What is the function value?
If you want to draw a graph in mathematics, there is no getting around function values. They are part of the coordinates that describe the graph. A function is of course also a prerequisite for calculating the function values.
This is how a coordinate system is constructed
In order to understand what a function value is, it must first be explained how a coordinate system is structured.
- A coordinate system consists of an x and a y axis. The x-axis runs horizontally, the y-axis perpendicular to it, i.e. vertically. Both axes are provided with a scale: If the x-axis, for example, the number of kilograms one indicates certain goods in the range between 0 and 15 kilograms, it shows a scale from at least 0 to 15. The y-axis has a scale for, for example, the total price to be paid.
- A graph is nothing more than an infinite number of points (coordinate pairs) in this coordinate system. Each point is defined by a value and a function value.
This is understood by a function value
- In order to be able to calculate a function value - or several in order to be able to draw a graph afterwards - you need a function. The function defines the relationship between the one quantity that is shown on the x-axis and the other that is shown on the y-axis. This means that a value on the x-axis corresponds to a value on the y-axis.
- To get the function value for a specific value, insert this into the function. You can do this with any number of values from the range for which the function is defined. This gives you coordinate pairs in which the value is entered on the x-axis and the function value on the y-axis. The function value is therefore often called the y-value. If you have drawn in enough points (two pairs of numbers are sufficient for a linear function), you can draw the graph.
Determine certain points in the graph arithmetically - this is how it works
A math problem: You have the graph of a function and ...
How helpful do you find this article?
