Recall that a function is a rule that takes an input, does something to it,
and gives an output.
Each input has exactly one output.
If the function name is $\,f\,$,
and the input name is $\,x\,$,
then the unique corresponding output is called $\,f(x)\,$
(which is read aloud as ‘$\,f\,$ of $\,x\,$’).
See function notation for details.
When you're working with a function,
it's critical that you understand the relationship between its inputs and their corresponding outputs.
That is, it's critical that you understand the function's (input,output) pairs.
Of course, there are usually infinitely many of these (input,output) pairsthe graph of the function!
For example, consider the squaring functionthe function that takes a real number input, and squares it.
When the input is $\,3\,$, the output is $\,3^2 = 9\,$.
Thus, $\,(3,9)\,$ is an (input,output) pair.
When the input is $\,4\,$, the output is $\,4^2 = 16\,$.
Thus, $\,(4,16)\,$ is an (input,output) pair.
When the input is $\,-3\,$, the output is $\,(-3)^2 = 9\,$.
Thus, $\,(-3,9)\,$ is an (input,output) pair.
Here's a table (at right) that summarizes a few of the infinitely-many (input,output) pairs.
Of course, it's impossible to list them all. When these points are plotted in an $\,xy\,$-coordinate system (see below), with the inputs along the $\,x\,$-axis and the outputs along the $\,y\,$-axis, a shape clearly emerges in the coordinate plane. ![]() |
SOME (INPUT,OUTPUT) PAIRS FOR THE SQUARING FUNCTION
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The picture of all the points of the form $\,(x,x^2)\,$ is called the graph of the squaring function.
Now it's time to make things precise:
The sketch at right illustrates all the key features of a graph. The input (horizontal) axis is labeled as $\,x\,$. The output (vertical) axis is labeled as $\,y\,$. The graph itself is labeled as $\,y = f(x)\,$. A couple specific (input,output) pairs are shown. You should recognize this as the graph of the squaring function. That is, $\,f(x) = x^2\,$. Thus, $\,f(-2) = (-2)^2 = 4\,$ and $\,f(1) = 1^2 = 1\,$. |
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Alternate names for inputs and outputs have been chosen for the graph at left. The input (horizontal) axis is labeled as $\,t\,$. The output (vertical) axis is labeled as $\,w\,$. The graph itself is labeled as $\,w=g(t)\,$. This says that a function named $\,g\,$ is acting on inputs named $\,t\,$ and producing outputs named $\,w\,$. A couple specific (input,output) pairs are shown. You may have guessed that this is the graph of the cubing function. That is, $\,g(t) = t^3\,$. Thus, $\,g(-1) = (-1)^3 = -1\,$ and $\,g(2) = 2^3 = 8\,$. |
Here are two things you will frequently be asked to do:
The graph of a function $\,f\,$ is shown at right. Read the following information from the graph:
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On this exercise, you will not key in your answer. However, you can check to see if your answer is correct. |
PROBLEM TYPES:
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