Understanding functions in math

Not only are functions fun, they are the basis of all of Algebra 1 – linear, quadratic, and exponential. Out of 49 Texas standards in Algebra 1, 20 involve functions — that is over 40%!  It is important that students have a firm grasp on understanding how to identify, evaluate, and graph a function to prepare them for more complex problems.

Standards

Here are the standards that best describe what we are going to focus our time on today. 

• A.12(B) evaluate functions, expressed in function notation, given one or more elements in their domains
• A.12(A) decide whether relations represented verbally, tabularly, graphically, and symbolically define a function

Here’s what those standards look like as 2019 and 2018 STAAR test questions.

Vertical Alignment

In 8th grade, students will begin to identify functions in ordered pairs and with graphs; it is a readiness standard, so it is tested more heavily in 8th grade than in Algebra 1.

You can see an example of am 8th grade STAAR test question below.

I think vertica