Graph sketching

  • Folium of Descartes
    problem
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    Folium of Descartes

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Investigate the family of graphs given by the equation x^3+y^3=3axy for different values of the constant a.

  • Sine Problem
    problem

    Sine Problem

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    In this 'mesh' of sine graphs, one of the graphs is the graph of the sine function. Find the equations of the other graphs to reproduce the pattern.
  • Maltese Cross
    problem

    Maltese Cross

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    Sketch the graph of $xy(x^2 - y^2) = x^2 + y^2$ consisting of four curves and a single point at the origin. Convert to polar form. Describe the symmetries of the graph.
  • More Parabolic Patterns
    problem

    More Parabolic Patterns

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    The illustration shows the graphs of twelve functions. Three of them have equations y=x^2, x=y^2 and x=-y^2+2. Find the equations of all the other graphs.
  • Reaction types
    problem

    Reaction Types

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    Explore the rates of growth of the sorts of simple polynomials often used in mathematical modelling.
  • Ideal axes
    problem

    Ideal Axes

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    Explore how can changing the axes for a plot of an equation can lead to different shaped graphs emerging
  • Graphic biology
    problem

    Graphic Biology

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    Several graphs of the sort occurring commonly in biology are given. How many processes can you map to each graph?
  • Placeholder: several colourful numbers
    problem

    Bird-Brained

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    1 out of 3
    How many eggs should a bird lay to maximise the number of chicks that will hatch? An introduction to optimisation.
  • Cocked Hat
    problem

    Cocked Hat

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3
    Sketch the graphs for this implicitly defined family of functions.