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What is it?
Cubic graphs have been given a bit more of a role to play in the new GCSE maths specification. As well as sketching cubics from a table of values and recognising the very basic variations on y = x3, higher tier students will also have to sketch graphs of simple cubic functions, given as three linear expressions. That is where this lovely activity comes into play. It consists of 21 cubic equations that need to be correctly matched up to 21 sketches of cubic graphs. And there are some tricky ones in there! By the time your students have battled their way through this one, GCSE will seem a breeze and they will be far better prepared for the co-ordinate geometry demands of A Level Maths.
How can it be used?
The activity runs really well as originally intended by the author. I would just add a few extra suggestions. The first would be to give the students just the equation cards to begin with and challenge them to write down as many key graphical features as they can for each equation, possibly doing one whole class example as discussed in the video. This might just help them find a decent starting point before they are given the sketches. Secondly, I would recommend giving a Desmos Token to each group, which can be exchanged for one sketch on Desmos. Not only does this offer students some much needed support, but it also helps familiarise them with this beautiful free software that will prove invaluable as they continue their mathematics journey.

Thanks so much for sharing

Craig Barton
Download Matching Cubic Graphs and their Equations

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