Graphs
line of best fit
A line on a scatter plot that is close to the data. This line does NOT have to actually go through any of the points. Do NOT just connect the points!
value
A number, usually refers to the y-value of a function
absolute value
Distance from zero, non-negative value
Function (graph)
Every x goes to only one y. A graph passes the vertical line test.
Function (ordered pairs)
Every x goes to only one y. No ordered pair has the same x, but different y's.
exponential (graph)
y = ab^x the variable is the exponent; the base is a number
quadrants
¼ of coordinate plane, numbered counterclockwise with Roman Numerals
ordered pair
(x, y), parentheses are required; same as coordinates
coordinates
(x, y), parentheses are required; same as ordered pair
Function (mapping diagram)
Every x goes to only one y. No x has two arrows coming out of it.
linear (graph)
Graph of a line, could be slant, horizontal or vertical
solve graphically
Graph the equations, label with equations, write down the point(s) of intersection
intersect (graph)
Graphs touch or cross
x-axis
Horizontal axis; equation is y = 0
maximum
Largest value; Can be the vertex of a parabola that extends downward
parallel
Lines with same slope and different y-intercepts
decrease
Numbers get smaller; graph goes down from left to right
independent variable
Often represented as x, the variable graphed on the horizontal axis, the measure that generates the dependent value
dependent variable
Often represented as y, the variable graphed on the vertical axis, the measure that depends on the independent variable
scatter plot
Points graphed on x and y-axis; do NOT connect points
consistent and appropriate scale
Scale marked on x and y-axes (each may be different). Each graph block is worth the same amount. Graph is not too small or too big—just right!
constant rate
Slope is the same between all points
rate of change
Slope; change in y divided by change in x
minimum
Smallest value; Can be the vertex of a parabola that extends upward
solution set
THE ANSWERS!
axis of symmetry (parabola function)
The vertical line through the vertex (or turning point) of a parabola, equation is x = a.
roots
Values that solve the equation; on a graph, the x-intercepts
y-axis
Vertical axis; equation is x = 0
slope
change in y over change in x
quadratic (graph)
parabola