Identify the function and its standard form
Rewrite it in the form (y = Asin(B(x – C)) + D) or (y = Acos(B(x – C)) + D)
Compare the given equation to the standard form
Solve for (C)
The phase shift is (C) units to the right if (x – C) appears
The phase shift is (|C|) units to the left if (x + C) appears
For (y = Asin(Bx – C) + D) or (y = Acos(Bx – C) + D), factor out (B) first
Use phase shift (= frac{C}{B}) after factoring
Check the sign to determine left or right
Verify the result by comparing key points on the graph