What are Algebraic Functions
Algebraic functions are some of the most important concepts in math. In this article I discuss the history and uses of functions.
Introduction
Functions are a type of relation that tie numbers together. They have to have a mutual meaning, but when they do, the data given can be very meaningful.
Beginning functions often use tables for a visual aid. Tables in this fashion show the direct relationship between a set of numbers.
A function is a relation. It is defined as an input that has only one output. In an ordered pair, like (2,3), the first number corresponds to the (x) and the second number corresponds to the (y).
Notation and Pairs
When talking about functions, the notation y = f(x) is traditionally used. This means that when (x) is used as an input into (f), then the result is y. That is a fundamental relationship and must be understood.
It is important to realize that a function returns a set of ordered pairs, like (x,y). A relation that has one output for each input is, by definition, a function. (x) is the independent variable and (y) is the dependent variable.
A set of inputs (x) is called the domain of the function. The set of related outputs (y) is the range of the function. A letter (f) is usually the name of a function.
A function can be represented in words, a table, or a diagram. They all mean the same thing. Each method will have its limitations.
For notation, we use both brackets and a parenthesis. These mean different things in interval notation. When we use a bracket it means the endpoint number is included. The parenthesis is used when the endpoint number is not included.
Definition Of Functions
Functions can be represented verbally, graphically, symbolically, or numerically. There is no best way, it depends on the situation and the data you want to show.
Every function is a relation but not every relation is a function. This is important to remember. The domain is the set of all real numbers for which it is defined.
When looking at a graph, we can see if a curve is a function or not. This is accomplished by the vertical line test. Any vertical line on the graph should only touch the curve once. If, for some reason, it touches more than once, then this is not a function.
Solving Functions
When you are asked to solve a function, it can also be called evaluating it. This is the same thing and its just a different way of phrasing it.
When we are given an input value, we are solving for the output value. Conversely, if we are given the output value, we set the equation equal to the output value and solve for the input.
Constant Functions
I want to add some detail to our definition of functions. They can be considered in another light, that is, they can be linear or nonlinear. An example of a linear function is called a constant function.
It should not be too hard to surmise what this is. A constant function is one who’s output remains constant. These are actually very common.
Linear Functions
This is a type of function where the output has the same rate of increasing or decreasing. It is represented by f(x) = ax + b.
If a=0 at any point then we will just have a constant function. So in a linear function, each time x increases, f(x) changes by the amount of a.
Slope Of A Function
The graph of a linear function is a straight line. Slope is the number that indicates the inclination of this line. If you have two points, slope = m = \frac{\delta y}{\delta x}.
If this slope is positive, it rises from left to the right. However, if its negative, the line sinks from left to right.
Example 1
Find the slope of the line passing through the points (-2,3) and (1, -2).
You calculate it like this:
Slope like this is also known as rate of change of a function. It is also a constant function.
When using a graph to figure out estimates, the units will be easy and given for you. It will be the units for the y-axis over the x-axis. Take advantage of this.
Nonlinear Functions
Nonlinear functions are easy to explain. They are functions with variable output. So the output does not increase or decrease with any regular interval. If you were looking at a graph, the line would be curved. This is what a curved line means.
If you are looking at a table of data and wonder if it is linear or nonlinear, just examine the output. That part should be labeled clearly. The output will have the same rate of change if it is linear, otherwise it is nonlinear.
An example of a nonlinear function would be a parabola. This is a curved line, which can take a variety of shapes.
Finding Domain And Range
We can also use graphs to find information about a function. Graphs give us a broad overview of functions. There will be many inputs so we can see what the function is all about.
Like any function, we can see the domain as the (x) inputs and the range (y) outputs. This is an easy way to see if the graph is a one to one function. That means there is only one output for any input. It’s just another style of function.
Average Rate of Change
Since the graphs of nonlinear functions are not straight, there is no single slope. Instead, there are many different slopes in a particular curve. However, we can take an average of the slopes to get a general idea. This is an important calculus topic too.
If we have two points on a curve and draw a straight line connecting them, we call this a secant line. So the average rate of change is telling us, on average, how fast a quantity is changing. The average rate of change is just the slope of that particular line between two points.
When a function is constant, its average rate of change, or slope, is 0. In a linear function such as:
f(x) = ax + b
its average rate of change is equal to a, the slope of its graph. A nonlinear function has a variable rate of change.
Just so you know, we can define out two points to anything we want. For example, it can be from start to finish or some small instance between the two ending points.
This looks like:
Example 2
Calculating A Difference Quotient
This is our answer. These problems are usually designed so they cancel out certain values to make it work. So when working these, if the problem does not behave like that, you might have made a mistake and need to go back and look at it.
Example 3
The distance in feet that a racehorse travels is given by the function
Increasing And Decreasing Functions
Graphs tell us a lot about a function. We can look at the function as a whole or any particular intervals that interest us.
Another attribute the graph tells us is whether the function is increasing or decreasing. An increasing function means the slope is positive. A decreasing function is when the slope is negative.
The function can be looked at as a whole or at any point in time on the graph. This gives us a lot of information, depending on the function.
A point on the graph that goes from increasing to decreasing is called a local maximum. If a point goes from decreasing to increasing, then that point is called the local minimum.
Conclusion
So functions are very interesting. They can tell us a nice picture on what each one means. Constant and linear functions are easy to understand but its also important to remember what they represent and how they look graphically.
The slope on a graph is the degree of the rise and fall of a line between two points. This is also the rate of change. Rate of change tells us how fast any quantity changes. This then leads us to difference quotients.
Thanks For Reading
Thank you for reading this. I really appreciate it. I hope I inspired someone to start learning some math fundamentals. It is very rewarding, I promise.
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https://jason-46957.medium.com/a-first-look-at-algebra-and-number-sets-ff94b174c217
or
https://medium.com/the-breakthrough/getting-started-with-astronomy-3df03b4c35c5
Originally published at https://sciencebyjason.com on June 30, 2021.
