ABSTRACT
When a mathematical equation is known, coordinates may be calculated for a limited range of values, and the equation may be represented pictorially as a graph, within this range of calculated values. Sometimes it is useful to show all the characteristic features of an equation, and in this case a sketch depicting the equation can be drawn, in which all the important features are shown, but the accurate plotting of points is less important. This technique is called ‘curve sketching’ and can involve the use of differential calculus, with, for example, calculations involving turning points. If, say, y depends on, say, x , then y is said to be a function of x and the relationship is expressed as y= f (x); x is called the independent variable and y is the dependent variable. In engineering and science, corresponding values are obtained as a result of tests or experiments. Here is a brief resumé of standard curves, some of which have been met earlier in this text.
