13.1 Cubic, reciprocal and exponential graphs — Practise
Work independently. Questions and answers are checked from the same problem bank. Questions marked H extend the Higher work.
- H For , work out the -intercepts and the -intercept.
- H For , work out when .
- H Find where meets the -axis.
- H Complete the values of for .
- H State the asymptotes of and explain why the graph has two branches.
- H For , work out when .
- H A quantity follows . Work out when and describe the growth factor.
- H Match each description to cubic, reciprocal or exponential: (a) S-shape through the origin; (b) two branches approaching both axes; (c) positive curve through that doubles each step right.
- H H For , find and list the -intercepts.
Answers and concise solutions
1. Intercepts of
Answer: The -intercepts are . The -intercept is . Factor: .
2. Values for
Answer: The outputs are respectively. The graph falls left and rises right.
3. Cubic and -axis intersections
Answer: Set : . Thus .
4. Values for
Answer: The outputs are respectively.
5. Reciprocal asymptotes
Answer: The axes and are asymptotes. The rule is undefined at , so the branches cannot join there.
6. Values for
Answer: The outputs are respectively.
7. Exponential growth
Answer: . Each unit step in multiplies by .
8. Match graph families
Answer: (a) cubic; (b) reciprocal; (c) exponential.
9. Higher cubic intercepts
Answer: , so the intercepts are .