Students' interpretation of a function associated with a real-life problem from its graph

Abstract

The properties of a function such as limit, continuity, derivative, growth, or concavity can be determined more easily from its graph than by doing any algebraic operation. For this reason, it is important for students of mathematics to interpret some of the properties of a function from its graph. In this study, we investigated the competence of students who have taken Calculus I-II courses in interpreting the graph of a function. To this purpose, two examinations were given to mathematics students. In the first exam, the students were asked to interpret the graphs of the functions associated with real-life events. In the second exam, the students were asked to interpret the graphs of pure mathematical functions. The results showed that the students were more successful in interpreting the graphs of the functions associated with real-life events