standard_description: Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear. For example, the function A = s2 giving the area of a square as a function of its side length is not linear because its graph contains the points (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9), which are not on a straight line.
problem_activity: Task
Sketch the graphs of the functions described by $\displaystyle f(x)=x^2$ and $\displaystyle g(x)=x^4$ on the same axes, being careful to label any points of intersection.  Also, find and label $\displaystyle\left(\frac{1}{2}, f(\frac{1}{2})\right)$ and $\displaystyle\left(\frac{1}{2}, g(\frac{1}{2})\right)$.
Sketch the graphs of the functions described by $f(x)=x^3$ and $g(x)=x^5$ on the same axes, being careful to label any points of intersection. Also, find and label $\displaystyle\left(\frac{1}{2}, f(\frac{1}{2})\right)$ and $\displaystyle\left(\frac{1}{2}, g(\frac{1}{2})\right)$.
Sketch the graphs of the functions described by $f(x)=x^2$ and $g(x)=x^3$ on the same axes, being careful to label any points of intersection. Also, find and label $\displaystyle\left(\frac{1}{2}, f(\frac{1}{2})\right)$ and $\displaystyle\left(\frac{1}{2}, g(\frac{1}{2})\right)$.


aligns: no