How do I graph h(x)=x^2?

Question

To be completely honest, I have never even seen this before. I received this on my homework, and I have no idea what to do. What's "h?" Any help?

Thanks!

Answer 1

look at the orange graph here:

http://www.bbs-bingen.de/Fachbereiche/Ma...

"h" might be used to show that it is a function that is different from "f" or others.

these letters don't affect the function itself, so you don't need to worry about them.

Answer 2

The h is the same thing as the f in f(x) which is also the same thing as y=.

When you're graphing x^2, remember that this is a quadratic and therefore will be a parabola. That means that it'll be in the shape of an upwards U or a downwards U. Try a graphing utility or a data table where you're plugging in points.

Answer 3

h(x) first off is just the function.  It can be f(x), g(x), z(x); it doesn't matter.  It is just the function's name.  If you want, you can substitute all of that with y.

Without a graphing calculator, the best way to graph any function is by plugging in points.  For example, plug in various values for x such as -2,-1,0,1,2 until you get a feel for what the function is going to look like by using the points.

Your table should look something like this:

x   l    y

-2      4

-1      1

0       0

1       1

2       4

Once you plug in the points on a graph, you will find the curve looks something like a U.  Remember this strategy in the future since the functions will only get more complicated.  Always plug in when in doubt.