Graphs of functions (Explanation)

Draw graphs for functions of the form .

Graphs of Reciprocal functions

In a reciprocal function there are two asymptotes:

Note:
In a reciprocal function there are two asymptotes:

1) Horizontal asymptote
2) Vertical asymptote

An asymptote of a curve is a line such that the distance between the curve and the line
approaches zero as one or both of the tends to infinity . The curves get very
close to these lines but never meet them.

Graphs of linear functions

A straight line will be made.

Graphs of Quadratic functions

Recall that a quadratic function has the form

The graph of a quadratic function is a U-shaped curve called a parabola. This shape is shown
below.

.
Example # 1

A curve has equation

By adding a suitable straight line to your graph, solve the following equation:

Example # 2
A curve has equation

By adding a suitable straight line to your graph, solve the following equations:

a)
b)
Graphs of Cubic functions

Graphs of Exponential functions

Note: The curve will not meet the . The is the horizontal asymptote.

General advices to the students for making graphs

• Always use a sharpened HB pencil (Hard Black pencil). Avoid using a pen, as there is only
one single grid given.
• Always use a linear scale on graph paper for both the axes and write that scale
(preferred).
• Utilize the given grid as effectively as possible.