4.1 Linear functions  (Page 7/27)

Graphing linear functions

Now that we’ve seen and interpreted graphs of linear functions, let’s take a look at how to create the graphs. There are three basic methods of graphing linear functions. The first is by plotting points and then drawing a line through the points. The second is by using the y- intercept and slope. And the third method is by using transformations of the identity function $f(x)=x.$

Graphing a function by plotting points

To find points of a function, we can choose input values, evaluate the function at these input values, and calculate output values. The input values and corresponding output values form coordinate pairs. We then plot the coordinate pairs on a grid. In general, we should evaluate the function at a minimum of two inputs in order to find at least two points on the graph. For example, given the function, $f(x)=2x,$ we might use the input values 1 and 2. Evaluating the function for an input value of 1 yields an output value of 2, which is represented by the point $(1,2).$ Evaluating the function for an input value of 2 yields an output value of 4, which is represented by the point $(2,4).$ Choosing three points is often advisable because if all three points do not fall on the same line, we know we made an error.

Graphing by plotting points

Graph $f(x)=-\frac{2}{3}x+5$ by plotting points.

Begin by choosing input values. This function includes a fraction with a denominator of 3, so let’s choose multiples of 3 as input values. We will choose 0, 3, and 6.

Evaluate the function at each input value, and use the output value to identify coordinate pairs.

$\begin{array}{cc}\hfill x=0& f(0)=-\frac{2}{3}(0)+5=5\Rightarrow (0,5)\hfill \\ \hfill x=3& f(3)=-\frac{2}{3}(3)+5=3\Rightarrow (3,3)\hfill \\ \hfill x=6& f(6)=-\frac{2}{3}(6)+5=1\Rightarrow (6,1)\hfill \end{array}$

Plot the coordinate pairs and draw a line through the points. [link] represents the graph of the function $f(x)=-\frac{2}{3}x+5.$

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Graph $f(x)=-\frac{3}{4}x+6$ by plotting points.

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Graphing a function using y- Intercept and slope

Another way to graph linear functions is by using specific characteristics of the function rather than plotting points. The first characteristic is its y- intercept, which is the point at which the input value is zero. To find the y- intercept, we can set $x=0$ in the equation.