Relations and Functions

Lessons with
Brief Descriptions

1	Introduction
2	Relation
3	Relation
4	Domain/Range
5	Domain/Range
6	Assignment 1
7	Functions
8	Domain/Range
9	Graphs
10	Function Notation
11	Assignment 2
12	Representing Functions
13	Linear Functions
14	Quadratic Functions
15	Arithmetic Operations
16	Assignment 3

Relations and Functions - Lesson 1
Material to supplement MTH 120: Beginning Algebra

Introduction

Prior to the invention of the graphing calculator (1989) the study of beginning algebra was primarily the study of variables and simplifying expressions so that you had the tools to be able to learn the various methods for solving different kinds of equations. In other words, what you have learned in this class so far. After learning all of this algebra students would begin to study relations and functions and the analysis of functions - usually in an advanced algebra or precalculus class.

The graphing calculator allows you to solve equations in a different way. You can go to the graph menu, enter the right side minus the left side of the equation and where the graph crossed the x-axis you have the solution(s). Using this approach to solve equations you need to know some basic algebra but you really need to understand functions and their graphs.

This course is a more "traditional" approach to the study of algebra. The approach described in the first paragraph above. The approach described in the second paragraph is being called "reform mathematics." You will find MTH 130: Intermediate Algebra will assume and build on the basic algebra skills you have learned, but focus on functions and how they explain the world around you.

Now we will begin to explore relations and functions. We will look at what they are and their characteristics. Then we look at what we have already learned through the "lens" of functions and discover we have already done a lot of "function" work.

Click here to go to the next Lesson 2 - What is a relation?