# Lesson 1: Inputs and Outputs

Let’s make some rules.

## 1.1: Dividing by 0

Study the statements carefully.

• $12 \div 3 = 4$ because $12=4 \boldcdot 3$
• $6 \div 0 = x$ because $6=x \boldcdot 0$

What value can be used in place of $x$ to create true statements? Explain your reasoning.

## 1.2: Guess My Rule

Try to figure out what's happening in the “black box.”

Note: You must hit enter or return before you click GO.

GeoGebra Applet S63h3qsk

## 1.3: Making Tables

For each input-output rule, fill in the table with the outputs that go with a given input. Add two more input-output pairs to the table.

1.

input output
row 1 $\frac34$ 7
row 2 2.35
row 3 42
row 4
row 5
2.

input output
row 1 $\frac34$ 7
row 2 2.35
row 3 42
row 4
row 5
3.

input output
row 1 $\frac34$ 7
row 2 2.35
row 3 42
row 4
row 5

Pause here until your teacher directs you to the last rule.

4.

input output
row 1 $\frac37$ $\frac73$
row 2 1
row 3 0
row 4

## Summary

An input-output rule is a rule that takes an allowable input and uses it to determine an output. For example, the following diagram represents the rule that takes any number as an input, then adds 1, multiplies by 4, and gives the resulting number as an output.

In some cases, not all inputs are allowable, and the rule must specify which inputs will work. For example, this rule is fine when the input is 2:

But if the input is -3, we would need to evaluate $6 \div 0$ to get the output.

So, when we say that the rule is “divide 6 by 3 more than the input,” we also have to say that -3 is not allowed as an input.