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InterpretingGraphs (1)

The document provides definitions and examples related to functions, including concepts of domain, range, and the vertical line test for determining if a graph represents a function. It also discusses one-to-one functions, continuity, and includes exercises for finding domain and range in interval notation, as well as interpreting graphs. Additionally, it outlines various types of functions and their graphical representations.

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josharthur249
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6 views13 pages

InterpretingGraphs (1)

The document provides definitions and examples related to functions, including concepts of domain, range, and the vertical line test for determining if a graph represents a function. It also discusses one-to-one functions, continuity, and includes exercises for finding domain and range in interval notation, as well as interpreting graphs. Additionally, it outlines various types of functions and their graphical representations.

Uploaded by

josharthur249
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Interpreting Graphs and Obtaining Information from a

Function’s Graph
Definitions and Examples Regarding Functions
Definition: A function is a relation between two sets assigning to each element in the first set exactly
one element in the second set. The first set is called the domain of the function and the second set is
called the range of the function. The input or independent variable is associated with the domain; the
output or dependent variable belongs to the range.

Examples:

Notation:

Vertical Line Test: A graph represents a function if and only if it passes the vertical line test: Every
vertical line intersects the graph at most once.

Can you sketch some examples of graphs representing a function?

Can you sketch some examples of graphs that do not represent a function?
Definition: The domain of a function is the set of all inputs for the function.

Definition: The range of a function is the set of all outputs associated with an input in the domain of the
function.

Examples of Domain and Range from a Graph


1. Find the domain and range of f(x) shown in the graph. State your answers in interval notation.

2. Find the domain and range of f(x) shown in the graph. State your answers in interval notation.
More Domain and Range Practice
1. Determine the domain and range in interval notation for f, pictured below.

2. Determine the domain and range in interval notation for f, pictured below.
Reading Information from a Graph and Function Notation
1. Use the graph of f to find the values.

a.
b.
c. x such that
d. x such that
e. For how many values is
f. Find the x- and y-intercepts.
2. Determine the intervals on which the following functions are greater than 0 and the intervals on
which they are less than 0.

a.

b.
More Inequality Examples
Using the graph below, write the solutions to the following inequalities in interval notation.

1. f ( x ) > 4

2. f ( x ) ≥ 4

3. f ( x ) < 4

4. f ( x ) ≤ 4
One-to-One Functions
Definition: A function f is one-to-one (1-1) on a domain D if each value of f(x) corresponds to exactly one
value of x in D. More formally, f is one-to-one on D if f(x1) ≠ f(x2) whenever x1 ≠ x2. An equivalent way of
writing the condition for a one-to-one function is this: If f(x1) = f(x2), then x1 = x2.

Can you translate this into your own words?

Horizontal Line Test:

Examples:

1.
2. Use the horizontal line test to determine which of the following graphs represent one-to-one
functions.
Continuity
A function is continuous if its graph is a single unbroken curve with no “holes”, “corners”, or “jumps”. A
more precise definition of continuous requires calculus.

Which of the following graphs are continuous?


Graphs of Basic Functions or Parent Functions
Sketch the shape of the graph for each of the following. You should learn to recognize these graphs and
how to plot them quickly.

1. Linear function: f(x) = b

2. Linear function: f(x) = mx + b

Is x = c a function? Why or why not?

3. Even Power Function: f(x) = x2


This one is also called quadratic or the squaring function. What would other even-degree power
functions look like?
4. Odd Power Function: f(x) = x3
This one is also a cubing function. What would other odd-degree power functions look like?

Note that the two power functions graphed above are also called polynomials.
5. Square Root Function: f ( x )= √ x

6. Cube Root Function: f ( x )= √


3
x

1
7. Reciprocal or Rational Function: f ( x )=
x
1
8. Rational Function: f ( x )= 2
x

9. Exponential Functions: f ( x )=b x


Note that b is a fixed constant greater than 0 and not equal to 0. What does it look like when 0 <
b < 1? What about for b > 1?

10. Absolute Value Function: f ( x )=| x|

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