How can I graph trigonometric functions?

Answer 1

The one thing you need to know about trigonometric functions is that they're periodic. As you know, they're based on the unit circle (which is therefore cyclic), since
sin(pi/4) = sin(9pi/4) = sin(17pi/4) = sin(25pi/4) and so forth.

To graph y = sin(x) for instance, you would need to graph these major points:

x = 0, pi/4, pi/2, 3pi/4, pi

And going on the left side,

x = -pi/4, -pi/2, -3pi/4, -pi

You'll have to plot it to test it out. It's not easy to explain. But know that trig functions are all periodic.

Answer 2

the plot for the sine function is a sine wave which repeats every 360 degrees (or 2 PI). It fluctuates above and below the x axis.

The plot for the cosine function is also a sine wave, but it is shifted by 90 degrees from that of the cosine.

The tangent function goes from minus infinity to plus infinity.

You should look these up on the Internet and memorize their shape so you know how to recognize them.

Answer 3

3x^2+4x+7

The power X^2 tells you what the graph will look like, a 2 looks like a parabola.

The end number 7 is the y coordinate of the vertex.

3 shows how wide or narrow the parabola is and which direction it points, a negative is a downward.