Introduction to Parent Functions
Definition
Parent Function - is the simplest function with defining characteristic of the family
Real life use for parent functions
Oceanographers use transformations and parent functions to approximate data sets such as the wave hight and wind speed
example
Oceanographer wants to determine a model that can used to estimate wind speed based upon wave height. Grapher the relationship from wave which parent function best describes it. then they use the graph to estimate to wave height when the speed is 10 knots
step 1- graph relation
Graph the points given in the table draw a smooth curve through them to help see the shape
step 2- Identify the parent function
the graph of data the set resembles the shape the square - root parent function f(x)= X
step 3 - Estimate the wave height when the wind speed is 10 knots
the curve indicates that a wind speed of 10 knots would create a wave that is approximately 2.5
answer 2.5
Graph the points given in the table draw a smooth curve through them to help see the shape
step 2- Identify the parent function
the graph of data the set resembles the shape the square - root parent function f(x)= X
step 3 - Estimate the wave height when the wind speed is 10 knots
the curve indicates that a wind speed of 10 knots would create a wave that is approximately 2.5
answer 2.5