Is the value of the nickels a function of the number of nickels? Remember, a function is a special type of rule where each input has only one possible output. So, if there is only 1 possible value for the nickels based on the number of nickels, then the value of the nickels is a function of the number of nickels.

Question

An image of three nickels.

The value of 3 nickels is 15 cents.

The value of the nickels
of the number of nickels.

Answer 1

Yes, the value of the nickels is indeed a function of the number of nickels.

To explain this in more detail:

• When you have \( n \) nickels, the value \( V \) in cents can be calculated using the rule: \[ V = 5n \] where \( n \) is the number of nickels and \( 5 \) is the value of each nickel in cents.

• For every specific number of nickels \( n \), there is only one corresponding value \( V \). For example:

  • If \( n = 1 \), then \( V = 5 \times 1 = 5 \) cents.
  • If \( n = 3 \), then \( V = 5 \times 3 = 15 \) cents.
  • If \( n = 10 \), then \( V = 5 \times 10 = 50 \) cents.

Each input (number of nickels) results in exactly one output (value in cents), which satisfies the definition of a function. Therefore, we can conclude that the value of the nickels is a function of the number of nickels.