- When a=0 the curve is
quadratic
- When a=0 and b=0 the curve is
linear
- When a>0 the cubic curve
ranges from bottom left to top right
- When a<0 the cubic curve
ranges from top left to bottom right
- The value of d determines the
y-intercept
- When a is non-zero, the curve
may cross the x-axis at 1, 2 or 3 places
 A note about graphic
calculators
A graphic
calculator may be allowed in your exam. The TI-83, or similar model, can
display cubic graphs for you.
Select the Y= screen:
Enter Y1
= AX^3+BX +CX+D
Then select the GRAPH
screen. You can then choose different values for the constants A, B, C and D.
For example, to make A = 1, press 1
 ALPHA A.
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Based on
free Java applets from