Question

Curve Sketching? Is there an easy way to do it?

Answer 1

In general, no, you need to methodically do calculus and a whole lot of other work to get it right. But, if you know a few common curves, you can do some quickly. For example, quadratics. Say you have y=2x^2+8x-7. The vertex is at x=-b/2a, or -2. Plug in -2, and you get y=-15. So plot (2,-15). Then solve it to find the x intercepts, and plot those. Then sketch from there. That was a long-winded example, but basically, know patterns - quadratics, circles, ellipses, lines (duh), etc.

Answer 2

Thanks a bunch!

Answer 3

No problem, glad to help.