Graphs, equation and functions.

In summary, the conversation discusses whether a relation between numbers represented on a graph as a curve can be written in the form of an equation. The other person argues that it is irrelevant whether it is a curve or not, and that an equation can always be fitted to a set of points. However, it is noted that not all equations represent functions.
  • #1
Nemika
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Is it correct to say that if a relation between a few numbers is represented on a graph and it comes out to be a curve than it can be written in the form of an equation?
 
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  • #2
First of all, I don't think it needs to be a curve, that is irrelevant.

Secondly, you can always fit an equation to a set number of points. Now whether this equation describes the relationship accurately or not is another question.
 
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Likes Emmanuel_Euler and symbolipoint
  • #3
I mean to say that if it happens to be a curve or hyperbola than can it be represented in the form of an equation
 
  • #4
I think it's irrelevant. You can always come up with an equation that will go through all your data points.
 
  • #5
OK, and if it is an equation can it be a function
 
  • #6
Nemika said:
OK, and if it is an equation can it be a function
No. Many equations do not represent functions. For example, ##x^2 + y^2 = 1## is the equation of a circle. This equation does not represent a function.
 
  • #7
How can we determine that an equation is a function or not
 
  • #8
Do you know the definition of "function"?
 

Related to Graphs, equation and functions.

1. What is a graph?

A graph is a visual representation of data, where different points or values are plotted on a coordinate plane. It is used to show the relationship between two or more variables.

2. How do you interpret a graph?

To interpret a graph, you must first understand the axes and labels on the graph. The x-axis represents the independent variable, while the y-axis represents the dependent variable. The points on the graph represent the values of the variables, and the overall shape of the graph shows the relationship between them.

3. What is an equation?

An equation is a mathematical statement that uses numbers, variables, and mathematical operations to show the relationship between two or more quantities. It is used to solve problems and find unknown values.

4. What is a function?

A function is a special type of equation where each input (x-value) has only one output (y-value). It is represented by f(x) and is used to describe relationships between variables.

5. How do you graph an equation or function?

To graph an equation or function, you can use a table of values to plot points on a coordinate plane and then connect the points with a line. You can also use the slope and y-intercept to draw a straight line on the graph.

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