2.

2 Graphs of
Functions
• Graphing Functions by Plotting Points
• Graphing Piecewise Defined Functions
• Vertical Line Test: Which Graphs Represent
Functions?
• Which Equations Represent Functions?
Graphing Functions by Plotting
Points
If 𝑓 is a function with domain 𝐴, then the graph of 𝑓 is
• The set of ordered pairs {(𝑥, 𝑓 𝑥 )|𝑥 ∈ 𝐴} plotted in a coordinate
plane.
• The set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) such that 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

A function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 is called a linear function.

A function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 is called a constant function. (where m = 0)
A function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑛 is called a power function.
A function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = is called a root function.
 Ex 0: (watch, don’t write)
Graph the function f(x) = (x + 2)2  3 by plotting points.

x y
0 1
1 6
1 2
2 3
4 1
Ex 1: To sketch the graph, first make a table of
values
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥4
X

150

100

50

-3 -2 -1 1 2 3

0
Ex 1: Use the table to sketch the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥4

x 𝒇(𝒙)

-3 162

-2 32

-1 2

0 0

1 2

2 32

3 162
 Ex 2: Graphing a Piecewise Defined
Function
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = {1 − 𝑥 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 <− 4
7 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ − 4
Vertical Line Test: Which Graphs Represent
Functions?
Recall
A function 𝑓 is a rule that assigns to each element 𝑥 in a set 𝐴 exactly
one element, called 𝑓(𝑥).

Vertical Line Test

A curve in the coordinate plane is the graph of a function if and only if
no vertical line intersects the curve more than once.
Ex 3: Does the graph represent a function?
Ex 4: Consider the following
Is this the graph of a function?

Domain:
A. [−3,1]
B. −2 ∪ [0,5]
C. −2 ∪ (0,5)
D. (−∞, ∞)

Range:
E. [−3,1]
F. −2 ∪ [0,5]
G. −2 ∪ (0,5]
H. (−∞, ∞)
Ex 5a: Does the equation define 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥?
3𝑥2 − 𝑦 = 5

First solve for 𝑦: 3𝑥2 = 𝑦 + 5

3𝑥2 − 5 = 𝑦

[Recall: To be a function, any 𝑥 input must give exactly one output 𝑦.]
YES, this equation defines 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.
Ex 5b: Does the equation define 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥?
2𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 5

First solve for 𝑦: 𝑦2 = 5 − 2𝑥2

𝑦 = ± 5 − 2𝑥2

[Recall: To be a function, any 𝑥 input must give exactly one output 𝑦.]
If 𝑥 = 1, then 𝑦 = ± 3
NO, this equation does not define 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.
Some Functions and Their Graphs

See chart in our eBook