Calculus Volume 1

14

Chapter 1 | Functions and Graphs

Temperature (°F)

Temperature (°F)

Hours after Midnight

Hours after Midnight

0

58

12

84

1

54

13

85

2

53

14

85

3

52

15

83

4

52

16

82

5

55

17

80

6

60

18

77

7

64

19

74

8

72

20

69

9

75

21

65

10

78

22

60

11

80

23

58

Table 1.1 Temperature as a Function of Time of Day

We can see from the table that temperature is a function of time, and the temperature decreases, then increases, and then decreases again. However, we cannot get a clear picture of the behavior of the function without graphing it. Graphs Given a function f described by a table, we can provide a visual picture of the function in the form of a graph. Graphing the temperatures listed in Table1.1 can give us a better idea of their fluctuation throughout the day. Figure1.6 shows the plot of the temperature function.

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