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IGCSE Specification
IGCSE: Curved Graphs 1 Plot and recognise quadratic, cubic, 2 Find the values of p and q in
reciprocal, exponential and circular the function 𝑦 = 𝑝𝑞 given
functions. coordinates on the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑝𝑞

“Given that 2,6 and 5,162 are

points on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎 , find
the value of 𝑘 and 𝑎.”

3 Use the graphs of these functions to find

approximate solutions to equations, e.g.
given 𝑥 find 𝑦 (and vice versa)
The diagram shows the graph of y = x2 – 5x – 3
1b Plot and recognise trigonometric (a) Use the graph to find estimates for the solutions of
(i) x2 – 5x – 3 = 0
functions 𝑦 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑦 = cos 𝑥, (ii) x2 – 5x – 3 = 6

within the range 0° to +360°

The graph shows 𝑦 = 4

cos 𝑥. Determine the
Last modified: Wednesday, 17 May 2023 |1444 ،‫ شوال‬27 ،‫اﻷربعاء‬ coordinate of point 𝐴.

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Skill #1: Recognising Graphs Skill #1: Recognising Graphs

Linear Quadratic

𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
When 𝑎 > 0 When 𝑎 < 0 When 𝑎 > 0 When 𝑎 < 0

The line is known as a straight line. The line for a quadratic equation
is known as a parabola.

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Skill #1: Recognising Graphs Skill #1: Recognising Graphs

Cubic Reciprocal

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥3 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 𝑎 𝑎 is a constant while 𝑥 𝑎

When 𝑎 > 0 When 𝑎 > 0 𝑦= is a variable, so we 𝑦=
y
𝑥 might have 𝑦 = 𝑥
When 𝑎 > 0 When 𝑎 < 0

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
When 𝑎 < 0 When 𝑎 < 0
y

x The lines 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 0 are called asymptotes. You don’t need to know
! An asymptote is a straight line which the this until A Level.
curve approaches at infinity.

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Skill #1: Recognising Graphs Skill #1: Recognising Graphs

Exponential Circle
The equation of this circle is:
𝑦
𝑦 =𝑎×𝑏
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 25
5
y
(We can see the equation is
satisfied for example at the
points 5,0 , 0, −5 , …)

𝑥
-5 5

x -5 ! The equation of a circle with

centre at the origin and radius
The 𝑦-intercept is 𝑎 because 𝑎 × 𝑏 = 𝑎 × 1 = 𝑎. 𝑟 is:
(unless 𝑎 = 0, but let’s not go there!)
𝑥 +𝑦 =𝑟

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Quickfire Circles Card Sort Match the graphs with the equations.

A B C D Equation types:
A: quadratic
B: cubic
1 3 4 C: quadratic
D: cubic
-1 1 -3 3 -4 4 E: cubic
F: reciprocal
E F G H G: cubic
-1 -3 -4
H: reciprocal
I: exponential
J: linear
𝑥 +𝑦 =1 𝑥 +𝑦 =9 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 16 K: sinusoidal
L: fictional

I J K L
8 10 6

-8 8 -10 10 -6 6

-8 -10 -6

i) y = 5 - 2x2 iv) y = 3/x vii) y=-2x3 + x2 + 6x x) y = x2 + x - 2 

𝑥 + 𝑦 = 64 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 100 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 36 Click to
ii) y = 4x v) y = x3 – 7x + 6 viii) y = -2/x xi) y = sin (x) reveal
iii) y = -3x3 vi) ix) y = 2x3 xii) y = 2x – 3 answers.

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Exercise 1 (on provided sheet)

1 Identify the coordinates of the 3 Match the graphs to their equations.
indicated points.
𝐴
𝑦 = sin 𝑥
𝐶

4
𝑥 +𝑦 =9 𝑦=
𝑥

𝐷 𝐸
1

𝑨 𝟗𝟎, 𝟏 𝑩 𝟏𝟖𝟎, 𝟎
𝑪 𝟎, 𝟑 𝑫 −𝟑, 𝟎
𝑬 𝟏, 𝟒

2 Which of these graphs could have the

equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 3? i. 𝑦 = 4 sin 𝑥 E
ii. 𝑦 = 4 cos 𝑥 B
a b c iii. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 5 F
iv. 𝑦 = 4 × 2 C
v. 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4 D
c, because a is the wrong way up (given 𝒙𝟑 term has positive vi. 𝑦 = A
coefficient) and b has the wrong y-intercept.

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Ex7, Pg. 247 Solve Questions 1 and 14 Sample answer

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Sample answer What makes a graph sketch a ‘sketch’

𝑦
• The general shape is the
most important feature,
including ‘turning points’
(i.e. peaks/troughs),
where the where the
curve tails off to, etc.
• No scale on axes!
So how it is ‘stretched’ in
the 𝑥 and 𝑦 direction is
unimportant.
1 • But we need to indicate
points where a curve
intercepts the axes.
−2 𝑥
Note therefore the difference between
‘plotting’ a graph (where we join up plotted
points on proper axes with scales indicated) and
‘sketching’ a graph (where we’re only interested
in general shape and giving an indication of
important features).

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Key Terms Sketching Quadratics

1. If y = f(x), then to solve f(x) = 0 means we’re trying to 3 features needed in sketch? y
find x when y = 0.
2. These are also known as the roots of the function.
3. On the graph, these correspond to where the line
crosses the x-axis.
y

Root Roots
Root

x
x
𝑎 𝑏
𝑐
General shape: y-intercept
! The roots of a function 𝑓 are the values 𝑥 such that 𝑓 𝑥 = 0.
This corresponds to where its graph crosses the 𝑥-axis.
Smiley face or hill?

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Example 1 Example 2
1. Roots 1. Roots
2. y-intercept 2. y-intercept
3. Shape: smiley face or hill? 3. Shape: smiley face or hill?

y y

𝑦 =𝑥 −𝑥−2 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 4
= (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2) = − 𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 4
x =− 𝑥−1 𝑥−4 x
So if 𝑦 = 0, i.e. -1 2 1 4
= (𝑥 − 1)(4 − 𝑥)
𝑥 + 1 𝑥 − 2 = 0, then
𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 2. -2 Tip: We can tidy up by
using the minus on the -4
When 𝑥 = 0, clearly 𝑦 front to swap the order in
= −2. one of the negations.

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Example 3 Checking your understanding

1. Roots
2. y-intercept
𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 2 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 8
3. Shape: smiley face or hill?
Roots? x = -1, -2 Roots? 𝑥 = −2, 4
y-Intercept? y=2 y-Intercept? 𝑦=8
y
∩ or ∪ shape? ∪ ∩ or ∪ shape? ∩
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y y
𝑦 = −𝑥 + 𝑥 + 30
8
= − 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 30
=− 𝑥+5 𝑥−6 x 2
-5 6
= (5 − 𝑥)(𝑥 − 6)
-2 -1
x -2
x
4

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Checking your understanding Axis of symmetry

𝑦=9 −𝑥 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 5𝑥 − 3 A vertical line that

divides a parabola into
Roots? x = -3, 3 Roots? 𝑥 = −0.5, 3 two symmetrical
y-Intercept? y=9 y-Intercept? 𝑦 = −3 halves is the axis of
symmetry.
∩ or ∪ shape? ∩ ∩ or ∪ shape? ∪
The axis of symmetry
y y always passes through
9 the vertex (turning
point) of the
parabola. You can use
the zeros to find the
x x
-3 3 -0.5 3 axis of symmetry.
-3

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Axis of symmetry Axis of symmetry

Example 1: Finding the Axis of Symmetry by Using

You can use a formula to find the axis of symmetry. the Formula
The formula works for all quadratic functions.
Find the axis of symmetry of the graph of
y = –3x2 + 10x + 9.
Step 1. Find the values Step 2. Use the formula.
of a and b.
y = –3x2 + 10x + 9
a = –3, b = 10

The axis of symmetry is

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Axis of symmetry Worksheet

Example 2: Finding the Axis of Symmetry by Using
the Formula
Find the axis of symmetry of the graph of
y = 2x2 + x + 3.

Step 1. Find the values Step 2. Use the formula.

of a and b.
y = 2x2 + 1x + 3
a = 2, b = 1

The axis of symmetry is .

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Worksheet Worksheet

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Revision: Reciprocal Graphs Worksheet

Reciprocal

𝑎 𝑎 is a constant while 𝑥 𝑎
𝑦= is a variable, so we 𝑦=
𝑥 might have 𝑦 = 𝑥
When 𝑎 > 0 When 𝑎 < 0

The lines 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 0 are called asymptotes. You don’t need to know
! An asymptote is a straight line which the this until A Level.
curve approaches at infinity.

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Sketching Cubics Revision: Cubic Graphs

1. Is it uphill or downhill? Is the 𝑥 term + or -? Cubic
2. Consider the roots:
a) If (𝑥 − 𝑎) appears once, the line crosses at 𝑥 = 𝑎. 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥3 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
b) If 𝑥 − 𝑎 appears, the line touches at 𝑥 = 𝑎. When 𝑎 > 0 When 𝑎 > 0
c) If 𝑥 − 𝑎 appears, we have a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 𝑎. y

𝟐
𝒚 = 𝒙(𝒙 − 𝟏)(𝒙 + 𝟏) 𝒚= 𝒙−𝟏 𝒙+𝟐
x
y y

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
2 When 𝑎 < 0
y When 𝑎 < 0

x x
-1 1 -2 1
x

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More Examples Suggesting an Equation

1. Is it uphill or downhill? Is the 𝑥 term + or -? Suggest an equation Hint: Think backwards. We’d know for example
that if 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) then the graph
2. Consider the roots: 𝑦
a) If (𝑥 − 𝑎) appears once, the line crosses at 𝑥 = 𝑎. for this cubic graph. would intercept the 𝑥-axis at 2 and -3.

b) If 𝑥 − 𝑎 appears, the line touches at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

c) If 𝑥 − 𝑎 appears, we have a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

𝟑
𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 𝟐 − 𝒙 𝒚 = 𝒙−𝟏
y y
𝑥
-3 2

The fact that 2 is a root AND the

graph touches at this point
x x suggest we should use what?
-1 2 1 𝒙−𝟐 𝟐
-1 A point of inflection is where the The fact that -3 is a root
curve changes from concave to suggests we can use what in the
convex (or vice versa). Think of it factorisation?
∴ 𝒚= 𝒙+𝟑 𝒙−𝟐 𝟐
as a ‘plateau’ when ascending or (𝒙 + 𝟑)
descending a hill.

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Test Your Understanding Quickfire Questions!

𝑦 Sketch the following, ensuring you indicate the values where the line intercepts the axes.
1 Sketch 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1) 𝑥 − 2 , 2 Suggest an equation for this 1 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) 4 𝑦 = 𝑥 1−𝑥 6 𝑦 = 3−𝑥
ensuring you indicate where the graph.
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graph cuts/touches either axes. 𝒚= 𝒙 𝒙+𝟑 𝟐

6

3
-2 1 3
1
𝑥
𝑦 -3
2 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(2 − 𝑥) 5 𝑦 = −𝑥 7 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2 (𝑥 − 1)

4 1 2 -2 1

N Sketch 𝑦 = 9𝑥 − 𝑥 -4

(hint: factorise first!)

𝑥 = 𝒙 𝟗 − 𝒙𝟐 = 𝒙 𝟑 + 𝒙 𝟑 − 𝒙 3 𝑦 =𝑥 𝑥+1 8 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥 (3 − 𝑥)
-1 2 𝑦 3

-1 1 3

𝑥
-3 3

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Revision: Exponential Graphs Revision: Exponential Graphs

Exponential

𝑦 =𝑎×𝑏 A function rule that describes the pattern above is

f(x) = 2(3)x.
y
This type of function, in which the independent
variable appears in an exponent, is an exponential
function.

2 is the starting population and 3 is the amount by

𝑎 which the population is multiplied each day.
x
The 𝑦-intercept is 𝑎 because 𝑎 × 𝑏 = 𝑎 × 1 = 𝑎.
(unless 𝑎 = 0, but let’s not go there!)

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Revision: Exponential Graphs Revision: Exponential Graphs

The box summarizes the general shapes of exponential Example 1: Graphing y = abx with a > 0 and b > 1
function graphs.

Graphs of Exponential Functions Graph y = 0.5(2)x.

Choose several values of x Graph the ordered pairs
and generate ordered pairs. and connect with a smooth
curve.
a>0 a>0
x y = 0.5(2)x
a<0 a<0 –1 0.25
0 0.5
For y = abx, if b > 1, then For y = abx, if 0 < b < 1, 1 1 •
•
the graph will have one then the graph will have ••

of these shapes. one of these shapes. 2 2

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Revision: Exponential Graphs Revision: Exponential Graphs

Example 2: Graphing y = abx with a < 0 and b > 1 Example 3: Graphing y = abx with 0 < b < 1
Graph each exponential function.

Choose several values of x Graph the ordered pairs Graph the ordered pairs
and generate ordered pairs. and connect with a smooth Choose several values of x and connect with a smooth
curve. and generate ordered pairs. curve.
x y =– 1
(2)x x
1
y = –1( 4 )x
4
•• •
•
–1 –0.125 –1 –4
0 –0.25 0 –1
1 –0.5 1 –0.25
2 –1 2 – 0.0625

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SKILL #2: Finding constants of 𝑦 = 𝑎 × 𝑏 Test Your Understanding: Exercise 1

The graph shows two points Q Given that 2,6 and 5,162 are points on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑎 , find
1,7 and 3,175 on a line with the value of 𝑘 and 𝑎.
6 = 𝑘𝑎
equation: 162 = 𝑘𝑎
→ 27 = 𝑎
𝒚 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙 𝒂=𝟑
(3,175) 𝟔 𝟐
𝒌= 𝟐=
Determine 𝑘 and 𝑎 (where 𝑘 𝟑 𝟑
and 𝑎 are positive constants).
N Given that 3, 45 and 1, are points on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑏
(1,7) Answer: where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are positive constants, find the value of 𝑎 and 𝑏.
𝟕 = 𝒌𝒂𝟏 45 = 𝑎 𝑏
𝟏𝟕𝟓 = 𝒌𝒂𝟑 9
=𝑎 𝑏
Dividing: 5
→ 25 = 𝑏
𝟐𝟓 = 𝒂𝟐
𝒃=𝟓
Hint: Substitute the values of the 𝒂=𝟓
coordinates in to form two equations. You’re Substituting back into 1st equation: 𝟒𝟓 𝟒𝟓 𝟗 𝟑
used to solving simultaneous equations by 𝒂= = = =
elimination – either adding or subtracting. Is
𝟕 𝒃𝟑 𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝟐𝟓 𝟓
𝒌=
there another arithmetic operation? 𝟓

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Exercise 2

1 Given that the points (1,6) and 3 Given that the points (1,3) and
4,48 lie on the exponential curve 3,108 lie on the exponential
with equation 𝑦 = 𝑏 × 𝑎 , curve with equation 𝑦 = 𝑏 × 𝑎 ,
determine 𝑎 and 𝑏. determine 𝑎 and 𝑏.
𝟔 = 𝒃𝒂 𝟏
𝟒𝟖 = 𝒃𝒂𝟒 𝒂 = 𝟑, 𝒃 =
𝟐
→ 𝟖 = 𝒂𝟑
𝒂=𝟐
Given that the points (3, ) and
𝒃=𝟑 4
7, lie on the exponential
curve with equation 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑎 ,
Given that the points (2,48) and determine 𝑎 and 𝑏.
2
5,3072 lie on the exponential 𝟏 𝟏
curve with equation 𝑦 = 𝑏 × 𝑎 , 𝒂 = ,𝒃 =
𝟐 𝟑
determine 𝑎 and 𝑏.
𝒂 = 𝟒, 𝒃 = 𝟑

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