigonometric Functions ↓
Cosine Graph
In trigonometry, the cosine function is a fundamental function used to relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. The cosine graph is a visual representation of this function, showing how it changes as the angle increases. This article will explain in detail the cosine graph, its properties, and its relation to real-world situations.
Introduction to the cosine function
The cosine function is a recurring function that appears abundantly in mathematics, physics, engineering, and many other fields. In its mathematical form, the cosine function is represented as:
f(x) = cos(x)
This equation tells us that for any angle x
(measured in radians), the function returns the cosine of that angle. The cosine function arises from the unit circle, a circle with radius one and centered at the origin of the coordinate plane. When you draw a point on the circle that makes an angle x
with the positive x-axis, the x-coordinate of this point is equal to cos(x)
.
Basic properties of the cosine graph
The cosine graph exhibits several key properties that make it unique and useful:
- Periodicity: The cosine function repeats every
2π
radians. This means thatcos(x) = cos(x + 2πk)
for any integerk
. - Amplitude: The maximum value of the cosine function is 1, and the minimum value is -1, that is, its amplitude is 1.
- Symmetry: The cosine graph is an even function, which means it is symmetric about the y-axis. This means
cos(-x) = cos(x)
. - Range: The value of the cosine function lies between -1 to 1.
- X-intercepts: These occur at
(π/2 + nπ, 0)
for any integern
. - Y-intercept: The graph intersects the y-axis at (0, 1).
Creating a cosine graph
To better understand the cosine graph, let's plot it over a full cycle from 0
to 2π
.
In the above graph:
- The x-axis shows the angle
x
in radians, from0
to2π
. - The y-axis represents the value of
cos(x)
. - The graph starts at (0, 1), reaches (π/2, 0), falls to (π, -1), rises again to (3π/2, 0), and ends the cycle at (2π, 1).
Transform of cosine graph
Like other trigonometric functions, the cosine graph can be transformed in various ways, including shift, stretch, and reflection. We will discuss some common transformations.
Vertical stretch and compression
Vertical stretching or compression changes the amplitude of the cosine graph. The function can be written as:
f(x) = A cos(x)
where A
is a constant. If |A| > 1
, the graph is stretched vertically, increasing the amplitude. If |A| < 1
, the graph is compressed.
For example, consider:
f(x) = 2 * cos(x)
Here, the amplitude is increased to 2. This stretches the graph such that it now ranges from -2 to 2.
Horizontal shift
Horizontal shift involves moving the graph left or right along the x-axis. Horizontal shift is represented as:
f(x) = cos(x - C)
where C
is the shift. If C > 0
, the graph shifts to the right by C
units, while if C < 0
, it shifts to the left.
For example, consider:
f(x) = cos(x - π/4)
In this graph, the cosine wave is shifted to the right by π/4
.
Vertical shift
Vertical shifts move the graph up or down, modifying its baseline. This is expressed as:
f(x) = cos(x) + D
Where D
is the vertical displacement. If D > 0
, the graph shifts upward, and if D < 0
, it shifts downward.
For example, consider:
f(x) = cos(x) + 1
Here, the entire graph is shifted 1 unit upward.
Phase shift
Phase change is the combination of horizontal and vertical changes and can be expressed as:
f(x) = cos(Bx - C)
This shifts the graph horizontally by C/B
units. The constant B
affects the period and phase of the cosine wave.
For example:
f(x) = cos(2x - π/2)
In this example, the function experiences a phase shift to the right by π/4
.
Real-world applications of the cosine function
The cosine function has many practical applications in various fields. Its periodic nature makes it ideal for modeling cyclic phenomena. Below are some examples:
Sound waves
Sound waves act in a periodic manner, and the cosine function is often used to model simple harmonic motions, such as pure tones.
Light waves
Just like sound waves, light waves also exhibit periodic behavior. Cosine functions can describe oscillations in the electromagnetic field associated with light waves.
Circular motion
When an object moves in a circle at constant speed, its projection on the x and y axes is modeled using cosine and sine functions respectively. This is evident in circular motion analysis in physics.
Conclusion
The cosine graph is a powerful tool in mathematics and science, helping to depict and analyze periodic behaviors. Through understanding its properties and transformations, one can apply the cosine function to a multitude of real-life phenomena and mathematical problems. By mastering these concepts, you establish a solid foundation for further exploring and understanding the beauty and applicability of trigonometric functions.