SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE

2023 Secondary 3 MATHEMATICS

Unit 02. Functions of Graphs

Name: ( ) Class: S3–__

Enduring Understandings
At the end of the topic, students will understand that
● functions contain algebraic structures that describe the relationship between
variables based on real-world situations
● functions represent the rules that exist within a system: in order for a function to
exist, there needs to be a unique output for very specific input.
● the model of input-process-output is a good representation of a function.
● graphs are pictorial representations of the nature of the relationship connecting 2 or
more variables.
● the gradient of a function might not be the same across the domain of the function.

Essential Questions
● How do functions describe the relationship between variables based on real-world
situation?
● What conditions must be satisfied in order for the function to be considered well
defined?
● How do graphs demonstrate the nature of the behaviour of a function?
● How does the gradient of a function change across the domain of the function?

Big Ideas
● Functions are relationships between two sets of objects that expresses how an
element from the 1st set (input) uniquely determines to an element from the second
set (output) according to a rule.
● Diagrams are succinct, visual representations of real-world or mathematical objects
that serve to communicate properties of the objects and facilitate problem solving.
● Models are abstractions of real-world situations or phenomena using mathematical
objects and representations.

Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit, students will be able to
● differentiate between sketching and plotting.
● sketch and draw graphs of quadratic functions given in factorised form and in
completed square forms.
● sketch and draw the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 ! where 𝑛 = −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3 and simple
sums of not more than three of these.
● sketch and draw the graphs of exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎! where 𝑎 is a positive
integer.
● estimate the gradient of a curve by drawing a tangent.
● solve equations in one variable by graphical method.

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 1

 www.bigideasmath.com

Unit Checklist

Sketch and draw graphs

Checklist
Cognitive Level Know, Understand, Demonstrate
𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙𝒏 𝒚 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙
Level 0: Recognise/match the graph sketch to the correct
equation
Memorisation

Level 1: Sketch the graph of a given equation

Procedural tasks without
connections Plot and draw the graph of a given equation

Graphical Solutions of Equations

Cognitive Level Know, Understand, Demonstrate Checklist
Level 1: Plot and draw the graph of a given equation
Procedural tasks without
connections

Level 2: Use the graph to find the intercepts and/or values of x for a given
y value (or vice versa).
Procedural tasks with
connections
Draw a tangent line to find the gradient (rate of change) at a given
x value

Level 3: Solve equations in one variable by graphical method (finding

point(s) of intersection of two graphs)
Problem Solving

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 Teaching to the Big Idea

Lesson sequence in the unit

Student Dimensions (Please tick the appropriate boxes)
Learning FUNCTIONS INVARIANCE NOTATIONS DIAGRAMS MEASURES EQUIVALENCE PROPORTIONALITY MODELS

Outcomes F I N D M E P M

Sketch and
draw the √
√ √ √
graphs of (gradient)
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 !
Sketch and
draw the
√ √ √
graphs of
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎 "
Solve
equations
in one
√ √ √
variable by
graphical
method
Estimate
the
gradient of √
√ √ √
a curve by
drawing a
tangent
line

Sections

I. Asymptotes ............................................................................................................................ 4
II. Graphs of Power and Exponential Functions ....................................................................... 8
III. Graph Sketching................................................................................................................ 14
IV. Graphical Solution of Equations ....................................................................................... 19
V. Gradients of Graphs ........................................................................................................... 24
VI. Graph Drawing ................................................................................................................. 26

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Video introducing the use of functions in real life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeYUd5SFJys

I. Asymptotes
y
Quadrants
The x-axis and y-axis divide the plane into four regions called
quadrants. 2nd 1st
Quadrant Quadrant
The quadrants are labelled in an anticlockwise direction as
shown in the diagram.
x
𝑂

3rd 4th
Quadrant Quadrant

Asymptotes
An asymptote is a line or curve that approaches a given curve arbitrarily
closely, as illustrated in the diagram.
[source: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Asymptote.html]

Horizontal Asymptotes

It is a Horizontal Asymptote when:

as x goes to infinity (+∞) [or –infinity (-∞)], the curve
approaches some constant value b

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Vertical Asymptotes
It is a Vertical Asymptote when:
as x approaches some constant value c (from the left or
right), the curve goes towards infinity (or −infinity).

Oblique Asymptotes
It is an Oblique Asymptote when:
as x goes to infinity (or −infinity) then the curve goes
towards a line y = mx+b
(note: m is not zero as that is a Horizontal Asymptote).

Source: http://www.mathsisfun.com/

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Example 1 [2017 SST S3 EOY EM P2]
The variables x and y are connected by the equation
5
y = 2 + x, x ≠ 0 .
x
Some corresponding values of x and y, correct to 1 decimal place, are given in the following
table.

x –2 – 1.5 –1 1 1.3 2 3 4
y – 0.8 0.7 4.0 6.0 4.3 3.3 3.6 4.3

The points given in the table is plotted in the axes below for −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4.

(a) Will there be an asymptote for the graph of this function for −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4?

Yes / No (circle the answer)

(b) State the equation of the asymptote (if any): ___________________

(c) Why is there an asymptote for the graph of this function?

OR Why are there no asymptotes for the graph of this function?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

(d) On the axes, join the points with a smooth curve.

(e) Verify your answer with a graphing software.

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Example 2
1
The variables x and y are connected by the equation 𝑦 = 3 (𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥).
Some corresponding values of x and y, correct to 1 decimal place, are given in the following
table.

x – 0 0.5 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5

0.5
y –1.4 0 0.4 0 –2 –3.1 –4 –4 –2.6 0 4.1

The points given in the table is plotted in the axes below for −0.5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5.5.

(a) Will there be an asymptote for the graph of this function for −0.5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5.5?

Yes / No (circle the answer)

(b) State the equation of the asymptote (if any): ___________________

(c) Why is there an asymptote for the graph of this function?

OR Why are there no asymptotes for the graph of this function?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

(d) On the axes, join the points with a smooth curve.

(e) Verify your answer with a graphing software.

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 II. Graphs of Power and Exponential Functions

A power function has the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 ! , 𝑎 ≠ 0.

In Secondary 1 and 2, we have learnt power functions where 𝑛 = 0, 1, 2.

Can you sketch the graphs below?

Value of n 𝑎>0 𝑎<0

e.g. 𝑦 = 3 e.g. 𝑦 = −3

e.g. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 e.g. 𝑦 = −3𝑥

e.g. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 e.g. 𝑦 = −3𝑥 2

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In Secondary 3, we will learn how power functions look like, where 𝑛 = 3, −1, −2.

Imagine, think of how we may describe a graph’s characteristics?

It is important to use a consistent set of methods to describe a graph, and we may use the
following points to describe a graph (STAIRS – full details will be on page 14)

1. Shape
2. Turning points and/or points of inflexion
3. Asymptotes: vertical, horizontal or oblique asymptotes
4. Intercepts: x-intercept, y-intercept
5. Region: domain, range, which quadrants the graphs lie on
6. Symmetry: line of symmetry, order of symmetry

Self-directed learning Activity

Go to SLS Activity: “Sec 3 Mathematics Graphs of Power Functions”

As you go through the SLS, complete pages 10 to 12.

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Cubic Graph (𝑛 = 3)

Sketch the following graphs upon attempting SLS.

𝑎>0 𝑎<0

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3

𝑦
= 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2
+ 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3

Turning point

Asymptotes

Intercepts

Domain:
Region
Range:

Rotational symmetry:
Symmetry

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Reciprocal Graphs (𝑛 = −1, −2)

Sketch the following graphs upon attempting SLS.

𝑎>0 𝑎<0

𝑎
𝑦=
𝑥

𝑎
𝑦=
𝑥2

𝑎 𝑎
𝑦= 𝑦=
𝑥 𝑥2

Turning point

Asymptotes

Intercepts

For a > 0, the graph lies in ____ and ____ For a > 0, the graph lies in ____ and ____
quadrants. quadrants.
Region
For a < 0, the graph lies in ____ and ____ For a < 0, the graph lies in ____ and ____
quadrants. quadrants.

Rotational symmetry: Line of symmetry:

Symmetry

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Exponential Graphs (𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎 " )

Sketch the following graphs upon attempting SLS.

𝑘>0 𝑘<0

𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎 #

𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎 #

Turning point

Asymptotes

Intercepts

For k > 0, the graph lies entirely ________ the x-axis.

Region
For k < 0, the graph lies entirely ________ the x-axis.

Symmetry

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Example 3
Match the functions to their respective graphs.

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

1. y = 2x Figure _________________

2. y = x3
Figure _________________
3. y = x -1
Figure _________________
4. 3
y= Figure _________________
x2
5. y = -x - 2
Figure _________________
6. 5
y= Figure _________________
x

Example 4 [2020 SST S3 EM EOY P1]

The sketch shows the graph of y = k𝑎#" + 1. The points A(–2, –79) and B(0, –4) lie on the
graph. Find the values of k and a.

Now is the time to

complete Assignment 1!

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 13

 III. Graph Sketching

The key features of a graph are:

1. Shape

2. Turning Points [Stationary Points (point where gradient = 0)]

• Maximum point
• Minimum point
• Point of inflexion
Note: Maximum point and minimum point are also known as turning points.

3. Asymptote
A line or curve that approaches a given curve arbitrarily closely:

(Refer to notes page 4 for more information)

4. Intercepts (Axial Intercepts)

• To find x-intercepts, let y = 0
• To find y-intercept, let x = 0

5. Region
• Domain: range of values of x
• Range: range of values of y

6. Symmetry
• Line of symmetry
• Rotational symmetry about a point
• Note: rotational symmetry of order 2 about a point means the shape maps onto
itself twice by rotation in 360 °

STAIRS is a useful acronym in remembering the key features of a graph.

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Graphical Transformation

Use a graphing software, draw the graph of a power function or exponential function.
Vary the coefficients in the function and observe the following graphical transformations.

Effect of changing the coefficient

When the absolute value of a increases, the graph becomes steeper.
y = a × f (x) When the absolute value of a decreases, the graph becomes less steep.

Example: y = ax 2

y = a × f (x) Reflection about the x-axis, y = 0

VS
y = −a × f (x)
y = af (x) Reflection about the y-axis, x = 0
VS
y = af (−x)
+c: the graph translates vertically upwards by c units
y = af (x) ± c –c: the graph translates vertically downwards by c units
Example: y = ax 2 ± c

+h: the graph translate horizontally to the left by h units

y = af (x ± h) –h: the graph translate horizontally to the right by h units
( )
2
Example: y = a x ± h

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Example 5
Sketch and label the graphs of the following functions on the given axes.
1 y 1 y
(a) y = (b) y = −
x x

x x
O O

1 y 1 y
(c) y = (d) y = −
x2 x2

x x
O O

(e) y = 2 x y (f) y = 2− x y

x x
O O

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Example 6 [N2002/I/17]

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Example 7 [2020 SST S3 EM CT2]
On the axes below, sketch the graph of 𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 0.5)(𝑥 − 2).
y

x
O

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 IV. Graphical Solution of Equations

Activity
(1) Explain how to solve the following simultaneous equations using a graphical method.
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12,
2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 3.

(2) Four equations are presented below.

"$ $%
Equation 1: $
− $
= 2𝑥
$
Equation 2: 𝑥 − 21 = 4𝑥
Equation 3: 𝑥 $ − 4𝑥 − 21 = 0
Equation 4: (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 7) = 0

(a) Why are these equations equivalent?

"$ $%
(b) Explain how we get the solution of the equation $
− $
= 2𝑥 using a graphical method.

(b) What is/are other possible ways to find the solutions using a graphical method?

Conclusion

The ___________________________________ between graphs of 2 functions represents the

______________________ of a polynomial equation.

The polynomial equation is formed by substituting the equation of one function into the equation
of the other function.

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Example 8
The graph of y = x 2 - x - 3 is shown below, for −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3.

y = x2 – x – 3

By drawing suitable lines on the same axes, find the solution(s) to the following equations
for −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3.
(i) 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 3 = 3,

(ii) 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 3 = 1.5𝑥 + 0.5,

(iii) 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 = 0.

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Example 9 [N18/I/23b]
1
The graph of 𝑦 = 2 (𝑥 − 𝑥 2 ) is drawn on the grid. (Point P is not needed for this question)

Use the graph to solve the equation x – x2 = – 4.

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 Extension
STEM in Functions

1.

The velocity, v, of a fluid flow is given by v=kx . Sketch, on the same axes, the graphs
of v against x for x between 0 and 10.

2.

Let y=95x+32. This function converts temperature from C to F. Evaluate y when x =

o o

100.

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Summary: Graphical Solution of Equations

To use graphs to solve equations,

1. Make y the subject of the formula. In other words, the left hand side of the equation should be
the equation of the quadratic graph drawn.
2. Draw a suitable line based on the right hand side of the equation, using a solid line. Label
equation of line.
3. Find the solution(s), value(s) of x, from the graph. Draw dotted lines for reading lines.

Example: The graph of y = - x 2 - 3x + 4 is shown below, for −4.5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1.5.

y = 2x + 4

y=4

y=0

y = – x2 – 3x + 4

By drawing suitable lines on the same axes, find the solution(s) to the following equations
for −4.5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1.5.
(i) −𝑥 ! − 3𝑥 + 4 = 4,

−𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4 = 4
𝑦=4
From graph, x = – 3 or x = 0

(ii) −𝑥 ! − 3𝑥 = −4,

−𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 = −4
−𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4 = −4 + 4
−𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4 = 0
𝑦=0
From graph, x = – 4 or x = 1

(iii) −𝑥 ! − 3𝑥 + 4 = 2𝑥 + 4.

−𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4 = 2𝑥 + 4
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 4
x –2 0 0.5
y 0 4 5

From graph, x = 0

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 23

 V. Gradients of Graphs

You have learnt that the GRADIENT (aka the steepness of the SLOPE) of the graph of a linear
function is CONSTANT across the whole domain of the function.

In the diagram below, we have drawn the graph of the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). We have also drawn
a line that TOUCHES (it does NOT cut the graph of the function) at the point 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

This line is known as the TANGENT to the function at point A.

y = f(x)

(Adapted from: think! Mathematics Secondary Textbook 3A (8th Edition) (SL Education))

It does not take a lot of imagination to note that if we choose another point, say point B, and
drew another tangent to the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) , the GRADIENT of this tangent will be
different than the gradient of the tangent drawn in the diagram above.

Note: Until next year, all our discussions regarding the TANGENT and its GRADIENT are
simply ESTIMATIONS. The computation will be taught in A Math Calculus.

Recall: Given a line joined by a pair of points with coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2),
y -y
gradient of a straight line = 2 1 .
x 2 - x1
Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 24
 Example 10
Calculate the gradient of the curve at the marked points.
(a) (b)

Gradient = Gradient =

(c) (d)

Gradient = Gradient =

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 VI. Graph Drawing
Example 11
Note: Parts (a) and (b) are done for you on the given graph paper. Use the given graph on
the next page to complete parts (c), (d) and (e).

3
The variables x and y are connected by the equation y = x - 9 x .
Some corresponding values of x and y is given in the following table.

x -3 -2.5 -2 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 2 2.5 3

y a 6.9 10 8 4.4 0 -4.4 -8 -10 -6.9 0

(a) Calculate the value of a. [1]

𝑎 = (−3)3 − 9(−3)
𝑎=0

(b) Taking 2 cm to represent 1 unit on the x-axis and 1 cm to represent 1 unit on the y-axis,
3 [3]
draw the graph of y = x - 9 x for the values of x in the range -3 £ x £ 3 .
(Graph on next page)

(c) From your graph, estimate

(i) the solutions of the equation x3 – 9x = 6. [1]

(ii) the value(s) of x where the gradient of the curve is zero. [2]

(iii) the gradient of the graph when x = –1.

[2]

(d) On the same axes, draw the graph of y = 5 – 2x for −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3. [2]

(e) Hence solve the equation x3 – 7x – 5 = 0.

[2]

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 26

Example 11(b) Graph

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Example 12
Note: The function in this question is the same as Example 8 but some question parts are
different. Parts (a) and (b) are done for you on the given graph paper. Use the given
graph paper to complete parts (c), (d) and (e).

3
The variables x and y are connected by the equation y = x - 9 x .
Some corresponding values of x and y is given in the following table.

x -3 -2.5 -2 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 2 2.5 3

y a 6.9 10 8 4.4 0 -4.4 -8 -10 -6.9 0

(a) Calculate the value of a. [1]

𝑎 = (−3)3 − 9(−3)
𝑎=0

(b) Taking 2 cm to represent 1 unit on the x-axis and 1 cm to represent 1 unit on the y-axis,
3 [3]
draw the graph of y = x - 9 x for the values of x in the range -3 £ x £ 3 .
(Graph on next page)

(c) From your graph, find the coordinates of the point where the gradient is – 6. [2]

(d) On the same axes, draw the graph of y = 5 – 2x for −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3. [2]

(e) [1]
(i) Write down the x-coordinates of the points where the two graphs intersect.

[3]

(ii) These values of x are solutions of the equation x3 + Ax2 + Bx + C = 0.

Find the value of A, of B and of C.

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Example 12(b) Graph

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Example 13 [2020 S3 EM EOY P2]
Aloysius deposits $100 into a savings account.
After x years, Aloysius will have $y in his bank account.
The variables x and y are connected by the equation y = 100 ´1.04 .
x

The table below gives some of the values of x and the corresponding values of y, corrected to the
nearest dollar.

x years 0 10 20 30 40
$y 100 p 219 q 480

(a) Calculate the value of p and of q.

Answer p = ………………………………………….

q = …………………………………………. [2]

(b) On the grid opposite, using a scale of 2 cm to represent 5 years on the x-axis and 2 cm to
represent $50 on the y-axis, draw the horizontal x-axis for 0 £ x £ 40 and the vertical y-axis
for 0 £ y £ 500 .

On your axes, plot the points in the table and join them with a smooth curve. [3]

(c) Use your graph to estimate

(i) how much Aloysius will have in his bank account after 25 years,

Answer $…………………………………………. [1]

(ii) how many years, to the nearest year, it takes for Aloysius to have $200 in his
bank account.

Answer …………………………………………. years [1]

(d) Belinda deposits $100 into a savings account at 7% per year simple interest.

(i) Show, by calculation, that after 20 years, Belinda will have $240 in her bank
account.

[1]

(ii) How much will Belinda have after 40 years?

Answer $…………………………………………. [1]

(iii) On the same axes, draw a graph to represent the increase of Belinda’s savings
during the 40 years. [1]

(e) Use your graphs to find how long it takes for Aloysius to save the same amount as Belinda.

Answer …………………………………………. years [1]

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 30

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 31
 Extension
Computational Thinking

1.

Write a computer function that converts temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and
another function that converts temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

2.

Write a computer function that converts denary numbers to binary, and another function
that converts binary numbers to denary.

If not, now is the time to complete

Assignment 2 and of course, the End of
Unit Summary Assignment!

Functions and Graphs (EM) Page 32