1. The problem is to understand how to graph a function. 2. To graph a function, you first need to know the function's formula, for example, $y = f(x)$. 3. You then create a table of values by choosing different $x$ values and calculating the corresponding $y$ values. 4. Plot each point $(x, y)$ on a coordinate plane. 5. Connect the points smoothly if the function is continuous. 6. Important features to look for include intercepts (where the graph crosses the axes) and extrema (maximum or minimum points). 7. For example, if you have $y = x^2$, you calculate $y$ for $x = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2$: - $x = -2$, $y = (-2)^2 = 4$ - $x = -1$, $y = (-1)^2 = 1$ - $x = 0$, $y = 0^2 = 0$ - $x = 1$, $y = 1^2 = 1$ - $x = 2$, $y = 2^2 = 4$ 8. Plot these points and draw a smooth curve through them to graph $y = x^2$. 9. This method works for any function you want to graph.