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Maths (1 Viewer)

drsabz101

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Q. How can I tell if a graph is a function or a relation , with just a drawing of it and nothing else. Do I draw a vertical line?
 

Shuuya

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If the vertical line passes through the graph more than once, then the graph is a relation

If it passes through only once, then it is a function.

(i.e every x value much have one distinct y value for functions)

So the above graph is a function :)
 

InteGrand

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By the way, every function is a relation, but not every relation is a function.
 

Green Yoda

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It is a function when there is only ONE permissible y value for EACH x value.
This is NOT true when vice versa.
 

Nailgun

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I assume he means you can have multiple x values per y value, like having two x-intercepts at y=0 in a parabola
 

drsabz101

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I know what he means (e.g. like the graph of a circle)
 

Green Yoda

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Yup, if there is more than one y value per x value then it's not a function as for yeah y value there must be only 1 x value but there can be more than 1 x value for each y value. I see it in a science way, the independent variable which is the x value or x coordinate must always be different. E.g (3,4) (4,4) is a function while (3,2) (3,5) is not.
 

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