ION

SECT
4.3 Identifying Functions

In Section 4.2, we used a function machine as a model that enabled us to put in a value
4.3
4.3 OBJECTIVES for x and get out a value that is a function of x. These two values, x and f(x), have a
relationship that is usually expressed as an ordered pair.
1. Determine A similar type of relationship is used in every field in which mathematics is
whether a table of applied.
values represents
a function ■ The physicist looks for the relationship that uses a planet’s mass to predict its grav-
2. Use the vertical itational pull.
line test to identify
the graph of a
■ The economist looks for the relationship that uses the tax rate to predict the em-
function ployment rate.
3. Identify the do- ■ The business marketer looks for the relationship that uses an item’s price to pre-
main of a function dict the number that will be sold.
■ The college board looks for the relationship between tuition costs and the number
of students enrolled at the college.
■ The biologist looks for the relationship that uses temperature to predict a body of
water’s nutrient level.

In each of these examples, a researcher matches an item from the given set (the
domain) with an item from the related set (the range). Each pairing becomes an or-
dered pair.
In Section 4.1, we looked at the concept of a relation, which is a set of ordered
pairs. In the preceding list, we mentioned the relationship between a planet’s mass and
its gravitational pull. This relationship is an example of a function. There cannot be
two different gravitational pulls associated with a single planet. If you know a planet’s
mass, you can find its gravitational pull.
Every set of ordered pairs defines a relation, but not every set of ordered pairs de-
fines a function. A function is a special kind of relation.

A function is a set of ordered pairs (a relation) in which no two first coordinates

are equal.

296
 Section 4.3 ■ Identifying Functions 297

Example 1 Identifying a Function

For each table of values below, decide whether the relation is a function.
(a) x y (b) x y (c) x y
2 1 5 2 3 1
1 1 1 3 1 0
1 3 1 6 0 2
2 3 2 9 2 4

Part a represents a function. No element of the domain (x) is matched with two
different elements of the range (y). Part b is not a function because 1 is matched with
two different range elements, 3 and 6. Part c is a function.

■
✓ CHECK YOURSELF 1
For each table of values below, decide whether the relation is a function.
(a) x y (b) x y (c) x y
3 0 2 2 2 0
1 1 1 2 1 1
1 2 1 3 0 2
3 3 2 3 0 3

We defined a function in terms of ordered pairs. A set of ordered pairs can be spec-
ified in several ways; here are the most common.

1. We can present the ordered pairs in a list or table, as in Example 1.

2. We can give a rule or equation that will generate the ordered pairs.

3. We can use a graph to indicate the ordered pairs. The graph can show dis-
tinct ordered pairs, or it can show all the ordered pairs on a line or curve.

Vertical Line Test

Let’s look at a graph of the ordered pairs from Example 1 to introduce the vertical
line test, which is a graphic test for identifying a function.
298 Chapter 4 ■ A Beginning Look at Functions

(a) y (b) y

8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2
x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2 2
4 4

6 6

8 8

(c) y

2
x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2
4

6

8

Notice that in the graphs of relations a and c, there is no vertical line that can pass
through two different points of the graph. In relation b, a vertical line can pass through
the two points that represent the ordered pairs (1, 3) and (1, 6). This leads to the
following definition.

Vertical Line Test

If no vertical line can pass through two or more points in the graph of a relation,
then the relation is a function.

Example 2 Identifying a Function

For each set of ordered pairs, plot the related points on the provided axes. Then use
the vertical line test to determine which of the sets is a function.
 Section 4.3 ■ Identifying Functions 299

(a) {(0, 1), (2, 3), (2, 6), (4, 2), (6, 3)}
y

2
x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2
4

6

8

Since a vertical line can be drawn through the points (2, 3) and (2, 6), the relation does
not pass the vertical line test. This is not a function.

(b) {(1, 1), (2, 0), (3, 3), (4, 3), (5, 3)}
y

2
x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2
4

6

8

This is a function. Although a horizontal line can be drawn through several points, no
vertical line passes through more than one point.

■
✓ CHECK YOURSELF 2
For each set of ordered pairs, plot the related points. Then use the vertical line test to
determine which of the sets is a function.

(a) {(2, 4), (1, 4), (0, 4), (1, 3), (5, 5)}
(b) {(3, 1), (1, 3), (1, 3), (1, 3)}

The vertical line test can be used to determine whether a graph is the graph of a
function.
300 Chapter 4 ■ A Beginning Look at Functions

Example 3 Identifying a Function

Which of the following graphs represents the graph of a function?

(a) y (b) y

8 8
6 6

4 4

2 2
x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2 2
4 4

6 6

8 8

(c) y

2
x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2
4

6

8

Part a is not a function, part b is a function, and part c is a function.

■
✓ CHECK YOURSELF 3
Which of the following graphs represents the graph of a function?

(a) y (b) y

8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2
x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2 2
4 4

6 6

8 8
 Section 4.3 ■ Identifying Functions 301

(c) y

2
x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2
4

6

8

Example 4 Identifying a Function

Which of the following graphs represents the graph of a function?

(a) y (b) y

x x

Curves, like the number line,

are made up of a continuous
set of points. (c) y

Part a is not a function; it does not pass the vertical line test. Part b is a function be-
cause it passes the vertical line test. Part c is not a function.
302 Chapter 4 ■ A Beginning Look at Functions

■
✓ CHECK YOURSELF 4
Which of the following graphs represents the graph of a function?

(a) y (b) y

x x

(c) y

We used the term function several times in this chapter. We identified functions,
looked at a function machine, used function notation, and found the domain and range
for a function. But how does all this relate to the equations in two variables that we
studied before this chapter? When is y the same as f(x)?
Anytime we solved a linear equation for y, such as

y  3x  2

y was a function of x. The x is considered the independent variable, and the y is con-
sidered the dependent variable. This means that y changes because x has changed.
Let’s look at some examples of variables that are related and determine which is the
dependent variable.
 Section 4.3 ■ Identifying Functions 303

Example 5 Identifying the Dependent Variable

From each pair, identify which variable is dependent on the other.

(a) The age of a car and its resale value.

The value depends on the age, so we would assign the age of the car the independent
variable (x) and the value the dependent variable (y).

(b) The amount of interest earned in a bank account and the amount of time the money
has been in the bank.

If you think about it, you will The interest depends on the time, so interest is the dependent variable (y) and time is
see that time will be the the independent variable (x).
independent variable in most
ordered pairs. Most (c) The number of cigarettes one has smoked and the chance of dying from a smok-
everything depends on time ing-related disease.
rather than the reverse.
The number of cigarettes is the independent variable (x), and the chance of dying from
a smoking-related disease is the dependent variable (y).

■
✓ CHECK YOURSELF 5
From each pair, identify which variable is dependent on the other.

(a) The number of credits taken and the amount of tuition paid.
(b) The temperature of a cup of coffee and the length of time since it was poured.

■
✓ CHECK YOURSELF ANSWERS

1. (a) Is a function; (b) is a function; (c) is not a function.

2. (a) Is a function; (b) is not a function.
3. (a) Is a function; (b) is not a function; (c) is a function.
4. (a) Is not a function; (b) is a function; (c) is not a function.
5. (a) Tuition is dependent on credits taken; (b) the temperature is dependent on the
time since the coffee was poured.
 E xercises ■ 4.3
1. Function In Exercises 1 to 8, determine which of the relations are also functions.
2. Function
1. {(1, 6), (2, 8), (3, 9)} 2. {(2, 3), (3, 4), (5, 9)}
3. Function
3. {(1, 4), (2, 5), (3, 7)} 4. {(2, 1), (3, 4), (4, 6)}
4. Function
5. {(1, 3), (1, 2), (1, 1)} 6. {(2, 4), (2, 5), (3, 6)}
5. Not a function
7. {(1, 1), (2, 1), (2, 3)} 8. {(2, 1), (3, 4), (3, 1)}
6. Not a function
In Exercises 9 to 14, decide whether the relation is a function in each table of values.
7. Not a function
9. x y 10. x y 11. x y
8. Not a function
3 1 2 3 2 3
9. Function
2 4 1 4 4 2
10. Function 5 3 5 6 2 5
7 4 2 1 6 3
11. Not a function

12. Not a function

12. x y 13. x y 14. x y
13. Function
1 5 1 2 4 6
14. Function 3 6 3 6 2 3
1 5 6 2 7 1
15. Function
2 9 9 4 3 6
16. Function
In Exercises 15 to 20, for each set of ordered pairs, plot the related points. Then use
the vertical line test to determine which sets are functions.

15. {(3, 1), (1, 2), (2, 3), (1, 4)} 16. {(2, 2), (1, 1), (3, 3), (4, 5)
y y

8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2

x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2 2

4 4

6 6

8 8

304
 Section 4.3 ■ Identifying Functions 305

17. Function 17. {(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 4), (5, 6)} 18. {(1, 4), (1, 5), (0, 2), (2, 3)}
18. Function y y

19. Not a function 8 8

6 6
20. Not a function
4 4
21. Function
2 2
22. Not a function x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2 2
4 4

6 6

8 8

19. {(1, 2), (1, 3), (2, 1), (3, 1)} 20. {(1, 1), (3, 4), (1, 2), (5, 3)}
y y

8 8
6 6

4 4
2 2
x x
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8 8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
2 2
4 4

6 6
8 8

For Exercises 21 to 28, use the vertical line test to determine whether the graphs rep-
resent a function.

21. y 22. y

x x
306 Chapter 4 ■ A Beginning Look at Functions

23. Not a function 23. y 24. y

24. Not a function

25. Function

26. Function

27. Function x x

28. Function

25. y 26. y

x x

27. y 28. y

x x
 Section 4.3 ■ Identifying Functions 307

29. Consider the following graph.

y

(a) Identify the domain and range of

29. (a) D: 2  x  2;
the relation whose graph is given.
R: 1  y  2
29. (b) Yes (b) Does this graph represent a func-
29. (c) Answers will vary tion? Explain your answer.
x
30. Independent: length of (c) How do you use the graph to de-
call; dependent: amount termine the domain and range of
of bill the relation it represents?
31. Independent: size of
tank; dependent: cost

32. Independent: time in air;

dependent: height of ball In Exercises 30 to 35, from each pair, identify which variable is dependent and which
33. Independent: length of is independent.
time; dependent: amount
of penalty 30. The amount of a phone bill and the length of the call.

34. Independent: number of 31. The cost of filling a car’s gas tank and the size of the tank.
credits; dependent: time 32. The height of a ball thrown in the air and the time in the air.
to graduate
33. The amount of penalty on an unpaid tax bill and the length of the time unpaid.
35. Independent: length of
winter; dependent: 34. The length of time needed to graduate from college and the number of credits
amount of snowfall taken per semester.
35. The amount of snowfall in Boston and the length of the winter.
36. Are all relations functions? Are all functions relations? Explain your answer.

36. Not every relation is a

function, but every
function is a relation.
308 Chapter 4 ■ A Beginning Look at Functions

37. The following table shows the average hourly earnings for blue-collar workers
from 1947 to 1993. These figures are given in “real” wages, which means that the
purchasing power of the money is given rather than the actual dollar amount. In
other words, the amount earned for 1947 is not the actual amount listed here; in
fact, it was much lower. The amount you see here is the amount in dollars that
1947 earnings could buy in 1947 compared to what 1993 wages could buy in 1993.

Average Hourly Earnings

Year (in 1993 dollars)
1947 $ 6.75
1967 10.67
1973 12.06
1979 12.03
1982 11.61
1989 11.26
1991 10.95
1993 10.83

Make a Cartesian coordinate graph of this data, using the year as the domain and
the hourly earnings as the range. You will have to decide how to set up the axes so that
the data all fit on the graph nicely. (Hint: Do not start the year at 0!) In complete
sentences, answer the following questions: What are the trends that you notice from
reading the table? What additional information does the graph show? Is this relation a
function? Why or why not?