What constitutes the range of a function?

The range of a function is defined as the set of all possible output values that the function can produce based on its inputs. When you input values into a function (these are often referred to as the domain), the function applies its rule or operation to these inputs to generate outputs. The collection of these outputs constitutes the range.

For example, if you have a function that describes a quadratic equation, the output values can vary widely depending on the domain you choose to input into the equation. By identifying all the distinct output values for the allowed inputs, you determine the range.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of a function. The starting values relate to the beginning of the input set, not the output. Unique input values refer to the domain of the function, not the outputs derived from it. Finally, the parameters defining the function can describe how the function behaves but do not directly represent the outputs produced by the inputs. Therefore, the correct understanding of the range revolves around the outputs produced by the function, establishing why the selected answer is accurate.