Mathematics Form 5

Task: Suggesting the equation of a function given its graph

Mathematics Form Five

Learning Area: Graphs of Functions II
Learning Objective: 2.1 Understand and use the concept of graphs of functions
Learning Outcome: (iv) Sketch the graph of a given linear, quadratic, cubic or reciprocal function

The shape of the graphs of linear, quadratic, cubic and reciprocal functions are easily recognizable.

Linear function: Quadratic function: Cubic function: Reciprocal function:

f ( x ) = ax + b f ( x) = ax 2 + b or f ( x) = ax 3 + b a
f ( x) = , a ≠ 0
f ( x ) = ( mx + n ) ( px + q ) x

However, the different values of the coefficients of these functions will determine its orientation and
position on the Cartesian coordinates. To be able to sketch the graph of a function well, it is important
to understand the effect of these coefficients on the graph.

In this task, you will

i) identify the type of function given
ii) try out various values of a, b, c or d for the coefficients so that your graph matches the
one given in the table below
iii) attempt to write an equation for graphs given.

Use the  menu to input an equation that will produce the graph. The scale on both the x-axis and the
y-axis is 1, but the domain and the range may vary with the question.

Graph Type of function Possible Equation of the function

1

1
Mathematics Form 5

Graph Type of function Possible Equation of the function

2

2
Mathematics Form 5

Graph Type of function Possible Equation of the function

7

10

11 f ( x ) = 4 x3 + 1 Sketch the graph of

Answers (not in numerical order)

3 f ( x ) = − x2 + 6 f ( x) = 3x + 5 f ( x ) = − ( 2 x − 5 ) ( x + 1) f ( x ) = x3 + 3
f ( x) = −
x
3 2 f ( x ) = −2 x + 4 f ( x ) = ( x − 3) ( x + 2 ) f ( x ) = −2 x 3 − 2
f ( x) = − − 4 f ( x) = + 3
x x