Chapter 2: Problem 87
Graph function. \(f(x)=x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \(f(x) = x\) is a straight line through the origin with a slope of 1.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function
The function given is \(f(x) = x\). This is a linear function with a slope of 1 and a y-intercept at 0. It represents a straight line.
02
Identify the Slope and Intercept
Since this is a linear equation in the form \(f(x) = mx + b\), we identify the slope \(m = 1\) and y-intercept \(b = 0\). This means the line increases by 1 unit up for every 1 unit it moves to the right on the graph.
03
Plot Key Points
To graph the function, start by plotting the y-intercept. At \(x = 0\), \(f(x) = 0\), so one point is (0, 0). Then, using the slope, another point would be (1, 1). Continue plotting points such as (2, 2), (3, 3), and (-1, -1).
04
Draw the Line
With the points (0, 0), (1, 1), (2, 2), and (-1, -1) plotted, draw a straight line through these points. This line represents the graph of \(f(x) = x\). It is perfectly diagonal, passing through the origin and rising at a 45-degree angle.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope-Intercept Form
The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is a vital tool in graphing functions. It is written as \(y = mx + b\). Here, \(m\) represents the slope of the line, and \(b\) is the y-intercept. Let's break it down further:
\(
In our example, the equation \(f(x) = x\) can be viewed as \(y = 1x + 0\), showing that the slope \(m\) is 1 and the y-intercept \(b\) is 0.
Understanding this form is important for quickly sketching and analyzing the linear equation on a graph.
\(
- Slope \(m\): This is the rate of change of the line. It tells us how steep the line is and in which direction it is going. A positive slope means the line ascends from left to right, while a negative slope means it descends.
- Y-intercept \(b\): This is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. It is the value of \(y\) when \(x = 0\).
In our example, the equation \(f(x) = x\) can be viewed as \(y = 1x + 0\), showing that the slope \(m\) is 1 and the y-intercept \(b\) is 0.
Understanding this form is important for quickly sketching and analyzing the linear equation on a graph.
Plotting Points
Plotting points is a fundamental step in graphing linear functions. By identifying key points from the equation, we can accurately draw the graph. Here's how you do it:
First, start with the y-intercept, which is the point where the function crosses the y-axis. Then, use the slope to find additional points on the line.
Consider the function \(f(x) = x\):
First, start with the y-intercept, which is the point where the function crosses the y-axis. Then, use the slope to find additional points on the line.
Consider the function \(f(x) = x\):
- The y-intercept is (0,0). It tells us that the line passes through the origin.
- Using the slope of 1, move from the y-intercept. For each "1" unit moved to the right on the x-axis, go "1" unit up on the y-axis. This gives the next point: (1,1).
- Repeat these steps to find more points. For example, (2,2), (3,3), (-1,-1), etc.
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is a crucial element in graphing and comprehending linear functions. It's essentially where your line lands on the y-axis.
The value of the y-intercept directly affects where the entire line sits with respect to the origin. In the function \(f(x) = x\), our y-intercept \(b\) is 0, indicating that the line crosses the y-axis exactly at the origin (0,0).
Understanding the y-intercept allows you to quickly locate the starting point for graphing the function on a coordinate plane:
The value of the y-intercept directly affects where the entire line sits with respect to the origin. In the function \(f(x) = x\), our y-intercept \(b\) is 0, indicating that the line crosses the y-axis exactly at the origin (0,0).
Understanding the y-intercept allows you to quickly locate the starting point for graphing the function on a coordinate plane:
- If \(b = 0\), like in \(f(x) = x\), the origin (0,0) is your starting point.
- If \(b\) had been, say, 3, the line would cross the y-axis at (0,3).