x+4=y^2

is this a function and why or why not?

Question

x+4=y^2 

is this a function and why or why not?

anonymous · Answer

Depends on what you mean by function. Is it asking if the equation gives a function y in terms of x, or a function of x in terms of y?

Because the answer to one question is yes, and to the other is no.

anonymous · Answer

it doesnt say how... here i'll upload the question. one sec?

anonymous · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

Usually with this sort of question, we can assume that it's asking if the given equation is a function of y in terms of x.

That is, y is the dependent variable, which depends on the independent variable x. For this to be a function, you must have at most one possible y value for any given x value.

anonymous · Answer

so then yes? it is

anonymous · Answer

If you were to plot the equation, you can use what is called the vertical line test to determine whether it's a function:
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