Shapes of the graphs

y=mx+c
( Linear equation / function)

Straight line
Or
Linear graph
In this line the gradient ‘m’ is positive In this line
( its right hand end is rising up ) ‘m’ is negative
( it’s right end is
going down).

If line is horizontal, its gradient is ‘zero ’

Its equation will be y = k, where ‘k’ is a If line is vertical, its gradient is
Constant. undefined.
& its equation will be
x = k, where k is a constant

y = ax2 + bx + c or y = a(x – h)2 + k

( Quadratic equation )
If coefficient of x2 is positive then it’s a minimum shape graph.

To remember the shape:

“On a positive comment we get HAPPY” and it’s a happy face

(h,k) shape.

(h, k)
& “on a negative comment we get SAD”

Therefore, if coefficient of x2 is negative, then the shape is a

Maximum curve.
i.e. y = – ax2 + bx + c

( h, k ) are the maximum and minimum point coordinates.

 Cubic Equation
y = x3
or
y = ax + bx2 + cx + d
3

If coefficient of x3 is positive then right end of its

curve rises up.

If coefficient of x3 is negative, the right end of the graph

goes down.

Some Cubic equation graphs have more curve e.g.

coefficient of x3 is positive coefficient of x3

is positive
 𝒌
Graph of y =
𝒙

Example equations for such graphs:

2
y=𝑥
or
5
y = 𝑥 etc.
(Numerator with positive constant)

−𝒌
Example equations for such graphs : y =
𝒙
−2
y= 𝑥
or
−3
y= 𝑥

numerator with negative constant

 Graph of y = k .
x2
Example equations of these graphs :

y=2 .
x2
or
y=5 .
x2

The numerator in the function

Shall be ‘Positive’

Now,
y= -k .
x2

Some example equations of

this graph are :

y=-4 .
x2
or

y=-2 .
x2

The constant in the numerator is

‘Negative’
 y=kx
A constant with variable as power.

If complete whole function gets negative, i.e. y = - kx

The graph reflects completely in the x axis.
If in these type of functions, sign of the variable in power gets negative, then the graph reflects
completely in y axis. y = k -x

If complete function gets negative and its power also get negative then the graph will reflect in
the x axis and also in the y axis.
y = - k –x