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What’s the difference between a cos graph and sin graph? (Trigonometry)

User Fedeghe
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The graph of y=sin x is symmetric about the origin, because it is an odd function. The graph of y=cos x is symmetric about the y-axis, because it is an even function.
User Pedro Coelho
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In trigonometry, the sine (sin) and cosine (cos) functions are two of the most important functions used to describe the relationship between angles and the sides of a right triangle. While they are both trigonometric functions, there are some key differences between the graphs of the sine and cosine functions.

The main difference between the graphs of the sine and cosine functions is their shape. The sine function produces a curve that starts at zero, increases to a maximum value of 1 at pi/2 radians (or 90 degrees), returns to zero at pi radians (or 180 degrees), reaches a minimum value of -1 at 3pi/2 radians (or 270 degrees), and returns to zero at 2pi radians (or 360 degrees). This graph is often referred to as a "wave" or "undulating" pattern.

On the other hand, the cosine function also produces a curve that starts at one, decreases to a minimum value of -1 at pi radians (or 180 degrees), returns to one at 2pi radians (or 360 degrees), and then repeats the same pattern. The cosine graph looks like a "wave" that has been shifted 90 degrees to the left or right, depending on how it is drawn.

Another difference between the graphs of the sine and cosine functions is their relationship to the unit circle. The sine function corresponds to the y-coordinate of a point on the unit circle, while the cosine function corresponds to the x-coordinate of the same point.

In summary, while the sine and cosine functions are both trigonometric functions used to describe the relationship between angles and sides of a right triangle, their graphs have different shapes and patterns. The sine function produces a wave-like pattern, while the cosine function is similar to a shifted version of the sine function.

User Mark Leong
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