ABSTRACT
Trigonometric graphs are commonly used in all areas of science and engineering for modelling many different natural and mechanical phenomena such as waves, engines, acoustics, electronics, populations, UV intensity, growth of plants and animals. Periodic trigonometric graphs mean that the shape repeats itself exactly after a certain amount of time. Anything that has a regular cycle, like the tides, temperatures and rotation of the Earth, can be modelled using a sine or cosine curve. The most common periodic signal waveform that is used in electrical and electronic engineering is the sinusoidal waveform. However, an alternating a.c. waveform may not always take a smooth shape based around the sine and cosine function; a.c. waveforms can also take the shape of square or triangular waves that is complex waves. In engineering, it is therefore important to have a clear understanding of sine and cosine waveforms.
