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The Four Modes of Expressing a Function

publish date: 2026/05/23 18:30:35.742032 UTC

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There are exactly four recognised modes for describing a function. Which of the following are all four? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer

(1) Statement of the rule of association (by formula or otherwise)
(2) Description by tables
(3) Description in terms of ordered pairs
(4) Description by graphs

Explanation

The four modes are:

  1. Formula/Rule — best for infinite domains; most accurate and complete.
  2. Table — useful for small finite domains with irregular patterns.
  3. Ordered Pairs — the set-theoretic foundation; not practical for calculus.
  4. Graph — the visual set \(\{(a, f(a)) \mid a \in A\}\), plotted as points or a curve.

 

Reference

Introduction to Differential Calculus (Systematic Studies with Engineering Applications for Beginners) - 2012

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