Steps to graph a trig function:

1. Identify if there is a negative or a positive on A after the equation is solved to find which way it will start

2. Find the period , you do this by seeing where it has completed it’s curve and is at the same point on the y axis as where the beginning point of the first curve started. OR use the formula p= 2pi/B

3. Find the amplitude , y=Asin Bx , y= Acos Bx

4. Write the five implied points (coming from your unit circle) : pi/2, pi, 3pi/2, 2pi

5. Divide every one of these points by B of equation

6. If anything is added or subtracted in parenthesis in the standard equation, do the opposite for all five points

7. Sketch your graph by using the latest data (either quotient after dividing or the sum or difference of the parenthesis added or subtracted) in their points then sketch.

Note: if it’s cos, it will not start on the x axis, if it is sin, it will.