Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

202 Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

c. y= |x| Absolute value function

d. yx Square root function

Chapter 17 dealt with the graph of linear functions. Sample graphs

of the four functions above are shown in Figure 19.1. These are easily

graphed with a graphing calculator, which is a good tool to have when you

study algebra.

2

1

–1

–2

–3

–2 2

y y

x

y =^32 x –^12

–2

–4

x

y = 3x^2 + 2x – 1

2

–2

y

x

f(x) = x

2

–2

y

x

g(x) = x

a. b.

c. d.

Figure 19.1 Sample graphs of four common functions: a) linear function;

b) quadratic function; c) absolute value function; d) square root function

Of course, you can graph these functions “by hand” by setting up an x-y

T-table and substituting several representative values for x.

Functional relationships naturally occur in many and various circum-

stances. A few examples will illustrate.