Graphing Techniques

CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
2023 JC1 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)

TOPIC: GRAPHING TECHNIQUES
H2 MATHEMATICS
TOPIC GRAPHING TECHNIQUES 2023/JC1
Chapter Opener
One way to understand a real-world phenomenon is

to refer to the graph of its function. [You will learn
about Functions in the following chapter.] It can be
represented by words, an equation, a table or graph.
For instance, we can deduce that a function is
increasing by looking at the slope of its graph. A
graph also shows whether a function has maximum
or minimum point(s). This information comes in
handy when we analyse and monitor real-world
healthcare problems, such as pandemics. In this
chapter, we will learn how to perform graph
sketching with the help of a Graphing Calculator.
Mastery Learning Objectives:

At the end of the chapter, I should be able to:
 use a graphing calculator to sketch a graph of a given function;

 use the zoom functions to obtain best view of graphs;
 adjust window settings to obtain best view of graphs;
find characteristics of graphs such as
 intersections with the axes, if any;
 turning points, if any;
 asymptotes, if any;
 symmetry, if any;
 restrictions on the possible values of x and/or y, using analytical methods such as
discriminant method if any;
 understand the limitations of a GC;
ax  b ax 2  bx  c
 sketch the graphs of the following rational functions: y  ,y ;
cx  d dx  e
 find the number of real roots between 2 curves using algebraic manipulation;
 use a GC to find the non-exact values of points of intersections between 2 curves
Pre-requisites:
x2  2 x  4 4
 Perform long division for rational expressions. For instance,  x4 .
x2 x2
 O levels differentiation techniques
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1 Introduction
In the H2 Mathematics syllabus, graphing calculators (G.C.) are essential in the sketching of graphs.
However, students should be aware that there are limitations inherent in G.C.
Press Input Screen

G.C. Basics:
Before sketching a graph, ensure that the settings are as
shown.
Settings can be accessed by pressing mode .

.
(Use the arrow keys to navigate and enter key to highlight
FUNCTION.)
G.C. can be used to sketch the graphs of the following basic curves:
Equation Press Input Screen Result
Sample:
o brings us to the input screen to
y  x2 key in equations.
„ to get the variable x
¡ to square x
s to display the graph (of the
specified equation)
y= X,T,,n ^ 3 graph
y  x3
To zoom in at the point  0, 0  ,
press :
zoom 2 enter
y x y= 2nd x2 X,T,,n graph
y= 1  X,T,,n graph
Alternative: Use alpha y=

1
y
x
Page | 2
Equation Press Input Screen Result

y= 1  X,T,,n x2 graph
1 Alternative: Use alpha y=

y
x2
y3 x y= math 4 X,T,,n graph

3

y= 2nd ln X,T,,n graph

y  ex
e
y= 2nd ln () X,T,,n graph

y  e x
e
Negative sign
y  ln x y= ln X,T,,n graph
 Remark:
We usually use 0: ZoomFit or 6: ZStandard to sketch graphs if pressing s alone does not give
a clear or complete view of the graph.
6: ZStandard only gives x- and y-values from -10 to 10.
0: Zoom Fit stretches the entire graph to the whole screen. For example, using 6: ZStandard gives the
view of y = lnx in the screen below which does not give a clear view of the graph near the y-axis.
y
x
O
Page | 3
You should explore the other Zoom functions keys by referring to

the GC Manual (it came as a package when you first bought the GC)
to familiarise yourself with the differences between them so that you
can obtain an optimal view of the graph.
Note that G.C. is just a tool to determine the general shape of a
curve.
In the following sections, we will investigate the following features of graphs:

1. Axial intercepts
2. Asymptotes
3. Turning points
4. Symmetry
5. Restrictions on possible range of values of x and y
2 Axial Intercepts (Self-Directed Learning)
An axial intercept is a point at which a curve intersects with either axis ( x -axis or y -axis).
A point of intersection between the curve and the x -axis is an x -intercept, while a point of intersection
between the curve and the y -axis is a y -intercept.
Worked Example 1: Find the coordinates of the axial intercepts of the curve y  x 2  2 x  15 .
Solution:
Method : Algebraic
To find x -intercepts: To find y -intercept:
Substitute y  0 , Substitute x  0 ,
x 2  2 x  15  0 y  02  2  0   15
 x  5 x  3  0  15
x  5 or 3
 axial intercepts are  5,0  ,  3,0  and  0, 15  .
Method : Using G.C.

To find the x -intercepts:
Press Screen Display Remarks

1. Press y=.
Key x 2  2 x  15 into Y1.
Page | 4
2. Press 2nd trace to access the

CALCULATE menu.
Select 2: zero to find the x -

intercepts.
3. Press arrow keys to move the

cursor to the left of first root
followed by enter.
OR
You can just enter a number that

is to the left of the first root.
4. Press arrow keys to move the The left and right boundary
cursor to the right of first root should only contain one root,
followed by enter. else G.C. may find the other
root instead.
OR
You can just press a number that

is to the right of the first root.
5. For guess?, you can move the G.C. uses a numerical
cursor close to the first root, then method to find the root. In
press enter. some situations, the answer
given may be 4.9999999
and you will need to round
off accordingly after
verifying your answer. You
can verify your answer by
substituting x  5 into
y  x2  2 x  15 and check
that y  0 .
In this case, root is (-5 , 0)
6. Repeat steps 2  5 to find the

other root.
Page | 5
Before proceeding to find the y -intercept, notice that the G.C. did not show the curve in its entirety as
the minimum turning point is not shown. We will need to change the window settings.
1. Press window to access the The default window settings
window settings menu. are:
Xmin  10 ,
Xmax  10 ,
Ymin  10 ,
Ymax  10 .
2. For this question, we can set Changing the window setting
Ymin to be 20 . is a trial and error process,
i.e. there are no “correct”
values to set.
3. Press graph. The minimum point

can now be displayed.

CALCULATE menu.
Select 1:value to find the value of

y -coordinate given the x -
coordinate.
5. Press 0 then enter. This is to find In this case, y-intercept is at
the y-intercept. (0, - 15)
 Remark:
 If question states explicitly to find exact coordinates of the axial intercepts, then method 
algebraic must be used.
 For method : using G.C., do not press the arrow key to trace on the curve and simply read
off the values as it is not accurate.
Page | 6
 Self-Practice:
Find the exact coordinates of the axial intercepts for the following curves:
1 2x  1 x2 x2  2 x  3
(a) y  , (b) y  , (c) y  , (d) y .
3 x x2 x 1 x2
Answers:
 1  1  1 
(a) y-intercept :  0,  ; no x-intercept (b) y-intercept:  0,   ; x-intercept:   , 0 
 3  2  2 
 3
(c) y-intercept / x-intercept :  0, 0  (d) y-intercept:  0,   ; x-intercept:  3,0  , 1,0 
 2
3 Asymptotes
An asymptote is a line or a curve that a graph approaches as it heads towards infinity. Recall from ‘O’
Level Additional Maths that the line x = 0 is the asymptote of the graph y = lnx, and that the line y = 0
is the asymptote of the graph y  e x . One of the limitations of the GC when sketching the graph is that
the asymptotes are not shown. Hence we have to find the asymptotes manually.
In the H2 syllabus, we will study three types of asymptotes: namely vertical asymptotes, horizontal
asymptotes and oblique asymptotes. Curved asymptotes are not in the syllabus.
3.1 Vertical Asymptotes
If there is a constant k such that along a curve, as x  k , y   or y   , then the vertical

line x  k is a vertical asymptote of the curve.
In many curves, the value(s) of x which makes the function y undefined indicates the presence
of a vertical asymptote at that value(s). In such curves, it will never intersect with its vertical
asymptote(s).
3.2 Horizontal Asymptotes
If there is a constant k such that along a curve, as x   or x   , y  k , then the

horizontal line y  k is a horizontal asymptote of the curve. The curve may intersect with its
horizontal asymptote(s) (Refer to Discussion Questions 4c and 4d).
Page | 7
1
Worked Example 2: Given the curve y  1  , find the equations of the asymptotes and sketch
x3
the curve.
Solution:
undefined 1  
1
When x  ______
3 , y is _______________.
 0
1
Explanation: As x  3 , 3  3  0 , i.e. a very small positive value.    .
0
1
As x  3 , 3  3  0 , i.e. a very small negative value.     .
0
Thus as x  3 , y   . Hence x  3 is a vertical asymptote.
1
As x   ,  0 , and y  1 , hence y  1 is a horizontal asymptote.
x 3
y=1
x
O
x=3
 Remark:
Asymptotes should be drawn using dotted lines.
 Self-Practice:
Find the equation(s) of the vertical asymptote(s) for the following curves:
1 2x  1 x2 x2  2 x  3
(a) y , (b) y  , (c) y  , (d) y .
3 x x2 x 1 x2
Answers:
(a) x  3 (b) x  2 (c) x  1 (d) x  2
Page | 8
3.3 Oblique Asymptotes

If there is a straight line y  mx  c , m  0 such that as x   or x   , y  mx  c , then
this line is called an oblique asymptote of the curve.
x 2  3x
Worked Example 3: Given the curve y  , find the equations of the asymptotes and sketch
x 1
the curve.
Solution:
Notice that when x  1 , y is undefined.  x  1 is a vertical asymptote.
4
x 2  3x
By long division, we have y   x  4  x 1
x  1 ______________.
1
As x   ,  0 , and y  x  4 .  y  x  4 is an oblique asymptote.
x 1
y
y=x4
 3,0
O x
1, 1
 3, 9
x = –1
 Self-Practice:
By carrying out long division to simplify the rational function (if applicable), find the equation(s)
of the horizontal asymptote(s) or oblique asymptote(s) for the following curves:
1 2x  1 x2 x2  2 x  3
(a) y , (b) y  , (c) y  , (d) y  .
3 x x2 x 1 x2
Answers:
1
(a) y  ; Horizontal asymptote: y  0
3 x
5
(b) y  2  ; Horizontal asymptote: y  2
x2
1
(c) y  x  1  ; Oblique asymptote: y  x  1
x 1
Page | 9
3
(d) yx ; Oblique asymptote: y  x
x2
4 Turning Points (Self-Directed Learning)
The turning points of the curves can be found using differentiation or G.C..
x 2  3x
Worked Example 4: Find the coordinates of the turning points of the curve y  , indicating
x 1
the nature of each turning point.
Solution:
Method : Algebraic
dy  x  1 2 x  3   x  3 x  1
2
  quotient rule 
 x  1
2
dx
x2  2 x  3

 x  1
2
dy
At turning points, 0
dx
x2  2x  3
0
 x  1
2
x2  2x  3  0
 x  3 x  1  0
x  3 or 1
d 2 y  x  1  2 x  2    x  2 x  3   2  x  1
2 2
  quotient rule 
 x  1
4
dx 2
d2 y
When x  3 , y  9 and  1  0 .   3, 9  is a maximum point.
dx 2
d2 y
When x  1 , y  1 and 2  1  0 .  1, 1 is a minimum point.
dx
Method : Using G.C.

1. Key in the equation into Y1.
Page | 10

CALCULATE menu.
Select 4:maximum to find the

x -intercepts.
3. Press the arrow keys to move the

cursor to the left of maximum
point, then press enter.
OR

is left of the maximum point.
This screenshot will
appear after pressing
enter for left bound.
4. Press the arrow keys to move the Like finding roots, the G.C.
cursor to the right of maximum uses a numerical method to
point, then press enter. find the maximum point, you
will need to round off
OR accordingly and verify your
answer.
is right of the maximum point.
This screenshot
appears before
pressing enter for
right bound.
5. For the guess, you can move the In this case,  3, 9  is the
cursor close to the maximum maximum point.
point, then press ENTER.
Page | 11

6. Repeat the process to find the In this case, 1, 1 is the
minimum point. minimum point.
  3, 9  is a maximum point and 1, 1 is a minimum point.
 Remark:
The use of calculus to determine the exact coordinates of the turning points will be further discussed
in the topic: Applications of Differentiation.
Page | 12
5 Symmetry
(A) Symmetry about x-axis

A curve is symmetric about the x-axis, if (x, y) is a
point on the curve, then (x, -y) is also a point on the
curve. In other words, when y is replaced by –y, the
equation of the curve remains unchanged. O
2
Example: y  x
(B) Symmetry about y-axis

Even Functions: f(x) = f(-x)
A curve is symmetric about the y-axis, if (x, y) is a
point on the curve, then (-x, y) is also a point on the
curve. In other words, when x is replaced by –x, the
equation of the curve remains unchanged. This is a
property of even functions.
Examples: y  x , y  cos x
2 O
(C) Symmetry about Origin

Odd Functions: f(–x) = –f(x) y = tanx
 
A curve is symmetric about the origin, if (x, y) is a  ,1 
4 
point on the curve, then (–x, –y) is also a point on
the curve. In other words, when x and y are
replaced by –x and –y simultaneously, the equation
of the curve remains unchanged. This is a property   
of odd functions.   , 1 
 4 
Examples: y  x 3 , y  sin x, y  tan x
Page | 13
6 Restrictions on possible range of values of x and y
Often, there may be restrictions to the possible values of x and y , depending on the equation of a curve.
These restrictions may not be obtained from the GC using 6: ZStandard option, so we need to learn to
determine these restrictions by analysing the equations and/or graphs.
Worked Example 5: Find the range of values of x and y for the following curves:
x2  2
(a) y  ln  x  3 (b) y   3  x (c) y 
x 1
Solution:
(a) For y  ln  x  3 to be defined, x  3  0  x  3 . Using 0:ZoomFit, this is what

you will see on the GC:
From the graph, y   .
(b) For y   3  x to be defined, 3  x  0  x  3 .
From the graph, y  0 .
Page | 14
x2  2
(c) For y  to be defined, x  1 .
x 1
 x  1 or x  1 .
Method : Algebraic (For exact answers)

To find the range of values of y , we first make x the subject.
x2  2
y
x 1
xy  y  x 2  2
x2    y  x   2  y   0
 y    y   4 1 2  y 
2
x
2 1
y  y2  4 y  8
x
2
For x to be defined , y 2  4 y  8  0 .
Consider
y2  4 y  8  0
 y  2
2
 12  0 y
y  2  12
 y  2  2 3 or y  2  2 3 .
This method is equivalent to considering the intersections between any horizontal line y = k with the
graph of y = f(x). The equation has solutions if the horizontal line intersects the graph. By finding the
values of k that results in real solutions for this equation, we are finding all horizontal lines that intersect
the graph. In other words, we are identifying all the y-values of the graph. Since this is a quadratic
equation, we identify the existence of real solutions using the discriminant method. On the other hand,
to identify the horizontal lines that do not intersect the graph, we may solve Discriminant < 0.
Method : Graphical (For non- exact answers)
 0,2
 2.73, 5.46
From the graph, y  5.46 or y  1.46 .
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 Remark:
If we can identify the possible values of x and y, we will know how to change the values of Xmin,
Xmax, Ymin and Ymax in the G.C. so that the entire graph can be seen. The ability to adjust settings
in the window function is an important skill to be acquired in H2 Mathematics.
7 Graphs of Polynomial Functions
A polynomial is a function of the form
f  x   an x n  an 1 x n 1    a2 x 2  a1 x  a0
where n is a non-negative integer and a0 , a1 , a2 ,  , an are constants (called the coefficients of the
polynomial). If the leading coefficient an  0 and n  0 , then n is called the degree of the polynomial.
A linear function such as f  x   2 x  1 is a polynomial of degree 1 while a quadratic function such as

f  x   x 2  x  1 is a polynomial of degree 2.
One common characteristic of polynomial functions is that they have no asymptotes.
Worked Example 6: Sketch the following curves, indicating clearly the coordinates of any
intersections with the axes and turning points:
(a) y   x  1 x  1 (b) y   x  1  x  1
4 2 3
Solution: y
(a) y (b)
(–0.600, 2.62)
(–1, 0)
(0 ,1) x
O (1 ,0)
x (0, –1)
(–1 ,0) O (1 ,0) (–0.200, –1.11)
Page | 16
Worked Example 7: A cubic polynomial curve, C , is shown below. Find the equation for C .
Solution:
Since the graph crosses the x -axis three times at 3, 2, and 5, the function has factors  x   3  ,
 x  2  and  x  5 . Thus we can let f  x   a  x  3 x  2  x  5  , where a is a constant to be
determined.
Also the graph also crosses the y-axis at 2,

f  0   2
a  0  3 0  2  0  5  2
1
a
15
1
Hence, the equation for C is f  x     x  3 x  2  x  5  .
15
 Pause and Think:

- Can C be a polynomial with a higher power than 3? Why?
- Is the equation for C unique? Why?
8 Graphs of Rational Functions
P  x
A rational function f is the ratio of two polynomials, i.e. f  x   where P and Q are
Q  x
polynomials. There are two types of rational functions:
P x
A rational function is proper if the degree of P  x   the degree of Q  x  . It is improper if the
Q x
degree of P  x   the degree of Q  x  .
3 3x 3x 2
For instance, is proper while and are improper rational functions.
x 1 x 1 x 1
Page | 17
 Note:
Before sketching a rational function, we need to ensure that any improper rational function is converted
to a proper one via a long division.
P  x r  x r  x
Applying long division to an improper rational function , we obtains q  x   where
Q x Q x Q x
is a proper rational function. This allows us to obtain y  q  x  as the equation of
(i) the horizontal asymptote if q  x   c , where c is a constant or
(ii) the oblique asymptote if q  x   mx  c is a linear functon, m  0

Why is y  q  x  the equation of an asymptote?
P x r  x
Ans: y  f  x    q  x  .
Q x Q x
r  x r  x
As x  ,  0 since is a proper fraction. So y  q( x )
Q x Q x
__________________________________________________________________________________
P  x
In the A-Level syllabus, we shall focus on rational functions where Q  x  is linear and the
Q x
degree of P  x  is at most 2.
 Remark:
When Q  x  is linear and the degree of P  x  is at most 2, there will be 2 asymptotes:
(i) a vertical asymptote and
(ii) either a horizontal or oblique asymptote.
These two asymptotes divide the cartesian plane into four “sectors” and the graph will occupy two
opposite facing sectors.
We shall study two important types of rational functions.
Page | 18
ax  b d
8.1 Graphs of y  , where a, b, c, d  , c  0, x  
cx  d c
In this case, both P and Q are linear functions. The rectangular hyperbola (which you will learn more
ax  b d
in the topic of Conics) y  , where c  0, x   looks like either Figure (a) or (b) below:
cx  d c
y
y
x x
Figure (a) Figure (b)

ax  b
A general approach in sketching graphs of the form y  :
cx  d
1) apply the long division if necessary;
2) draw the horizontal and vertical asymptotes;
3) find the axial intercepts;
4) draw the two parts of the graph in the correct sectors.
2x  3
Worked Example 8: Sketch the graph of y  .
x4
Solution:
5
[Asymptotes] Using the long division, we get y  2  . So the horizontal asymptote is y  2 and
x4
the vertical asymptote is x  4 .
 3 3 
[Intercepts] You can verify that the intercepts are  0 ,  and  ,0  .
 4 2 
The domain is  \ {4} and there is no turning points. We may then sketch the graph as follows.
Page | 19

Can you think of a faster way to identify the horizontal asymptote?
ax  b a
Ans: If y  , then y  is the horizontal asymptote. In other words, just take the ratio of the
cx  d c
coefficients of the x-terms in the numerator and denominator.
ax 2  bx  c e
8.2 Graphs of y  , where a, b, c, d , e  , a  0, d  0, x  
dx  e d
ax 2  bx  c
The procedure to sketch the graph of y  is similar, except that it has an oblique asymptote
dx  e
instead of a horizontal asymptote.
x2  1
x 1
Solution:
x2  1 2
y  x 1 , so the asymptotes are y = x + 1 and x  1 .
x 1 x 1
Intercepts: The axial intercept is  0,1 , and there are no x-intercepts.
Stationary points: The turning points can be found by the GC.
Notice how close the y-intercept and the maximum point are! You need to use 1: ZBox or 2: Zoom In
to see the features of the graph clearly.
Page | 20
x 2  x  12
x2
Solution:
x 2  x  12 10
y  x 1
x2 x2
Asymptotes: y  x  1 , x  2
Intercepts: The graph intersects at (0,6), (3, 0) and (4,0).
9 Other Essential G.C. Skills (Zoom Fit, ZBox, adjust WINDOW settings)
2x2  x  1
Worked Example 11: Sketch the graph of y  , indicating clearly the coordinates of any
x2
intersections with the axes, turning points and equations of any asymptotes.
Solution:
2 x2  x  1 7
y  2x  3 
x2 x2
Asymptotes: y = 2x + 3, x = 2
 1
Intercepts:  0,  
 2
Stationary points: min  3.87,14.5  , max  0.129, 0.483 
Page | 21
 Remarks:
1. G.C. in zoom 6: ZStandard does not display the entire curve. We need to use 0: ZoomFit and
then change the window settings to get a better shape.
6: ZStandard
Using 6: ZStandard Using 0: ZoomFit After adjusting window settings
2. From the G.C., it may seem like the maximum point is lying on the y -axis. However, it is not.
We can check by pressing zoom 1: ZBox to enlarge a chosen section of the curve.
ax 2  bx  c
3. For a curve C with equation of the form y  , there are two possible cases:
dx  e
Case 1: C has two turning points, like in Worked Examples 9 and 11. The midpoint of these
two turning points lies on where the asymptotes intersect (Prove it in tutorial)
Case 2: C has no turning points, like in Worked Example 10.
So when you only observe one turning point in your GC, you should check if there is a second
turning point by adjusting window settings.
 Self-Practice: Sketch the graph of the following curves, indicating clearly axial intercept(s),
asymptote(s) and stationary point(s), if any:
1 2x  1 x2 x2  2 x  3
(i) y , (ii) y  , (iii) y  , (iv) y  .
3 x x2 x 1 x2
 1  1  1 
Answers: (i)  0,  , H.A y  0 , V.A x  3 (ii)  0,   ,   , 0  , H.A y  2 , V.A x  2
 3  2  3 
(iii)  0, 0  , V.A x  1 , O.A y  x , Max  0, 0  , Min  2, 4
 3
(iv) 1, 0  ,   3, 0  ,  0,   , O.A y  x , V.A x   2
 2
Page | 22
10 Determining Number of Real Roots of equations
x2  2x  2
Worked Example 12: The curve C has equation y  .
x 1
(i) Determine the asymptotes of C.
(ii) Sketch C, showing clearly any axial intercepts, turning points and asymptotes.
(iii) Deduce the number of real roots of the equation x 4  2 x3  2 x 2  x  1  0 .
Solution:
x2  2 x  2 5 x3
(i) y  x 3 2
x  1 x  2x  2
x 1 x 1
 asymptotes are y  x  3 and x  1 .

 x2  x 
(ii)  3x  2
y   3 x  3 
C 5
x = –1
y=x–3
(0,2)
x
y0 O (1.24, 0.472)
(– 3.24, –8.47)
(iii) x 4  2 x3  2 x 2  x  1  0
x 4  2 x3  2 x 2  x  1
x 2 ( x 2  2 x  2)  x  1
x2  2 x  2 1
 2
x 1 x
1
y 2
x
1
Sketch y  2 on the same axes in (ii).
x
Since there are 2 points of intersection, there are 2 real roots.
Page | 23
11 Determining Points of Intersection Using GC (Self-Directed Learning)
1
Worked Example13: By sketching the curves y  , y 2  3  0.1x 2 on a GC, find the
 x  1 x  1
point of intersection in the 3rd quadrant.
Solution:
The point of intersection can be found by using GC.
To sketch y 2  3  0.1x 2 , we first re-arrange the expression into y   3  0.1x 2 .
Press Screen Display

Sketch the three graphs using GC.
1
y
 x  1 x  1
y  3  0.1x 2
y   3  0.1x 2
To get Y1, press VARS.
Notice the position of the three
curves.
Press 2nd TRACE, choose option

5. The GC will prompt for “First
curve?”.
Use Left-Right arrow button to
move cursor nearer to required
point of intersection on the first
curve. Then press ENTER.
Page | 24
The GC will prompt for “Second

Curve?”.
The cursor will automatically jump
to the second curve which is above
the x-axis.
Use Up-Down arrow button to
move cursor to the correct 3rd
curve below the x-axis. Press
ENTER.
When GC prompts for “Guess?”,
just ignore and press ENTER.
The point of intersection will be
displayed.
The point of intersection in the 3rd quadrant is   0.647,  1.72  (to 3 s.f.)
Page | 25
SUMMARY Graphing Techniques
Procedure to Sketch a Curve
Step 1: Intercepts on Co-ordinate Axes
x - intercepts y - intercepts
Analytical Method Let y  0 to find the corresponding Let x  0 to find the corresponding
(EXACT) values(s) of x . value(s) of y .
Use of G.C.
Step 2: Asymptotes [must be drawn in dotted lines]
Vertical Horizontal Oblique
Let denominator of Find the value which y Find the expression which y
Procedure a rational function approaches as x   . approaches as x   .
be zero and solve Note: A rational function has a Note: A rational function has an
for the value(s) of x horizontal asymptote if the oblique asymptote if the
in the equation. degree of numerator same as degree of numerator is 1
degree of denominator. more than degree of
denominator.
Example 2x  1 2x  1 x 2  3x  6
y y y
x3 x3 x 1
Using long division, Using long division,

Solution Let x  3  0 5 4
y  2 y  x2
 x  3 x3 x 1
 x  3 is the As x   , y  2. As x   , y  x  2.
vertical asymptote.  y  2 is the horizontal  y  x  2 is the oblique
asymptote. asymptote.
Step 3: Turning Points
Analytical Method (EXACT) Use of G.C.

dy Minimum point: Maximum point:
 Determine .
dx
dy
 Put  0 and find the corresponding x and y co-
dx
ordinates.
 Use the first or second derivative test to check the
nature of the turning points.
Step 4: Use the G.C. to obtain the Shape of the Graph
Page | 26

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CJC MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

2023 JC1 H2 MATHEMATICS (9758)

One way to understand a real-world phenomenon is

Mastery Learning Objectives:

 use a graphing calculator to sketch a graph of a given function;

Press Input Screen

Settings can be accessed by pressing mode .

y x y= 2nd x2 X,T,,n graph

Alternative: Use alpha y=

Equation Press Input Screen Result

1 Alternative: Use alpha y=

y3 x y= math 4 X,T,,n graph

y= 2nd ln X,T,,n graph

y= 2nd ln () X,T,,n graph

You should explore the other Zoom functions keys by referring to

In the following sections, we will investigate the following features of graphs:

2 Axial Intercepts (Self-Directed Learning)

 axial intercepts are  5,0  ,  3,0  and  0, 15  .

Method : Using G.C.

Press Screen Display Remarks

2. Press 2nd trace to access the

Select 2: zero to find the x -

3. Press arrow keys to move the

You can just enter a number that

You can just press a number that

6. Repeat steps 2  5 to find the

3. Press graph. The minimum point

4. Press 2nd trace to access the

Select 1:value to find the value of

3.1 Vertical Asymptotes

If there is a constant k such that along a curve, as x  k , y   or y   , then the vertical

3.2 Horizontal Asymptotes

If there is a constant k such that along a curve, as x   or x   , y  k , then the

3.3 Oblique Asymptotes

Method : Using G.C.

Press Screen Display Remarks

Select 4:maximum to find the

3. Press the arrow keys to move the

You can just press a number that

Press Screen Display Remarks

  3, 9  is a maximum point and 1, 1 is a minimum point.

(A) Symmetry about x-axis

(B) Symmetry about y-axis

(C) Symmetry about Origin

6 Restrictions on possible range of values of x and y

(a) For y  ln  x  3 to be defined, x  3  0  x  3 . Using 0:ZoomFit, this is what

From the graph, y   .

(b) For y   3  x to be defined, 3  x  0  x  3 .

From the graph, y  0 .

Method : Algebraic (For exact answers)

Method : Graphical (For non- exact answers)

From the graph, y  5.46 or y  1.46 .

7 Graphs of Polynomial Functions

A polynomial is a function of the form

A linear function such as f  x   2 x  1 is a polynomial of degree 1 while a quadratic function such as

Also the graph also crosses the y-axis at 2,

 Pause and Think:

8 Graphs of Rational Functions

 Pause and Think: