Final answer:
A mathematical function is a relation where each input is paired with only one output, a concept used in both math and economics to model relationships and changes. Points like (1,5), (2,10), (3,7), and (4,14) can be graphed to represent the function if they follow this rule. Knowing the function's equation allows us to plot more points and analyze the relationship further.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mathematical function is a special type of relation where each input value (x) is paired with exactly one output value (y). This is a fundamental concept in both mathematics and economics, where functions are used to model relationships and changes.
When considering the provided points (1,5), (2,10), (3,7), and (4,14), they represent a function if no two points have the same x-value with different y-values. These points can be plotted on a graph to visually represent the dependence of y on x. If we have a mathematical expression for this function, we can calculate additional (x,y) pairs and plot them, further illustrating the function's behavior.
Understanding functions is crucial for interpreting economic models as they often express relationships between different economic variables. Functions allow us to predict outcomes and understand how changes in one variable affect another, which is vital in both theoretical and applied economics.