International Baccalaureate Mathematics

Syllabus Content

The reciprocal function f(x)=1/x, x ≠ 0: its graph and self-inverse nature.
Rational functions of the form f(x)=(ax+b)/(cx+d) and their graphs.
Equations of vertical and horizontal asymptotes

Here are some specific activities, investigations or visual aids we have picked out. Click anywhere in the grey area to access the resource.

Graph Equation Pairs Match the equation with its graph. Includes quadratics, cubics, reciprocals, exponential and the sine function.

Graph Plotter An online tool to draw, display and investigate graphs of many different kinds.

Domain, Range and Asymptotes Match the functions with their features. A drag and drop activity.

Here are some exam-style questions on this statement:

"(a) Sketch the graph of \( y = f(x) \) for values of \( x \) between \(-5\) and \(5\) given that:" ... more

"The function \( f \) is defined by \( f(x) = \frac{5x + 5}{3x - 6} \) for \( x \in \mathbb{R}, x \neq 2 \)." ... more

"A function \(f\) is defined by \(f(x) = 2 + \dfrac{1}{3-x}, \text{ where } x \in \mathbb{R}, x \neq 3.\)" ... more

"Let \(f(x)=\frac{3x}{x-q}\), where \(x \neq q\)." ... more

"Let \(f(x) = \frac{9x-3}{bx+9}\) for \(x \neq -\frac9b, b \neq 0\)." ... more

See all these questions

Here is an Advanced Starter on this statement:

GDC Challenge
Produce the given graph on a graphic display calculator more

Click on a topic below for suggested lesson Starters, resources and activities from Transum.

Graphs This topic includes algebraic and statistical graphs including bar charts, line graphs, scatter graphs and pie charts. A graph is a diagram which represents a relationship between two or more sets of numbers or categories. The data items are shown as points positioned relative to axes indicating their values. Pupils are typically first introduced to simple bar charts and learn to interpret their meaning and to draw their own. More sophisticated statistical graphs are introduced as the pupil's mathematical understanding develops. Pupils also learn about coordinates as a pre-requisite for understanding algebraic graphs. They then progress to straight line graphs before learning to work with curves, gradients, intercepts, regions and, for older pupils, calculus.

Furthermore

Official Guidance, clarification and syllabus links:

Sketches should include all horizontal and vertical asymptotes and any intercepts with the axes.

Link to: transformations (SL2.11).

Vertical asymptote: \(x=-\frac{d}{c}\)

Horizontal asymptote: \(y=\frac{a}{c}\)

Rational functions of the form \( f(x) = \frac{ax + b}{cx + d} \), where \( a, b, c, \) and \( d \) are constants and \( cx + d \neq 0 \), exhibit interesting behaviors on their graphs. These functions can have both vertical and horizontal asymptotes, which are lines that the graph approaches but never touches.

Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator of the function is zero. For the given form, the vertical asymptote is at \( x = -\frac{d}{c} \), provided \( c \neq 0 \). Horizontal asymptotes, on the other hand, are determined by the degrees of the numerator and the denominator. If the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, the horizontal asymptote is the x-axis, or \( y = 0 \). If the degrees are equal, the horizontal asymptote is \( y = \frac{a}{c} \).

Key Formulae:
- Vertical Asymptote: \( x = -\frac{d}{c} \) (if \( c \neq 0 \))
- Horizontal Asymptote: \( y = 0 \) if degree of numerator < degree of denominator; \( y = \frac{a}{c} \) if degrees are equal

Example:
Consider the function \( f(x) = \frac{2x + 3}{x - 1} \). The vertical asymptote is at \( x = 1 \) (since \( x - 1 = 0 \) at \( x = 1 \)), and the horizontal asymptote is \( y = \frac{2}{1} = 2 \) since the degrees of the numerator and denominator are equal.

The graph of this function approaches but does not touch the lines \( x = 1 \) and \( y = 2 \), illustrating the properties of its asymptotes.

If you use a TI-Nspire GDC there are instructions for finding asymptotes.

This video on Rational Functions, Asymptotes and Graphs is from Revision Village and is aimed at students taking the IB Maths Standard level course.

How do you teach this topic? Do you have any tips or suggestions for other teachers? It is always useful to receive feedback and helps make these free resources even more useful for Maths teachers anywhere in the world. Click here to enter your comments.