Functions
(KS4, Year 10)
A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of outputs, such that each input is related to exactly one output. A function f, relates an input x to an output f(x).

Dictionary Definition

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a function as "a mathematical correspondence that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set".

A Real Example of a Function

It is easier to understand functions with an example.

f(x) = x + 1

The function f(x) = x + 1 takes each input and adds 1 to it. The mapping diagram below shows this function.

f(x)_equals_x_plus_1_mapping_diagram Let us look at the function in function notation: function_explained
  • The name of the function is f.
  • The input is x. It is written in brackets after the name of the function.
  • The output is x + 1. It is written to the right of the equals (=) sign.

Properties of a Function

Let us take a closer look at the definition of a function:
A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of outputs, such that each input is related to exactly one output.
  • "each input": every input in the set must be related to an output in the other set. The mapping diagram below shows that each input relates to an output. It doesn't matter that some outputs (7 and 13) aren't related to. It is a function: function_each_element_related In the mapping diagram below, some inputs (2 and 3) are not related to an output. It is not a function: function_each_element_not_related
  • "exactly one output": each input relates to one output only. The mapping diagram below shows that each input relates exactly one output. Sometimes, one input relates to one output (this is a one-to-one mapping), such as 2 relating to 4. Sometimes, more than one input relates to one output (this is a many-to-one mapping), such as both −3 and 3 relating to 9. This is a function: function_exactly_one_element In the mapping diagram below, one input (9) relates to more than on output (−3 and 3). This is a one-to-many mapping. It is not a function: function_not_exactly_one_element

Graphs of Functions

Function can be plotted on graphs. Functions relate an input x to an output f(x). We can plot these pairs of inputs and outputs as Cartesian coordinates, (x, f(x)).function_graph

The Vertical Line Test

Each input can only be related to one output. Each value of x can only be related to one value of f(x). On a graph, this means that any vertical line only crosses the curve once. This is the vertical line test. The curve below passes the vertical line test. Any vertical line that is drawn will cross the curve only once. It is a function:function_passes_vertical_line_testThe curve below does not pass the vertical line test. A vertical line can be drawn which crosses the curve twice. It is not a function: function_does_not_pass_vertical_line_test

Lesson Slides

The slider below explains more about functions.
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This page was written by Stephen Clarke.