The vertical line test is a visual way to determine whether a relation is a function. According to the definition of a function, each input (or x-value) must correspond to exactly one output (or y-value).
To apply the vertical line test, follow these steps:
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Graph the relation: Plot the points of the relation on a coordinate system or draw the curve if it's defined by an equation.
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Draw vertical lines: Imagine drawing vertical lines (or use a ruler or a straight edge) that can move across the graph from left to right.
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Check for intersections: If any vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point, then the relation is not a function. This means that for the x-value corresponding to the intersection points, there are multiple y-values (outputs).
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If no vertical line intersects more than once: If every vertical line intersects the graph at most once, then the relation is a function. This indicates that each x-value has a unique y-value.
Example
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Example of a function: The graph of \( y = x^2 \) passes the vertical line test, as any vertical line will intersect the graph at most once.
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Example of not a function: The graph of a circle, like \( x^2 + y^2 = r^2 \), fails the vertical line test because there are vertical lines that intersect the circle at two points, indicating that some x-values map to multiple y-values.
Using the vertical line test is a straightforward way to visually determine whether a relation is a function.