Other graphs · Grade 10
In Grade 10 you learn: cubic and reciprocal graphs.
Beyond straight lines and parabolas, a few graph shapes turn up again and again: cubics like y = x³, reciprocals like y = 1/x, exponentials like y = 2ˣ, and circles x² + y² = r². Recognising them from their equations, and sketching them, is useful in science and finance as well as maths.
Key facts
- Cubic y = x³ + …: an S-shaped curve that can cross the x-axis up to three times.
- Reciprocal y = k/x: two separate branches that get closer and closer to the axes (asymptotes) but never touch them.
- To plot any graph, make a table of values, plot the points and join them with a smooth curve.