COS (cosine) vs. SIN (sine)

A cosine function looks like a sine function, which has been shifted /2 to the left. So unlike the sine function, which on a normal function has its mid point on the x-axis, a cosine function starts with a high point. At /2, the sine function has reached its high point, and the cosine function is on the x-axis. At , the sine function is on the x-axis and the cosine is at its low point. At 3/2, the sine function is at its low point, and the cosine is on the x-axis. Finally at 2, the cosine function is at its high point, and the sine function is on the x-axis. A sine function is odd and cosine is even.

This chart summarizes the key points of a sin x and a cos x function in terms of radians.


This is the basic cosine function: y=cosx

Compared to the basic sine function: y=sinx

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