Use the table to answer the question.

Day of the Week Number of Children in the Car
Sunday 2
Monday 4
Tuesday 4
Wednesday 3
Thursday 4
Friday 3
Saturday 0
Describe the meaning of the word function in math. Then consider the table. Why does this table show a function? make it look like a 7th grader wrote it

1 answer

In math, a function is a special relationship where each input has exactly one output. It's like a machine: you put something in (called the input), and it gives you only one thing out (the output). For example, if you put a number into a function, it can only give you one answer based on that number.

Looking at the table I have:

  • On Sunday, there are 2 children in the car.
  • On Monday, there are 4 children in the car.
  • On Tuesday, there are also 4 children in the car.
  • On Wednesday, there are 3 children in the car.
  • On Thursday, again 4 children.
  • On Friday, there are 3 children.
  • On Saturday, there are no children in the car.

This table shows a function because for each day of the week (the input), there is only one specific number of children in the car (the output). For example, if I say "Monday," I can only expect 4 children. I can't say "Monday" and get 3 different answers like 2, 4, or 3. So, every day of the week is linked to one and only one number of children, which makes this table a function!