3/24/26, 5:50 PM Google Gemini
IGCSE Mathematics: Graphs of Functions (Quadratic & Cubic)
1. Overview
In Week 8, the focus shifts from straight lines (linear) to curves. You are required to:
Construct tables of values for quadratic and cubic functions.
Plot and draw these curves accurately on a grid.
Use the intersection of lines and curves to solve equations.
2. Quadratic Graphs (y = ax2 + bx + c)
Quadratic graphs always form a Parabola (a U-shape or an n-shape).
Key Features:
The Leading Term (ax2 ): - If a > 0, the graph is a "Happy Face" (minimum point).
If a < 0, the graph is a "Sad Face" (maximum point).
Symmetry: Every quadratic graph has a vertical line of symmetry passing through its
vertex (turning point).
Roots: The points where the curve crosses the x-axis are the solutions to
ax2 + bx + c = 0.
Common Pitfall (The "Negative Square" Trap):
When calculating y for a negative x, many students make calculator errors.
Wrong: −32 = −9
Right: (−3)2 = 9 Always use brackets when squaring a negative number on your
calculator.
3. Cubic Graphs (y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d)
Cubic graphs are "S-shaped" and can have up to two turning points.
Key Features:
Behavior: They start at the bottom-left and end at the top-right (if a is positive), or
vice-versa.
Intersections: A cubic graph can cross the x-axis once, twice, or three times.
Curvature: The "bend" in the middle is much sharper than a quadratic.
4. Solving Equations Graphically (The Paper 4 Essential)
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3/24/26, 5:50 PM Google Gemini
This is the most high-weight skill in this topic. You are often asked to "Solve f (x) = k by
drawing a suitable line."
The Logic:
1. Identify the function already drawn: Suppose you have the graph of y = x2 − 3x.
2. Look at the new equation: Solve x2 − 3x = 5.
3. The "Suitable Line": Since the left side matches your graph (y ), you simply need to
draw the line y = 5.
4. The Answer: Find the x-coordinates where your curve and the line y = 5 intersect.
Advanced Rearranging:
If the question asks to solve x2 − 3x − 2 = 0 using the graph of y = x2 − 3x:
Move the extra terms to the other side: x2 − 3x = 2.
Now draw the line y = 2.
5. Practice Questions (Ranked Difficulty)
Level 1: Standard (Table Construction)
Question: Complete the table for y = 2x2 − 4x − 1. | x | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | | :--- | :--- | :---
| :--- | :--- | :--- | | y | ? | -1 | ? | -1 | ? |
Solution Tip: Plug in x = −1 as 2(−1)2 − 4(−1) − 1.
Level 2: Challenging (Solving Graphically)
Question: 1. Draw the graph of y = x3 − 2x + 2 for −2 ≤ x ≤ 2. 2. On the same grid,
draw the line y = 2x + 1. 3. Use your graph to find the three solutions to
x3 − 4x + 1 = 0.
Logic: Note that (x3 − 2x + 2) − (2x + 1) = x3 − 4x + 1. The intersections are the
solutions.
Level 3: Expert (Interpreting Tangents)
Question: By drawing a suitable tangent at x = 1.5 on the curve y = x2 − x, estimate
the gradient of the curve at that point. Solution Tip: Use a ruler to draw a line that just
touches the curve at x = 1.5 without crossing it. Calculate the gradient using
m = xy22 −y
−x1 .
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6. Drawing Checklist
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3/24/26, 5:50 PM Google Gemini
[ ] Scale: Did you check the axes? Sometimes x is 2cm to 1 unit and y is 1cm to 5
units.
[ ] Points: Use small 'x' marks or dots with circles.
[ ] Curve: Is it a smooth, single line? No "hairy" lines (multiple strokes) or ruler-
straight segments between points.
[ ] Labeling: Label the curve and any lines you draw for solving.
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