Graphing Cosine Function

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The relationship between the angles of a right triangle and the ratio of the sides is described by the cosine function, which is a periodic function. It is described as the ratio of the side adjoining an angle (the side that is next to the angle but not the hypotenuse) to the hypotenuse of the triangle.

By plotting points on a coordinate plane and connecting them with a smooth curve, the cosine function can be graphically depicted. Specify a range of values for the angle (typically expressed in degrees) and figure out the corresponding values of the cosine function in order to graph the cosine function.

Below is an example showing how to create the cosine function for angles between 0 and 360 degrees:

  1. Specify the range of values for the angle. In this condition, use values between 0 and 360 degrees.
  2. For every value of the angle, specify the corresponding value of the cosine function. Use a calculator or a table of trigonometric functions to perform this.
  3. Set the points on the coordinate plane. The x-axis should depict the values of the angle, and the y-axis should depict the values of the cosine function.
  4. To create the graph of the cosine function connect the points with a smooth curve.

As the angle expands, the cosine function graph turns into a smooth curve that oscillates between 1 and -1. It will have a period of 360 degrees, which means that it will repeat itself every 360 degrees. As the cosine function is not clear at this point, the graph will have a vertical asymptote at x = 90 degrees.

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