Characteristics of Functions

Virginia SOL MA.CF.1

Identify and analyze properties of polynomial, rational, piecewise-defined, absolute value, radical, and step functions and sketch their graphs.

What students need to be able to do

  • Identify polynomial, rational, piecewise-defined, absolute value, radical, and step functions from an equation or graph using mathematical reasoning.
  • Analyze the domain and range of polynomial, rational, piecewise-defined, absolute value, radical, and step functions.
  • Determine roots (including complex roots) of polynomial, rational, piecewise-defined, absolute value, radical, and step functions.
  • Identify intercepts of polynomial, rational, piecewise-defined, absolute value, radical, and step functions.
  • Analyze symmetry of functions, including even and odd functions.
  • Identify asymptotes (horizontal, vertical, and oblique/slant) of rational and other functions.
  • Determine points of discontinuity in functions.
  • Identify intervals where functions are increasing, decreasing, or constant.
  • Analyze end behavior of functions.
  • Identify relative and absolute maximum and minimum points of functions.
  • Sketch graphs of polynomial, rational, piecewise-defined, absolute value, radical, and step functions.