Question

Does this graph represent a function? Why or why not?

Answer 1

No, because it fails the line test.

Explanation:

The line test is a test to tell whether or not a graph represents a function. If the line passes through the graph at one point, it is a function. x's length is at least 8, which means the line would cut through more than one point. Therefore, it is not a function.

Answer 2

The graph is not a function. One of the properties of a function is the vertical line test. This is when a line x=x is graphed, and if the this line intersects the graph more than once, then it is not a function. So, graphing the line x=8 (choose any x value within the domain), we see it intersects the graph twice. Therefore, the graph is not a function.