Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 10 - Maths

Drawing cubic graphs

Non-linear graphs

Unit Summary

In this unit graphical representations of non-linear graphs are introduced and explored, and their key features identified.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to generate coordinate pairs for a cubic graph from its equation and then draw the graph.

Key Notes

  • A table of values can be useful to identify coordinate pairs which satisfy the equation.
  • By substituting the values for x, you can calculate corresponding values for y.
  • If used correctly, your calculator can be a powerful tool to speed up calculations.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Cubic: A cubic is an equation, graph, or sequence whereby the highest exponent of the variable is 3

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • To draw a graph, points should always be joined with line segments.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

A table of values can be useful to identify coordinate pairs which satisfy the equation. By substituting the values for x, you can calculate corresponding values for y.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Cubic'

A cubic is an equation, graph, or sequence whereby the highest exponent of the variable is 3. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: To draw a graph, points should always be joined with line segments. Correction: For the graph of $$y=x^3$$ show the line joining $$(0,0)$$ and $$(1,1)$$ and ask pupils to test some coordinate pairs from that line in the original equation. For example, $$(1/2,1/2)$$ does not satisfy the equation.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Maths guide library.