We will now look at some important properties of functions, namely, symmetry in functions.
Even Functions
Definition: A function $f$ is said to be Even if for every $x$ in the domain of $f$, $f(x) = f(-x)$. |
A prime example of an even function is the function $f(x) = x^2$ graphed below:

We can verify that this is an even function by evaluating $f$ at $-x$:
(1)Therefore, $f(x) = f(-x)$ and $f$ is an even function. We can also verify this numerically. Clearly $f(2) = f(-2) = 4$, and $f(3) = f(-3) = 9$, etc…
Geometrically, even functions have graphs that are symmetric about the $y$-axis.
Odd Functions
Definition: A function $f$ is said to be Odd if for every $x$ in the domain of $f$, $f(-x) = -f(x)$. |
One great example of an odd function is $f(x) = x^3$.

Once again, we can verify this function is odd through our definition:
(2)Therefore, $f(-x) = -f(x)$, so our function $f$ is odd.
Geometrically, odd functions have graphs that are symmetric about the origin by a rotation of $180^{\circ}$.
Note: While we have described both even and odd functions above, it is important to note that some functions are neither! |