SOLUTION: Is the following relation a function? Explain your answer. (1,2), (2,3), (2,5), (2,7)

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: Is the following relation a function? Explain your answer. (1,2), (2,3), (2,5), (2,7)      Log On


   

Question 683926: Is the following relation a function? Explain your answer.
(1,2), (2,3), (2,5), (2,7)
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The x value of 2 maps to y = 3, y = 5 and y = 7 at the same time. So it is NOT a function.

It is only a function when every x value maps to EXACTLY ONE y value.


Note: Let's say that this requirement wasn't part of the definition of a function. If we have (2,3) and (2,5), then what is f(2)? Is it 3? or is it 5? It can't be both at the same time since f(2) is a single number. This is why the definition above is put in place.