GRE Quantitative: Algebra – Graphs of Functions


In your GRE exam, you should expect a few questions based on functions. Being comfortable with functions and its graphs will not only help you solve the problems based on functions but on coordinate geometry as well.

Before we move on to any complex definitions or graphs, let us understand what functions actually mean. Functions can be imagined as machines that have an input and an associated output. There is always a rule through which output and input can be related.

There are many standard functions knowing whose graphs is essential for the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section. We will understand these functions and their graphs one at a time.

1.Linear Function: The rule used for presenting a linear function is represented as y = mx + b. It is the equation of a line as lines are always linear in nature. Here, in this equation, y represents how far up the line went; x represents how far along the line is, m is the gradient or slope of the line, that is, the steepness of the line is represented through m and b is the point where the line intersects the y- axis.

Graphs of Functions Fig 1

2. Quadratic Function: The graph of which is a graph that is symmetrical about the y-axis. Similarly, the graph of

will be symmetrical about -y axis. And the graphs of  and , will be symmetrical about x- axis. The domain of quadratic function is all Real Numbers, R but. Whereas, its range is only positive real numbers.

Graphs of Functions Fig 2

3. Cubic Function: is a cubic function in nature. The range and domain of cubic function is real numbers, R.

Graphs of Functions Fig 3

4. Square Root Function: The equation of square root function is . And the domain and range of square root function is non-negative real numbers, that is [0, ∞).

Graphs of Functions Fig 4

5. Absolute Value Function: The equation of absolute value function is f(x) = |x|. Its range is non-negative real numbers while its domain is the whole set of real numbers.

Graphs of Functions Fig 5

6. Reciprocal Function: The equation for presenting the reciprocal function is y= 1/x . The graph of reciprocal functions forms a hyperbola and it is an odd function.

Graphs of Functions Fig 6

7. Logarithmic Function: The equation for logarithmic function is y = log(x). Its domain contains positive real numbers and range is made from real numbers.

Graphs of Functions Fig 7

8. Exponential Function: Equation- , where a is always greater than 0.

Graphs of Functions Fig 8

9. Floor and Ceiling Function: The floor and ceiling value gives you the nearest integer value, either up or down.

Graphs of Functions Fig 9

10. Sine Function:

Graphs of Functions Fig 10

11. Cosine Function:

Graphs of Functions Fig 11

12. Tangent Function:

Graphs of Functions Fig 12

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