Functions and Curves

The idea of a function is a familiar one. The value of the function (the ordinate) depends on the value of the argument (the abscissa) of the function. Graphing a function plots the ordinate vertically against the abscissa horizontally, which gives a visible curve. Graphing a function plots the ordinate vertically against the abscissa horizontally, which gives a visible curve. The coefficients of the function can be given geometric meaning.