CHAPTER 1

Functions

Contents:

1.1 Functions
1.1.1 Relations
1.1.2 Graph of Functions – Linear, Quadratic, Reciprocal, Cubic, Square Root, Modulus
1.1.3 Composite Functions
1.1.4 Inverse Functions
1.1.5 Graphs of Piecewise - defined Functions

1.2 Polynomial Functions

1.2.1 Long division Method
1.2.2 Remainder Theorem
1.2.3 Factor Theorem
1.2.4 Partial Fractions
1.2.5 Polynomial Inequalities

1.3 Exponential Fractions and Logarithmic Functions

1.3.1 Exponential Functions
1.3.2 Logarithmic Functions
1.3.3 Exponential and Logarithms Inequalities

1.4 Trigonometric Functions

1.4.1 Graph of sine, cosine, tangent and its inverse
1.4.2 Prove Trigonometric Equations
1.4.3 Equations in the form a cos x + b sin x = c
1.4.4 Solve Trigonometric Equations
1.4.5 Trigonometric Inequalities

1|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.1 Functions

Function

1.1.1 Relations

• Domain =
• Codomain =
• Range =

2|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.1.2 Graph of Functions
Linear Function

Quadratic Function

3|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Reciprocal Function

4|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Cubic Function

Square Root Function

5|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Modulus Function/Absolute Value Function

6|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 1:

A function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2 − 25 .

(a) Determine its domain.

(b) Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓.
(c) State the range of 𝑓.

Example 2:

A function 𝑔 is defined by 𝑔(𝑥) = √5 − 𝑥 2 .

(a) Determine its domain.

(b) Sketch the graph of the function 𝑔.
(c) State the range of 𝑔.

7|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.1.3 Composite Functions

Example 3:

The functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined by

𝑓: 𝑥 ↦ √9 − 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 ∈ ℝ , −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3
𝑔: 𝑥 ↦ √4 − 𝑥 , 𝑥∈ℝ , 𝑥≤4
Find the composite function 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 and state its domain and range.

8|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 4:

The function 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined by 𝑓: 𝑥 ↦ √𝑥 − 1 and 𝑔: 𝑥 ↦ 𝑥 2 − 1.

(a) Sketch the graph and state the domain and range of 𝑓 and 𝑔. Explain why 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 does not exist.
(b) Determine the domain of 𝑔 so that 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 exists.

9|Page
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.1.4 Inverse Functions

Example 5:

Given 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 2)2 + 3, 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.

(a) Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥).

(b) State the domain of 𝑔 such that 𝑔−1 exists.
(c) Find 𝑔−1 and state its corresponding domain.

10 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 6:

Functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined by

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 5, 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝑔(𝑥) = √9 − 𝑥 2 , −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3
(a) Find 𝑓𝑔 and state its domain.
(b) Find 𝑓 −1 and sketch its graph. Hence, state its range.

Example 7:

The function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓: 𝑥 ↦ (𝑥 − 2)2 , 𝑥 ∈ ℝ , 𝑥 ≥ 2.

Find the inverse function 𝑓 −1 and find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the graphs of 𝑓 and
𝑓 −1 .

11 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
 Exercise 1.1A
5𝑥
1. Given 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥−3
, 𝑥 ≠ 3.
2
(a) Find 𝑔 .
(b) Find 𝑔−1 and state its domain.
𝑥+4
(c) Find 𝑓 such that 𝑔𝑓(𝑥) = 2 .

4𝑥−7 3−𝑥
2. Functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+5
, 𝑥 ≠ −5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2
respectively.
(a) Find 𝑓 −1 .
2
(b) Solve 𝑓 −1 𝑔(𝑥) = .
5

5𝑥
3. A function 𝑔 is defined by 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥−8 , 𝑥 ≠ 8. Show that 𝑔 is a one-to-one function. Find the
value of 𝑥 such that 𝑔2 (𝑥) = 5.

4. Functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined by

𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥, 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝑔(𝑥) = 3 ln 𝑥 , 𝑥 > 0
(a) Find 𝑔−1 and state its domain.
(b) Find 𝑓𝑔−1 and state its range.

12 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.1.5 Graphs of Piecewise - defined Functions
Example 8:
Sketch the graph of each of the following functions and state its range.
2𝑥 + 3 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = {
𝑥2 for 3 < 𝑥 ≤ 4

(b) 𝑔(𝑥) = { 𝑥2 for 0≤𝑥≤2

10 − 3𝑥 for 2<𝑥≤4

13 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 9:

Sketch the graph of 𝑓 defined by 𝑓: 𝑥 ↦ |𝑥 − 1| + |𝑥 − 2| and determine its domain and range.

14 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.2 Polynomial Functions

1.2.1 Long Division Method

Example 10:

Determine the quotient and remainder when 2𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 38 is divided by (𝑥 − 3).

Example 11:

Determine the quotient and remainder when 2𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 2 divided by (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3).

15 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.2.2 The Remainder Theorem

When a polynomial P(𝑥) is divided by (𝑥 − 𝑎), the remainder is P(𝑎)

Example 12:

Find the remainder when the polynomial P(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 4 is divided by (𝑥 + 3).

Example 13:

Given that when the polynomial 𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 1 is divided by 𝑥 + 2, the remainder is 3. Find the
value of the constant 𝑎.

16 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 14:
The polynomial 𝑎𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 1 leaves a remainder of −8 when it is divided by (𝑥 − 1), and
11
a remainder of 2
when divided by (2𝑥 + 1). Determine the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

Example 15:

Given 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 − 4 has a factor 𝑥 − 1. When 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 + 3, the

remainder is 68. Determine the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

17 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.2.3 The Factor Theorem

For a polynomial P(𝑥), (𝑥 − a) is a factor of P(𝑥) if and only if P(𝑎) = 0.

Example 16:

Show that 𝑥 − 1 is a factor of polynomial of 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6. Hence, factorise the polynomial

completely.

Example 17:

Find the values of 𝑝 and 𝑞 for which 2𝑥 + 1 and 𝑥 − 2 are factors of the polynomial

𝑥 3 + (𝑞 + 2)𝑥 2 − (𝑝 + 𝑞)𝑥 − 𝑝.

18 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 18:

Show that 𝑥 + 1 is a factor of the polynomial 3𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 and factorise the expression

completely. Hence, solve 3(𝑥 + 2)3 − 8(𝑥 + 2)2 − 5𝑥 − 4 = 0.

Example 19:

Given that 𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 + 𝑏 has factors 𝑥 + 3 and 2𝑥 + 5.

(a) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

(b) Hence, factorise 𝑃(𝑥) completely.
(c) Solve 𝑃(𝑥) < 0.

19 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
 Exercise 1.2A
4 3 2
1. Given 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + ℎ𝑥 − 28𝑥 + 𝑘 has a factor 𝑥 − 3. When 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 + 1,
the remainder is −32. Find the values of ℎ and 𝑘.

2. Given 𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 4 + 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 5. 𝑃(𝑥) has a repeated factor (𝑥 + 1)2 and

𝑃(2) = 63. Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

3. 𝑃(𝑥) = ℎ𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 + 𝑘𝑥 − 12 is divisible by 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4. Find the values of ℎ and 𝑘. Hence,

solve 𝑃(𝑥) = 0.

4. The expression 𝑥 2 + 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑟 leaves the same remainder when divided by 𝑥 + 𝑞 and 𝑥 − 2𝑝,
where 𝑞 ≠ −2𝑝. Express 𝑞 in terms of 𝑝.

29
5. The remainder obtained when 𝑎𝑥 3 − 7 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 2 is divided by 𝑥 + 1 is twice the remainder
when divided by 𝑥 − 2. Find the value of 𝑎.

6. The expression 𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 𝑏 and 𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 3𝑎 have a common factor 𝑥 + 2. Find

the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

7. If 2𝑥 3 + 𝑑𝑥 2 + 𝑒𝑥 + 𝑓 leaves the same reminder when divided by 𝑥 − 2 and 𝑥 + 3, show that

𝑒 = 𝑑 − 14. Given also that the remainder is 9 when the expression is divided by 𝑥 + 1,
calculate the value of 𝑓.

8. When a polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) ≡ 𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 24 is divided by 𝑥 − 1, the remainder is 7. Find

the value of 𝑎. With this value of 𝑎, find the three linear factors of 𝑓(𝑥).

9. Polynomials 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are given by relationship 𝑞(𝑥) = 𝑝(𝑥)(𝑥 5 − 2𝑥 + 2).
(a) If 𝑥 − 2 is a factor of 𝑝(𝑥) − 5, find the remainder when 𝑞(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 − 2.
(b) If 𝑝(𝑥) is of the form 𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 and 𝑥 − 1 is a factor of 𝑝(𝑥) − 5, find the values of 𝑎
and 𝑏.

10. If 𝑝(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 4, show that 𝑥 − 2 is a factor of 𝑝(𝑥). Hence, factorise 𝑝(𝑥) into
its linear factors.

20 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.2.4 Partial Fractions

2 3
𝑓(𝑥) = +
𝑥+1 𝑥+2

Type 1 Denominator with linear factors

Type 2 Denominator with repeated linear factors

Type 3 Denominator with non-linear factor

Type 4 Degree of denominator less than or equal to numerator

21 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Type 1: Denominator with linear factors

Example 20:
2𝑥+3
Express (𝑥−1)(𝑥+2) in partial fractions.

22 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Type 2: Denominator with repeated linear factors

Example 21:
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
Express (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)2 in partial fractions.

23 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Type 3: Denominator with non-linear factor

Example 22:
3𝑥 2 +2𝑥
Express (𝑥+2)(𝑥2 +3) in partial fractions.

24 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 23:
3𝑥 2 +𝑥+2
Express (𝑥+4)(𝑥2 −𝑥−6) in partial fractions.

Type 4: Degree of denominator less than or equal to numerator

25 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 24:
𝑥 4 +1
Express in partial fractions.
𝑥 3 +2𝑥

Example 25:
𝑥 3 +1
Express in partial functions.
(𝑥−1)(𝑥+2)

26 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
 Exercise 1.2B
1. Express each of the following in partial fractions.
2𝑥+3
(a) (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
2(𝑥+8)
(b) (𝑥+6)(𝑥+7)
7𝑥+8
(c) (𝑥−6)(𝑥+4)
6𝑥 2 −3𝑥+14
(d) (4−𝑥)(3𝑥2 +1)
𝑥 2 +5𝑥+4
(e) (𝑥+3)(𝑥2
+3𝑥+1)
1−2𝑥
(f) 1+𝑥 3
𝑥 3 −2
(g)
𝑥 4 −1
𝑥
(h) 4
𝑥 −16

2. Express each of the following in partial fractions.

𝑥 2 +7𝑥−14
(a) (𝑥+5)(𝑥−3)
5𝑥 2 −𝑥+4
(b) (2𝑥−3)(𝑥+4)
𝑥 4 +1
(c) 𝑥 2 +2𝑥

3. Express each of the following in partial fractions.

9−8𝑥
(a) (2𝑥−1)(3−𝑥)
12
(b) (2𝑥−1)(3−𝑥)

Hence, prove that

(9−8𝑥)2 4 9 24 12
(2𝑥−1)2 (3−𝑥)2
≡ (2𝑥−1)2 + (3−𝑥)2 − 5(2𝑥−1) − 5(3−𝑥)

4. Express each of the following in partial fractions.

4−𝑥+3𝑥 2
(a) (1+𝑥2 )(1−𝑥)
1
(b) (1+𝑥2 )(1−𝑥)

Hence, prove that

2
(4−𝑥+3𝑥 2 ) 1 9 3 3(𝑥+1)
(1+𝑥 2 )2 (1−𝑥)2
≡ (1+𝑥2 )2 + (1−𝑥)2 + 1−𝑥 + 1+𝑥 2

27 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
1.2.5 Polynomial Inequalities
Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2) > 0

Mostly type of questions:

28 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 26: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) < 0

Example 27: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3) ≤ 0

Example 28: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2 < 0

29 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
 (𝑥−4)(𝑥+3)
Example 29: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy 𝑥
≥0

3−2𝑥
Example 30: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy >1
𝑥+4

𝑥 1
Example 31: If ≤ , find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy the inequality.
𝑥+8 𝑥−1

30 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Inequalities involving modulus signs

Example 32:

(a) Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy |𝑥 − 3| ≤ 4

(b) Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy |𝑥 − 3| ≥ 4

Important Notes:

Example 33: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy |2 − 5𝑥| ≥ 3

Example 34: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy |2𝑥 − 7| > 4 − 𝑥

31 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
Example 35: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy |𝑥 2 + 1| < |𝑥 2 − 9|

3𝑥−2
Example 36: Find the set of values of 𝑥 which satisfy | 𝑥+2 | < 2

32 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024
 Exercise 1.2C
1. Solve the following inequalities and give your answers in set notation.
(a) 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3) ≤ 0
(b) 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 2) ≥ 0
(c) (𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) ≤ 0
(d) (𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3)(4 − 𝑥) ≥ 0
(e) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1) < 0
(f) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1) < 0
(g) (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1) > 0
(h) (𝑥 + 2)(2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 2) < 0
(i) 𝑥 3 > 1
𝑥 2 (𝑥+1)
(j) 𝑥−1
>0
2
𝑥 +𝑥+1
(k) 𝑥−2
>0
𝑥−1 𝑥−4
(l) >
𝑥−3 𝑥−2

2. Find the solution sets of the following inequalities.

(a) |6 − 𝑥| > 𝑥 + 1
(b) |𝑥 − 4| > 2𝑥 − 1
(c) |𝑥 − 2| < 2𝑥
2𝑥+1
(d) | 𝑥−3 | > 1
𝑥−2
(e) |𝑥+1| < 3
𝑥−3
(f) |𝑥+1| < 2
(g) |𝑥 − 4| > |2𝑥 − 1|
(h) |3 − 2𝑥| ≤ |𝑥 + 4|

3. Sketch on the same axes, 𝑦 = |2𝑥 − 1| and 𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥 2 . Find the 𝑥 coordinates of the equation
|2𝑥 − 1| = 2 − 𝑥 2 . Hence, solve the inequalities |2𝑥 − 1| ≤ 2 − 𝑥 2 .

4. Sketch on the same axes, 𝑦 = |1 + 3𝑥| and 𝑦 = 6𝑥. Hence, solve the inequalities |1 + 3𝑥| < 6𝑥.

5. Sketch on the same axes, 𝑦 = |𝑥 + 1| and 𝑦 = 4 − |𝑥 + 2|. Hence, solve the inequalities
|𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥 + 2| > 4.

33 | P a g e
STPM Mathematics (T) Term 1 Chapter 1 Functions MAT6301 2023/2024