Function Representations Practice Problems & Worksheets

Master algebraic, graphical, tabular and verbal representations of functions with step-by-step practice problems. Build confidence with interactive exercises.

📚Practice Converting Between Function Representations
  • Convert algebraic equations like f(x) = 2x + 3 into tables and graphs
  • Create coordinate plane graphs from function equations with proper scaling
  • Write verbal descriptions of function relationships using clear mathematical language
  • Build tables of values by substituting x-values into algebraic representations
  • Identify increasing and decreasing functions from graphs and equations
  • Switch between Y= and f(x) notation confidently in all problems

Understanding Representations of Functions

Complete explanation with examples

Ways to represent a function

Functions can be represented in several ways, each providing a unique perspective on the relationship between inputs and outputs. Here are the primary methods:

Algebraic Representation

Representation using an equation of XX and YY, such as f(x)=2x+3f(x) = 2x + 3, showing how the output depends on the input.

Graphical representation

A visual representation on a coordinate plane, like using a graph, plotting on the XX and YY axis, where the function's behavior and trends (e.g., linear, quadratic) can be observed.

Tabular representation

A table of values that pairs inputs (xx) with corresponding outputs (yy) for a quick reference of specific points.

Verbal representation

A written explanation describing the relationship between variables, such as “The output is twice the input plus three.” Expressing the relationship between XX and YY using words.

Function notation

Functions can be written using different notations, such as Y=Y= or f(x)=f(x)=, both of which represent the output in terms of the input.

Four representations of the linear function F(x) = 2x + 3: algebraic formula, input-output table, graph on a coordinate plane, and verbal description

Detailed explanation

Practice Representations of Functions

Test your knowledge with 12 quizzes

Given the following graph, determine which table corresponds to the following table

–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888999101010111111121212–1–1–1111222333444555666777000

Examples with solutions for Representations of Functions

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Determine whether the data in the following table represent a constant function

XY012348

Step-by-Step Solution

It is important to remember that a constant function describes a situation where as the X value increases, the function value (Y) remains constant.

In the table, we can observe that there is a constant change in X values, meaning an increase of 1, and a non-constant change in Y values - sometimes increasing by 1 and sometimes by 4

Therefore, according to the rule, the table does not describe a function

Answer:

No

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Determine whether the following table represents a function

XY-226101416111621

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the given pairs of (X,Y)(X, Y).
  • Step 2: Verify that each XX maps to exactly one YY.
  • Step 3: Conclude whether the table represents a function.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The pairs given are: (2,1)(-2, 1), (2,6)(2, 6), (6,11)(6, 11), (10,16)(10, 16), (14,21)(14, 21).

Step 2: For each input value XX, we check its corresponding output YY:

  • X=2X = -2 maps to Y=1Y = 1
  • X=2X = 2 maps to Y=6Y = 6
  • X=6X = 6 maps to Y=11Y = 11
  • X=10X = 10 maps to Y=16Y = 16
  • X=14X = 14 maps to Y=21Y = 21
None of the values of XX is associated with more than one different YY value.

Step 3: Since each XX value has exactly one corresponding YY value, the table represents a function.

Yes

Answer:

Yes

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Is the given graph a function?

–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333000

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine if the given graph represents a function, we use the vertical line test: if any vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point, the graph is not a function.

Let's apply this test to the graph:

  • Examine different sections of the graph by drawing imaginary vertical lines.
  • Look for intersections where more than one point exists on the vertical line.

Upon examining the graph, we observe that there are several vertical lines that intersect the graph at multiple points, particularly in areas with loops or overlapping curves. This indicates that at those x x -values, there are multiple y y -values corresponding to them.

Since there exist such vertical lines, according to the vertical line test, the graph does not represent a function.

Thus, the solution to this problem is that the given graph is not a function.

Answer:

No

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Is the given graph a function?

–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333000

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine whether the graph represents a function, we apply the Vertical Line Test. Here are the steps we follow:

  • Step 1: Visualize placing a vertical line across various parts of the graph.
  • Step 2: Check if the vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point at any given position.

Step 1: On evaluating the given graph carefully, there is a notable presence of a vertical line passing through multiple y-values. Specifically, the vertical line goes from y=3 y = -3 to y=3 y = 3 at x=3 x = 3 .

Step 2: Since this vertical line at x=3 x = 3 intersects the graph at an infinite number of points, it fails the Vertical Line Test.

Therefore, the graph does not represent a function. According to our analysis and the Vertical Line Test, the correct answer is No.

Answer:

No

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Determine whether the following table represents a constant function

XY-101247

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine if the table represents a constant function, we need to examine the Y-values corresponding to the X-values given in the table.

  • Step 1: Identify the given values from the table. The pairs are as follows: - For X=1X = -1, Y=2Y = 2 - For X=0X = 0, Y=4Y = 4 - For X=1X = 1, Y=7Y = 7
  • Step 2: Check if all Y-values are the same. Compare Y-values for each X-value:
  • - Y=2Y = 2 when X=1X = -1, - Y=4Y = 4 when X=0X = 0, - Y=7Y = 7 when X=1X = 1.

Since the Y-values (2, 4, and 7) are not the same, the function is not constant.

Thus, the table does not represent a constant function. The correct choice is: No.

Answer:

No

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 main ways to represent a function?

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Functions can be represented in four primary ways: algebraic (equations like f(x) = 2x + 3), graphical (coordinate plane plots), tabular (input-output value tables), and verbal (written descriptions of relationships).

How do I convert from algebraic to graphical representation of functions?

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To graph a function from its equation: 1) Choose at least 3 x-values, 2) Substitute each x-value into the equation to find corresponding y-values, 3) Plot these coordinate points on a coordinate plane, 4) Connect the points with a straight line.

What's the difference between Y= and f(x) notation?

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Both Y= and f(x)= represent the same concept - the output depends on the input x. Function notation f(x) is more formal and useful for evaluating specific values, while Y= is simpler for basic equations.

How can I tell if a function is increasing or decreasing?

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Two methods work: 1) Look at the coefficient of x in the algebraic form - positive means increasing, negative means decreasing, 2) Examine the graph from left to right - if it goes up, it's increasing; if it goes down, it's decreasing.

Why is each x-value paired with only one y-value in functions?

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This is the fundamental definition of a function - each input (x) must produce exactly one output (y). If one x-value gave multiple y-values, it wouldn't be a function but rather a relation.

How do I create a table of values from a function equation?

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Choose several x-values (usually including 0, positive, and negative numbers), substitute each into the equation, calculate the corresponding y-values, then organize the pairs in a two-column table with x and y headers.

What makes a good verbal representation of a function?

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A clear verbal representation describes the relationship between variables using everyday language. For example, 'the output is twice the input plus three' for f(x) = 2x + 3, or real-world contexts like 'each flour package makes 3 pizzas.'

Which function representation is best for solving problems?

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Each representation has strengths: algebraic for calculations, graphical for visualizing trends and intercepts, tabular for specific value lookups, and verbal for understanding real-world contexts. The best choice depends on the problem type.

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