Name: Date:

6.2 Representing Functions

Objective: Represent a function in different forms

Represent a function as an algebraic equation, a table, and a graph.

Example 1: A tank contains 8 gallons of water. Water is then pumped into the tank at a rate of 2 gallons per minute. The total amount of water in the tank, y gallons, is a function of the number of minutes, x, that water has been pumped into the tank.

a)  Write a verbal description of the function. Then write an algebraic equation for the function.

b)  Construct a table of c) Use the table of values to

x- and y-values for the function. plot a graph to represent the function.

x / y
1
2
3

Try this with your partner…

1. A game shop rents our video games at a rate of $6 per game. The total amount of money the shop collect, y dollars, is a function of the number of games, x, that the shop rents out.

a)  Write an algebraic equation for the function.

b)  Construct a table of c) Use the table of values to

x- and y-values for the function. plot a graph to represent the function.

x / y
1
2
3

Try this one on your own…

2. A fire sprinkler sprays water at a rate of 8 gallons per minute. The total of water being sprayed, y gallons, is a function of the number of minutes, x, that the shop rents out.

a)  Write an algebraic equation for the function.

b)  Construct a table of c) Use the table of values to

x- and y-values for the function. plot a graph to represent the function.

x / y
1
2
3

Translate a table of values for a function into a graph and an algebraic equation.

Example 2: Rachel starts cycling a distance away from her house at a constant rate. The table shows her distance from home, y meters, as a function of the time she takes to cycle, x seconds.

a)  Graph the function. Use 1 unit on

the horizontal axis for the x interval

0 to 5, and 1 unit on the vertical axis

to represent 4 meters for the y interval

from 6 to 26.

Try this with your group…

Example 2: The table shows the total distance, y miles, indicated on the odometer of Jason’s car and the amount of gasoline used, x gallons, on a particular day.

a)  Graph the function. Use 1 unit on

the horizontal axis for the x interval

0 to 5, and 1 unit on the vertical axis

to represent 30 miles for the y interval

from 1,000 to 1,150.