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GCSE Maths: Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs

Recognise and sketch the sine, cosine, tangent and exponential curves. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.

AlgebraHigher tierAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas

What you need to know

The concepts examiners test on trigonometric & exponential graphs, and what each one is really asking.

Sketch the sine and cosine curves between 0 and 360 degrees
Recognise the tangent curve and its asymptotes
Sketch an exponential curve and state its intercept
Use symmetry to find further solutions to a trigonometric equation

Where marks get lost

The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.

  • Confusing the sine and cosine curves — cosine starts at 1, sine starts at 0
  • Drawing the tangent curve as a wave, when it has asymptotes and no maximum
  • Letting an exponential curve touch or cross the x-axis, which it never does
  • Giving only one solution to a trigonometric equation when the symmetry gives more

Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs questions students ask

Is Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs on the Foundation paper?

No — Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs is a Higher tier topic, so it appears on Higher papers only.

What should I know before starting Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs?

It builds on Pythagoras and trigonometry and Other graphs (cubic, reciprocal) and Indices and powers. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs questions assume them.

What is the most common mistake in Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs?

Confusing the sine and cosine curves — cosine starts at 1, sine starts at 0.

Which exam boards cover Trigonometric & Exponential Graphs?

All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.