We have four ways to alter the graph of a function: vertical translation, vertical scaling, horizontal translation, and horizontal scaling. Note that some or all four of these can be applied to a function at once in the sense that you may have to deal with a function of the form y = AsinB(x - C) + D. You should simply work these graphs out one step at a time, concerning yourself first with the affect of B and C, then the affect of the presence of A, and finally the affect of D.

Example:
Draw the graph of y =2 sin(x/2+π/6)+3

Solution
Let’s change this is of the form y = AsinB(x - C) + D
So y =2 sin(x/2+π/6)+3
can be written as y =2 sin ½ [x-(-π/3)]+3
Step 1: Draw sinx

B= ½ .so period is 4pi. That means it completes one cycle after 4pi.so stretch the graph horizontally so that its period is 4pi.

Next, we see that C=-pi/3. This will horizontally shift our graph pi/3units to the left. Thus, we now have


Now A=2, which will vertically scale our graph by a factor of 2. Thus, at this point, our range should now be [-2,2]

Finally, we must shift our graph vertically 3 units due to the presence of D=3. Hence, our range will now move to [1,5]

We can adopt the same method for drawing the graphs of other trigonometric functions. But remember first you should convert the given functions of the form

y = A sinB(x - C) + D

y = A cosB(x - C) + D

y = A tanB(x - C) + D

or accordingly, depending upon which of the trigonometric function is given.