Functions of the Form <em>y = x</em>

Functions of the form \(y=x\)

Functions of the form \(y=mx+c\) are called straight line functions. In the equation, \(y=mx+c\), \(m\) and \(c\) are constants and have different effects on the graph of the function.

Example

Question

\(y=f(x)=x\)

Complete the following table for \(f(x)=x\) and plot the points on a set of axes.

\(x\)

\(-\text{2}\)

\(-\text{1}\)

\(\text{0}\)

\(\text{1}\)

\(\text{2}\)

\(f(x)\)

\(-\text{2}\)

  1. Join the points with a straight line.

  2. Determine the domain and range.

  3. About which line is \(f\) symmetrical?

  4. Using the graph, determine the value of \(x\) for which \(f(x)=4\). Confirm your answer graphically.

  5. Where does the graph cut the axes?

Substitute values into the equation

\(x\)

\(-\text{2}\)

\(-\text{1}\)

\(\text{0}\)

\(\text{1}\)

\(\text{2}\)

\(f(x)\)

\(-\text{2}\)

\(-\text{1}\)

\(\text{0}\)

\(\text{1}\)

\(\text{2}\)

Plot the points and join with a straight line curve

From the table, we get the following points and the graph:

\((-2;-2), (-1;-1), (0;0), (1;1), (2;2)\)

ee0a220c8ea75bf1b6962835f9aa34e2.png

Determine the domain and range

Domain: \(x\in \mathbb{R}\)

Range: \(f(x)\in \mathbb{R}\)

Determine the value of \(x\) for which \(f(x)=4\)

From the graph we see that when \(f(x)=4\), \(x=4\). This gives the point \((4;4)\).

Determine the intercept

The function \(f\) intercepts the axes at the origin \((0;0)\).

This lesson is part of:

Functions I

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