The Language of Relations and Functions

Writing a Relation from Observed Data Points

Example 1. Table 1 shows the score 𝑥 that a student earned on an algebra test based on the
number of hours 𝑦 spent studying one week prior to the test.

Table 1

a. Write the set of ordered pairs that defines the relation given in Table 1.
b. Write the domain.
c. Write the range.
 Activity 10
For the table shown,

a. Write the set of ordered pairs that defines the relation.

b. Write the domain.
c. Write the range.

Determining if a Relation Is a Function

Example 2. Determine if the relation defines 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.

a. {(3, 1), (2, 5), (−4, 2), (−1, 0), (3, −4)}
b. {(−1, 4), (2, 3), (3, 4), (−4, 5)}
 -4 -4
-1 0
1
2
2
3 5

Domain Range
-4
-4

a. Not a function

-4
3
-1
4
2
3 5

Domain Range
-4
b. A function

Activity 11
Determine if the relation defines 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.

a. {(8, 4), (3, −1), (5, 4)}

b. {(−3, 2), (9, 5), (1,0), (−3, 1)}
Applying the Vertical Line Test

Example 3. The graphs of three relations are given. In each case, determine if the relation
defines 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.
 Activity 12
Determine if the given relation defines 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.

FUNCTION NOTATION

𝒇(𝒙)

"𝒇 𝐨𝐟 𝒙"
EVALUATING A FUNCTION

Example 4.

Example 5.
 Activity 13
1. Evaluate the function defined by ℎ(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3 for the given values of 𝑥.
a. ℎ(−3)
b. ℎ(−1)
c. ℎ(0)
d. ℎ(1)
e. ℎ(3)

2. Evaluate the function defined by 𝑚(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 4𝑥.

a. 𝑘(𝑎)
b. 𝑘(𝑥 + ℎ)

Forming Composite Functions

Example 6
 Activity 14

Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 6 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1, find each of the following:

a. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(𝑥)
b. (𝑔 ∘ 𝑓)(𝑥)
c. (𝑓 ∘ 𝑔)(−1)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me.”
- Philippians 4:13