Sketching Curves

The Reciprocal Function Example

Sketch the graph of the function

You need to be able to sketch the 1

y These are
‘reciprocal’ function. This takes the x where the
form: and its asymptotes. graph ‘never
k reaches’, in this
y y case the axes…
x

Where ‘k’ is a constant.

y = 1/x

x -1 -0.5 -0.25 0.25 0.5 1 x

y -1 -2 -4 4 2 1

You cannot divide by 0, so you get

no value at this point
4C
 Sketching Curves
The Reciprocal Function Example
Sketch the graph of the function

You need to be able to sketch the 3

y
‘reciprocal’ function. This takes the x
form: and its asymptotes.
k y = 3/x
y y
x

Where ‘k’ is a constant.

y = 1/x
x
The curve will be the
same, but further out…

4C
 Sketching Curves
The Reciprocal Function Example
Sketch the graph of the function

You need to be able to sketch the 1

y
‘reciprocal’ function. This takes the x
form: and its asymptotes.
k
y y
x y = - /x
1

Where ‘k’ is a constant.

y = 1/x
x
The curve will be the
same, but reflected in
the x-axis

4C