Why Option A Does Not Represent a Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 105 views

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 way of describing a relationship between two variables, where each input corresponds to exactly one output. In this article, we will explore which of the given options represents a function.

Understanding Functions

A function is a relation between two sets, the domain and the range. The domain is the set of all possible input values, and the range is the set of all possible output values. A function is said to be defined if for every input in the domain, there is exactly one output in the range.

Option A: A Table of Values

Option A is a table of values, where each row represents a pair of input and output values.

| $x$ | $y$ |
| --- | --- |
| -5  | 10  |
| -3  | 5   |
| -3  | 4   |
| 0   | 0   |
| 5   | -10 |

At first glance, this table appears to represent a function, as each input value corresponds to exactly one output value. However, upon closer inspection, we notice that there are two rows with the same input value, $x = -3$ . This means that the output value, $y$ , is not unique for this input value.

Option B: A Set of Ordered Pairs

Option B is a set of ordered pairs, where each pair represents a single input and output value.

$\{(-8, -2), (-4, 1), (0, -2), (2, 3), (4, -1)\}$

This set of ordered pairs appears to represent a function, as each input value corresponds to exactly one output value. There are no duplicate input values, and each input value has a unique output value.

Analyzing the Options

So, which of the two options represents a function? Based on our analysis, we can conclude that Option B represents a function, while Option A does not.

Why Option A Does Not Represent a Function

Option A does not represent a function because it has duplicate input values, which means that the output value is not unique for those input values. In a function, each input value must correspond to exactly one output value.

Why Option B Represents a Function

Option B represents a function because each input value corresponds to exactly one output value. There are no duplicate input values, and each input value has a unique output value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Option B represents a function, while Option A does not. A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of possible outputs, where each input corresponds to exactly one output. In this article, we analyzed two options and determined which one represents a function.

Key Takeaways

A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of possible outputs.
Each input value must correspond to exactly one output value.
A function can be represented as a table of values or a set of ordered pairs.
A table of values represents a function if each input value corresponds to exactly one output value.
A set of ordered pairs represents a function if each input value corresponds to exactly one output value.

Q: 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 a way of describing a relationship between two variables, where each input corresponds to exactly one output.

Q: What are the key characteristics of a function?

The key characteristics of a function are:

Each input value corresponds to exactly one output value.
Each output value corresponds to exactly one input value.
The domain and range are sets of values.
The function can be represented as a table of values or a set of ordered pairs.

Q: How do I determine if a relation is a function?

To determine if a relation is a function, you can use the following steps:

Check if each input value corresponds to exactly one output value.
Check if each output value corresponds to exactly one input value.
If both conditions are met, then the relation is a function.

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

A function and a relation are similar, but a function has a unique output value for each input value, while a relation does not.

Q: Can a function have multiple output values for the same input value?

No, a function cannot have multiple output values for the same input value. Each input value must correspond to exactly one output value.

Q: Can a function have no output value for a given input value?

Yes, a function can have no output value for a given input value. This is known as a "hole" in the function.

Q: Can a function have multiple input values for the same output value?

No, a function cannot have multiple input values for the same output value. Each output value must correspond to exactly one input value.

Q: How do I represent a function?

A function can be represented as a table of values or a set of ordered pairs.

Q: What is the domain of a function?

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

Q: What is the range of a function?

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

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

Yes, a function can have an empty domain or range.

Q: Can a function have a single input value and multiple output values?

No, a function cannot have a single input value and multiple output values. Each input value must correspond to exactly one output value.

Q: Can a function have multiple input values and a single output value?

Yes, a function can have multiple input values and a single output value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, functions are an important concept in mathematics, and understanding them is crucial for solving problems in various fields. We hope this article has helped you understand functions better and has answered some of your frequently asked questions.

Key Takeaways

A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of possible outputs.
Each input value must correspond to exactly one output value.
A function can be represented as a table of values or a set of ordered pairs.
The domain and range are sets of values.
A function can have multiple input values and a single output value, but not a single input value and multiple output values.