Do equal formulas always define the same function?
My prediction and reason
In the projection model f(x) = x² + 1, switch between the finite domain {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2} and the real interval [−2, 2]. Predict whether 0.5 and 3 are allowed in each version.
Evidence and observations
In the finite-domain projection model f(x) = x² + 1, record the outputs at −2, −1, 0, 1 and 2, then write the attained range.
Test 0.5 and 3 in both model domains. Record the formula calculation separately from whether that input is allowed.
For the interval-domain model, record the minimum and maximum outputs and explain why the range is [1, 5], rather than just {1, 2, 5}.
Explain or give a counterexample
Transfer
Compare p(x) = x + 1 on {0, 1} and q(x) = x + 1 on [0, 1]. Give one input that distinguishes them, and write both ranges.
Exit task
Let h(x) = 3x + 2 on {−1, 0, 2}. Find h(−1) and the range. Is h the same as k(x) = 3x + 2 on the reals?
5 min predict equal functions; 12 min compare mappings; 8 min organise notation; 12 min substitution practice; 3 min exit check.
Do equal formulas always define the same function?
In the projection model f(x) = x² + 1, switch between the finite domain {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2} and the real interval [−2, 2]. Predict whether 0.5 and 3 are allowed in each version.
Evidence tasks
- In the finite-domain projection model f(x) = x² + 1, record the outputs at −2, −1, 0, 1 and 2, then write the attained range.
- Test 0.5 and 3 in both model domains. Record the formula calculation separately from whether that input is allowed.
- For the interval-domain model, record the minimum and maximum outputs and explain why the range is [1, 5], rather than just {1, 2, 5}.
Reference reasoning
In the projection model x² + 1, the finite domain gives range {1, 2, 5}; the real interval [−2, 2] gives [1, 5], since every output y in that interval is attained by x = √(y − 1). Input 0.5 is allowed only in the interval version; input 3 is allowed in neither, even though its formula calculation is 10. The paper examples use different rules: in f(a + 1) for f(x) = 2x − 3, a + 1 is the entire input. The paper’s two x² functions have the same range {0, 1} but different domains, so they are different functions. A function includes its domain and correspondence, which determine its range.
Paper example: evaluate the numerical and algebraic inputs for this linear rule.
f(x)=2x−3,x∈R;f(−2), f(a+1) - f(−2) = 2(−2) − 3 = −7.
- f(a + 1) = 2(a + 1) − 3 = 2a − 1.
Paper example: are these two square functions the same?
f(x)=x2, x∈{−1,0,1};g(x)=x2, x∈{0,1} - Both attain exactly {0, 1}.
- Input −1 is in the domain of f but not g. Their domains differ, so they are different functions.
Transfer and exit task
Compare p(x) = x + 1 on {0, 1} and q(x) = x + 1 on [0, 1]. Give one input that distinguishes them, and write both ranges.
Let h(x) = 3x + 2 on {−1, 0, 2}. Find h(−1) and the range. Is h the same as k(x) = 3x + 2 on the reals?
h(−1) = −1; the range is {−1, 2, 8}. They are different functions because their domains differ.
- Substitutes −1 with its negative sign intact.
- Lists only attained outputs and explains the unequal domains.
Questions
- The formula calculation at 3 gives 10. Is 3 actually in either model domain?
- How does 0.5 distinguish the projection versions? How does −1 distinguish the paper’s two x² functions?
Expected responses
- Some students read f(x) as f times x. Use an input box and one arrow to the result.
- Students may accept 3 because the formula can be calculated. Require a separate domain-membership check.
Confusions
- Do not write f(a + 1) = 2a + 1 − 3; the coefficient multiplies the whole input.
- Matching formulas or ranges alone does not establish equality of functions.
Board plan
- f(input) = output; brackets contain one complete input.
- Three elements: domain, correspondence, range.
- Same function: same domain and the same output at every allowed input.