CP Calculus
Power Function Graphing
Section 4.2
1. Graphing Activity
a. Open the Desmos application, then type “x^m” in the first box.
b. Click on the letter m when this comes up:
.
c. Click on the number below the letter m and type the following: −10 ≤ 𝑚 ≤ 10 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑝: 1 .
d. Now, drag the slider back and forth to view how the graph changes. Fill out the following chart with the
general shape of each graph using what you’ve learned.
m>0, even
m>0 odd
m<0, even
m<0, odd
Ex:
e. Now, click to the right of the m in the exponent, type “/n” and add another slider.
f.
Click on the number below the letter n and type the following: 1 ≤ 𝑛 ≤ 10 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑝: 1 .
g. Set m to 4 and drag n back and forth. Fill in the following chart.
*m is an _____ number
n>m, n is odd
Ex.
1
n<m, n is odd
CP Calculus
Power Function Graphing
Section 4.2
h. Set m to 5 and drag n back and forth. Fill in the following chart.
*m is an _____ number
n>m, n is even
n>m, n is odd
n<m, n is even
n<m, n is odd
Ex.
i.
Set m to -5 and drag n back and forth. Fill in the following chart.
m<0, n is even
m<0, n is odd
Ex.
2. Example 1: Sketch each of the following power functions by hand. Check with your calculator or Desmos.
f  x  x3
4
2
f  x   2 x
3
2
f  x   3x 2
3
f  x  x3
1