Unit 10: Graphs of Functions

Class 9 Mathematics | Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board Syllabus 2025

1. Why are graphs important in mathematics?

Graphs help us see and understand how different things are related to each other.

They are very useful in explaining mathematical functions and how these functions work in real-life situations.

2. What is a function in mathematics?

A function represents a relationship between two variables, where one variable depends on the other. It can be expressed as an equation, a graph, a numerical table, or a verbal description.

A function is written as:

\( y = f(x) \)

Here:

  • \( f \) is the function
  • \( x \) is the independent variable (input)
  • \( y \) is the dependent variable (output)

3. What is a linear function?

A linear function shows a straight-line relationship between two variables. Its general form is:

\( f(x) = mx + c \)

or

\( y = mx + c \)

Where:

  • \( m \) is the slope (gradient) of the line
  • \( c \) is the y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis)

4. What is a quadratic function?

A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function that includes the term \( x^{2} \). The general form of a quadratic function is:

\( y = ax^{2} + bx + c \)

Where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants and \( a \neq 0 \).

Note: The graph of a quadratic function is always a parabola.

  • If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upward like "∪"
  • If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downward like "∩"

5. What is the graph of a cubic function?

A cubic function is a type of polynomial function of degree 3. Its standard form is:

\( y = ax^{3} + bx^{2} + cx + d \)

Where \( a \), \( b \), \( c \) and \( d \) are constants and \( a \neq 0 \).

Note:

  1. The graph of a cubic function is a curve that can have at most two turning points.
  2. It generally has an S-shaped appearance.
  3. Depending on the values of the constants, the shape may vary.
  4. Cubic functions are more complicated and show more varied behavior than linear and quadratic ones.

6. What is the graph of a reciprocal function?

A reciprocal function is a function of the form:

\( y = \frac{a}{x} \)

Where \( a \) is any real number and \( x \neq 0 \).

Note: An asymptote is a line that a graph approaches but never touches.

7. What is the graph of an exponential function?

An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form:

\( y = ka^{x} \)

Where \( a \), \( k \) are constants, \( x \) is a variable, and \( a > 1 \).

8. What is the gradient of a curve?

The gradient or slope of a graph at any point is equal to the gradient of the tangent to the curve at that point. The gradient between two points is defined as:

\( \text{Gradient} = \frac{\text{Change in } y}{\text{Change in } x} = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} = \frac{y_{2} - y_{1}}{x_{2} - x_{1}} \)

Note: A tangent is a line that just touches a curve only at one point (and doesn't cross it).