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Functions and graphs

Rules and pictures for relationships between quantities.

A function takes an input and produces an output. A graph lets you see the relationship across many inputs at once.

Tiny example

Input and output

For the rule y = 2x + 1, try x = 0, 1, 2.

The outputs are 1, 3, 5. Plotting them begins to reveal a line.

Why it matters

Functions and graphs connect algebra, change, modelling, transformations and data.

Things to watch for

  • Thinking a graph is just a picture rather than a set of relationships.
  • Mixing up input and output.
  • Forgetting that changing the equation changes the graph.

Try it in a tool