Function Vocab
absolute value function
A function that contains an algebraic expression within absolute value symbols. The absolute value parent function is written as y = | x | The graph makes a V shape.
Continuous Graph
A graph consisting of connected lines or curves.
Discrete Graph
A graph that consists of distinct points.
Function
A relation in which each element of the domain is paired with exactly one element of the range.
Ordered Pair
A set of numbers, or coordinates written in the form (x,y)
Relation
A set of ordered pairs.
Input
A value substituted for an x-value in a function.
Function Notation
A way to name a function that is defined by an equation. Replace "y" with "f(x)"
Coordinate Plane
Formed by the intersection of two number lines, the horizontal axis and the vertical axis.
Vertical Line Test
If any vertical line passes through the graph of a relation no more than once, then it is a function.
Mapping
Illustrates how each element of the domain is paired with an element of the range.
x-coordinate
The first value of an ordered pair, represents the horizontal placement of the point.
Quadrants
The four regions into which the x- and y-axis separate the coordinate plane.
parabola
The graph of a quadratic function. It is a "U" shape that can face up or down.
x-axis
The horizontal axis on a coordinate plane.
Origin
The point at which the x- and y-axis intersect on the coordinate plane. (0,0)
x-intercept
The point where your graph crosses the x-axis. Also referred to as a "zero."
y-intercept
The point where your graph crosses the y-axis.
Output
The result of substituting a value into a function.
y-coordinate
The second value of an ordered pair, represents the vertical placement of the point
Domain
The set of first numbers (x-values) of the ordered pairs of a relation.
Range
The set of second numbers (y-values) of the ordered pairs of a relation.
y-axis
The vertical axis on a coordinate plane.
Zeros
The x-intercepts of the graph of a function. The points for which f(x)=0.
quadratic function
a function in the form f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a is not equal to zero. The graph is a curve called a parabola. Parabolas may open upward or downward and vary in "width" or "steepness", but they all have the same basic "U" shape.
linear function
a function whose graph is a straight line. A linear function has the following form. y = mx + b. A linear function has one independent variable and one dependent variable. The independent variable is x and the dependent variable is y. Example: y=2x+3.
exponential function
a function whose value is a constant raised to the power of the argument. Example: y=2^x The graph is a curve.
independent variable
a variable (often denoted by x ) whose variation does not depend on that of another
dependent variable
a variable (often denoted by y ) whose value depends on that of another.