1.2 Interpreting Graphs of Functions

Terms and definitions from notes

Increasing Interval

As the input values increase, the output values also increase (Going uphill; if a<b, f(a)<f(b))

Decreasing Interval

As the input values increase, the output values decrease (going downhill; if a<b, f(b)<f(a))

Constant Interval

As the input values increase, the output values stay the same (Horizontal line; if a=b, f(a)=f(b))

Lower Bound

Some # that is smaller than all other y-values in the function

Upper Bound

Some # that is larger than all other y-values in the function

Bounded

A function with both lower and upper bounds

Local Maximum

The top of a hill or highest point in that area

Local Minimum

The bottom of a hill or the lowest point in that area

Absolute Extrema

The max of all maximums or min of all minimums

X-intercepts

where the graph crosses the x-axis (can have multiple)

Y-intercepts

where the graph crosses the y-axis (cannot have multiple)