Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

HYPERBOLIC FUNCTIONS
𝑎
Functions of the form 𝒚 =
𝑥
+𝑞
𝑎
Functions of the general form 𝒚 = + 𝑞 are called hyperbolic functions, where a and q are constants.
𝑥
𝑎
The effects of a and q on 𝒇(𝒙) = + 𝑞:
𝑥
THE EFFECT OF q ON VERTICAL SHIFT

For 𝒒 > 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) is shifted vertically upwards by q units.

For 𝒒 < 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) is shifted vertically downwards by q units.
The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝒚 = 𝒒.
The vertical asymptote is the y-axis, the line 𝒙 = 𝟎.
THE EFFECT OF a ON SHAPE AND QUADRANTS
For 𝒂 > 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) lies in the first and third quadrants.
For 𝒂 > 𝟏, 𝒇(𝒙) will be further away from both axes than 𝑦 =1𝑥

For 𝟎 < 𝒂 < 𝟏, as a tends to 0, 𝑓(𝑥) moves closer to the axes than 𝑦 =1𝑥
For 𝒂 < 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) lies in the second and fourth quadrants.
For 𝒂 < −𝟏, 𝒇(𝒙) will be further away from both axes than 𝑦 = −1𝑥.

For −𝟏 < 𝒂 < 𝟎, as a tends to 0, 𝑓(𝑥) moves closer to the axes than 𝑦 = −1𝑥
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

𝒂
The effect of the parameters on 𝒚 = +𝒒
𝒙+𝒑

The effect of p is a horizontal shift because all points are moved the same distance in the same direction (the
entire graph slides to the left or to the right).

For p>0, the graph is shifted to the left by p units.

For p<0, the graph is shifted to the right by p units.

 The value of p also affects the vertical asymptote, the line 𝒙 = −𝒑.
 The effect of q is a vertical shift. The value of q also affects the horizontal asymptotes, the line
𝒚 = 𝒒.
 The value of a affects the shape of the graph and its position on the Cartesian plane.

𝑝>0 𝑝<0

𝑎<0 𝑎>0 𝑎<0 𝑎>0

𝑞>0

𝑞<0

DISCOVERING THE CHARACTERISTICS

𝒂
For functions of the general form: 𝑓(𝑥) =𝒚= +𝒒
𝒙+𝒑

Domain and range

The domain is {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑥 ≠ −𝑝}. If 𝑥 = −𝑝, the dominator is equal to zero and the function is
undefined.
We see that
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

𝒂
𝒚= +𝒒
𝒙+𝒑
can be re-written as:
𝑎
𝑦−𝑞 =
𝑥+𝑝
If 𝑥 ≠ −𝑝 then:
(𝑦 − 𝑞)(𝑥 + 𝑝) = 𝑎
𝑎
𝑥+𝑝=
𝑦−𝑞
The range is therefore {𝑦: 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑦 ≠ 𝑞}.
These restrictions on the domain and range determine the vertical asymptote 𝒙 = −𝒑 and the horizontal
asymptote 𝒚 = 𝒒.

EXEMPLE
𝟐
1. Determine the domain and range for 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙+𝟏 + 𝟐

SOLUTION
STEP 1. Determine the domain

The domain is {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑥 ≠ −1} since 𝑔(𝑥) is undefined for 𝑥 = −1.

STEP 2. Determine the range.
Let 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒚 ∶
𝟐
𝒚= +𝟐
𝒙+𝟏
𝟐
𝒚−𝟐=
𝒙+𝟏
(𝒚 − 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝟐
𝟐
𝒙+𝟏 =
𝒚−𝟐
Therefore the range is {𝑔(𝑥): 𝑔(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅, 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 2}.

𝟏
2. Determine the domain and range for 𝒚 = + 𝟏
𝒙

SOLUTION
STEP 1. Determine the domain

The domain is {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑥 ≠ 0} since y is undefined for 𝑥 = 0.

STEP 2. Determine the range.
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

Let 𝒚 ∶
𝟏
𝒚= +𝟏
𝒙
𝟏
𝒚−𝟏=
𝒙
( 𝒚 − 𝟏) 𝒙 = 𝟏
𝟏
𝒙=
𝒚−𝟏
Therefore the range is {𝑦: 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑦 ≠ 1}.
𝟖
3. Determine the domain and range for 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟖 + 𝟒

SOLUTION
STEP 1. Determine the domain

The domain is {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑥 ≠ 8} since 𝑔(𝑥) is undefined for 𝑥 = 8.

STEP 2. Determine the range.
Let 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒚 ∶
𝟖
𝒚= +𝟒
𝒙−𝟖
𝟖
𝒚−𝟒=
𝒙−𝟖
(𝒚 − 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟖) = 𝟖
𝟖
𝒙−𝟖 =
𝒚−𝟒
Therefore the range is {𝑔(𝑥): 𝑔(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅, 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 4}.
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

INTERCEPTS
The 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕:

To calculate the 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 we let 𝒙 = 𝟎.

2
For example, the y-intercept of 𝑔(𝑥) = + 2 is determined by setting 𝑥 = 0:
𝑥+1
2
𝑔(𝑥) = +2
𝑥+1
2
𝑔(0) = +2= 2+2= 4
0+1

This gives the point (0; 4).

The 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕:

To calculate the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 we let 𝑦 = 0.

2
For example, the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 of 𝑔(𝑥) = + 2 is determined by setting 𝑦 = 0:
𝑥+1
2
𝑔(𝑥) = +2
𝑥+1
2
0= +2
𝑥+1
2
−2 =
𝑥+1
−2(𝑥 + 1) = 2
−2𝑥 − 2 = 2
−2𝑥 = 4
4
𝑥=−
2
𝑥 = −2
This gives the point (−2; 0).

EXERCISE
Determine the x-intercepts and y-intercepts for each the following functions:

1.
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

𝟏
𝒇 (𝒙) = −𝟐
𝒙+𝟒
STEP 1. The 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕:

To calculate the 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 we let 𝒙 = 𝟎.

1
f(𝑥) = − 2 is determined by setting 𝑥 = 0:
𝑥+4
1
𝑓(0) = −2
0+4
1
𝑓(0) = − 2
4
1−8
𝑓(0) =
4
−7 3
𝑓(0) = = −1
4 4
3
This gives the point (0; −1 ).
4
STEP 2

The 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕:

To calculate the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 we let 𝑦 = 0.

1
For example, the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+4 − 2 is determined by setting 𝑦 = 0:
1
𝑦= −2
𝑥+4
1
0= −2
𝑥+4
1
2=
𝑥+4
2(𝑥 + 4) = 1
2𝑥 + 8 = 1
2𝑥 = 1 − 8
2𝑥 = −7
7 1
𝑥=− = −3
2 2
1
𝑥 = −3
2
1
This gives the point (−3 ; 0).
2
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

2.
𝟓
𝒇(𝒙) = − + 𝟐
𝒙
STEP 1. The 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕:

To calculate the 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 we let 𝒙 = 𝟎.

𝟓
𝒇(𝒙) = − + 𝟐 is determined by setting 𝑥 = 0:
𝒙

5
𝑓(0) = − − 2
0
∴ 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑖𝑠 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
∴ 𝑛𝑜 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑠
STEP 2

The 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕:

To calculate the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 we let 𝑦 = 0.

𝟓
For example, the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 of 𝒇(𝒙) = − + 𝟐 is determined by setting 𝑦 = 0:
𝒙
𝟓
𝟎=− +𝟐
𝒙
−5
−2 =
𝑥
−2𝑥 = −5
5
𝑥=
2
5
𝑥=
2
5
This gives the point ( ; 0).
2
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

ASYMPTOTES
𝑎
There are two asymptotes for functions of the form 𝑦 = +𝑞
𝑥+𝑝

The asymptotes indicate the values of 𝑥 for which the function does not exist.
In other words, the values that are excluded from the domain and the range.

The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 𝑞 and the vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −𝑝.

QUESTION:
Given
4
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = +1
(𝑥 + 5)
Write down the equation of the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of the graph of f(x).
SOLUTION:

The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 𝑞  the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 1
The vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −𝑝 ∴ the vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −5.

Domain:
{𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅, 𝑥 ≠ −5}
Range: 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
4
𝑦= +1
(𝑥 + 5)
4
𝑦−1=
(𝑥 + 5 )
(𝑦 − 1)(𝑥 + 5) = 4
4
𝑥+5 =
𝑦−1
Therefore the range is {𝑓(𝑥): 𝑓(𝑥) ∈ 𝑅, 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 1}.
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

Exercise: Determine the asymptotes for each of the following functions:

𝟏
1. 𝒚 = −𝟐
𝒙+𝟒
SOLUTION

The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 𝑞  the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = −2
The vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −𝑝 ∴ the vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −4.

𝟓
2. 𝒚 = −
𝒙
SOLUTION

The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 𝑞  the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 0
The vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −𝑝 ∴ the vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = 0.

𝟑
3. 𝒚 = +𝟏
𝟐−𝒙
SOLUTION
𝟑
𝒚= +𝟏
𝟐−𝒙
−𝟑
𝒚= +𝟏
𝒙−𝟐

The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 𝑞  the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 1
The vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = −𝑝 ∴ the vertical asymptote is the line 𝑥 = 2.
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

AXES OF SYMMETRY
There are two lines about which a hyperbola is symmetrical.
𝟏 𝟏
For the standard hyperbola 𝒚 = 𝒙 we see that if we replace 𝒙 ⇒ 𝒚 and 𝒚 ⇒ 𝒙, we get 𝒚 = 𝒙.

Similarly, if we replace 𝒙 ⇒ −𝒚 and 𝒚 ⇒ −𝒙, the function remains the same.

Therefore the function is symmetrical about the lines 𝒚 = 𝒙 and 𝒚 = −𝒙.
𝑎
For the shifted hyperbola 𝑦 = + 𝑞, the axes of symmetry intersect at the point (−𝑝; 𝑞).
𝑥+𝑝

To determine the axes of symmetry we define the two straight lines 𝑦1 = 𝑚1𝑥 + 𝑐1 and 𝑦2 = 𝑚2𝑥 + 𝑐2.
For the standard and shifted hyperbolic function, the gradient of one of the lines of symmetry is 1 and the
gradient of the other line of symmetry is −1.
The axes of symmetry are perpendicular to each other and the product of their gradients equals −1.
Therefore we let 𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 𝑐1 and 𝑦2 = −𝑥 + 𝑐2.
We then substitute (−𝑝; 𝑞), the point of intersection of the axes of symmetry, into both equations to
determine the values of c1 and c2.

WORKED EXAMPLE : AXES OF SYMMETRY

2
Determine the axes of symmetry for 𝑦 = 𝑥+1 − 2

SOLUTION
STEP 1.
Determine the point of intersection (−p; q)
From the equation we see that p=1 and q=−2. So the axes of symmetry will intersect at (−1;−2).
STEP 2.
Define two straight line equations
𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 𝑐1
𝑦2 = −𝑥 + 𝑐2
STEP 3.

Solve for 𝑐1 and 𝑐2

Use (−1; −2) to solve for 𝑐1 :
𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 𝑐1
−2 = −1 + 𝑐1
−1 = 𝑐1

Use (−1; −2) to solve for 𝑐2 :

Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

𝑦2 = 𝑥 + 𝑐2
−2 = −(−1) + 𝑐1
−3 = 𝑐1
STEP 3.
Write the final answer
2
The axes of symmetry for 𝑦 = 𝑥+1 − 2 are the lines:

𝑦1 = 𝑥 − 1
𝑦2 = −𝑥 − 3

QUESTION
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

What are the equations of the axes of symmetry of the graph of:
10
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = − +4
(𝑥 + 4 )
ANSWER
STEP 1.
Determine the point of intersection (−p; q)
From the equation we see that p=4 and q=4. So the axes of symmetry will intersect at (-4;4).
STEP 2.
Define two straight line equations
𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 𝑐1
𝑦2 = −𝑥 + 𝑐2
STEP 3.

Solve for 𝑐1 and 𝑐2

Use (−4; 4) to solve for 𝑐1 :
𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 𝑐1
4 = −4 + 𝑐1
8 = 𝑐1

Use (−4; 4) to solve for 𝑐2 :

𝑦2 = 𝑥 + 𝑐2
4 = −(−4) + 𝑐1
0 = 𝑐1
STEP 3.
Write the final answer
The axes of symmetry for
10
𝑌=− +4
(𝑥 + 4)
are the lines:
𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 8
𝑦2 = −𝑥
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

𝒂
SKETCHING GRAPHS OF THE FORM 𝒇(𝒙) = +𝒒
𝒙+𝒑

𝒂
In order to sketch graphs of functions of the form, (𝒙) = + 𝒒 , we need to calculate five
𝒙+𝒑

characteristics:
- Quadrants
- Asymptotes
- y-intercept
- x-intercept
- domain and range

WORKED EXAMPLE : SKETCHING A HYPERBOLA

2
Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥+1 + 2

Determine the intercepts, asymptotes and axes of symmetry.

State the domain and range of the function.
SOLUTION
STEP 1
𝒂
Examine the equation of the form 𝒚 = 𝒙+𝒑 + 𝒒

We notice that a>0, therefore the graph will lie in the first and third quadrants.
STEP 2
Determine the asymptotes
From the equation we know that p=1 and q=2.
Therefore the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝒚 = 𝟐 and the vertical asymptote is the line 𝒙 = −𝟏.
STEP 3
Determine the y-intercept
The y-intercept is obtained by letting 𝑥 = 0:
2
𝑦= +2
𝑥+1
2
𝑦= +2 =2+2 =4
0+1

This gives the point (𝟎; 𝟒).

STEP 4
Determine the x-intercept
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

The x-intercept is obtained by letting 𝑦 = 0:

2
𝑦= +2
𝑥+1
IF 𝑦 = 0
2
0= +2
𝑥+1
2
−2 =
𝑥+1
−2(𝑥 + 1) = 2
−2𝑥 − 2 = 2
−2𝑥 = 4
4
𝑥= = −2
−2
This gives the point (−2; 0).
STEP 5
Determine the axes of symmetry
Using (−1;2) to solve for 𝑐1 :
𝑦1 = 𝑥 + 𝑐1
2 = −1 + 𝑐1
3 = 𝑐1
Using (−1;2) to solve for 𝑐2 :
𝑦2 = −𝑥 + 𝑐2
2 = −(−1) + 𝑐2
2 = 1 + 𝑐2 1 = 𝑐2

Therefore the axes of symmetry are

𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 1
STEP 6

Plot the points and sketch the graph

Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

STEP 7
State the domain and range
2
𝑦= +2
𝑥+1

Domain: {𝒙: 𝒙 ∈ 𝑹, 𝒙 ≠ −𝟏}

Range:
2
𝑦= +2
𝑥+1
2
𝑦−2 =
𝑥+1
(𝑦 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 2
2
𝑥+1 =
𝑦−2
Range : {𝒚: 𝒚 ∈ 𝑹, 𝒚 ≠ 𝟐}
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

WORKED EXAMPLE 2 : SKETCHING A HYPERBOLA

https://www.siyavula.com/read/maths/grade-11/functions/05-functions-03#scEMBGR

2
Use horizontal and vertical shifts to sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−2 + 3

SOLUTION
STEP 1
𝒂
Examine the equation of the form 𝒚 = 𝒙+𝒑 + 𝒒

We notice that a>0, therefore the graph will lie in the first and third quadrants.
STEP 2
𝟏
Sketch the standard hyperbola 𝒚 = 𝒙
1
Start with a sketch of the standard hyperbola 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥

The vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = 0 and the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 0.

Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

STEP 3
Determine the vertical shift
From the equation we see that q=3 , which means 𝑔(𝑥) must shifted 3 units up.
The horizontal asymptote is also shifted 3 units up to 𝑦 = 3

STEP 4
Determine the horizontal shift
From the equation we see that 𝑝 = −2 , which means 𝑔(𝑥) must shifted 2 units to the right.
The vertical asymptote is also shifted 2 units to the right
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

STEP 5
The y-intercept is obtained by letting 𝑥 = 0

1 1 1
𝑦= +3 =− +3 =2
0−2 2 2
1
This gives the point (0; 2 2).

STEP 6
The 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 is obtained by letting 𝑦 = 0:
1
0= +3
𝑥−2
1
−3 =
𝑥−2
−3(𝑥 − 2) = 1
−3𝑥 + 6 = 1
−3𝑥 = 1 − 6
−3𝑥 = −5
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

5
𝑥=
3

STEP 7
Determine the domain and range
2
𝑦= +3
𝑥−2

Domain: {𝒙: 𝒙 ∈ 𝑹, 𝒙 ≠ 𝟐}
Range:
2
𝑦= +3
𝑥−2
2
𝑦−3 =
𝑥−2
(𝑦 − 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 2
2
𝑥−2 =
𝑦−3
Range : {𝒚: 𝒚 ∈ 𝑹, 𝒚 ≠ 𝟑}
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

WORKED EXAMPLE: FINDING THE EQUATION OF A HYPERBOLA FROM THE GRAPH

𝑎
Use the graph below to determine the values of a, p and q for 𝑦 = + 𝑞.
𝑥+𝑝

SOLUTION
STEP 1.
Examine the graph and deduce the sign of a
We notice that the graph lies in the second and fourth quadrants, therefore 𝑎 < 0.
STEP 2
Determine the asymptotes
From the graph we see that the vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = −1, therefore 𝑝 = 1. The horizontal asymptote
is 𝑦 = 3, and therefore 𝑞 = 3.
𝑎
𝑦= +3
𝑥+1
STEP 3
Determine the value of a
To determine the value of aa we substitute a point on the graph, namely (0; 0):
𝑎
𝑦= +3
𝑥+1
𝑎
0= + 3 ∴ −3 = 𝑎
0+1
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

STEP 4
Write the final answer
3
𝑦=− +3
𝑥+1
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

QUESTION

The figure below shows the graph of a hyperbola. The equation of this hyperbola has the general
form
𝑎
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = +𝑞
𝑥+𝑝

1. Calculate the values of 𝐚, 𝐩 and q if the coordinates of point B are (−5; −6).

SOLUTION
STEP 1
Determine the asymptotes
From the graph we see that the vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = −4, therefore 𝑝 = 4. The horizontal asymptote
is 𝑦 = 2, and therefore 𝑞 = 2.
𝑎
𝑦= +2
𝑥+4
Grade 11 FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS

STEP 2
Determine the value of a
To determine the value of aa we substitute a point on the graph, namely (0; 0):
𝑎
𝑦= +2
𝑥+4
𝑎
−6 = +2
−5 + 4
𝑎
∴ −6 − 2 =
−1
−8 = −𝑎
∴8=𝑎