parent functions
Exploring properties of parent functions. In math, every function can be classified as a member of a family. Each member of a family of functions is related to its simpler, or most basic, function sharing the same characteristics. This function is called the parent function. This lesson discusses some of the basic characteristics of linear, quadratic, square root, absolute value and reciprocal functions. f(x) - c moves down. f(x - c) moves right.