SUMMARY NOTES
GRAPHS
GRADE 9
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GRAPHS
1.1 Discrete and Continuous Data
Discrete graphs have points and gaps in their graphs. The data is counted and made up of whole
numbers. Even though these points line up, they are not connected. Because they are not
connected and the points are distinct values, this graph or function is a discrete graph of function.
Continuous functions, on the other hand, connect all the dots, and the function can be any value
within a certain interval not only whole numbers. Look at this graph of the continuous function
y = 3x, for example:
1.2 Linear and Non-Linear Graphs
Linear functions show a constant rate of change between the variables. This constant rate
of change is shown through a straight line when points are connected. If at any point the
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line does not remain straight, then the function is not linear. Thus the graph of
a linear equation forms a straight line,
On the other hand, the graph for a non-linear relationship is curved. A non-linear
relationship reflects that each unit change in the x variable will not always bring about the
same change in the y variable
Exercise
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1.3 Interpreting Graphs
1.4 PLOTING POINTS IN THE CARETSIAN PLANE
The position of any point on the Cartesian plane is described by using two numbers, (x; y),
that are called coordinates. The first number, x, is the horizontal position of the point from
the origin. It is called the x-coordinate. The x coordinate is plotted on the left and right of the
origin.
The second number, y, is the vertical position of the point from the origin. It is plotted by
moving up or down from the origin.
Exercise
Plot the following points and label on the graph provided (Graph sheet 3).
A (2; -4) B (0; 8) C(-5; -8) D(5;10)
1.5 Linear Functions
A straight line graph is called linear function. Equation of Linear function is represented by
y = mx + c
where m is the gradient and c is the y intercept
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Sometimes questions are given to you in which the equation of a straight line is not this format. It is
important to rearrange the equation and make y the subject so that they are in the form y = mx + c.
In this format question about the gradient and the y-intercepts can easily be answered.
1.5.1 The gradient formula
The gradient m is giving by the following formula
y2 y1
m
x2 x1
Exercise
1.5.2 Sketching the straight line using dual method and table method
Table method
Sketch the graph of y = 3x -4
Solution
Choose values of x
x {4, 3, 2, 1, 0,1, 2,3, 4 }
Substitute the values of x into the equation and solve for y. Then tabulate the values of x and
y and sketch you graph.
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Dual intercept method
Sktech the graph of the y = -x + 3
Solution
Dual; intercept means determine the intercept of x –axis and the y –axis. You will get 2
points and then draw a line between the 2 points.
Determining the intercepts:
Let’s determine the y-intercept
Let x = 0
Substitute x = 0 in the above equation (wherever you see x, put 0 in its place) and solve for y.
y = -x +3
y = -(0) + 3 = 0 + 3 = 3
The coordinate of the y intercept is (0; 3)
Let’s determine the x-intercept
Substitute y = 0 into the equation
Y = -x + 3
0 = -x + 3
x=3
The coordinate of the x –axis is (3;0).
Plot the 2 coordinate in a graph sheet.
Exercise
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