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Study Notes/Grade 8 Math/Functions & Geometry
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Lesson 5 • 40 min read

Functions & Geometry

1Relations vs Functions

Relation

Any set of ordered pairs (x, y). A relation connects inputs to outputs.

Example:

{(1, 2), (2, 4), (1, 5), (3, 6)}

Note: x=1 maps to both 2 and 5

Function

A special relation where each input (x) has exactly ONE output (y).

Example:

{(1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 5), (4, 6)}

Each x has only one y value

Key Difference:

All functions are relations, but not all relations are functions.

A function is like a vending machine: one button (input) gives one specific item (output). You can't press one button and get two different items!

2Vertical Line Test

The Vertical Line Test

If any vertical line crosses a graph more than once, it is NOT a function.

✓ IS a Function

  • • Straight lines (not vertical)
  • • Parabolas opening up/down (y = x²)
  • • Exponential curves

Every vertical line crosses only once

✗ NOT a Function

  • • Circles (x² + y² = r²)
  • • Vertical lines (x = 3)
  • • Sideways parabolas (x = y²)

Some vertical lines cross more than once

Why Does This Work?

A vertical line represents all points with the same x-value. If it crosses the graph twice, that means one x-value produces two different y-values — violating the function definition!

3Domain & Range

Domain

All possible INPUT values (x-values)

"What can I put IN?"

Range

All possible OUTPUT values (y-values)

"What can come OUT?"

Example 1: From Ordered Pairs

{(1, 4), (2, 5), (3, 6), (4, 7)}

Domain: {1, 2, 3, 4}

Range: {4, 5, 6, 7}

Example 2: From a Graph

For a line from point (0, 2) to point (5, 7):

Domain: 0 ≤ x ≤ 5 (x goes from 0 to 5)

Range: 2 ≤ y ≤ 7 (y goes from 2 to 7)

Example 3: From an Equation

y = x²

Domain: All real numbers (any x works)

Range: y ≥ 0 (squares are never negative)

Domain Restrictions

  • Fractions: Denominator ≠ 0
  • Square roots: Expression under root ≥ 0
  • Real-world: Context limits (can't have negative people)

4Triangle Congruence

Two triangles are congruent if they have the same size and shape (all corresponding sides and angles are equal). Here are the postulates to prove congruence:

SSS (Side-Side-Side)

All three sides of one triangle equal the three sides of another

AB = DE, BC = EF, AC = DF

SAS (Side-Angle-Side)

Two sides and the included angle are equal

AB = DE, ∠B = ∠E, BC = EF

ASA (Angle-Side-Angle)

Two angles and the included side are equal

∠A = ∠D, AB = DE, ∠B = ∠E

AAS (Angle-Angle-Side)

Two angles and a non-included side are equal

∠A = ∠D, ∠B = ∠E, BC = EF

HL (Hypotenuse-Leg)

For RIGHT triangles only: If the hypotenuse and one leg are equal

⚠️ NOT Valid Congruence Tests

AAA (Angle-Angle-Angle)

Only proves similarity, not congruence

SSA (Side-Side-Angle)

The "ambiguous case" - may have 0, 1, or 2 solutions

5Basic Probability

Probability Formula

P(Event) = Favorable Outcomes / Total Outcomes

Probability is always between 0 and 1 (or 0% to 100%)

0

Impossible

0.5

Equally Likely

1

Certain

Example 1: Rolling a Die

P(rolling a 4): 1/6 (one 4 out of six sides)

P(rolling even): 3/6 = 1/2 (2, 4, 6 are even)

P(rolling < 5): 4/6 = 2/3 (1, 2, 3, 4 are less than 5)

Example 2: Drawing Cards

From a standard deck of 52 cards:

P(heart): 13/52 = 1/4

P(king): 4/52 = 1/13

P(red card): 26/52 = 1/2

Important Concepts

Complement: P(not A) = 1 - P(A)

Example: P(not rolling 6) = 1 - 1/6 = 5/6

Sample Space: All possible outcomes

Example: Coin flip = {H, T}, Die = {1,2,3,4,5,6}