Name: ______________________________________ Period:_______

Families of Functions
You will be able to recognize NINE parent function graphs and equations.

• Linear • Cubic • Cube Root

• Quadratic • Rational • Logarithmic
• Exponential • Square Root • Absolute Value

You will review characteristics and transformations of functions. You should be able to discuss and recognize given an
equation or a graph. (Also given a graph, be able to write a basic equation)

• Characteristics • Transformations
▻ Domain/Range ▻ Vertical Stretch/Shrink (a)
▻ x- and y-intercepts ▻ Horizontal Shift (h)
▻ Maximum/Minimum ▻ Vertical Shift (k)
▻ Intervals of Increase/Decrease ▻ Horizontal Reflection (leading negative)
▻ End Behavior

You will be introduced to TWO new characteristics and TWO new transformations

• Characteristics • Transformations
▻ Even/Odd/Neither (Symmetry) ▻ Horizontal Stretch/Shrink (b)
▻ Continuous vs. Discontinuous ▻ Vertical Reflection (negative inside)

Vocabulary Review
DOMAIN is the set of all ___-values a function is graphed over, while RANGE is the set of all ___-values a function is
graphed over. We use interval notation to show domain and range
X-INTERCEPT is the point at which the function crosses through the ___-axis; the Y-INTERCEPT is the point at
which the function crosses through the ___-axis.
MAXIMUM is the absolute ______________ point of the function; the MINIMUM is the absolute ______________
point of the function.
INTERVALS OF INCREASE AND DECREASE are always based off the ____________, and we use interval
notation to show the movement from one to the next.
END BEHAVIOR is the relationship between the movement of x- and y- values. We always use a set notation to show
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → left boundary, 𝑓(𝑥) → lower boundary
end behavior:
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → right boundary, 𝑓(𝑥) → upper boundary

Now it’s time to construct our parent functions. Once constructed you will be asked to 1) state the characteristics of each
parent function, 2) investigate transformations using technology, and 3) compare functions along the way.
 LINEAR
x f (x)
FUNCTION -6
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 -3
-2
-1
What to do: Use the function above 0
to complete the table of values to the
1
right. Once complete, plot points and
sketch the graph. You will use this 3
graph to answer questions below.
5

Using interval notation, write the State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
domain and range. point? _______
(yes/no)
Domain: __________ x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
Range: ___________ y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the interval(s) of State the end behavior:
increase/decrease.
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________
Interval(s) of Increase: ________________
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________
Interval(s) of Decrease: ________________

Complete the table on each of the following and draw each in a different color on the graph to the right.

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 + 𝟑 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙 − 𝟕 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙 𝟏

𝒇(𝒙) = − 𝒙
𝟐
x f (x) x f (x) x f (x) x f (x)
-5 -2 1
− −4
2
-2 -1 −2
−1
0 0 0
0
3 4 1 1
7 8 4 6
x-int = x-int = 2 x-int =
y-int = y-int = x-int = y-int =
y-int =
 QUADRATIC
x f (x)
FUNCTION -3
2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 -2
-1
0
What to do: Use the function above
to complete the table of values to the 1
right. Once complete, plot points and
sketch the graph. 2
3

Using interval notation, write the State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
domain and range. point? _______
(yes/no)
Domain: __________ x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
Range: ___________ y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the interval(s) of State the end behavior:
increase/decrease. (hint – use the domain and range to help)

Int. of Increase: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

Int. of Decrease: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

EXPONENTIAL
x f (x)
FUNCTION -5
𝑋
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 -2
-1
0
What to do: Use the function above
along with your calculator to 1
complete the table of values to the
right. Once complete, plot points and 2
sketch the graph. 3

Using interval notation, write the State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
domain and range. point? _______
(yes/no)
Domain: __________ x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
Range: ___________ y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the State the end behavior: Can 𝑓(𝑥) ever have a value of 0?
interval(s) of increase/decrease. (use the domain and range to help) _______(yes/no)

Int. of Increase: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________ This is a special feature called an
___________; a boundary line that
Int. of Decrease: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________ can not be touched or crossed.
 CUBIC
x f (x)
FUNCTION -2
3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 -1
0
1
What to do: Use the function above
to complete the table of values to the 2
right. Once complete, plot points and
sketch the graph.

Using interval notation, write the State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
domain and range. point? _______
(yes/no)
Domain: __________ x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
Range: ___________ y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the interval(s) of State the end behavior:
increase/decrease. (hint – use the domain and range to help)

Int. of Increase: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

Int. of Decrease: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

RATIONAL
FUNCTION x f (x) x f (x)
-3 1/4
1
𝑓(𝑥) = -2 1/3
𝑥
-1 1/2
-1/3 1
What to do: Use the function
above to complete the table of -1/2 2
values to the right. Once
complete, plot points and
-1/4 3
sketch the graph. 0 4

Using interval notation, write the
domain and range. *This one is special*
Domain: ____________________
Range: _____________________
State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
point? _______
(yes/no)
x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the
interval(s) of increase/decrease.
Int. of Increase: ________________
Int. of Decrease: ________________
State the end behavior:
(use the domain and range to help)
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________
Can 𝑥 ever equal 0? _______
Can 𝑓(𝑥) ever equal 0? _______
A Rational Function has TWO
_______________. Dashed lines are
used to represent.
 SQUARE ROOT
x f (x)
FUNCTION -2
𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 -1
0
1
What to do: Use the function above
to complete the table of values to the 9/4
right. Once complete, plot points and
sketch the graph. 4
Calculator: 2nd x2 9

Using interval notation, write the State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
domain and range. point? _______
(yes/no)
Domain: __________ x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
Range: ___________ y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the interval(s) of State the end behavior:
increase/decrease. (hint – use the domain and range to help)

Int. of Increase: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

Int. of Decrease: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

CUBE ROOT
x f (x)
FUNCTION -8
3
𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 -27/8
-1
0
What to do: Use the function above
to complete the table of values to the 1
right. Once complete, plot points and
sketch the graph. 27/8
Calculator: Root # then 2nd ξ 8

Using interval notation, write the State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
domain and range. point? _______
(yes/no)
Domain: __________ x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
Range: ___________ y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)

Using interval notation, state the interval(s) of State the end behavior:
increase/decrease. (use the domain and range to help)

Int. of Increase: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

Int. of Decrease: ________________ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________

 LOGARITHMIC
FUNCTION
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥
What to do: Use the function
above along with your calculator
log to complete the table of
values above. Once complete, plot
points and sketch the graph.
Using interval notation, write the
domain and range.
Domain: __________
Range: ___________
Using interval notation, state the
interval(s) of increase/decrease.
Int. of Increase: ________________
Int. of Decrease: ________________
ABSOLUTE VALUE
FUNCTION
𝑓(𝑥) = ȁ𝑥ȁ
What to do: Use the function above
to complete the table of values to the
right. Once complete, plot points and
sketch the graph.
ȁ𝑥ȁ 𝑖𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
Using interval notation, write the
domain and range.
Domain: __________
Range: ___________
Using interval notation, state the interval(s) of
increase/decrease.
Int. of Increase: ________________
Int. of Decrease: ________________
x 0 1/10 1 10 100
f (x)
State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
point? _______
(yes/no)
x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)
State the end behavior: Can 𝑥 ever equal 0? _______
(use the domain and range to help)
Can 𝑓(𝑥) ever equal 0? _______
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________ A Logarithmic Function has an
_______________ at 𝑥 = _____.
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________ Dashed lines are used to represent.
x f (x)
-5
-2
-1
0
1
3
5
State the x- and y-intercepts. Is there a maximum, or minimum,
point? _______
(yes/no)
x-intercept: ____________
If yes, what is it? __________
y-intercept: ____________ (coordinate)
State the end behavior:
(use the domain and range to help)
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________
𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ________, 𝑓(𝑥) → _________
You have completed nine of your Parent Functions! Let’s review and compare the functions above by answering a few
questions.
1) From the nine functions completed which functions have a maximum or minimum?

Rational Cube Root Exponential Logarithmic Absolute Value

Square Root Quadratic Cubic Linear

2) Which of the nine functions have either an interval of increase or an interval of decrease, but not both?

Rational Cube Root Exponential Logarithmic Absolute Value

Square Root Quadratic Cubic Linear

3) Can you find a correlation to your answers to numbers 1 and 2 above?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Which of the nine functions have asymptotes?

Rational Cube Root Exponential Logarithmic Absolute Value

Square Root Quadratic Cubic Linear

▻ Asymptotes are NOT a part of the graph of a function, as they are invisible boundary lines that can not be crossed
or touched, therefore must be drawn on the graph using ____________ lines. Be sure to go back and fix your
graphs if needed.

5) Compare the nine parent functions for inverse relationships. There are three pairs of inverse functions within your
parent functions. See if you can list each pair below.

______________________ ______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________ ______________________

6) What makes a linear function different than the other eight parent functions?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

7) Comparing a square root function to cube root; why is the domain for square root restricted but cube root is (−∞, ∞)?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

8) Explain why 𝑥 ≠ 0, and 𝑦 ≠ 0 in a rational function.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
 Review of Transformations
No matter the parent function, all transformations remain the same. Enter the function into the table on your
scientific calculator and graph them in different colors.

Function Color

𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥

𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 + 5
𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 3

𝑓(𝑥) = ξ𝑥 − 8

Description of what happened

(be sure to use proper vocabulary – reference page 1)

Enter the function into the table on your scientific calculator and graph them in different colors.
You will need FOUR colors.

Function Color

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)3
𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 7)3

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 6)3

Description of what happened

(be sure to use proper vocabulary – reference page 1)

Summary:
The transformation 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒌 represents a __________________ shift; ___________ or ___________.
The transformation 𝒇(𝒙 − 𝒉) represents a __________________ shift; ___________ or ___________.
Enter the function into the table on your scientific calculator and graph them in different colors.
You will need FOUR colors.

Function Color

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
1
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
2
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2

𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2

Description of what happened

(be sure to use proper vocabulary – reference page 1)

Summary:
The transformation 𝒂 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙) represents a vertical __________________; when 𝒂 > 𝟏.
The transformation 𝒂 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙) represents a vertical __________________; when 𝟎 < 𝒂 < 𝟏
The transformation −𝒂 ∙ 𝒇(𝒙) represents a ___________________ across the x-axis.

Without the use of a calculator try to graph the functions transformations, when given the parent function.

𝟑 𝟏
𝒇(𝒙) = (𝒙 + 𝟓)𝟐 − 𝟐 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝟒 ξ𝒙 − 𝟏 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙+𝟔 + 3

State the transformations from above: State the transformations from above: State the transformations from above:
 Next Level Characteristics & Transformations
Enter the functions in your calculator, then sketch the graph on the corresponding coordinate plane. You will need TWO
colors

𝟏
Function 1: 𝒇(𝒙) = ξ𝒙 Function 2: 𝒈(𝒙) = ξ−𝒙 Function 1: 𝒇(𝒙) = ξ𝒙 Function 2: 𝒉(𝒙) = √𝟐 𝒙

x 0 1 4 9 x 0 2 8 18
f (x) f (x)
x 0 -1 -4 -9 𝒉(𝒙)
𝒈(𝒙)

Describe the changes from the parent function to the Describe the changes from the parent function to the new
new function. (be sure to use proper vocabulary – function. (be sure to use proper vocabulary – reference page 1)
reference page 1)

Summary:
The transformation 𝒇(𝒃𝒙) represents a horizontal __________________; when 𝒃 > 𝟏.
The transformation 𝒇(𝒃𝒙) represents a horizontal __________________; when 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏
The transformation 𝒇(−𝒃𝒙) represents a ___________________ across the y-axis.

Is my function EVEN, ODD, or NEITHER? – It’s all about Symmetry

Symmetrical about the y-axis Symmetry about the origin

𝒇(−𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) 𝒇(−𝒙) = −𝒇(𝒙)

EVEN ODD
Now that you’ve had a glimpse of all Families of Functions, let’s see how you do.
1) Which of the functions have even symmetry?

Rational Cube Root Exponential Logarithmic Absolute Value

Square Root Quadratic Cubic Linear

2) Which of the functions have odd symmetry?

Rational Cube Root Exponential Logarithmic Absolute Value

Square Root Quadratic Cubic Linear

4) Transformational form of a function will always remain the same. All variables stay in the same spot and have the same
“job” no matter the function. Using your completed examples and notes fill in the transformation rules below.

Variable Transformation Represented Specific Values

𝑎 > 1 represents a ________
a ______________ stretch/shrink
0 < 𝑎 < 1 represents a _________

𝑏 > 1 represents a ________

b ______________ stretch/shrink
0 < 𝑏 < 1 represents a _________

(𝑥 − ℎ) shifts __________
h _____________________ shift
(𝑥 + ℎ) shifts __________

(𝑥) + 𝑘 shifts __________

k _____________________ shift
(𝑥) − 𝑘 shifts __________

-a _________________ reflection

-b _________________ reflection

All functions in transformational form.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑏𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎ξ𝑏𝑥 − ℎ + 𝑘 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 log(𝑏𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘

3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑏𝑥 − ℎ)3 + 𝑘 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 ξ𝑏𝑥 − ℎ + 𝑘 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 ∙ 𝐵 𝑥−ℎ + 𝑘
𝑎
𝑓(𝑥) = +𝑘 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎ȁ𝑏𝑥 − ℎȁ + 𝑘
𝑏𝑥 − ℎ