lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Mathematics Grade 11 Notes - Functions

Mathematics (High School - South Africa)

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

MATHEMATICS
GRADE 11 NOTES
ON FUNCTION

Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)

 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Functions

General definition

Types of functions

Linear Quadratic Hyperbola Exponential Inverse

function function function

y = ax + q y = a(x + p)2 + q a y = abx+p + q

y= x+p +q b > 0,b ≠ 1

1
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Properties of functions:
Axis of symmetry
Domain
Range
Notation

y = ax + q y = a(x + p)2 + q a y = abx+p + q

y= x+p +q b > 0,b ≠ 1

a>0

a>0

5.1 STRAIGHT LINE

General representation or equation

y = ax + q or y = mx + x.

a or m is the gradient and q or c is the y - intercept

Also note the shape of the following linear functions:
y y y y

x x x x

a<0 a=0 a>0 a is undefined

q<0 y=q q<0 there is no q-value

Domain and range is x∈R and y∈R respectively.

2
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

5.2 HYPERBOLA
General representation or equation
a a a a
y = y = y = +q
x or x + q or x - p or+ q y x=+ p

Dotted lines are asymptotes Dotted lines are asymptotes

• q is the vertical translation

• p is the horizontal translation
• For y = ax , p = 0 and q = 0. The vertical asymptote is and the horizontal asymptote
is y = 0. The axes of symmetry are y = x (Positive) and y = -x (Negative).
Domain is x ≠ 0, x∈
Range is y = ≠ 0, y∈
• For y = ax + q, p = 0. The vertical asymptote is x = 0 and the horizontal asymptote is y = q. The axes
of symmetry are y = x + q (Positive) and y = x + q (Negative).
Domain is x ≠ 0, x∈
Range is y = ≠ 0, y∈
• For y = ax + q, p = 0 the vertical asymptote is x = 0 and the horizontal asymptote is y = q. The axis of
symmetry is .
Domain is x ≠ - p, x∈
Range is y ≠ q, y∈
• For y = ax + p + q, ˃ (y - q) (x + p) = a the vertical asymptote is x + - p and the horizontal asymptote
is y = q. The axis of symmetry is y = ± (x + p) + q.
• Domain is x ≠ - p, x∈
• Range is y ≠ q, y∈

Example 1

3
Given f (x) = +1
x-2

1.1 Write down the equations of the asymptotes of f.

1.2 Determine: the coordinates of B; the x-intercept of f.
1.3 Determine: the coordinates of D; the y-intercept of f.
1.4 Determine the domain and the range of f.
1.5 Determine the decreasing and increasing functions of the axes of symmetry of f.
1.6 Draw a sketch graph of f.

3
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Solution:
1.1 y = 1
x=2

1.2 3
y= +1
x-2
3
0= +1
x-2
-x+2=3
x=-1

1.3 3
y= +1
0-2
1
y= -
2

1.4 Domain: x∈, x ≠ 2

Range: y∈ y ≠ 1

1.5 Increasing axis of symmetry: y=x+

c
1=2+c
c = -1
y = x -1

Decreasing axis of symmetry: y=x+c

1 = -2 + c
y=-x+3

1.6
y
14

12

10

x
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-2

-4

-6

-8

-10

4
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Activity 2.1

1. Given: h(x) = 12 + 6 for x > 0

x-4

1.1 Draw a neat sketch graph of h in your workbook. Show all intercepts with the axes and asymptotes.

1.2 Write down the equation of k if k is a reflection of h about the x-axis.

2. The diagram above shows the graph for f (x) = a
+ q.
x+p
The lines x = –1 and y = 1 are the asymptotes of f. P (-2; 4) is a point on f and T is the x–intercept of f.
y

P(-2; 4)

1
0 x
-1 T

2.1 Determine the values of a, p, and q.

2.2 Calculate: the coordinates of T; the x–intercept of f.
2.3 Determine the value of c if the graph of f is symmetrical with respect to the line .

5.3 PARABOLA

• You need to know how to solve quadratic equations, in order to be able to deal
with parabola.
• The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax2+bx + c = 0
• If a quadratic equation is already factorized and one side is equal to zero, then the
equation is in standard form and you should just write the answers from the given factors.
• If one side is factorized and the other side is not equal to zero, then first write the
question in standard form and then factorize.
• When the question says correct to one or two decimal places, you are expected to
solve the quadratic equation using the quadratic formula.
• If you struggle to find factors of a quadratic equation by inspection, use the quadratic formula
• For the inequality, simplify so that the right-hand side is 0.
• Then use the graphic (draw the sketch of the parabola) or number line method.

Examples:
1 Solve for x:
x(x- 1) = 0

Solution:
x = 0 or x-1= 0
x = 0 or x= 1

5
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

2 Solve for x:
(x-3)(x+5) = 9
x2 + 5x - 3x - 9 = 0
x2 + 2x - 9 = 0

- b ± √b 2-4ac
x=
2a

- 2 ± √4 2 - 4 (1)(-9)
x=
2(1)
x = 2,16 or x = -5,16

3 Solve for x:
15x - 4 > 9x2
15x - 4 - 9x2 > 0
9x2 - 15x + 4 < 0
(3x - 1) (3x - 4) < 0

◄ O O ►
1 4
3 3

1 4
<x<
3 3

6
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Activity 3.1

1. Given x2 + 2x = 0

1.1 Solve for x

1.2 So, you must determine the values of x for which x2 ≥ - 2x

2. Solve for x:
2
2x - 3x - 7 = 0 (correct to TWO decimal places)

3. Solve for x
√x - 2 + x = 4

ANSWERS
1.1 x = 0 or x = -2
1.2 x ≤ -2 or x ≥ 0
2. x = 2,77 or x = -1,27
3. x = 3 is the only solution

3.2 General representation or equation

y = ax2 or y = ax2 + q or y = a (x + p)2 + q or y = ax2 + bx + c

Important deductions

for a < 0 for a > 0

• For y = ax2, p = 0 and q = 0, the turning point is (0;0) and y-intercept is y = 0

The domain is x∈ and the range is y ≥ 0; y∈ if a > 0 or y ≤ 0; y∈ or R if a < 0
• For y = ax2 + q, p = 0, the turning point is (0;q) and y-intercept is y = q
The domain is x∈ and the range is y ≥ q; y∈ if a > 0 or y ≤ 0; y∈ if a < 0
• For y = a (x + p)2 + q, the turning point is (-p; q) and y-intercept is y = a (p)2 + q
The domain is x∈ and the range is y ≥ q; y∈ if a > 0 or y ≤ 0; y∈ if a < 0

• For y = ax2 + bx + c, the turning point is - b ; 4ac - b2 and y-intercept is

2a 4a
y=c

• The domain is x∈ and the range is 4ac - b2 if a > 0 or

y≥ ; y
∈
4a
2
4yac≤- b
4a ; y∈ if a < 0

The roots or x-intercepts are determined by equating y to zero and solving for x.

7
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

3.3 Sketch the graph of a parabola: You need:

• the y-intercept (here x = 0)
• the x-intercepts (here y = 0)
• the axis of symmetry (here x = - b obtained by noting that at the turning point of
2a
, so 2ax + b = 0 . That means x = b
2 dy
y = ax + bx + c = 0 we have
dx 2a.
• the maximum/ minimum value is obtained by substituting the axis of
symmetry in the given equation.

Example:
Sketch the graph of y = f(x) = x2 - 5x - 6

y-intercept
If x = 0 , then f(0) = - 6

x-intercepts
If y = 0, then x2 - 5x - 6 = 0
(x - 6) (x + 1) = 0
x = 6 or x = - 1

The axis of symmetry

-b -5
x= , so x =
2a 2(1)
5
x=-
2

Corresponding y-value (maximum/ minimum)

5 = 5 2 - 5 -6
f
2 2 2
1 y
= 12
4

x
(-1;0) (6;0)

1 1
2 2 ; -12 4
Finding the equation of a given parabola:
• given the roots x1 and x2 , use y = a (x - x1)(x - x2)
• given the turning point (p;q), use y =a(x - p)2 - q
• given three points on the on the graph, with one being the intercept, substitute the other two points
into y = ax2 + bx + c and solve the equations simultaneously. The y-value is given by the y-intercept
simultaneous equations.
• Make x or y the subject of the formula in a simpler equation, such as a linear equation.
• Avoid solving for x or y if it has a co-efficient other than 1.
• Substitute for x or y in a more complex equation, such as a quadratic equation.
• Then solve the resulting equation.

8
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

• Substitute these values in either equation to get the corresponding values.

Examples

4. Solve for x and y:

y + 2x = 2 ............... (1)
2x2 + y2 = 3yx........... (2)
From (1) y = 2-2x ....... (3)
Substitute (3) into (2)
2x 2 + (2 - 2x)2 = 3x (2 - 2x)
2x 2 + 4 - 8x + 4x 2 = 6x - 6x 2
12x2 - 14x + 4 = 0
6x2 - 7x + 2 = 0
(3x - 2)(2x - 1) = 0
2 1
x= or x =
3 2
Substitute into (3)
2
y=2-23 y = 2 -2 1
or 2
2
= = 1
3

5. Determine the equation of the parabola passing through (1;2) and (-2;-2) and cutting the y-axis -1.

Solution:
Using the y-intercept, we get y = ax2 + bx - 1
(1;2) gives 2 = a + b - 1…..................(1)
(-2;-2) gives -2 = a(-2)2 + b (-2) - 1
-2 = 4a - 2b - 1… .... (2)
From (1): a = 3 - b
Substitute into (2) : -2 = 4(3-b) - 2b - 1
-2 = 12 - 6b - 1
13
b = -
6
31
a =
6

6. Determine the equation of a graph with x-intercepts at -2 and 4 and with y-intercept at -6.

Solution:
y = a(x - x1)(x - x2)
y = a(x+ 2)(x- 4)
The y-intercept is (0; - 6)
So -6 = a(0 + 2)(0 - 4)
-6 = -8a
a= 3
4

y = 3 x2 - 3 x - 6
4 2

9
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

7. Determine the equation of a parabola with turning point (1;2) and passing through (2;-4).

Solution:
y = a(x-p)2 + q
y = a(x-1)2 + 2 since (1;2) is the turning point
-4 = a(2-1)2 + 2 since (2;-4) is on the parabola
a = -6
y = -6x2 + 12x - 4

8. Sketched below are the graphs of: g (x) = -2x + 8, f (x) = x2 + k and
6
h(x) = + 1
x-2

A and B are the x - and y - intercepts of h respectively, C (−6 ; 20) and E is the point of intersection of f and g .
y

D
C (-6)

h
f

0 E
x
A
B g

8.1 Calculate the coordinates of A, B and E.

8.2 Show that the value of k = -16.
8.3 Determine the domain and the range of f .
8.4 Write down the values of x for which g(x) - f(x) ≥ 0.
8.5 Determine the equation of the symmetry axis of h if the gradient is negative.
8.6 Write down the range of s, if s(x) = f(x) + 2.
8.7 Write down the range of t, if t(x) = h(x) + 2.

Solutions:
To answer the above questions, you need to identify all the functions, in order to apply the deductions
indicated above.

At A, y = 0, so 6 6
+1=0 At B, x = 0, so y = +1
x-2 -2
6 = -x + 2 y = -3 + 1
4 = -x y = -2
x = -4

Thus, A (- 4;0) Thus, B (0;-2)

10
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

8.1 A and B are the x and y intercepts of g, respectively.

E is the x-intercept of the straight line and the parabola. It is easy and straight forward to use the
equation of the straight line to get the coordinates of E.
At E, y = 0, then 0 = -2x + 8
2x = 8
x=4 Thus E (4;0)

8.2 C(-6; 20) is on f and g, substituting into

y = x2 + k 20 = (-6)2 + k
20 - 36 = k
k = -16

8.3 Domain is x∈

Range is y ≥ - 16; y∈

8.4 These are values of x for which the graph of g and f intersect or f is below g.
It is from C (-6;20) and E (4;0)
That is - 6 ≤ x ≤ 4

8.5 For negative gradient, y = - (x - 2) + 1

y = -x + 2 + 1
y = -x + 3

8.6 + 2 implies the value of p is increased by 2.

The range of s is y ≥ - 16 + 2
y ≥ 14

8.7 + 2 implies the value of p is increased by 2.

The range of t is y ≠ 1 + 2; y∈
y ≠ 3; y∈

5.4 EXPONENTIAL

5.4.1 General representation or equation:

y = abx or y = abx + q or y = abx+p + q

The restriction is b > 0; b ≠ 1

5.4.2 Important deductions

for a < 0 and 0 < b < 1 for a > 0 and b > 1 for a > 0 and 0 < b for a < 0 and b > 1

• For y = abx, the asymptote is y = 0 and the y-intercept is y = a

• For y = abx+p + q, the asymptote is y = q and y-intercept is y = a + q

11
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

• For y = abx+p + q, the asymptote is y = q and y-intercept is y = ab p + q

5.4.3 CONCEPTS AND SKILLS:

• Sketch the graph of the exponential functions defined by with correct shape.
• Interpret the graph, i.e. determine the following: intercepts with the axes, domain, range,
equations of asymptotes, increasing/ decreasing intervals and reflection.
• Determine the equation of a given exponential graph.

5.4.4 PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:

• Solving exponential equations.
• Solving simultaneous equations (intersection points).
• Sketching exponential graphs done in Grade 10.
• Identifying increasing and decreasing exponential graphs.
• Determining the asymptotes of the exponential graph.
• Determining domain and range.
• Making deductions from the given sketch.
NB: The starting point must be the "mother function".

5.4.5 Definitions:
• Asymptotes: These are the lines that a graph ‘tends towards’, but doesn’t reach.
• A function is increasing if the values of y increase as x values increase.
• A function is decreasing if the values of y decrease as x values increase.
• Domain: These are x-values for which the graph is defined or a set of values assigned to the
independent variables of a function.
y = bx ; (b > 1) y = b x ; (b > 1)
3
3 2
2 1
1

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
-3 -2 -1 -1 0 1 2 3 -1
-2 -2
-3 -3

Increasing function Decreasing function

• Range: A set of values that a function can take for all possible x-values.
• Shapes
EXAMPLE: When drawing an exponential graph, please begin by sketching the graph of
y = 2 x ; then draw a graph of g(x) = 2 x+1 -3

g
x
y=2 1

-3

12
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

The horizontal asymptote is at y = -3

For x-intercept: Let y = 0; for y-intercept let x = 0

4.6 SKETCHING THE EXPONENTIAL EQUATION OF THE FORM:

Procedure for drawing graphs:
• Write down the asymptotes.
• Draw the asymptotes on the set of axes as dotted lines.
• Determine the x- intercept(s); let y = 0
• Determine the y- intercept(s); let x = 0
• Plot the points; then draw the graph using free-hand.

Example 1
Given the equation of graph of f(x) = 2x :

(a) Write down the domain and range of f.

(b) Sketch the graph of f showing intercept(s) with axes.
(c) Write down the equation of the graph of g, i.e. the reflection of f in the y-axis.
(d) Write down the equation of graph h, i.e. the reflection of f in the x-axis.
(e) Write down the equation of the asymptote of g.
(f) Sketch the graphs of f, g and h on the same system of axes.
(g) Are f, g and h increasing or decreasing?

y = bx ; (b > 1)

1
0

Solutions:
(a) Domain: x∈
(b) Range: y > 0; y∈ 1 x
(c) g(x) = 2-x is the same as g(x) = 2 which is a reflection of f(x) = 2 x about the y-axis, since x has
been replaced with – x.
(d) h(x) = - f (x) = -2x
(e) y = 0
(f)
y = 2x , b > 1
4

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2
-1

-2
h
-3

(g) f is an increasing function

g and h are decreasing functions

13
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Sketch the graphs of the following on separate axes:

1 x
(a) y = 2.2x and y = 2 .2
1 1 x
(b) y = 2 x + 2 and y= 2 -4

(c) y = 2.2x + 2 and y = 2.2x - 4

Draw a conclusion about the effect of a and q in the functions above.

Solutions
If a becomes smaller, the graph opens or flattens
If q is positive, the graph moves upwards; if q is negative, the graph moves downwards

Sketch the graph of the form y = ab x + p + q; (b > 0, b ≠1)

Example: Sketch the graph of the function f (x) = 2x+1 -1

Solution:
Step 1: y-intercept: x = 0
0+1
y=2 -1
=1

Step 2: Take x-value on the left of the y-intercept:

-1+1
y=2 -1
=0

Step 3: Take x- value on the right of the y-intercept:

1+1
y=2 -1
=3

Step 4: The equation of the horizontal asymptote: y = –1

Step 5: Draw the asymptote, plot the points and join them.

Given f (x) = 3x-1 +2

(a) Write down the domain and the range of f.

(b) Sketch the graph of f , showing intercept(s) with axes.
(c) Write down the equation of the graph of g, i.e. the reflection of f in the y-axis.
(d) Write down the equation of graph h, i.e. the reflection of f in the x-axis.
(e) Write down the equation of the asymptote of g.
(f) Sketch the graphs of f, g and h on the same system of axis.

14
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Solution:
(a) Domain: x∈
Range: y∈, y ≠ 2 y
(b)
8
6
4 f
2

-3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6
x

-2

-4
-6
-8

-10

(c) g(x) = 3-x-1 + 2

(d) h(x) = -3x-1 - 2
(e) x = 2
(f) y

g f

2
x
-2

Note that:
• For the graph of y = ab x+p + q
• p affects the horizontal (right for p < 0 or left for p > 0) shift of the graph
• q affects the vertical (up for q > 0 or down for q < 0) movement of the graph

Activity 4.1
1. Complete the following table:
Function Increasing or Asymptote x-intercept Domain and Rough sketch
decreasing range
x+1
y=2 -2
y = -2x-2 + 1
y = 2.2x-3 -4
1 x +1
y= 2 +2
1 x +2
y=2 2 -2
Draw each graph to confirm the properties and shapes written above.

15
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

2. In the figure, f is symmetrical to g about the line y = x. P(1 ; 3) is a point on g.

y g

P(1;3)
B
f

x
C

(a) Determine the value of a if g(x) = ax.

(b) Determine the coordinates of B and C.
(c) Write down the equation of f.
(d) Determine the equation of h, if h is symmetrical to g about the y-axis.

3. The graphs of f(x) = 2 x - 8 and ax2 + bx + c are sketched below. B and C (0; 4,5) are the y-intercepts
of the graphs of f and g, respectively. The two graphs intersect at A, which is the turning point of the
graph of g and the x-intercept of the graphs of f and g.

6
C (0 ;4,5) f
4
g
2
A
-10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
-2

-4

-6
A
-8

-10

(a) Determine the coordinates of A and B.

(b) Write down the equation of the asymptote of the graph of f.
(c) Determine the equation of h if h(x) = f(2x) + 8.
(d) Determine an equation of h -1 in the form y = ...
(e) Write down an equation of p, if p is the reflection of h-1 about the x-axis.

5.5 CUBIC GRAPHS

1. You need to know how to deal with cubic equations, in order to be able to deal with cubic graphs.
Being able to differentiate is also helpful here.
2. There are two ways of finding the derivative, i.e. using the power rule and using first principles. First
principles involves the definition lim
h→0
f (x + h) - f(x)
h

16
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

3. Differentiating by using the power rule (If f(x) = ax n, then f ' (x) = anx n-1) is very useful when dealing
with cubic graphs.
4. Don’t forget, derivative notation f ' (x).
5. Simplify the expression first, removing any surds and quotients, etc.
6. The following simplification rule will prove helpful: a + b = a + b + b and
c c c
5
√x = x
5 3
3
7. It useful to know

Examples
1. Use two methods to show that when you differentiate y = x2 you get the same answer.
Solution:

Using the rule:

dy
= 2x
dx

Using first principles:

f ' (x) = hlim f (x + h) - f (x)
→0
h→0
h
2 2
= hlim
→0
(x + h) - x
h→0
h

= hlim
→0
x2 + 2xh + h2 - x2
h→0
h

= lim (2x + h)
→0
hh→0

= 2x

Both methods yield the same answer.

2. Determine if dy if y = (x + 1)(x - 2)
dx

Solution:
y = x2 + x - 2x - 2
= x2 - x - 2
dy
= 2x -1
dx

3. Compare the answers you get when using two methods to differentiate.

f (x) = - 2
x

17
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

4. Differentiate:
3
4.1 f (x) = (x + 2)
√x

x2 - 1
4.2 y =
2x + 2
1
4.3 y = √3 x2 - 2 x

Solutions:
4.1 f (x) = x3 + 4x2 + 8x +8
5
x21
3 1 -1
= x2 + 4x 2 + 8x 2 + 8x 2
' 5 3 1
-1 -3
f (x) = 2 x + 6x + 4x 2 - 4x2
2 2

3 1
4 4
= x + 6x +
2 2 -
√x √x3

4.2 y = x2 - 1
2x + 2

= (x + 1)(x - 1)
2 (x + 1)

= x - 1
2 2

dy = 1
dx 2

1
4.3 y = x 23 - x
2

1
dy = 3 x 2 - 1
dx 2 2

The cubic function is important. You will be asked to either sketch the graph of a cubic function, or to
determine its equation if the graph is given. Remember that, at a turning point, the derivative is zero.
Note:

1. A cubic graph could be written as: y = m(x - x1)(x - x22)(x - x3) where x1 ; x2 ; x3 are x-intercepts.
2. Another form of a cubic equation is: = m(x - x )(x - x ) , where x is a stationary point and also an
1 2 2
x-intercept.

18
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

5. Given f (x) = x3 - 4x2 - 11x + 30

5.1 Use the fact that f(2) = 0 to write a factor of f(x).

5.2 Calculate the coordinates of the intercepts of f(x).

Solution:
3
f(x) = x - 4x2 - 11x + 30
= (x - 2)(x2 - 2x - 15)
= (x - 2)(x + 3)(x - 5)
f(x) = 0
(x + 3)(x - 2)(x- 5) = 0
x = - 3 or x = 2 or x = 5
x-intercepts (-3,0); (2,0) and (5,0)

5.3 Calculate the coordinates of the stationary point of f.

Solution:
3
f(x) = x - 4x2 - 11x + 30
2
f(x) = 3x - 8x - 11

At turning points f '(x) = 0

(x + 1)(3x - 11) = 0
x = -1 or x = - 11
3

if x = -1, then y = 36 and if x = -11 then y = - 400

3 27
TP are (-1;36) and 11; -14,81
3

5.4 Sketch the curve of f. Show all intercepts with the axes.

Solution: y

(-1;36)
(0;30)

(-3;0)
(2:0) (5:0)
x

(3.67; -14.81)

5.5 For which values of x will f (x) < 0 ?

Solution:
f(x) < 0 if -1 < x < 3,67

19
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

QUESTIONS FROM PAST EXAMINATION PAPERS

QUESTION 1

1.1 Sketched below are the functions: f(x) = 2x2 - 6x - 20 and g(x) = -2x + k.
y

x
A0 B

C
D
g

Determine:
1.1.1 The coordinates of turning point D.
1.1.2 The coordinates of A and B.
1.1.3 The value of k .
1.1.4 The values of p, if 2x2 - 6x + p = 0 has no real roots.
1.1.5 For which values of x is f(x).g(x) ≤ 0.
1.1.6 The value of t if y = -2x + t is a tangent to f .

1.2 Consider the following two functions: p(x) = x2 + 1 and r(x) = x2 + 2x.
1.2.1 How will you shift p to become the function r ?
1.2.2 Write down the range of p.

QUESTION 2
The sketch below shows the graphs of g(x) = - x2 + 2x + 3. and h(x) = ax + q. The graphs intersect at
B and E. The graph of g intersects the x – axis at A and B and has a turning point at C. The graph of h
intersects the y – axis at D. The length of CD is 6 units.
y

x
A o B

D g
E

2.1 Determine the coordinates of B and C.

2.2 Write down the coordinates of D.
2.3 Write down the values of a and q.
2.4 Determine the coordinates of E.

20
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

QUESTION 3

The function f is given by the equation y = - x2 -2x + 8

3.1 Determine all the intercepts of f(x) with the axes.
3.2 Determine the turning point of f(x).
3.3 Determine the value of c if the graph g(x) = - 4x + c is a tangent to the graph of f (x).

QUESTION 4

The graphs of the functions g(x) = -1.2 (x+p) + q and f(x = ax 2 + bx + c) are drawn below.
y

4
g
f

0 x

4.1 Show that p = 1 and q = 4.

4.2 Determine the y- intercept of g(x).
4.3 Determine the equation of f(x).
4.4 Write down the range of g (x).
4.5 Explain how increasing the value of q will change the graph of g (x).

QUESTION 5

2
Below is the graph of g : x → + q, with a point (2; - 6) on the graph.
x-3
y

x
0
g

(2 ; -6)

5.1 Write down the equations of the asymptotes of g.

5.2 Determine the domain of the graph of g.
5.3 Determine the equation of f(x) = -2 g(x + 2).

21
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

QUESTION 6

The equation of a function f is given by

-3
f(x) = +1
x-2

6.1 Determine the asymptotes of f(x).

6.2 Determine the x and y intercepts.
6.3 Draw a neat sketch of f on the given diagram sheet.
6.4 Write down the asymptotes of k(x), if k(x) is a function where f(x) is moved 5 units to the left and 1
unit down.

QUESTION 7

In the diagram is the graphs of: h(x) = px + q and g(x) = ax2 + bx + c, f touches the x axis at
(-2 ; 0); h and g intersect at (0;4); T(-1; 6) lies on the graph of h.
y

4
h
x
(- 2 : 0) 0

7.1 Determine the equation of g.

7.2 Determine the value of p and q.
7.3 For what values of x is h(x) < g(x)?
7.4 Describe the transformation from g to p if p(x)= x2

QUESTION 8

a
The diagram below shows the graph of: f(x) = + q T (5;3) is a point on f.
x-p
y
a
5

2
p 1

x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
-1

-2

-3

22
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

8.1 Determine the values of p, q and a.

8.2 Write down the equation of p(x) if p(x) = f(x + 1) - 2.
8.3 If the new graph p(x) is reflected across the line with equation y = - x + c, then the new graph will be
exactly y = f(x). Determine the value of c.

QUESTION 9

Given: f(x) = 1 x2 , x ≤ 0
4

9.1 Determine the equation of f-1 in the form f -1 (x)…

9.2 On the same system of axes, sketch the graphs of f and f-1 . Indicate clearly the intercepts with the
axes, as well as another point on the graph for each of f and f -1.
9.3 Is f-1 a function? Give a reason for your answer.

QUESTION 10

Given: f(x) = 2 -x + 1

10.1 Determine the coordinates of the y-intercept of f.

10.2 Sketch the graph of f, clearly indicating ALL intercepts with the axes as well as any asymptotes.
10.3 Calculate the average gradient of f between the points on the graph, where x = –2
and x = 1.
10.4 If h(x) = 3 f(x) , write down an equation of the asymptote of h.

QUESTION 11

Sketched below is the graph of h(x) = a x , a > 0. R is the y-intercept of h.

The points P(2 ; 9) and q b; 1 lie on h.
81
11.1 Write down the equation of the asymptote of h.
y

D P (2 ; 9)

Q (b ; 1 ) R
81
x
0

11.2 Determine the coordinates of R.

11.3 Calculate the value of a.
11.4 D is a point such that DQ || y-axis and DP || x-axis. Calculate the length of DP.
11.5 Determine the values of k for which the equation h(x + 2) + k = 0 will have a root
that is less than –6.

23
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

QUESTION 12

Given: f(x) = -x + 3 and g(x) = log2 x

12.1 On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of f and g, clearly showing ALL intercepts
with the axes.
12.2 Write down the equation of g-1(x) the inverse of g, in the form y = …
12.3 Explain how you will use QUESTION 6.1 and/or QUESTION 6.2 to solve the equation
log2(3 - x) = x
12.4 Write down the solution of log2 (3 - x) = x.

QUESTION 13

Given: h(x) = 2x - 3 for -2 ≤ x ≤ 4 . The x-intercept of h is Q.

y

-2 0 Q x
P(x ; y) 4

-3

14.1 Determine the coordinates of Q.

14.2 Write down the domain of h-1.
14.3 Sketch the graph of h-1 in your ANSWER BOOK, clearly indicating the y-intercept and the end
points.
14.4 For which value(s) of x will h(x) = h-1 (x)?

14.5 P(x ; y) is the point on the graph of h that is closest to the origin. Calculate the distance OP.
14.5 Given: h(x) = f'(x) ,where f is a function defined for -2 ≤ x ≤ 4.
14.6.1 Explain why f has a local minimum.
14.6.2 Write down the value of the maximum gradient of the tangent to the graph of f.

QUESTION 16

Sketched below is the graph of g(x) = –2x3 – 3x2 + 12x + 20 = – (2x – 5)(x + 2)2. A and T are the turning
points of g. A and B are the x-intercepts of g. P(–3; 11) is a point on the graph.
y
T
P(-3; 11)

x
A B

24
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

16.1 Determine the length of AB.

16.2 Determine the x-coordinate of T.
16.3 Determine the equation of the tangent to g at P(–3; 11) in the form y = …
16.4 Determine the value(s) of k for which –2x3 – 3x2 + 12x + 20 = k has three distinct roots.
16.5 Determine the x-coordinate of the point of inflection.

QUESTION 17
y
S(5 ; 18)

15

10

x
-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9

T(2 ; -9)

The function f(x) = -2x 3 + ax2 + bx + c is sketched above.

The turning points of the graph of f are T(2 ; – 9) and S(5 ; 18).
17.1 Show that a = 21 , b = – 60 and c = 43.
17.2 Determine the equation of the tangent to the graph of f at x = 1.
17.3 Determine the x-value at which the graph of f has a point of inflection.

QUESTION 18

The sketch below shows the graph of f(x)= -x 3 + 10x2 - 17x + d. The x-intercepts of f are (-1;0), (4;0)
and (7;0). A and B are the turning points of f ; D is the y-intercept of f. The sketch is not drawn to scale.
18.1 Write down the value of D.

-1 4 7

D
A

18.2 Determine the coordinates of A and D.

18.3 Determine the value of x, where the concavity of f changes.
18.4 Determine the coordinates of the point on f with a maximum gradient.

25
Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)
 lOMoARcPSD|44983264

Downloaded by Kurhula Mnisi (kurhulamnisi210@gmail.com)

26