What is the relationship between the domain and range of a function?

In summary, the domain of a function is the set of all valid inputs and the range is the set of all possible outputs. They can share a common number, but it is not necessary. For example, the domain and range of f(x)= 2x+ 1 are both all real numbers.
  • #1
swatmedic05
42
0
Could someone please explain to me what the range and domain of a function is and how to find them? I just don't understand what they mean
Thank You
 
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  • #2
The domain of a function is the set of all valid inputs to the function. The range is the set of all possible outputs.

For example, if f(x) = 1/x2, the domain is all real numbers except 0. The range is all real numbers greater than 0.

D = {x in R | x [itex]\neq[/itex] 0}
R = {y in R | y > 0}
 
  • #3
Domain is all the possible values that X could be
Range is all the possible values that Y could be

example: determine the domain and range of y= x^2

when u sketched the graph, you can see x could be anything, it keeps going forever there for D( -infinity, +infinity)

for y, however, you can see y never goes below x axis, the maximum value for y is just 0
therefore (0, +infinity), because y goes up forever.
 
  • #4
But domain and range can't share a common number Can they?
 
  • #5
swatmedic05 said:
But domain and range can't share a common number Can they?
Sure, why not?
 
  • #6
swatmedic05 said:
But domain and range can't share a common number Can they?
They don't have to but they certainly can.

For example, the domain and range of f(x)= 2x+ 1 are both "all real numbers". Given any real number, I can certainly multiply it by 2 and then add 1- the domain is all real numbers. On the other hand, for any real number x, f(x)= 2x+ 1= y if 2x= y- 1 or x= (y- 1)/2 which is a real number. Since I can get any real number as a result of f(x) the range is all real numbers.
 

FAQ: What is the relationship between the domain and range of a function?

What is the domain of a function?

The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values for the function. In other words, it is the set of values that can be plugged into the function to obtain an output.

What is the range of a function?

The range of a function is the set of all possible output values for the function. In other words, it is the set of values that the function can produce when given certain input values.

How do you determine the domain and range of a function?

To determine the domain of a function, you must first look at any restrictions or limitations on the input values. These can be in the form of excluded values, such as dividing by zero, or restrictions on the type of numbers allowed. The range can be determined by looking at the output values the function can produce.

Can the domain and range of a function be infinite?

Yes, the domain and range of a function can be infinite. This occurs when there are no restrictions on the input or output values, and the function can take on any real number as its input or output.

Why is understanding the domain and range of a function important?

Understanding the domain and range of a function is important because it helps us understand the behavior of the function and the limitations on its input and output values. It also allows us to identify any potential errors or issues with the function and make necessary adjustments.

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