Virginia SOL 8.PFA.2.a
The Standard
Determine whether a relation, represented by a set of ordered pairs, a table, or a graph of discrete points is a function. Sets are limited to no more than 10 ordered pairs.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will determine whether a given relation is a function and determine the domain and range of a function.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students inspect x-values and their matching y-values in ordered pairs, tables, and discrete graphs. They check whether any input is matched with more than one output.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly classifies relations shown as ordered pairs, tables, or discrete graphs. When a relation fails, the student identifies the input matched to two different outputs.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think repeated output values mean a relation is not a function. They may miss repeated input values when pairs are listed far apart. On graphs, they may connect discrete points or overlook vertically aligned points.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Classify A {(1,2), (3,4), (1,5)}, B a table with rows (0,7), (1,7), (2,9), and C a graph of points (-2,0), (0,3), (2,0). For any nonfunction, circle the input that causes the problem.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs input and output cards; students build relations, then place a warning clip when one input connects to two outputs.
Ask, “Can two students share an output and still make a function?” Students defend an answer with ordered pairs.
Run a card sort with ordered-pair, table, and discrete-graph cards; teams label each function or not and underline their evidence.
Use vending-machine button and snack pairs; students explain why one button dispensing two different snacks would break the rule.
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Printable 8.PFA.2.a Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 6.PFA.2.c
Determine whether a proportional relationship exists between two quantities, when given a table of values, context, or graph.
- 8.PFA.2
The student will determine whether a given relation is a function and determine the domain and range of a function.
- 6.MG.3.d
Identify ordered pairs represented by points in the four quadrants and on the axes of the coordinate plane. Ordered pairs will be limited to coordinates express...
- 8.PFA.2.b
Identify the domain and range of a function represented as a set of ordered pairs, a table, or a graph of discrete points.
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