CurriculumGrade 9Mathematics

Comparing Functions

Aligned to F-IF.C.9 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

What this lesson teaches

To compare functions given in different forms (equation, table, or graph), find a common feature such as slope, rate of change, or maximum, then compare those values.

Worked example

Function A is y = 3x + 1. Function B is a table with (0, 2), (1, 6), (2, 10). B's rate of change is (6 − 2) / 1 = 4. Since 4 > 3, function B grows faster.

Practice questions

  1. Line A has slope 5; line B is y = 4x + 2. Which is steeper?
  2. One job pays $6 per hour; another is y = 8x. Which earns faster?
  3. Compare the y-intercepts of y = 2x + 7 and a table with (0, 3), (1, 5).

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

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En español

Comparar Funciones

Para comparar funciones dadas en distintas formas (ecuación, tabla o gráfica), halla una característica común como la pendiente, la tasa de cambio o el máximo, y luego compara esos valores.

Ejemplo: La función A es y = 3x + 1. La función B es una tabla con (0, 2), (1, 6), (2, 10). La tasa de cambio de B es (6 − 2) / 1 = 4. Como 4 > 3, la función B crece más rápido.

More Functions lessons

Interpreting Graphs of FunctionsF-IF.B.4What Is a Function?F-IF.A.1Evaluating FunctionsF-IF.A.2Sequences as FunctionsF-IF.A.3Domain in ContextF-IF.B.5Average Rate of ChangeF-IF.B.6

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