A relation is a set of data. A function is a set of data that has one distinct output for each input. A relation is a function when an input appears only once in the data set. Here are some examples of relations:
- Collection of points:
{(-1,2), (-2,4), (-3,6), (-1,-2)} - Table: Look at the table, Number of text messages sent.
- Graph: Click on More Images and view the graph, Advertising Campaign Results.
Please realize that all functions are not lines. Rolling hills, v-shaped pictures, u-shaped diagrams -these are other functions that you'll explore as an Algebra student.