MATH 1 |Page |1

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TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE
LEARNING MODULE
MATH 1 - General Mathematics

Learning Information 1.1

Learning Content 1: Functions

Functions as Models

RELATIONS FUNCTIONS
A function is a type of relation where
A relation is a set of ordered pairs from a
each element in the domain is related to
set of values (called the domain(x)) to a
only one value in the range by some
second set of values (called the range(x)).
rule.
A function is a set of ordered pairs (x,y)
that shows a relationship where there is
A relation is a set of ordered pairs (x,y) only one output for every input. In other
words, for every value of x, there is only
one value for y.

Ordered Pairs
Example 1. Which of the following relations are Functions?
f = {(1,2), (2,2), (3,5), (4,5)}
g = {(1,3), (1,4), (2,5), (2,6), (3,7)}
h = {(1,3),(2,6),(3,9),…,(n,3n),…}

Solution. The relations f and h are functions because no two ordered pairs have the same x-values but different y-values,
while g is not a function because (1,3) and (1,4) are ordered pairs with the same x-value but different y-values.

Mapping Diagram
Relations and functions can be represented by mapping diagrams where the elements of the domain are mapped to the
elements of the range using arrows.

Example 2. Which of the following mapping diagrams represent functions?

Solution. The relations f and g are functions because each value y in Y is unique for a specific value of x. The relation h is
not a function because there is at least one element in X for which there is more than one corresponding y-value.
For example, x = 7 corresponds to y = 11 or 13. Similarly, x = 2 corresponds to both y = 17 or 19.
 MATH 1 |Page |2

Graph
A relation between two sets of numbers can be illustrated by a graph in the Cartesian plane, and that a function passes the
vertical line test.

THE VERTICAL LINE TEST

is a test for functions. If you take your pencil and draw a straight line through any part of the graph,
and the pencil hits the graph more than once, the graph is not a function.

Example 3. Which of the following can be graphs of functions?

Solution. Graphs a, b, and c are graphs of functions while d and e are not because they do not pass the vertical line test.

Example 4. Which of the following represents a function?

a) 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1
b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 2
c) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1
d) 𝑦 = √𝑥 + 1
e) 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 𝑥 − + 1

Solutions. All are relations. All are functions except c. Equation c is not a function because we can find an x-value that
corresponds to more than one y-value (ex. if x = 0, then y can be +1 or -1).

Functions as representations of real-life situations.

Functions can often be used to model real situations. Identifying an appropriate functional model will lead to a better
understanding of various phenomena.

Let's try the tollowing real-life situation.

A. If height (H) is a function of age (a), give a function H that can represent the height of a person in a age, if every year the
height is added by 2 inches.
Solution:
Since every year the height is added by 2 inches, then the height function is H(a) = 2 +
B. If distance (D) is a function of time (t), give a function D that can represent the distance a car travels in t time, if every
hour the car travels 60 kilometers.
Solution:
Since every hour, the car travels 60 kilometers, therefore the distance function is given by D(t) = 60t
 MATH 1 |Page |3

Piecewise Functions
There are functions that require more than one formula in order to obtain the given output. There are instances when we
need to describe situations in which a rule or relationship changes as the input value crosses certain boundaries. In this
case, we need to apply the piecewise function. A piecewise function is a function in which more than one formula is used
to define the output. Each formula has its own domain, and the domain of the function is the union of all these smaller
domains. We notate this idea like this:

Example 5.

Practice Learning!
 MATH 1 |Page |4

Evaluating Functions
Evaluating a function is the process of determining the value of the function at the number assigned to a given variable.
Just like in evaluating algebraic expressions, to evaluate function you just need to a.) replace each letter in the expression
with the assigned value and b.) perform the operations in the expression using the correct order of operations.

Example 3

Example 4
 MATH 1 |Page |5

Written Works 1

The teacher may facilitate this activity as a Short Quiz or Assignment.

The teacher may change some of the items or he/she may facilitate other course activity.

A.
I. Identify if the following is a FUNCTION or NOT.
1. A = {(2,3), (5,4), (2,7), (4,6), (1,2)}
2. B = {(1,2), (2,8), (3,3), (4,1)}
3. C = {(4,5), (5,6), (7,5), (3,5)}

II. Identify if the following mapping diagram is a FUNCTION of NOT.

1. 2.
2 5
4 4
9 10
6 8
7 14

III. Identify if the following graph is a FUNCTION of NOT.

1. 2. 3.

Performance Tasks 1
Boardwork

A. Evaluate each function at the specified values.

1) f(x) = 3x6 + 2x2 – 7x + 15 ; x =1 2) f(x) = x5 ; x = -3
B. Evaluate each function
1) f(x) = x4 – 4x + 10 ; find f(4) 2) f(x) = 5x6 + 3x3 – 2x2 – 6 ; find f(-2)
C. If f(x0 = - x – 8x – 9x + 12; find the following.
3 2

1) f(3) = ______ 3) f(-9) = _______

2) f(-7) = ______ 4) f(0) = ________
D. Evaluate each function at 𝑥 = −4.
a. (𝑥) = 𝑥3 − 64
b. (𝑥) = √5 − 𝑥
c. (𝑥) =
 MATH 1 |Page |6

NORTHLINK
TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE
LEARNING MODULE
MATH 1 – General Mathematics

Learning Information 1.2

Learning Content 1: Functions 2

Operations on Functions
Definition. Let f and g be functions.
1. Their sum, denoted by f + g, is the function denoted by
(𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)
2. Their difference, denoted by f - g, is the function denoted by
(𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
3. Their product, denoted by f . g, is the function denoted by
(𝑓. 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥)
4. Their qoutient, denoted by f / g, is the function denoted by
(𝑓/𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑥)/(𝑥), excluding the values of x where g(x)=0.

Use the following functions below for Example 1.

Given the functions:
(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5 g(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 𝑕(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 5
 MATH 1 |Page |7

Example 2. Determine the following functions.

1. (𝑣 + 𝑔)(𝑥)
2. (𝑣. 𝑝)(𝑥)
3. (𝑝 − 𝑓)(𝑥)

Solution.
1. (𝑣 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = (𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 4) + (𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 8) = 2x2 + 7x − 4
2. (𝑣. 𝑝)(𝑥) = (𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 4)( 2𝑥 − 7) = 2x2 − x − 21
3. (𝑝 − 𝑓)(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 7) − (𝑥 + 3) = 2𝑥 − 7 − 𝑥 − 3 = 𝒙 – 10

COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

Definition. Let f and g be functions. The composite function denoted by (𝑓 ° 𝑔) is defined by (𝑓 ° 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)). The
process of obtaining a composite function is called function composition.
 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1
 𝑞(𝑥) = 𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 2

Example 1. Find and simplify (𝑞 ° 𝑓)(𝑥)

Solution. (𝑞 ° 𝑓)(𝑥) = ((𝑥)) = [(𝑥)]2 − 2[𝑓(𝑥)] + 2 = (2𝑥 + 1)2 − 2(2𝑥 + 1) + 2 = (4𝑥2 + 4𝑥 + 1) − (4𝑥 + 2) + 2 = 4x𝟐 + 1
MATH 1 |Page |8
 MATH 1 |Page |9

Written Works 2

The teacher may facilitate this activity as a Short Quiz or Assignment.

The teacher may change some of the items or he/she may facilitate other course activity.

Solve the following.

I. Let f and g be defined as f(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 5 and g(𝑥) = 𝑥2 − 1. Find:
a. 𝑓 + 𝑔
b. 𝑓 − 𝑔
c. 𝑓 *𝑔
d. 𝑓/ g

II. Let f(x) = 2x – 1, g(x) = 3x, and h(x) = x2 + 1. Compute the following:
a. f(g(-3))
b. f(h(7))
c. ( g 𝑕
d. g(f(h(-6)))

Performance Tasks 2

Students are tasked with solving a series of mathematical problems involving function operations. They will use the given
functions to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and interpret the results based on different scenarios
This activity is done by group.

Given:

a) f(x)=3x+5
b) g(x)=x2−2x+1

Steps to Complete the Task:

1. Perform Function Operations. Solve for (f + g)(x), (f - g)(x), (f * g)(x) and (f / g)(x).
2. Scenario Analysis. Choose two specific values for x to evaluate each of the function operations you computed.
For example, calculate:
1. (f+g)(2)
2. (f−g)(2)
3. (f⋅g)(2)
4. (f/g)(2)
3. Create a Table. Fill in a table with the results of the function operations for different values of x:
(Example only). Each group may choose two values of their own choice.
x (f + g)(x) (f - g)(x) (f * g)(x) (f / g)(x)
1 7 6 8 2
2 13 -3 20 1

4. Write a Summary. Write a brief summary of your findings. Explain how each operation affects the
functions and what the results indicate about the relationship between f(x) and g(x).
5. Presentation. Prepare a short presentation that includes:
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 10

1. Definitions and calculations for each function operation.

2. Tables and results from the scenario analysis.
3. A summary of your findings.

Assessment Criteria:

 Function Definitions: Accurate definitions and expressions for each function operation.
 Function Operations: Correct computation of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of
functions.
 Scenario Analysis: Accurate evaluation of function operations for given values of xxx.
 Table: Clear and accurate presentation of calculated values in a table.
 Summary: Clear explanation of findings and implications of each function operation.
 Presentation: Effective and organized presentation of the function operations and results.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 11

NORTHLINK
TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE
LEARNING MODULE
MATH 1 – General Mathematics

Learning Information 1.3

Learning Content 1: Rational Functions, Equations and Inequalities

Representing Real-Life Situations Using Rational Functions

Definition. A rational function is a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomial functions (a function
that involves only non-negative integer powers or only positive integer exponents of a variable in an equation like the
quadratic equation, cubic equation, etc. For example, 2x+5 is a polynomial that has exponent equal to 1), and (𝑥) is not the
zero function. The domain of (𝑥) is all values of x where (𝑥) ≠ 0.

Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Definition: A rational expression is an expression that can be written as a ratio of two polynomials. Some examples of
rational expressions are , and .

The definitions of rational equations, inequalities, and functions are shown below.

A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation or inequality. A rational function
expresses a relationship between two variables (such as x and y), and can be represented by a table of values or a graph.
Directions: Identify whether the following is a rational function, rational equation or rational inequality.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 12

Solving Rational Equations and Inequalities

To solve a rational equation:

• Eliminate denominators by multiplying each term of the equation by the least common denominator.
• Note that eliminating denominators may introduce extraneous solutions. Check the solutions of the transformed equations
with the original equation.

Example 1. Solve for x.

Solution.
The LCD of all the denominators is 10x. Multiply both sides of the equation by 10x and solve the resolving equation.
(1) 𝑥 ( ) 𝑥( ) 𝑥 ( )

(2) 20 – 15 = 2x
(3) 5 = 2x

(4) x =
𝟐

Example 2. Martin can finish a job in 6 hours working alone. Victor has more experience and can finish the same job in 4
hours working alone. How long will it take both people to finish that job working together?
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 13

Rational Function
Definition. A rational function is a function of the form f(𝑥) = where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial functions and q(x) is
not zero polynomial.

Represent Rational functions through an Equation.

In mathematics, a rational function is any function which can be defined by a rational fraction, for example, an algebraic
fraction such that both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials. The denominator should not be equal to zero
also. Note that f(x) is just the same as y.

Represent Rational functions through a Table of Values

A table of values is a graphic organizer or chart that helps you determine two or more points that can be used to create
your graph. For example, we take the Example 1 above which is (𝑥) = , we can start assigning values for x to get the
value of f(x) in the table of values. In our example, we assigned integers from 0 to 3 for our x value.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 14

Represent Rational Functions through a Graph

Graphs refer to the plotting of points in the cartesian plane. We can take out the coordinates in the previous example on the
table of values.

Let’s try this.

Represent the following functions/equations through their table of values and graph. Use the x-values 0, 1, 2 and 3 for the
table of values.

1. f(x) = 2. y= -
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 15

Written Works 3

The teacher may facilitate this activity as a Short Quiz or Assignment.

The teacher may change some of the items or he/she may facilitate other course activity.

Directions: Identify whether the following is a rational function, rational equation or rational inequality

Solve the following:

1. Solve for y: + =1
2. Solve for x: =5
3. Construct a table of values of the function f(x) = using the integers from - 4 to 4.
4. Using the table of values, you got from the previous question, plot and connect the points of (𝑥).
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 16

NORTHLINK
TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE
LEARNING MODULE
MATH 1 – General Mathematics

Learning Information 1.4

Learning Content 1: One-to-one Functions

ONE-TO-ONE FUNCTIONS
Definition. The function f is one-to-one, if for any X1, X2 in the domain of f, then f(X1) ≠f(X2). That is, the same y-value is
never paired with two different x-values.
Determine whether the given relation is a function. If it is a function, determine whether it is one-to-one or not.

Example 1. The relation pairing an SSS member to his or her SSS number.
Solution. Each SSS member is assigned to a unique SSS number. Thus, the relation is a function. Further, two different
members cannot be assigned the same SSS number. Thus, the function is one-to-one.

Example 2. The relation pairing a real number to its square.

Solution. Each real number has a unique perfect square. Thus, the relation is a function. However, two different real
numbers such as 2 and –2 may have the same square. Thus, the function is not one-to-one.

Example 3. The relation pairing a person to his or her citizenship.

Solution. The relation is not a function because a person can have dual citizenship (i.e., citizenship is not unique).
A simple way to determine if a given graph is that of a one-to-one function is by using the Horizontal Line Test. A function
is one-to-one if each horizontal line does not intersect the graph at more than one point. All functions satisfy the vertical
line test. All one-to-one functions satisfy both the vertical and horizontal line tests.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 17

Inverse of One-To-One Functions

The importance of one-to-one functions is due to the fact that these are the only functions that have an inverse, as defined
below.

Definition. Let f be a one-to-one function with domain A and range B. Then the inverse of f-1, denoted by f-1, is a function
with domain B and range A defined by 𝑓−1 (𝑦) = 𝑥 if and only if (𝑥) = 𝑦 for any y in B.

To find the inverse of a one-to-one function:

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

Find the inverse of (𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 1.

Solution. The equation of the function is 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 1.
Step 1. Interchange the x and y variables: 𝑥 = 3𝑦 + 1
Step 2. Solve for y in terms of x.
𝑥 = 3𝑦 + 1
𝑥 − 1 = 3𝑦
=y y=

𝒙
Therefore, the inverse of (𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 1 is 𝑓−1 (𝑥) =

Additional Examples.
1. Find the inverse of g(x) = x3 - 2
(a) The equation of the function is y = x3 - 2
(b) Interchange the x and y variables: x = y3 – 2
(c) Solve for y in terms of x: x= y3 – 2
x + 2 = y3
y = √𝑥
Therefore, the inverse of g(x) = x3 – 2 is g-1(x) = √𝒙 𝟐
Try this!
Find the inverse of the function f(x) = .
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 18

Graphs of an Inverse Function

First, we need to ascertain that the given graph corresponds to a one-to-one function by applying the horizontal line test. If
it passes the test, the corresponding function is one-to-one.
Example the graph of the inverse of f(x)=2x+1 is shown below.

Written Works 4

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The teacher may change some of the items or he/she may facilitate other course activity.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 19

NORTHLINK
TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE
LEARNING MODULE
MATH 1 – General Mathematics

Learning Information 1.5

Learning Content 1: Exponential Functions, Equations and Inequalities

Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Definition. An exponential expression is an expression of the form 𝑎.𝑏𝑥−𝑐 + 𝑑, where 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1.

The definitions of exponential functions, inequalities, and functions are shown below:

Exponential Function
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Given a Table of Ordered Pairs, State Whether the Trend is Exponential or Not

A relation which exhibits an exponential change can be described by a set of values in a table. In your study of the table of
values of linear and quadratic functions, you get a constant value in the first differences in y in linear functions while a
constant in the second differences in a quadratic function.

Examples.

Notice that a constant value of 3 was obtained in the first differences in y.

The relation y = 3x + 2 is a linear function.

Notice that a constant value of -16 was obtained in the second differences in y.
The relation f(x) = - 2x + 5 is a quadratic function.

You have seen the behavior of the values of y in the two functions for equal differences in x.
Now it is the time for you to study the behavior of the values of y for equal differences in x in the third function.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 21

When you divide the consecutive values of y you get equal ratios. This type of relation where a constant ratio between
two consecutive values for y for equal differences in x is what we call an exponential function.

Solving Exponential Equations

One-to-one Property of Exponential Functions
If 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2, then 𝑏𝑥1 ≠ 𝑏𝑥2. Conversely, if 𝑏𝑥1 ≠ 𝑏𝑥2 then 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2.
Example 1. Solve the equation 4𝑥−1 = 16.
Solution. We write the both sides with 4 as the base.
• 4𝑥−1 = 16
• 4𝑥−1 = 42
•𝑥−1=2
•𝑥=2+1
•𝒙=
You can verify that x = 3 is a solution by substituting it back to the original equation:
• 43−1 = 16
• 42 = 16
• 16 = 16
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 22

Solving Exponential Inequalities

Property of Exponential Inequalities
If 𝑏 > 1, then the exponential function 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. This means that 𝑏𝑥 > 𝑏𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 23

Performance Tasks 3

The teacher may facilitate this activity by group or by pair.

The teacher may change some of the items or he/she may facilitate other course activity.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 24

NORTHLINK
TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE
LEARNING MODULE
MATH 1 – General Mathematics

Learning Information 1.6

Learning Content 1: Graphing Exponential Functions

The graph of an exponential function is a necessary tool in describing its behavior and characteristics – its intercepts,
asymptotes, and zeroes. A graph can also provide insights as to real-life situations that can be modeled by exponential
functions.
Example 1. Sketch the graph of (𝑥) = 2𝑥
Solution.
Step 1. Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the given function. The table of values for (𝑥) is as follows:

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table and construct them using a smooth curve.

It can be observed that the function is defined for all values of x, is strictly increasing, and attains only positive y-values. As
x decreases without bound, the function approaches 0. That is, the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.

Example 2. Sketch the graph of (𝑥) = ( )x

Solution.
Step 1. The table of values for (𝑥) is as follows.
 M A T H 1 | P a g e | 25

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table and connect them using a smooth curve.

It can be observed that the function is defined for all values of x, is strictly decreasing, and attains only positive values. As x
increases without bound, the function approaches 0. That is, the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.

Properties of Exponential Functions

Written Task 4
The teacher may facilitate this activity as a Short Quiz or Assignment.
The teacher may change some of the items or he/she may facilitate other course activity.