Basic Functions

Graphical representation of physical phenomena helps us understand the situation we are dealing with. These basic functions will show up often in problems and being able to recognize their graphs and various functional forms will assist in making sense of these problems.

Summary: Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

Recognize the graphical features of these basic functions: y=x, y=x^2, y=x^3, y=constant, y=1/x, y=1/x^2, y=sqrt(x), y=sin(x), y=cos(x), for both positive and negative values of x.
Recognize the graphical features of these basic functions: y=(-x), y=-(x^2), y=-(x^3), y=-(constant), y=-(1/x), y=-(1/x^2), y=-(sqrt(x)), y=-(sin(x)), y=-(cos(x)), for both positive and negative values of x.

BoxSand Resources

Stuff and stuff

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Web Resources

A good reference for basic functions (not including the trigonometric functions).

Including trigonometric functions.

Let us know if you find any good videos on graphing basic functions.

Show/hide the functions by pressing the icon next to the expression. Play with each function for see its behavior.

Practice

See first text reference for the non-trigonometric functions, near the bottom.

Trigonometic functions practice. Focus on the problems that include graphing.

Problem Solving Help

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