Solve each problem. See Example 4. Suppose that the cost of mailing a letter weighing x ounces, where x>0, is ƒ(x)=55-15[[1-x]]cents. What is the cost for the first ounce?
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
3. Functions
Intro to Functions & Their Graphs
Problem 22
Textbook Question
For each graph, determine whether y is a function of x. Give the domain and range of each relation.

Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine if y is a function of x by using the vertical line test. This test states that if any vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point, then y is not a function of x.
Step 2: Observe the graph carefully. Notice that for x-values between -10 and 10, the graph is a horizontal line at y = 0, and for x-values less than -10 or greater than 10, the graph curves upward like a parabola.
Step 3: Apply the vertical line test. For any x between -10 and 10, a vertical line will intersect the graph at exactly one point (since the graph is a horizontal line there). For x-values less than -10 or greater than 10, the vertical line also intersects the graph at exactly one point because the graph is a curve without overlapping points vertically.
Step 4: Conclude that y is a function of x because every vertical line intersects the graph at only one point.
Step 5: Identify the domain and range. The domain is all x-values for which the graph exists, which is from negative infinity to positive infinity, or \((-\infty, \infty)\). The range is all y-values covered by the graph, starting from 0 and going to positive infinity, or \([0, \infty)\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Definition of a Function
A function is a relation where each input (x-value) corresponds to exactly one output (y-value). This means no vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point, ensuring each x has a unique y.
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Domain and Range of a Relation
The domain is the set of all possible x-values for which the relation is defined, while the range is the set of all possible y-values the relation can take. Identifying these helps describe the extent of the graph horizontally and vertically.
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Vertical Line Test
The vertical line test is a visual method to determine if a graph represents a function. If any vertical line crosses the graph more than once, the graph does not represent a function because an x-value corresponds to multiple y-values.
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