Learn on PengiSaxon Algebra 1Chapter 12: Sequences and Special Functions

Lesson 119: Graphing and Comparing Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions

In Saxon Algebra 1 Lesson 119, Grade 9 students learn to identify and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential function families by analyzing their parent functions, graphs, tables of values, and rates of change. The lesson covers key characteristics such as domain, range, and constant versus non-constant rates of change to distinguish among the three function types. Students practice matching equations like f(x) = 3^x or f(x) = x^2 - 1 to their correct function family using multiple representations.

Section 1

📘 Graphing and Comparing Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions

New Concept

A function family is a set of functions whose graphs have similar characteristics.

What’s next

Next, you’ll learn to identify these families—linear, quadratic, and exponential—from graphs, tables, and real-world scenarios.

Section 2

Function Families

Property

A function family is a set of functions whose graphs have similar characteristics, formed by transforming a parent function.

Explanation

Think of a parent function like f(x)=x2f(x)=x^2 as the original superhero. Other functions in its family, like f(x)=x2+3f(x)=x^2+3, have the same U-shape power but might be shifted up, down, or stretched. They all share a core identity!

Examples

f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 is the parent of the quadratic family, which includes g(x)=x2+3g(x) = -x^2 + 3.
f(x)=2x+5f(x) = 2x + 5 belongs to the linear family, whose parent is g(x)=xg(x) = x.

Section 3

Linear Functions

Property

Parent Function: f(x)=xf(x) = x. These functions have a constant rate of change, and their graph is a straight line.

Explanation

This is like earning an allowance! If you get five dollars every week, your savings grow at a steady, predictable rate. There are no surprises, just a straight line of cash piling up, which makes it easy to graph and predict.

Examples

The cost of gas at 3.25 dollars per gallon is a linear model because the rate is constant.
A data table shows a linear pattern if the difference in f(x)f(x) values is always the same for each step in xx.

Section 4

Quadratic Functions

Property

Parent Function: f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2. The graph is a parabola that changes direction at a maximum or minimum value called the vertex.

Explanation

Picture throwing a ball! It flies up, reaches a peak height (the vertex), and then arches back down. That classic U-shaped path is the signature move of a quadratic function. It always has one turning point, which makes it unique.

Examples

The height of a thrown object over time is modeled by a quadratic function.
The graph of f(x)=x21f(x) = x^2 - 1 is a U-shaped parabola that opens upwards.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 12: Sequences and Special Functions

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 111: Solving Problems Involving Permutations

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 112: Graphing and Solving Systems of Linear and Quadratic Equations

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 113: Interpreting the Discriminant

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 114: Graphing Square-Root Functions

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 115: Graphing Cubic Functions

  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 116: Solving Simple and Compound Interest Problems

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 117: Using Trigonometric Ratios

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 118: Solving Problems Involving Combinations

  9. Lesson 9Current

    Lesson 119: Graphing and Comparing Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions

  10. Lesson 10

    Lesson 120: Using Geometric Formulas to Find the Probability of an Event

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

📘 Graphing and Comparing Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions

New Concept

A function family is a set of functions whose graphs have similar characteristics.

What’s next

Next, you’ll learn to identify these families—linear, quadratic, and exponential—from graphs, tables, and real-world scenarios.

Section 2

Function Families

Property

A function family is a set of functions whose graphs have similar characteristics, formed by transforming a parent function.

Explanation

Think of a parent function like f(x)=x2f(x)=x^2 as the original superhero. Other functions in its family, like f(x)=x2+3f(x)=x^2+3, have the same U-shape power but might be shifted up, down, or stretched. They all share a core identity!

Examples

f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 is the parent of the quadratic family, which includes g(x)=x2+3g(x) = -x^2 + 3.
f(x)=2x+5f(x) = 2x + 5 belongs to the linear family, whose parent is g(x)=xg(x) = x.

Section 3

Linear Functions

Property

Parent Function: f(x)=xf(x) = x. These functions have a constant rate of change, and their graph is a straight line.

Explanation

This is like earning an allowance! If you get five dollars every week, your savings grow at a steady, predictable rate. There are no surprises, just a straight line of cash piling up, which makes it easy to graph and predict.

Examples

The cost of gas at 3.25 dollars per gallon is a linear model because the rate is constant.
A data table shows a linear pattern if the difference in f(x)f(x) values is always the same for each step in xx.

Section 4

Quadratic Functions

Property

Parent Function: f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2. The graph is a parabola that changes direction at a maximum or minimum value called the vertex.

Explanation

Picture throwing a ball! It flies up, reaches a peak height (the vertex), and then arches back down. That classic U-shaped path is the signature move of a quadratic function. It always has one turning point, which makes it unique.

Examples

The height of a thrown object over time is modeled by a quadratic function.
The graph of f(x)=x21f(x) = x^2 - 1 is a U-shaped parabola that opens upwards.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 12: Sequences and Special Functions

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 111: Solving Problems Involving Permutations

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 112: Graphing and Solving Systems of Linear and Quadratic Equations

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 113: Interpreting the Discriminant

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 114: Graphing Square-Root Functions

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 115: Graphing Cubic Functions

  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 116: Solving Simple and Compound Interest Problems

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 117: Using Trigonometric Ratios

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 118: Solving Problems Involving Combinations

  9. Lesson 9Current

    Lesson 119: Graphing and Comparing Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions

  10. Lesson 10

    Lesson 120: Using Geometric Formulas to Find the Probability of an Event