Curve sketching

Introduction
Curve sketching is a method often used to sketch certain functions where plotting
them can be tedious or do not show the properties of the curve.
It is a frequently tested component in STPM Mathematics (T) Paper 2, and question
involving this component can carry high marks. Many students often perform
poorly in such questions as they do not understand the steps required to sketch
them. However, it is an easy component to tackle with if systematic steps are
taken.

Step 1 determining the domain of the function

Skills required: good understanding on inequalities and simple math functions and
basic knowledge on set theory and algebraic manipulation (also includes equation
solving).

The first step is to determine the domain of the function, i.e. the set values of

for which

is defined.

Rational functions
The set can be found by determining the values of

for which

is undefined

this can be usually accomplished by setting the denominator to 0 for rational

functions.

E.g. :

which

x
x +1
2

x
x +1
2

is defined for all values of

is defined. (Check by setting

Hence the domain in set notation is

as there is no real values of

x 2+1=0 )

for

{xR}
The above notation is interpreted as
The set of real numbers.

E.g. 2:

x1
x 31

is undefined for

(Check by solving

x 31=0

x=1 , as division of zero occurs when

x=1 .

and substitute the solution back into the function)

However, other real numbers of

are admissible. Hence the domain in set

notation is

{ x Rx 1 }
which is interpreted as
The set of real numbers such that

is not equal to 1.

N.B. The bar symbol in the set notation means such that.

Radical (square root) functions

Note that square roots are only defined in real number set if the square root is done
on a positive number or zero, for example

2=real number
4=imaginary number
Therefore the function

, where

is a real number is only defined when

x0 .
Note that this statement also applies to the even root of the number, for example

4 x6 x

E.g. :

x ( x 23 )

is only defined if

x 0 . Hence the domain of the function is

{ x Rx 0 }

E.g. 2:

x+2 x 3

is only defined if both square roots are positive. Hence an

inequality is set up using set notation:

{ x+ 2> 0 x3>0 }
{ x>2 x >3 }
N.B. the symbol indicates the intersection of the sets.

Using a number line, the above set notation is true if and only if

x> 3 . Hence the

domain of the above function is

{ x Rx >3 }
Verify the above set is correct with a calculator.

Logarithmic functions
Note that logarithms are only defined if and only if the values enclosed in the
logarithm is greater than zero.

ln ( x4 )

E.g.

is defined if and only if

x4 >0
x> 4

ln ( x4 )

as

is undefined when

x 4 , since natural logarithms are not defined

when the value enclosed in the logarithm is zero or negative. (Verify with a
calculator, and for most Casio models, a MATH ERROR should appear if a
logarithmic operation is done on zero or negative values)

Hence the domain is

{ x Rx >4 }

E.g. 2:
2

x 4 >0

|x|>2

2 ln ( x2 4 )

is only defined if and only if

x> 2x <2
Hence the domain for

2 ln ( x2 4 )

is

{ x Rx <2 x >2 }
N.B. The notation

indicates the union, i.e. the combined set.

Exercise (optional)
This is a simple exercise intended to test your understanding on this part this is
completely optional. You may have learned this skill back in Semester 1, however it
is always a good idea to practice them.

Find the values of

such that the functions below are defined. Give your answer

in set notation.
Note: the set of

(a)

x +2
x x6

(b)

x ln x
x1

(c)

2
ln ( x 4 )1

(d)

is the set of real numbers.

( x3 )( x +4 )( x +1 )
ln ( x2 4 )

Step 2: Determining the axis of symmetry of the curve

Note that certain curves may have an axis of symmetry:

Above image:
A parabola symmetrical to the

x -axis.

(Source: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/Symmetry.aspx )

Above image:
A parabola symmetrical to the

y -axis.

(Source: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/Symmetry.aspx )

Above image:
A rectangular hyperbola with axis of symmetry at the origin.
(Source: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/Symmetry.aspx )