2.

2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

2.2 Graphs of Functions

Outline

• Graphing Functions by Plotting Points

• Graphing Piecewise Defined Functions
• The Vertical Line Test: Which Graphs Represent Functions?
• Which Equations Represent Functions?

The most important way to visualize a function is through its graph. In this section
we investigate in more detail the concept of graphing functions.

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 1

[1] Graphing Functions by Plotting Points

THE GRAPH OF A FUNCTION
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. In other words, the graph of 𝑓 is the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦)
such that 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥); that is, the graph of 𝑓 is the graph of the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 2

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 1

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

• Linear Function:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
The equation represents a line with slope 𝑚 and 𝑦-intercept 𝑏.
A special case of a linear function occurs when the slope is 𝑚 = 0.
𝑓 𝑥 =𝑏
where 𝑏 is a given number, is called a constant function because all its values are the same
number, namely, 𝑏. Its graph is the horizontal line 𝑦 = 𝑏.

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 3

• Power Functions:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

• Root Functions:
/
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

• Piecewise Functions: A piecewise defined function is defined by different formulas on

different parts of its domain. As you might expect, the graph of such a function consists of
separate pieces. We notate this idea like this:
formula 1 if 𝑥 is in domain 1
𝑓 𝑥 = formula 2 if 𝑥 is in domain 2
formula 3 if 𝑥 is in domain 3
In piecewise notation, the absolute value function is

𝑥, 𝑥≥0
𝑥 =
−𝑥, 𝑥<0

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 4

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 2

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Example 1. Sketch graphs of the following functions.

a. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 3 b. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 5

c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 𝑥 − 3 d. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 6

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 3

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Example 2. Sketch graph of the absolute value function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 .

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 7

Example 3. Sketch graph of the function.

𝑥 , 𝑥≤1
𝑓(𝑥) =
2𝑥 + 1, 𝑥>1

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 8

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 4

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

[2] The Vertical Line Test: Which Graphs Represent Functions?

The graph of a function is a curve in the 𝑥𝑦-plane.

Question
Which curves in the 𝑥𝑦-plane are graphs of functions?

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 9

THE 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.

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 10

10

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 5

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Example 4. State whether the graph is the graph of a function.

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 11

11

Example 5. State whether the graph is the graph of a function.

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 12

12

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 6

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Example 6. State whether the graph is the graph of a function.

𝑦

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 13

13

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 14

14

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 7

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

[3] Which Equations Represent Functions?

 Any equation in the variables 𝑥 and 𝑦 defines a relationship between these variables.

Question
Does any equation define 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥?
Not every equation represents a function.

 To find out,
• We solve for 𝑦
• We see that the equation defines a rule, or function, that gives one value of 𝑦 for each
value of 𝑥. We can express this rule in function notation.

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 15

15

Example 7. Does the equation define 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥?

a. 𝑦 − 𝑥 = 2 b. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 16

16

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 8

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 17

17

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 18

18

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 9

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 19

19

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 20

20

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 10

2.2 Graphs of Functions JIC_MATH 021

Exercises
6, 8, 12, 20, 24, 28, 36, 41, 55, 58, 60

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 21

21

Dr. Ameen Alhassan 11