Function, describes a correlation or coincidence between a dependent variable () and an independent variable (). The legitimacy of this relationship between the variables is called the " correspondence rule ".
Function Representations Practice Problems & Worksheets
Master verbal, tabular, and algebraic function representations with step-by-step practice problems. Learn correspondence rules and complete function tables.
📚Master Function Representations with Interactive Practice
- Convert verbal function descriptions into algebraic expressions
- Complete function tables using correspondence rules and given equations
- Identify which tables represent valid functions vs non-functions
- Solve for missing X and Y values in function relationships
- Practice with linear, square root, and fractional function forms
- Apply function concepts to real-world scenarios and word problems
Understanding Representing a Function Verbally and with Tables
Complete explanation with examples
Verbal representation of a function
The verbal representation of a function expresses the connection between variables verbally, i.e. through a story.
A typical verbal representation of a function can look like this:
- Assuming that Daniel reads all the books he buys that month, the total number of books Daniel reads per year () is a function of the number of books Danny buys each month ().
Tabular representation of a function
A tabular representation of a function is a demonstration of the legitimacy of a function using a table of values (independent variable) and the corresponding values (dependent variable).
In general, a table of values is shown as follows:
Practice Representing a Function Verbally and with Tables
Test your knowledge with 12 quizzes
Which of the following equations corresponds to the function represented in the graph?
Examples with solutions for Representing a Function Verbally and with Tables
Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1
Determine whether the following table represents a function
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 constant change in Y values, meaning an increase of 3
Therefore, according to the rule, the table describes a function.
Answer:
Yes
Video Solution
Exercise #2
Determine whether the data in the following table represent a constant function
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 #3
Determine whether the following table represents a constant function:
Step-by-Step Solution
It is important to remember that a constant function describes a situation where, as the X value increases, the Y value remains constant.
In the table, we can see that there is a constant change in the X values, specifically an increase of 2, while the Y value remains constant.
Therefore, the table does indeed describe a constant function.
Answer:
Yes, it does
Video Solution
Exercise #4
Is the given graph a function?
Step-by-Step Solution
It is important to remember that a function is an equation that assigns to each element in domain X one and only one element in range Y
Let's note that in the graph:
In other words, there are two values for the same number.
Therefore, the graph is not a function.
Answer:
No
Video Solution
Exercise #5
Determine whether the given graph is a function?
Step-by-Step Solution
It is important to remember that a function is an equation that assigns to each element in domain X one and only one element in range Y
We should note that for every X value found on the graph, there is one and only one corresponding Y value.
Therefore, the graph is indeed a function.
Answer:
Yes
Video Solution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between verbal and tabular representation of functions?
+Verbal representation describes the function relationship through words or a story, while tabular representation shows the function using a table with X (independent) and Y (dependent) variable values. Both methods demonstrate the same correspondence rule but in different formats.
How do I complete a function table when given an equation?
+To complete a function table: 1) Substitute each X value into the given equation, 2) Calculate the corresponding Y value, 3) Record both values in the table. For example, if Y = X - 2 and X = 5, then Y = 5 - 2 = 3.
What makes a table represent a valid function?
+A table represents a valid function when each X value (input) corresponds to exactly one Y value (output). If any X value appears with multiple different Y values, it is not a function.
How do I write a verbal description of a function from a table?
+Analyze the pattern in the table to identify the relationship between X and Y values. Then describe this relationship in words, such as 'Y is 3 more than X' for the pattern Y = X + 3.
What are the most common types of function representations?
+The four main function representations are: • Verbal (word descriptions) • Algebraic (equations like Y = 2X + 5) • Tabular (tables of X and Y values) • Graphical (coordinate plane plots)
How do I solve for X when given a Y value in a function?
+Replace Y in the equation with the given value, then solve for X algebraically. For example, if Y = 2X + 3 and Y = 11, substitute: 11 = 2X + 3, so 8 = 2X, therefore X = 4.
Why do some function practice problems use fractions and decimals?
+Functions can involve any real numbers, including fractions and decimals. These problems help students understand that correspondence rules work with all number types, not just whole numbers, preparing them for more advanced mathematics.
What is a correspondence rule in function representation?
+A correspondence rule is the mathematical relationship that defines how each input (X) value connects to exactly one output (Y) value. It's the 'rule' that makes the function work, such as 'multiply by 5' or 'subtract 2'.