4 Graphing Functions The Parabola

GRAPHING FUNCTIONS
In Grade 10 we will continue to focus on the linear function and introduce 3 new
functions.
We begin by looking at the basic form of the equation and the graph of each function.
THE “BASIC GRAPHS”
Each function has a “base graph” from which other graphs are derived.
1. Straight line: 𝒚 = 𝒙 2. Parabola: 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐

𝑦 𝑦
O 𝑥
O 𝑥
𝟏
3. Hyperbola: 𝒚 = 𝒙 4. Exponential: 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥
where 𝑏 > 0; 𝑏 ≠ 1
𝑦
𝑦
O 𝑥
(0;1)
O 𝑥
TRANSFORMING THE GRAPHS
We are interested in two parameters, 𝒂 and 𝒒, that will transform these graphs:
Straight Line: 𝑦 = 𝒂𝑥 + 𝒒
Parabola: 𝑦 = 𝒂𝑥 2 + 𝒒
𝒂
Hyperbola: 𝑦 =𝑥+𝒒
Exponential: 𝑦 = 𝒂. 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝒒
1
Our aim is to sketch the graph of a function by:
• firstly recognising the standard form of the equation
• knowing what the basic shape of the graph is
• understanding the effect of changing different parts of the equation on the
shape, orientation and position of the graph.
• determining and plotting only critical points in order to sketch the graph of a
function.
THE QUADRATIC FUNCTION (called a PARABOLA)
Standard Form Equation: 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒒 y
All parabolas have certain features in common:

• a shape symmetrical about a vertical
line (the "axis of symmetry")
• a turning-point, at the base of the
0
• a y-intercept x
• either 0, 1 or 2 𝑥-intercepts
turning point
CHANGING THE 𝒂 VALUE in the equation, causes:
• a vertical ‘stretch or compression’ of the graph. If ′𝒂′ (regardless of the sign) is

large the parabola is narrower. If 𝒂 is small (regardless of the sign) then
parabola is wider.
• if 𝑎 < 0 the parabola is reflected in the 𝑥-axis (flipped upside down)
2
CHANGING THE 𝒒 VALUE in the equation causes:
• a vertical shift in the graph.

If ′𝒒′ is a positive value then the graph shifts up e.g. if 𝑞 = 5 then the parabola
shifts up by 5 units
if 𝒒 is a negative value then the graph shifts down e.g. if 𝑞 = −2 then the
parabola shifts down by 2 units
𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 2
𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 1
𝑦 = 𝑥2 𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 1
𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 2
Steps defined in the drawing of a Parabola:
1.) Orientation: Does the parabola have arms up or down ?

This can be determined by examining the value of 𝒂 (the coefficient of x2).
If 𝒂 > 𝟎 then the parabola points has arms up (or has a minimum value)
v
If 𝒂 < 𝟎 then the parabola points down (or has a maximum value)
2.) The 𝒚-intercept - every parabola has a 𝑦-intercept.

This can be found in the usual way i.e. by putting 𝒙 = 𝟎 and solving for 𝒚.
3.) The 𝒙-intercept(s) - A parabola may have 0, 1 or 2 𝑥-intercepts

These can also be found in the usual way: i.e. putting 𝒚 = 𝟎 and solving for 𝒙.
This gives an equation, which can be solved by factorising .
4.) The Turning Point - every parabola has one turning-point.

In the graph 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑞 the turning point coincides with the 𝒚-intercept.
5.) Make sure that there are labels on the axes, turning point/𝑦-intercept, 𝑥-
intercept(s) and any symmetry points needed.
Note: Your graph does not need to be perfectly to scale, but needs to be
representative of the function and clear.
It must be a SMOOTH CURVE that is not made up of straight lines at all (no
rulers allowed!)
It is very important that the parabola gets wider and wider – it NEVER becomes
vertical so that the arms look like they are parallel to the 𝑦-axis!
3
WORKED EXAMPLES
e.g.1 Draw the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 – 4 y

This is a parabola
1) Shape: 𝑎 = 1, 𝑎 > 0, parabola
has ‘arms’ up
-2 2 x
2) 𝑦-intercept (when 𝑥 = 0):
𝑦 = 02 − 4 , 𝑦 = − 4
3) 𝑥-intercepts:  𝑥 2 − 4 = 0
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 (0;-4)
𝑥 = −2 𝑜𝑟 2
4) Turning-Point: (0;-4)
Note: arms up shifted down so two
5) Labels
𝑥 intercepts
e.g.2 Draw the graph of 𝑦 = − 3𝑥 2
Note: no shift so only one 𝑥 intercept
This is a parabola y
1) Shape: 𝑎 = −3, 𝑎 < 0,  parabola
points down (0;0)
2) 𝑦-intercept: 𝑦 = −3(0)2 = 0 x
3) 𝑥-intercepts: 0 = −3𝑥 , 𝑥 = 0
2
(-1;-3). . (1;-3)
4) Turning-Point: (0;0)
Because we have only one intercept
point (0;0) you need to show "symmetry points"
on the graph – these are found by substituting
any 𝑥-values that are symmetrical about the 𝑦-axis
(e.g. 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 2 ), into the equation.
Let 𝑥 = −1 then 𝑦 = −3(−1)2 = −3
Let 𝑥 = 1 then 𝑦 = − 3(1)2 = −3
 (-1; -3) and (1;-3)
4) Labels
e.g.3 Draw the graph of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 4 𝑦
1.) Shape: 𝑎 = 2  𝑎 > 0, parabola points up.

2.) 𝑦-intercept: 𝑦 = 2(0)2 + 4 = 4
3.) 𝑥-intercepts:  𝑥 2 + 4 = 0 (-1;6). . (1;6)
 𝑥 = −4 which is not possible
2
There are no 𝑥-intercepts

4.) Turning-Point: (0;4) (0;4)
2
"symmetry points": 𝑦 = 2(−1) + 4 = 6 𝑥
and 𝑦 = 2(1)2 + 4 = 6
 (-1;6) and(1;6)
5.) Labels Note: we can predict this outcome – arms up
and shit up.
To do:
Textbook page 159 Ex 8.1 numbers 1a and b; page 162 Ex 8.2 numbers 1a and c;
page 170 Ex 8.3 numbers 1a-f

4 Graphing Functions The Parabola

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GRAPHING FUNCTIONS

THE “BASIC GRAPHS”

1. Straight line: 𝒚 = 𝒙 2. Parabola: 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐

TRANSFORMING THE GRAPHS

THE QUADRATIC FUNCTION (called a PARABOLA)

Standard Form Equation: 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒒 y

All parabolas have certain features in common:

CHANGING THE 𝒂 VALUE in the equation, causes:

• a vertical ‘stretch or compression’ of the graph. If ′𝒂′ (regardless of the sign) is

• if 𝑎 < 0 the parabola is reflected in the 𝑥-axis (flipped upside down)

• a vertical shift in the graph.

Steps defined in the drawing of a Parabola:

1.) Orientation: Does the parabola have arms up or down ?

2.) The 𝒚-intercept - every parabola has a 𝑦-intercept.

3.) The 𝒙-intercept(s) - A parabola may have 0, 1 or 2 𝑥-intercepts

4.) The Turning Point - every parabola has one turning-point.

e.g.1 Draw the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 – 4 y

e.g.3 Draw the graph of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 4 𝑦

1.) Shape: 𝑎 = 2  𝑎 > 0, parabola points up.

There are no 𝑥-intercepts

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