Question

Which of the following graphs represents a function?

Answer 1

The third graph represents a function.

In a function, every input (x value) has exactly one output (y value). If even a single input has zero or two outputs, the graph does not represent a function.

A good way of testing this is using a vertical line. As you move a vertical line from left to right across a graph, it should always be touching exactly one point on the graphed line.

In this case, every graph fails this vertical line test except for the third graph, so the third graph represents a function.

Answer 2

The graph that represents a function is the 3rd one.

Use the vertical line test to determine whether or not a graph represents a function. If a vertical line is moved across the graph and, touches the graph at only one point, then the graph is a function. If the vertical line touches the graph at more than one point, then the graph is not a function.