How can you tell if a function is even or odd?

If you have a plot of the function, you can look at its symmetries. If the plot to the left of the y axis is the mirror image with respect to the y axis of the plot to the right, it's an even function. If the plot on the left is a mirror image with respect to a diagonal line going from the top left to the top right of your axes system, it is an odd function. (some example plots: f(x)=x2, g(x)=cos(x), ...)If you only have the function's equation, you can try replacing x by -x and see how the function reacts. If f(-x)= f(x), f is an even function, and if f(-x)= -f(x), f is an odd function. For example, (-x)2=x2 and so f(x)=x2 is an even function of x.

FD
Answered by Francois d. Maths tutor

3710 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I integrate 4x*exp(x^2 - 1) with respect to x?


The straight line with equation y = 3x – 7 does not cross or touch the curve with equation y = 2px^2 – 6px + 4p, where p is a constant. Show that 4p^2 – 20p + 9 < 0.


Find ∫ (2x^5 - 1/(4x^3)-5) dx. giving each term in its simplest form.


Integrate 2x^3 -4x +5


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning