Describing Graphs

#$&*

course Phy 122

Describing Graphs*********************************************

Question: `q001. You will frequently need to describe the graphs you have constructed in this course. This exercise is designed to get you used to some of the terminology we use to describe graphs. Please complete this exercise and submit your work as instructed.

Note that you should do these graphs on paper without using a calculator. None of the arithmetic involved here should require a calculator, and you should not require the graphing capabilities of your calculator to answer these questions.

Problem 1. We make a table for y = 2x + 7 as follows: We construct two columns, and label the first column 'x' and the second 'y'. Put the numbers -3, -2, -1, -, 1, 2, 3 in the 'x' column. We substitute -3 into the expression and get y = 2(-3) + 7 = 1. We substitute -2 and get y = 2(-2) + 7 = 3. Substituting the remaining numbers we get y values 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. These numbers go into the second column, each next to the x value from which it was obtained. We then graph these points on a set of x-y coordinate axes. Noting that these points lie on a straight line, we then construct the line through the points.

Now make a table for and graph the function y = 3x - 4.

Identify the intercepts of the graph, i.e., the points where the graph goes through the x and the y axes.

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

Y = 3x - 4

x Y

-3 Y=3(-3)-4 -13

-2 Y=3(-2)-4 -11

-1 Y=3(-1)-4 -7

0 Y=3(0)-4 -4

1 Y=3(1)-4 -1

2 Y=3(2)-4 2

3 Y=3(3)-4 5

The y intercept is (0, -4). The x intercept is solved by graphing which I got (4/3, 0). We could also set y = 0 and solve for x.

0 = 3x-4,

-3x = -4

X = 4/3

confidence rating #$&*:: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aThe graph goes through the x axis when y = 0 and through the y axis when x = 0.

The x-intercept is therefore when 0 = 3x - 4, so 4 = 3x and x = 4/3.

The y-intercept is when y = 3 * 0 - 4 = -4. Thus the x intercept is at (4/3, 0) and the y intercept is at (0, -4).

Your graph should confirm this.

*********************************************

Question: `q002. Does the steepness of the graph in the preceding exercise (of the function y = 3x - 4) change? If so describe how it changes.

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

No, the graph is a straight line, linear and therefore, the slope does not change.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

------------------------------------------------

Self-critique Rating:

*********************************************

Question: `q003. What is the slope of the graph of the preceding two exercises (the function is y = 3x - 4;slope is rise / run between two points of the graph)?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

The slope of the graph is 3/1 or 3. The slope can be found from the graph or be determined by the number preceding the x in the equation.

confidence rating #$&*:: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aBetween any two points of the graph rise / run = 3.

For example, when x = 2 we have y = 3 * 2 - 4 = 2 and when x = 8 we have y = 3 * 8 - 4 = 20. Between these points the rise is 20 - 2 = 18 and the run is 8 - 2 = 6 so the slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

Note that 3 is the coefficient of x in y = 3x - 4.

Note the following for reference in subsequent problems: The graph of this function is a straight line. The graph increases as we move from left to right. We therefore say that the graph is increasing, and that it is increasing at constant rate because the steepness of a straight line doesn't change.

Slope = rise / run.

The rise between two graph points is the change in the y coordinate. The run is the change in the x coordinate.

Our function is y = 3 x - 4.

When x = 2, we substitute 2 for x to get y = 3 * 2 - 4, which is equal to 2.

When x = 8, we substitute 8 for x to get y = 3 * 8 - 4, which is equal to 20.

The graph therefore contains the points (2, 2) and (8, 20).

You should have made a graph showing these points. If not you should do so now.

As you go from point to point your y coordinate goes from 2 to 20. So the 'rise' between the points is 20 - 2 = 18.

Your x coordinate goes from 2 to 8. So the 'run' between the points is 8 - 2 = 6.

The slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

The numbers 2 and 8, which were used for the x values, were chosen arbitrarily. Any other two x values would have given you

different coordinates, likely with different rise and run. However whatever two x values you use, you will get the same slope. The slope of this graph is constant, and is equal to 3.

*********************************************

Question: `q004. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution: y = x ^ 2

x Y = x ^ 2 y

0 0

1 1

2 4

3 9

The graph is parabolic in shape and therefore the slope is increasing. Based on the solutions for Y, the graph is increasing at an increasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aGraph points include (0,0), (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9). The y values are 0, 1, 4 and 9, which increase as we move from left to right.

The increases between these points are 1, 3 and 5, so the graph not only increases, it increases at an increasing rate

NOTE FOR STUDENT WITH CALCULUS BACKGROUND (students who haven't had calculus should ignore this; this explanation is optional even for students who have had calculus)

In terms of the calculus, the derivative function is easily seen to be y ' = 2 x, which is positive and increasing, and which therefore implies an increasing slope.

Since in this case the slope is positive, which implies that the function is increasing, the increasing slope therefore implies that the value of the function is increasing at an increasing rate.

Another terminology which is standard in calculus: If the slope is increasing then the shape of the graph is concave upward. So we could describe this graph as increasing and concave upward.

This could also be explained in terms of the second derivative, y '' = 2, which is positive everywhere. The positive second derivative implies that the graph is concave up.

*********************************************

Question: `q005. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = -3 and x = 0.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

X Y = x ^ 2 Y

-3 9

-2 4

-1 1

0 0

The graph is parabolic and therefore the steepness changes, the slope increases. The graph is negative and therefore is decreasing and a decreasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aFrom left to right the graph is decreasing (points (-3,9), (-2,4), (-1,1), (0,0) show y values 9, 4, 1, 0 as we move from left to right ). The magnitudes of the changes in x from 9 to 4 to 1 to 0 decrease, so the steepness is decreasing.

Thus the graph is decreasing, but more and more slowly. We therefore say that the graph on this interval is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

*********************************************

Question: `q006. Make a table of y vs. x for y = `sqrt(x). [note: `sqrt(x) means 'the square root of x']. Graph y = `sqrt(x) between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

x Y = sqrtx y

0 0

1 1

2 1.414

3 1.732

The graphs steepness is decreasing as the slope is decreasing. The graph is increasing at a decreasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aIf you use x values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 you will obtain graph points (0,0), (1,1), (2,1.414), (3. 1.732), (4,2). The y value changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. Thus the steepness of the graph is decreasing.

The graph would be increasing at a decreasing rate.

If the graph represents the profile of a hill, the hill starts out very steep but gets easier and easier to climb. You are still climbing but you go up by less with each step, so the rate of increase is decreasing.

If your graph doesn't look like this then you probably are not using a consistent scale for at least one of the axes. If your graph isn't as described take another look at your plot and make a note in your response indicating any difficulties.

STUDENT QUESTION: I am still unsure why the steepness is decreasing, I see why going

from right to left, but the graph looks linear?

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE: The y value increases, but it changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. So the graph is increasing, but by less and less with each step. It's increasing but at a decreasing rat

"

Self-critique (if necessary):

------------------------------------------------

Self-critique rating:

*********************************************

Question: `q003. What is the slope of the graph of the preceding two exercises (the function is y = 3x - 4;slope is rise / run between two points of the graph)?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

The slope of the graph is 3/1 or 3. The slope can be found from the graph or be determined by the number preceding the x in the equation.

confidence rating #$&*:: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aBetween any two points of the graph rise / run = 3.

For example, when x = 2 we have y = 3 * 2 - 4 = 2 and when x = 8 we have y = 3 * 8 - 4 = 20. Between these points the rise is 20 - 2 = 18 and the run is 8 - 2 = 6 so the slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

Note that 3 is the coefficient of x in y = 3x - 4.

Note the following for reference in subsequent problems: The graph of this function is a straight line. The graph increases as we move from left to right. We therefore say that the graph is increasing, and that it is increasing at constant rate because the steepness of a straight line doesn't change.

Slope = rise / run.

The rise between two graph points is the change in the y coordinate. The run is the change in the x coordinate.

Our function is y = 3 x - 4.

When x = 2, we substitute 2 for x to get y = 3 * 2 - 4, which is equal to 2.

When x = 8, we substitute 8 for x to get y = 3 * 8 - 4, which is equal to 20.

The graph therefore contains the points (2, 2) and (8, 20).

You should have made a graph showing these points. If not you should do so now.

As you go from point to point your y coordinate goes from 2 to 20. So the 'rise' between the points is 20 - 2 = 18.

Your x coordinate goes from 2 to 8. So the 'run' between the points is 8 - 2 = 6.

The slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

The numbers 2 and 8, which were used for the x values, were chosen arbitrarily. Any other two x values would have given you

different coordinates, likely with different rise and run. However whatever two x values you use, you will get the same slope. The slope of this graph is constant, and is equal to 3.

*********************************************

Question: `q004. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution: y = x ^ 2

x Y = x ^ 2 y

0 0

1 1

2 4

3 9

The graph is parabolic in shape and therefore the slope is increasing. Based on the solutions for Y, the graph is increasing at an increasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aGraph points include (0,0), (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9). The y values are 0, 1, 4 and 9, which increase as we move from left to right.

The increases between these points are 1, 3 and 5, so the graph not only increases, it increases at an increasing rate

NOTE FOR STUDENT WITH CALCULUS BACKGROUND (students who haven't had calculus should ignore this; this explanation is optional even for students who have had calculus)

In terms of the calculus, the derivative function is easily seen to be y ' = 2 x, which is positive and increasing, and which therefore implies an increasing slope.

Since in this case the slope is positive, which implies that the function is increasing, the increasing slope therefore implies that the value of the function is increasing at an increasing rate.

Another terminology which is standard in calculus: If the slope is increasing then the shape of the graph is concave upward. So we could describe this graph as increasing and concave upward.

This could also be explained in terms of the second derivative, y '' = 2, which is positive everywhere. The positive second derivative implies that the graph is concave up.

*********************************************

Question: `q005. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = -3 and x = 0.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

X Y = x ^ 2 Y

-3 9

-2 4

-1 1

0 0

The graph is parabolic and therefore the steepness changes, the slope increases. The graph is negative and therefore is decreasing and a decreasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aFrom left to right the graph is decreasing (points (-3,9), (-2,4), (-1,1), (0,0) show y values 9, 4, 1, 0 as we move from left to right ). The magnitudes of the changes in x from 9 to 4 to 1 to 0 decrease, so the steepness is decreasing.

Thus the graph is decreasing, but more and more slowly. We therefore say that the graph on this interval is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

*********************************************

Question: `q006. Make a table of y vs. x for y = `sqrt(x). [note: `sqrt(x) means 'the square root of x']. Graph y = `sqrt(x) between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

x Y = sqrtx y

0 0

1 1

2 1.414

3 1.732

The graphs steepness is decreasing as the slope is decreasing. The graph is increasing at a decreasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aIf you use x values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 you will obtain graph points (0,0), (1,1), (2,1.414), (3. 1.732), (4,2). The y value changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. Thus the steepness of the graph is decreasing.

The graph would be increasing at a decreasing rate.

If the graph represents the profile of a hill, the hill starts out very steep but gets easier and easier to climb. You are still climbing but you go up by less with each step, so the rate of increase is decreasing.

If your graph doesn't look like this then you probably are not using a consistent scale for at least one of the axes. If your graph isn't as described take another look at your plot and make a note in your response indicating any difficulties.

STUDENT QUESTION: I am still unsure why the steepness is decreasing, I see why going

from right to left, but the graph looks linear?

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE: The y value increases, but it changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. So the graph is increasing, but by less and less with each step. It's increasing but at a decreasing rat

"

Self-critique (if necessary):

------------------------------------------------

Self-critique rating:

#*&!

*********************************************

Question: `q003. What is the slope of the graph of the preceding two exercises (the function is y = 3x - 4;slope is rise / run between two points of the graph)?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

The slope of the graph is 3/1 or 3. The slope can be found from the graph or be determined by the number preceding the x in the equation.

confidence rating #$&*:: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aBetween any two points of the graph rise / run = 3.

For example, when x = 2 we have y = 3 * 2 - 4 = 2 and when x = 8 we have y = 3 * 8 - 4 = 20. Between these points the rise is 20 - 2 = 18 and the run is 8 - 2 = 6 so the slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

Note that 3 is the coefficient of x in y = 3x - 4.

Note the following for reference in subsequent problems: The graph of this function is a straight line. The graph increases as we move from left to right. We therefore say that the graph is increasing, and that it is increasing at constant rate because the steepness of a straight line doesn't change.

Slope = rise / run.

The rise between two graph points is the change in the y coordinate. The run is the change in the x coordinate.

Our function is y = 3 x - 4.

When x = 2, we substitute 2 for x to get y = 3 * 2 - 4, which is equal to 2.

When x = 8, we substitute 8 for x to get y = 3 * 8 - 4, which is equal to 20.

The graph therefore contains the points (2, 2) and (8, 20).

You should have made a graph showing these points. If not you should do so now.

As you go from point to point your y coordinate goes from 2 to 20. So the 'rise' between the points is 20 - 2 = 18.

Your x coordinate goes from 2 to 8. So the 'run' between the points is 8 - 2 = 6.

The slope is rise / run = 18 / 6 = 3.

The numbers 2 and 8, which were used for the x values, were chosen arbitrarily. Any other two x values would have given you

different coordinates, likely with different rise and run. However whatever two x values you use, you will get the same slope. The slope of this graph is constant, and is equal to 3.

*********************************************

Question: `q004. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution: y = x ^ 2

x Y = x ^ 2 y

0 0

1 1

2 4

3 9

The graph is parabolic in shape and therefore the slope is increasing. Based on the solutions for Y, the graph is increasing at an increasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aGraph points include (0,0), (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9). The y values are 0, 1, 4 and 9, which increase as we move from left to right.

The increases between these points are 1, 3 and 5, so the graph not only increases, it increases at an increasing rate

NOTE FOR STUDENT WITH CALCULUS BACKGROUND (students who haven't had calculus should ignore this; this explanation is optional even for students who have had calculus)

In terms of the calculus, the derivative function is easily seen to be y ' = 2 x, which is positive and increasing, and which therefore implies an increasing slope.

Since in this case the slope is positive, which implies that the function is increasing, the increasing slope therefore implies that the value of the function is increasing at an increasing rate.

Another terminology which is standard in calculus: If the slope is increasing then the shape of the graph is concave upward. So we could describe this graph as increasing and concave upward.

This could also be explained in terms of the second derivative, y '' = 2, which is positive everywhere. The positive second derivative implies that the graph is concave up.

*********************************************

Question: `q005. Make a table of y vs. x for y = x^2. Graph y = x^2 between x = -3 and x = 0.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

X Y = x ^ 2 Y

-3 9

-2 4

-1 1

0 0

The graph is parabolic and therefore the steepness changes, the slope increases. The graph is negative and therefore is decreasing and a decreasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aFrom left to right the graph is decreasing (points (-3,9), (-2,4), (-1,1), (0,0) show y values 9, 4, 1, 0 as we move from left to right ). The magnitudes of the changes in x from 9 to 4 to 1 to 0 decrease, so the steepness is decreasing.

Thus the graph is decreasing, but more and more slowly. We therefore say that the graph on this interval is decreasing at a decreasing rate.

*********************************************

Question: `q006. Make a table of y vs. x for y = `sqrt(x). [note: `sqrt(x) means 'the square root of x']. Graph y = `sqrt(x) between x = 0 and x = 3.

Would you say that the graph is increasing or decreasing?

Does the steepness of the graph change and if so, how?

Would you say that the graph is increasing at an increasing rate, increasing at a constant rate, increasing at a decreasing rate, decreasing at an decreasing rate, decreasing at a constant rate, or decreasing at a decreasing rate?

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Your solution:

x Y = sqrtx y

0 0

1 1

2 1.414

3 1.732

The graphs steepness is decreasing as the slope is decreasing. The graph is increasing at a decreasing rate.

confidence rating #$&*: Ok

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

.............................................

Given Solution:

`aIf you use x values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 you will obtain graph points (0,0), (1,1), (2,1.414), (3. 1.732), (4,2). The y value changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. Thus the steepness of the graph is decreasing.

The graph would be increasing at a decreasing rate.

If the graph represents the profile of a hill, the hill starts out very steep but gets easier and easier to climb. You are still climbing but you go up by less with each step, so the rate of increase is decreasing.

If your graph doesn't look like this then you probably are not using a consistent scale for at least one of the axes. If your graph isn't as described take another look at your plot and make a note in your response indicating any difficulties.

STUDENT QUESTION: I am still unsure why the steepness is decreasing, I see why going

from right to left, but the graph looks linear?

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE: The y value increases, but it changes by less and less for every succeeding x value. So the graph is increasing, but by less and less with each step. It's increasing but at a decreasing rat

"

Self-critique (if necessary):

------------------------------------------------

Self-critique rating:

#*&!#*&!

@&

Good.

Note that again you've included most, but not all, of lines in the original document. So far this hasn't been a serious problem, but be sure to correct this in the very near future.

*@