Vending Machines as Functions
Function defined: A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of permissible outputs with the property that each input is related to exactly one output.
What does that mean for an 8th grader? Or to the general public for that matter? I've been searching for some time for a way to relate functions to another facet of life that students could relate to. I think I've finally found (stolen / acquired / borrowed / teachered) a great idea; Functions as vending machines.
Check out the vending machine below. It has six drink choices.
What does that mean for an 8th grader? Or to the general public for that matter? I've been searching for some time for a way to relate functions to another facet of life that students could relate to. I think I've finally found (stolen / acquired / borrowed / teachered) a great idea; Functions as vending machines.
Check out the vending machine below. It has six drink choices.
In this scenario, I've pressed "B", "0", "3" and out came a Coke.
To describe this as a function, the input was "B03" and the output was a Coke. The actual function was the vending machine and its method for grabbing the selected drink choice.
This relation can, so far, be defined as a function because each input, B03, has exactly one output, Coke.
To describe this as a function, the input was "B03" and the output was a Coke. The actual function was the vending machine and its method for grabbing the selected drink choice.
This relation can, so far, be defined as a function because each input, B03, has exactly one output, Coke.
In the next scenario, I've, again, pressed "B", "0", "3". However, this time the machine gave me a juice.
Again, as a function, the input was "B03" and the output was a juice.
This relation is not a function because the input "B03" yielded more than one output; once a Coke, and another time a juice.
Obviously, the machine is broken and I should be complaining to the vending company.
Any other ideas for relating functions to the real-world?
Again, as a function, the input was "B03" and the output was a juice.
This relation is not a function because the input "B03" yielded more than one output; once a Coke, and another time a juice.
Obviously, the machine is broken and I should be complaining to the vending company.
Any other ideas for relating functions to the real-world?