Graphing Functions

To plot a function on a coordinate plane, it is often helpful to choose a few values of x and plug them into your given function. Solve for y and then use those coordinates to plot a general outline of your graph.

Here’s an example. I like to choose at least three values of x: one negative value, zero, and one positive value.

Now we have chosen to calculate what our y value would be when x is equal to -1, 0, and 1. Using this information, we can now create three different sets of coordinates using these x and y values: (-1, 1), (0, 0), and (1, 1).

Next, we are going to plot each of these coordinates on a coordinate plane:

Now that we have plotted each of the coordinates on the graph, draw a line to connect each of the dots.
Then we can extend the line in either direction and add an arrow because the line will continue on forever, which we call ‘infinity.’

Now we have successfully graphed the function!

Things to Remember

• To graph a function, choose a few values of x and solve for y to create coordinate points.

• Plot those points on the coordinate plane.

• Connect the points on the plane and extend the lines into infinity.

Additional Resources

Need more help? Check out these resources to help you learn more!