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Cubic and Reciprocal Graphs

Graphs

  • You might need to draw or interpret cubic and reciprocal graphs in your exam
  • You can use a table of values to draw any graph, but it helps if you know what the general shape of the graph is going to be

Cubic graphs

  • Graphs that contain an x^3 term and no higher powers of x are called cubic graphs

  • Here are two examples

Reciprocal graphs

  • Graphs of the form y = k/x where k is a number are called reciprocal graphs
  • Here are two examples

Tips

  • The graphs get closer and closer to the x-axis and y-axis but never touch them
  • With a cubic graph if you recognise the shape of the graph then it’s easier to tell if you’ve plotted your coordinates correctly