Which of the following relations are functions? Give reasons. If it is a function,
determine its domain and range.
(i) {(2,1), (5,1), (8,1), (11,1), (14,1), (17,1)}
(ii) {(2,1), (4,2), (6,3), (8,4), (10,5), (12,6), (14,7)}
(iii) {(1,3), (1,5), (2,5)}
Concept Used
In mathematics, a relation between two sets associates elements of one set with elements of another set. A relation becomes a function if each element of the domain is mapped to exactly one element of the codomain.
- Domain → set of all first elements of ordered pairs
- Range → set of all second elements of ordered pairs
- A relation is not a function if one input corresponds to multiple outputs.
Thus, the key rule is:
"One input → Only one output"
Solution Roadmap
To determine whether a relation is a function, we follow these steps:
- List all ordered pairs.
- Identify the domain from first elements.
- Check whether any element of the domain is repeated with different outputs.
- If each input has only one output → the relation is a function.
- Determine the range from second elements.
Illustration (Mapping Concept)
In a valid function, each domain element has exactly one arrow leaving it.
Solution
Among the given relations, (i) and (ii) are functions, whereas (iii) is not a function.
(i)
\[ \begin{aligned} R &= \{(2,1),(5,1),(8,1),(11,1),(14,1),(17,1)\} \end{aligned} \] Domain = {2,5,8,11,14,17} Range = {1}
Each element of the domain is associated with exactly one element of the range. Therefore, relation (i) is a function.
(ii)
\[ \begin{aligned} R &= \{(2,1),(4,2),(6,3),(8,4),(10,5),(12,6),(14,7)\} \end{aligned} \] Domain = {2,4,6,8,10,12,14} Range = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7}
Every element of the domain corresponds to exactly one element of the range. Hence, relation (ii) is also a function.
(iii)
The relation \[ \{(1,3),(1,5),(2,5)\} \] is not a function because the element 1 in the domain corresponds to two different outputs (3 and 5).
Since a function cannot assign multiple outputs to the same input, relation (iii) is not a function.
Significance for Board & Competitive Exams
- This question tests the core definition of functions from relations.
- Frequently appears in CBSE board exams as short answer questions.
- Forms the conceptual base for topics such as:
- Functions
- Inverse functions
- Graphing of functions
- Mappings and transformations
- Understanding this concept is essential for competitive exams like JEE Main, NDA, CUET, and other entrance examinations.
- It also helps in solving domain-range problems and verifying whether a relation represents a valid mathematical function.