Graph of a function

In the case of functions of two variables – that is, functions whose domain consists of pairs ${\displaystyle (x,y)}$ –, the graph usually refers to the set of ordered triples ${\displaystyle (x,y,z)}$ where ${\displaystyle f(x,y)=z}$. This is a subset of three-dimensional space; for a continuous real-valued function of two real variables, its graph forms a surface, which can be visualized as a surface plot.

In science, engineering, technology, finance, and other areas, graphs are tools used for many purposes. In the simplest case one variable is plotted as a function of another, typically using rectangular axes; see Plot (graphics) for details.

A graph of a function is a special case of a relation. In the modern foundations of mathematics, and, typically, in set theory, a function is actually equal to its graph. However, it is often useful to see functions as mappings, which consist not only of the relation between input and output, but also which set is the domain, and which set is the codomain. For example, to say that a function is onto (surjective) or not the codomain should be taken into account. The graph of a function on its own does not determine the codomain. It is common to use both terms function and graph of a function since even if considered the same object, they indicate viewing it from a different perspective.

Definition

Given a function ${\displaystyle f:X\to Y}$ from a set X (the domain) to a set Y (the codomain), the graph of the function is the set $${\displaystyle G(f)=\{(x,f(x)):x\in X\},}$$ which is a subset of the Cartesian product ${\displaystyle X\times Y}$. In the definition of a function in terms of set theory, it is common to identify a function with its graph, although, formally, a function is formed by the triple consisting of its domain, its codomain and its graph.