MCR 3U – Unit 1 1

Functions and Their Properties

1.1 Relations and Functions

Learning Goal:
I can recognize functions in various representations.

Relation

A relation in which each value of the independent variable (the x

coordinate) corresponds to exactly one value of the dependent variable
Function
(the y coordinate).
For every x-value there only exists
The set of all values of the independent variable of a relation.
Domain

The set of all values of the dependent variable of a relation.

Range

Used to determine graphically if a relation is a function or not.

Vertical
Line If any vertical line intersects the graph of a relation more than once it is
Test not a function.

A relation and a function can be described or shown as:

a) a set of ordered pairs b) a table of values
c) description in words d) a mapping (arrow diagram)
e) an equation f) a graph or a scatter plot

Note: All functions are relations, but not all relations are functions!

Example 1
Determine if the following are functions.

a. b.
White
Collie
Whole
Bread Wheat Hound
Dog
Drink Pop Persian
Cat

Water Siamese
MCR 3U – Unit 1 2
Functions and Their Properties

𝑥 𝑦 𝑥 𝑦 𝑥 𝑦
c.
0 4 0 4 0 4
1 5 1 4 1 5
2 6 2 5 1 6
3 7 3 6 2 7

d.

Example 2
State the domain and range for each relation and determine if the relation is a function.

a) {(2, 3), (5, −4), (1, 2), (7, 9)}

b) {(2, 3), (5, −4), (5, 3), (7, 9)}

Example 3
a) Substitute 𝑥 = 2 into each equation and solve for 𝑦.
i) 3𝑥 + 𝑦 = −10 ii) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦2 = 29

b) Which relations in part a) appear to be functions? Justify.

MCR 3U – Unit 1 3
Functions and Their Properties

1.2 Function Notation

Learning Goal:
I can use function notation to represent functions and solve for unknown values.

Function Notation:
Notation such as 𝑓(𝑥) is used to represent the value of the dependent variable (output)
for a given value of the independent variable (input).

Symbols How it is spoken What is means

This is the rule, or the defining equation of
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1 “𝑦 equals two 𝑥 plus one”
a function.
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) “𝑦 equals 𝑓 of 𝑥” 𝑦 is a function of 𝑥.
𝑓(𝑥) = “𝑓 of 𝑥 equals…” This is exactly the same as saying “𝑦 = ”
Again, this is exactly the same as saying
𝑓: 𝑥 → “𝑓 maps 𝑥 onto…”
“𝑦 = ” (This is called “mapping” notation)
This actually represents the 𝑦 value (or
output) when the 𝑥 value (or input) is 2.
𝑓(2) = “𝑓 of 2 equals…”
It’s the result of evaluating 𝑦 after
substituting 2 for 𝑥.

Notes:
The notations 𝑦 and 𝑓(𝑥) are interchangeable for example,
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 1 and 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 1

Sometimes we use 𝑔(𝑥), ℎ(𝑥), etc. instead of 𝑓(𝑥). Scientists and mathematicians will
use a letter related to the quantity being measured. Ex. Height being measured as a
function of time we express the function as ℎ(𝑡).

Example 1
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 – 2𝑥 + 1. Determine each value.

a) 𝑓(−2) b) 𝑓(4) – 𝑓(−1) c) 𝑓(𝑥 – 2)

MCR 3U – Unit 1 4
Functions and Their Properties
Example 2
For ℎ(𝑥) = −3𝑥 + 5, determine the input 𝑥 when the output of ℎ(𝑥) is −7.

Example 3
For the function shown in the graph, determine each value.
a) 𝑔(0) b) 𝑔(3)

c) 𝑥 if 𝑔(𝑥) = 0

d) the domain and range of 𝑔(𝑥)

Example 4
The deepest mine in the world, East Rand mine in South Africa, reaches 3585 m into
the Earth’s crust. The temperature at the top of the mineshaft is about 11 degrees
Celsius and it increases at a rate of 0.015 degrees Celsius/m as you descend. Write an
equation in function notation to determine the temperature at the bottom of the mine?
MCR 3U – Unit 1 5
Functions and Their Properties

1.3 Exploring Properties of Parent Functions

Learning Goal:
I can recognize the shape of the graph of parent functions and their key features, domain
and range.

In mathematics, every function can be classified as a member of a family. Each

member of a family of functions is related to the simplest, or most basic, function,
sharing the same characteristics. This function is called the parent (base) function.

a) Linear

Special Features

Domain =

Range =

b) Square Root

x y Special Features

Domain =

Range =
MCR 3U – Unit 1 6
Functions and Their Properties
c) Absolute Value
Definition:

The distance of a number from zero on a real number line |3| = 3

Absolute value
and |−3| = 3

x y Special Features

Domain =

Range =
MCR 3U – Unit 1 7
Functions and Their Properties
d) Reciprocal
Definition:

A line that a curve approaches more and more closely but never
1
Asymptote touches. For example, for the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 the x-axis and the
y-axis are asymptotes.

x y Special Features

Domain =

Range=

Since the graph cannot cross the 𝑦 – axis (i.e. 𝑥 = 0), we call 𝑥 = 0 a
___________________

Since the graph cannot cross the 𝑥 – axis (i.e. 𝑦 = 0), we call 𝑦 = 0 a
____________________

An asymptote is a boundary where a curve approaches, but never crosses.

MCR 3U – Unit 1 8
Functions and Their Properties

1.4 Determining the Domain and Range of a Function

Learning Goal:
I can use tables, graphs, and equations to find the domain and range of functions using
proper notation.

Domain of a The set of the first coordinates of the ordered pairs in the
Function function. (i.e. independent values, 𝑥 values)
Range of a
The set of the second coordinates of the ordered pairs in the
Function
function. (i.e. dependent values, 𝑦 values)

The counting numbers

Natural Numbers N
1, 2, 3, ….
The counting numbers and zero
Whole Numbers W
0, 1, 2, 3, …
Positive and negative whole numbers
Integers I
… , −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …
𝑎
Numbers of the form 𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are integers and
Rational Q
𝑏 ≠ 0.
Numbers 3 2 5
e.g. 4 , − 3 , −3 5 , 2.35, −3. ̅̅̅̅̅
291 , −8.234
Consist of all 4 of the above number sets, plus
Real Numbers decimals that are non-terminating and non-repeating R
e.g. 𝜋

Set Notation is used to describe the domains and ranges of functions.

{𝑥 ∈ ℝ| 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 50}

“The set of all values 𝑥, that belong to the set of real numbers, such that 𝑥 is
greater than or equal to 0 and less than 50”

When determining domain and range for graphs that have points:

• Closed dot – the point IS included (so you use ≤ or ≥)

o Open dot – the point is NOT included (so you use < or >)
MCR 3U – Unit 1 9
Functions and Their Properties
Example 1
For each set of data, determine if it is a function or not and state domain and range.

-2 2

-2

Example 2
Determine the domain and range of each function.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 – 4 b) 𝑔(𝑥) = −2(𝑥 + 1)2 + 5

MCR 3U – Unit 1 10
Functions and Their Properties
REAL WORLD SITUATIONS:

• Consider if there are any restrictions on the variables

• Negative values often have no meaning in a real context, so the domain and
range must be restricted to non-negative values
The domain and range of a function can be determined from its graph, from a table of
values, or from the function equation.

Make some generalizations about the domain and range of the following type of
functions:

Linear

Quadratic
MCR 3U – Unit 1 11
Functions and Their Properties

1.5 The Inverse Function and Its Properties

Learning Goal:
I can determine the inverse of a linear function given a table of values or graph.

Example 1
9
The formula to convert ℃ to ℉ is 𝐹 = 𝐶 + 32. A simple rule used is double ℃ and add
5
30°.

a) Complete the table of values and graph the relation.

Temperature (℃) Temperature (℉)

10
20
30
0
−40
−20

b) What is the independent variable? Dependent?

c) Let 𝑓(𝑥) represent the function, and let 𝑥 represent temperature in ℃ and determine
the equation of this function.

d) A Canadian now visits Florida and uses the above rule to convert from ℉ to ℃.
Complete the given table, and graph the relation on the above given grid.

Temperature (  F ) Temperature (  C )
50
80
30
20
-10
MCR 3U – Unit 1 12
Functions and Their Properties
How does this graph compare to the initial graph? This relationship is called the
____________ or the reverse relationship.
In math 𝑓(𝑥) represents the original function and _______________ represents the
___________.
If (10, 50) is a member of 𝑓(𝑥), then _________________ is a member of the inverse
function.
The inverse of any function is a reflection in the line 𝒚 = 𝒙
The inverse of a function is not always a function

The inverse of a function can be obtained 3 ways:

1. Using a table of values
2. Graphically
3. Algebraically

1. Using a Table of Values

Given the function, 𝑓(𝑥), defined as the set of values below, find 𝑓 −1

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

2. Graphically
• Label the points on the graphs as ordered pairs
• Switch the x and y coordinates of each point
• Plot the points for the inverse
• Draw the line y=x to check for symmetry

Graph the inverse of the following function and state whether the inverse is a function.
MCR 3U – Unit 1 13
Functions and Their Properties
3. Using the Equation (Algebraically)

Steps:

1. Replace f(x) with ‘y’

2. Switch ‘x’ and ‘y’

3. Solve for ‘y’

Find the inverse for the following functions and state whether the inverse is a function.

a) f(x) = 3x + 1 b) f(x) = x2 + 5

Note: The inverse can also be found by thinking of the operations in reverse (i.e.
reverse the order of the operations and perform the opposite operation)

BEDMAS → PSADME
MCR 3U – Unit 1 14
Functions and Their Properties

Review of Graphing Quadratic Functions

Learning Goal:
I can graph a quadratic function from factored form and vertex form.

Graphing a Quadratic Function from Factored Form

Example 1
Given the function, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 8)
a) Use the zeros to find the 𝑥-value of the vertex.

b) Use the 𝑥-value of the vertex to find the 𝑦 value of the vertex.

c) You now have 3 points. Find two other points (one on either side of the vertex) using
any method of your choice, and then graph the function.
MCR 3U – Unit 1 15
Functions and Their Properties
Graphing a Quadratic Function from Vertex Form
Recall: Transformations in Vertex Form:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘

Vertex: __________ Equation of the Axis of Symmetry: __________

● If 𝑎 > 1, a vertical ____________________ by a factor of 𝑎 occurs.

● If 0 < 𝑎 < 1, a vertical ___________________________ by a factor of 𝑎 occurs.
● If a < 0, the graph is reflected across the _______________
● If ℎ > 0, horizontal translation of h units to the ______________ occurs.
● If ℎ < 0, a horizontal translation of h units to the ________________ occurs.
● If 𝑘 > 0, a vertical translation of k units ___________ occurs.
● If 𝑘 < 0, a vertical translation of k units ________________ occurs.

Graphing Using A Mapping Statement

Complete the table of values below.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 𝑓(𝑥) = −4𝑥 2

a = ______ a = ______ a = ______
𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑥2 𝑥 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2
-2 -2
-1 -1
0 0
1 1
2 2

Now we will investigate what happens to the x and y values.

● What happens to the x-coordinates of all the points on the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
when the parameter of a is changed?

● What happens to the y – coordinates when the parameter of a is changed?

MCR 3U – Unit 1 16
Functions and Their Properties
In general, if (𝑥, 𝑦) is a point on the parent relation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , when the 𝑎 value changes
the new point becomes:

When the parameter of ℎ is changed:

● Moving a graph left or right affects the _____ - values. This means the
_____________________ remain unchanged. All we must do is add or subtract
the value of ℎ to each 𝑥-value.

When the parameter of 𝑘 is changed:

● Moving a graph up or down affects the _____ - values. This means the
_____________________ remain unchanged. All we must do is add or subtract
the value of 𝑘 to each 𝑦-value.

Mapping/Transformation Statement for a Quadratic Relation in Vertex Form:

(𝑥, 𝑦) →

Example 2
Create a mapping statement for the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 − 3)2 − 2.

Example 3
1
Use transformations to sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = − 4 (𝑥 + 5) 2 + 1.
MCR 3U – Unit 1 17
Functions and Their Properties

1.6 Exploring Transformations of Parent Functions

Learning Goal:
I can understand how the parameters of a, d, and c transform the graphs of
parent functions.

Consider the function in the form 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑑) + 𝑐. The constants 𝑎, 𝑐 and 𝑑 each
change the location or shape of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥).

Name of Effect on
Transformation Effect on Graph
Transformation Points
𝑐 > 0: Shift up c units
𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑐
𝑐 < 0: Shift down c units
𝑑 > 0: Shift right d units
𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑑)
𝑑 < 0: Shift left d units
𝑎 > 1: Stretch vertically
by
a factor of a.
𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)
0 < 𝑎 < 1: Compress
vertically by a
factor of a.

−𝑓(𝑥) Reflect in the x-axis

Label the effect of each value in the general equation:

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑓(𝑥 − 𝑑) + 𝑐

Order of Transformations
1. Stretches or Reflections
2. Translations
Notation 𝑓(𝑥)
● Any transformation done inside the argument (input) affects the 𝑥-values in the
oposite manner
● Any transformation done outside the argument (output) affects the 𝑦-values
MCR 3U – Unit 1 18
Functions and Their Properties
Transformations with Specific Functions

FUNCTION PARENT FUNCTION TRANSFORMED

FUNCTION
Quadratic 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑑)2 + 𝑐

Square root 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎√𝑥 − 𝑑 + 𝑐

1 𝑎
Rational 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) = +𝑐
𝑥 𝑥−𝑑
Absolute 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎|𝑥 − 𝑑| + 𝑐

Example 1
i) State the transformations, in proper order, that would be applied to the parent
functions to obtain the following functions.
ii) State the coordinates of the image of the point (2, −1).
*Note: the point technically is not on all parent functions, but it is meant to practice finding image points.
iii) State the domain and range of questions c) – f).

a) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 − 2) b) 𝑦 = 3𝑓(𝑥 − 1) + 2

c) 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 d) 𝑦 = |𝑥 + 4| − 3

1
e) 𝑦 = −√𝑥 − 4 f) 𝑦 = 𝑥+3 + 6
MCR 3U – Unit 1 19
Functions and Their Properties

1.7 Investigating Horizontal Stretches, Compressions and Reflections

Learning Goal:
I can investigate and apply horizontal stretches, compressions, and
reflections to parent functions.

Create a table of values for 𝑦 = √𝑥 and = √−𝑥 . On the same grid, graph both functions.

𝑥 𝑥

1. What was the transformation that occurred?

2. What happens to the point (x, y) under this transformation?

When 𝑘 < 0, the graph is a _________________________ across the

_________________.
MCR 3U – Unit 1 20
Functions and Their Properties

1
Compare the graphs of 𝑦 = √2𝑥 and 𝑦 = √2 𝑥 to the graph of 𝑦 = √𝑥. Complete the
table of values using the given x-values.

1
𝑥 𝑦 = √𝑥 𝑥 𝑦 = √2𝑥 𝑥 𝑦=√ 𝑥
2
0 0 0
1 0.5 2
4 2 8
9 4.5 18
16 8 32

1. What was the transformation that occurred?

2. Are there any invariant points? (a point on the graph that is unchanged by a
transformation)

3. What happens to the point (𝑥, 𝑦) under this transformation?

When 0 < |𝑘| < 1, the graph is a _____________________________________ by a

factor of _________.
When |𝑘| > 1, the graph is a ____________________________________ by a factor
of ___________.
MCR 3U – Unit 1 21
Functions and Their Properties
When given an equation of the form 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑘𝑥), the transformation statement is:

Example 1
Describe the transformations required to graph each of the following. Create a mapping
statement.
1
a) 𝑦 = √2𝑥 − 6 b) 𝑦 = −3𝑥+12

1
c) 𝑦 = √−𝑥 − 6 d) 𝑦 = −√2 𝑥 − 6 + 5
MCR 3U – Unit 1 22
Functions and Their Properties
Example 2

Using the graph, determine the equation of the transformed function in the form
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑘𝑥).

a)
MCR 3U – Unit 1 23
Functions and Their Properties

1.8 Using Transformations to Graph Functions of the Form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓[𝑘(𝑥 − 𝑑)] + 𝑐

Learning Goal:
I can graph various functions by applying transformations on their parent
functions in the correct order, using transformation statements.

Transformed Function: 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑓[𝑘(𝑥 − 𝑑)] + 𝑐

Vertical stretch or compression by a factor of |𝑎|

If 𝑎 < 0

a If |𝑎| > 1

If 0 < |𝑎| < 1

1
Horizontal stretch or compression by a factor of
𝑘

If 𝑘 < 0
k
If |𝑘| > 1

If 0 < |𝑘| < 1

Horizontal translation (shift)

If 𝑑 < 0
d
If 𝑑 > 0

Vertical translation (shift)

If 𝑐 < 0
c
If 𝑐 > 0

Each step of the transformation could be shown and each specific point of 𝑓(𝑥) could be
moved using the Transformation Statement:
𝑥
(𝑥, 𝑦) → ( + 𝑑, 𝑎𝑦 + 𝑐)
𝑘
MCR 3U – Unit 1 24
Functions and Their Properties

Remember:
● Any transformation done inside the argument (input) affects the 𝑥-values in the
opposite manner
● Any transformation done outside the argument (output) affects the 𝑦-values

Typically, we transform the “key points” of the parent function.

KEY POINTS FOR PARENT FUNCTIONS:
Quadratic Square Root Absolute Value Reciprocal

Example 1
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , apply the transformation: 𝑔(𝑥) = −𝑓[2(𝑥 – 4)] – 3

a) Write the transformation statement

b) Make a table of values for 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥)

using the transformation statement.

c) Find the domain and range of 𝑔(𝑥).

MCR 3U – Unit 1 25
Functions and Their Properties
Example 2
1
Some transformations are applied, in order, to the reciprocal function 𝑓(𝑥) = ∶
𝑥
● Horizontal stretch by a factor of 3
● Vertical stretch by a factor of 2
● Reflection in the 𝑦-axis
● Horizontal translation 5 units right and vertical translation 4 units up

Write the equation for the final transformed function.

Example 3
For the function, 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 2√−5𝑥 + 10 + 3, determine the parent function, state 𝑎, 𝑘, 𝑑
and 𝑐.

Example 4
Sketch the graph of 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −3√2(𝑥 + 4) − 1. State the domain and range of the
transformed function.
MCR 3U – Unit 1 26
Functions and Their Properties
Example 5
1
Graph 𝑔(𝑥) = − 3 using transformations. State the domain and range of the
𝑥+1
transformed function.