You can use a graphing calculator or the graphing utility linked below to discover information about the linear parent function.

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device. For this interactive activity, assistance may be required. Graph Sketcher

Input x under the equation editor button Y= on the graphing calculator, or y(x) = on the graphing utility link, and then click graph.  This is the linear parent function. The image below is what the interactive should look like.

 
Screen shot of graphing utility showing y=x  Graph of y=x
                                                

Explore the graphs of linear functions by adding or subtracting values to x (such as y = x + 2) or by multiplying x by a constant (such as y = 3x). Remember only y = x is the linear parent function.