CHAPTER 8

Curve Sketching

When sketching a curve, we first check to see whether it is a type

of curve we recognize (a line, a conic, a trigonometric function, or
something else). If it is not a curve we recognize, we ultimately sketch
it by plotting some points; but before we plot points, we find out as
much about the curve as we can. To do this, we check (1) symmetry,
(2) extent, (3) asymptotes, and (4) intercepts.

Curve sketching is a major topic in Chapter 4 of the text. In

particular, Section 4.7 and Table 4.1 use many of the techniques
discussed in this chapter.

8.1 Symmetry
One of the most valuable tools in curve sketching is symmetry.
This section deals with recognizing when a curve is symmetric by
performing a simple test on its equation. In general, two points are
symmetric with respect to a line if that line is the perpendicular
bisector of the line segment containing the two points. In this book,
we will check for symmetry with respect to the coordinate axes and
the origin. (See Figure 8.1.)
Figure 8.2 shows an example of a curve that is symmetric with
respect to the x-axis: Whenever (x, y) is on the curve, so is
x,
y. This
gives us a simple algebraic test: If the equation remains unchanged
when y is replaced by
y, then the curve is symmetric with respect to
the x-axis, because (x, y) and
x,
y must both satisfy the equation.

Figure 8.1 (a) Points P1 and P2 are symmetric with respect to L. (b) The
star is symmetric with respect to L.

157
158 Chapter 8

Figure 8.2 Symmetry with respect to the x-axis

Figure 8.3 Symmetry with respect to the y-axis

Similarly, Figure 8.3 shows a curve that is symmetric with respect

to the y-axis: Whenever (x, y) is on the curve, so is

x, y. This
means that if the equation is unchanged when x is replaced by
x,
then the curve is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
Finally, Figure 8.4 shows a curve that is symmetric with respect
to the origin: Whenever (x, y) is on the curve, so is

x,
y. This
means that if the equation is unchanged when x and y are replaced by

x and
y, respectively, then the curve is symmetric with respect to
the origin.
 Chapter 8 159

SYMMETRY

A curve is symmetric with respect to

the x-axis if the equation remains unchanged when y is
replaced by
y;
the y-axis if the equation remains unchanged when x is
replaced by
x;
the origin if the equation remains unchanged when x and
y are simultaneously replaced by
x and
y, respectively.
Also, the curve is symmetric with respect to the origin if it
is symmetric with respect to both the x- and y-axes.

EXAMPLE 8.1 Symmetry of a quadratic function

Check the symmetry of x 2 C 2xy 2 C y 2 D 4.

Solution This curve is symmetric with respect to the x-axis, since

x 2 C 2x

y2 C

y2 D 4

is the same as the original equation. The curve is not symmetric with
respect to the y-axis or the origin.

EXAMPLE 8.2 Symmetry with a trigonometric function

Check the symmetry of y D cos x.

Figure 8.4 Symmetry with respect to the origin

160 Chapter 8

Solution This curve is symmetric with respect to the y-axis, since

y D cos

x

is the same as the original equation. The curve is not symmetric with
respect to the x-axis or the origin.

EXAMPLE 8.3 Symmetry of a third-degree equation

Check the symmetry of x 3 C 2xy 2 C 4x 2 y C 3y D 0.

Solution This curve is symmetric with respect to the origin, since

x3 C 2

x

y2 C 4

x2

y C 3

y D 0

is the same as the original equation if we multiply both sides by
1.

The curve is not symmetric with respect to the x- or y-axis.

EXAMPLE 8.4 Symmetry of a fourth-degree equation

Check the symmetry of x 2 C 5x 2 y 2 D 5.

Solution This curve is symmetric with respect to the x-axis, since

x 2 C 5x 2

y2 D 5

is the same as the original equation. The curve is also symmetric with
respect to the y-axis, since

x2 C 5

x2 y 2 D 5

is the same as the original equation. If a curve is symmetric with

respect to both the x- and y-axis, then it must also be symmetric with
respect to the origin.

8.2 Extent
By extent, we mean the domain and range of a curve. If certain values
of one or the other variable cause division by zero or imaginary values,
those values must be excluded.
 Chapter 8 161

PROCEDURE FOR FINDING THE EXTENT

The domain is the set of all possible replacements for x.

To find the domain:
a. Solve for y (if possible).
b. The domain is the set of all real values for x except
those which

i.lead to division by zero; or

ii.cause a negative number under a square root (or
some other even-indexed root).
The range is the set of all possible replacements for y.
To find the range:
a. Solve for x (if possible).
b. The range is the set of all real values for y except those
which

i. lead to division by zero; or

ii. cause a negative number under a square root (or
some other even-indexed root).

EXAMPLE 8.5 Extent of a rational function

4
Find the domain and range of y D .
x
Solution The domain is the set of all real numbers except zero, since
that value causes division by zero. In such a case, we write ‘‘all reals,
x 6D 0.’’ For the range, solve for x:

4
xD
y

The range is also the set of all real numbers, y 6D 0.

EXAMPLE 8.6 Extent of a rational function

x
3
x
2
x
4
Find the domain of y D .

x C 2
x
4

Solution The domain is the set of all real numbers, x 6D
2 and

x 6D 4.

162 Chapter 8

EXAMPLE 8.7 Extent of a radical function

x
Find the domain and range of y D .
x
1

Solution For the domain,

x 6D 1 Exclude values that lead to division by zero.

x
½0 Numbers under a square root must be non-negative.
x
1
x: − + +
x − 1: − − +
0 1

Domain:

1, 0] [
1, 1

For the range, we solve for x:
x
y2 D
x
1
y 2
x
1 D x
y2x
y2 D x
y2x
x D y2

y 2
1x D y 2
y2
xD
y2
1

We must exclude values that lead to division by zero:

y 2
1 6D 0
y 6D 1,
1

But y cannot be negative, since y is a square root, which is

nonnegative. Therefore, the range is the set of all non-negative real
numbers except y D 1.

8.3 Asymptotes
An asymptote is a line such that, as a point P on the curve moves farther
away from the origin, the distance between P and the asymptote tends
toward zero. In this section, we are concerned with finding horizontal,
vertical, and oblique asymptotes. The key to finding horizontal and
vertical asymptotes is to find values that cause division by zero.
 Chapter 8 163

VERTICAL ASYMPTOTES
For easy reference, here are the examples of Section 8.2.
4
Example 8.1: y D
x

x
3
x
2
x
4
Example 8.2: y D


x C 2
x
4
x
Example 8.3: y D
x
1
P
x
Solve the equation for y D , where the fraction is reduced. If
D
x
r is a value for which D
r D 0, then x D r is a vertical asymptote.
In Example 8.1 of Section 8.2, there is a vertical asymptote at x D 0,
and in Example 8.2 of Section 8.2, there are vertical asymptotes at
x D
2. The value x D 4 is a deleted point and not an asymptote. In
Example 8.3, the vertical asymptote has equation x D 1.

HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES
Q
y
Solve the equation for x D if possible. If r is a value for which
S
y
S
r D 0, then y D r is a horizontal asymptote. In Example 8.1 of
Section 8.2, it is easy to solve for x to find a horizontal asymptote x D 0.
Sometimes it is not convenient (or possible) to solve an equation for
x, as you can see by looking at Examples 8.2 and 8.3 of Section 8.2.
Using calculus, one can show that if

P
x
yD
D
x

where P(x) and D(x) are polynomial functions of x with no common

factors (i.e., where the rational expression is reduced), the asymptotes
depend on the degrees of P and D. Suppose that P(x) has degree M
with leading coefficient p and that D(x) has degree N with leading
coefficient d. The asymptotes can then be found according to the rules
given in the next box.

OBLIQUE ASYMPTOTES
Notice that we included oblique (slanted) asymptotes in the box. A
curve will have an oblique asymptote whenever the degree of the
numerator is one more than the degree of the denominator. Once
again, consider Example 8.2 of Section 8.2:

x 2
5x C 6
yD , x 6D 4
xC2
164 Chapter 8

Notice that M > N, so there is no horizontal asymptote, but M D 2

and N D 1, so the degree of the numerator is one more than the degree
of the denominator. Divide to find
20
y Dx
7C
xC2
Disregard the remainder term to find the oblique asymptote, namely,
y D x
7.

PROCEDURE FOR FINDING ASYMPTOTES

Vertical asymptotes: x D r, where r is a value that causes

division by zero when the equation is solved for y and is
reduced.

Horizontal asymptotes: y D r, where r is a value that

causes division by zero when the equation is solved for x
and is reduced. Sometimes it is not possible (or convenient)
to solve for x. If the equation is solved for y and is reduced,
then

y D 0 is a horizontal asymptote if M < N

p
y D is a horizontal asymptote if M D N
d
no horizontal asymptote exists if M > N

oblique asymptotes: Solve the equation for y and reduce;

then

y D mx C b is an oblique asymptote if M D N C 1

where mx C b is the quotient (disregard the remainder)

obtained when P(x) is divided by D(x).

EXAMPLE 8.8 Asymptotes of a rational function

Find the vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes of

6x 2
x
1
yD
4x 2
4x C 1
 Chapter 8 165

Solution First, make sure that the rational function is reduced:

6x 2
x
1
yD
4x 2
4x C 1

3x C 1
2x
1
D

2x
12
3x C 1
D
2x
1

1
Vertical asymptote: can be found when 2x
1 D 0; x D 2 is the
equation of a vertical asymptote.

Horizontal asymptote: y D 32 , which is found by looking at the

leading coefficients of the reduced form.

Oblique asymptotes: do not exist for this curve, since the degree of
the numerator is not one more than the degree of the denominator.

EXAMPLE 8.9 Asymptotes for a rational function

Find the vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes for

3x 3
2x 2
4x C 6
yD
x2
3
Solution If you use long division
3x
2
2 3 2
x
33x
2x
4x C 6
3x 3
9x
2

2x C 5x C 6

2x 2 C6
5x

Since there is a remainder, the rational expression is reduced.

p
Vertical asymptotes: can be found when x 2
3 D 0; x D š 3.

Horizontal asymptotes: none, since the degree of the numerator is

larger than the degree of the denominator.

Oblique asymptotes: exist when the degree of the numerator is one

more than the degree of the denominator. Carry out the long division
166 Chapter 8

as shown, and disregard the remainder; the oblique asymptote is

y D 3x
2

It is possible that a curve crosses its oblique asymptotes. For

Example 8.9, you could find the point of intersection by solving

3x 3
2x 2
4x C 6
3x
2 D
x2
3

x 2
3
3x
2 D 3x 3
2x 2
4x C 6
0 D 5x
0Dx

The point where the curve crosses its asymptote is
0,
2.

8.4 Intercepts
The intercepts are the places where the curve crosses the coordinate
axes. When finding the intercepts, we are really plotting points on the
curve, but these are generally the easiest points to find.

PROCEDURE FOR FINDING INTERCEPTS

x-intercepts: set y D 0 and solve for x (if possible)

y-intercepts: set x D 0 and solve for y (if possible)

EXAMPLE 8.10 Curve sketching

Sketch the curve x 2
y
2 D 2, given the following information:

Symmetry: with respect to the y-axis

Domain: x 6D 0
Range: y > 2
Asymptotes: x D 0, y D 2
Intercepts: none
 Chapter 8 167

Solution Because we have symmetry with respect to the y-axis, we

focus our attention on Quadrants I and II, since the symmetry will
give us the curve in Quadrants III and IV. We draw the asymptotes
and limit our attention to the domain and range. It is customary to
darken the parts of the plane that are not included in the domain or
range, as shown by the shaded portion of Figure 8.5(a). Since there
are no intercepts, we plot the following points:

x D 1; then 1
y
2 D 2, so y D 4
5
x D 2; then 4
y
2 D 2, so y D
2
Using the fact that x D 0 and y D 2 are asymptotes, we sketch
the part of the curve in the first quadrant, as shown in Figure 8.5(b).
By symmetry, we then sketch the rest of the curve, as shown in
Figure 8.6.

EXAMPLE 8.11 Sketching a rational function

1 C y2
Sketch x 2 D .
1
y2

Figure 8.5 Preliminary sketch

Figure 8.6 Graph of x 2
y
2 D 2

168 Chapter 8

Solution
Symmetry: The curve is symmetric with respect to the x-axis, since

1 C

y2
x2 D
1


y2

is the same as the original equation; the curve is also symmetric with
respect to the y-axis and the origin.
Extent: domain: Solve for y.

1 C y2
x2 D
1
y2
x2
x2 y 2 D 1 C y 2
x2
1 D y 2 C x2 y 2
x 2
1 D
1 C x 2 y 2
x2
1
y2 D
x2 C 1

x2
1
yDš
x2 C 1

We must now rule out values of x that cause division by zero, as well
as negative values under the square root radical. Solve

x2
1
½0
x2 C 1

The solution for this inequality gives the domain:

x

1 or x ½ 1

range: Solve for x:


1 C y2
xDš
1
y2

We need to find the y-values that cause division by zero or negative

values under the square root radical. First, solve

1
y2 D 0
 Chapter 8 169

FIGURE 8.7

to find y D š1. These are excluded values. Next, solve

1 C y2
½ 0, y 6D š1
1
y2

to find the range:
1 < y < 1

Use the information about extent to darken (shade) the portions of
the plane that cannot contain the graph. The shaded graph is shown in
Figure 8.7.

1 C y2
Figure 8.8 Graph of x 2 D
1
y2
170 Chapter 8

Asymptotes:
p vertical:
x2
1
y D šp No division by zero, so there are no vertical
x2 C 1
asymptotes.
horizontal:

1 C y2
x D š Division by zero when y D š1.
1
y2
Horizontal asymptotes are y D 1, y D
1; draw these as dashed lines
on the coordinate axes.

Intercepts: x-intercepts: if y D 0, then x D š1; so the x-intercepts

are at (1, 0) and

1, 0.
p
y-intercepts: if x D 0, then y D š
1; so there are no y-intercepts.

Plot points: Plot one or more relevant points, and make use of
the information you just obtained to sketch the curve, as shown in
Figure 8.8.

8.5 PROBLEM SET 8

In Problems 1–4, use the given information and plot some points to
sketch the curve.

1. x2 y D 4
Symmetry: with respect to the y-axis
Domain: x 6D 0
Range: y > 0
Asymptotes: x D 0; y D 0
Intercepts: none
2. xy 2
y 2
1 D 0
Symmetry: with respect to the x-axis
Domain: x > 1
Range: y 6D 0
Asymptotes: x D 1; y D 0
Intercepts: none
3. x 2 y
4x C 2y D 0
Symmetry: with respect to the origin
Domain: all prealpnumbers
Range:

2, 2
Asymptotes: y D 0
Intercept: (0, 0)
 Chapter 8 171

4. x 2 y 2
4xy 2 C 3y 2
4 D 0
Symmetry: with respect to the x-axis
Domain:

1, 1 [
3, 1
Range: y 6D 0
Asymptotes: x D 1; x D 3; y D 0
2p 2p
Intercepts:
0, 3,
0,
3
3 3
Find the symmetry, extent, asymptotes, and intercepts for the curves
whose equations are given in problems 5–20.

5. xy D 2 6. xy D 6
xC1 xC1
7. yD 8. yD
x xC2
2x 2 C x
10 3x 2 C 5x
2
9. yD 10. yD
xC2 xC2
2x 3
3x 2
2x x 3 C 6x 2 C 15x C 14
11. yD 12. yD
2x C 1 xC2
2 2 2 2
13. 9x C 4y
36 D 0 14. 6x
2y C 10 D 0
15. 13x 2
10xy C 13y 2
72 D 0 16. y 2 x
2y 2 C 2 D 0
17. x 2 y
4xy C 3y
4 D 0 18. x 3
y 2
4y D 0
19. x 4
x 2 y 2
4x 2 C y 2 D 0 20. 2y 2
xy 2 C x
1 D 0

Graph the curves in Problems 21–36. Note that these curves are the
same curves that are given in Problems 5–20.

21. xy D 2 22. xy D 6
xC1 xC1
23. yD 24. yD
x xC2
2x 2 C x
10 3x 2 C 5x
2
25. yD 26. yD
xC2 xC2
2x
3x 2
2x
3
x C 6x 2 C 15x C 14
3
27. yD 28. yD
2x C 1 xC2
29. 9x 2 C 4y 2
36 D 0 30. 6x 2
2y 2 C 10 D 0
31. 13x 2
10xy C 13y 2
72 D 0 32. y 2 x
2y 2 C 2 D 0
33. x 2 y
4xy C 3y
4 D 0 34. x 3
y 2
4y D 0
35. x 4
x 2 y 2
4x 2 C y 2 D 0 36. 2y 2
xy 2 C x
1 D 0
18 1
37. Graph f
x D 1 C 2x C . 38. Graph f
x D 2 .
x x C3
x2
x
2 x3 C 1
39. Graph y D . 40. Graph y D 3 .
x
3 x
8