Graphing Functions

Restricted Domain Sometimes, you are given a specific domain to graph. This means those are the ONLY points that can be graphed or the only part of the line or curve (segment) that can be graphed.

Example 1 Graph the function for the given domain: x – 3y = -6; D: {-3, 0, 3, 6} Replace x with each of these values and solve for y. -3 – 3y = -6 y = 1 0 – 3y = -6 y = 2 3 – 3y = -6 y = 3 6 – 3y = -6 y = 4 Ordered pairs are (-3, 1)(0, 2)(3, 3)(6, 4) Graph them, but do not connect the dots.

Example 2 Graph the function for the given domain. x – 3y = –6; D: {–3, 0, 3, 6} Step 1 Solve for y since you are given values of the domain, or x. x – 3y = –6 –x Subtract x from both sides. –3y = –x – 6 Since y is multiplied by –3, divide both sides by –3. Simplify.

Example 2 Continued Step 2 Substitute the given value of the domain for x and find values of y. x (x, y) –3 (–3, 1) (0, 2) 3 (3, 3) 6 (6, 4)

Example 2 Continued Graph the function for the given domain. Step 3 Graph the ordered pairs. • y x

If the domain of a function is all real numbers, any number can be used as an input value. This process will produce an infinite number of ordered pairs that satisfy the function. Therefore, arrow are drawn at both “ends” of a smooth line or curve to represent the infinite number of ordered pairs. If a domain is not given, assume that the domain is all real numbers.

Graphing When graphing any function from the set of real numbers: Replace the independent variable with several values Solve for the dependent variable Form ordered pairs for the values (independent, dependent) Graph the ordered pairs The points are connected and arrows are added to each end.

Example 3: Graph y = 2x - 1 Pick several values for x (I chose -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3) Plug them into the function You get -3, -1, 1, 3, and 5 So the ordered pairs are (-1, -3)(0, -1)(1, 1)(2, 3) and (3, 5)

Example 4 x Graph the function –3x + 2 = y. Step 1 Choose several values of x and generate ordered pairs. x –3x + 2 = y (x, y) –2 (–2, 8) –3(–2) + 2 = 8 –1 –3(–1) + 2 = 5 (–1, 5) –3(0) + 2 = 2 (0, 2) 1 –3(1) + 2 = –1 (1, –1) 2 –3(2) + 2 = –4 (2, –4) 3 –3(3) + 2 = –7 (3, –7)

Example 4 cont… Graph it… Be sure to connect the dots and put arrows on either end.

Example 5 Use a graph of the function to find the value of f(x) when x = –4. Check your answer. Locate –4 on the x-axis. Move up to the graph of the function. Then move right to the y-axis to find the corresponding value of y. f(–4) = 6

Example 6 Use the graph of to find the value of x when f(x) = 3. Check your answer. Locate 3 on the y-axis. Move right to the graph of the function. Then move down to the x-axis to find the corresponding value of x. f(3) = 3

Try these… 1. Graph the function for the given domain. 3x + y = 4

Try these (cont)… 2. The function y = 3x describes the distance (in inches) a giant tortoise walks in x seconds. Graph the function. Use the graph to estimate how many inches the tortoise will walk in 5.5 seconds. Answer: About 16.5 in.