8.5.G

Math8th Grade

The Standard

identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students decide whether a relation assigns exactly one output to each input. They check repeated inputs, mapping arrows, table rows, and vertical lines through graphs.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students correctly classify relations in all four forms and cite clear evidence. They recognize that outputs may repeat, but each input must have only one output.

Common Misconceptions

Students often think repeated outputs mean a relation is not a function. They may confuse the vertical line test with a horizontal line test or overlook one input pointing to two outputs.

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Decide whether {(1, 4), (2, 4), (1, 5)} is a function, then name the ordered pairs that prove your answer.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Connect labeled input and output cards with yarn, then inspect whether any input card connects to more than one output.

  2. Compare {(1, 3), (2, 3)} and {(1, 3), (1, 4)}, then write why only one is a function.

  3. Play a four-corners sort using relation cards labeled function, not a function, unsure, and need another representation.

  4. Test real examples such as student to birth month and birth month to student, then explain which direction makes a function.

Keep exploring

Related Standards

Turn this exact standard into a lesson

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.