How to Find the Period in a Graph?

Identify a repeating pattern in the graph

Find two consecutive matching points on the pattern

Measure the horizontal distance between them

Use the same x-values where the graph repeats in the same way

For sine and cosine graphs, the period is the length of one full cycle

For tangent graphs, the period is the distance between repeating vertical asymptotes or matching branches

If the graph is transformed, use the formula period = 2π / |b| for sine and cosine

If the graph is transformed, use the formula period = π / |b| for tangent

Check that the interval covers one complete repeat of the graph

State the period in units of the x-axis