MCF3M – Chapter 1: Introduction to the Quadratic Function Date:
1.1 The Characteristics of a Function
Goal: Identify the difference between a relation and a function.
A RELATION is a set of ordered pairs. These can be represented in various ways.
Examples of Relations:
A) { (1,2), (5,3), (9,4), (7,1) } B) { (1,3), (4,2), (3,2), (6,5) } C) { (1,4), (3,2), (5,4), (3,1) }
…as a mapping diagram … as a table of values … as a scatter plot
(see pg 6 for definition)
x y
1 1 1 3
5 2 3 2
7 3 4 2
9 4 6 5
The DOMAIN is the set of first elements of the ordered pairs (the set of distinct x values) See pg 7 of
the text for
alternate
The RANGE is the set of second elements of the ordered pairs (the set of distinct y values) definitions.
For each example above we can write the Domain and Range using SET NOTATION.
Example A) has…Domain = { x ∈ Z | x = 1, 5, 7, 9 } and Range = { y ∈ Z | y = 1, 2, 3, 4 }
Example B) has…Domain = { x ∈ Z | x = 1, 3, 4, 6 } and Range = { y ∈ Z | y = 2, 3, 45 }
Example C) has…Domain = { x ∈ Z | x = 1, 3, 5 } and Range = { y ∈ Z | y = 1, 2, 4 }
A FUNCTION is a relation where each value in the domain corresponds to exactly ONE element
of the range. It can also be thought of as a rule that associates each x value with only ONE y-value.
Note: More than one x-value can correspond to the same y-value. (See pg 7 for an alternate definition)
A relation is NOT a function if one x value has 2 different y-values associated with it.
• In the examples above, examples A) and B) are functions.
• Example C) is not a function since the x-value 3 is associated with two y-values… y = 1 and y = 2
To visualize this, complete a MAPPING diagram for example C)
1 1
Write each UNIQUE Write each UNIQUE
x-value in order from 3 2 y-value in order from
smallest to largest smallest to largest
5 4
MCF3M – Chapter 1: Introduction to the Quadratic Function Date:
All functions are relations, but not all relations are functions. An easy way to determine whether
or not a relation is a function is to use its graph and a vertical line test.
The Vertical Line Test states that a relation is a function if, for any value of x, you can draw a vertical
line through at most ONLY ONE point on the graph of the relation.
Consider these examples…
Parabola Opening Up Parabola Opening to the Left
-3 D ={ x ∈ R } D ={ x ∈ R | x ≤ 5 }
R ={ y ∈ R | y ≥ -3 } R ={ y ∈ R }
Does this pass the Vertical Line Test? YES / NO Does this pass the Vertical Line Test? YES / NO
Therefore, is this relation a function? YES / NO Therefore, is this relation a function? YES / NO
Straight Line Sine Function (you’ll see this later)
D ={ x ∈ R }
1
R ={ y ∈ R }
-1
D ={ x ∈ R }
R ={ y ∈ R | -1 ≤ y ≤ 1}
Does this pass the Vertical Line Test? YES / NO Does this pass the Vertical Line Test? YES / NO
Therefore, is this relation a function? YES / NO Therefore, is this relation a function? YES / NO
Let’s examine the examples from the textbook as well. Open your books to page 8 …
Classwork / Homework:
pg 13 #1ac, 2bcd, 3bc
pg 14 #5 – 7, 9, 11ab, 16
