Input

Definition

In the context of relations and functions, input refers to the independent variable or the value that is supplied to a function or relation. It is the value that is used as the starting point for a calculation or transformation, and it determines the corresponding output or dependent variable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The input of a function or relation determines the output or dependent variable.
2. The domain of a function or relation is the set of all possible input values.
3. In a function, each input value is paired with exactly one output value.
4. The input value is the independent variable, while the output value is the dependent variable.
5. The input value is the starting point for a calculation or transformation in a function or relation.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between the input and output of a function.
  • The input of a function is the independent variable, and it determines the corresponding output or dependent variable. Each unique input value is paired with exactly one output value, as defined by the function's rule or equation. The input value is the starting point for the calculation, and the output is the result of applying the function to the input.
• Describe the role of the domain in relation to the input of a function.
  • The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values. It defines the range of values that can be used as the input for the function. The input value must be an element of the function's domain in order for the function to produce a valid output. The domain, therefore, sets the boundaries for the acceptable input values and ensures that the function can be properly evaluated.
• Analyze how the input and output of a function or relation can be used to make inferences about the underlying relationship between the variables.
  • By examining the pattern of inputs and their corresponding outputs in a function or relation, it is possible to make inferences about the underlying mathematical relationship between the variables. The way the output changes in response to changes in the input can reveal important characteristics, such as the function's rate of change, its concavity, its extrema, and its overall behavior. This analysis of the input-output relationship can provide valuable insights into the nature of the function or relation and its potential applications.

Related terms

Domain: The set of all possible input values for a function or relation.

Function: A special type of relation where each input value is paired with exactly one output value.

Output: The dependent variable or the value that is produced by a function or relation based on the input value.