Math with Bad DrawingsCartoon Archive

Grading Curves: The Identity Curve

October 22, 2025

The Identity Curve: a way to curve grades, graphed as new grade vs. old grade.

Use this cartoon

Free for classrooms, worksheets, slides and other non-commercial use under CC BY-NC 4.0, with credit to Ben Orlin.

Cartoon by Ben Orlin, Math with Bad Drawings. https://cartoons.mathwithbaddrawings.com/2025-10-22-curves-to-curve-by--grading-curves-the-identity-curve/ (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Transcript

THE IDENTITY CURVE: f(x) = x. Pros: feels principled and righteous. Cons: riled masses may effectuate your violent overthrow.

Topics
Functions › Identity FunctionMath Culture › Testing & Assessment
Level
High SchoolCollege
Themes
For Teachers (Classroom Satire)Teachers & ClassroomPop CultureVisual Explanations