Videos, worksheets, games and activities to help ​Algebra 2​ students learn

how to find the equation of a given sine or cosine graph.

We have included a tool that with plot the sine graph f(x) = A sin(B(x-h))+
k, given the values A, B, h and k. Use it to check your answers.

The following diagram shows how to find the equation of a sine graph. Scroll
down the page for examples and solutions.

Find an Equation for the Sine or Cosine Wave

When finding the equation for a trig function, try to identify if it is a sine or
cosine graph.
To find the equation of sine waves given the graph
1. Find the amplitude which is half the distance between the maximum and
minimum.
2. Find the period of the function which is the horizontal distance for the
function to repeat. If the period is more than 2π then B is a fraction; use the
formula period = 2π/B to find the exact value.
3. Find any phase shift, h.

How to determine the equation of a sine and cosine graph?

The general equation of a sine graph is y = A sin(B(x - D)) + C
The general equation of a cosine graph is y = A cos(B(x - D)) + C
Example: