Graphing a function is like drawing a map that shows how y-values change with x-values:
- Choose x-values: Pick a range of x-values that make sense for your function.
- Calculate y-values: Plug these x-values into the function to find corresponding y-values.
- Plot points: On graph paper or using graphing software, plot these points (x, y).
- Draw the curve: Connect these points smoothly, considering the behavior of the function (like asymptotes or intercepts) to guide the drawing.
Example: For f(x) = x^2 - 4 , plot points for x = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 , and observe the parabolic shape opening upwards.