The starting point for almost every graphing task - if you can't get the graph on screen, nothing else works.
In short: Drawing a graph on the GDC means entering a function as Y1 (or f1) and pressing GRAPH. It is the starting point for finding intercepts, maxima, minima and intersections. If nothing sensible appears, the viewing window is usually wrong, so adjust it before concluding anything about the function.
When you'd use this
Any question that asks you to sketch, describe or read a feature off a graph.
Checking the shape of a function before answering questions about it (roots, turning point, asymptote).
Comparing two functions by eye, e.g. to estimate where they cross before finding it exactly.
The first step before almost every other graphing technique in this guide.
At a glance: TI-84 Plus CE, Casio fx-CG50 and TI-Nspire CX compared
TI-84 Plus CE
Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100
TI-Nspire CX
Key sequence
Press Y= and type the function next to Y1=. Use X,T,θ,n for x. Press GRAPH to draw it. Clear old functions by moving to them and pressing CLEAR.
Press MENU → Graph (or press the Graph icon). Press SHIFT → F3 (TYPE) to choose the graph type (Y= is the default). Type the function next to Y1 and press F6 (DRAW).
Open a Graphs page (press ctrl + I → Add Graphs, or press the Graphs app). Type the function in the entry bar at the bottom and press ENTER.
On a TI-84 Plus CE
Use x as the variable - type it with the dedicated x key, not ALPHA + X.
Press Y= and type the function next to Y1=. Use X,T,θ,n for x. Press GRAPH to draw it. Clear old functions by moving to them and pressing CLEAR.
If the graph looks blank or wrong: check the window (see 'Set a good viewing window') and check the angle mode (degrees vs radians).
To graph multiple functions, enter them as Y1, Y2, Y3 etc. - useful for finding intersections.
Tip: The most common reason a graph doesn't appear is a bad viewing window, not a mistake in the function. Try ZoomFit or ZStandard first.
On a Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100
Use x as the variable - type it with the dedicated x key, not ALPHA + X.
Press MENU → Graph (or press the Graph icon). Press SHIFT → F3 (TYPE) to choose the graph type (Y= is the default). Type the function next to Y1 and press F6 (DRAW).
If the graph looks blank or wrong: check the window (see 'Set a good viewing window') and check the angle mode (degrees vs radians).
To graph multiple functions, enter them as Y1, Y2, Y3 etc. - useful for finding intersections.
Tip: The most common reason a graph doesn't appear is a bad viewing window, not a mistake in the function. Try ZoomFit or ZStandard first.
On a TI-Nspire CX
Use x as the variable - type it with the dedicated x key, not ALPHA + X.
Open a Graphs page (press ctrl + I → Add Graphs, or press the Graphs app). Type the function in the entry bar at the bottom and press ENTER.
If the graph looks blank or wrong: check the window (see 'Set a good viewing window') and check the angle mode (degrees vs radians).
To graph multiple functions, enter them as Y1, Y2, Y3 etc. - useful for finding intersections.
Tip: The most common reason a graph doesn't appear is a bad viewing window, not a mistake in the function. Try ZoomFit or ZStandard first.
Here's a real IB-style question that uses exactly this technique.
EasyCalculatorPaper 2[2 marks]
Graph f(x) = x² − 4x + 3. State the coordinates of the y-intercept.
(0, 3)
Mark it
Correct2 / 2 marks
Worked solution & mark scheme:
M1 Graph drawn with correct shape (upward parabola)
A1 (0, 3)
Common questions
When would I need to enter a function and draw its graph in IB Maths?
The starting point for almost every graphing task - if you can't get the graph on screen, nothing else works. Any question that asks you to sketch, describe or read a feature off a graph. Checking the shape of a function before answering questions about it (roots, turning point, asymptote).
How do I enter a function and draw its graph on a TI-84 Plus CE?
1. Use x as the variable - type it with the dedicated x key, not ALPHA + X. 2. Press Y= and type the function next to Y1=. Use X,T,θ,n for x. Press GRAPH to draw it. Clear old functions by moving to them and pressing CLEAR. 3. If the graph looks blank or wrong: check the window (see 'Set a good viewing window') and check the angle mode (degrees vs radians). 4. To graph multiple functions, enter them as Y1, Y2, Y3 etc. - useful for finding intersections.
How do I enter a function and draw its graph on a Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100?
1. Use x as the variable - type it with the dedicated x key, not ALPHA + X. 2. Press MENU → Graph (or press the Graph icon). Press SHIFT → F3 (TYPE) to choose the graph type (Y= is the default). Type the function next to Y1 and press F6 (DRAW). 3. If the graph looks blank or wrong: check the window (see 'Set a good viewing window') and check the angle mode (degrees vs radians). 4. To graph multiple functions, enter them as Y1, Y2, Y3 etc. - useful for finding intersections.
How do I enter a function and draw its graph on a TI-Nspire CX?
1. Use x as the variable - type it with the dedicated x key, not ALPHA + X. 2. Open a Graphs page (press ctrl + I → Add Graphs, or press the Graphs app). Type the function in the entry bar at the bottom and press ENTER. 3. If the graph looks blank or wrong: check the window (see 'Set a good viewing window') and check the angle mode (degrees vs radians). 4. To graph multiple functions, enter them as Y1, Y2, Y3 etc. - useful for finding intersections.
What should I watch out for when I enter a function and draw its graph?
The most common reason a graph doesn't appear is a bad viewing window, not a mistake in the function. Try ZoomFit or ZStandard first.
How are marks awarded when I enter a function and draw its graph in an IB exam?
In the worked example on this page (2 marks, Paper 2), the marks are: M1: Graph drawn with correct shape (upward parabola); A1: (0, 3).
