AS/A2 Pure 1 Pure 3

P2 Topic 2: Functions
y=(x-a)(x-b)(x-c)
Investigate the effect of changing a, b, or c.

Summary The curve ranges from bottom left to top right The values of a, b and c determine where the curve crosses the x-axis If any two of the values of a, b and c are the same, then the curve touches the x-axis at this point. 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 = (X-A)(X-B)(X-C) Then select the GRAPH screen. You can then choose different values for the constants A, B and C. For example, to make A = 1, press 1 ALPHA A. Based on free Java applets from JavaMath