Chapter 3: Problem 21
Decide whether the equation describes a function. $$y=6$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Yes, the equation describes a function.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Equation Type
The given equation is a horizontal line equation: \( y = 6 \). This means that no matter what value we choose for \( x \), the value of \( y \) remains constant at 6.
02
Determine the Output for Each Input
For a function to be valid, each input should have exactly one output. In this case, regardless of what \( x \) value we select, the output \( y \) is always 6. So, for any input \( x \), there is exactly one corresponding output \( y = 6 \).
03
Check the Vertical Line Test
A graphical check can help verify if an equation is a function. According to the vertical line test, if a vertical line can intersect the graph at more than one point, then the relation is not a function. However, since this graph is a horizontal line, any vertical line will intersect it at exactly one point, confirming that it is a function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Horizontal Line Equation
In algebra, a horizontal line equation is known for its simplicity. It is expressed in the form \( y = c \). Here, \( c \) is a constant number. For example, the equation \( y = 6 \) means that the value of \( y \) is always 6, no matter the value chosen for \( x \). This is because a horizontal line runs parallel to the x-axis.
Key characteristics of a horizontal line include:
This tells us that horizontal equations are incredibly straightforward, providing a clear and constant output no matter the x-value.
Key characteristics of a horizontal line include:
- The slope of the line is zero since it doesn’t rise or fall as it moves horizontally.
- The line goes straight across at a fixed y-value.
- Every point on the line has the form \( (x, c) \).
This tells us that horizontal equations are incredibly straightforward, providing a clear and constant output no matter the x-value.
Vertical Line Test
The vertical line test is a simple visual method to determine if a graph represents a function. By this test, a relation is a function if and only if no vertical line can cross the graph more than once. This is an easy way to tell if each input has a single output.
Let's break it down:
Let's break it down:
- Draw or imagine vertical lines (up-down) through different parts of the graph.
- If a line touches the graph at more than one point, it's not a function.
- If it only touches the graph once per line, it is a function.
Constant Function
A constant function is a unique case in mathematics where the output or result remains unchanged regardless of the input. This means that no matter what x-value you plug into the function, the y-value remains the same.
Using our example of \( y = 6 \):
Using our example of \( y = 6 \):
- This is a perfect example of a constant function because no matter the x, y is unchanging at 6.
- The graph of \( y = 6 \) is a flat horizontal line, showing visually that y does not depend on x.
- Constant functions are therefore perfectly predictable and consistent.