Graphs of Functions
This lesson is part of a series of lessons for the quantitative reasoning section of the GRE revised General Test. In this lesson, we will learn:
- how to graph some basic functions Click here
- how to graph piece-wise defined functions Click here
- reflection of graphs in the x-axis or *y-*axis Click here
- horizontal and vertical graph transformations Click here
- vertical stretching and shrinking graphs Click here
- graphs of inverse functions Click here
- how to find the inverse function using algebra Click here
Graphs of Functions
The coordinate plane can be used for graphing functions. To graph a function in the xy-plane, we represent each input x and its corresponding output f(x) as a point (x, y), where y = f(x). In other words, you use the x-axis for the input and the y-axis for the output.
The following video shows how to sketch the graph of six basic functions: f(x) = x, f(x) = x2, f(x) = x3, f(x) = square root of x, f(x) = cube root of x, f(x) = absolute value of x
Piecewise Functions
A piecewise-defined function (also called a piecewise function) is a function whose definition changes depending on the value of the input variable.
This video shows how to evaluate and graph piece-wise functions.
This video gives 2 more examples of Graphing Piecewise Defined Functions
Reflection of Graphs
If the graph of y = f(x) is known, then
- h(x) = − f(x) is a reflection in the x-axis
- h(x) = f(− x) is a reflection in the y-axis
The following video shows how to reflect graphs over the x-axis and the y-axis
Horizontal and Vertical Graph Transformations
In general, for any function h(x) and any positive number c, the following are true.
- The graph of h(x) + c is the graph of h(x) shifted upward by c units.
- The graph of h(x) − c is the graph of h(x) shifted downward by c units.
- The graph of h(x + c) is the graph of h(x) shifted to the left by c units.
- The graph of h(x − c) is the graph of h(x) shifted to the right by c units.
This video gives 9 examples to illustrate the basic outline of doing horizontal and vertical translations of graphs.
This video shows some examples of horizontal and vertical translations of graphs.
Vertically Stretching and Shrinking Graphs
In general, for any function h(x) and any positive number c, the following are true.
- The graph of ch(x) is the graph of h(x) stretched vertically by a factor of c if c > 1.
- The graph of ch(x) is the graph of h(x) shrunk vertically by a factor of c if 0 < c < 1.
This video shows how multiplying by a number will affect the graph. Vertical stretches and compressions.
This video shows how to vertically stretch and shrink graphs of functions.
Graphs of Inverse Functions
This video shows how to graph an inverse function and points out that a graph of a function and its inverse is symmetrical about the line y = x.
How to find the inverse function using algebra
These videos give examples of finding the inverse of a function
Try the free Mathway calculator and
problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own
problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.