Visualizing trigonometric equations is an important step in understanding the relationship between the X and Y axis.

Without a graph, guessing a complex trigonometric equation’s behavior can become quite a challenge.

Fortunately, Microsoft Excel is an excellent tool for graphing and visualizing data, including trigonometric equations.

A trigonometric equation graphed in Excel

With your data table ready, you could create an Excel chart to graph the equation.

Input the X Values

A graph needs X and Y values.

The smaller the increment between your X values is, the more accurate your graph will be.

Sample trigonometric equation and table in Excel

We’re going to have each X value increase by1/4in this table.

you might calculate the Y values by translating the trigonometric equation into Excel’s language.

It’s essential that you have an understanding of thetrigonometric functions in Excelto proceed with this step.

Inputting the X values for an equation in Excel

When creating your formula, you could use a circumflex (^) to specify the power.

Use parentheses where needed to indicate the order of operations.

Excel will now calculate all Y values in the table.

Calculating the Y values for an equation in Excel

Excel’s trigonometric functions use radians, so this formula will perceive the X values as radians as well.

Create a Scatter Plot Chart

A scatter plot is the best way to graph a trigonometric equation in Excel.

you’re able to now inspect the graph to better understand the equation’s behavior.

Creating a scatter plot in Excel

Still, here are some adjustments that can always improve your trigonometric graph.

Your graph should look tidier now.

Add Minor Gridlines

you might add minor gridlines to make the graph easier to read.

Formatting axis in an Excel chart

To do this, simply right-punch the axis and then selectAdd Minor Gridlines.

Repeat the process for the other axis to add gridlines there as well.

you could then right-tap the axis and selectFormat Minor Gridlinesto change their appearance.

Adding minor gridlines to an Excel chart

This prevents confusion with pi-radians.

Graph It Properly With Excel

Visualizing an equation is vital to understanding it.

This is especially true when you’re dealing with complex trigonometric equations and can’t quickly guess the values.

Axis titles in an Excel chart

Well, there’s no need to tax your brain to get a mental image of an equation.

you’re able to use Excel to efficiently graph a trigonometric function.

The only elements that it’s crucial that you manually input are the starting X value and the increment.

Adding data callouts to an Excel chart

From there, you might have Excel automatically fill in the X values.