CURVE SKETCHING

Sometimes we are required to sketch graphs for which we have no idea of the general shape.

We use some or all of the following steps, in any order:

1. Find the intercepts with the axes.

 𝑦 −cut, usually easy.
 𝑥 −cuts, factorise or calculator directly or calculator SOLVE function or may not be
needed at all if not asked for.

2. Determine 𝒇′ (𝒙) .
(and 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) if not too complex – will use for testing max/min and finding pt. of inflection.)

3. Calculate all stationary points and classify them.

 Put 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 for stationary points.
 Use second derivative test, or a sign line using 𝑓′(𝑥), to classify stationary points
o If 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) > 0 then local minimum
o If 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) < 0 then local maximum.
 Put 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) = 0 for confirmation of points of inflection.
 Investigate the sign of 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) on either side to determine concavity.
o 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) > 0 then concave upwards
o 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑥) < 0 then concave downwards

4. Investigate the sign of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) on either side of stationary points if need to determine where
the function is increasing or decreasing.

5. Investigate 𝑓(𝒙) as 𝒙 → ±∞ as well as where 𝑓(𝑥) is undefined to determine vertical,

horizontal and oblique asymptotes, and any removable discontinuities.

6. Determine endpoints for 𝑓(𝑥) if given a specific domain.

7. Make a rough, but clear sketch, including all critical points and asymptotes. The sketch need not
be to scale and if certain points are not required by the question they may be omitted. e.g. “hard-
to-find” 𝑥 −intercepts.

Note on Asymptotes

1. A vertical asymptote is present at any value of 𝑥 for which the function is undefined, after
simplifying. An 𝑥 −value, that makes the function undefined before simplifying, results in a
removable discontinuity.
2. Horizontal and oblique asymptotes arise from considering lim 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→± ∞
3. For rational functions if degree(numerator) ≤ degree(denominator) , you get a horizontal
asymptote.
4. For rational functions if degree(numerator) ≥ degree(denominator) , you get a oblique or skew
𝑅(𝑥)
asymptote. Rewrite the expression as 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝐷(𝑥) first.