Calculus for Business,

Economics, the Social

and Life Sciences

The Graph
of a
Function
Section 1.2

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 Learning Objectives
 Review the rectangular coordinate system
 Graph several functions
 Study intersections of graphs, the vertical
line test, and intercepts
 Sketch and use graphs of quadratic
functions in applications
Coordinate Plane and Graphs

A point (x,y) in the coordinate plane is

identified by its distance x to the right and
distance y above a point called the origin
denoted (0,0).
 Coordinate Plane and Graphs

The graph of a function f in the plane is the

set of points ( x, f ( x )) for all x in the domain
of f .
 Quick example:
A portion of the graph of the function
defined by f ( x )  x 3
 x in the xy-plane is
shown:

y  x3  x

Note that f (0)  0 corresponds to the point

(0,0) f ( 12 )   85
(and
1
2 ,  8 ).
5
corresponds to the
point
 x- and y-intercepts
An x-intercept of a graph is a point at which
the graph crosses the x-axis.
A y-intercept of a graph is a point at which
the graph crosses the y-axis.
x  intercept
y  intercepts
EXAMPLE 1 Graphing a Function

Let f ( x )  3  x . Sketch the graph of y  f (x )

and identify its x- and y-intercepts on the graph.
EXAMPLE 1 Graphing a Function

SOLUTION
We make a table of values to get a feel for the graph:
x -1 0 2 3 4
y  3 x 2 3 1 0 non - real

Then we plot the points, connecting them with a

smooth curve.
EXAMPLE 1 Graphing a Function

SOLUTION
The graph of y  3  x looks something like:

Note the intercepts at (0, 3 ) and (3,0) .