MATH 1201 Learning Journal Unit 1.
Functions have different ways in which one can define them. A function relates an input to the
output and the two are somehow related. (What is a Function, 2022). Therefore, there are
different types of functions in existence. Reflecting on the concept of functions I have learnt this
week, those I have had to accommodate in my mind most include the domain and range of a
function, the construction of these graphs with aid of the graphing calculators available online,
especially the piecewise functions.
The simplest function I can imagine is the straight-line function relating variables by the relation
y= mx + c. From this function I can be able to determine the gradient or slope of the graph or
line in particular, the y-intercept and other characteristics such as the x-intercept and direction of
the slope by simple analysis of the function.
In my day to day, there are many occurring facts that can be interpreted as a function. For
instance, the measurements we take using rulers, weighing balances, thermometers among other
measuring devices, the measurement quantities are related by functions such as y = f(x), g = f(h)
or even y= 1/f(x). In addition, geometric patterns such as polyhedra show relationship between
the number of faces (F), vertices (V) and edges (E) such that F + V = E +2. This is a great
example of functions. (Petti, 2020).
Other examples of interpretation of functions in day-to-day life include; relationship between the
number of people and the items they buy in a market place or the price of items against the
commodities available, the marks scored by students in test at schools and learning institutes
against the subjects and or lessons of number of hours taught, among many other examples.
Practically, it is not possible to view a function unless written or graphically interpreted or
drawn. For instance, it may not be that obvious to know that the rate of enrollment of students in
a school or the population growth of a certain town, city or country is represented by a growth
curve unless graphically drawn, represented or interpreted.
In getting the graphs of a function, the best strategy I use is online graphing calculator such as
desmos.com. Otherwise, manual graphing using pen and paper would prove time consuming and
unreliable for complex functions.
Reference:
1. Mathsisfun.com. 2022. What is a Function. [online] Available at:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/sets/function.html , [Accessed 11 April 2022].
2. Wendy Petti (2020). Functions in the real world., Education world. Retrieved from
https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/mathchat/mathchat010.shtml
1|Brian Wanyonyi – University of the People.
Functions have different ways in which one can define them. A function relates an input to the
output and the two are somehow related. (What is a Function, 2022). Therefore, there are
different types of functions in existence. Reflecting on the concept of functions I have learnt this
week, those I have had to accommodate in my mind most include the domain and range of a
function, the construction of these graphs with aid of the graphing calculators available online,
especially the piecewise functions.
The simplest function I can imagine is the straight-line function relating variables by the relation
y= mx + c. From this function I can be able to determine the gradient or slope of the graph or
line in particular, the y-intercept and other characteristics such as the x-intercept and direction of
the slope by simple analysis of the function.
In my day to day, there are many occurring facts that can be interpreted as a function. For
instance, the measurements we take using rulers, weighing balances, thermometers among other
measuring devices, the measurement quantities are related by functions such as y = f(x), g = f(h)
or even y= 1/f(x). In addition, geometric patterns such as polyhedra show relationship between
the number of faces (F), vertices (V) and edges (E) such that F + V = E +2. This is a great
example of functions. (Petti, 2020).
Other examples of interpretation of functions in day-to-day life include; relationship between the
number of people and the items they buy in a market place or the price of items against the
commodities available, the marks scored by students in test at schools and learning institutes
against the subjects and or lessons of number of hours taught, among many other examples.
Practically, it is not possible to view a function unless written or graphically interpreted or
drawn. For instance, it may not be that obvious to know that the rate of enrollment of students in
a school or the population growth of a certain town, city or country is represented by a growth
curve unless graphically drawn, represented or interpreted.
In getting the graphs of a function, the best strategy I use is online graphing calculator such as
desmos.com. Otherwise, manual graphing using pen and paper would prove time consuming and
unreliable for complex functions.
Reference:
1. Mathsisfun.com. 2022. What is a Function. [online] Available at:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/sets/function.html , [Accessed 11 April 2022].
2. Wendy Petti (2020). Functions in the real world., Education world. Retrieved from
https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/mathchat/mathchat010.shtml
1|Brian Wanyonyi – University of the People.
