 Functions and Graphs

 1. Introduction to Functions
 2. Functions from Verbal Statements
 3. Rectangular Coordinates
 4. The Graph of a Function
 4a. Domain and Range of a Function
 4b. Domain and Range interactive applet
 4c. Comparison calculator BMI - BAI
 5. Graphing Using a Computer Algebra System
 5a. Online graphing calculator (1): Plot your own graph (JSXGraph)
 5b. Online graphing calculator (2): Plot your own graph (SVG)
 6. Graphs of Functions Defined by Tables of Data
 7. Continuous and Discontinuous Functions
 8. Split Functions
 9. Even and Odd Functions

Functions and Graphs

By M Bourne

In the real world, it's very common that one quantity depends on another
quantity.

For example, if you work in a fast food outlet, your pay packet depends on the
number of hours you work. Or, the amount of concrete you need to order
when constructing a building will depend on the height of the building.

The cartesian plane

This chapter is about functions (this is how we express relationships between

quantities) and their graphs.

The graph of a function is really useful if we are trying to model a real-world

problem. ("Modeling" is the process of finding the relationships between
quantities.)

Sometimes we may not know an expression for a function but we do know

some values (maybe from an experiment). The graph can give us a good idea
of what function may be applied to the situation to solve the problem.

In this Chapter
Functions Overview
1. Introduction to Functions - definition of a function, function notation and
examples

2. Functions from Verbal Statements - turning word problems into functions

Graphs of Functions
3. Rectangular Coordinates - the system we use to graph our functions

4. The Graph of a Function - examples and an application

Domain and Range of a Function - the \displaystyle{x}x-

and \displaystyle{y}y-values that a function can take

5. Graphing Using a Computer Algebra System - some thoughts on using

computers to graph functions

6. Graphs of Functions Defined by Tables of Data - often we don't have an

algebraic expression for a function, just tables

7. Continuous and Discontinuous Functions - the difference becomes

important in later mathematics

8. Split Functions - these have different expressions for different values of the
independent variable

9. Even and Odd Functions - these are useful in more advanced mathematics

Let's now learn about definition of a function and function notation.

1. Introduction to Functions

Example 1
Identify the domain and range, then state whether the relation is a function:
Unlike the problem we looked at before, we have individual points here. We can't
assume that the stuff in between is also included in this relationship. The domain is x = -
3, 1, and 3. The range is y = -5, 2, 7, and 9.

Is this a function? No way José is this a function. We have x = 3 doing double duty
with y = 7 and 9. That's no good. If someone asked us to find f(3), we wouldn't know
which y to give them.

Example 2
Identify the domain and range, then state whether the relation is a function:

The domain is x = -3, 1, 3, and 5. The range is y = -5, 2, and 7. The relation is a
function, because each input has exactly one output. We never said that each output
could happen only once. The only restriction is one x enters the equation and then
one y leaves.

Example 3
Graph f(x) = 2x + 1 by plugging in values for x.
Don't let that f(x) fool you. It's just y going by an assumed name. Apparently Seymour
Butz was already taken.
Let's make a table for our plugged-in values. Just a few will do.

Graph the points and connect the dots.

Our domain isn't restricted, so the function keeps going and going and going.

Example 1
Use the graph below to find the slope.

We need an accurate way to count the rise and run of the line. We don't have to use
any fancy equipment, just a few good points.
Looking at the graph, (-1, 3) and (0, -1) are both on the line. Let's go with those. Now, to
go from our first point, (-1, 3), to our second point, (0, -1), we need to go down 4 units
and right 1 unit. Moving downward counts as a negative rise, of -4.

Our slope is -4.

Example 2
Find the slope of the line passing through (0, -0.5) and (1, -3.5).

Our formula for the slope is .

It doesn't matter which point is (x1, y1) and which is (x2, y2), so let's do whatever we want
with them. We'll have (x1, y1) = (0, -0.5) and (x2, y2) = (1, -3.5).

The slope of this line is -3.

Example 3
Find the slope between the points (1, 3) and (1, 4).
When all we have is a formula for the slope, everything starts to look like points for
plugging in. It works this time, but who knows whom we might hurt in the future with our
reckless mathematics?

Nope, not gonna do it. We are not dividing by 0. That makes our slope undefined.

Example 4
Are the lines passing through these points parallel, perpendicular, or neither?
(1, 5) and (-1, 1)
(-1, -9) and (2, -3)
We're plugging, we're chugging, and we're getting the right answer.

There's no stopping us now.

The lines share a slope, so they are parallel.

Example 1
Graph this line by using its slope and y-intercept.

The equation is already given to us in slope-intercept form. We can tell at a glance that

the y-intercept is -2 and the slope is . We can also tell that you've been working out
lately. Good on you.
Plot the point (0, -2), and then use the slope to find another point. The rise is 2, the run
is 1, and one of those is negative. So, move 1 unit up and 2 units to the left and plot that
point. You can also move 1 unit down and 2 units to the right. Or do both if you’re
feeling particularly Shmoopy.
Example 2
Graph this line by using its slope and y-intercept.
-3x + y = 2
First things first, we need the equation in slope-intercept form. Add 3x to both sides and
the first thing is done.
y = 3x + 2
Second things second, now we know that m = 3 and b = 2.
Third things third, our slope gives us a rise of 3 units up and 1 unit to the right. That
gives a point on the line of (0 + 1, 2 + 3) = (1, 5).