Topic 4A: Periodic Function

The equation that represents a circle is x2 + y 2 = r 2

A number line can be placed on the x-axis, tangent to the circle

+ Wrap the number line around the circle

Use the + end to go Counter Clock Wise (CCW)

− Use the – end to go Clock Wise (CW

-

For the point (x, y) on the unit circle:

(x, y)

1
1 y
1
1

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A periodic function - A curve that repeats it's shape over and over again

A Cycle - each repeated portion of the curve

The Amplitude - half the difference between the highest and lowest value (radius)

The y-axis: Represents the height on the circle, which will be dependent on the radius

The Θ axis (new x axis) - represents the angular displacement

as either an angle (rev, rads, degrees) or time (sec)

The period (T) - the Θ distance to one repetition of the cycle

The frequency (f) - the number of repeated cycles per unit of period (reciprocal of the period)

1
f=
T

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Graphing exercise:

1. On a single graph plot y = sin q , y = cosq and y = tan q , using angle increments of 30°.

From the plot above, explain the CAST rule:

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 
As Θ � 90o ( rad) from the 89o (89.9o, 89.99o, 89.999o)
2
the tan 90o � �( a large positive number) Why?


As Θ � 90o ( rad) from the 91o (90.1o, 90.01o, 90.001o)
2
the tan 90o � - �( a large negative number) Why?


The line Θ = 90° or rads is an asymptote (denominator is 0). This is true of all multiples.
2

4
 Try this on your own at home:

2. On the graphs provided, using angle increments of , draw separate graphs of:
2
y = sin q and y = cscq , y = cosq and y = secq , y = tan q and y = cot q

a) A GRAPH OF y = sin q AND y = cscq PLOTTED ON THE SAME AXIS

y = sin Θ y = csc Θ
Period

Amplitude

Intercepts

Max values

Min values

Equation of the asymptotes

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b) A GRAPH OF y = cosq AND y = secq PLOTTED ON THE SAME AXIS

y = cos Θ y = sec Θ
Period

Amplitude

Intercepts

Max values

Min values

Equation of the asymptotes

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c) A GRAPH OF y = tan q AND y = cot q PLOTTED ON THE SAME AXIS

y = tan Θ y = cot Θ
Period

Intercepts

Equation of the asymptotes