Drawing a Reciprocal Graph from a Table of Values
This deep dive covers Drawing a Reciprocal Graph from a Table of Values within Reciprocal Graphs for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Reciprocal Graphs in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 6 of 11 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 6 of 11
Practice
11 questions
Recall
10 flashcards
Drawing a Reciprocal Graph from a Table of Values
- Choose x-values on BOTH sides of zero (e.g. −4, −2, −1, 1, 2, 4)
- NEVER include x = 0 — it is undefined
- Calculate y = k/x for each x-value
- Plot points in both the positive and negative regions
- Draw TWO separate smooth curves, each approaching but never touching the axes
Example table for y = 6/x:
| x | −6 | −3 | −2 | −1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| y | −1 | −2 | −3 | −6 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Note how the branches are symmetric — the curve in Q1 mirrors the curve in Q3.
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Reciprocal Graphs. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Reciprocal Graphs
The graph of y = 1/x has an asymptote along the x-axis. What does this mean?
Explain why the graph y = 5/x has a vertical asymptote at x = 0 and a horizontal asymptote at y = 0.
Quick Recall Flashcards
11 questions on Reciprocal Graphs — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 10 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
Try PrepWise Free