Domain and Range of Functions
The domain and range of a function are the essence or foundation of algebraic equations and calculus formulas. Everyday uses include graphs, charts and maps.
The domain of a function y = f(x) is the set of all values of x for which the function is defined. In other words, a number x=a is in the domain of a function f if f (a) is a real number. For example, the domain of f(x) = x2 is all real numbers since for any real number, the value of is also a real number.
A function is a set of ordered pairs (x,y) such that for each first element x, there always corresponds one and only one element y. The domain is the set of the first elements and the range is the term given to name the set of the second elements. The domain is referred to as the independent variable and the range as the dependent variable.
The domain is the first group or set of values being fed or input into a function and these values will serve as the x-axis of a graph or chart.
The range is the second group or set of values being fed or input into a function with these values serving as the y-axis of a graph or chart.
The domain and range can be clearly identified graphically.
Learn more about domain and range of functions below.
Practice: Answer the following exercises about domain and range of functions.
Domain and Range of Functions 1
Domain and Range of Functions 2