To determine whether the equation \( y = 8x^2 \) represents a function, we can refer to the definition of a function. A relation is considered a function if each input (x-value) has exactly one output (y-value).
In the case of the equation \( y = 8x^2 \):
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For every \( x \) value you plug into the equation, you will get one and only one corresponding \( y \) value. For example:
- If \( x = 1 \), then \( y = 8(1)^2 = 8 \).
- If \( x = -1 \), then \( y = 8(-1)^2 = 8 \) (still one output for two different inputs).
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The equation is quadratic, which means its graph is a parabola that opens upwards. Each vertical line drawn through the graph will intersect it at most once, which confirms that each input gives only one output.
Thus, \( y = 8x^2 \) is indeed a function.