GR11 FUNCTIONS

The straight line graph

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐

𝑚: the gradient of the graph

𝑦 −𝑦
𝑚= 2 1
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Parallel lines have equal gradients
Perpendicular lines – the gradients are negative reciprocals of each other; their
product is -1.
Increasing lines have a positive gradient

Decreasing lines have a negative gradient

𝑐: when in standard form the value of 𝑐 represents the 𝑦 intercept

Sketching: Find the 𝑦 intercept (let 𝑥 = 0)

Find the 𝑥 intercept (let 𝑦 = 0)
Plot these two points on the axes and join them

Finding the equation:

If you are given two points on the graph then use the gradient formula to find the
gradient; then substitute the gradient (𝑚) and one of the two points (𝑥; 𝑦); if you
substitute into 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 then solve for 𝑐; always remember to give the equation at
the end; if you substitute into 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 ( 𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) then just rearrange to get 𝑦 on its
own
If you are given the gradient (via parallel or perpendicular) then substitute the
gradient and a point.

Domain: always 𝑥 ∈ ℝ (unless a restriction has been given)

Range: always 𝑦 ∈ ℝ (unless a restriction has been given)

Increasing and decreasing – the whole graph increases or decreases as per the domain

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 The parabola

𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 OR 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 OR 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )(𝑥 − 𝑥2 )

𝑎: this value determines whether the graph is “happy” or “sad”, i.e. whether it has a
minimum or a maximum value
The bigger the value of “𝑎” the narrower the graph gets

When the equation is given in completed square form:

𝑝: the horizontal shift; always the opposite sign
𝑞: the vertical shift; always the same sign
(𝑝; 𝑞) is the co-ordinate of the turning point

When in trinomial form:

𝑐: represents the 𝑦 intercept

Sketching:
When in completed square form:
The turning point is given
Find the 𝑥 intercepts (if they exist) and the 𝑦 intercept
When in trinomial form:
The turning point can be worked out by either completing the square, by using
−𝑏
𝑥 = 2𝑎 , by symmetry of the 𝑥-intercepts or using derivative equal to zero. This 𝑥
value represents the equation of the axis of symmetry. To find the 𝑦 value at
the turning point substitute this 𝑥 value into the original equation
Find the 𝑥 intercepts by factorising or using the quadratic formula
Find the 𝑦 intercept
Finding the equation
Given the T.P and one other point 𝑦 = 𝑎 (𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞
Substitute the TP (𝑝; 𝑞) and the other point (𝑥; 𝑦); solve for “𝑎”; remember to
give the equation at the end
Given the 𝑥 intercepts and one other point 𝑦 = 𝑎 (𝑥 − 𝑥1 )(𝑥 − 𝑥2 )
Substitute the 𝑥 intercepts, 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 , and the other point (𝑥; 𝑦); solve for “𝑎”;
substitute 𝑎, and the 𝑥-intercepts, multiply out for the equation
Domain: always 𝑥 ∈ ℝ (unless a restriction has been given)
Range: either 𝑦 ∈ (−∞; 𝑞] (sad face) or 𝑦 ∈ [𝑞; ∞) (happy face); the turning point is
included since it is part of the graph
Increasing and decreasing: half of the graph increases and the other half decreases.
The change happens at the TP ∴ 𝑥 ≥ 𝑝 or 𝑥 ≤ 𝑝

Axis of symmetry: 𝑥=𝑝

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 The hyperbola

𝑎
𝑦= + 𝑞
𝑥−𝑝

𝑎: positive negative

𝑝: the horizontal shift; always the opposite sign; 𝑥 = 𝑝 is the equation of the vertical
asymptote
𝑞: the vertical shift; always the same sign; ; 𝑦 = 𝑞 is the equation of the horizontal
asymptote

To sketch:
Draw dotted lines for the two asymptotes
Work out the intercepts with the axes
If one part of the graph does not have an intercept then label a random point on the
graph

To find the equation:

Substitute the asymptotes (𝑝 and 𝑞) and another point (𝑥; 𝑦); find the value of 𝑎

Domain: always 𝑥 ∈ ℝ; 𝑥 ≠ 𝑝 (unless a restriction has been given)

Range: always 𝑦 ∈ ℝ; 𝑦 ≠ 𝑞 (unless a restriction has been given)

Increasing and decreasing: both parts of the graph either increase or decrease as per
the domain

Axes of symmetry: 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 𝑝) + 𝑞 AND 𝑦 = −(𝑥 − 𝑝) + 𝑞

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 The exponential graph

𝑦 = 𝑏. 𝑎 𝑥−𝑝 + 𝑞

𝑏: positive – above the asymptote

negative – below the asymptote
𝑎: the bigger the value of “𝑎” the steeper the graph
𝑝: the horizontal shift; always the opposite sign;
𝑞: the vertical shift; always the same sign; ; 𝑦 = 𝑞 is the equation of the horizontal
asymptote
𝑥: if 𝑥 is positive the graph “grows to the right”; if 𝑥 is negative the graphs “grows to the
left”

To sketch:
Draw a dotted line for the asymptote
Work out the 𝑥 and 𝑦 intercepts (if they exist)

Finding the equation:

Substitute what you know into the basic equation given to find the missing variable

Domain: always 𝑥 ∈ ℝ (unless a restriction has been given)

Range: either 𝑦 ∈ (−∞; 𝑞) (below aymptote) or 𝑦 ∈ (𝑞; ∞) (above asymptote); the 𝑞
value cannot be included since it represents the asymptote

Increasing and decreasing: the whole graph increases or decreases as per the domain

NOTES FOR GRAPH INTERPRETATION

* find lengths of lines, using important points such as intercepts with the axes and
turning points

* points of intersection – equate the graphs and solve for 𝑥, then substitute back into
either of the 2 equations to find the corresponding 𝑦value; 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥)

* vertical distance between two graphs = 𝑦 value of the ‘top’ graph minus the 𝑦 value of
the bottom graph

* maximum distance between two graphs – top minus bottom; then find TP of the new
expression

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* shifts and reflections
𝑝 represents the shift along the 𝑥 axis in the opposite direction
𝑞 represents the shift along the 𝑦 axis in the same direction
reflection about the 𝑥 -axis, change the sign of 𝑦, then put in standard form
reflection about the 𝑦 -axis, change the sign of all 𝑥 values and simplify
reflection about the line 𝑦 = 𝑥, swap the 𝑥’s and 𝑦’s around then put in standard form

* 𝑓(𝑥) > 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥) < 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑔(𝑥)
where are the 𝑦 values of the first graph bigger/smaller than the 𝑦 values of the
second graph; you find the 𝑥 values (i.e. left to right) that result in this situation; if
the inequality is also equal to then include the values

* 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) > 0

The product of the 𝑦 values from both graphs must be positive, i.e. both must be
positive or both must be negative; your answer must be the 𝑥 values that result in this;
if the inequality includes an equals sign then the 𝑥 values can be included
𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) < 0
The product of the 𝑦 values from both graphs must be negative, i.e. one must be
positive one must be negative; your answer must be the 𝑥 values that result in this; if
the inequality includes an equals sign then the 𝑥 values can be included

* increasing / decreasing
increasing – as the 𝑥 values get bigger the 𝑦 values get bigger (going up the hill)
decreasing - as the 𝑥 values get bigger the 𝑦 values get smaller (going down the hill)
the turning points cannot be included (the gradient at a turning point is zero)

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Examples

1. In the figure, sketch graphs of the following functions are shown:

1
𝑓(𝑥) = − 2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 6 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2. E is the turning point of 𝑓.
E
C G
Q

A O F
S B
H
D
P
g f

Determine:
a) the lengths of: (i) AB (ii) CD
b) the co-ordinates of E
c) the maximum length of GH if F lies between O and S.
d) 𝑥 if 𝑓(𝑥) ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥) = 0
e) the range of 𝑓.
f) Use the graph to determine for which values of k the equation
1
− 2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 𝑘 = 0 will have real roots.

2. The diagram represents the graphs of the following functions:

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 𝑘 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
The graphs intersect at A and B ( 4; 5 ). The turning point of 𝑔 is E ( 2; 0 ).
PR is parallel to the y-axis where P and Q are points on 𝑓 and 𝑔 respectively.

5
a) Show that the equation of 𝑔 is 𝑦 = 4 (𝑥 − 2)2
b) Calculate the value of k.
c) Determine the co-ordinates of A.
d) If OR = 3 units, calculate the length of PQ.

g f

P B
C

A
Q Q

D O E R Page 6 of 10
3. The sketch below shows the curves of a parabola 𝑓, which has an axis of symmetry
𝑥 = −1, a hyperbola 𝑔 and the line 𝑦 = 2. The curves of 𝑓, 𝑔 and the line 𝑦 = 2
intersect at A.

Determine:

a) the co-ordinates of A
A

b) the equation of 𝑔

c) the equation of 𝑓

4. In the figure below, sketch graphs of the following functions are shown:
−2
𝑓 (𝑥) = −(𝑥 + 1)2 + 4 and g (x) = C
+ q where C and E are the y - intercepts
𝑥+𝑝
respectively. D is the turning point of 𝑓.

a) Write down the

co-ordinates of the turning
point D.
b) Write down the equation
of ℎ if
ℎ (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 − 1) − 4
c) Write down the values of
𝑝 and 𝑞.
d) Calculate CE.

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5. In the sketch below, P is the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 . T is the x-intercept of graph g, the
inverse of f. R is the point of intersection of f and g. O is the origin. Straight lines are drawn through
O and R and through P and T. R lies on PT.

a) Determine the equation of g

(in terms of b) in the form y = …
b) Write down the equation of the line
passing through O and R.
c) Write down the coordinates of point P.
d) Determine the equation of the line
passing through P and T.
e) Calculate the value of b.

6. The figure below represents the graphs of the following functions:

8
f ( x) = −2 x 2 − 4 x + 16 and g ( x) = +6
x+5

a) Determine the coordinates of A, B,

C, D, E
b) If M is the turning point of f ( x) ,
determine the length of MN
c) How many points of intersection do
f and g share?
d) State the equations of the vertical
and horizontal asymptotes of g(x)
e) Give the range of f
f) Determine the equation of f(x) if it
is translated 3 units to the right and
2 units down.

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7. Refer to the figure (not drawn to scale):

−6
Given: f ( x) = + 3
x +1
x
1
and g ( x) =   − 2
2

Determine:
a) the equations of the asymptotes
of 𝑓 .
b) the equations of the axes of
symmetry of 𝑓 .
c) the domain of 𝑔.
d) the range of 𝑔.
e) the length of OA and OB.
f) the distance CD given that
OH = 2 units.
g) f (− 3) and g (− 3) . Hence, give
the co-ordinates of E.
h) the value(s) of 𝑥 for which f ( x)  g ( x)  0

k
8. Consider the sketch below showing the graphs of g ( x) = + q and f ( x) = b x−m + n ,
x− p
with asymptotes at x = 1 and y = −2:

a) Determine the equation of g ( x)

by finding the values for k , p and q .

b) Show that b = 2, m = −1 and n = −2. •

c) Determine the equation of the axis
of symmetry of g ( x) which has a
positive gradient.
d) ED is a line parallel to the 𝑦-axis,
with point E on the x-axis, point C
on f ( x) and point D on g ( x) . If the
9
length of CD is units, find the
4
length of OE.

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9. Sketched are the graphs of f ( x) = x 2 + 4 x − 12 and g ( x) = 2 x + 12 .

QB is a line perpendicular to the x-axis, which lies between A and P.

a) Find the maximum length of QB.
b) For which value(s) of 𝑥 is:
i) 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 𝑔(𝑥)
ii) 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) < 0
iii) 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) = 0

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