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Parent Functions - Printable Math Worksheets grade 11 - Wayground

Parent Functions

Conan Brooks

Created by Conan Brooks

12 questions

9th Grade

Math

Updated Oct 2026

This Grade 9 mathematics worksheet helps students identify and name parent functions from graphs and function representations. Across 12 multiple-choice questions, students match graphs to linear, quadratic, absolute value, exponential, square root, and cube root parent functions; classify a graph as exponential; identify linear, absolute value, cubic, square root, and quadratic functions; and distinguish domain as the set of all x-values. The worksheet builds foundational function-literacy skills students need before studying transformations. Students must connect a graph’s overall shape with its corresponding equation or function family, then use correct mathematical vocabulary to name the function. It is a free printable worksheet with a complete answer key for Grade 9 math practice, independent review, intervention, or a quick formative check. Teachers can use the multiple-choice format to identify whether students are confusing similar parent-function graphs or interpreting domain incorrectly.

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Parent Functions

Total questions: 12

Name
Class
Date
1.
Which parent function matches the graph?
Which parent function matches the graph?
a)
y = |x|
b)
y = ∛(x)
c)
y = x2
d)
y = a⋅bx
2.
Which parent function matches the graph?
Which parent function matches the graph?
a)
f(x) = x
b)
f(x)= x2
c)
f(x) = |x|
d)
f(x) = abx
3.
Which parent function matches the graph?
Which parent function matches the graph?
a)
f(x) = x
b)
f(x)= x2
c)
f(x) = |x|
d)
f(x) = abx
4.
What type of function is shown?
What type of function is shown?
a)
exponential
b)
linear
c)
quadratic
d)
square root
5.
Which parent function matches the graph?
Which parent function matches the graph? 
a)
f(x) = x
b)
f(x) = x2
c)
f(x) =√(x)
d)
f(x) =∛(x)
6.
Which parent function matches the graph?
Which parent function matches the graph?
a)
f(x) = √(x)
b)
f(x) = ∛(x)
c)
f(x) = |x|
d)
f(x) = a⋅bx
7.
Name the parent function.
Name the parent function. 
a)
constant
b)
quadratic
c)
linear
d)
exponential
8.
Name the parent function.
Name the parent function. 
a)
constant
b)
square root
c)
linear
d)
absolute value
9.
Name the parent function.
Name the parent function.
a)
linear
b)
quadratic
c)
cube root
d)
cubic
10.
Name the parent function.
Name the parent function.
a)
cube root
b)
square root
c)
quadratic
d)
linear
11.
Name the parent function.
Name the parent function.
a)
quadratic
b)
cubic
c)
square root
d)
logarithmic
12.
Domain is: 
a)
All x values, from left to right.
b)
All y values, from bottom to top.
c)
All x values from bottom to top. 
d)
All y values from left to right.
WaygroundAnswer Key

Parent Functions

Total questions: 12

1.
c) y = x2
2.
c) f(x) = |x|
3.
d) f(x) = abx
4.
a) exponential
5.
a) f(x) = x
6.
a) f(x) = √(x)
7.
c) linear
8.
d) absolute value
9.
d) cubic
10.
b) square root
11.
a) quadratic
12.
a) All x values, from left to right.

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FAQs

What does this Parent Functions worksheet cover?

This Grade 9 worksheet uses 12 multiple-choice questions to assess recognition of parent functions from graphs and representations. Students match graphs to linear, quadratic, absolute value, exponential, square root, and cube root functions, name several function families, and identify domain as all x-values from left to right. Completing these items strengthens the connection between a function’s graph, its equation, and its standard name.

How can I use this worksheet to teach parent functions?

Introduce the worksheet by reviewing the basic graph shape and name of each parent function included, then model how to compare a graph with the answer choices. Have students explain why a graph represents, for example, an absolute value function rather than a quadratic or why a function is exponential rather than linear. Use the final domain item to connect graph reading with the meaning of x-values before students complete the remaining multiple-choice questions independently.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this parent functions worksheet?

Students may confuse graphs with similar visual features, such as absolute value and quadratic functions, or select square root when the graph represents cube root. They may also identify a function by a broad label without checking the graph, such as choosing linear instead of exponential. Watch for students who reverse the definitions of domain and range on the final item; domain refers to the x-values, read from left to right.

How do I assign and grade this Parent Functions worksheet?

The worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground, so you can use the 12 multiple-choice parent-function items for practice or assessment. It includes a complete answer key, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format also supports classrooms that are reducing screen time.

How can I differentiate this parent functions worksheet for my students?

For the 12 multiple-choice graph-identification and function-naming items, use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or increase the font size for easier visual tracking. You can also select a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language, while keeping the equations, graph choices, and domain question available for practice.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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