Chapter 2 Using Graphs

2 USING GRAPHS
Objectives
After studying this chapter you should
• be able to illustrate simple functions with a graph;
• understand what is meant by mapping, domains and ranges;
• be able to identify if a function is odd or even or neither.

2.0 Introduction
Graphs can be used to quickly get an idea of how one quantity
varies as another quantity changes. This can be very useful
when trying to solve a wide range of problems. An illustration
is given in the first activity which deals with currency exchange.

Activity 1 Conversion rates

Conversion rates between different currencies are often
displayed in banks and travel agents. You may either assume
the rates given below, or find out the current rates, to draw 3
graphs showing the number of kroner, dollars and lire you can
buy for any number of pounds sterling up to £50.

£1 = Danish kroner £1 = $1.65 £1 = 2.90 Turkish lire

Use your graphs to do these conversions.

(a) £25 into Danish kroner,

(b) $35 into pounds,

(c) 80 Turkish lire into Danish kroner.

Banks usually charge a fixed commission of about £2 every time

they change currency for you. On the same three pairs of axes
you drew earlier, draw conversion graphs which take this
commission into account. What are the values of the
conversions given above now?

Another problem which can be readily illustrated graphically is

that of temperature conversion. You are probably familiar with
the rule for conversion from degrees Celsius ( ° C) to degrees
Fahrenheit ( ° F). You multiply by 9, divide by 5 and add on 32.

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Chapter 2 Using Graphs

This can be written as a mathematical formula

9
F= × C + 32.
5

Instead of using algebra you can draw a graph of F against C

and use it to convert from degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.

Activity 2 Temperature conversions

Since 32° F = 0° C and 212° F = 100° C, plot these two points on a
graph and draw a straight line to join them. Use your graph to
convert

(a) 30° C to ° F (b) 10° C to ° F (c) 100° F to ° C .

The lowest possible temperature is −273° C. Can you use your

graph to find the corresponding temperature in Fahrenheit?

2.1 Mappings, domains and

ranges
Very often when trying to solve a problem you may produce a
rule which links one quantity with another. For instance, the
speed of a car may be linked with its braking distance, or two
currencies may be linked by their rate of exchange. Once a rule
or formula has been produced, it is tempting to draw a graph
illustrating it, to help solve the problem. However, not all of the
graph may be relevant.

Activity 3 What happens at x = 0?

Use a graph plotting program or calculator to draw the graphs of

y = 1x and y = x .

What happens to the first graph when x = 0 ? Why do you think

this happens?

Why do you think there is no graph when x < 0 for the second
equation?

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 Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Another example is given by the relationship between pressure

and volume. For a fixed amount of any gas, kept at a fixed
temperature, pressure and volume are linked by the formula
k
p= ,
v p
where p is the pressure, v is the volume and k is a constant.

The graph for this formula is shown opposite. It shows that the
pressure of the gas gets higher as the volume gets smaller in the
right half of the graph. Then the pressure 'jumps', so that it is v
0
negative as soon as the volume is negative. This does not make
sense. A gas cannot have a negative volume, so the left
k
'branch' does not exist. To show that p = can only be used
v
for positive values of v , the formula can be written as

k
p= , v>0
v p

The figure opposite shows the graph of this rule, which now
makes sense. As the volume increases, the pressure gets closer
to zero. As the volume gets closer to zero, so the pressure gets
higher - but the volume never actually equals zero. 0 v

Mapping diagrams

The equation p = kv can be thought of as a way of linking a

value of the volume, v, with a value of the pressure. For

instance, if k = 10, then p = 10 10

v . So if v = 1, p = 1 = 10 .

Thus 1 is 'sent' or 'mapped' to 10 by the equation. 10 10

9 9
If v = 2, p = 10 = 5. So 2 is 'mapped' to 5. 8 8
2
7 7
The figure opposite shows how several possible values of v are 6 6

k 5 5
mapped to corresponding values of p. The formula p = is a
v 4 4
mapping - it links the values in one set of numbers (here the 3 3
set of volumes) with another set of numbers (the set of possible 2 2
pressures). The set of all possible volumes, greater than zero, 1
1
is called the domain of the mapping. The set of all possible
pressures (again, any number greater than zero) is the range of 0 0

the mapping. v p

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Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Another example of a possible mapping is F = T , T ≥ 0. The

domain is any number greater than or equal to zero. This
k F
mapping is rather different to p = , however, as it gives two
v
'answers' for every value in the domain. For instance, 4 is
+2 or − 2, since ( +2 ) = 4 and ( −2 ) = 4. The figure opposite
2 2

shows the graph of F. The range of F is any number, positive or

negative. 0 T

A mapping which gives one, and only one value, for every
number in its domain is called a function. So the mapping

p = kv , v > 0

is a function, but the mapping

F = T, T ≥ 0

is not, as it gives more than one answer for some members of its
domain.

Changing the rule to get a function

Notice that the domain can be vital when deciding if a mapping
k
is a function or not. For example, if the domain of p = is any
v
value of v, positive or negative, including zero, the mapping
ceases to be a function. This is because when v = 0, p cannot be
calculated.

However, it is possible to adapt the rule for F to make it into a

function. Suppose
F
F = + T, T ≥ 0

which means that F is the positive square root of T. The graph

of this mapping is shown opposite. If a vertical line is drawn
across the graph, it will cross the graph only once. (In the
previous figure a vertical line will cross the graph only twice -
showing that there are two members of the range for each 0 T
member of the domain). In fact mathematicians avoid this
problem by usually agreeing that x means the positive square
root.

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 Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Number sets
Sets of numbers which are often used as domains or ranges have
names, so that they can be described accurately. These were
introduced in Section 1.3.

Any number on a number line, including fractions and decimals

and any number in between them, is called a real number. The
set of 'real' numbers is denoted by R . Unless otherwise stated,
you can usually assume that a domain is the real number set, or
a part of it. Other commonly used sets of numbers are the
integers, which are the positive and negative 'whole' numbers
..., −2, − 1, 0, 1, 2, ...
Other domains and ranges are usually described using set
notation, like the range in this next example.

Example
The table below shows the current postal rates in the U.K. for
first class letters.

Weight up to 60 g 100 g 150 g 200 g

Postage 25p 38p 47p 57p P, Postage (p)

This is a mapping from part of the real numbers (between 0 and 57

51
200), to a 'discrete' range. This means that the range contains 47
43
35
38
only certain values. In this case, the range is the set of numbers
{25, 38, 47, 57}. The graph of this mapping is shown opposite. 24
25
25

A vertical line drawn across the graph will cut it only once, so
this mapping is a function, even though it does not appear to 0 60 100 150 200
have a 'formula' of the usual sort. It is possible to write down a W, Weight (g)
kind of formula, however ;

25 for 0 < W ≤ 60


Postage, P = 38 for 60 < W < 100
............. etc.


The value of P changes in steps as the weight increases, so it is

necessary to have different rules for different parts of the
domain.

Activity 4
Use a graph plotting program or a graphic calculator to make
sketches illustrating the following rules. By looking at the
sketches, decide on a domain which will make the rule a
function.

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Chapter 2 Using Graphs

1 3− x
(a) y = (b) y = (c) y = + x − 2
x−5 1− x

1 2
(d) y = 1 − x 2 (e) y = (f) y = .
1− x
2 3
x

Function notation
Returning to the mapping of volume to pressure met earlier in
this section, another way of writing the mapping or function is
illustrated by

k
p:v a , v ∈ R, v > 0.
v

k
This is read as p is the function which maps v to where v is
v
any real number greater than zero. The more usual way of
writing a function is

k
p( v ) = , v ∈ R, v > 0
v

which illustrates that p is a function of v. In what follows the

second method will generally be used, but you should be aware
of the alternative.

Another example is given by the function

F:t a + t , t ∈ R, t ≥ 0

or in the usual notation

F (t ) = + t , t ∈ R, t ≥ 0 .

Hence, when t = 4, F ( 4 ) = + 4 = 2, and in general if t = a,

F(a) = + a ;

when t = b 2 ,

( )
F b 2 = + b 2 = b.

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 Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Exercise 2A
1. f is a function defined by the equation 3. For each of the following rules, use a graphic
f ( x ) = x + 2. calculator or computer to make a sketch, for
2

values of x between −10 and +10. Use your

Find the value of sketches to work out a domain for each mapping
(a) f (2) (b) f ( −1) (c) f (0) which will make each one a function.
1
(d) ( )
f a2 (e) f (1 − a )
(a) f :x a
x3
(b) g: x a x 5

(where a is a constant real number). 1

(c) h: x a (d) m: x a + 1 − x .
x+2
2. g is defined by g( x ) = 1
x 4. The wind chill temperature, T °C, depends on the
Find the value of the following if possible actual temperature, t°C, and the wind speed, v
mph; an appropriate formula for T is given by
g(1) g( −1) g( 0 )
( ) (t − 33)
(a) (b) (c)
T = 33 + 0.45 + 0.29 v − 0.02v
(d) ( )
g a2 (e) g(1 − a ) for t > −273°, v ≥ 5. Sketch a graph of T against t
for varying wind speeds; for example
(where a is a constant real number).
v = 10, 15 and 20 mph.

2.2 Some important graphs

Many of the functions which arise from problems can be 'built
up' from simpler functions. In this section you will see how
some of these simpler functions behave by looking at their
graphs. This will help you to sketch more complicated
functions later on.

Activity 5 Some well known curves

(a) Use a computer or calculator to make sketches of the
following curves on the same pair of axes. Make the
sketches for values of x between −2 and + 2 , and the y
values between −20 and + 20 .
y = x, y = x 2 , y = x 3 , y = x 4 , y = x 5 , y = x 6 .
Which points do all the curves pass through? What
happens to the curves between x = 0 and x = 1 as the power
of x increases? What happens as the power increases for
values of x greater than 1? Try to predict what the curves
y = x 7 and y = x 8 will look like and check your answer on
the computer or calculator.
(b) Sketch these curves on separate axes with x-axis from −2
to 2 and y from −10 to 10.
1 1
y = x2 , y = x4, y = 2 , y= 4
x x
Describe any symmetry these graphs have.

27
Chapter 2 Using Graphs

(c) Now sketch these graphs on four pairs of axes like the ones
you have just used.
1 1
y = x, y = x 3 , y = , y= 3
x x
Describe any symmetry these graphs have. (Use the term
'rotational symmetry' in the description).

Activity 6 Odd and even powers

The first four graphs in part (b) of Activity 5 were all for even
powers of x, whilst the graphs in part (c) were all for odd powers
of x. Use the knowledge you have gained from these graphs to
describe the symmetry of the following graphs. Then check
your answers by using a computer or calculator to see the
graphs.
1
(a) y = x10 , (b) y = x11 , (c) y = 5
,
x

(d) y = x 2 − 3, (e) y = x 3 + 1, (f) y = x − 2.

Were you surprised by any of the graphs? If so, try to find out
why you were wrong.

Activity 7 Fractional powers

It is possible to find the value of a fractional power. Chapter 9
covers this in more detail. Using your graph plotting device,
sketch these curves on the same axes, with x values from
−1 to + 2 and y values from −1 to 8 .
1 1 3
y = x2, y = x3, y = x1 , y = x2,
5
y = x2 , y = x2, y = x3.
Which points do all the curves have in common?

What happens as the power of x increases when x is between 0

and 1, and when x is more than 1?

Do all the curves exist for x values less than zero?

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 Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Shapes of graphs
The graph for any power of x will pass through the points (0, 0)
y
and (1, 1). When x is between 0 and 1, the higher the power of y=x
3
2

x, the lower the result becomes. For example y=x

y=x
Power of 1
2 ( 12 )0 ( 12 )1 ( 12 )2 ( 12 )3 ( 12 )4
1 1 1 1 1 .........................
Result 1 2 4 8 16

This means that the graphs of powers of x get 'flatter' as the

power increases when x is between 0 and 1. This is shown in
the figure opposite.

When x is larger than 1, the higher the power of x the larger the
0 1 x
result:

Power of 2 20 21 22 23 24
Result 1 2 4 8 16

This means that the curve of a higher power of x will be higher

than the curve of a lower power when x is greater than 1. So the
curve of a higher power 'overtakes' the curve of a lower power
when x = 1 . This is illustrated above.

*Odd and even functions y

2
y=x
The curves for even powers of x are symmetrical about the y-
axis. Any function whose curve has the y-axis as a line of yy==11 x/ x
2 2

symmetry is therefore called an even function. The graph of

two even functions are shown opposite. 0 x

Curves for odd powers of x have two fold rotational symmetry

y
about (0, 0). That is, the right hand side of the curve can be
rotated through 180° about (0, 0) so that it fits onto the left hand 3
y=x
side. This is illustrated for the graph of y = x . Functions
3

having graphs with this kind of rotational symmetry are called 0 x

odd functions.
Obviously, if you know already that a function is even or odd,
you can easily sketch the whole of its graph if you know one
half of it.
y

Example
One part of the graph of y = f ( x ) is shown opposite. Complete
the curve assuming that 0 x

(a) f ( x ) is even,
(b) f ( x ) is odd.

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Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Solution y
(a) If f ( x ) is even, the curve must be symmetrical about the y-
axis, so the curve will be the one shown opposite.
(b) If f ( x ) is odd, the curve has two fold rotational symmetry
about (0, 0). This produces the graph below. 0 x

Most functions are neither even nor odd. For a function to be even,
its equation must only contain even powers of x. For a graph to be y
odd, only odd powers of x may appear. (There are some functions
which are not usually given in terms of powers of x, like the
trigonometrical functions, which are even or odd however). A
mixture of odd and even powers of x means the graph is neither 0 x
odd nor even.

Example
Is y = ( x + 1) even?
2

Solution
When the brackets are multiplied out the reason the function is not
even is clear :

y = ( x + 1)
2

= ( x + 1)( x + 1)
= x ( x + 1) + 1( x + 1)
= x2 + x + x + 1
= x 2 + 2x + 1. y

This equation contains an even power ( x 2 ) and an odd power (x),

so the graph does not have reflection symmetry about the y-axis.
The graph is sketched opposite. It is symmetrical, but about the
line x = −1, not the y-axis.
-1 0 x
An alternative way of defining odd and even functions is to say
that
f ( x ) is even if f ( – x ) = f ( x )
f ( x ) is odd if f ( – x ) = – f ( x ).

Example
Are the following functions odd, even or neither?

(a) f ( x ) = x + 1 (b) f ( x ) = x (c) f ( x ) = x 1+ 1 , ( x ≠ –1) .

2 3

30
 Chapter 2 Using Graphs

Solution

(a) f ( – x ) = ( – x ) + 1 = x + 1 = f ( x ) – hence even.

2 2

(b) f ( – x ) = ( – x ) = – x = – f ( x ) – hence odd.

3 3

(c) f ( – x ) = 1 ≠ + f ( x ) – hence neither even or odd.

–x +1

*Exercise 2B
1. Decide whether the graphs illustrate an even function, an odd
function, or neither:
y y y y
(a) (b) (c) (d)

0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x

2. Copy and complete the following curves, 3. By looking only at the equation decide whether
assuming that the function each represents is these functions are even, odd or neither.
i) even, and ii) odd.
(a) y = 3x (b) y = 3x + 1
(a) y (b) y
(c) y = ( x + 2 ) (d) y = x 2 + 2
2

( )
2
0 x 0 x (e) y = x 2 + 2

(You will need to multiply out any bracket.

Also note that a constant number can be
(c) y (d) y thought of as an even power of x.
For instance 2 x 0 = 2 ×1 = 2 as x 0 = 1 .)

0 x 0 x

2.3 Miscellaneous Exercises

1. Many shoes give both their U.K. size and 2. Give a reason why the domains for each of these
European equivalent. For example, functions are unsuitable, and give a domain that
is acceptable. Also state the range.
English adult size 12 = European size 47
1
(a) f ( x ) =
English adult size 5 = European size 38
, x∈R
Use this information to construct a conversion x
graph between the two sizes. What does
English size 0 correspond to in terms of 1
(b) f ( x ) = , x>0
European size? x–3
(English adult size 0 is in fact equivalent to
junior size 13). (c) f ( x ) = 6 − x , x > 0

1
(d) f ( x ) = , x∈R.
( x − 2)( x + 3)

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Chapter 2 Using Graphs

1
3. Which of the graphs below represent functions? 4. Let f : x a , x ∈ R, x ≠ 2. Find:
x −8
3
(a) (b)
y y (a) f ( 0 ) (b) f (1) (c) f ( −1) (d) f ( −2 ) .

*5. State whether each of the following graphs

0 x 0 x represents an even or an odd function, or neither.
(a) (b) y
y
y = 12 x + 2 1

(0, 2)
y = x3
(c) y (d) y
(-4, 0) x x

0 x 0 x
(c) y
y = 1– x
2

(e) y (-1, 0) (1, 0) x

0 x

32