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College Algebra
Tutorial 32:
Graphs of Functions, Part II
Domain/Range, Vertical Line Test,
Increasing/Decreasing/Constant Functions,
Even/Odd Functions, and Greatest Integer Function
Learning Objectives
Introduction
In this tutorial we will take a close look at several different aspects of graphs of
functions. First we will look at finding the domain and range of a function given
a graph. Next I will show you how a vertical line can help us determine if a
graph is a graph of a function or not. Then we will look at what it means for a
function to be increasing, decreasing or constant. This will be followed by
showing you how to tell if a function is even, odd, or neither given either a
graph of the function or just its assignment. We will finish the lesson by taking
a peek at the greatest integer function. If you need a review on the definition of
a function, feel free to go to Tutorial 30: Introduction to Functions. Sounds
like we have our work cut out for us in this lesson. I guess you better get to it.
Tutorial
Let's start by reviewing some terms associated with functions and how they
pertain to graphs of a function.
Domain
Recall that the domain is the set of all input values to which the rule applies.
These are called your independent variables. These are the values that
correspond to the first components of the ordered pairs it is associated with. If
you need a review on the domain, feel free to go to Tutorial 30: Introduction
to Functions.
On a graph, the domain corresponds to the horizontal axis. Since that is the
case, we need to look to the left and right to see if there are any end points to
help us find our domain. If the graph keeps going on and on to the right then the
domain is infinity on the right side of the interval. If the graph keeps going on
and on to the left then the domain is negative infinity on the left side of the
interval. If you need a review on finding the domain given a graph, feel free to
go to Tutorial 31: Graphs of Functions, Part I.
Range
Recall that the range is the set of all output values. These are called your
dependent variables. These are the values that correspond to the second
components of the ordered pairs it is associated with. If you need a review on
the range, feel free to go to Tutorial 30: Introduction to Functions.
On a graph, the range corresponds to the vertical axis. Since that is the case, we
need to look up and down to see if there are any end points to help us find our
range. If the graph keeps going up with no endpoint then the range is infinity on
the right side of the interval. If the graph keeps going down then the range goes
to negative infinity on the left side of the interval. If you need a review on
finding the domain given a graph, feel free to go to Tutorial 31: Graphs of
Functions, Part I
x-intercept
No matter what type of graph that you have, recall that the x-intercept is
where the graph crosses the x axis.
The word 'intercept' looks like the word 'intersect'. Think of it as where the
graph intersects the x-axis.
If you need more review on intercepts, feel free to go to Tutorial 26: Equations
of Lines.
y-intercept
No matter what type of graph that you have, recall that the y-intercept is
where the graph crosses the y axis.
The word 'intercept' looks like the word 'intersect'. Think of it as where the
graph intersects the y-axis.
If you need more review on intercepts, feel free to go to Tutorial 26: Equations
of Lines.
Functional Value
Recall that the functional value correlates with the second or y value of an
ordered pair.
a) Domain
We need to find the set of all input values. In terms of ordered pairs,
that correlates with the first component of each one. In terms of this
two dimensional graph, that corresponds with the x values (horizontal
axis).
Since that is the case, we need to look to the left and right and see if
there are any end points. In
this case, note how there is a left endpoint at x = -5 and then the graph
goes on and on forever to the right of -5.
b) Range
We need to find the set of all output values. In terms of ordered pairs,
that correlates with the second component of each one. In terms of this
two dimensional graph, that corresponds with the y values (vertical
axis).
Since that is the case, we need to look up and down and see if there are
any end points. In this case, note how the graph has a low endpoint of
y = 0 and it has an arrow going up from that.
c) x-intercept
If the x-intercept is where the graph crosses the x-axis, what do you
think the x-intercept is for this function?
d) y-intercept
If the y-intercept is where the graph crosses the y-axis, what do you
think the y-intercept is for this function?
If you said f(2) = 3 , then give yourself a pat on the back. The
functional value at x = 2 is 3.
a) Domain
We need to find the set of all input values. In terms of ordered pairs,
that correlates with the first component of each one. In terms of this
two dimensional graph, that corresponds with the x values (horizontal
axis).
Since that is the case, we need to look to the left and right and see if
there are any end points. In
this case, note how there are arrows on both ends of the graph and no
end points. This means that the graph goes on and on forever in both
directions.
b) Range
We need to find the set of all output values. In terms of ordered pairs,
that correlates with the second component of each one. In terms of this
two dimensional graph, that corresponds with the y values (vertical
axis).
Since that is the case, we need to look up and down and see if there are
any end points. In this case, note how the graph has a low endpoint of
y = 2 and it has arrows going up from that.
c) x-intercept
If the x-intercept is where the graph crosses the x-axis, what do you
think the x-intercept is for this function?
Since the graph never crosses the x-axis, then there is no x-intercept.
d) y-intercept
If the y-intercept is where the graph crosses the y-axis, what do you
think the y-intercept is for this function?
If you said f(-3) = 2 , then give yourself a pat on the back. The
functional value at x = -3 is 2.
Since that is the case, we need to look to the left and right and see if
there are any end points. In
this case, note how there are arrows on both ends of the graph and no
end points. This means that the graph goes on and on forever in both
directions.
b) Range
We need to find the set of all output values. In terms of ordered pairs,
that correlates with the second component of each one. In terms of this
two dimensional graph, that corresponds with the y values (vertical
axis).
Since that is the case, we need to look up and down and see if there are
any end points. In
this case, note how there are arrows on both ends of the graph and no
end points. This means that the graph goes on and on forever in both
directions.
This means that the range is .
c) x-intercept
If the x-intercept is where the graph crosses the x-axis, what do you
think the x-intercept is for this function?
d) y-intercept
If the y-intercept is where the graph crosses the y-axis, what do you
think the y-intercept is for this function?
If you said f(2) = -1 , then give yourself a pat on the back. The
functional value at x = 2 is -1.
If no vertical line can be drawn so that it intersects a graph more than once,
then it is a graph of a function.
Think about it, if a vertical line intersects a graph in more than one place, then
the x value (input) would associate with more than one y value (output), and you
know what that means. The relation is not a function.
This graph would pass the vertical line test, because there would not be
any place on it that we could draw a vertical line and it would intersect
it in more than one place.
The graph below shows one vertical line drawn through our graph that
intersects it in two places: (4, 2) and (4, 6). This shows that the input
value of 4 associates with two output values, which is not acceptable in
the function world.
Increasing
A function is increasing on an
interval if for any and in the
interval, where ,
then .
Decreasing
A function is decreasing on an
interval if for any and in the
interval, where ,
then .
Constant
a) Increasing
A function is increasing in an interval when it is going up left to right in
that interval? With that in mind, what interval, if any, is this function
increasing?
b) Decreasing
A function is decreasing in an interval when it is going down left to
right in that interval? With that in mind, what interval, if any, is this
function decreasing?
b) Decreasing
A function is decreasing in an interval when it is going down left to
right in that interval? With that in mind, what interval, if any, is this
function decreasing?
Note how the function is going down left to right from negative infinity
to x = -3.
c) Constant
A function is constant in an interval if it is horizontal in the entire
interval. With that in mind, what interval, if any, is this function
constant?
b) Decreasing
A function is decreasing in an interval when it is going down left to
right in that interval? With that in mind, what interval, if any, is this
function decreasing?
Note how the function is going down left to right from negative infinity
to infinity.
Even Function
Even?
A function is even if for all x in the domain of f. With
that in mind, is this function even?
If you said no, you are correct. Note how their second terms have
opposite signs, so .
Odd?
A function is odd if for all x in the domain of f. With
that in mind, is this function odd?
If you said no, you are right.
Looking at , we see that the
signs of the first and third terms of f(-x) and -f(x) don’t match,
so .
Since we said no for both even and odd, that leaves us with our answer
to be neither.
Even?
A function is even if for all x in the domain of g. With
that in mind, is this function even?
If you said yes, you are correct. Note how all of the terms of g(x) and
g(-x) match up, so .
Even?
A function is even if for all x in the domain of f. With
that in mind, is this function even?
If you said no, you are correct. Note how both of their terms have
opposite signs, so .
Odd?
A function is odd if for all x in the domain of f. With
that in mind, is this function odd?
int(x)
We need to ask ourselves, what is the greatest integer that is less than
or equal to 7.92?
Final answer: 7
We need to ask ourselves, what is the greatest integer that is less than
or equal to -3.25?
If you said -4, you are correct.
Final answer: -4
Practice Problems
These are practice problems to help bring you to the next level. It will allow
you to check and see if you have an understanding of these types of problems.
Math works just like anything else, if you want to get good at it, then you
need to practice it. Even the best athletes and musicians had help along the
way and lots of practice, practice, practice, to get good at their sport or
instrument. In fact there is no such thing as too much practice.
To get the most out of these, you should work the problem out on your own
and then check your answer by clicking on the link for the
answer/discussion for that problem. At the link you will find the answer as
well as any steps that went into finding that answer.
1b.
(answer/discussion to 1b)
2b.
(answer/discussion to 2b)
Practice Problems 3a - 3b:
3a.
(answer/discussion to 3a)
3b.
(answer/discussion to 3b)
Practice Problems 4a - 4b:
4a.
(answer/discussion to 4a)
4b.
(answer/discussion to 4b)
Practice Problems 5a - 5c:
5a. 5b
(answer/discussion to 5a) (answer/discussion to 5b)
5c.
(answer/discussion to 5c)
6a. f(-9.1)
(answer/discussion to 6a)
All contents copyright (C) 2002, WTAMU and Kim Peppard. All rights reserved.
Last revised on September 25, 2002 by Kim Peppard.