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Functions

Detailed Notes on Mathematics Function

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Abdur Rafay
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1 views

Functions

Detailed Notes on Mathematics Function

Uploaded by

Abdur Rafay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Edexcel GCSE Maths: Your notes


Foundation
Functions
Contents
Introduction to Functions

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Introduction to Functions
Your notes
Introduction to Functions
What is a function?
A function is a combination of one or more mathematical operations that takes a set of numbers and
changes them into another set of numbers
It may be thought of as a mathematical “machine”
For example, if the function (rule) is “double the number and add 1”, the two mathematical
operations are "multiply by 2 (×2)" and "add 1 (+1)"
Putting 3 in to the function would give 2 × 3 + 1 = 7
Putting -4 in would give 2 × (-4) + 1 = -7
Putting x in would give 2x + 1
The number being put into the function is often called the input
The number coming out of the function is often called the output

What is a function machine?


A function machine (often called a number machine) is a way of showing a function in a diagram
A function machine starts with an input that leads into a series of boxes each labelled with a single
mathematical function
The number of labelled boxes is the same as the number of individual mathematical operations
in the function
An arrow leading out of the final box gives the output of the function

How will I be expected to use functions?


You will need to be able to use function machines to
Generate an output from a given input
Starting from the left hand side, apply the mathematical operation in the first box to the given
input
Apply the mathematical operation in the next box to the result
Write down the output value after all operations have been completed
Find an input from a given output
Redraw the function machine with the opposite mathematical operations in the boxes and the
arrows pointing in the other direction
Starting from the right hand side, apply the opposite mathematical operation to the given
output

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Apply the opposite mathematical operation in the next box to the result
Write down the input value after all opposite operations have been completed
You will need to be able to draw input/output diagrams Your notes
Function questions may involve different mathematical topic areas such as sequences or coordinates
or simple algebra

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Worked example
Your notes
Here is a number machine

(a) Work out the output when the input is 6.

The input is 6
Starting from the left hand side apply the first operation (+5) to the input

Use the output of the first operation as the input for the second operation

(b) Work out the input when the output is 21.


Sketch a new function machine with the opposite mathematical operations in the boxes and
the arrows reversed
Work from the right hand side

Apply the opposite mathematical operation in the first box from the right hand side (÷3) to the
output

Apply the opposite mathematical operation in the next box (-5) to the result

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