MHF4U1  

  Unit  1  Lesson  3  

Graphing Five Base Functions

Learning Goals

•   To graph the parent functions quadratic, exponential, reciprocal, square root and
absolute
•   To determine domain and range as well as features of the above listed functions

The Quadratic Function

Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 & . State the domain and range. List any other features of
the graph.

A common method for sketching any function is to use a table of values. X Y

-3

-2

-1

Domain: Range:
3
Observations:

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MHF4U1     Unit  1  Lesson  3  

The Square Root Function

Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥. State the domain and range. List any other features of
the graph.
X Y

Domain:

Range:

Observations:

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MHF4U1     Unit  1  Lesson  3  

The Reciprocal Function

)
Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = * State the domain and range. List any other features of the

graph.

X Y

-3

-2

Domain: -1

Range:
0

1
Characteristics:

Asymptote: a line that the graph of a function approaches but does not
touch for some values of x in the domain. Asymptotes are generally
shown using dashed lines.

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MHF4U1     Unit  1  Lesson  3  

The Exponential Function

The exponential function, in general, is written f(𝑥) = 𝑎 * ,  𝑎 > 0,  𝑎 ≠ 1.

Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2* . State the domain and range. List any other features of
the graph.

X Y

-3

-2

-1

Domain:
2

Range: 3

Observations:

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MHF4U1     Unit  1  Lesson  3  

The Absolute Value Function

Absolute value – distance from the origin. Always a positive value

Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥|. State the domain and range. List any other features of
the graph.

X Y

-3

-2

-1

Domain: 1

Range: 2

Observations:

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