Topic 3 Polynomials and other functions

3.2 Sketching cubic graphs

The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 has the following features:

a. It is increasing (as 𝑥 increases, 𝑦 increases).

b. The graph changes from concave down to concave up at (0, 0).
c. It has only one horizontal inflection point (where concavity changes) and 𝑥-intercept at (0, 0).

Generally, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)3 + 𝑞 where 𝑎 ≠ 0 has the features:

a. If 𝑎 > 0, the graph is increasing and changes from concave down to concave up at (𝑝, 𝑞).
b. If 𝑎 < 0, the graph is decreasing and changes from concave up to concave down at (𝑝, 𝑞).
c. It has only one horizontal inflection point at (𝑝, 𝑞) and has exactly one 𝑥-intercept.

Cubic graphs with two or three 𝑥-intercepts

The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑚)2 (𝑥 − 𝑛) has a turning point at (𝑚, 0) and a second 𝑥-intercept at (𝑛, 0),
while the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑚)(𝑥 − 𝑛)(𝑥 − 𝑝) has three 𝑥-intercepts at (𝑚, 0), (𝑛, 0) and (𝑝, 0).

1
Sketch:

a. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1)3 + 8
1
b. 𝑦 = 6 − (𝑥 − 2)3
2

2
Sketch:
1
a. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 + 5)
4

b. 𝑦 = −2(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 4)2

3
Sketch the following without attempting to locate turning points.

a. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5)

b. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 − 5)(6 − 𝑥)

4
Determine the equation of the following graphs.

a. The graph of a cubic polynomial which has a horizontal inflection point at (3, −7) and an 𝑥-intercept
at (10, 0).

5
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 32 for −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4.

a. Factorise 4𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 32.

b. Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

c. State the maximum and minimum values of the function 𝑓.