Vertical shift
This original textbook reading covers part of the AP topic. Follow the AP course outline for complete topic instruction and practice.
- Vertical shift
The distance that a sinusoidal function is shifted up or down. It is the distance from the middle of the function to the x-axis. The vertical shift is represented by C in the general sinusoidal equation,
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Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Vertical shift
A vertical shift adds the same constant to every output of a function. The graph of f(x)+k is shifted upward by k when k is positive and downward when k is negative. For example, sin x+3 has midline y=3. The shift changes the midline without changing a sinusoid’s amplitude or period.