Sketching Curves

What is Sketching Curves?

The rapid drawing of a curve from its equation alone, showing the features that identify it rather than accurately plotted points. The five required families are linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal and exponential. A sketch must show the applicable intercepts, roots, turning points and axis of symmetry, any vertical or horizontal asymptotes, and the correct behaviour at each end. A reciprocal curve approaches its asymptotes without ever meeting or crossing them.

This definition is part of the Algebra and Graphs chapter in Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D).

Concepts related to Sketching Curves

• turning point
• axis of symmetry
• vertical asymptote
• horizontal asymptote
• end behaviour