FUNCTIONS

• A function is a mathematical relationship that uniquely relates the value of one variable
to the value of one or more other variables.

• Every input variable has one output variable. The input is the number or value put into
the function.

• The output is the number or value the function gives. In functions, the x-variable is
known as the input or independent variable, because its value can be chosen freely. The
calculated y-variable is known as the output or dependent variable, because its value
depends on the chosen input value.
• Functions can be written in terms of y or 𝑓(𝑥). We can also use other letter such as
g(x) or h(x) to show that each y-value is a function of an x-value.
• Graphs can be drawn from function equations.

Range and Domain

 The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values)
 The range is the set of all possible output values (y-values)

1
Exponential graph
The general equation for the exponential function is is given by

𝑦 = 𝑎. 𝑏 𝑥− 𝑝 + 𝑞 where 𝑏 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ≠ 1

 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants
 𝑞 is the 𝑦-asymptote.
Shape of the exponential graph
The value of 𝒃 determines the shape of the graph:

𝑏 > 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is an increasing function 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏, 𝒇(𝒙) is a decreasing function.

 Note: If 𝑏 ≤ 0 , 𝑓(𝑥) is not defined.

2
Asymptote of the exponential graph
 𝑞 is the 𝑦-asymptote.
 For example if given the equation
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 2
The equation of the asymptote is 𝑦 = −2 as shown in the diagram below

Practise Questions on the Exponential Graphs

2015 November Paper 1 Q 4

Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥+1 − 8

4.1 Write down the equation of the asymptote of 𝑓. (1)
4.2 Sketch the graph of 𝑓. Clearly indicate ALL intercepts with the axes as well as the
asymptote. (4)
4.3 The graph of 𝑔 is obtained by reflecting the graph of 𝑓 in the 𝑦-axis Write down the
equation of 𝑔. (1)

3
2016 March Paper 1 Q 4
Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2−𝑥 + 1
4.1 Determine the coordinates of the 𝑦-intercept of 𝑓. (1)
4.2 Sketch the graph of 𝑓, clearly indicating ALL intercepts with the axes as well as
any asymptotes. (3)
4.3 Calculate the average gradient of 𝑓 between the
points on the graph where 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 1. (3)
4.4 If ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑓(𝑥), write down an equation of the asymptote of ℎ. (1)
NOTE:

The average gradient of a function between any two points is defined to be the gradient of the
line joining the two points.

The Parabola or Quadratic Graph

The general equation of a parabola can be written in one of three formats:
 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 [standard form]
 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 [turning point form]
 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )(𝑥 − 𝑥2 ) [root form]

4
SHAPE
 The value of 𝑎 (coefficient of 𝑥 2 ) determines the shape of the graph

Axis of Symmetry

 The axis of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two
congruent halves.
 The axis of symmetry always passes through the vertex of the parabola .
 The 𝑥-coordinate of the vertex is the equation of the axis of symmetry of the parabola

 The value of 𝑥 in the axis of symmetry equation is also the 𝑥-coordinate of the turning
point of the graph.

5
Calculating the axis of symmetry
 Given the standard format of a parabola i.e.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
 The equation of the axis of symmetry is given by
−𝑏
𝑥=
2𝑎

NOTE:

To find the 𝑦-coordinate of the axis of symmetry( turning point), one must substitute the
𝑥 value of the turning point( axis of symmetry into the original equation

6
The value of 𝒄
 Given the standard format of a parabola i.e.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
 The value of c gives the 𝑦-intercept of the graph shown on the diagram alongside

Completing the square

 Graphs of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 [standard form] can be converted into the

form 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 [turning point form] by completing the square
 By completing the square for the standard form of the equation of a parabola, it can be
re-written as:

𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 + 𝒑)𝟐 + 𝒒
𝑝: 𝑥-coordinate of turning point or line of symmetry
𝑞: 𝑦-coordinate of turning point. In other words (𝑝; 𝑞) are just the turning points
Example:
Rewrite the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 8 in the format
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 and hence state the coordinates of the turning point

7
Nature of roots and the quadratic graph

The discriminant(∆) of a quadratic equation 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, is 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐. The discriminant is

found inside the square root of the quadratic formula. The discriminant indicates the number
and nature of the roots of the quadratic as shown below:

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The Linear or Straight Line Graph
It is given by the equation: 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
where: 𝑚 is the gradient or slope of the graph 𝑐: 𝑦-intercept
Gradient or slope of the graph: 𝑚
It is found by using any two points on the graph and the equation shown on the diagram below

The value of 𝑐 is the 𝑦-intercept

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Practise Questions on the Quadratic Graph and Straight line Graph
2008 Standard Grade Paper 1 Q 2
The graph below, which is not drawn to scale, shows a parabola with 𝑥-intercepts at
A (−3; 0) and B. The axis of symmetry has equation 𝑥 = −1 and the 𝑦-intercept is
C (0; −6).

Determine:
2.1.1 The coordinates of B. (2)
2.1.2 The equation of the parabola. (5)
2.1.3 The coordinates of the turning point D. (4)
2.1.4 The equation of the straight line passing through A and C. (2)
2.1.5 The values of 𝑥 for which 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 0. (2)

2014 March Paper 1 Q 7

The graph of where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑞 where 𝑎, 𝑝 and 𝑞 are constants, is given
below. Points E, F (1; 0) and C are its intercepts with the coordinates axes. A (−4; 5) is
the reflection of 𝐶 across the axis of symmetry of 𝑓. D is a point on the graph such that
the straight line through A and D has equation 𝑔(𝑥) = −2𝑥 − 3.

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7.1 Write down the coordinates of C. (1)
7.2 Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of 𝑓. (1)
7.3 Calculate the values of 𝑎, 𝑝 and 𝑞. (6)
7.4 If 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 calculate the 𝑥-coordinate of D. (4)
7.5 The graph of 𝑓 is reflected about the 𝑥-axis.
Write down the coordinates of the turning point of the new parabola. (2)

The Hyperbola

It is given by the general equation:

𝑎
𝑦= + 𝑞
𝑥+ 𝑝

The shape of the graph is determined by the value of 𝒂

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The asymptote is an imaginary line that a graph approaches but never touches. It indicates the
values of 𝑥 for which the function does not exist.
These values are excluded from the domain and the range.
𝑥 + 𝑝 = 0 vertical asymptote. The equation of the vertical asymptote will be 𝑥 = −𝑝
𝑦 = 𝑞 horizontal asymptote. The equation of the vertical asymptote will be y = 𝑞
 Domain : 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅; 𝑥 ≠ −𝑝
 Range 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅; 𝑥 ≠ 𝑞


Axis of symmetry
A line of symmetry is an imaginary line that divides a graph into two mirror images of each
other. There are two lines about which a hyperbola is symmetrical:
 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑐 (increasing function or positive gradient
 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 𝑐 (decreasing function or negative gradient)
 𝒙 and 𝒚 are the asymptote values of the equation

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For example a hyperbola with the 𝑥-asymptote at 𝑥 = −1 and the 𝑦-asymptote at 𝑦 = −3
would have the equation of symmetry for the decreasing function as
𝑦 = −𝑥 + 𝑐
−3 = − (−1) + 𝑐
𝑐 = −4
Therefore, the equation is : 𝑦 = −𝑥 − 4
Note: the two line of the axis of symmetry intersect at the points ( 𝑝; 𝑞)

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Practise Questions on the Hyperbola
2016 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4
𝑎
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 𝑝 + 𝑞 is sketched below with asymptotes 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = 2.

T (5; 3) is a point on 𝑓 and C is the point of intersection of the asymptotes.

4.1 Determine the values of 𝑎, 𝑝 and 𝑞. (3)

4.2 Give the equation of ℎ, the reflection of 𝑓 in the 𝑦-axis. (1)
4.3 If the graph of 𝑓 is symmetrical about the line 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 𝑐, determine the
value of 𝑐. (2)

2018 Eastern Cape June Paper 1 Q 4

−3
Given the equation of 𝑓, a hyperbola, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1 + 5, answer the questions that follow.

4.1 Calculate the 𝑦-intercept of 𝑓. (1)

4.2 Calculate the 𝑥-intercept of 𝑓. (2)
4.3 Sketch the graph of 𝑓, clearly indicating the asymptotes and intercepts with axes. (3)
4.4 Write down the equation of the graph formed if the graph 𝑓 is shifted 3 units to
the right and then reflected across the 𝑥-axis. (3)

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Summary of Transformations of Function Graphs
Transformation Description
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑐) horizontal transformation to the right by 𝑐 units
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑐) horizontal transformation to the left by 𝑐 units

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑑 vertical transformation upwards by a factor 𝑑 units

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑑 vertical transformation downwards by a factor 𝑑 units
𝑦 = 𝑓(−𝑥) reflection in the 𝑦-axis
𝑦 = −𝑓(𝑥) reflection in the 𝑥-axis
1
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑏𝑥) Horizontal expansion or compression by a factor of
𝑏

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓(𝑥) Vertical expansion or compression by a factor of 𝑎

Examples
Given 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) describe the following transformations
1. 𝑦 = −2𝑓(𝑥 + 3) − 5
 Reflection in the 𝑥-axis
 Vertical expansion by a factor of 2
 Horizontal translation 3 units to the left
 Vertical translation 5 units downwards
2. 𝑦 = 5𝑓(4𝑥) + 1
 Vertical expansion by a factor of 5
1
 Horizontal compression by a factor of 4

 Vertical transformation 1 unit up

3. 𝑦 = 𝑓(2𝑥 + 8)
 Horizontal compression by a factor of 2
 Horizontal translation 4 units to the left
Note: Remember to factorise 2𝑥 + 8 to 2(𝑥 + 4)

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PAST EXAM PRACTISE QUESTIONS

2024 Eastern Cape November Paper 1 Q 5

The lines 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 4 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2 are the axes of symmetry of the function

−3
𝑓(𝑥) = +𝑞
𝑥+𝑝

5.1 Show that 𝑝 = −3 and 𝑞 = 1. (4)

5.2 Calculate the 𝑥 -intercept of 𝑓 . (2)

5.3 Calculate the 𝑦 -intercept of 𝑓 . (2)

5.4 Sketch the graph of 𝑓 .Clearly label all intercepts with the axes and asymptotes. (3)

5.5 Write down the domain of 𝑔 if 𝑔 is the reflection of f along the line 𝑥 = 0 . (3)

5.6 For which values of 𝑥 will 𝑥. 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 0? (3)

2014 Standard Grade Paper 1 Q 3.1.1 – Q 3.1.4

The diagram below (not drawn to scale) represents the graphs of:
 A parabola f which cuts the 𝑦-axis at −2 passes through points P (−1; 1), and
Q(2; −2) and has turning point R.
 A straight line g that passes through Q and R.
 A hyperbola ℎ(𝑥) < 0, , that passes through point P.

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3.1.1 Show that the equation of the parabola is 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 2 . (6)
3.1.2 Show that R is the point (1; −3). (3)
3.1.3 Determine the equation of 𝑔 in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 . (3)
3.1.4 Write down the equation of the hyperbola ℎ . (2)

2023 Gauteng November Paper 1 Q 8

Sketched below is a parabola 𝑗 and a straight line 𝑘, with equation

1
𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1
 T(1; 8) is the turning point of 𝑗.
 𝑗 cuts the 𝑦-axis at 𝑦 = 6 and the 𝑦 -axis at 𝑅(−1; 0) and Q.
 𝐽 and the straight line intersect at P and Q.
 V is a point on 𝑗 and W is a point on 𝑘 such that VW is parallel to the 𝑦-axis

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8.1 Show that the equation of 𝑗 can be written as 𝑗(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 6 (3)
8.2 Calculate the average gradient of 𝑗 between 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 3 (3)
8.3 Calculate the coordianates of P, the intersection of 𝑗 and 𝑘 (5)
8.4 Calculate the MAXIMUM length of VW (4)
8.5 Use the graphs to determine the value(s) of 𝑥 for which:
8.5.1. 𝑗 increases (1)
8.5.2
𝑗(𝑥)
− ≤0
𝑘(𝑥)
(2)
8.6 For which values of 𝑘 will 𝑗(𝑥) − 𝑘 = 0 have two distinct roots? (2)

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2010 March Paper 1 Q 6
The graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 8 and 𝑔(𝑥) = −3𝑥 + 24 are sketched below. 𝑓 and 𝑔
intersect in D and B. A and B are the 𝑥-intercepts of 𝑓.

6.1 Determine the coordinates of A and B. (4)

6.2 Calculate 𝑎, the 𝑥-coordinate of D. (4)
6.3 S(𝑥; 𝑦)is a point on the graph of 𝑓; where 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8. ST is drawn parallel to the 𝑦-axis
with T on the graph of 𝑔. Determine ST in terms of 𝑥. (2)
6.4 Calculate the maximum length of ST. (2)

2022 Senior Certificate Paper 1 Q 5

𝑎
Consider: 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 𝑝 + 𝑞

The following information of 𝑔 is given:

 Domain: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 ; 𝑥 ≠ −2
 𝑥-intercept at K (1; 0)
1
 𝑦-intercept at N (0; − 2 )

1.1 Show that the equation of 𝑔 is given by

19
 −3
𝑔(𝑥) = +1
𝑥 + 2
(6)
5.2 Write down the range of 𝑔 (1)
5.3 Determine the equation of ℎ,the axis of symmetry of 𝑔 in the form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 where 𝑚 > 0 (3)
5.4 Write down the coordinate of K’, the image of K reflected over ℎ (2)

2019 Eastern Cape November Paper 1 Q 6

R(−1; 9) is the turning point of the graph:𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐. P and Q are the

𝑥-intercepts of 𝑓. TV is a straight line parallel to the 𝑦-axis. The graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4
has an 𝑥-intercept at P. S is a point of intersection of 𝑓 and 𝑔.

6.1 Determine the coordinates of P. (2)

6.2 Hence, or otherwise, write down the coordinates of Q. (2)
6.3 Calculate the average gradient between P and R. (2)

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6.4 Show that for 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑎 = −1, 𝑏 = −2 and 𝑐 = 8. Show ALL your working. (6)
6.5 Calculate the coordinates of S, the point of intersection of f and g. (5)
6.6 Determine the maximum length of TV between the points P and S. (5)
6.7 Determine the values of x for which 𝑥. 𝑓(𝑥) < 0? (3)

2010 November Paper 1 Q 5

Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 4−𝑥 − 2

5.1 Calculate the coordinates of the intercepts of 𝑓 with the axes. (4)

5.2 Write down the equation of the asymptote of 𝑓. (1)

5.3 Sketch the graph of 𝑓. (3)
5.4 Write down the equation of 𝑔 if 𝑔 is the graph of 𝑓 shifted 2 units upwards. (1)
5.5 Solve for 𝑥 if 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 . (You need not simplify your answer.) (3)

2014 Exemplar Paper 1 Q 4

2
4.1 Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 − 3

4.1.1 Calculate the coordinates of the 𝑦-intercept of 𝑓. (2)

4.1.2 Calculate the coordinates of the 𝑥-intercept of 𝑓. (2)
4.1.3 Sketch the graph of 𝑓 in your ANSWER BOOK, showing clearly the asymptotes and
the intercepts with the axes. (3)
4.1.4 One of the axes of symmetry of 𝑓 is a decreasing function. Write down the equation
of this axis of symmetry. (2)

4.2 The graph of an increasing exponential function with equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎. 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑞

 Range: 𝑦 > −3
 The points (0; −2) and (1; −1) lie on the graph of 𝑓.
4.2.1 Determine the equation that defines 𝑓. (4)
4.2.1 Describe the transformation from 𝑓(𝑥) to ℎ(𝑥) = 2.2𝑥 + 1. (2)

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2016 Overberg Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4
The sketch shows 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐. The turning point of the
parabola is (1; 8). Both 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) pass through the point (0 ; 6).

4.1 Show that 𝑎 = −2 ; 𝑏 = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 6 (5)

4.2Determine the equation of 𝑔(𝑥). (5)
4.3 Determine the coordinates of the point of contact of the tangent to 𝑓(𝑥)
that is parallel to 𝑔(𝑥). (4)
4.4 If PQ is a line parallel to the 𝑦-axis with P on 𝑓(𝑥) and Q on 𝑔(𝑥),
determine the length of PQ in terms of 𝑥. (2)
4.5 For what values of 𝑥 is 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) < 0? (2)
4.6 For what values of 𝑥 is 𝑓(𝑥) ≥ 𝑔(𝑥)? (2)

22
2015 March Paper 1 Q 6
The graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐; 𝑎 ≠ 0 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑘 are drawn below.
D (1; −8) is a common point on 𝑓 and 𝑔.
 𝑓 intersects the 𝑥-axis at (−3; 0) and (2; 0).
 𝑔 is a tangent to 𝑓 at D.

6.1 For which value(s) of 𝑥 is 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 0? (2)

6.2 Determine the values of 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐. (5)
6.3 Determine the coordinate of the turning point of 𝑓. (3)
6.4 Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of ℎ if ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥 − 7) + 2. (2)

2019 November Paper 1 Q 7

The point A(3; 54) lies of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥+𝑝 − 27
7.1 Determine the value 𝑝. (3)
7.2 Determine the range of 𝑓 (2)
7.3 Graph 𝑔 is obtained by reflecting graph 𝑓 about the 𝑥-axis. Determine the
coordinates of the 𝑦-intercepts of 𝑔 (2)

23
2021 November Paper 1 Q 5
Given :
−1
𝑓(𝑥) = +2
𝑥−3
5.1 Write down the equation of the asymptotes of 𝑓. (2)
5.2 Write down the domain of 𝑓 (1)
5.3 Determine the coordinates of the 𝑥-intercept of 𝑓 (2)
5.4 Write down the coordinates of the 𝑦-intercept of 𝑓 (2)
5.3 Draw the graph of 𝑓. Clearly show ALL the asymptotes and intercepts with
the axes. (3)

2017 Senior Certificate Paper 1 Q 5

Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 14 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 14
5.1 On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of 𝑓 and 𝑔. Clearly indicate all intercepts
with the axes and turning points. (6)
1
5.2 Determine the equation of the tangent to 𝑓 at 𝑥 = 2 2 . (2)

5.3 Determine the value(s) of 𝑘 for which 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 will have two unequal positive real
roots. (2)
5.4 A new graph ℎ is obtained by first reflecting 𝑔 in the 𝑥-axis and then translating it
7 units to the left. Write down the equation of ℎ in the form ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐. (2)

24