Introduction to Unit 4: Functions Key Terms
Independent Study/Preview/Review Unit 4:
Free Dictionary defines a relation as a logical or natural
association between two or more things; relevance of one to another; connection.
When we think of relationships, we think of how two things are associated. Some relationships we consider to be good and some we may consider to be bad; but, either way, we are describing how two or more things interact or get along with each other.
This is the same in mathematics.
A relation is considered to be the
correspondence, or association, between two sets.
When we think of relationships, we think of how two things are associated. Some relationships we consider to be good and some we may consider to be bad; but, either way, we are describing how two or more things interact or get along with each other.
This is the same in mathematics.
A relation is considered to be the
Some relations are super special; we call these functions. Functions are the basis of algebraic concepts.
We will spend this unit learning what it means for a relation to be a function. We'll look at the ways that functions can be represented and how to determine if a graph, a set of ordered pairs, or an equation has the qualities of a function.
Functions have special characteristics. We will explore a couple of these in this unit, and you will learn more and more of these characteristics as you progress through your mathematical career. Finally, in our unit, we'll pay particular attention to rate of change, or slope, and how to determine if a function is increasing or decreasing and on what interval that is occurring.
Essential Questions:
- What is the definition of a function?
- How do we know if a graph represents a function?
- What are some of the different ways functions can be represented?
- How can we compare the properties of functions that are represented in different ways?
