PreCalc Notes

1.6 A Library of Parent Functions Date: ___________

Parent Functions
Learning Target A: I can identify commonly used parent functions from their graphs and describe their
characteristics.
The eight graphs below represent the most commonly-used functions in algebra. Familiarity with the basic
characteristics of these simple graphs will help you analyze the shapes of more complicated graphs - in
particular, graphs obtained from these graphs by rigid and non-rigid transformations.

Constant Function Identity Function Absolute Value Function

Square Root Function Quadratic Function Cubic Function

Reciprocal Function Greatest Integer Function

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PreCalc Notes
Transforming Parent Graphs
We will transform parent graphs in the next section, but we are first going to use our graphing
calculators in this section to see some transformations of parent graphs.
Example 1. Given each parent function and its transformed function, graph both on the same set of
axes. Make sure to choose an appropriate window. Describe how the transformed graph is different
from its parent graph. Be sure to include any changes in the domain and range.
1 1
A) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 ; 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 3)2 − 5 B) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 ; 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥+4

Analyzing Linear Functions

There are two special types of linear functions: the constant function and the identity function, as
shown below. Identify the specified characteristics for each.
Constant Identity

Domain: Domain:
Range: Range:
Symmetry: Symmetry:
Odd or Even Function? Odd or Even Function?
x-intercept(s): x-intercept(s):
Increasing: Increasing:
Decreasing: Decreasing:
Constant: Constant:

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PreCalc Notes
Getting to Know the Greatest Integer Function…AKA Step Function
Functions whose graphs resemble sets of stair steps are known as step
functions. The most famous of the step functions is the greatest
integer function, denoted by ⟦𝑥⟧ and defined as:
𝑓(𝑥) = ⟦𝑥⟧ = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑥
Some values are as follows:
⟦−1⟧ = (𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 ≤ −1) = −1
1 1
⟦− ⟧ = (𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 ≤ − ) = −1
2 2
⟦0.5⟧ = (𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 ≤ 0.5) = ______ Domain: _____________
⟦1.2⟧ = (𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 ≤ 1.2) = ______ Range: ________________
⟦1.9⟧ = (𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 ≤ 1.9) = _____

Writing a Linear Function

Learning Target B: I can write a linear function given two points on the graph in function notation.
Example 2. Write a linear function with the given function values.
A) 𝑓(1) = 3; 𝑓(4) = 0 B) 𝑓(−2) = 6; 𝑓(4) = −9

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PreCalc Notes
Piecewise-Defined Functions
Learning Target C: I can graph piecewise-defined functions.
Example 3. Graph each function by hand.
2𝑥 + 3, 𝑥≤1
A) 𝑓(𝑥) = {
−𝑥 + 4, 𝑥>1

1
− 2 𝑥 − 6, 𝑥 ≤ −4
B) 𝑓(𝑥) = {
𝑥 + 5, 𝑥 > −4

 9 if x  3 
 
C) f ( x)   x 2 if  3  x  2
2 x if x  2 


√4 + 𝑥, 𝑥<0
D) 𝑓(𝑥) = {
√4 − 𝑥, 𝑥≥0

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PreCalc Notes
Application. A local zoo charges admission to groups according to the following policy: Groups of
fewer than 50 people are charged at a rate of $35 per person, while groups of 50 people or more are
charged at a reduced rate of $30 per person. The piecewise function below models this situation.
35𝑥 𝑖𝑓 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 50
𝐶(𝑥) = {
30𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 50
A) Sketch the graph of the function.

B) Find and interpret 𝐶(20).

C) How much money will a group of 49 people save in admission cost if it can recruit one additional
member?