Is the relation shown in the table a function? Why or why not?

x | f(x)
3 | 2
0 | 1
5 | -7
-3 | 2

1 answer

To determine if the relation shown in the table is a function, we need to look at the x-values (inputs) and their corresponding f(x) values (outputs).

A relation is classified as a function if each input (x-value) is associated with exactly one output (f(x) value). In other words, no x-value can map to more than one f(x) value.

Let's examine the x-values from the table:

  • For \( x = 3 \), \( f(3) = 2 \)
  • For \( x = 0 \), \( f(0) = 1 \)
  • For \( x = 5 \), \( f(5) = -7 \)
  • For \( x = -3 \), \( f(-3) = 2 \)

In this table, the x-values are 3, 0, 5, and -3. Each of these x-values is unique and corresponds to exactly one f(x) value:

  • \( 3 \) maps to \( 2 \)
  • \( 0 \) maps to \( 1 \)
  • \( 5 \) maps to \( -7 \)
  • \( -3 \) maps to \( 2 \)

Since no x-value is repeated, and each one maps to only one unique f(x) value, we can conclude that this relation is indeed a function.

Conclusion: Yes, the relation is a function because each x-value has a unique corresponding f(x) value.