Mathematics Education for Senior Phase 3 –
EDMA322
ALGEBRA & FUNCTIONS
Consolidating Algebraic Functions - Part 1
Presenter: Thokozani Mkhwanazi
INSPIRING GREATNESS
CONTEXT
In many instances, in real life, we are hardly expected to sketch graphs of
functions, despite spending a lot of effort and time learning how to sketch
them, and yet eventually failing to make sense of what they represent.
Typically, in real life situations we generally encounter problems wherein a
graphical representation of a particular situation is depicted, and it is our
duty to use our knowledge of that graph to interpret the information that is
presented accurately, so as to make an informed decision.
It is therefore not enough to learn how to sketch graphs of functions only,
but equally important is to learn how to interpret graphs of these functions
systematically, using our knowledge of their shapes and also the effects of
the various parameters on these graphs.
Outcomes of Unit
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
• Review the graphs of specific algebraic functions that you have considered so far
in this module.
• Carefully summarize the exponential and logarithmic functions, which you did not
cover at all in Term 1 (owing to time limitations and an unreasonable syllabus).
• Carefully, unpack the roles / effects of each of the parameters in sketching graphs
of all these functions.
• Use your knowledge of these parameters and graphs to sensibly interpret the
graphs of these functions.
Typical Graphs of Functions
• The information uploaded in the module on Learn 2024 suggests that you have
covered graphs of the following functions (with certain restrictions) extensively:
The linear function in the form or
The quadratic function in the form or
The hyperbolic function in the form
• I am also aware (following recent engagement sessions with the module
coordinator) that you could not cover the following functions:
The exponential function in the form
The logarithmic function in the form
Summary of Graphs Covered
1. The Linear Function
This is principally a straight line (hence the Graphically
name linear), and the frequently used form • The line will be increasing when .
of this linear function is ; wherein m
represents the gradient or slope or
inclination; and c represents the y-
intercept (i.e. where the graph will cut the
Y-axis).
• The shape of the line is dependent on the sign
of the
• The line graph will either be increasing or • The increasing trend of the line will
decreasing or just constant. continue irrespective of the Y- intercept
(i.e. may cut the line above the X-axis or
below the X-axis or on the origin.
• The line will be decreasing when . • The line will remain constant when .
• This constant nature of the function means
• The decreasing trend of the line will continue
that it will always parallel to the X-axis with an
irrespective of the Y- intercept (i.e. may cut
inclination of zero, but will be cutting the
the Cartesian plane above the X-axis or below
Cartesian plane above the X-axis or below the
the X-axis or on the origin).
X-axis or on the origin.
2. The Quadratic Function quadratic function ; dictates how the
graph will be shaped as follows:
This is primarily a curved line since the If then the graph will be curving up (i.e.
highest exponent in the variable is two, and
concave up) and shaped as in one of the
the frequently used form of this quadratic following:
function is ; wherein the leading coefficient ;
and represents how the graph will be curving.
• The graph of this function will curve up
provided that , and will curve down when
• The constant c dictates where the graph will
cut the Cartesian Plane meaning:
if then the graph will cut the Cartesian
plane above the origin (0; 0),
if then the graph will cut the Cartesian
plane on the origin (0; 0) and
• if , then the graph will cut the Cartesian plane
below the origin (0; 0).
• The leading co-efficient a in the
If then the graph will be curving down • The parameter b together with a discloses
(i.e. concave down) and shaped as in the line of symmetry of the quadratic
one of the following: function as
If then the line of symmetry will be so that
the graphs could be shaped as:
Note:
The graph can be positioned anywhere on the
Cartesian Plane as long as it is curving down.
If then the line of symmetry will be
so that the graphs could be shaped
as:
OR
OR
Conclusion:
Therefore, one can use a combination of and
the signs of parameters a, b & c to sketch (i.e.
the graph of the quadratic function in the
For Example:
form confidently.
The quadratic function defined by the
For You to Do Now equation
Do the relevant problems in the Tutorial on will be curving up since its leading coefficient
Interpreting Graphs of Functions. is positive (i.e. 2) and has (1;-3) as its turning
point.
Alternative Form of the Quadratic
Function
Upon completing the square, one is able to However, the quadratic function defined by
express the original form of the quadratic the will be curving down since its leading
function into an alternative form as follows: coefficient is negative (i.e. -1) and has (-2; 4)
, with as the turning point of this quadratic as its turning point.
function such that:
The End
