INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONS

I. Objectives
At the end of this module, the students are expected to:
a. represents real-life situations using functions, including piecewise functions;
b. evaluates a function;
c. performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition of functions;
and d. solve problems involving functions.

II. Lesson Proper

Relations abound in daily life: people are related to each other in many ways as parents and
children, teachers and students, employers and employees and many others. In addition, many
quantities depend on one or more changing variables. For instance; plant growth depends on
sunlight and rainfall, speed depends on distance travelled and time taken while voltage depends
on current and resistance. These situations, on the other hand, reflect the concept of functions in
mathematics.

A. THE CONCEPT OF RELATION

Definition
A relation is a correspondence between two sets called the domain and the range such that
to each element of the domain, there is assigned one or more elements of the range.

1. Domain and Range

For convenience, we will use the first letter of each word to simplify representations. Domain will
be denoted by D; Co-domain will be denoted by C and Range will be denoted by R. In the
illustration above, the domain, co-domain and range are as follows:

Domain is the collection of elements of set A. D = {1, 2, 3}

Range is the collection of elements of set B that are paired to set A. R = {5, 6, 8}
*Co-domain is the collection of elements in set B. C = {5, 6, 7, 8}
B. THE CONCEPT OF FUNCTION
Definition
A function is a special type of relation. It is denoted by f(x) which is defined as a correspondence
between two sets such that to each element of the domain, there is assigned exactly one
element of the range.

1. The Input – Output System

It may help to view a function as a machine. You put an input value into the machine
and it gives you an output value.
 x = {2 , 4, 6 , 8, 10}

f(x) = 2x + 1

The system shows that if the input is 2, the output will be 5 given that the function is f(x) = 2x + 1.
The same goes for other values of x which will produce a unique output. The input values represent
the domain while the output values represent the range of the function.
Take note that all functions are relations but not all relations are functions. To determine if a
relation is a function, the following methods may be employed:

1.1. Mapping Diagram

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 1. The elements in the domain are D = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} while the elements in the range are
R = {d, e, f}. Notice that two distinct elements of the domain are paired to exactly one element in the
range, that is 1 and 2 are paired to d and 4 and 5 are paired to f. In this case, the relation is called
many-to-one. This type of relation satisfies the definition of a function.
Figure 2. The elements in the domain are A = {1, 2, 3} while the elements in the range are B = {5, 6, 7}.
Obviously, each element in set A is paired to exactly one element in set B. This type of relation is called
one-to-one. This relation is considered as a function.

Figure 3. The elements in the domain are A = {1, 3, 5} while the elements in the range are B = {2, 3, 4, 5,
6}. In contrast to figure 1, one element in the domain is paired to two elements in the range. Element
1 is paired to 2 and 3 while element 5 is paired to 5 and 6. This type of correspondence is called one-
to-many. This is a relation however this relation is NOT a function since an element in the domain is
already assigned to more than one element of the range.
1.2. Ordered Pair or Table of Values
A relation represented trough ordered pairs or table of values (, ) is recognized as a function if the
x values are not repeated.
SET A SET B
(4,12) (4, 12)
(5, 15) (4, 15)
(6, 18) (5, 18)
(7, 21) (5, 21)
(8, 24) (6, 24)
The domain of Set A is represented by the x values D = {4, 5, 6, 7, 8} while the range consists of R = {12, 15, 18,
In contrast to set B, there are x values that are repeated which include 4 and 5. The domain of
set B are D = {4, 5, 6} while the range includes R = {12, 15, 18, 21, 24}. In this case, set B is NOT a
function.
 Set B is not a function but it is a relation which is one-to-many. We confirm this by applying the
mapping diagram.
ONE – TO – MANY RELATION

4 12
15
5 18
6 21
24

SET A SET B
In set A, you may have noticed 2 is
repeated in the y column. Be mindful
that the y values will not be our
concern, we always focus on the x
values. Since there are no repeated
values in x, we say that set A is a
function.
Set B also contains repeated values
in y; however, this is not our concern.
We always check the x values and we notice that 1 is
repeated. Thus, set B is NOT a function.
1.3 Graph
Since ordered pairs can be represented graphically, we identify if a graph is a function
through the vertical line test.
 If any vertical line passes through a graph at exactly one point, then the graph
represents a function.

C. EVALUATING FUNCTIONS
The modeling of infectious disease is an important mathematical tool that has been used to
study the mechanisms by which diseases spread, to predict the future course of an outbreak. Recently,
a kind of virus infection spread all over the world including the Philippines. The virus is popularly known
as Coronavirus 2019 (COVID – 19) which originated from Wuhan, China. Since December 31, 2019 and
as of July 12, 2020, the Word Health Organization has recorded 12, 698, 995 cases of COVID – 19 from
different affected countries.

Example 1. Suppose that the number of infected individuals in a certain town is modeled by the
function

() = 2 + 15

where t represents the number of days, what is the number of infected individuals after 5 days?
 Solution:

() = 2 + 15

Evaluate the function when t = 5,

(5) = 52 + 15(5)

(5) = 25 + 75 = 100

In just five days, the number of infected individuals in the town is 100.

In the following examples, we shall apply basic principles of arithmetic and algebra to evaluate the
given functions.
2
Example 2. Given the function () = 3 − 5, 𝑓𝑖 3 .
Solution:

() = 3 − 5 2
= 2 − 5 =− 3
2 23
=3−5
3 3
Example 3. Find f (3m) when f(x) = x2 - 2x + 1.

() = 2 − 2 + 1

(3) = (3)2− 2(3) + 1 (3) = 92 − 6

+1

Example 4. Given the function () = 22 + 4 − 3, 𝑓𝑖 ( − 3).

Solution: This means that we will substitute – 3 in () = 22 + 4 – 3.

() = 22 + 4 − 3 Given function.
( − 3) = 2( − 3)2 + 4( − 3) − 3 Substitute.

( − 3) = 2(2− 6 + 9) + 4( − 3) − 3 Expand ( − 3)2 using FOIL Method.

( − 3) = 22 − 12 + 18 + 4 − 12 − 3 Apply distributive property.

( − 3) = 22 − 12 + 4 + 18 − 12 − 3 Group similar terms.

( − 3) = 22− 8 + 3 Final answer.

Mathematical modeling can also be applied in real – life situations using Piece-wise Functions.

Definition
A piecewise-defined function also called a piecewise function or a hybrid function is described
by multiple sub-functions where each sub-function is defined to a certain interval of the main
function's domain.

Example 1. In a certain country, income tax is assessed by using the function below where f(x) is the
percentage of the income that must be paid as a tax, and x is the amount of income.
0, ≤ 15,000
= 12%, 15,000 < ≤ 30,000 18%, >
30,000

a. If your income is 28, 000, what amount of tax will you pay?
 Solution: Since 28, 000 is defined under the second piece of the function, then you will
pay 12% of your income as your tax.
() = 12%
(28, 000) = 0.12(28,000) = 3, 360

b. If your income is 14, 500, what amount of tax will you pay?
Solution: We will use the first piece which is a constant function,
(14, 500) = 0

This is also true for all values less than or equal to 15, 000.
c. Your income last year was 25, 000 and your friend’s income was 32, 000. How much more
did your friend pay in taxes than you?
Solution:
() = 0.12 () = 0.18
(25, 000) = 0.12(25,000) = 𝟑 (32, 000) = 0.18(32,000) = , 𝟕
Computing the difference,
5, 760 – 3000 = 2,760

Example 2. The function below represents the shipping charges that apply to orders from a popular
courier in the Philippines, where f(x) represents the shipping charges and x represents the total cost of
the order.

175.00, 0 < ≤ 1, 250

297.50, 1,250 < ≤ 3, 750
=
397.50, 3, 750 < ≤ 6, 250
497.50, 6, 250 < ≤ 10,000

In this case, all we have to do is to simply identify the total cost of your order from the pieces of the
function which will correspond to the amount of shipping fee that will be charged.
a. If the total cost of your order is 7, 000 then you will be charged of 497.50 so you will pay a total
amount 7, 497.50.
b. If the total cost of your order is 5000 then the shipping fee is 397.50 since 5000 is in the interval
of 3, 750 < ≤ 6, 250.
c. If the total cost of your order is 3, 750, the shipping fee will be 297.50.
d. If the total cost of your order is 500, how much is the amount of shipping fee?
e. If you are charged an amount of 497.50, what is the possible amount of your order?

Example 3. Given
−−, <
−, ≤ ≤𝟑
=
𝟑
+, >𝟑

evaluate the functions if a) = − 2 b) = 10 c) = 15.

Solution.
a) For = −2, we will use the 1st piece of the function since -2 is less than 3. Substituting -2 as the
value of x, we get:
() = − − 4
( − 2) = − ( − 2) − 4 ( −
2) = 2 − 4 = − 2

b) Since = 10 lies in the interval 3 ≤ ≤ 10, we will use the 2nd piece of the function.

() = 2 − 7
 (10) = (10)2 − 7 (10) =

100 − 7 = 93

c) Since = 15 is greater than 10, we will use the 3rd piece of the function.
120
= +5
120
= +5
15
() = 8 + 5 = 13

Example Given
2− 3, <− 2
= 5, − 2 ≤ < 5 −2, ≥ 5 evaluate the functions when a)
= 3 b) = 5 c) = − 3. 25

Solution.
a) For x = 3, we will use the 2nd piece of the function. Notice the function does not contain any
variable. This means that we are dealing with a constant function, so whatever values
satisfying −2 ≤ < 5 that will be used to replace the variable x, we will obtain () = 5.

b) For x = 5, we will use the 3rd piece of the function.

() = 25 − 2
(5) = 25 − 2(5)
5 = 25 − 10

(5) = 15

c) For x = -3, we will use the 1st piece of the function since -3 is less than -2.

() = 2 − 3

( − 3) = ( − 3)2 − 3

( − 3) = 9 − 3
( − 3) = 6
 D. OPERATIONS INVOLVING FUNCTIONS

Given functions () and () that exist and defined under a domain, the following operations may
be performed.

Example 1. Given: () = 2 + 3 + 2 () =2 – 4 ℎ() = 32 + 4 + 7

Perform: a. () + () b. () – ℎ() c. () ∙ () d. ()
()

Solution.
a) () + ()
f(x) g(x)
+ 3 + 2+
2 2
( + )( ) = −4
Group similar Since we are dealing
terms, ( + ℎ )( ) = 2 + 2
+3 +2−4 with subtraction, the
2
( + ℎ) ( ) = 2 +3 −2 parenthesis is
necessary.

b) () − ℎ()
( − ℎ)() = 2 + 3 + 2 – (32 + 4 + 7)

Distribute the sign,

( − ℎ) () = 2 + 3 + 2 − 32 − 4 − 7

Group similar terms,

− ℎ = 2 − 32 + 3 − 4 + 2 − 7

( − ℎ)() = − 22 − − 5

c) () • ()
( • )() = (2 + 3 + 2) (2 − 4)
( • )() = (2) (2 + 3 + 2) − 4 (2 + 3 + 2)

Apply distributive property,

• = 4 + 33 + 22 − 42 − 12 − 8
• = 4 + 33 − 22 − 12 − 8
d) ()
()
2+ 3+2
= 2− 4

Factor, then divide common factors

() ( + 2)( + 1)
 =
() ( + 2)( − 2)
() +1
=
() −2
Example 2. Given: () = 52 + 20 – 60 and = +6
a) Find ()
()

Solution
5 2 + 20 – 60 Rewrite
= +6
2
5(
+ 4 − 12)
=
+6 Factor the numerator and denominator
5( +6)( − 2)
=
+6
5( +6)( − 2) Divide common factors
=
+6
Final Answer
= 5( − 2)

( )
b) Find
( )

+6 Rewrite
= 2
5 + 20 − 60
+6 Factor the numerator and denominator
= 2
5( + 4 − 12)
+6
=
5( +6)( − 2)
+6
= Divide common factors
5( +6)( − 2)
1
= ; ≠2 Final answer
5( − 2)

Example 3. Given () = 2 − − 2 and () = + 1, f𝑖 ( + ) (−3).

−3 = ( − 3)2 − −3 − 2 = 10 Evaluate () at −3
−3 = −3 + 1 =− 2 Evaluate g() at −3
−3 + −3 = 10 + ( − 2) Add the two functions together
+ −3 = 8 Final Answer
Example 4. Given () = 2 − 4 and () = −3 + 2, f𝑖 ( • ) (5).
5 =25 −4=6 Evaluate () at 5

5 =− 3 5 + 2 =− 13 Evaluate () at 5

5 •g 5 = (6)( − 13) Multiply the two functions together

5 •g 5 =− 78 Final Answer
Composition of Functions

Definition
The term "composition of function" or "composite function" refers to the combining together of two
or more functions in a manner where the output from one function becomes the input of the other
function.

The notation used for composition is:

This is read as “f composed of g of x” or “f of g of x”.

Example 1. () = – 4 + 9 𝑖 () = 2 – 7, 𝑓𝑖 ( ◦ ) ().
( ◦ )() = (()) Rewrite the composition in a different form.

( ◦ ) () = − 4(2 − 7) + 9 Replace each occurrence of x in f(x) with g(x) = 2x – 7.

( ◦ ) () = − 8 + 28 + 7 Simplify the answer by distributing and combining like

( ◦ ) () = − 8 + 37 terms.

Thus, ( ◦ )() = – 8 + 37

Example 2. () = – 4 + 9 𝑖 () = 2 – 7, 𝑓𝑖 ( ◦ )().
( ◦ )() = (()) Rewrite the composition in a different form.

= 2 −4 + 9 − 7 Replace each occurrence of x in g(x) with f(x) = –4x + 9.

= − 8 + 18 − 7 = − Simplify the answer by distributing and combining like

8 + 11 terms.
Thus, ( ◦ ) () = – 8 + 11.

Notice that in Examples 1 and 2 the functions () = – 4 + 9 and () = 2 – 7 were the same, but ( )() and
( )() produced different answers. These two examples should help us understand why we need to be
very specific when we are asked to find either ( )() or ( )(). The way we write down the problem can
make a big difference in our answer.
Example 3. ℎ() = 3 – 5 𝑖 () = 22 – 7, 𝑓𝑖 ( ∘ ℎ)().
∘ℎ = (ℎ ) Rewrite the composition in a different form
= 2(3 − 5) − 7(3 − 5)
2 Replace each occurrence of x in () with ℎ() = 3 −
5.
= 2 92 − 30 + 25 − 7(3 − 5) Simplify the answer by first dealing with the
= 182 − 60 + 50 − 21 + 35 exponent and squaring (3x-5), then distributing,
and finally combining like terms
= 18 − 81 + 85
2

Thus, ∘ ℎ = 182 − 81 + 85