How Do You Determine if a Graph Represents a Linear, Exponential, or Quadratic Function?

How Do You Determine if a Graph Represents a Linear, Exponential, or Quadratic Function?

Note:

Graphs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In algebra, there are 3 basic types of graphs you'll see most often: linear, quadratic, and exponential. Check out this tutorial and learn how to determine is a graph represents a linear, quadratic, or exponential function!

Keywords:

  • problem
  • skill
  • graphs
  • graph
  • compare
  • identify
  • decide
  • determine
  • linear
  • quadratic
  • exponential
  • function
  • functions

Background Tutorials

  • Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and the corresponding output.

      • What's a Function?What's a Function?

      What's a Function?

      You can't go through algebra without learning about functions. This tutorial shows you a great approach to thinking about functions! Learn the definition of a function and see the different ways functions can be represented. Take a look!

  • Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential functions.

      • What's an Exponential Function?What's an Exponential Function?

      What's an Exponential Function?

      Looking at an equation with a variable in the exponent? You have an exponential function! Learn about exponential functions in this tutorial.

  • Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.

      • What is a Quadratic Function?What is a Quadratic Function?

      What is a Quadratic Function?

      You can't go through algebra without seeing quadratic functions. The graphs of quadratic functions are parabolas; they tend to look like a smile or a frown. In this tutorial, get introduced to quadratic functions, look at their graphs, and see some examples of quadratic functions!

Further Exploration

  • Understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted in the coordinate plane, often forming a curve (which could be a line).

      • How Do You Graph a Linear Equation by Making a Table?How Do You Graph a Linear Equation by Making a Table?

      How Do You Graph a Linear Equation by Making a Table?

      Graphing a function? It would be really helpful if you had a table of values that fit your equation. You could plot those values on a coordinate plane and connect the point to make your graph. See it all in this tutorial!