Graphs of Functions

Learning Objectives

  • Graph linear functions using a table of values
  • Graph a quadratic function using a table of values
  • Identify important features of the graphs of a quadratic functions of the form f(x)=ax2+bx+c
  • Graph a radical function using a table of values
  • Identify how multiplication can change the graph of a radical function
  • Identify how addition and subtraction can change the graph of a radical function
  • Define one-to-one function
  • Use the horizontal line test to determine whether a function is one-to-one

When both the input (independent variable) and the output (dependent variable) are real numbers, a function can be represented by a coordinate graph. The input is plotted on the horizontal x-axis and the output is plotted on the vertical y-axis.

A helpful first step in graphing a function is to make a table of values. This is particularly useful when you don’t know the general shape the function will have. You probably already know that a linear function will be a straight line, but let’s make a table first to see how it can be helpful.

When making a table, it’s a good idea to include negative values, positive values, and zero to ensure that you do have a linear function.

Make a table of values for f(x)=3x+2.

Make a two-column table. Label the columns x and f(x).

x f(x)

Choose several values for x and put them as separate rows in the x column. These are YOUR CHOICE – there is no “right” or “wrong” values to pick, just go for it.

Tip: It’s always good to include 0, positive values, and negative values, if you can.

x f(x)
−2
−1
0
1
3

Evaluate the function for each value of x, and write the result in the f(x) column next to the x value you used.

When x=0, f(0)=3(0)+2=2,

f(1)=3(1)+2=5,

f(−1)=3(−1)+2=−3+2=−1, and so on.

x f(x)
−2 −4
−1 −1
0 2
1 5
3 11

(Note that your table of values may be different from someone else’s. You may each choose different numbers for x.)

Now that you have a table of values, you can use them to help you draw both the shape and location of the function. Important: The graph of the function will show all possible values of x and the corresponding values of y. This is why the graph is a line and not just the dots that make up the points in our table.

Graph f(x)=3x+2.
Using the table of values we created above you can think of f(x) as y, each row forms an ordered pair that you can plot on a coordinate grid.

x f(x)
−2 −4
−1 −1
0 2
1 5
3 11

Plot the points.
The points negative 2, negative 4; the point negative 1, negative 1; the point 0, 2; the point 1, 5; the point 3, 11.

Since the points lie on a line, use a straight edge to draw the line. Try to go through each point without moving the straight edge.

A line through the points in the previous graph.

Let’s try another one. Before you look at the answer, try to make the table yourself and draw the graph on a piece of paper.

Example

Graph f(x)=−x+1.

In the following video we show another example of how to graph a linear function on a set of coordinate axes.

These graphs are representations of a linear function. Remember that a function is a correspondence between two variables, such as x and y.

A General Note: Linear Function

A linear function is a function whose graph is a line. Linear functions can be written in the slope-intercept form of a line

f(x)=mx+b

where b is the initial or starting value of the function (when input, x=0), and m is the constant rate of change, or slope of the function. The y-intercept is at (0,b)