1

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Module 1: REVIEW ON FUNCTIONS FUNCTIONS
 is a relation where each element in
What is a FUNCTION? the domain is related to only one
It is a relation defined as a set of value in the range by some rule.
ordered pairs (x, y) where no two or  Functions are rules that relate only
more distinct ordered pairs have the one value from the set of outputs to
same first element (x). a value from the set of inputs.
Every value of x corresponds to a  is a set of ordered pairs (x, y) such
unique value of y. that no two ordered pairs have the
Examples: same x-value but different y-values.
Is it a function or not? ANSWER IT

Function a. f = {(0, -1), (2, -5), (4, -9), (6,-13)}

Function b. r = {(a, 0), (b, -1), (c, 0), (d, -1)}

Function c. g = (5, -10), (25, -50), (50, -100)

What is the DIFFERENCE between a
NOT d. t = {(-2, 0), (-1, 1), (0, 1), (-2, 2)}
FUNCTION and a RELATION?
What is a TABLE OF VALUES?
RELATIONS
Describes a function
 a rule that relates values from a set
Correspondence between a set
of values called “domain” to a second
of values of x and a set of
set of values called “range”.
values of y in a tabular form.
 Relations are rules that relate two
values, one from a set of inputs and
the second from the set of outputs.
 is also a set of ordered pairs (x, y).
Example of a relation:

Is it a function or not? ANSWER IT

____1. A jeepney and its plate number
____2. A student and his ID number
____3. A teacher and his cellular phone
____4. A pen and the color of its ink

What is a VERTICAL LINE TEST?

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GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Used to determine if a given relation It is the process of determining the
is a function or not. value of the function at the number
If a vertical line intersects the graph assigned to a given variable.
in all places at exactly one point, then Let f(𝒙) = 𝒙2 − 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒. Find the following
the relation is a function. values of the function.
a. f (2) b. f (-1) c. f (0)
d. f (- ½ ) e. f (- 4)
a.) f(x)=x2-4x+4 b.) f(x)=x2-4x+4
f(2)=(2)2- f(-1)=(-1)2-4(-1)+4
4(2)+4 f(-1)=1+4+4
f(2)=4-8+4 f(-1)=9
 Relationship Between the
Independent and Dependent c.) f(0)=x2-4x+4
f(0)=(0)2-
Variables 4(0)+4
Process
f(0)=0-0+4
Input (equation rule Output
(value of x) (value of y) d.) f(-1/2)=x2-4x+4 e.) f(x)=x2-4x+4
of x)
f(-1/2)=(-1/2)2-4(- f(-4)=(-4)2-4(-4)+4
1/2)+4 f(-4)=16+16+4
Examples:
f(-1/2)=1/4+2+4 f(-4)=36
1. Find the value of y in the equation y =
10x – 3 if x = - 5.
2. Find the value of x if the value of y in the Let g( x) = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒. Find the following values
equation 𝐲 = 𝟑𝒙+𝟖/ 𝒙−𝟐 is 2. of the function.
Applications: a. g (2) b. g (4) c. g (0)
1. A car has travelled a distance of 124 d. g (9) e. g (- 1/3 
kilometers in 4 hours. Find the speed of the a.) g(x)=3x-4 b.) g(x)=3x-4 c.) g(x)=3x-4
car. g(2)=3(2)-4 g(4)=3(4)-4 g(0)=3(0)-
2. The volume of the cube is defined by the g(2)=6-4 g(4)=12-4 4
function 𝑽 = 𝒔 𝟑 where s is the length of the g(2)=2 g(4)=8 g(0)=0-4
d.) g(x)=3x-4 a.) g(x)=3x-4
edge.
g(9)=3(9)-4 g(-1/3)=3(-1/3)-4
• What is the volume of the cube if the
g(9)=27-4 g(-1/3)=-1-4
length of the edge is 5 cm? g(9)=23 g(-1/3)=-5
• What is the length of its edge if its volume
is 728 cubic meters?
EVALUATING FUNCTIONS DOMAIN AND RANGE OF FUNCTIONS
 3

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Domain D of a Range R of a If f and g are functions then
Function Function  (f + g) = f(x) + g(x)
 (f – g) = f(x) - g(x)
The set of all The set of all  (f ∙ g) = f(x) ∙ g(x)
x-coordinates y-coordinates  (f/g) (x) = f(x)/g(x) where g(x) ≠ 0
in the set of in the set of
ordered pairs. ordered pairs. Let f(x) = 𝒙^𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟑 and g(x)= x –1.
Perform the operations and identify the
domain
 More on Independent Variables
not all values of the independent (f + g)(x) = f(x)+g(x) (f - g)(x) = f(x)-g(x)
variables are permissible. f(x)+g(x) = x2-4x+3+x-1 f(x)-g(x) = x2-4x+3-x-1
That is, some functions have f(x)+g(x) = x2-3x+2 f(x)-g(x) = x2-5x+2

restrictions. (f ∙ g)(x) = f(x)∙g(x) (f / g)(x) = f(x)/g(x)

f(x)∙g(x) = (x2-4x+3)(x-1) f(x)/g(x) = (x2-4x+3)/(x-1)
f(x)∙g(x) = x3-5x2+7x-3 f(x)/g(x) = x-3
PIECE-WISE FUNCTIONS
functions defined in different Let f(x)= x – 3 and g(x) = 𝒙^𝟐 + 𝟗. Perform
domains since they are determined the operations and identify the domain
by several equations. (f ∙ g) (f/g) (x)
A function built from pieces of
(f + g)(x) = f(x)+g(x) (f - g)(x) = f(x)-g(x)
different functions over different f(x)+g(x) = x-3+x2+9 f(x)-g(x) = x-3-x2+9
intervals f(x)+g(x) = x2+x+6 f(x)-g(x) = -x2+x=6
(f ∙ g)(x) = f(x)∙g(x) (f / g)(x) = f(x)/g(x)
f(x)∙g(x) = (x-3)( x2+9) f(x)/g(x) = (x-3)/( x2+9)
Determine the domain and the range of the
f(x)∙g(x) = x3-3x2+9x-27 f(x)/g(x) = x-3/ x2+9
following:
(𝒙) = 2x + 3 if x ≠ 2
4 if x = COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS
2 If f and g are functions then the composite
function denoted by 𝒇 ∘ 𝒈, is defined by 𝒇 ∘
(𝒙) = 2x + 3 if x < 1
𝒈 = 𝒇 (𝒙)
-x + 2 if x ≥ 1
The domain of 𝒇 ∘ 𝒈 is the set of all
numbers x in the domain of g such that g(x)
OPERATIONS ON FUNCTIONS is in the domain of f.
Shortcut!
Substitute g(x) to the x of f(x). (vice
 4

GENERAL MATHEMATICS

Polynomial functions
Let f(x)= x – 3 and g(x) = 𝒙^𝟐 + 𝟗. Find: A polynomial function p of degree n is a
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(x) (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(x) function that can be written in the form:
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(3) (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(- 4)
P(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + … +
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(x) = f(g(x)) (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(x) = g(f(x)) a1 x + a0
f(g(x)) = 𝒙^𝟐 + 𝟗-3 g(f(x)) = (x-3)2 + 𝟗 Coefficients (a0, a1, a2, …. , an)
f(g(x)) = 𝒙^𝟐 + 6 g(f(x)) = 𝒙2 - 6x +18 Leading coefficient (an)
(𝒇 ∘ 𝒈)(3) = f(g(3)) (𝒈 ∘ 𝒇)(-4) = g(f(-4)) Leading tem (anxn)
f(g(3)) = 𝒙2 + 𝟗-3 g(f(-4)) = (x-3)2 + 𝟗 Constant term (a0)
f(g(3)) = (3)2 + 6 g(f(-4)) = (-4-3)2 + 𝟗
f(g(3)) = 9 + 6 g(f(-4)) = (-7)2 + 𝟗
Example:
f(g(3)) = 15 g(f(-4)) = 49 + 𝟗
g(f(-4)) = 58 2x3 - 9x2 + 7x + 6
2x3 + 3x2 - x + 1
EVEN AND ODD FUNCTIONS x2 + 2x - 15
• A function (f) is said to be even if f(–x)=f(x)
for each value of x in the domain of f.
RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
• A function f is said to be odd if f(–x)= – f(x)
A function of the form f(x) = p(x)/q(x)
for each value of x in the domain of f.
where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial
function and q(x) is not the zero
Determine if the following functions is
function.
EVEN, ODD or NEITHER
The domain of the f(x) is the set of all
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙^𝟒 – 𝟑𝒙^𝟐 – 𝟏𝟎 EVEN values of x where q(x) ≠ 0.
𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙^𝟓 + 𝟑𝒙^𝟑 – 𝟏𝟐𝒙 ODD
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟒𝒙^𝟑 – 𝟒𝒙^𝟐 − 𝟖𝒙 − 𝟐 EVEN

Example:
Module 2: RATIONAL FUNCTIONS Suppose that c(t) = 5t/t2+1 (in mg/mL)
represents the concentration of a drug in a
Representing Real-Life Situations patient's bloodstream (t) hours after the
Using Rational Functions drug was administered. Construct a table of
values for c(t) for t = 1, 2, 5, 10. Round off
 5

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
answers to three decimal places. Use the One side is a zero and has the sign <,
table to sketch a graph and interpret the >, <, >. 5 2
<
results. x-3 x
T 0 1 2 5 10
C(t) 0 2.5 2 0.962 0.495 Rational Functions
A function of the form f(x)=p(x)/q(x)
where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial
functions and q(x) is not the zero
c(t) = 5t/t2+1 c(t) = 5t/t2+1 c(t) = 5t/t2+1 function.
x2 +
c(t) = c(t) = c(t) = f(x) =
2x + 3
5(1)/(1)2+1 5(2)/(2)2+1 5(5)/(5)2+1
x+
c(t)Example:
= 5/2 or 2.5 c(t) = 10/5 or 2 c(t) = 25/26 or
In an organ pipe, the frequency f of
Rational Equations
vibration of air is inversely proportional to
An equation involving rational
the length L of the pipe.1 Suppose that the
frequency of vibration in a 10-foot pipe is expressions.
54 vibrations per second. Express f as a Containing at least one fraction
function of L. whose numerator and denominator
are polynomials.
Solution. 2 3 1
Since f is inversely proportional to L, then - =
f=k/L, where k is the constant of
proportionality.
If L = 10 the f = 54. Thus, R. EQUATION 1.) 2 + x / x – 1 = 8
54 = k/10  NOT A R.E. 2.) x > / x + 1
k = (54)(10)  R. FUNCTION 3.) f(x) = 6 - x + 3 / x2 – 5
k = 540. R. INEQUALITY 4.) 2x > 7 / x + 4
Thus the function f(L) = 540/L represents f R. EQUATION 5.)x / 2 = 4 / x + 9x2
as a function of L.
Rational Functions, Equations, and
Solving Rational Equations and
Inequalities
Inequalities
Example no.1
Rational Inequality
The LCD of all the denominators is 10x.
An inequality involving rational
Multiply both sides of the equation by 10x
expressions
and solve the resolving equation.
 6

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
i. Locate the x values for which the
rational expression is zero or
undefined (factoring the numerator
and denominator is a useful strategy).
ii. Mark the numbers found in (i) on a
number line. Use a shaded circle to
indicate that the value is included in
Example no.2 the solution set, and a hollow circle
to indicate that the value is excluded.
These numbers partition the number
line into intervals.
Step 1: factor each denominator in the iii. Select a test point within the interior
rational expression. of each interval in (ii). The sign of the
rational expression at this test point
is also the sign of the rational
Step 2: multiply the LCD to both sides of the expression at each interior point in
the aforementioned interval.
equation to remove the denominators.
iv. Summarize the intervals containing
the solutions.

x(x - 2) – (x + 2) = 8
x2 – 3x – 10 = 0 Warning! Multiplying both sides of an
Step 3: now we can use the strategies of inequality by a number requires that
the sign (positive or negative) of the
solving polynomial equations.
number is known. Since the sign of a
x2 – 3x – 10 = 0  (x + 2)(x - 5) = 0 variable is unknown, it is not valid to
x+2=0 or x-5=0 multiply both sides of an inequality by a
x = -2 or x=5 variable.
Step 4: Since x = -2 makes the original
equation undefined, x = 5 is the only
solution.
To solve rational inequalities: Example no.3
(a) Rewrite the inequality as a single Solve the inequality 2x / x + 1 > 1.
rational expression on one side of the Step 1: rewrite the inequality as a single
inequality symbol and 0 on the other side.
rational expression.
(b) Determine over what intervals the
rational expression takes on positive and
negative values.
 7

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Step 1: Rewrite the inequality with zero
on one side.

Step 2: The rational expression will be zero

for x = 1 and undefined for x = –1. The value Step 2: The rational expression will be zero
x = 1 is included while x = –1 is not. Mark for x = -1 and undefined for 0 and 2. Plot
these on the number line. Use a shaded these points on a number line. Use hallow
circle for x = 1 (a solution) and an unshaded circles since these values are not part of the
circle for x = -1 (not a solution). solution.

Step 3: Construct a table of signs to

Step 3: Choose convenient test points in the determine the sign of the function in each
intervals determined by –1 and 1 to interval determined by -1, 0, and 2.
determine the sign of x -1 / x + 1 in these Interval X < -1 -1 < x < 0 0 <X < 2 X>2
intervals. Construct a table of signs as Test point x=-2 X = -1/2 X=1 X=3
shown below. 2(x-1) - + + +
Interval X<-1 -1<x<1 x>1 X - - + +
Test point x=-2 X=0 X=2 x-2 - - - +
x-1 - - + 2(x+1) - + - +
x+1 - + + X(x-2)
x-1 + - +
x+1 Step 4: summarize the intervals satisfying
the inequality. The solution set of the
Step 4: Since we are looking for the
inequality is the set {x ∈ R|x < -1 or 0 < x <
intervals where the rational expression is
2}. Plot this set on the number line.
positive or zero, we determine the solution
to be the set {x ∈ R|x < -1 or x > 1}. Plot this
set on the number line.

Example 7. REPRESENTATIONS OF RATIONAL

Solve the FUNCTIONS
inequality: 3/x-2 < Rational Function
1/x .
 8

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
A rational function is a function of
the form f(x) = p(x)/q(x) where p(x)
and q(x) are polynomial functions and
q(x) is not the zero polynomial. The
domain of f(x) is all values of x where
q(x) is not zero. Let x be the runtime and s(x) be the speed
Average speed (or velocity) can be of the runner in meters per second, where
computed by the formula s = d/t. s(x) = 100/x. The table of values for run
Consider a 100-meter track used for foot times from 10 seconds to 20 seconds is as
follows:
races. The speed of a runner can be
X 10 12 14 16 18 20
computed by taking the time for him to
S(X) 10 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56 5
run the track and applying it to the
formula s = 100/t, since the distance is From the table we can observe that the
fixed at 100 meters. speed decreases with time. We can use a
graph to determine if the points on the
Example 1: Represent the speed of a runner function follow a smooth curve or a straight
as a function of the time it takes to run 100 line.
meters in the track.
Since the speed of a runner depends on GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
the time it takes to run 100 meters, we
can represent speed as a function of
Step 1: Let x represent the time it takes to
run 100 meters. Let the speed can be
represented as a function s(x) as follows:
S(x) = 100
x Recall:
(a) The domain of a function is the set of
Observe that it is similar to the structure to all values that the variable x can take.
the formula s = d/t relating speed, distance, (b) The range of the function is the set of
and time. all values that f(x) will take.
Step 2: Construct a table of values for the (c) The zeroes of a function are the values
speed of a runner against different run of x which make the function zero. The real
Atimes.
table of values can help us determine the numbered zeroes are also x-intercepts of
behavior of a function as the variable the graph of the function.
changes. (d) The y-intercept is the function value
The current world record (as of October when x=0.
2015) for the 100-meter dash is 9.58 seconds
set by the Jamaican Usain Bolt in 2009. We
start our table of values at 10 seconds.
 9

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Example 1. Consider the function f(x) = x-2 /
x + 2 (a) Find its domain, (b) intercepts, (c)
sketch its graph and (d) determine its range.

(a) The domain of f(x) is {x ∈ R|x < = 2}.

Observe that the function is undefined at x
= –2. This means that x = -2 is not part of
the domain of f(x). In addition, other values
of x will make the function undefined.

(b) The x-intercept of f(x) is 2 and its y-

intercept is –1.
Recall that the x-intercepts of a rational
function are the values of x that will
make the function zero. A rational
function will be zero if its numerator is
zero. Therefore the zeroes of a rational
function are the zeroes of its numerator.
The numerator x – 2 will be zero at x=2.
Therefore x=2 is a zero of f(x). Since it is a
real zero, it is also an x-intercept.
The y-intercept of a function is equal to f(0).
In this case, f(0) = -2/2 = -1.
Observe that as x approaches –2 from the
(c) In sketching the graph of f(x), let us look left and from the right, f(x) gets closer and
at what happens to the graph near the closer to the line x = –2, indicated in the
values of x which make the denominator figure with a dashed line.
undefined. We call this line a vertical asymptote,
The denominator is zero when x = –2. Let us formally defined as follows:
look at the values of x close to –2 on its left
Definition.
side (i.e. x < –2, denoted –2--) and values of
x close to –2 on its right side (i.e. x > –2, The vertical line x = a is a vertical
denoted –2+). asymptote of a function f if the graph of
Recall that in the previous lesson, we simply f either increases or decreases without
skipped connecting the points at integer bound as the x-values approach a from
values. Let us see what happens when x takes the right or left.
on values that brings the denominator closer
to zero.
 10

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Finding the Vertical Asymptotes of a A function is one-to-one if each
Rational Function horizontal line does not intersect the
 Find the values of a where the graph at more than one point.
denominator is zero. A graph showing the plot of y = x2 - 4 fails
 If this value of a does not make the horizontal line test because some lines
the numerator zero, then the line intersect the graph at more than one point.
x = a is a vertical asymptote.
The Vertical and Horizontal Line Tests
Definition. The horizontal line y = b is a All functions satisfy the vertical line
horizontal asymptote of the function f if f(x) test. All one-to-one functions satisfy
gets closer to b as x increases or decreases both the vertical and horizontal line
without bound (x  + or x  –.). tests.
 - infinity sign. Inverse of One-to-One Functions
The importance of one-to-one functions is
Finding the Horizontal Asymptotes of a due to the fact that these are the only
Rational Function functions that have an inverse, as defined
Let n be the degree of the numerator below.
and m be the degree of the Definition:
denominator. Let f be a one-to-one function with
 If n < m, the horizontal asymptote domain A and range B. Then the
is y = 0 . inverse of f, denoted by f-1, is a
function with domain B and range A
 If n = m, the horizontal asymptote
defined by f-1(y) = x if and only if f(x)
is y = a/b, where a is the leading
= y for any y in B.
coefficient of the numerator and b
A function has an inverse if and only if it is
is the leading coefficient of the
one-to-one. If a function f is not one-to-
denominator.
one, properly defining an inverse function f-
 If n > m, there is no horizontal 1
will be problematic.
ONE-TO-ONE FUNCTIONS Example:
Suppose that f(1) = 5 and f(3) = 5. If f-1
The function f is one-to-one if for any x1, x2 exists, then f-1(5) has to be both 1 and 3,
in the domain of f, then f(x1) = f(x2). That is, and this prevents f-1 from being a valid
the same y-value is never paired with two function. This is the reason why the inverse
different x-values. is only defined for one-to-one functions.

To find the inverse of a one-to-one

function:
Horizontal Line Test
 11

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
a) Write the function in the form y =
f(x);
b) Interchange the x and y variables;
c) Solve for y in terms of x

Property of an inverse of a one-to-one

function The range of the original function can be
Given a one-to-one function f(x) and its determined by the inspection of the graph.
inverse f -1(x), then the following are true: The range is {f(x) ∈ R| -3 < f(X) < 4}.
 The inverse of f -1(x) is f(x). Verify using techniques in an earlier lesson
 f(f -1(x)) = x for all x in the domain of that the inverse function is given by
f -1 f -1 (x) = x – 1/ 2.
 f(f -1(x)) = x for all x in the domain of . The domain and range of the inverse
function can be determined by inspection of
the graph:
GRAPHS OF INVERSE FUNCTIONS Domain of f -1 (x) = {x ∈ R| -3 < x < 4}.
First we need to ascertain that the given Range of f -1 (x) = {y ∈ R| -2 < y < 1.5}.
graph corresponds to a one-to-one function f(x) f -1 (x)
by applying the horizontal line test. If it Domain {x ∈ R| -2 < x < 1.5} {x ∈ R| -3 < x < 4}
passes the test, the corresponding function Range {y ∈ R| -3 < y < 4} {y ∈ R| -2 < y < 1.5}.
is one-to-one.
Given the graph of a one-to-one function, Representing Real-Life Situations
the graph of its inverse can be obtained by
reflecting the graph about the line y=x. Using Exponential Functions
Example 1.
Graph y = f -1 (x) if the graph of y = f(x) = 2x Exponential functions
+ 1 restricted in the domain {x| -2 < x < 1.5} is a function of the form f(x) = bx or
is given below. What is the range of the y = bx (b > 0, b = 1)
function? What is the domain and range of
its inverse? Example 1.
Complete a table of values for x = –3, –2, –
1, 0, 1, 2, and 3 for the exponential
functions y = (1/3)x, y = 10x and y = (0.8)x.

Take the reflection x -3 -2 -2 0 1 2 3

of the restricted y=(1/3)x 27 9 3 1 1/3 1/9 1/27
y = 10x 1/1000 1/100 1/10 1 10 100 1000
graph of y = 2x + 1 across the line y = x.
 12

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
y=(0.8) x
1.953125 1.5625 1.25 1 0.8 0.64 0.512 Exponential expression
An exponential expression is an
The half-life of a radioactive substance is expression of the form a∙bx-c + d,
the time it takes for half of the substance to where (b > 0, b ≠ 1).
decay. Exponential Exponential Exponential
Equation Inequality Function
Exponential Functions and Half-life Definition An equation An Function of
If the half-life of a substance is T units, involving inequality the form
and y0 is the amount of the substance exponential involving f(x) = (b > 0,
expressions. exponential b ≠ 1).
corresponding to t = 0, then the amount expressions.
y of substance remaining after t units of Example 72x-x^2 = 52x – 5x+1 < 0 F(x) = (1.8)x
time is given by y = y0(2)t/Y. 1/343 or y = (1.8)x

Compound Interest SOLVING EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS

If a principal P is invested at an annual rate AND INEQUALITIES
of r, compounded annually, then the
amount after t years is given by A = P(1 + r)t. One-to-one Property of Exponential
Functions
The natural exponential function  If x1 ≠ x2, then bx1 ≠ bx2. Conversely, if
While an exponential function may have bx1 = bx2 then x1 = x2.
various bases, a frequently used based is
the irrational number e, whose value is Example 1. Solve the equation 4x – 1 = 16.
approximately 2.71828. The enrichment in Write both sides with 4 as the base.
Lesson 27 will show how the number e 4X-1 = 16
arises from the concept of compound 4X-1 = 42
interest. Because e is a commonly used x–1=2
based, the natural exponential function is x=2+1
defined having e as the base. x=3

Definition Property of Exponential Inequalities

The natural exponential function is the  If b > 1, then the exponential function
function f(x) = ex. y = bX is increasing for all x. This
means that bX< bY if and only if x < y.
 If 0 < b < 1, then the exponential
function y = bX is decreasing for all x.
Exponential Functions, Equations, This means that bX> bY if and only if x
and Inequalities < y.
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GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Example 4. Solve the inequality 3X< 9X-2. 2. The range is the set of all positive real
Both 9 and 3 can be written using 3 as the numbers.
base. 3. It is a one-to-one function. It satisfies
3X < (32)X-2 the Horizontal Line Test.
3X < 32(X-2) 4. The y-intercept is 1. There is no x-
3X < 32X-4 intercept.
Since the base 3 > 1, then this inequality is 5. The horizontal asymptote is the line y
equivalent to: = 0 (or the x-axis). There is no vertical
x < 2x – 4 asymptote.
(the direction of the inequality is retained) 6. The function is increasing if b > 1, and
4 < 2x – x is decreasing if 0 < b < 1.
4<x
The solution set to the inequality is For both functions:
{x ∈ R|x > 4} Domain: Set of all real
numbers
GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS Range: Set of all positive real
numbers
Example 1. Sketch the graph of f(x) = 2X. y-intercept: 1. There is no x-
Step 1: Construct a table of values of intercept
Horizontal Asymptote: y = 0
ordered pairs for the given function. The
table of values for f(x) = 2x is as follows: Graphing Transformations of
X -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Exponential Functions
F(X 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1 2 4 8
) Reflecting Graphs
Step 2: plot the points found in the table Example 1. Use the graph of y = 2x to graph
and connect them using a smooth curve. the functions y = –2x and y = 2–x.
Some y-values are shown on the following
table.
x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
Y=2x 0.125 0.25 0.5 1 2 4 8
Y=-2x -0.125 -0.25 -0.5 -1 -2 -4 -8
Y=2-x 8 4 2 1 0.5 0.25 0.125

PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The y-coordinate of each point on the graph

1. The domain is the set of all real of y = –2x the negative of the y-coordinate
numbers. of the graph of y = 2x. Thus, the graph of y =
 14

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
–2 is the reflection of the graph of y = 2x
x
right (if k > 0) or k units to the left (if k < 0)
about the x-axis. of the graph of y = f(x).
The value of y = 2-x at x is the same as the
value of y = 2x at –x. Thus, the graph of y =
2-x is the reflection of the graph of y = 2x INTODUCTION TO LOGARITHMS
about the y-axis. Logarithm
Let a, b, and c be positive real
numbers such that b ≠ 1. The
logarithm of a with base b is denoted
by logba, and is defined as
c = logba if and only if a = bc.

Reminders.
Reflection 1. In both the logarithmic and
The graph of y = –f(x) is the reflection about exponential forms, b is the base. In
the x-axis of the graph of y = f(x). the exponential form, c is an
The graph of y = f(–x) is the reflection about exponent; this implies that the
the y-axis of the graph of y = f(x). logarithm is actually an exponent.
Hence, logarithmic and exponential
Vertical Stretching or Shrinking functions are inverses.
Let c be a positive constant. The graph of y 2. In the logarithmic form logbx, x
= cf(x) can be obtained from the graph of y cannot be negative.
3. The value of logbx can be negative.
= f(x) by multiplying each y-coordinate by c.
Common logarithms
The effect is a vertical stretching (if c > 1) or are logarithms with base 10; logx is a
shrinking (if c < 1) of the graph of y = f(x). short notation for log10x.
Natural logarithms
Vertical Shifts are logarithms to the base e
Let k be a real number. The graph of y = f(x) (approximately 2.71828), and are
+ k is a vertical shift of k units up (if k > 0) or denoted by “ln”. In other words, lnx is
k units down (if k < 0) of the graph of y = another way of writing logex.
f(x).

Horizontal Shifts Example 1: Rewrite the

Let k be a real number. The graph of y = f(x followingexponential equations in logarithm
– k) is a horizontal shift of k units to the form, whenever possible.
 15

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
per liter. Solutions with a pH of 7 are
defined neutral; those with pH < 7 are
acidic, and those with pH > 7 are basic.

Applications. Some of the most common LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS,

applications in real-life of logarithms are the
Richter scale, sound intensity, and pH level.
EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES
In 1935, Charles Richter proposed a
logarithmic scale to measure the intensity Logarithm Logarithm Logarithm
of an earthquake. He defined the Equation Inequality Function
magnitude of an earthquake as a function Definition An equation An Function of
involving inequality the form
of its amplitude on a standard seismograph.
logarithms. involving f(x) = logbx
The following formula produces the same logarithms. (b > 0, b ≠
results, but is based on the energy released 1).
by an earthquake. Example Logx2 = 4 2
In x > (In g(x) - log3x
2
Earthquake Magnitude on a Richter scale x)
The magnitude R of an earthquake is given
by R = 2/3 log E/104.40
where E (in joules) is the energy released NOTE!
by the earthquake (the quantity 104.40 Logarithmic equation or inequality can be
joules is the energy released by a very solved for all x values that satisfy the
small reference earthquake). equation or inequality (Lesson 21).
The formula indicates that the magnitude of  A logarithmic function expresses a
an earthquake is based on the logarithm of relationship between two variables
the ratio between the energy it releases (such as x and y), and can be
and the energy released by the reference represented by a table of values or a
Sound Intensity graph
In acoustics, the decibel (dB) level of a
sound is D = 10log1/10-12, where I is the
sound intensity in watts/m2 (the quantity
10-12 watts/m2 is least audible sound a
human can hear).
BASIC PROPERTIES OF LOGARITHMS
Acidity and the pH scale
The pH level of a water-based solution is
defined as pH = – log[H+], where [H+] is the
concentration of hydrogen ions in moles
 16

GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Definition: Let b and x be real numbers 1. Rewriting to exponential form;
such that b > 0 and b ≠ 1, the basic 2. Using logarithmic properties;
properties of logarithms are as follows: 3. Applying the one-to-one property of
1. logb1 = 0
logarithmic functions;
2. logbbx = x
4. The Zero Factor Property: If ab = 0,
3. If x > 0, then blogbx = x
then a = 0 or b = 0.
LAWS OF LOGARITHMS Property of Logarithmic Inequalities
Let b > 0, b ≠ 1 and let n . For u > 0, v > 0,  If 0 < b < 1, then x1< x2 if and only if
then logbx1> logbx2.
1. logb(uv) = logbu + logbv  If b > 1, then x1< x2 if and only if
(Example: log2(3x) = log23 + log2x) logbx1< logbx2.
2. logb(u/v) = logbu – logbv
(Example: log3(4/5) = log34 – log35)
3. logbu = n·logbu
n

(Example: log536 = log562 = 2log56)

SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS

AND INEQUALITIES

Property of Logarithmic Equations

 If b > 1, then the logarithmic function
y = logbx is increasing for all x. If 0 < b
< 1, then the logarithmic function y =
logbx is decreasing for all x. This
means that logbu = logbv if and only if
u = v.

Techniques.
Some strategies for solving logarithmic
equations: