Classifying
Functions Based
on Graphs and
Equations
LINEAR • ABSOLUTE VALUE • QUADRATIC •
SQUARE ROOT • CUBE ROOT
Objective
At the end of the lesson, students should be
able to:
• Identify functions as linear, absolute value,
quadratic, square root, or cube root.
• Classify functions using their equations and
graphs.
• Compare the characteristics of each type of
function.
Linear Function
Equation: y = mx + b
• Graph: straight line
• Example: y = 2x + 3
• Key Feature: constant
rate of change (slope
m).
Absolute Value Function
Equation: y = |x|
• Graph: V-shape
• Example: y = |x - 2|
• Key Feature: always
non-negative; vertex is
the turning point.
Quadratic Function
Equation: y = ax² + bx +
c
• Graph: parabola (opens
up if a > 0, down if a < 0)
• Example: y = x² - 4
• Key Feature: vertex
(turning point), axis of
symmetry.
Square Root Function
Equation: y = √x
• Graph: starts at (0,0)
and increases slowly
• Example: y = √(x+3)
• Key Feature: defined for
x ≥ 0 (or adjusted by
transformations).
Cube Root Function
Equation: y = ³√x
• Graph: S-shape (passes
through origin)
• Example: y = ³√(x - 1)
• Key Feature: defined for
all real numbers,
increasing curve.
Comparison of Functions
Function Equation Graph Shape
Linear y = mx + b Straight line
Absolute Value y = |x| V-shape
Quadratic y = ax² + bx + c Parabola
Square Root y = √x Half-curve starting at
origin
Cube Root y = ³√x S-shaped curve
Practice: Classify the
Functions
Classify each function as Linear, Absolute Value,
Quadratic, Square Root, or Cube Root:
1. y = 2x - 5
2. y = |x + 1|
3. y = x² + 4x + 3
4. y = √(x-2)
5. y = ³√x
