Final answer:
In mathematics, the domain is the set of all possible input values to a function. The domain can consist of categories (like majors), a set of whole numbers (like classes taken), or non-negative real numbers (like money spent). It is important to choose the correct domain for the context of the problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The domain in mathematics is the set of all possible input values to a function which yield valid output values. It relates to the 'x' values in a typical mathematical function.
- If we are talking about a student's major, the domain consists of all the majors offered at the university, which is a set of categories.
- For the number of classes taken in the previous semester, the domain would be all positive integers (including zero) that are permissible by the university's policies.
- The amount of money spent on books would have a domain starting from zero upwards, representing all non-negative real numbers, as one cannot spend a negative amount of money.
These examples illustrate that domains can be either a set of categories, a set of whole numbers, or a continuum of numbers, depending on what is being measured or described.