What does the Vertical Line Test help determine?

The Vertical Line Test is a graphical method used to determine whether a relation is a function. A function is defined as a set of ordered pairs where each input (or x-value) corresponds to exactly one output (or y-value). When utilizing the Vertical Line Test, if a vertical line intersects a graph in more than one point at any given x-value, the graph does not represent a function. This is because it indicates that there is more than one output for that particular input, violating the definition of a function.

In contrast, if every vertical line drawn on the graph intersects it at no more than one point, the graph passes the Vertical Line Test and can be confirmed as a function. This technique is an effective visual representation of the fundamental property that distinguishes functions from other types of relations.