ENGR. REX S.

REBUYAS
FUNCTIONS

INTRODUCTION:
When two quantities x and y are related so that for some range of values of x
the value of y is determined by that of x, we say that y is a function of x. In other
words, the value of y depends upon the value of x. For example, a square with side
of length c the area is given by
A = c2 ,

c > 0.

Therefore A is a funtion of c, the range of values of c being determined by the

physical meaning of the quantities involved.
There is nothing in the definition of the term funtion to require that the
variables be related by an equation or by any set of formulas. The temperature at
specific spot on the earths surface is function of the time, as well as of many other
variables, but no formula is known for that function.
Turn to page 2 of Differential and Integral Calculus, 6 th ed. by Love & Rainville for
examples.