Graphs of Functions For Math Investigation
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RD BonifacioGraphs of Functions For Math Investigation
Uploaded by
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A graphing calculator is a powerful devise for exploring the graphs of functions,
discovering patterns, and forming generalizations. To enter the following equations into
the calculator, the variable y is used for f(x). Before graphing, set the range of the
variables x and y as follows:
X MIN = 0, X MAX = 20, Y MIN = 0, Y MAX = 20.
Starting Points for Investigations
1. Graph the following equations and observe how their graphs change:
y = 1x, y = 2x, y = 3x, y = 4x
How are the graphs similar and how are they different? What general statement can be
made for the graph of y = kx, for any whole number k?
2. What happens if the value of k in y = kx is a fraction? Graph the following equations
and make a generalization about what happens as the fractions decrease.
y = (1/2)x y = (1/3)x y = (1/4)x y = (1/5)x
3. Try to predict what will happen to the graph of y = x, if whole numbers are added to
x. For example,
y = x + 3 y = x + 7 y = x + 10 y = x + 12
Graph these equations and describe the graph of y = x + b, for any whole number b.
4. The above investigations can be carried out for other functions. For example, try
graphing the following equations for k = 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . or k = 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, . . . .
y = kx2 y = x2 + k y = kx3 y = x3 + k
