Lesson 1 BASIC CONCEPTS OF FUNCTIONS

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the learner is expected to:
1. Understand the basic concepts of functions.
2. Evaluate functions.
3. Perform operations on functions.
4. Solve problems involving real-life situations using functions.

1.1 Functions

Def. Given 𝐴, 𝐵 ≠ ∅. Function is a rule that assigns each element of the first set a unique
element on the second set.

If 𝑥 ∈ 𝐴 and 𝑦 ∈ 𝐵, then we can say that every element 𝑥 in 𝐴 has an assigned unique element 𝑦
in B. In symbols, 𝑓: 𝑥 ↦ 𝑦 or 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦. The function notation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 is read as 𝑓 of 𝑥 is equal
to y. The element 𝑦 is called as the image of 𝑥 with respect to 𝑓 while 𝑥 is called as the pre-
image of 𝑦 under 𝑓.

The first set (𝐴) is called as the domain while the second set (𝐵) is called as codomain. Every
element 𝑥 in 𝐴 can be also called as input and element 𝑦 in 𝐵 can also be called as output.
The set which contains all the images of 𝑥 under 𝑓 is called range.

Remarks: Range is a subset of codomain. Codomain contains all the possible outputs/images of
𝑥 under 𝑓 while range consist the outputs/images of 𝑥 under 𝑓.

Let us consider the following examples:

Hb.1.
𝑋 𝑌
What can we observe from the given example?
A 1
1. The given example is a function presented using
B 2 map diagram.
2. Domain: {𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷, 𝐸, 𝐹}
𝑓: C 3 3. Codomain: {1,2,3,4,5,6}
4. Range: {1,2,3,4,5,6}
D 4
5. The codomain is equal to range.
E 5
F 6

1
Hb.2.
𝑋 𝑌

A 1 1. The given example is a function presented using

B 2 map diagram.
2. Domain: {𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷, 𝐸, 𝐹}
𝑔: C 3 3. Codomain: {1,2,3,4,5,6}
4. Range: {1,2,4,5,6}
D 4
E 5
F 6

Hb.3. ℎ: {(𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑎, 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒), (𝐾𝑎𝑡, 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑘), (𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑦, 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛), (𝐽𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦, 𝑅𝑒𝑑), (𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑘, 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛)}

1. The given example is a function presented using ordered pairs.

2. Domain: {Anna, Kat, Mary, Jerry, Mark}
3. Codomain: {Blue, Pink, Green, Red}
4. Range: {Blue, Pink, Green, Red}
5. The codomain is equal to range.

Hb.3.
What can we observe from the given example?

1. The given example is a function presented using

graph.
2. Domain: {ℝ}
3. Codomain: {ℝ}
4. Range: {ℝ}
5. The codomain is equal to range.

Note: Use the vertical line test to

determine whether given graph is a
function or not. A graph represents a
function if and only if the vertical line
intersects the graph at most once.

2
Hb.5. Question: Is 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 1 a function?

Answer: Yes. This equation is a function because for any value of 𝑥 (restricting our domain and
codomain in real numbers only), there will be a unique value of 𝑦.

Hb.6. Question: Is 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 a function?

Answer: Yes.
Domain: {ℝ}
Codomain: {ℝ}
Range: {𝑦 ∈ ℝ 𝑠. 𝑡. 𝑦 ≥ 0}

Hb. 7. Question: Is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 0 a function?

Answer: No. Because for every value of 𝑥, there will be two values of 𝑦 (which violates the
definition if functions).

Hb. 8. Question: Is 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 a function?

Answer: No. Because for every value of 𝑥, there will be two values of 𝑦 (which violates the
definition if functions).

Hb. 9. Question: Is 𝑦 3 = 𝑥 a function?

Answer: Yes.

Hb. 10. Question: Is 𝑦 8 = 𝑥 + 1 a function?

Answer: No.
𝑥+1
Hb. 11. Question: Is 𝑦 = 𝑥−2
a function?

Answer: Yes with a domain: {𝒙 ∈ ℝ 𝒔. 𝒕. 𝒙 ≠ 𝟐}

Hb. 12. Question: Is 𝑦 = √𝑥 a function?

Answer: Yes with a domain: {𝒙 ∈ ℝ 𝒔. 𝒕. 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎}

In general, we can conclude that a function can be presented using mapping diagram, ordered
pairs, table of values, graph, and equation.

1.2 Evaluating Functions

To evaluate a function, simply substitute the given input or value of 𝑥 (in which 𝑥 ∈ 𝑋) to the
given function and perform the indicated operation. Consider the following examples:
𝑥−4 1
Let 𝑓, 𝑔, and ℎ be functions. Then, 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 5, 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥+3
and ℎ(𝑥) = 3 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥.

3
Hb.1. Evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 = −3.

Solution: Replacing 𝑥 in the function 𝑓 with its value, we will have:

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 5
𝑓(3) = 3(3)3 − 2(3)2 + 5
𝑓(3) = 3(27) − 2(9) + 5
𝑓(3) = 81 − 18 + 5
𝒇(𝟑) = 𝟔𝟖

Therefore, if 𝑥 = 3, then 𝑓(3) = 68.

Hb.2. Evaluate 𝑔(𝑥) when 𝑥 = −1.

Solution: Replacing 𝑥 in the function 𝑔 with its value, we will have:

𝑥−4
𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥+3
(−1) − 4
𝑔(−1) =
(−1) + 3
−5
𝑔(−1) =
2
𝟓
𝒈(−𝟏) = −
𝟐
5
Therefore, if 𝑥 = −1, then 𝑔(−1) = − 2.

2
Hb.3. Evaluate 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑥 = .
3

Solution: Replacing 𝑥 in the function 𝑓 with its value, we will have:

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 5
2 2 3 2 2
𝑓( ) = 3( ) − 2( ) + 5
3 3 3
2 8 4
𝑓( ) = 3( ) − 2( ) + 5
3 27 9
2 8 8
𝑓( ) = − +5
3 9 9
𝟐
𝒇( ) = 𝟓
𝟑

2 2
Therefore, if 𝑥 = 3, then 𝑓 (3) = 5.

Hb.4. Evaluate ℎ(𝑥) when 𝑥 = −2.

Solution: Replacing 𝑥 in the function ℎ with its value, we will have:

1
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
3
1
ℎ(−2) = (−2)3 − (−2)2 + 4(−2)
3

4
 1
ℎ(−2) = (−8) − 4 − 8
3
8
ℎ(−2) = − − 12
3
𝟒𝟒
𝒉(−𝟐) = −
𝟑
44
Therefore, if 𝑥 = −2, then ℎ(−2) = − .
3

Hb.5. Evaluate 𝑔(𝑥) when 𝑥 = 5.

Solution: Replacing 𝑥 in the function 𝑔 with its value, we will have:

𝑥−4
𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥+3
5−4
𝑔(5) =
5+3
𝟏
𝒈(𝟓) =
𝟖

1
Therefore, if 𝑥 = 5, then 𝑔(5) = 8.

1
Hb.6. Evaluate ℎ(𝑥) when 𝑥 = − 2.

Solution: Replacing 𝑥 in the function ℎ with its value, we will have:

1
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
3
1 1 1 3 1 2 1
ℎ (− ) = (− ) − (− ) + 4 (− )
2 3 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
ℎ (− ) = (− ) − − 2
2 3 8 4
1 1 1
ℎ (− ) = − − − 2
2 24 4
𝟏 𝟓𝟓
𝒉 (− ) = −
𝟐 𝟐𝟒

1 1 55
Therefore, if 𝑥 = − , then ℎ (− ) = − .
2 2 24

1.3 Operations on functions

Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be functions.

(i) Their sum, denoted by 𝒇 + 𝒈, is the function defined by (𝒇 + 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙).
(ii) Their difference, denoted by 𝒇 − 𝒈, is the function defined by (𝒇 − 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒈(𝒙).

5
(iii) Their product, denoted by 𝒇 ∗ 𝒈, is the function defined by (𝒇 ∗ 𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) ∗ 𝒈(𝒙).
(iv) Their quotient, denoted by 𝒇/𝒈, is the function defined by (𝒇/𝒈)(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙)/𝒈(𝒙).

Consider the following functions:

2𝑥−5
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 𝑘(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 𝑙(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + √3
2
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑚(𝑥) = 2𝑥√6
𝑖(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 𝑛(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2
𝑥+2
𝑗(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑜(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 −9

Perform the indicated operations.

Hb.1. 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥) + 𝑖(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.

𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥) + 𝑖(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3) + (𝑥 2 − 1) + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3)

= 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏

Hb.2. 𝑛(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.
Remarks: Since the operation is subtraction, do not forget to follow the rules of subtracting
polynomials: change the sign of the subtrahend then proceed to addition.

𝑛(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8)
= 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 8
= 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟔

Hb.3. 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑛(𝑥) + 𝑙(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.

𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑛(𝑥) + 𝑙(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3) + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8) + (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2) + (3𝑥 + √3)

= 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟏𝒙 − 𝟕 + √𝟑

6
Hb.4. 𝑖(𝑥)/𝑓(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.

𝑖(𝑥) (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3)
=
𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥 + 3)

=𝒙−𝟏

Hb.5. (𝑜(𝑥) ∗ 𝑓(𝑥)) + 𝑘(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.

𝑥+2 2𝑥 − 5
(𝑜(𝑥) ∗ 𝑓(𝑥)) + 𝑘(𝑥) = (( 2 ) ∗ (𝑥 + 3)) + ( )
𝑥 −9 𝑥+1

𝑥+2 2𝑥 − 5
=( )+( )
𝑥−3 𝑥+1

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1) + (2𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 3)

=
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)

(𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2) + (2𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 15)

=
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3

𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟖𝒙 + 𝟏𝟕
=
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑

Hb.6. 𝑙(𝑥) ∗ 𝑚(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.
Remarks: Do not forget to follow the rules of radicals.

𝑙(𝑥) ∗ 𝑚(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + √3) ∗ (2𝑥√6)

= 6𝑥 2 √6 + 2𝑥√18
= 6𝑥 2 √6 + 2𝑥√9 ∗ 2
= 6𝑥 2 √6 + 2𝑥 ∗ 3√2
= 𝟔𝒙𝟐 √𝟔 + 𝟔𝒙√𝟐

7
 ℎ(𝑥)
Hb.7. ( )÷ 𝑜(𝑥)
𝑖(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.
Remarks: Do not forget to follow the rules of radicals.

ℎ(𝑥) (𝑥 2 − 1) 𝑥+2
( ) ÷ 𝑜(𝑥) = [ 2 ]÷( 2 )
𝑖(𝑥) (𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 3) 𝑥 −9

(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)
=
𝑥+2

𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
=
𝒙+𝟐

Hb.8. (𝑖(𝑥) − 𝑛(𝑥)) − 𝑗(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.
Remarks: Since the operation is subtraction, do not forget to follow the rules of subtracting
polynomials: change the sign of the subtrahend then proceed to addition.

(𝑖(𝑥) − 𝑛(𝑥)) − 𝑗(𝑥) = [(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3) − (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2)] − (𝑥 − 1)

= 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 − 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2 − 𝑥 + 1
= −𝒙𝟑 + 𝟒𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙

Hb.9. 𝑘(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥)

Solution:
Replace the value of the given function then perform the given operation.
Remarks: Since the operation is subtraction, do not forget to follow the rules of subtracting
polynomials: change the sign of the subtrahend then proceed to addition.

2𝑥 − 5
𝑘(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥) = ( ) − (𝑥 2 − 1)
𝑥+1

(2𝑥 − 5) − (𝑥 2 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑥+1

8
 (2𝑥 − 5) − (𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1)
=
𝑥+1

2𝑥 − 5 − 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1
=
𝑥+1

− 𝒙𝟑 − 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒
=
𝒙+𝟏

1.4 Compositions of functions

In evaluating functions, we use a specific value of 𝑥 (where 𝑥 is in the domain of the function) to
act as the input to our function but now in composition of functions, another function will act as
the input of our given function.

Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be functions. The composition of function, denoted by (𝑓 ◦ 𝑔)(𝑥), is defined by

(𝑓 ◦ 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
where 𝑔 acts as the input o f 𝑓.

Consider the following functions:

2𝑥−5
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 𝑘(𝑥) =
𝑥+1
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 𝑙(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + √3
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 𝑚(𝑥) = 2𝑥√6
𝑖(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 𝑛(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2
𝑥+2
𝑗(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 𝑜(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −9

Solve for the following:

Hb.1. (𝑓 ◦ 𝑗)(𝑥)

Solution:
Remarks: Function 𝑗 acts as the input of 𝑓. Therefore, we’re going to substitute every 𝑥 in 𝑓 with
the value of 𝑗.

(𝑓 ◦ 𝑗)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑗(𝑥))
= 𝑗(𝑥) + 3
= (𝑥 − 1) + 3
=𝒙−𝟐

9
Hb.2. (𝑔 ◦ 𝑓)(𝑥)

Solution:
Remarks: Function 𝑓 acts as the input of 𝑔. Therefore, we’re going to substitute every 𝑥 in 𝑔
with the value of 𝑓.

(𝑔 ◦ 𝑓)(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥))
2
= (𝑓(𝑥)) + 2(𝑓(𝑥)) − 8
= (𝑥 + 3)2 + 2(𝑥 + 3) − 8
= 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9 + 2𝑥 + 6 − 8
= 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙 + 𝟕

Hb.3. 𝑜(𝑚(𝑥))

Solution:
Remarks: Function 𝑚 acts as the input of 𝑜. Therefore, we’re going to substitute every 𝑥 in 𝑜
with the value of 𝑚.

(2𝑥√6) + 2
𝑜(𝑚(𝑥)) = 2
(2𝑥√6) − 9

𝟐𝒙√𝟔 + 𝟐
=
𝟐𝟒𝒙𝟐 − 𝟗

Hb.4. ℎ(𝑜(𝑥))

Solution:
Remarks: Function 𝑜 acts as the input of ℎ. Therefore, we’re going to substitute every 𝑥 in ℎ with
the value of 𝑜.

𝑥+2 2
ℎ(𝑜(𝑥)) = ( 2 ) −1
𝑥 −9

𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4
= −1
𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 2 + 81

(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4) − 1(𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 2 + 81)

=
𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 2 + 81

𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 − 𝑥 4 + 18𝑥 2 − 81
=
𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 2 + 81

−𝒙𝟒 + 𝟏𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟕𝟕
=
𝒙𝟒 − 𝟏𝟖𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝟏

10
Hb.5. 𝑔 (𝑓(𝑙(𝑥)))

Solution:

First, let us solve for 𝑓(𝑙(𝑥)).

𝒇(𝒍(𝒙)) = 3𝑥 + √3 + 3

Since we now have the value of 𝑓(𝑙(𝑥)), we’re going to use it as our input for 𝑔 to solve
𝑔 (𝑓(𝑙(𝑥))).

2
𝒈 (𝒇(𝒍(𝒙))) = (3𝑥 + √3 + 3) + 2(3𝑥 + √3 + 3) − 8
= (9𝑥 2 + 6𝑥√3 + 18𝑥 + 6√3 + 12) + (6𝑥 + 2√3 + 6) − 8
= 𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙√𝟑 + 𝟐𝟒𝒙𝒙 + 𝟖√𝟑 + 𝟏𝟎

Hb.6. 𝑘(𝑜(𝑥))
Solution:
Remarks: Function 𝑜 acts as the input of 𝑘. Therefore, we’re going to substitute every 𝑥 in 𝑘 with
the value of 𝑜.

𝑥+2
2 (𝑥 2 −9) − 5
𝑘((𝑜)(𝑥)) = 𝑥+2
(𝑥 2 −9) + 1

We need to simply the numerator and the denominator first.

2𝑥+4
−5
𝑥 2 −9
= 𝑥+2
+1
𝑥 2 −9

2𝑥+4−5(𝑥 2 −9)
𝑥 2 −9
= 𝑥+2+1(𝑥 2 −9)
𝑥 2 −9

2𝑥+4−5𝑥 2 +45
𝑥 2 −9
= 𝑥 2 +𝑥+7
𝑥 2 −9

−5𝑥 2 +2𝑥+49
𝑥 2 −9
= 𝑥 2 +𝑥+7
𝑥 2 −9

11
Applying the rules of dividing fraction: reciprocal the denominator then proceed to multiplication.
We will have:

−5𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 49 𝑥2 − 9
= ∗
𝑥2 − 9 𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 7

We can cancel 𝑥 2 − 9. It will leave us with:

−5𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 49
=
𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 7

Since there are no common factors with our numerator and fraction, then we cannot simplify it
anymore. Therefore,

−𝟓𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟒𝟗
𝑘(𝑜(𝑥)) =
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝟕

1.5 Functions in real-life situations

Functions can be used to model real-life situations. By identifying appropriate functional model,
it will help us to understand more certain situations.

Hb.1. Give a function 𝑓 that can represent the cost of buying 𝑥 meals, if one meal costs ₱50.

Solution: Let 𝑓 be the function, 𝑥 be the number of meals.

Since every meal costs ₱50, then 𝑓(𝑥) = 50𝑥 will be the function that will represent the cost of
buying 𝑥 meals.

Answer: 𝑓(𝑥) = 50𝑥

Hb.2. At Joe’s pizzeria, a pizza costs ₱250 with the first topping and then an additional ₱25 for
each additional topping. If 𝑥 represents the number of toppings on a pizza, what function
represents the cost of a pizza with at least one topping?

Solution: Let 𝑥 be the number of toppings and 𝑓 be the function that represents the cost of a
pizza with at least one topping.

Given:
a. a pizza costs ₱250 with the first topping
b. ₱25 for each additional topping

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 Skrats:
Initially, a pizza cost ₱250 with one topping.
If we are going to add 𝑥 number of toppings, Number of
1 2 3 4
toppings (𝑥)
it means that we’re going to add Additional
₱25 𝑥 number of times to the initial cost. payment
25 50 75 100

With these, we can write a function that represents the cost of a pizza with at least one topping.
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) = 250 + 25𝑥 is a function represents the cost of a pizza with at least one
topping.

Answer: 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 + 𝟐𝟓𝒙

Hb.3. The square path of grass needs to be seeded around the 4 identical circular ponds. Write
a function for the area (𝐴) of grass that needs to be seeded in terms of the radius of the ponds
(𝑟). (Refer to the figure below).

Solution:

For us to solve the area of the grass that needs to

𝑟
be seeded, we need to subtract the area of the
four identical circular ponds to the square path of
grass.

The area of square path of grass is can be solved

by using 𝐴 = 𝑠 2 . The area of one circular pond is
can be solved by using 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 . Since there are
four circular ponds, we will have: 𝐴 = 𝑠 2 − 4(𝜋𝑟 2 ).

Since the problems wants us to write a function for

the area (𝐴) of grass that needs to be seeded in
terms of the radius of the ponds (𝑟), we need to
express our equation in terms of radius (𝑟).

We will let 𝐴 to be our function. We will have:

𝐴(𝑟) = 𝑠 2 − 4(𝜋𝑟 2 )

We can observe that the side (𝑠) of the square path of grass is equivalent to 4 radius (4𝑟).
Substituting the 𝑠 in our function with 4𝑟, we will have:

𝐴(𝑟) = (4𝑟)2 − 4(𝜋𝑟 2 )

𝑨(𝒓) = 𝟏𝟔𝒓𝟐 − 𝟒(𝝅𝒓𝟐 ) The function is now expressed in terms of 𝑟.

Therefore, the answer is 𝑨(𝒓) = 𝟏𝟔𝒓𝟐 − 𝟒(𝝅𝒓𝟐 ).

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Examples 4, 5, and 6 are examples under piecewise functions. Piecewise function is a
function in which more than one formula is used to define the output over different pieces of the
domain. Look at the following examples below:

Hb.4. A user is charged ₱300 monthly for a particular mobile pan, which includes 100 free text
messages. Messages in excess of 100 are charged ₱1 each. Represent the amount a
consumer pays each month as a function of the number of messages 𝑚 sent in a month.

Solution: Let 𝑚 be the number of text messages.

It is given in the problem that the ₱300 mobile plan includes 100 free text messages. It means
whether that person sent a text message 100 times, less than 100 times, or does not sent a text
messages at all, he will surely pay ₱300 monthly. Representing this using a function, we will
have:

𝑓(𝑚) = 300 if 0 ≤ 𝑚 ≤ 100

But if the number of text messages sent in a month exceeds 100 for 𝑚 number of times, it
means that there will be an additional of ₱1 𝑚 number of times.

Skrats:

Number of text
100 112 135 200 201
messages (𝑚)
Additional
0 12 35 100 101
Payment

We can observe that if 𝑚 exceeds 100, for us to identify how much the additional payment is,
we simple subtract 100 from 𝑚. So whenever the person sent more than 100 text messages for
month, he will pay ₱300+(𝑚 − 100). Therefore, we can create a function whenever 𝑚 > 100.

𝑓(𝑚) = 300 + (𝑚 − 100) if 𝑚 > 100

With these, we can now write the function needed for the problem.

𝟑𝟎𝟎 if 𝟎 ≤ 𝒎 ≤ 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝒇(𝒙) = {
𝟑𝟎𝟎 + (𝒎 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎) if 𝒎>𝟎

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Hb.5. A jeepney ride costs ₱8.00 for the first four kilometers, and each additional integer
kilometer adds ₱1.50 to the fare. Use a piecewise function to represent the jeepney fare in
terms of the distance 𝑑 in kilometers.

Solution: Let 𝑑 be the distance. We need to create a function wherein the input value is the
distance and the output value is the fare. Initially, we can come up with a function:

8.00 if 0<𝑑≤4
𝑓(𝑑) = {
8.00 + 1.50(𝑑 − 4) if 𝑑>4

Take note that the additional ₱1.50 to the fare is for every additional integer kilometer. What
will happen when the distance travelled is 5.8 𝑘𝑚? Will the fare become ₱10.70?

If for an instance, the jeepney travelled 5.8 𝑘𝑚, it means that there is an additional 1.8 𝑘𝑚. This
additional 1.8km is not an integer kilometer. So for this problem, we will use a floor function
⌊ ⌋ for our distance. Floor function gives the largest integer less than or equal to 𝑑. For
example, ⌊ 5.8 ⌋ = 5. Therefore, the correct function for this problem is:

𝟖. 𝟎𝟎 if 𝟎<𝒅≤𝟒
𝒇(𝒅) = {
𝟖. 𝟎𝟎 + 𝟏. 𝟓𝟎(⌊𝒅⌋ − 𝟒) if 𝒅>𝟒

Hb.6. The cost of hiring catering service to serve food for a party is ₱150 per head for 20
persons or less, ₱130 per head for 21 to 50 persons, and ₱110 per head for 51 to 100 persons.
For more than 100 persons, the cost is at ₱100 per head. Represent the total cost as a
piecewise function of the number of attendees of the party.

Answer: Let 𝑝 be the number of persons.

𝟏𝟓𝟎 if 1 ≤ 𝑝 ≤ 20
𝟏𝟑𝟎 if 21 ≤ 𝑝 ≤ 50
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝟏𝟏𝟎 if 51 ≤ 𝑝 ≤ 100
{𝟏𝟎𝟎 if 𝑝 > 100

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References:

1. Lecture Notes in Abstract Algebra 1. Aurea Z. Rosal.

2. General Mathematics Teacher’s Guide. DepEd.
3. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymakercollegealgebra/chapter/piecewise-defined-
functions/
4. https://www.varsitytutors.com/sat_ii_math_i-help/solving-functions-from-word-problems
5. https://www.expii.com/t/function-word-problems-4322

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