Topic 3 Polynomials and other functions

3.4 Sketching square root graphs

The graph of 𝑦 = √𝑥 has the following features:

a. The endpoint is (0, 0).

b. The domain is 𝑥 ≥ 0.
c. The range is 𝑦 ≥ 0.

Generally, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎√±(𝑥 − 𝑝) + 𝑞 where 𝑎 ≠ 0 has the features:

a. The endpoint is (𝑝, 𝑞).

b. For +𝑥, the domain is 𝑥 ≥ 𝑝; for −𝑥, the domain is 𝑥 ≤ 𝑝.
c. If 𝑎 > 0, the range is 𝑦 ≥ 𝑞; if 𝑎 < 0, the range is 𝑦 ≤ 𝑞.

Example: Sketch 𝑦 = 3√4𝑥 − 9 − 6, stating its domain and range.

Notice that

𝑦 = 3√4𝑥 − 9 − 6

9
= 3√4 (𝑥 − ) − 6
4

9
= 3√4√𝑥 − − 6
4

9
= 6√𝑥 − − 6
4
9
The domain is 𝑥 ≥ 4 whereas the range is 𝑦 ≥ −6.

1
Sketch 𝑦 = √𝑥 + 4 − 1, stating its domain and range.

Sketch 𝑦 = −√6 − 𝑥, stating its domain and range.

2
Sketch 𝑦 = 3 − √3𝑥, stating its domain and range.

Sketch 𝑦 = √9 − 2𝑥 + 1, stating its domain and range.

3
Sketch 𝑦 = 2√4 + 2𝑥 + 3, stating its domain and range.

Sketch 𝑦 = −√3 − √12 − 3𝑥, stating its domain and range.

4
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎√𝑥 + 𝑏 + 𝑐, 𝑥 ≥ 5 is shown. Determine the values of 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐.

The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 + 𝑐, 𝑥 ≤ 2 is shown. Determine the values of 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐.