Range of a Function

Definition of Range of a Function

  • The set of all output values or the y-values of a function or a relation is called the range of the function or the relation.

Examples of Range of a Function

  • The table shows some of the input and the corresponding output values of the function y = x + 1.

The range of the function is the set of all real numbers

{. . .  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, . . . .}.

                                

Solved Example on Range of a Function

x = 1, 2, 3, 4 are some of the input values of the function y = 6 - x. Find the range of the function for the given input values and then plot the values on a coordinate plane as ordered pairs.

Choices:

A. Graph 1

B. Graph 2

C. Graph 3

D. Graph 4

Correct answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: The range of the function y = 6 - x, varies as the value of x changes.

Step 2: The output value y for x = 1 is: y = 6 - 1 = 5.     [Substitute 1 for x and add.]

Step 3: The output value y for x = 2 is: y = 6 – 2 = 4.     [Substitute 2 for x and add.]

Step 4: The output value y for x = 3 is: y = 6 – 3 = 3.     [Substitute 3 for x and add.]

Step 5: The output value y for x = 4 is: y = 6 – 4 = 2.      [Substitute 4 for x and add.]

Step 6: The ordered pairs are (1, 5), (2, 4), (3, 3), (4, 2).

Step 7: Plot the points on a coordinate plane.

   

Step 8: So, Graph 3 is the graph that has the range of the function for the given input values plotted correctly.

                            

Related Terms for Range of a Function

  • Domain
  • Function
  • Relation

                                     

Additional Links for Range of a Function