Identifying Functions &
Using the Vertical Line Test

Now that you've studied the three examples from our first functions lesson are you ready to try a few on your own?

Let's recap a few things that will help you identify whether the following relations are functions.

A relation is only a function if each input is only paired with one output. In other words - focus on your x coordinate (input). If you have 2 or more x coordinates that are the same - they must all have the same output or it is not a function.

If you are using the vertical line test, and your "line" touches the graph in more than one point, then it is not a function. Your vertical line must only touch the graph at one point.

Now that you have two strategies under your belt, let's give it a whirl.

Ok... let's try a few practice problems!


Practice Problems

Directions: For each problem below, determine if the relation is a function.

1.

straight line to identify functions

2.

Graph for identifying functions

Directions: For the next two problems, determine whether the relations, written as ordered pairs, are functions. You can use the vertical line test if you choose to graph the ordered pairs.

Click here to print out graph paper.


3. {(-5, -1) (3,3) (1, 2) (-5, 7) }

4. {(-3, 1) (-1, -1) (3,0) (-2, -4)}



Ready to check your answers?

Solutions

Yes, this graph represents a function. The vertical lines only pass through one point on the graph.

This graph represents a linear equation and all standard linear equations are functions.


Solution to identifying a function using the vertical line test


2. Yes, this graph represents a function. The vertical lines only pass through one point on the graph.

Identifying functions using vertical line test practice problems.


3.  NO, this relation is NOT a function. The -5 is paired up with two different outputs.

Example of identifying a non-function when analyzing ordered pairs.

If you graph the points on a grid, look what happens when you apply the vertical line test.

Justifying functions using vertical line test.

Graph courtesy of Rentcalculators.org free graphing tool.


4.  {(-3, 1) (-1, -1) (3,0) (-2, -4)}


YES, this relation is a function. If we analyze the ordered pairs, we notice that each input is paired with one and only one output.

You can also graph the points if you are unsure and you will find that a vertical line only passes through one point on the graph. Take a look.

Vertical line test practice

Graph courtesy of Rentcalculators.org free graphing tool.

Great Job! Next we will focus on function notation and evaluating functions.

  1. Home
    2. >
  2. Functions
    3. >
  3. Vertical Line Test
    4. >
  4. Vertical Line Test Practice



Comments

We would love to hear what you have to say about this page!

Need More Help With Your Algebra Studies?

Get access to hundreds of video examples and practice problems with your subscription! 

Click here for more information on our affordable subscription options.

Not ready to subscribe?  Register for our FREE Pre-Algebra Refresher course.