Finding the Function of a Given Graph

In summary, the conversation discusses methods for determining the function of a given table and graph, including using equations for straight lines and curves, as well as considering trigonometric functions for graphs with alternating signs. It also mentions the difficulty of determining trigonometric functions by hand and suggests using a calculator or program for a more accurate result.
  • #1
lch7
17
0
You are given a table and (maybe) a picture of a graph. Here are the points given: 0,0; 1,-.7568; 2,.99061; and 3,-.988. What is the function? Is it possible to figure out by hand?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
lch7 said:
You are given a table and (maybe) a picture of a graph. Here are the points given: 0,0; 1,-.7568; 2,.99061; and 3,-.988. What is the function? Is it possible to figure out by hand?

Call the first co-ordinate x, and the second y in each case.
Graph the points. If it is a straight line, use y=mx to find the equation.

If it it curves up like a parabola, try graphing y vs x2 and or y = y vs x3

If the graph flattens off, try y vs √x etc.
 
  • #3
If you have a good calc or program, do line of best fit. It is not linear. It very well may be trigonometric due to the alternating signs. There are ways to do it for EXPO and poly but Trig ones are hard by hand.
 

1. What is the definition of a function?

A function is a mathematical concept that describes the relationship between a set of inputs and outputs. It maps each input to exactly one output, meaning that each input has a unique output.

2. How can I identify the function represented by a given graph?

To identify the function represented by a given graph, you can look for patterns and relationships between the x and y values. A function will have only one output for each input, so you can also check for any repeating x values with different y values.

3. What is the difference between a linear and a nonlinear function?

A linear function is a straight line on a graph, with a constant rate of change between the x and y values. A nonlinear function, on the other hand, does not have a constant rate of change and can take on various shapes such as curves or parabolas.

4. How can I find the slope of a linear function from a given graph?

The slope of a linear function can be found by calculating the change in y values divided by the change in x values. This is also known as the rise over run, or the difference in the y coordinates divided by the difference in the x coordinates of two points on the line.

5. Can a function have more than one input for a given output?

No, a function can only have one input for each output. This is known as the one-to-one correspondence property of a function. However, multiple outputs can correspond to the same input, as long as each input has a unique output.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
780
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
766
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
199
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
430
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
552
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
944
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
763
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top