How is function related in real-life?
A car's efficiency in terms of miles per gallon of gasoline is a function. If a car typically gets 20 mpg, and if you input 10 gallons of gasoline, it will be able to travel roughly 200 miles..
Answer:
In simple terms, I would define a function as a machine that takes an input, and returns an output by applying a specific rule to the input.
Let say that x represents the input, y represents the output, and f represents the function.
y = f(x)
or:
Inputting x into f, results in y.
Some real world examples:
An ATM machine
Say you would like to withdraw some cash from your account:
The Function (f) is the ATM, that applies a rule, in this case “The cash dispensed should equal the amount requested”, in other words “The output should equal the input”.
The Input (x) is the requested amount that you type into the ATM.
The Output (y) is the cash dispensed after the function has run.
Thus, the following formula is true:
ATM(200) = 200
or:
Typing 200 (x) into the ATM (f), results in $200 (y) dispensed.
—————————————————————————
A Traffic Cop
Say the speed limit is 65, and local traffic laws require a $150 ticket for 10 mph above the limit, & $100 for less than 10 above.
The Function (f) is the Cop, who applies the above mentioned traffic rule.
The Input (x) is the speed of the vehicle he is following.
The Output (y) is the amount of the ticket issued.
Thus, the following formulas are true:
COP(66) = 100
or:
If you drive at 66 mph (x), the Cop(f) will issue a $100 ticket (y).
——
COP(75) = 150
or:
If you drive at 75 mph (x), the Cop(f) will issue a $150 ticket (y).
——
COP(50) = 0
or:
If you drive at 50 mph (x), the Cop(f) will issue a $0, or no ticket (y).
Hope this was clear.
