Types of Functions and Graphs

1.
1TYPES OF FUNCTION AND THEIR GRAPHS
There are many different types of functions. The most common are
polynomial functions which include constant functions, linear
functions, quadratic functions, and cubic functions. The special types
of functions are rational functions, exponential functions, and
logarithmic functions. This includes also the absolute value functions
and piecewise-defined function.
Oops! I know what you are thinking…Don’t worry! The discussion will focus only on some
functions that are commonly used in business and economics. So don’t be discourage and
continue learning.
Polynomial functions are functions of the form
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
where 𝑎0 , 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … , 𝑎𝑛 are real numbers (𝑎 ≠ 0), and 𝑛 is a non-negative integer.
(1) If 𝑛 = 0, a constant function is obtained whose graph is a horizontal line passing through the point
(0, 𝑐).
Definition
Constant Function
A linear function f is a constant function if 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where m = 0 and 𝑏 is any real

number. Thus, 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒃. Below is the graph of a constant function.
(2) If 𝑛 = 1, a linear function is obtained whose graph is a straight line with slope 𝑎1 and y-intercept
𝑎0 . The identity function defined by 𝑦 = 𝑥 is a special case of linear function. Its graph is a line
bisecting the first and third quadrants.
Definition
Linear Function
A function f is a linear function if 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒃, where 𝑚 and 𝑏 are real numbers, and 𝑚
and 𝑓(𝑥) are not both equal to zero. Below is the graph of a linear function.
4
(3) If 𝑛 = 2, a quadratic function is obtained whose equation is defined by 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 .
Its graph is called parabola.
Definition
Quadratic Function
A quadratic function is any equation of the form 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝐛𝒙 + 𝒄, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are
real numbers and 𝑎 ≠ 0. Below is the graph of a quadratic function
(4) If 𝑛 = 3, a cubic function is obtained in which case 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎3 𝑥 3 + 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 .
Definition
Cubic Function
A cubic function is any equation of the form 𝐟(𝐱) = 𝒂𝒙𝟑 + 𝒃𝒙𝟐 + 𝒄𝒙 + 𝒅, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, and
𝑑 are real numbers and 𝑎 ≠ 0. Below is the graph of cubic function.
Definition
Piecewise Function
Also known as Compound Function is a function defined by more than one sub-functions or
pieces, where each sub-function applies to a certain interval of the domain of the main
function’s domain. Below is the graph of a piecewise function and its form.
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Sketching the Graph of a Function
To sketch the graph of a function means to plot its ordered pairs in the Cartesian plane, also known
as the xy-plane. The following steps are used in sketching the graph a function:
(i) Construct a table of values.

(ii) Plot the points in the Cartesian plane.
(iii) Connect the points.
(iv) Name the graph.
For convenience, use values of the independent variable that give clearer picture of
graph of a function, like -3 to +3, instead of randomly assigning any value.
Example 1: Sketch the graph of the linear function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 − 2.
Solution: First, construct a table of values.

(assign values for x and evaluate the function these values to get the values of 𝑦)
x –2 –1 0 1 2
y –12 –7 –2 3 8
Second, plot the points in the Cartesian plane.
Third, connect the points, then name the graph.
f(x) = 5x – 2
Example 2: Sketch the graph of the absolute value function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥 + 1|
Solution: First, construct a table of values.
x –3 –2 –1 0 1
y 2 1 0 1 2
Second, plot the points in the Cartesian plane.
Third, connect the points, then name the graph.
f(x) = | x + 1|
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Extend your knowledge
Did you know that you can accomplish a table of values using scientific calculator? In this
way, it will lessen the task in graphing functions. Example: 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 − 2
For Casio fx-991ES Plus

Press mode
7
5 ALPHA ) – 2 =
-2 = (start and end will depend on the values you want to use)
2 = (set Step to 1)
=
Table of values will appear. (the same table in example 1)
Self Check!
What have I learned so far?
Draw a sketch of the graph of the function below.
𝒇( 𝒙 ) = 𝒙 𝟐 − 𝟔

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1.

1TYPES OF FUNCTION AND THEIR GRAPHS

Polynomial functions are functions of the form

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

where 𝑎0 , 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … , 𝑎𝑛 are real numbers (𝑎 ≠ 0), and 𝑛 is a non-negative integer.

A linear function f is a constant function if 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where m = 0 and 𝑏 is any real

(4) If 𝑛 = 3, a cubic function is obtained in which case 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎3 𝑥 3 + 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 .

(i) Construct a table of values.

Example 1: Sketch the graph of the linear function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 − 2.

Solution: First, construct a table of values.

Second, plot the points in the Cartesian plane.

Third, connect the points, then name the graph.

Example 2: Sketch the graph of the absolute value function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥 + 1|

Solution: First, construct a table of values.

Second, plot the points in the Cartesian plane.

Third, connect the points, then name the graph.

For Casio fx-991ES Plus

Draw a sketch of the graph of the function below.

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