Graphs Revision Sheet

Contents
1. Straight Line or Linear Functions
a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph
b. Effect of a
c. Effect of q
d. Negative Graph
e. Finding the Equation
2. Quadratic Functions (Parabolas)
a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph
b. Effect of a
c. Effect of q
d. Negative Graph
e. Finding the Equation
3. Hyperbolic Functions
a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph
b. Effect of a
c. Effect of q
d. Negative Graph
e. Finding the Equation
4. Exponential Functions
a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph
b. Effect of b
c. Effect of a
d. Effect of q
e. Negative Graph
f. Finding the Equation
5. Trigonometric Functions
a. Sin
b. Cos
c. Tan
d. Finding the Equation
e. Increasing and Decreasing Functions
6. Domain and Range
7. When f(x) > g(x)
8. Finding the Value of a Function
9. x and y intercepts
A function is a mathematical relationship between two variables, where every
input variable has one output variable.

1. Straight Line Functions

A straight-line graph represents a linear relationship between two variables.
The general equation for this function is given by:

y = mx + c m/a = gradient (how steep the line is)

y = ax + q c/q = vertical (or y) intercept

1.a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph

1.b. Effect of a

When a increases, the graph line When a decreases, the graph line
becomes steeper. becomes shallower.
1.c. Effect of q
When q increases, the whole graph When q decreases, the whole graph
shape is shifted upwards. shape is shifted downwards.

1.d. Negative Graph

To get a negative graph, we reflect the line in the x axis.

1.e. Finding the Equation of a Straight Line Graph

The method for finding the equation is:
1. Write down the general equation of the graph.
y = ax + q
2. Find q (the y-intercept or where the graph cuts the y axis).
q = 7 (as this is where the graph crosses the y axis)
3. Rewrite the general equation with q.
y = ax + 7
4. Substitute the other coordinate into the new equation.
(4 ; 0) y = ax + 7
0 = a(4) + 7
0 = 4a + 7
5. Rearrange the equation to find a.
Transpose the +7 to make -7: -7 = 4a
Now turn the multiplication of 4 by dividing on the other side: -7 = a
4
a = -1,75
6. Write the final equation with the a and q values.
y = -1,75x + 7
 2. Quadratic Functions
A quadratic or parabola is a function that has been raised to the power of 2 or
squared. The general equation for this function is given by:

a = shape (how squished or wide the curve is)

y = ax2 + q
q = vertical shift

All quadratic graphs have a turning point. This is where the graph changes from
decreasing to increasing or increasing to decreasing.

2.a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph

2.b. Effect of a
When a increases, the graph When a decreases, the graph
becomes squished (towards the y becomes wider (away from the y
axis). axis).
2.c. Effect of q
When q increases, the whole graph When q decreases, the whole graph
shape is shifted upwards. shape is shifted downwards.

2.d. Negative Graph

To get a negative graph, we reflect the line in the x axis.
2.e. Finding the Equation of a Quadratic

The method to find the equation is:

1. Write down the general equation for the graph.
y = ax2 + q
2. Find the value of q (the turning point of the graph).
q = -5 (the turning point of the graph)
3. Rewrite the equation with q.
y = ax2 – 5
4. Substitute the other coordinate into the new equation.
(2 ; 3) 3 = a(2)2 – 5

5. Rearrange the equation to find a (make ‘a’ the subject of the equation).
3 = a(4) – 5
(2 ; 3) 3 = 4a – 5
Transpose – 5 to the other side: 3 + 5 = 4a
8 = 4a
a=84
a=2

6. Rewrite the final equation with a and q.

y = 2x2 – 5
 3. Hyperbolic Functions
A hyperbolic graph is made up of two branches which curve away from each
other. The general equation for this function is given by:

y= a +q a = shape (how far away from the axes the graph lies)
x q = (horizontal) asymptote

3.a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph

For the mother graph, there are two

asymptotes (lines that the graph
approaches but cannot touch).

x = 0 and y = 0

We cannot see the dotted lines as they are

hidden behind the x and y axes.

3.b. Effect of a
When a increases (a>1), the branches When a decreases (0<a<1), the
of the graph move further away from branches of the graph move towards
the axes or our asymptotes. the axes or our asymptotes.
3.c. Effect of q
When q increases, the whole graph When q decreases, the whole graph
shape is shifted upwards. shape is shifted downwards.

3.d. Negative Graph

To get a negative graph, we reflect the branches in the x axis (this means the
branches now move to the 2nd and 4th quadrant)

Positive graph = 1st and 3rd quadrants

Negative graph = 2nd and 4th quadrants
3.e. Finding the Equation of a Hyperbolic

The method to find the equation is:

1. Write the general equation of the hyperbolic.
y= a +q
x
2. Find q (the value of the asymptote).
q=4
4. Rewrite the general equation with q.
y= a +4
x
st
5. Substitute the 1 coordinate into the new equation.
(-3 ; 0) y= a +4
x
0= a +4
-3
6. Rearrange for a.
Transpose +4 to make this -4 on the other side: -4 = a
-3
Multiply by -3: -4 x -3 = a
+12 = a

7. Write the final equation with a and q.

y = 12 + 4
x
 4. Exponential Functions
An exponential graph represents a function when the x value is the power. The
general equation for this function is given by:

a = vertical stretch
y = a.bx + q b = steepness
q = (horizontal) asymptote

4.a. Shape and Characteristics of the Mother Graph

4.b. Effect of b
When b increases (b>1), the graph When b decreases (0<b<1), the graph
becomes steeper more quickly. is reflected in the y axis.

*see that the y intercept remains at *see that the y intercept remains at (0;
(0; 1) 1)

For when b decreases, as the fraction

gets smaller, the reflection of the
graph will become steeper.
4.c. Effect of a
When a increases, the graph is When a decreases, the graph is
stretched in the vertical y direction. squished in the vertical y direction.

*the y intercept increases *the y intercept decreases

4.d. Effect of q
When q increases, the whole graph When q decreases, the whole graph
shape is shifted upwards. shape is shifted downwards.

*the y intercept increases *the y intercept decreases

4.e. Negative Graph
To get the negative graph, we reflect the line in the x axis.

4.f. Finding the Equation of an Exponential

The method of finding the equation is:

1. Write the general equation for an exponential graph.
 y = a.bx + q
2. Find q (the asymptote of the graph).
q = -8
3. Rewrite the general equation with q.
y = a.bx – 8
4. Substitute the 1st coordinate into the new equation.
(0 ; -1) -1 = a.b0 – 8
-1 = a.1 – 8
-1 = a – 8

3. Rearrange for a.
-1 = a – 8
Transpose -8 to a +8 on the other side: -1 + 8 = a
a = -1 + 8
4. Substitute the 2nd coordinate in.
(2 ; 0) 0 = a.b2 – 8

5. Rearrange for a.
Transpose the -8 to the other side of the eq to make +8: 8 = a.b2
Divide by b2 on the other side of the equation: 8=a
b2
6. Make the two equations for ‘a’ equal to each other and rearrange to find ‘b’.
a=a
-1 + 8 = 8
b2
Multiply by b2: -1b2 + 8b2 = 8
Collect the terms: 7b2 = 8
Divide by 7: b2 = 8/7
Square root of b: b2 = (8/7)
b = 1,07

7. Rewrite the equation with b and q.

y = a.1,07x – 8
8. Substitute the 1st coordinate into the new eq from step 7 & rearrange for a.
(0 ; -1) -1 = a.(1, 070) – 8
-1 = a (1) – 8
-1 = 1a – 8
Transpose -8 to +8 on the other side: -1 + 8 = a
7=a
9. Write the final equation with the values of a, b and q.
y = 7.1,07x – 8
 5. Trigonometric Functions
There are three trigonometric functions we need to remember: sin, cos & tan.

Sin Cos Tan

General
Expressions

a = vertical
stretch or
y = a sin x + q y = a cos x + q y = a tan x + q
amplitude

q = vertical
shift

Mother
y = sin x y = cos x y = tan x
Graphs

Period

(the time it
takes for
one 360o 360o 180o
complete
cycle of the
graph)

Amplitude
(of the
mother
graph) 1 1 No amplitude

A = ½ (max
y – min y)
 5.a. Effect of a

When a increases, the graph is stretched in the vertical y direction.

When a decreases, the graph is squished in the vertical y direction.

5.b. Effect of q

When q increases, the whole graph shape is shifted upwards.

When q decreases, the whole graph shape is shifted downwards.

5.c. Negative Graph

To get a negative graph, we reflect the line in the x axis.

5.d. Finding the Amplitude

 Amplitude = ½ (max y – min y)

5.e. Finding the Equation

There are two methods to finding the equation of a trigonometric graph.

The quick method for finding the equation is:

1. Write the general equation.
y = a cos x + q
2. Find a (the amplitude).
a = ½ (max y – min y)

max y value = 3
min y value = -1
a = ½ (3 – (-1))
a = ½ (3 + 1)
a = ½ (4) = 2
3. Find q.
q = ½ (max y + min y)

max y value = 3
min y value = -1
q = ½ (3 + (-1))
q = ½ (3 - 1)
q = ½ (2) = 1
4. Rewrite the final equation with a and q.
 y = 2cos x + 1

If we don’t know the maximum and minimum y values, or if we are calculating

the equation of a tan graph, we need to use the long method:

1. Take the general equation of the trigonometric function.

y = a tan x + q
st
2. Substitute the 1 coordinate into the equation.
(75o ; 1) 1 = a (tan 75) + q
1 = a (3,73) + q
3. Rearrange for a.
1 = 3,73a + q
Transpose +q to -q: 1 – q = 3,73a
Divide by 3,73: 1–q=a
3,73

4. Substitute the 2nd coordinate into the equation.

(115o ; -1) -1 = a (tan 115) + q
-1 = a (-2,14) + q
5. Rearrange for a.
-1 = -2,14a + q
Transpose +q to -q: -1 – q = -2,14a
Divide by -2,14: -1 – q = a
-2,14
When we divide two – numbers it becomes +: 1 + q = a
2,14

6. Make the two equations for ‘a’ equal to each other and rearrange to find the
value for q.
 a=a
1–q=1+q
3,73 2,14
Cross multiply: 2,14 (1 – q) = 3,73 (1 + q)
Multiply out: 2,14 – 2,14q = 3,73 + 3,73q
Collect like terms: 2,14 – 3,73 – 2,14q = 3,73q
-1,59 – 2,14q = 3,73q
Transpose the -2,14q to +2,14q: -1,59 = 3,73q + 2,14q
-1,59 = 5,78q
- 0,28 = q
7. Rewrite the general equation with q.
y = a tan x – 0,28
8. Substitute either coordinate into the new general equation and find a.
(75o ; 1) 1 = a (tan 75) – 0.28
1 = a (3,73) – 0.28
1 = 3,73a – 0,28
Transpose the – 0,28: 1 + 0,28 = 3,73a
1,28 = 3,73a
0,34 = a
9. Write the final equation with a and q.
y = 0,34 tan x – 0,28

5.f. Increasing and Decreasing Functions

A question might ask us what the x values are when a function is increasing or
decreasing.

We can look at the function like a rollercoaster. The function begins by going up
(increasing) until we reach the turning point of the graph.
At the turning point (TP), the graph is flat.

The graph then starts going down as it is decreasing.

All of the orange arrows represent when the above function is increasing.
All of the blue arrows represent when the function is decreasing.

E.g. Find the values of theta where the function is decreasing.

The blue arrows start at 90o.

The blue arrows finish at 270o.

 (90o ; 270o)

*Remember that the values of 90o and 270o are not included so we use circular
brackets.
This is because the graph is not increasing or decreasing at these points, it is
flat.
 6. Domain and Range

Domain can be defined as the set of all independent x values for which a
function is defined.
In simple terms, this means all the possible values of x.

To find the domain of a graph, we need to look at how far left and how far right
our x values go.

Range is defined as the set of all dependent y values for which a function is
defined.
In simple terms, this means all the possible values of y.

To find the range, we need to look at how far up and how far down our y values
go.

*Remember if we have arrows drawn on the end of our graph line, the graph
goes to infinity in the direction the arrow is pointing.

E.g. Find the domain and range of the following graph.

Domain
As we continue to extend the graph up, the graph
will also continue to be drawn in both the left and
right directions.

Therefore,
Minimum x value = - 
Maximum x value = + 
x  (-  ; + )

Range
As we continue to extend the graph up, the graph
can be drawn upwards forever.

Therefore,
Minimum y value = 3 (as the graph cannot go below
the TP)
Maximum y value = + 
y  [ 3 ; + )
 7. f(x) > g(x)
A question might ask us to find the x values which make the y values of f(x) >
the y values of g(x).

Whichever graph is drawn above will have bigger y values.

E.g. Find the x values where f(x) > g(x).

f(x) is drawn above g(x) on our axes after the x value
of 2

and before the x value of -1

These sections are highlighted on the graph.

Therefore we can say f(x) > g(x) when:

x > 2 or x < -1

*Remember we do not include that values of 2 and

-1 as the functions are equal when they intersect so
f(x) is not greater.

E.g. Find the x values where f(x) > g (x)

We now include the point of intersection where the graphs are equal.
We can analyse each section of the graph to
determine where f(x)>g(x):

Between 0o and 90o: g(x) is bigger

Between 90o and 270o: f(x) is bigger (as the black

line is drawn above the green line)

Between 270o and 360o: g(x) is bigger

Therefore we can say f(x) > g(x) when:

 [90o ; 270o]
*Here we are using square brackets as we are including
the values of 90o and 270o as we want to represent
when f(x) is greater than or equal to g(x).
 8. Finding the Value of a Function
Sometimes we may be asked to find the value of the function f(x) at a
particular point. In these examples, we will be given the x value and we want to
determine the y value.

E.g. For f(x) = 3x2 – 9, find f(2).

*Here the x in f(x) has been replaced with the number 2 so x = 2.

Now we need to substitute x = 2 to find the y value of f(2).

➔x=2 f(2) = 3(2)2 – 9

➔s f(2) = 3(4) – 9
➔s f(2) = 12 – 9 = 3
 9. x and y intercepts

x-intercept is where the graph crosses the x axis

here we let y = 0

y-intercept is where the graph crosses the y axis

here we let x = 0

E.g. Find the x and y intercepts of the graph y = -4x + 6

x-intercept
let y = 0
replace y with 0 in the equation: 0 = -4x + 6
transpose the +6 to -6: -6 = -4x
divide by -4: -6 = x
-4
x = +1,5

y-intercept
let x = 0
replace x with 0 in the equation: y = -4(0) + 6
y=0+6
y=6