Topics
4. Functions and Relations
topic badge
United States of AmericaVA
Algebra, Functions, and Data Analysis

4.02 Domain and range

Lesson
Practice

Domain and range

Two defining parts of any function are its domain and range.

The set of all possible input values (x-values) for a function or relation is called the domain.

A curved function graphed on a coordinate plane with an unfilled endpoint at the left most part of the function and a filled endpoint at the right most part of the function. A segment across the top of the function marks the domain with an unfilled enpoint to the left and a filled endpoint to the right

The domain is the interval of values -3 \lt x \leq 1. The domain could also be represented using interval notation as \left(-3,1\right].

Notice that -3 is not included in the domain, which is indicated by the open circle at the point \left(-3,0\right). Since 1 is included in the domain based on the inequality, we can see the closed circle at the point \left(1,0\right) that indicates inclusion.

The set of all possible output values (y-values) for a function or relation is called the range.

A curved function graphed on a coordinate plane with an unfilled endpoint at the left most part of the function and a filled endpoint at the right most part of the function. A vertical segment to the right of the function marks the range with filled endpoints at the top and bottom

The range is the interval of values -4 \leq y \leq 0. Notice that both endpoints are included in the range since the function reaches a height of y = 0 at the origin. The range could also be represented using interval notation as \left[-4,0\right].

Since the lowest point on the graph, y=-4, occurs at x=-2 and x=1 it is included in the range.

Although the endpoint \left(-3,0\right) has an open circle when y=0, we can see that the graph does intersect y=0 when x=0, so 0 is also included in the range as shown in the inequality.

A domain that is made up of disconnected values is said to be a discrete domain.

-4
-3
-2
-1
1
2
3
4
x
-4
-3
-2
-1
1
2
3
4
y

A function with a discrete domain. It is only defined for distinct x-values.

The domain and range of this function are written in set notation:\text{Domain: } \left\{-3.8, -3, -2.5, 0, 1.5, 3, 3.5\right\}

\text{Range: } \left\{-3, -2.5, -1, 0, 2, 3\right\}

A domain made up of a single connected interval of values is said to be a continuous domain. This type of function is defined for every x-value in an interval.

-4
-3
-2
-1
1
2
3
4
x
-4
-3
-2
-1
1
2
3
4
y

The domain and range of this function can be written in interval or set notation. Using set notation:\text{Domain: }-\infty \lt x \lt \infty

\text{Range: }-3 \leq y \lt \infty

Written in interval notation, we have:\text{Domain: } \left(-\infty, \infty\right)

\text{Range: } \left[-3 , \infty\right)

Examples

Example 1

-8
-6
-4
-2
2
4
6
8
x
-8
-6
-4
-2
2
4
6
8
y
a

Does the function have a discrete or continuous domain?

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

The function is defined at every value of x across an interval, so it has a continuous domain.

b

Determine the domain of the function using set notation.

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

We can see that the function is defined for every x-value between -6 and 8, including -6 but not including 8.

So the domain of the function can be written as \text{Domain: } \left\{x\, \vert\, -6 \leq x \lt 8\right\}

Reflect and check

The domain of the function written in inequality notation is\text{Domain: } -6 \leq x \lt 8

c

Determine the range of the function using set notation.

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

We can see that the function reaches every y-value between -6 and 4, including 4 but not including -6.

So the range of the function can be written as \text{Range: } \left\{y\, \vert\, -6 \lt y \leq 4\right\}

Reflect and check

The range of the function written in inequality notation is\text{Range: } -6 \lt y \leq 4

Example 2

-1
1
2
3
x
-3
-2
-1
1
2
3
4
5
y
a

Determine the domain of the function using interval notation.

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

We can see that the function is defined for every x-value between negative infinity and positive infinity.

So the domain of the function can be written as\text{Domain: }\left(-\infty, \infty\right)

Reflect and check

The domain could have been written in inequality notation as: \text{Domain: }-\infty \lt x \lt \infty

This domain is also referred to as the set of all real numbers.

b

Determine the range of the function using interval notation.

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

We can see that the function is defined for every y-value between, and including, -2, to positive infinity.

\text{Range: }\left[-2, \infty\right)

Reflect and check

The range could have also been written using inequality notation: \text{Range: }y \geq -2

Idea summary

To find the domain from a graph, look at the horizontal spread of the graph to see all possible x-values included.

To find the range, look at the vertical spread of the graph to see all possible y-values included.

Pay attention to open and closed circles or arrows to determine if endpoints are included.

Different notations can be used to represent discrete and continuous functions:

Set notation (discrete): \left\{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\right\}

Set notation (continuous): \left\{x\, \vert\, -4 \leq x \lt 10\right\}

Inequality notation: -4 \leq x \lt 10

Interval notation: \left(-5, 6\right]

Domain and range in context

Understanding the limitations on the domain and range of a function in context are important for interpreting situations.

Depending on the context, a discrete function may be appropriate for a situation or a continuous function could be better suited to the scenario. The choice of whether rational numbers or specifically integers or whole numbers should also be considered when given a real-world situation for interpretation.

Exploration

Think about how we might measure or count the input and output in different real-world situations. This helps determine if the domain and range should be discrete (countable, distinct values) or continuous (measurable, including values in between).

Consider these situations:

  • Buying apples that cost \$0.50 each.
  • Measuring a plant's height daily.
  • Tracking the temperature hourly.

Answer the following questions:

  1. For which situations would the input variable (number of apples, number of days, number of hours) be best represented by discrete values? Why?
  2. For which situations would the input variable be continuous, or could it be considered continuous over an interval? Why?
  3. How does the nature of the input variable (discrete or continuous) affect how we think about the output variable (total cost, measured height, measured temperature)?
Domain constraint

A limitation or restriction of the possible x-values, usually written as an equation, inequality, or in set notation

Independent variable

The input of a function whose value determines the value of other variables

Dependent variable

The output of a function whose value depends on the independent variable

Examples

Example 3

Consider the relationship between the cost of a hotel stay and the length of the stay. Suppose the hotel charges \$75 per night and the stay lasts 7 nights.

a

What are the independent and dependent variables?

Worked Solution
Apply the idea

Since the total cost of the hotel room depends on the number of nights at the hotel, the number of nights is the independent variable and the cost is the dependent variable.

b

Determine an appropriate domain and range and explain the reasoning.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The domain and range may be discrete or continuous, and the types of real numbers in the domain and range also need to be considered.

Apply the idea

An appropriate domain for the function would be based on the number of nights a person plans to stay at the hotel, and it makes sense for the domain to be discrete whole numbers in set notation because payment is counted in full days.\text{Domain: } \left\{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 \right\}

Based on the choice for the domain, the range will also have discrete whole number values.\text{Range: } \left\{75, 150, 225, 300, 375, 450, 525 \right\}

Reflect and check

It doesn't make sense to determine the cost of staying at the hotel for 1.5 nights for instance, because the hotel would need to be booked for 2 nights in order to stay longer than a night.

Example 4

The graph shows a function of a dog's weight over time:

Dog Weight
0
5
10
15
\text{Time (months)}
20
40
60
80
\text{Weight (pounds)}
a

Does this graph represent a function?

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The graph of a relation represents a function if it passes the vertical line test.

Apply the idea

While the graph appears almost vertical close to the y-axis, it still passes the vertical line test.

Dog Weight
0
5
10
15
\text{Time (months)}
20
40
60
80
\text{Weight (pounds)}

Since it passes the vertical line test, the graph is a function.

b

Explain why the domain of this function is continuous.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The domain of a function is either continuous or discrete and the context of the problem gives us information about which type of domain makes the most sense.

Apply the idea

Since a dog's weight can be measured at any time, such as 4.5 months as opposed to only at each month mark based on the graph, the function is continuous.

c

What is an appropriate domain and range for the function based on the graph? Justify the solution.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Since the graph is continuous, the domain and range may be given in interval or set notation.

Apply the idea

An appropriate domain for the relationship would be from 0 to around the age when the dog stops growing because the graph will eventually flatten.\text{Domain: } \left\{x\, \vert\, 0 \lt x \leq 24\right\}

An appropriate range for the function would also begin at 0 up to the maximum weight when it stops growing. It doesn't make sense for a puppy to be born weighing 0 pounds exactly so we will exclude 0 from our interval, however, a puppy could weigh between 0 and 1 pound (think of puppies whose weight is measured in ounces). Based on the graph, the dog may grow up to 80 pounds.\text{Range: } \left\{y\, \vert\, 0 \lt y \leq 80\right\}

Idea summary

Discrete domains apply to problems where the independent variable only includes certain values in an interval, whereas continuous domains apply to problems where the independent variable includes all values in an interval.

Outcomes

AFDA.AF.2a

Determine the domain and range of a function given a graphical representation, including those limited by contexts.

What is Mathspace

About Mathspace