How do you graph y=-cosx?

1 Answer
Aug 30, 2016

The graph of y=-cos(x) is below:
graph{-cos(x) [-6, 6, -2, 2]}
See the explanation.

Explanation:

Start from y=cos(x):
graph{cos(x) [-6, 6, -2, 2]}

For the same value of argument x function -cos(x) takes a value that is equal to the value of cos(x) by absolute value, but opposite in sign.

So, whenever cos(x) is positive, -cos(x) is symmetrically negative with the X-axis being an axis of symmetry.
And, whenever cos(x) is negative, -cos(x) is symmetrically positive with the X-axis being an exis of symmetry.

The graph of y=-cos(x) is below:
graph{-cos(x) [-6, 6, -2, 2]}
As you see, it's mirror image of a graph of function y=cos(x) with the X-axis acting as a mirror..

In general, graphs of y=f(x) and y=-f(x) are symmetrical relative to the X-axis.