Name:___________________( ) Date:________ Class:_________
Graphs of Common Functions
1 Linear Functions - Straight lines y ax b
a) Horizontal lines y k b) Vertical lines x k
c) Slanted lines y mx c
where m = gradient – determines the direction of the line
c = y intercept
2 Quadratic Functions – Parabolas y ax 2 bx c
Shape – determined by a - coefficient of x2 term
- must be symmetrical
max
min
a>0 a>0
Line of symmetry : a vertical line that passes through the turning
point
a) y ax h x k use x intercepts to find T.P.
Step 1: determine shape and max /min
Step 2: find x intercepts sub y = 0 and solve for x x1 & x2
Step 3: find turning point
x1 x2
x co-ordinate =
2
y co-ordiante sub x co-ord of T.P. into eqn
Step 4: find y intercept sub x = 0 and solve for y
b) y a x p q
2
read T.P. co-ordinates directly from eqn
Step 1: determine shape and max / min
Step 2: find turning point (p , q)
Step 3: find x intercepts sub y = 0 and solve for x
If min / max pt is above / below the x axis no x
intercepts
Step 4: find y intercept sub x = 0 and solve for y
Sec3E Graphs of Common Functions (Notes Only)/mlyeo/Apr-18 Page 1 of 2
3 Cubic Functions y ax 3 bx 2 cx d
Shape - determined by a - coefficient of x3 term.
a>0 a<0
a
4 Reciprocal Functions – hyperbolas y
xn
Reciprocal curves occur in pairs
Have x and y axes as asymptotes ie curve gets closer to axes but will not touch axes
Curves MUST NOT curved inward **
a) If n is odd
Shape or
a>0 a<0
b) If n is even
Shape or
a>0 y > 0 a<0 y< 0
5 Exponential Functions y ka x where a > 0
Shape
x axis is asymptote
y intercept is at k 0 a 1 eg. y 2 x
a 1 eg. y e x
k
k
k
k
k>0 y > 0 k<0 y < 0
Sec3E Graphs of Common Functions (Notes Only)/mlyeo/Apr-18 Page 2 of 2