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Functions are essential for understanding relationships between variables in mathematics and practical applications. This lesson explains how to determine whether a relation is a function using tools like mapping diagrams and the vertical line test. It also covers essential concepts like domain, range, independent and dependent variables, and the use of function notation. Students can gain clarity on evaluating functions and interpreting their behavior in various contexts. By building a solid understanding of functions, they can enhance problem-solving skills and apply these concepts in areas such as physics, economics, and technology.
Show less Show more expand_more| Student Learning Objectives: |
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| | 20 Theory slides |
| | 12 Exercises - Grade E - A |
| | Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions |
The diagram shows two graphs, each representing a different relation. Push the button to show a vertical line, then move the line along the graphs.
A function is a relation in which each input is assigned to exactly one output. The set of all possible inputs is called the domain of the function and the set of all possible outputs is called the range. If x represents the inputs and y the outputs of a function, it is often said that y is a function of x
or that y depends on x.
y = f(x)
This way of representing the dependent variable is called function notation. A function can be represented using a table, a mapping diagram, an equation, or a graph.
| Determining Whether a Relation Is a Function | |
|---|---|
| If represented as | Use |
| a set of coordinates or a table of values | a mapping diagram |
| a graph in the coordinate plane | the vertical line test |
Given a relation, a mapping diagram can be used to determine whether the relation is a function. For example, consider the relation given by the following set of coordinates. {(4,3),(0,-5),(-3,3),(8,0),(4,-5)} To figure out if a relation is a function, there are four steps to follow.
If the relation is given as a vertical table, the inputs are the values in the first column.
If the relation is given as a vertical table, the outputs are the values in the second column.
Here, the input 4 has two different outputs, 3 and -5. By definition, for a relation to be a function, every input must be assigned to exactly one output. As such, the given relation is not a function.
Kevin's teacher Maya is organizing a class trip to the Aquatic Wonders World Aquarium. She examines the aquarium's website and observes the number of visitors recorded over the past week.
| Day, x | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Visitors, N | 1300 | 1500 | 1800 | 1300 | 1900 | 2500 | 1900 |
The numbers in the first row represent the days of the week, with the number 1 indicating Monday.
Make a mapping diagram that represents the relation.
Is the relation a function? Explain.
Yes, see solution.
A mapping diagram consists of two parallel columns. In this case, the first column contains the numbers from 1 to 7 and the other includes the numbers of visitors.
When represented as a mapping diagram, a relation is a function if only one arrow is drawn from each input.
Recall that a mapping diagram consists of two parallel columns, one for inputs and one for outputs. In this case, the inputs are the numbers in the first row of the table, so the first column contains the numbers from 1 to 7. The outputs are the numbers in the second row of the table, so the other column includes the number of visitors.
Now each element in the first column can be connected to its corresponding element in the second column with an arrow.
A relation is a function when each input is assigned to exactly one output. This means that in a relation represented as a mapping diagram, there should be only one arrow starting from each input. Here, the column on the left contains the inputs.
Notice that the same number of visitors appears on certain days, but there are no two visitor counts on a single day. In other words, each input is assigned to exactly one output. Therefore, this relation is a function.
The vertical line test is a graphical method to determine whether a given relation is a function. For example, consider the following relations.
| Relation I | Relation II | Relation III |
|---|---|---|
| (y - 2)(y + 1) = x | y=x(x+1)(x-2) | |c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c| x & -2.25 & -1.75 & -1 & -1 & 0 & 1 & 2 y & -2 & 0 & 2 & -1 & 1 & -0.75 & 0.5 |
To determine whether the relations are functions, follow these two steps.
Notice that l_3 cuts the first graph at two different points. The line m_2 also passes through two different points. This means that neither Relation I nor Relation III is a function. However, all of the vertical lines drawn over Relation II only intersect the graph one time at most. Because of this, Relation II is a function.
Keep in mind that before stating whether a relation is a function, the vertical lines drawn have to cover the entire domain to ensure that no vertical line cuts the graph more than once.
Points with the same x-value belong to the same vertical line.
This is why drawing a vertical line and moving it across the graph reveals if the graph is a function or not.
Note that when determining whether a relation is or is not a function, it must be assumed that the graph of a relation continues without any significant change beyond the boundaries of the coordinate plane. If this were not the case, it could never be determined from a graph whether a relation is a function.
Maya and her students are about to start their visit. Their journey begins with a short seminar that gives cool facts about the aquarium. During the presentation, a graph that shows the fish population over the past 8 months was presented.
However, on the screen in front of Kevin, the axes were positioned in reverse. Consider the shape of the graph. It appears quite different.
Which of the two graphs represents a function?
No vertical line ever intersects the graph more than once. This indicates that the first graph represents a function. Now repeat the same procedure for the second graph.
Unlike the first graph, here, there is at least one vertical line that intersects the graph more than once. This graph does not represent a function.
The following applet displays a relation as a set of ordered pairs, a group of coordinate points in the coordinate plane, or a curve in the coordinate plane. Determine whether the relation is a function or not.
Function notation is a special way to write functions that explicitly shows that y is a function of x — in other words, that y depends on x. Function notation is symbolically expressed as y=f(x) and read y equals f of x.
Equations that are functions can be written using function notation.
ccc
Equation & & Function Notation [1ex]
y=-5x+4 & & f(x) = -5x+4
Notice that y has been replaced by f(x). In function notation, x represents an element of the domain and f(x) represents the element of the range that corresponds to x. When written in function notation, the expression that describes how to convert an input into an output — the right-hand side expression — is called the function rule.
Besides f, other letters such as g or h can be used to name the function. Similarly, letters other than x can name the independent variable.
The domain of a function is the set of all x-values, called inputs, for which the function is defined. As an example, consider the following functions. f(x) & = 3x [0.2cm] g(x) & = sqrt(x) [0.3em] h(x) & = 1/x Their domains can be written by analyzing the definition of each function.
| Function | Analysis | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| f(x) = 3x | Multiplying by 3 is defined for all real numbers. | All real numbers |
| g(x) = sqrt(x) | Square roots are not defined for negative numbers. | All non-negative numbers — that is, x≥ 0 |
| h(x) = 1/x | Dividing by zero is undefined. | All real numbers except 0 — that is, x≠ 0 |
The domain of a function can be determined through a variety of methods depending on how the function is represented.
The range of a function is the set of all y-values, called outputs, of the function. The range depends on both the domain and the function itself. For example, consider the following functions and their defined domains.
| Function | Domain |
|---|---|
| f(x)=2x | All integers |
| g(x)=x^2 | All real numbers |
| h(x)=4 | All real numbers |
The ranges of each function can be determined by analyzing the definition of each function along with the given domains.
| Function | Domain | Analysis | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| f(x) = 2x | All integers | The function takes any integer input and produces an output that is an even number, as each input is multiplied by 2. | All even numbers |
| g(x) = x^2 | All real numbers | The function takes any real number input and produces an output that is a non-negative number, as each input is squared. | All non-negative numbers. That is, y≥ 0 |
| h(x) = 4 | All real numbers | The function takes any real number input and sends it to 4. | Only the number 4. That is, the range is {4} |
The method used to determine the range of a function can vary depending on how that function is represented.
Kevin, feeling thirsty after the seminar, buys water from a nearby vending machine. There are six types of products sold in the vending machine: orange juice, water, chocolate, donuts, sandwiches, and pizza.
Notice that the buttons on the vending machine are labeled with the first letters of the food items. When a button is pressed, the machine will give the corresponding food.
Relation:
Is it a function? Yes
Domain: {C, D, O, P, S, W }
Range: {Chocolate, Donut, Orange Juice, Pizza, Sandwich, Water}
In the context of this problem, it would be more appropriate to illustrate the relation with a mapping diagram.
A vending machine works by associating buttons with corresponding selections. The relation between buttons and snacks can be represented with a mapping diagram. In this case the buttons are labeled O, W, C, D, S and P, which form the first column of the mapping diagram. The names of the corresponding snacks form the second column.
Now each element in the first column can be connected with an arrow to its corresponding element in the second column.
Notice that each element of the input set is paired with exactly one element of the output set, so this is one-to-one mapping. Therefore, this relation is a function. This conclusion makes sense because it is not logical that pressing a button would result in two different snacks being dispensed.
The domain of a function consists of all the x-values or inputs, while the range consists of all the y-values or outputs.
When sorted in alphabetical order, the domain and range of the function can be written as follows. Domain: &{C,D,O,P,S,W } [0.8em] Range: & { l Chocolate,Donut,Orange Juice, Pizza,Sandwich,Water }
Maya and her students start their tour of the aquarium with a visit to the famous dolphins. The students excitedly gather around the dolphin exhibit and watch the playful animals swimming in the water.
The guide shares interesting facts about these intelligent creatures, capturing the students' attention and sparking their curiosity about the animals in the aquarium. Kevin notes this information as a set of ordered pairs. K = {(1.9,120),(2.3,138),(2.5,140),(2,138) } Here, every pair of numbers represents the length of a dolphin in meters and its weight in kilograms. For example, the pair (2,138) indicates that a dolphin is 2 meters long and weighs 138 kilograms.
What is the domain of K?
Graph the relation and use the vertical line test.
The domain of a set of coordinate pairs is formed by all the coordinates written first, while the range is formed by all the coordinates written second. When writing sets, do not repeat elements.
Start by graphing the ordered pairs on a coordinate plane. Then, use the vertical line test to determine if the relation represents a function.
{(1.9,120),(2.3,138),(2.5,140),(2,138) } It is stated that the first coordinates indicate the lengths of dolphins, while the second coordinates represent their weights. This means that the x-axis corresponds to length and the y-axis corresponds to weight. The points can now be plotted.
Now the vertical line test can be used to determine whether the relation represents a function. Draw a vertical line and move it horizontally across the graph.
As the vertical line moves across the graph, no two points appear on the line at the same time. This indicates that the relation K is a function.
Given a set of coordinate pairs, the domain includes all the first coordinates and the range includes all the second coordinates.
By listing the numbers from least to greatest and including each element only once, the domain and range of K are as follows. Domain ofK &= {1.9,2,2.3,2.5} Range ofK &= {120,138,140}
One way to understand functions is to think of functions as machines. Inputs are like raw materials that go through the processing stage of the function. Outputs are the final product. In this applet, four preset inputs are available. The machine specifically processes numbers between -100 and 100 as materials. Try plugging in a few values and see the outcomes!
In the context of functions, the input is often referred to as the independent variable because it can be chosen arbitrarily from the domain. Conversely, the output is called the dependent variable because its value depends on the value of the independent variable. For instance, if the price of oranges is $ 2.50 per pound, the total cost is determined by the product of the unit price and the weight in pounds. ccccc Cost & & Unit Price & & Weight [0.4em] y & = & 2.50 & * & x
As shown, the total cost of oranges depends on how many pounds of fruit are purchased. Therefore, the cost of oranges y is the dependent variable and the number of pounds purchased x is the independent variable.Evaluating a function involves determining the value of the function when its independent variable is set to a specific value. This is done by substituting the given input value for the variable and evaluating the function rule. As an example, consider the value of the following function when x=4. f(x)=3x+4 To evaluate a function for a particular input, there are two steps to follow.
As shown, when the input is 4, the output of the function is 16.
The dolphin trainer claims that the dolphin in front of him eats 15 kilograms of fish per day.
Write and graph a function that relates the number of kilograms of fish k that the dolphin eats in d days.
How many total kilograms of fish does the dolphin eat in 15 days?
Function: k(d) = 15d
Graph:
225 kilograms
The total amount of fish eaten by the dolphin is equal to the product of 15 and the number of days. Make a table of values to graph the function.
Substitute the given value into the function from Part A.
The dolphin is reported to eat 15 kilograms of fish per day, so the number of days determines how much fish the dolphin consumes. Because of this, the number of days d is the independent variable and the amount of fish the dolphin consumes k is the dependent variable.
Independent Variable: & d Dependent Variable: & k Therefore, the total amount of fish eaten by the dolphin k can be written as a function of d. It will be equal to the product of 15 and the number of days d. Equation k = 15 d This equation can also be expressed using function notation. In this case, it would be appropriate to use the notation k(d) as it shows that k is a function of d. Function Notation k(d) = 15d Next, make a table of values to help graph the function. For example, evaluate the function when d is 1, 3, 5, and 7.
| d | 15d | k |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | k=15( 1) | 15 |
| 3 | k=15( 3) | 45 |
| 5 | k=15( 5) | 75 |
| 7 | k=15( 7) | 105 |
Now plot the ordered pairs ( d, k) as points in a coordinate plane.
Finally, connect the points with a line. Note that negative numbers have no meaning in the context of the problem, so the graph will only be in the first quadrant.
To find how many kilograms of fish the dolphin eats in 15 days, the function written in Part A can be used.
k(d)=15d Substitute d = 15 into the function and evaluate the right-hand side.
As shown, when the input is 15, the output is 225. In the context of the dolphin, this means that the dolphin eats 225 kilograms of fish in 15 days.
Given a function, it is possible to find the input that produces a certain output. This is done by substituting the given output value for the dependent variable and then solving for the independent variable. For the following function, try finding the x-value for which f(x)=21. f(x)=4x-3 To find the input that produces a certain output, there are two steps to follow.
The aquarium has an exhibit showing a planned expansion. The exhibit shows a model of a new pool. The walls of the pool will be 1 meter thick on each side. The exterior of the pool will be x+2 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 6 meters tall.
How much concrete will be required if the pool is designed to hold 520 cubic meters of water?
Following the completion of the pool construction, it was filled with water for testing. Unfortunately, due to a construction error, the pool leaks 2 cubic meters of water per day. After how many days will there be 490 cubic meters of water in the pool?
Let d be the number of days. Write a function in terms of d that shows the amount of water in the pool.
According to the model, the exterior walls of the pool are x+2 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 6 meters tall. Since the wall is one meter thick, the pool inside is (x+2)-2=x meters long and 10-2=8 meters wide. The top of the pool is open, so only 1 meter needs to be subtracted from its height. The water in the pool will be 6-1=5 meters deep.
The volume of a prism is the product of its dimensions, so the volume of the pool V can be written as a function of x in this case. V(x) = x * 8 * 5 ⇔ V(x) = 40x Use the fact that the pool is designed to hold 520 cubic meters of water can be used to find the value of x.
The amount of concrete needed to construct the pool can also be described as a function of x. The amount of cement needed is the difference between the volumes of the outer and inner dimensions of the pool.
Simplify the right-hand side of the function and substitute x = 13.
The construction of the pool requires 380 cubic meters of concrete.
The pool has a capacity of 520 cubic meters of water. With a leakage rate of 2 cubic meters per day, the amount of water lost after d days can be expressed as 2d cubic meters. This means that the remaining amount of water in the pool R after d days is given by the following function.
R(d) = 520 - 2d To determine how many days it will take for the amount of water in the pool to drop to 490 cubic meters, substitute R(d) = 490 into the equation and solve for d.
This means that after 15 days, there will be 490 cubic meters of water left in the pool.
Consider the follow graph of a relation. If a vertical line is drawn between x_1=-4 and x_2=-2, it will intersect the graph multiple times, which means that the relation fails the vertical line test and therefore cannot be classified as a function. However, it is possible to transform the relation into a function by redefining certain characteristics, such as its domain.
As can be seen by its graph, the relation y=±sqrt(x) is not a function. However, it can be transformed into a function by setting restrictions or modifying some of its characteristics. Move x_1 and x_2 to see if restricting the domain will make the relation a function.
Dylan creates a table of values for a function with the intention of graphing it. The diagram shows his work.
Which of the following is true about Dylan's work? Select all that apply. I. & Dylan managed to draw the graph he wanted to draw. [0.4em] II.& The points obtained from the table are on the graph & of the functionf(x)=x+2. [0.4em] III.& The graph Dylan drew is the graph of the function & f(x)=x-2.
Let's take a look at the table Dylan created. Notice that each output is 2 greater than its respective input.
| Input, x | Output, y |
|---|---|
| - 5 | - 3 = - 5 + 2 |
| - 2 | 0 = - 2+ 2 |
| 0 | 2 = 0+ 2 |
| 1 | 3 = 1+ 2 |
We can conclude that the table represents the function f(x) = x+2. The ordered pairs ( - 5, - 3), ( - 2, 0), ( 0, 2), and ( 1, 3) lie on this line. This means that Statement II is true.
We can also conclude that Dylan did not draw the function correctly because the graph he drew is different than the graph of f(x) = x+2. This means that Statement I is false. Let's take a look at the graph he drew.
It looks like Dylan drew his graph by using the input values as the y-coordinates and the output values as the x-coordinates for the points. As a result, the graph he drew is the graph of f(x) = x - 2.
| Input | Output |
|---|---|
| - 3 | - 5 = - 3 -2 |
| 0 | - 2 = 0-2 |
| 2 | 0 = 2 -2 |
| 3 | 1 = 3-2 |
We found that Statements II and III are true.
In a chemistry experiment, LaShay tracks how the temperature of a substance changes over time. She notes down the numbers as ordered pairs (time, temperature, with the time in minutes and the temperature in degrees Celsius. { (0,20),(10,30), (15, 50),(20, 100), (30, 100) } The experiment is terminated at the 30th minute. At the end of the experiment, LaShay draws the following graph.
Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply. I. & The temperature of the substance is a & function of time. [0.4em] II.& The domain of the graph is 0 ≤ t ≤ 30. [0.4em] III.& The range of the graph is 0 ≤ T ≤ 100. [0.4em] IV.& The range of the graph is {20,30,50,100 }.
Let's take a look at the graph LaShay drew.
As time passes, the temperature of the substance changes. This means that the temperature depends on time. From this, we know that the temperature of the substance T is the dependent variable and the time in minutes t is the independent variable. Each t-value seems to have exactly one T-value assigned to it, which we can confirm using the vertical line test. We know from this that Statement I is true. lThe temperature of the substance is a function of time. ✓ Now let's determine what values of the domain and range make sense for the function. The domain is the set of possible values of t.
The experiment lasts 30 minutes, so the numbers between 0 and 30 will form the domain. Since time is a continuous quantity, all real numbers between 0 and 30 are included in the domain. We can write it as a compound inequality. Domain: 0 ≤ t ≤ 30 This means that Statement II is also true. Now let's find the range. The range of the function is the set of possible values of T.
Since temperature can also be thought of as a continuous quantity, all real numbers between 20 and 100 are included in the range. Range: 20≤ T ≤ 100 As a result, only the first two statements are correct.
We know that the area of a circle changes as its radius changes. This holds true for the function Jordan uses to approximate the area of the circle. A(r) = 3 r^2 Here, the radius r of the circle in meters is the independent variable and its area A(r) in square meters is the dependent variable. Since r is a length, it cannot be negative. Because of this, we will use only non-negative values for r and find some ordered pairs we can use to graph the function.
| r | 3r^2 | A(r) = 3r^2 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3( 0)^2 | 0 |
| 1 | 3( 1)^2 | 3 |
| 2 | 3( 2)^2 | 12 |
| 3 | 3( 3)^2 | 27 |
| 4 | 3( 4)^2 | 48 |
For non-negative r-values, we get only positive A-values, so let's restrict our graph to the first quadrant. In our coordinate plane, the horizontal axis represents r-values, while the vertical axis represents the A-values. Let's plot the ordered pairs ( 0, 0), ( 1, 3), ( 2, 12), ( 3, 27), and ( 4, 48). Then we can connect the points as the points between them with a smooth curve.
This corresponds to graph D.
Recall that r represents the inputs of the function. This means that the domain of the function is the set of possible values of r.
We can see that r can take any real number greater than or equal to 0. Let's write this as an inequality. Domain: r ≥ 0
The outputs of the function are represented by A. The range is the set of possible values of A.
The function rule results in non-negative real number outputs for non-negative real number inputs. Therefore, we can write the range as follows. Range: A ≥ 0
| Weeks Passed, w | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Inventory, s | 240 | 200 | 160 | 120 | 80 |
Let's take a look at the table that shows the relationship between the number of smartphones in stock and weeks.
| Weeks Passed, w | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Inventory, s | 240 | 200 | 160 | 120 | 80 |
As the weeks pass, the number of phones in stock decreases. In this case, the dependent variable is the number of phones in stock s, while the independent variable is the number of weeks w. Independent Variable:& w Dependent Variable: & s From this, we know that the table represents the following ordered pairs written in the form ( w, s). ( 0, 240), ( 2, 200), ( 4, 160), ( 6, 120),( 8, 80) Let's plot these points on a coordinate plane. We will place the inputs w along the horizontal axis and the outputs s along the vertical axis.
This graph corresponds to option C.
We want to determine the timing for ordering more smartphones. Diego will order more smartphones when there are no phones left in stock. We can find this timing by following the pattern in the graph we drew in Part A.
We can see that moving 2 units to the right along the graph is followed by moving down 40 units. Let's repeat this pattern a couple of times until we reach the horizontal axis where the number of smartphones is 0.
This means that after 12 weeks, there will be no smartphones remaining in stock! Diego should order more phones after 12 weeks.
Alternatively, we could draw a line that passes through the points in the graph since all points follow the same pattern.
The point where the line and the horizontal axis intersect indicates the answer.
We know that water is being pumped into a swimming pool at a rate of 8000 liters per hour. The amount of water in the pool changes over time. Since the total amount of water inside the pool V is a function of the time in hours t, the dependent variable is V and the independent variable is t. Dependent Variable: & V Independent Variable: & t
Let's write the function rule for V. We know that water is being pumped into the pool at a rate of 8000 liters per hour. Therefore, after t hours, the amount of water in the pool will be 8000 times t.
V = 8000* t ⇔ V(t) = 8000* t
This function represents the total amount of water in the pool!
We are asked to determine what values make sense for the domain and range of the function V(t). Let's find the domain first!
The domain is the set of possible values of t. The values of t represent the amount of time that water is pumped into the pool. Since t is time, negative values of t do not make sense. This means that our domain should be greater than or equal to 0. t ≥ 0 However, we cannot pump water forever because at some point the pool will reach its maximum capacity. Let's try to find the time t at which the total amount of water inside the pool V(t) reaches its maximum, 120 000 liters. In other words, we need to solve V(t) = 120 000 for t. Let's use the function we wrote in Part B, V(t)=8000t.
We found that t=15, which means the pool will fill in 15 hours. Therefore, values of t greater than 15 do not make sense in this context. The domain of the function will be at most 15. t≤ 15 By combining the two inequalities, we can express the domain as compound inequality. Domain t ≥ 0 and t ≤ 15 ⇕ 0≤ t≤ 15
The range is the set of possible values of V, the total amount of water in the pool. We cannot have a negative amount of water in the pool. Initially, at t=0, the pool contains no water. We are given that the pool can hold up to 120 000 liters of water. Therefore, V is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 120 000. Range 0≤ V ≤ 120 000 As we can see, the correct option is A.
To find the total amount of water in the pool after 4 hours, we need to evaluate the function at t=4. Let's substitute t=4 into the function and evaluate the right-hand side.
After 4 hours, the pool will have 32 000 liters of water.