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Graph Domain and Range

Sep 2, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains how to find the domain and range from a graph using interval notation, with examples covering open and closed endpoints and infinite intervals.

Key Definitions

  • A relation is any set of ordered pairs.
  • The domain is the set of all first components (x-values) in the ordered pairs.
  • The range is the set of all second components (y-values) in the ordered pairs.

Example 1: Interval with Open and Closed Endpoints

  • The domain includes all x-values from -3 (open) to 4 (closed), written as (-3, 4].
  • The range includes all y-values from -2 (open) to 1 (closed), written as (-2, 1].

Example 2: Infinite Domain, Restricted Range

  • The domain includes all real numbers, from -infinity to infinity, written as (-∞, ∞).
  • The range begins at y = 2 (closed endpoint) and continues to infinity, written as [2, ∞).

Example 3: Infinite Domain and Range

  • The domain includes all real numbers, written as (-∞, ∞).
  • The range includes all real numbers, written as (-∞, ∞).

Interval Notation Principles

  • Use round brackets ( ) for open endpoints (not included).
  • Use square brackets [ ] for closed endpoints (included).
  • Write intervals from lowest value to highest: left to right.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Domain — set of all possible x-values in a relation or function.
  • Range — set of all possible y-values in a relation or function.
  • Relation — any set of ordered pairs (x, y).
  • Interval notation — a way to write subsets of the real number line using brackets for inclusion or exclusion.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice finding the domain and range for several graphs using interval notation.