Role of a, b, k and c in y = a + b cos(k(x - c))

The purpose of this applet is to illustrate how the values of a, b, c and k affect the graph of the cosine function. Use it as follows:

Use the scroll bar to change the values of a, b, k and c. The graph of the cosine function should change as these values change. The value of each parameter to the left of the scroll bar should also be updated. The changes should happen as follows:

  1. Changing a will move the graph up or down by |a| units.
  2. Changing b will change the amplitude (thus the range).
  3. Changing k affects the period. The period is 2 pi / k.
  4. Changing c will cause the graph to be shifted left or right by |c| units.