Each input corresponds to exactly one output

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 69 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a function is a relation between a set of inputs, called the domain, and a set of possible outputs, called the range. It is a fundamental concept in various branches of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. One way to represent a function is through a table, which displays the input and output values for a given set of data. In this article, we will explore which tables could represent a function and why.

What is a Function?

A function is a relation between a set of inputs, called the domain, and a set of possible outputs, called the range. It is often denoted by a function notation, such as f(x), where x is the input and f(x) is the output. A function must satisfy two main properties:

Each input corresponds to exactly one output: This means that for every input value, there is only one corresponding output value.
The output value depends only on the input value: This means that the output value is determined solely by the input value, and not by any other factor.

Representing Functions with Tables

A table can be used to represent a function by listing the input and output values for a given set of data. The table should have two columns: one for the input values and one for the output values. Each row in the table represents a single input-output pair.

Example 1: A Function Table

Input	Output
1	0
2	5
3	2.5
4	5
5	8

This table represents a function because each input value corresponds to exactly one output value, and the output value depends only on the input value.

Example 2: A Non-Function Table

Input	Output
1	0
2	5
3	2.5
3	4
5	8

This table does not represent a function because the input value 3 corresponds to two different output values, 2.5 and 4. This violates the first property of a function, which requires each input to correspond to exactly one output.

Which of the Following Tables Could Represent a Function?

A.$${ \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline Input & Output & Input & Output \ \hline 1 & 0 & 0 & 1 \ \hline 2 & 5 & 5 & 2 \ \hline 3 & 2.5 & 2.5 & 3 \ \hline 4 & 5 & 5 & 4 \ \hline 5 & 8 \end{tabular} }$$

To determine whether this table represents a function, we need to check if each input value corresponds to exactly one output value, and if the output value depends only on the input value.

Upon examining the table, we notice that the input value 2 corresponds to two different output values, 5 and 2. This violates the first property of a function, which requires each input to correspond to exactly one output.

Therefore, this table does not represent a function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a table can be used to represent a function by listing the input and output values for a given set of data. The table should have two columns: one for the input values and one for the output values. Each row in the table represents a single input-output pair. A function must satisfy two main properties: each input corresponds to exactly one output, and the output value depends only on the input value. By examining the table, we can determine whether it represents a function or not.

Key Takeaways

A function is a relation between a set of inputs, called the domain, and a set of possible outputs, called the range.
A table can be used to represent a function by listing the input and output values for a given set of data.
Each row in the table represents a single input-output pair.
A function must satisfy two main properties: each input corresponds to exactly one output, and the output value depends only on the input value.

Q: What is a function?

A: A function is a relation between a set of inputs, called the domain, and a set of possible outputs, called the range. It is a fundamental concept in mathematics that is used to describe the relationship between a set of inputs and a set of possible outputs.

Q: What are the properties of a function?

A: A function must satisfy two main properties:

Each input corresponds to exactly one output: This means that for every input value, there is only one corresponding output value.
The output value depends only on the input value: This means that the output value is determined solely by the input value, and not by any other factor.

Q: How can a function be represented?

A: A function can be represented in several ways, including:

Tabular form: A table can be used to list the input and output values for a given set of data.
Graphical form: A graph can be used to visualize the relationship between the input and output values.
Algebraic form: A function can be represented using algebraic notation, such as f(x) = 2x + 3.

Q: What is the difference between a function and a relation?

A: A relation is a set of ordered pairs that describe the relationship between two sets of values. A function is a special type of relation where each input value corresponds to exactly one output value.

Q: Can a function have multiple outputs for a single input?

A: No, a function cannot have multiple outputs for a single input. This would violate the first property of a function, which requires each input to correspond to exactly one output.

Q: Can a function have no outputs for a single input?

A: Yes, a function can have no outputs for a single input. This is known as a hole in the function.

Q: Can a function have multiple inputs for a single output?

A: No, a function cannot have multiple inputs for a single output. This would violate the second property of a function, which requires the output value to depend only on the input value.

Q: How can I determine if a table represents a function?

A: To determine if a table represents a function, you need to check if each input value corresponds to exactly one output value, and if the output value depends only on the input value.

Q: What is the domain of a function?

A: The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values.

Q: What is the range of a function?

A: The range of a function is the set of all possible output values.

Q: Can a function have an empty domain or range?

A: Yes, a function can have an empty domain or range. This means that there are no input values or output values.

Q: Can a function be one-to-one or many-to-one?

A: A function can be either one-to-one or many-to-one.

One-to-one: A function is one-to-one if each output value corresponds to exactly one input value.
Many-to-one: A function is many-to-one if multiple input values correspond to the same output value.

Q: Can a function be onto or not onto?

A: A function can be either onto or not onto.

Onto: A function is onto if every possible output value is reached.
Not onto: A function is not onto if not every possible output value is reached.

Q: Can a function be invertible or not invertible?

A: A function can be either invertible or not invertible.

Invertible: A function is invertible if it is one-to-one and onto.
Not invertible: A function is not invertible if it is not one-to-one or not onto.

By understanding these frequently asked questions, you can develop a deeper appreciation for the mathematical concepts that underlie many real-world applications.