Symmetry is super important when we draw polynomial functions. It makes it easier to plot points and guess what the shape will look like.

Even Functions:

• What They Are: These are functions that follow the rule: ( f(x) = f(-x) ).
• Symmetry: They are the same on both sides of the y-axis (the vertical line that goes up and down).
• Example: One example is ( f(x) = x^2 ).

Odd Functions:

• What They Are: These functions follow a different rule: ( f(-x) = -f(x) ).
• Symmetry: They are the same when flipped around the origin (the point where the x-axis and y-axis meet).
• Example: An example of this is ( f(x) = x^3 ).

Knowing about these types of functions can help you save time and make your graphs much more accurate.