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How to sketch graphs

The document provides guidelines for sketching various types of graphs, including linear, quadratic, cubic, and rational functions. It outlines key steps to identify intercepts, turning points, and asymptotes for each graph type. Additionally, it includes exercises for practicing graph sketching and interpreting graphs in practical situations.

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muavwiz.humayun
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8 views2 pages

How to sketch graphs

The document provides guidelines for sketching various types of graphs, including linear, quadratic, cubic, and rational functions. It outlines key steps to identify intercepts, turning points, and asymptotes for each graph type. Additionally, it includes exercises for practicing graph sketching and interpreting graphs in practical situations.

Uploaded by

muavwiz.humayun
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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9.

4 Plotting curves

Sketching graphs
As well as being able to recognise types of functions from their sketches, you also need to
be able to make your own sketches. Here are the main points you need to remember for
the nine main graph types you need to know.
1. ax + by = c
Find the x- and y-intercepts by letting the other variable equal zero and solving.
Draw a straight line through the two intercepts.
2. y = ax 2 + bx + c
Decide which way up the curve will be based on whether a is positive or negative.
Mark the y-intercept on the vertical axis at (0, c).
Find the x-intercepts by solving the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0.
The x-intercepts of a function are also called its roots.
The turning point is the lowest point on the graph if a > 0 or the highest point if a < 0.
This can be found by writing the function in the form y = ( x − a )2 + b . The turning
point is then the point (a, b). Alternatively, if the graph has two x-intercepts, the
turning point can be found by finding the midpoint of the two x-intercepts and
substituting that value of x into the function.

Tip
You will learn how to find the coordinates of the turning point in section 9.7.

Then sketch the curve through those points, remembering that the graph of a
quadratic function is always symmetrical along the vertical line which passes
through the turning point.
3. y = ax 3 + d
Take the basic y = x 3 graph and either raise it or lower it so that it passes through (0, d).
Then find the x-intercept by solving the equation ax 3 + d = 0.
4. y = ax 3 + bx 2 + cx
This graph will pass through the origin.
Factorise this so that it becomes y = x ( ax 2 + bx + c ) , then solve the equation
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 to find any other x-intercepts.
Sketch a cubic curve through the x-intercepts that you have found.
If a is negative, the curve will have a negative gradient as it approaches the first
x-intercept and as it passes through the final one.
m
5. y = +n
x
1
Take the basic y = graph and either raise it or lower it so that its horizontal
x
asymptote is y = n.
301
Graphs

6. y = m x + n
Take the basic y = m x graph and either raise it or lower it so that its horizontal
asymptote is y = n.
1
7. y = ax 2 , which is another way to say y = a x .
Take the basic y = x graph and stretch it appropriately in the vertical direction.
− 12 a
8. y = ax , which is another way to say y = .
1 x
Take the basic y = graph and stretch it appropriately in the vertical direction.
x a
9. y = ax −2 , which is another way to say y = 2 .
x
1
Take the basic y = 2 graph and stretch it appropriately in the vertical direction.
x

Exercise 9.4E
Sketch the following graphs, labelling any roots (intercepts on the x-axis) and
y-intercepts. Also label any asymptotes.
1. y = 3 x − 4 2. y = x 2 3. y = 5x
1
4. y = x 3 5. y = 6. y = x 3 − 4
x
2
7. 3 x + 4 y = 12 8. y = + 1 9. y = ( x + 1)( x − 3 )
x
10. y = 3 x + 2 11. y = −1 12. y = x ( x + 3 )( x + 1)
3 2 2
13. y = x + x − 2x 14. y = − x + 4 15. y = x 3 − 9 x

9.5 Interpreting graphs

Graphs in practical situations


Exercise 9.5A
1. The graph shows how to convert miles into kilometres.
a) Use the graph to find approximately how 80
many kilometres are the same as: 70
i) 25 miles ii) 15 miles 60

iii) 45 miles iv) 5 miles 50


Kilometres

40
b) Use the graph to find approximately how
30
many miles are the same as:
20
i) 64 km ii) 56 km 10
iii) 16 km iv) 32 km 0 Miles
0 10 20 30 40 50

302

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