GRAPHS AND FUNCTIONS

PARABOLA
SKETCHING PARABOLAS
CONCEPTS:
FORMAT OF TURNING AXIS OF DOMAIN RANGE
GRAPH POINT SYMMETRY
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 −𝑏 −𝑏 Looking at Looking at the shape, 𝑦 ≤ 𝑦1 𝑜𝑟
𝑥= 𝑥=
2𝑎 2𝑎 the shape 𝑦 ≥ 𝑦1 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑦1 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
Substitute for 𝑥∈ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡
x to get y
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ). (𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) 𝑥1 + 𝑥2 Looking at Looking at the shape, 𝑦 ≤ 𝑦1 𝑜𝑟
𝑥= 𝑥1 + 𝑥2
2 the shape 𝑦 ≥ 𝑦1 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑦1 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
Substitute for 𝑥=
2 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡
x to obtain y
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 (𝑝; 𝑞) 𝑥=𝑝 𝑥∈ Looking at the shape, 𝑦 ≤ 𝑞 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 ≥ 𝑞,
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑞 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡
The Effects of Parameters a, p and q
p>0 p<0
a <0 a >0 a <0 a >0

q>0

q<0

The value of a affects the shape of the graph. If a < 0, the graph is a “frown” and has a maximum
turning point. If a > 0 then the graph is a “smile” and has a minimum turning point. When a = 0,
the graph is a horizontal line y = q.

80
ACTIVITIES
For each of the following graphs, determine
1. The intercepts with the axes
2. The turning point
3. The axes of symmetry
4. And hence, sketch the graph.
5. The domain and the range
1) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 20
2) y  3x 2  24 x  45
3) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 − 3). (𝑥 + 1)
4) f ( x)   ( x  2) 2  4
LEARNER ACTIVITIES
5) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 4
6) 𝑓(𝑥) = − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3
1 1
7) h( x)  x 2  x  3 .
2 2
8) 𝑔(𝑥) = −(𝑥 + 2). (𝑥 − 4)
9) 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)2 − 4
10) f ( x)  2 x 2  4 x  30

81
 THE HYPERBOLA

SKETCHING THE HYPERBOLA

CONCEPTS:
FORMAT OF GRAPH ASSYMPTOTE AXIS OF SYMMETRY DOMAIN RANGE

±𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = ±𝒒
𝒙±𝒑
𝒂 𝒙=𝒑 & 𝒚 = −𝒙 + 𝒄 &
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = +𝒒
𝒙−𝒑 𝒚=𝒒 𝒚 = 𝒙 + 𝒄 , to 𝒙 ≠ 𝒑; 𝒙 ∈ 𝑹 𝒚 ≠ 𝒒;
determine the value 𝒚∈𝑹
of c, we use point of
intersection of the
asymptotes.ie ((𝑝; 𝑞)

−𝒂 𝒙 = −𝒑 & = −𝒙 + 𝒄 &
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = −𝒒
𝒙+𝒑 𝒚 = −𝒒 𝒚 = 𝒙 + 𝒄 , to 𝒙 ≠ −𝒑; 𝒚 ≠ −𝒒;
determine the value 𝒙∈𝑹 𝒚∈𝑹
of c, we use point of
intersection of the
asymptotes.ie
((−𝑝; −𝑞)

SHAPE OF THE HYPERBOLA, THE POWER OF ‘a’

𝒂 −𝒂
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = +𝒒 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = −𝒒
𝒙−𝒑 𝒙+𝒑

Taking into consideration the

values of p and q Taking into consideration the values of p
and q

82
ACTIVITIES
For each of the following graphs, determine
1. The intercepts with the axes
2. The equation of the assymptotes
3. The axes of symmetry
4. And hence, sketch the graph.
5. The domain and the range

−𝟔
1. 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟏
𝒙−𝟑
4
2. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = − 2
𝑥
12
3. ℎ(𝑥 ) = + 6 for 𝑥 > 0
𝑥−4
2x  8
4. f ( x) 
x2
LEARNER ACTIVITIES
5
5. f  x    1
x2
5−2𝑥
6. 𝑓(𝑥 ) =
𝑥−1
3
7. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = −1
𝑥+2
2
8. g( x )  4
x 2
6
9. . f  x   3
x2
1
10. f ( x)  1
x2

83
 THE EXPONENTIAL GRAPH

SKETCHING AN EXPONENTIAL GRAPH

CONCEPTS:
Graphs of the exponential function f (x) = bx The value of b affects the direction of the graph:
• If b > 1, f (x) is an increasing function.
• If 0 < b < 1, f (x) is a decreasing function

• If b ≤ 0, f (x) is not defined

b>1 0 < b < 1 (REFLECTION ABOUT THE Y

AXIS, x=0)

FORMAT OF GRAPH ASSYMPTOTE DOMAIN RANGE

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = 𝒂. 𝒃𝒙 ± 𝒒
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = 𝒂. 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒒
𝒚=𝒒 𝒚 > 𝒒; 𝒙∈𝑹
𝒚∈𝑹
NOTE: When the above graph has been reflected about the x – axis
it becomes;
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒚 = −𝒂. 𝒃𝒙 − 𝒒
𝒚 = −𝒒 𝒙∈𝑹 𝒚 < −𝒒;
𝒚∈𝑹

84
ACTIVITIES
For each of the following graphs, determine
1. The intercepts with the axes
2. The equation of the asymptote
3. And hence, sketch the graph.
4. The domain and the range

1. 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 2
2. ℎ(𝑥) = 2−𝑥 − 1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 2
4. y  5.3x  2
5. y  3.4 x  3 1

LEARNER ACTIVITIES
x

6. g ( x)   
1
4
7. 𝑓(𝑥) = −5𝑥−2 + 1\
8. 𝑦 + 2 = 2𝑥+2
9. ℎ(𝑥) = 2.3𝑥−1 – 18
10. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5.3𝑥+1 − 1

85
.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF GRAPHS

1 DOMAIN AND RANGE OF FUNCTIONS
 Domain is the set of permissible x-values. We usually write x  R , followed by
restrictions if any.
 Range is the set of permissible y-values. We usually write y  R , followed by
restrictions if any.
2 YOU MUST BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE EQUATION OF A GIVEN
GRAPH. Substitute the points that you have into the GIVEN general equation and
solve for the unknown values in the equation. They MUST give you enough
information.
NAME GIVEN PICTURE EQUATION
Quadratic function - 2 x–intercepts & y  a ( x  x1 )( x  x2 )
parabola One other point X

NAME GIVEN PICTURE EQUATION

Quadratic function - Turning point
X
parabola One other point y  a( x  p)2  q
Or
y  a( x  p)2  q
Use the one you have
X
been taught
Exponential function Asymptote y  a.b x  q
One other point X
Substitute q = asymptote
AND substitute the x-
and y-values of the point
Solve for a.
Rewrite with the a and q

Hyperbolic function 2 asymptotes X(-1 ; 2) a

One other point y q
x p
-3
-2 Substitute p = -3, q = -2
and the x- and y-values.
Solve for a. Rewrite with
a, q and p.
86
Average gradient
We notice that the gradient of a curve changes at every point on the curve, therefore we
need to work with the average gradient. The average gradient between any two points on
a curve is the gradient of the straight line passing through the two points.

A(x ; y)

C( a; b)

The average gradient of the curve between the points A and C is the gradient of the line AC.
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑚=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑦−𝑏
𝑚=
𝑥−𝑎

87
WORKED EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
The diagram shows the graphs of f ( x )  ax 2  bx  c and g( x )  2 x  9 . P is the
turning point of the parabola. Both f(x) and g(x) pass through the point (0; –9).
g(x) passes through Q(4,5; 0)

1.1 Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of f. (1)

1.2 Write down the coordinates of the point which is a reflection of the point
(0; –9) in the axis of symmetry of f. (2)
1.3 Determine the values of a, b and c. (5)
1.4 Determine the length of DR in terms of x if D is on f and R is on g and DR
is parallel to the line x = 0. (2)
1.5 Determine the value(s) of x for which DR is a maximum. (2)

88
EXAMPLE 2
4
The diagram shows the hyperbola defined by g ( x)  t.
xr
The asymptotes of g cut both the x and y-axes at 1.

2.1 Write down the values of r and t. (2)

2.2 Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry with a negative gradient. (2)
2.3 Write down the equation of the vertical asymptote of g(x+4). (2)

89
EXAMPLE 3

The graph of f ( x )  a.b x  q is sketched below. Points K(0; –2) and R(1; –4)
are on the curve. Determine the value(s) of a,b and q. (4)

EXAMPLE 4
𝑥−𝑑
4.1 Sketches of a hyperbola 𝑓(𝑥) and a parabola 𝑔(𝑥) are given below. 𝑓 (𝑥) = where
𝑥−𝑝

𝑑 and 𝑝 are constants, and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6. The dotted lines are the asymptotes of the
hyperbola. The asymptotes intersect at 𝑃 and 𝐵(2; 0) is a point on 𝑓.

90
 4.1.1 Determine the values of 𝑑 and 𝑝. (3)

4.1.2 Substitute 𝑑 = 2 and 𝑝 = −1 in the equation of 𝑓 and rewrite it in the form

𝐾
𝑦= + 𝑞. (4)
𝑥−𝑝

4.1.3 Determine ℎ(𝑥) if ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥 − 2) − 2 and describe the transformation

from 𝑔 to ℎ. (4)

4.2 Consider a linear function with equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑏 > 0, and a
function with equation 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑑𝑥 2 + 𝑐, where 𝑑 < 0 and 𝑐 < 0.

4.2.1 Draw a sketch of possible graphs of f and g on the same set of axes. (5)

4.2.2 If the vertical distance between the functions is defined by the equation
2
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3 𝑥 + 7, determine the minimum distance between 𝑓 and 𝑔. (5)

91
LEARNER ACTIVITIES
QUESTION 1
12
Given: ℎ(𝑥) = + 6 for 𝑥 > 0
𝑥−4

11 Draw a neat sketch graph of h in your ANSWER BOOK. Show all intercepts
with the axes and asymptotes. (4)

1.2 Write down the equation of k if k is the reflection of h about the x-axis. (3)
[7]
QUESTION 2

2.1 Sketched below are the functions: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 20 and 𝑔(𝑥) = −2𝑥 + 𝑘.

0 x
A B

C
D
g
Determine:

2.1.1 the coordinates of turning point D. (2)

2.1.2 the coordinates of A and B. (3)

2.1.3 the value of k . (2)

2.1.4 the values of p if 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑝 = 0 has no real roots. (2)

2.1.5 for which values of x is 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) ≤ 0. (2)

92
2.2 Consider the following two functions: 𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1 and 𝑟(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥.

2.2.1 How will you shift p to become the function r ? (3)

2.2.2 Write down the range of p . (1)

QUESTION 3

3.1 Determine the equation of 𝑓(𝑥)

Y
𝑥−𝑝
in the form 𝑦 = 3 + 𝑞 if
A(1; 18) and the equation of
the horizontal line is 𝑦 = 9. (4)

3.2 Determine the equation of the reflection of 𝑓 in the 𝑦-axis in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎. 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑞. (1)
3.3 Give the range of 𝑓(𝑥) – 5. (1)

QUESTION 4

In your answer book, draw a clear sketch graph of function h defined by the equation
h( x)  a.b x  q , where a  0; b  1 and q  0 ; a, b and q are real numbers.
Indicate all intercepts with the axes and asymptotes. (3)

93
QUESTION 5

The figure below represents the sketch graphs of f and g, defined by

f ( x)  2 x 2  4 x  30 and g ( x)  2 x  10 .

A and B are the x-intercepts of f. The graph of g passes through A.

C is the point of intersection of f and g. The graph of g intersects the y-axis at D.

A o B x

Referring to the sketch above:

5.1 Determine the coordinates of A and B. (4)

5.2 Write the function of f in the form f ( x)  a ( x  p ) 2  q and hence write down
the coordinates of the turning point. (5)

5.3 Determine whether (1;12) are the coordinates of C. Show all calculations. (2)

5.4 Determine the values of x for which f ( x).g ( x)  0 . (2)

94
 QUESTION 6

1
Given: f ( x)  1
x2

6.1 Write down the equation of the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of f. (2)

6.2 Determine the x- and y-intercepts of f. (4)

6.3 Draw a neat sketch of f in your answer book, showing all asymptotes and
intercepts (3)
with the axes.
(2)
6.4 Calculate value of k, if ( k ; 2) is a point on f.

QUESTION 7

3
Below are graphs of the functions 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥− 𝑝 + 𝑞 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 𝑒.

Both 𝑓 and 𝑔 have the same horizontal asymptote and 𝑦 −intercept B.

A is the point of intersection of 𝑔 and the vertical asymptote of 𝑓.

B
A
𝑓
2

O 𝑥

95
7.1 Write down the values of 𝑒 and 𝑞. (2)

7.2 Determine the value of 𝑝. (3)

7.3 Determine the coordinates of A. (3)

7.4 Determine 𝑥 such that 𝑓(𝑥)– 𝑔(𝑥) ≥ 0 (2)

7.5 If the graph of 𝑓 is shifted two units to the right, determine the equation of
the shifted graph of 𝑓. (2)

QUESTION 8

Sketched alongside are the graphs of R y

𝑓(𝑥) = −(𝑥 + 2)2 + 4 and

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑞

R is the turning point of f

B A x

f g

8.1 Give the coordinates of R. (2)

8.2 Calculate the length of AB. (2)

8.3 Determine the equation of g. (2)

8.4 For which values of x is g(x) > f(x)? (2)

8.5 Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of h if h(x) = f(– x). (2)

8.6 Give the range of p if p(x) = – f(x). (2)

[12]

96
QUESTION 9

2
Given: ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥−2 + 1

9.1 Give the equations of the asymptotes of h (2)

9.2 Determine the x- and y-intercepts of the graph of h. (3)

9.3 Sketch the graph of h using the grid on the DIAGRAM SHEET. (3)

9.4 Give the domain of h. (2)

9.5 Describe the transformation of h to f if f(x) = h(x +3) (2)

9.6 Determine the equation of the symmetry axis of the hyperbola with a negative
gradient. (2)
[14]
QUESTION 10

3
Given : f ( x)  1
x2

10.1 Write down the equations of the asymptotes of f . (2)

10.2 Determine coordinates of B, the x-intercept of f. (2)

10.3 Write down the domain of g if g ( x )  f ( x  1). (3)

10.4 One of the axes of symmetry of f is an increasing function. Write down the equation
of this axis of symmetry. (2)
[9]

97
QUESTION 11

4
The diagram below shows the graphs of f ( x )  ; x  0 and g ( x )  6 x . Line BA intersects
x
f and g respectively at points C and D. BA is perpendicular to the x-axis.

11.1 Write down the y-intercept of g. (1)

11.2 Write down the equation of h if h is a translation of f one unit to the right. (1)

11.3 Calculate the values of x for which h x   g  x . (3)

11.4 Write down the length of CD in terms of x. (2)

11]
QUESTION 12

Two functions are defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 2) and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 12.

A is a point on 𝑓 such that 𝑔 is a tangent to 𝑓 at A .

12.1 Write down the gradient of 𝑔. (1)

12.2 Calculate the coordinates of A . (5)

12.3 Determine the equation of the graph ℎ which is the reflection of 𝑓

about the 𝑦 − axis. (2)

12.4 Determine value(s) of 𝑥 for which 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) < 0, given that 𝑥 > 0. (2)
98
 [12]
QUESTION 13

𝑎
The graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥+𝑝 + 𝑞 are drawn below. A is the
𝑦 − intercept of both 𝑓 and 𝑔. The horizontal asymptote of 𝑔 is also a tangent to 𝑓 at the

turning point of 𝑓. The equation of the vertical asymptote of 𝑔 is 𝑥 = −1.

𝑓
0
−1 𝑥
A

13.1 Determine the equations of the asymptotes of 𝑔. (3)

13.2 Write down the coordinates of A. (1)

13.3 Determine the equation of 𝑔. (4)

13.4 Determine points of intersection of 𝑔 with its axis of symmetry that has a
positive gradient. (4)

13.5 Write down the range of −𝑓(𝑥). (2)

[14]

QUESTION 14

Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 3−𝑥+1 − 3

Draw the graph of 𝑓 showing all asymptotes and intercepts with the axes. (3)

99
 QUESTION 15

a
The graph of f ( x)   q is sketched below with asymptotes x  4 and y  2 .
x p
T 5 ; 3 is a point on f and C is the point of intersection of the asymptotes.

T (5; 3)

2 C

15.1 Determine the values of a, p and q . (3)

15.2 Give the equation of h , the reflection of f in the y -axis. (1)

15.3 If the graph of f is symmetrical about the line y   x  c , determine the value of c (2)
.
[6]

QUESTION 16

a
The diagram below shows the graph of h( x)   q . The lines x = 3 and y = – 2
x p
are asymptotes of h. P(4 ;  4) is a point on h.

100
 y

O x
3

2

P(4 ; 4)

16.1 Write down the values of p and q. (2)

16.2 Calculate the value of a. (2)

16.3 Calculate the coordinates of the y – intercept of h. (2)

16.4 If g ( x)  h( x  2) , write down the equation of the vertical asymptote of (2)

g.

16.5 If the graph of h is symmetrical about the line y   x  c , determine the

value of c. (2)
[10]

101
QUESTION 17

The sketch below shows the graphs of g ( x)  x 2  3x  10 and h( x)  ax  q . The graphs intersect
at B and D. 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 and the x – axis at B.

A O B x

h C

17.1 Write down the coordinates of D. (1)

17.2 Determine the coordinates of A and B. (4)

17.3 Write down the values of a and q. (2)

17.4 Calculate the coordinates of C, the turning point of g. (3)

17.5 Write down the turning point of t, if t ( x)  g ( x)  3 . (2)

102
QUESTION 18

3
Given: f ( x)  1
x2

18.1 Calculate the coordinates of the y-intercept of f . (2)

18.2 Calculate the coordinates of the x-intercept of f . (2)

18.3 Sketch the graph of f in your ANSWER BOOK, clearly showing the
asymptotes and the intercepts with the axes. (3)

18.4 Write down the range of f . (2)

18.5 Another function h, is formed by translating f 3 units to the right and 4 units
down. Write down the equation of h. (2)

18.6 For which value(s) of x is h( x)   4 ? (3)

3x  5
18.7 Determine the equations of the asymptotes of k ( x)  .
x 1 (3)
[17]

QUESTION 19

The diagram shows the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 6 and g(x) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐. A, B and C are
the intercepts of f with the axes. T is the turning point of the graph of f. The graph of g is a
straight line parallel to AC, and is a tangent to the graph of f at D.

19.1 Determine the lengths of OC and AB. (5)

19.2 Determine the equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph of f. (2)

103
19.3 Show that the length of ST = 8 units. (2)

19.4 Calculate the gradient of AC. (2)

19.5 Hence, or otherwise, calculate the coordinates of D. (5)

19.6 For which value(s) of a will 𝑓(𝑎 + 𝑡) = 𝑓(𝑎 − 𝑡) for all values of t? (2)
[18]

QUESTION 20
2+𝑥
The sketch of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 is drawn below.

20.1 Write down the equation of the vertical asymtote of f. (1)

20.2 Determine the coordinates of A, the x-intercept of the hyperbola. (2)

20.3 Calculate the area of AOB. (3)

3
20.4 Show that f (x) can be rewritten as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 +1 (2)

20.5 The graph of f is shifted such that point A lies on the origin. What are the
coordinates of the point of intersection of the asymptotes of the new graph? (2)
[10]

104