MCR3U – Cycle 1 Functions and Transformations Date: _______________ 3a
Post-Lesson Consolidation Activity for LESSON 3
The Eight Base Functions
This course is based on eight base functions:
1. Linear f ( x) x
2. Quadratic f ( x) x 2
3. Cubic f ( x) x 3
4. Square Root f ( x) x
5. Exponential f ( x) 2 x
1
6. Reciprocal f ( x)
x
7. Absolute Value f ( x) x
8. Sine / Cosine f ( x ) sin( x ) and f ( x ) cos( x ) NOTE: #8 will be covered in a separate lesson
To succeed in this course, you will need to have a mastery of these base functions (sometimes called parent
functions), their characteristics, behaviours, how to transform them and the effects of combining them.
In order to master these functions we are asking you to practice graphing each of the 7 base functions over
a pre-set domain. At the end of the consolidation, you will have a practiced graphing (which is great!) and
will be left with a collection of graphs of your 7 base functions to keep in the front of your binder.
To Get Started:
All functions will be graphed over the set of REAL NUMBERS (meaning that they are continuous and should
be connected with a smooth curve where appropriate)
Step 1) Make a Table of Values for your function using the x-values provided in each table.
These are the base points you must always use when graphing this type of function
Step 2) Graph your function using your table of values. Remember it is a continuous function, so, make sure
to connect your function as best you can with a smooth curve between your TOV points.
Step 3) Label the function on your graph with it’s equation in function notation: f(x) = …
Step 4) Identify the Domain and Range of your function.
Step 5) Identify any other Important Features (y-intercepts, vertex, asymptotes, etc.)
To Submit:
Once you have finished the consolidation, take a picture of your work and upload it to your
Google Classroom site, in the provided check-in assignment
Special Notes:
Absolute Value: The distance from zero on a number line.
For example, the absolute value of –5 is +5, as the distance from –5 to 0 is 5 units. 5 5
Asymptotes: An asymptote is a line or curve that approaches a given curve arbitrarily closely.
A graph can have a vertical asymptote and/or a horizontal asymptote.
Linear Absolute Quadratic Square Root
x f ( x) x x f ( x) x x f ( x) x 2 x f ( x) x
–2 –2 –2 0
–1 –1 –1 1
0 0 0 4
1 1 1 9
2 2 2 16
Cubic Exponential Reciprocal
x f ( x) x 3 x f ( x) 2 x x f ( x)
1
x
–2 –2
–2
–1 –1 –1
0 0 1
1 2
1
0
2 2 1
2
1
2
You may use your own graph paper or the templates provided below to sketch your functions.
Make sure you pick a consistent scale on each of your x- and y-axis.
