How do I graph the function?y?=?f(x)?

• The?horizontal axis?is used for the?domain
• The?vertical axis?is used for the?range
• You will be able to graph some functions by hand
• For some functions you will need to use your GDC
• You might be asked to graph the?sum?or?difference?of two functions

What is the difference between “draw” and “sketch”?

• If asked to sketch you should:
  • Show the general shape
  • Label any key points such as the intersections with the axes
  • Label the axes
• If asked to draw you should:
  • Use a pencil and ruler
  • Draw to scale
  • Plot any points?accurately
  • Join points with a straight line or smooth curve
  • Label any key points such as the intersections with the axes
  • Label the axes

How can my GDC help me sketch/draw a graph?

• You use your GDC to plot the graph
  • Check the scales on the graph to make sure you see the full shape
• Use your GDC to find any key points
• Use your GDC to check specific points to help you plot the graph

What are the key features of graphs?

• You should be familiar with the following key features and know how to use your GDC to find them
• Local minimums/maximums
  • These are points where the graph has a minimum/maximum for a small region
  • They are also called?turning points
  • A graph can have multiple local minimums/maximums
  • A local minimum/maximum is not necessarily the minimum/maximum of the whole graph
    • This would be called the?global?minimum/maximum
  • For quadratic graphs the minimum/maximum is called the?vertex
• Intercepts
  • y--?– intercepts are where the graph crosses the?y-axis
    • At these points?x?= 0
  • x?– intercepts are where the graph crosses the?x-axis
    • At these points?y?= 0
    • These points are also called the?zeros of the function?or?roots of the equation
• Symmetry
  • Some graphs have lines of symmetry
    • A quadratic will have a vertical line of symmetry
• Asymptotes
  • These are lines which the graph will get closer to but not cross
  • These can be horizontal or vertical
    • Exponential graphs have horizontal asymptotes
    • Graphs of variables which vary inversely can have vertical and horizontal asymptotes

How do I find where two graphs intersect?

• Plot both graphs on your GDC
• Use the intersect function to find the intersections
• Check if there is more than one point of intersection

How can I use graphs to solve equations?