Chapter 9: Modeling Our World - Functions 9a

Flashcards based on Chapter 9 lecture notes focusing on functions and mathematical models.

Function

Describes how a dependent variable changes with respect to one or more independent variables. Often summarized as an ordered pair (independent variable, dependent variable).

Dependent Variable

The variable that depends on one or more other variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that is being changed or controlled.

How to write a function where x is the independent variable and y is the dependent variable

y = f(x)

What are the three basic ways to represent a function?

Data table, picture/graph, equation/formula

Domain of a Function

The set of values of the independent variable that both make sense and are of interest for the function.

Range of a Function

The values of the dependent variable that correspond to the values in the domain.

In the example of hours of daylight as a function, what is the independent variable?

Time

In the example of hours of daylight as a function, what is the dependent variable?

Hours of daylight

Periodic Function

The same pattern repeats from one year to the next.