Contents

1 Equations of a Straight Line 2

2 Functions 3
2.1 Function Notation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Domain and Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Inverse Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.4 Composite Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.5 Transformations of Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Graphing Functions 5
3.1 Linear Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 Quadratic Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.3 Trigonometric Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4 Properties of Graphs 8
4.1 Symmetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2 Intercepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.3 Asymptotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4 Maxima and Minima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.5 End Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 Modelling with Functions 12

5.1 Linear and Piecewise Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.2 Quadratic and Cubic Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.3 Exponential Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.4 Direct and Inverse Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.5 Sinusoidal Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.6 Strategy for Modelling Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1
1 Equations of a Straight Line
In IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL, one of the fundamental topics in the course
is the equations of a straight line. The equation of a straight line can be expressed in two different
forms, namely the slope-intercept form and the point-slope form.
Example: Find the equation of the straight line passing through the point (2, 3) with a slope of
− 21 .
Solution: The point-slope form of the equation of a straight line is given by y − y1 = m(x − x1 ),
where m is the slope of the line and (x1 , y1 ) is a point on the line. Substituting x1 = 2, y1 = 3 and
m = − 21 gives us:

1
y − 3 = − (x − 2)
2
2y − 6 = −x + 2
x + 2y = 8

Therefore, the equation of the straight line passing through the point (2, 3) with a slope of − 21 is
x + 2y = 8.
Example: Find the equation of the straight line passing through the points (−1, 4) and (3, −2).
Solution: The slope-intercept form of the equation of a straight line is given by y = mx+c, where
m is the slope of the line and c is the y-intercept. We can first find the slope of the line by using
the formula m = ∆x∆y
= xy22 −y
−x1 , where (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) are two points on the line. Substituting
1

x1 = −1, y1 = 4, x2 = 3 and y2 = −2 gives us:

−2 − 4
m=
3 − (−1)
3
=−
2
Next, we can find the y-intercept c by substituting one of the points on the line into the slope-
intercept form of the equation. Substituting x = −1 and y = 4 gives us:
3
4 = − (−1) + c
2
5
c=
2
Therefore, the equation of the straight line passing through the points (−1, 4) and (3, −2) is y =
− 23 x + 52 .

2
2 Functions
In IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL, functions are a crucial topic that forms the
basis for many mathematical applications. A function is a rule that assigns each element in a set,
called the domain, to a unique element in another set, called the range. Functions can be represented
in different ways, including algebraically, graphically, and numerically.
Functions are used to model relationships between variables in various real-world situations.
They also have many applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics.

2.1 Function Notation

Functions are typically written using function notation, where the name of the function is followed
by the input variable in parentheses. For example, if f is a function that takes x as input, we write
f (x). The output of the function is denoted by f (x).
Example: Let f (x) = 2x + 1. Find f (3).
Solution: To find f (3), we simply substitute x = 3 into the function f (x):

f (3) = 2(3) + 1
=7

Therefore, f (3) = 7.

2.2 Domain and Range

The domain of a function is the set of all possible values of the input variable for which the function
is defined. The range of a function is the set of all possible values of the output variable.
√
Example: Let g(x) = x − 2. Find the domain and range of g(x).
√
Solution: For g(x) = x − 2, the radicand (the expression inside the square root) must be non-
negative. Therefore, x − 2 ≥ 0, which implies x ≥ 2. Thus, the domain of g(x) is [2, ∞). The square
root function outputs non-negative numbers. Thus, the range of g(x) is [0, ∞).

2.3 Inverse Functions

The inverse of a function f (x), denoted by f −1 (x), is a function that reverses the effect of f (x). In
other words, if we apply f (x) and then f −1 (x), we get back to the original input.
To find the inverse of a function, we switch the roles of the input and output variables and solve
for the output variable.
Example: Let h(x) = 3x + 2. Find h−1 (x).
Solution: To find h−1 (x), we switch the roles of x and y in the equation y = 3x + 2:

x = 3y + 2
3y = x − 2
1 2
y = x−
3 3
Therefore, h−1 (x) = 13 x − 32 .

3
2.4 Composite Functions
A composite function is a function that results from combining two or more functions. The composite
function f ◦ g is defined as f (g(x)), which means we first evaluate g(x) and then substitute the result
into f (x).
Example: Let f (x) = x2 and g(x) = 2x − 1. Find (f ◦ g)(x).
Solution: (f ◦ g)(x) means we first evaluate g(x) and then substitute the result into f (x). So we
have:

(f ◦ g)(x) = f (g(x))
= f (2x − 1)
= (2x − 1)2
= 4x2 − 4x + 1

Therefore, (f ◦ g)(x) = 4x2 − 4x + 1.

2.5 Transformations of Functions

Transformations of functions are changes made to the input or output values of a function. These
transformations can affect the shape, position, or size of the graph of the function.
Some common transformations of functions include:

• Vertical translation: adding or subtracting a constant to the output of a function

• Horizontal translation: adding or subtracting a constant to the input of a function

• Vertical scaling: multiplying the output of a function by a constant

• Horizontal scaling: multiplying the input of a function by a constant
√
Example: Let j(x) = x. Sketch the graph of y = −2j(3x − 1) + 4.
Solution: To sketch the graph of y = −2j(3x − 1) + 4, we need to apply the transformations in
the following order:

1. Horizontal scaling by a factor of 31 : y = j(3x)

2. Horizontal translation of 1 unit to the right: y = j(3x − 1)

3. Vertical scaling by a factor of −2: y = −2j(3x − 1)

4. Vertical translation of 4 units up: y = −2j(3x − 1) + 4

4
3 Graphing Functions
Graphing functions is an essential skill in IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL. It
involves plotting the points of a function on a coordinate plane to create a visual representation of
the function. This representation can help us understand the behavior of the function and make
predictions about its values for different inputs.
In this section, we will discuss how to graph different types of functions, including linear,
quadratic, and trigonometric functions.

3.1 Linear Functions

A linear function is a function that has a constant rate of change. This means that the graph of a
linear function is a straight line. The general form of a linear function is f (x) = mx + b, where m
is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept.
To graph a linear function, we need to plot at least two points on the coordinate plane and then
draw a straight line through them. The easiest points to plot are the y-intercept and another point
that is one unit to the right of the y-intercept. We can then use the slope to find other points on
the line.
Example: Graph the linear function f (x) = 2x + 3.
Solution: To graph f (x) = 2x + 3, we start by plotting the y-intercept, which is 3. This gives us
the point (0, 3). We can also plot another point that is one unit to the right of the y-intercept. This
gives us the point (1, 5).
To find additional points on the line, we can use the slope of 2. This means that for every one
unit we move to the right, we move up 2 units. So starting from the point (1, 5), we can move one
unit to the right and two units up to get the point (2, 7). We can continue this process to plot as
many points as we need to draw the line.

9 y
8
(2, 7)
7
6
(1, 5)
5
4
(0, 3)
3
2
1
x
−3 −2 −1 −1 1 2 3
−2
−3

3.2 Quadratic Functions

A quadratic function is a function that has a degree of 2. This means that the highest power of the
variable in the function is 2. The general form of a quadratic function is f (x) = ax2 + bx + c, where
a, b, and c are constants.
The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. The direction and shape of the parabola depend
on the value of the coefficient a. If a is positive, the parabola opens upward, and if a is negative,
the parabola opens downward.

5
 To graph a quadratic function, we can find the vertex of the parabola and two other points on
the curve. The vertex is the point where the parabola changes direction, and it can be found using
b b
the formula x = − 2a and y = f (− 2a ). We can then use the symmetry of the parabola to find two
other points that are equidistant from the vertex.
Example: Graph the quadratic function f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3.
Solution: To graph f (x) = x2 − 4x + 3, we start by finding the vertex. The formula for the
b −4
x-coordinate of the vertex is x = − 2a = − 2(1) = 2. To find the y-coordinate of the vertex, we plug
2
x = 2 into the function to get y = f (2) = 2 − 4(2) + 3 = −1. Therefore, the vertex is the point
(2, −1).
To find two other points on the parabola, we can use the symmetry of the parabola. Since the
x-coordinate of the vertex is 2, we can find two other points that are equidistant from the vertex by
moving one unit to the left and one unit to the right of the vertex. This gives us the points (1, 0)
and (3, 0).
y
4

1
(1, 0) (3, 0) x
−2 −1 1 2 3 4
−1
(2, −1)
−2

3.3 Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric functions are functions that involve the angles and sides of triangles. The six trigono-
metric functions are sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent.
The graphs of trigonometric functions are periodic, which means that they repeat themselves
over a specific interval. The period of a trigonometric function depends on the frequency of the
angle measure in the function.
To graph trigonometric functions, we need to plot points on the coordinate plane for a specific
interval of the function. The easiest points to plot are the maximum and minimum points, which
occur when the angle measure is at certain values. For example, for the sine function, the maximum
point occurs at 90◦ , and the minimum point occurs at 270◦ . We can then use the properties of the
function to find other points on the curve.
Example: Graph the sine function f (x) = sin x over the interval 0◦ ≤ x ≤ 360◦ .
Solution: To graph f (x) = sin x, we start by plotting the maximum and minimum points of the
function. The maximum point occurs at 90◦ , where the value of the function is 1, and the minimum
point occurs at 270◦ , where the value of the function is -1. We can also plot the midline of the
function, which is the horizontal line halfway between the maximum and minimum points and has
a value of 0.

6
 y
(90, 1)
1

(0, 0) (180, 0) (360, 0) x

90 180 270 360

−1
(270, −1)

To find other points on the curve, we can use the fact that the sine function is periodic with
a period of 360◦ . This means that the value of the function repeats itself every 360◦ . We can use
this property to find other points on the curve by adding or subtracting multiples of 360◦ from the
initial interval.

7
4 Properties of Graphs
In IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL, one of the key topics is properties of graphs.
Understanding the properties of graphs is essential to analyzing and interpreting data. In this
article, we will cover some important properties of graphs and provide examples to help illustrate
these concepts.

4.1 Symmetry
Symmetry is an important property of graphs. A graph is said to be symmetric if it can be divided
into two parts that are mirror images of each other. There are three types of symmetry that we will
discuss: even symmetry, odd symmetry, and periodic symmetry.
Example: Consider the graph of y = x2 .
25 y

20

15

10

x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4

Solution: The graph of y = x2 is symmetric with respect to the y-axis. This is an example of
even symmetry. To see why, note that if we reflect the graph across the y-axis, we obtain the same
graph. Mathematically, we can express this as f (−x) = f (x) for all x.
Example: Consider the graph of y = x3 .
y
100

50

x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4

−50

−100

8
 Solution: The graph of y = x3 is symmetric with respect to the origin. This is an example of
odd symmetry. To see why, note that if we reflect the graph across the origin, we obtain the same
graph but flipped upside down. Mathematically, we can express this as f (−x) = −f (x) for all x.
Example: Consider the graph of y = sin(x).

0.5

x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−0.5

−1

Solution: The graph of y = sin(x) is symmetric with respect to the y-axis and has periodic
symmetry with period 2π. To see why, note that if we reflect the graph across the y-axis, we obtain
the same graph. Moreover, if we shift the graph to the left or right by a distance of 2π, we obtain
the same graph. Mathematically, we can express this as f (x + 2π) = f (x) for all x.

4.2 Intercepts
Another important property of graphs is the intercepts, which are the points where the graph crosses
the x-axis or the y-axis.
Example: Consider the graph of y = 2x − 3.

9 y

3
x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−3

−6

−9

Solution: The graph of y = 2x−3 crosses the y-axis at the point (0, −3), which is the y-intercept.
To find the x-intercept, we set y = 0 and solve for x. Thus, we have 0 = 2x − 3, which gives us
x = 23 . Therefore, the graph crosses the x-axis at the point ( 23 , 0), which is the x-intercept.

9
4.3 Asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches as x approaches infinity or negative infinity. There
are two types of asymptotes: vertical asymptotes and horizontal asymptotes.
Example: Consider the graph of y = x1 .

9 y

3
x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−3

−6

−9

Solution: The graph of y = x1 has a vertical asymptote at x = 0, since the function becomes
unbounded as x approaches zero from either side. There is also horizontal asymptote, since the
function becomes arbitrarily small in both the positive and negative directions as x approaches
infinity or negative infinity.

4.4 Maxima and Minima

Maxima and minima are the highest and lowest points on a graph, respectively. They are also known
as local extrema.
Example: Consider the graph of y = x3 − 3x2 + 2.
y
4

x
−1 1 2

−2

−4

Solution: The graph of y = x3 − 3x2 + 2 has a local maximum at x = 0, since the function attains
its highest value at this point. The maximum value is y = 2. The graph also has a local minimum
at x = 2, since the function attains its lowest value at this point. The minimum value is y = −2.

10
4.5 End Behavior
The end behavior of a graph refers to what happens to the graph as x approaches infinity or negative
infinity.
Example: Consider the graph of y = x3 − 3x2 + 2.

y
80
60
40
20
x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−20
−40
−60
−80

Solution: As x approaches infinity or negative infinity, the graph of y = x3 − 3x2 + 2 approaches

infinity or negative infinity. This can be seen by examining the end behavior of the function: as x
becomes large, the x3 term dominates the other terms, and the function grows without bound.

11
5 Modelling with Functions
Functions are essential tools for modelling and analyzing real-world phenomena. In this section, we
will explore various types of functions and how they can be used to model real-world situations. We
will cover linear and piecewise models, quadratic and cubic models, exponential models, direct and
inverse variation, and sinusoidal models. We will also discuss a strategy for modelling functions.

5.1 Linear and Piecewise Models

Linear functions are functions that have a constant rate of change, represented by their slope. They
can be written in the form f (x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. Linear
functions are commonly used to model situations involving direct variation, where two variables are
directly proportional to each other.
Piecewise functions are functions that are defined by different formulas on different intervals.
They are often used to model situations where different rules apply in different parts of the domain.
Example: Suppose that the cost of a gym membership is 50 dollars per month plus a one-time
registration fee of 100 dollars. Write a linear function that models the total cost of a gym membership
as a function of the number of months.
Solution: Let x be the number of months. The total cost of a gym membership is given by the
formula f (x) = 50x + 100. This is a linear function with slope 50 and y-intercept 100.
Example: The following function models the temperature T in degrees Celsius at a location
during a 24-hour period:
 
 15t + 10, for 0 ≤ t < 6 
T (t) = 25, for 6 ≤ t < 18
−10t + 250, for 18 ≤ t ≤ 24
 

Determine the temperature at t = 4, t = 10, and t = 22.

Solution: For 0 ≤ t < 6, we have T (t) = 15t + 10. Thus, T (4) = 15(4) + 10 = 70.
For 6 ≤ t < 18, we have T (t) = 25. Thus, T (10) = 25.
For 18 ≤ t ≤ 24, we have T (t) = −10t + 250. Thus, T (22) = −10(22) + 250 = 40.

5.2 Quadratic and Cubic Models

Quadratic functions are functions that have a degree of 2, meaning that the highest power of the
variable is 2. They can be written in the form f (x) = ax2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.
Quadratic functions are commonly used to model situations involving parabolic shapes.
Cubic functions are functions that have a degree of 3, meaning that the highest power of the
variable is 3. They can be written in the form f (x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d, where a, b, c, and d are
constants. Cubic functions are commonly used to model situations involving cubic shapes.
Example: A ball is thrown vertically upward from a height of 2 meters with an initial velocity
of 30 meters per second. The height of the ball above the ground t seconds after it is thrown can be
modelled by the function h(t) = −4.9t2 + 30t + 2. Determine the maximum height of the ball and
the time it takes to reach that height.

12
 Solution: The maximum height of the ball occurs at the vertex of the parabolic function h(t).
b
The t-coordinate of the vertex is given by t = − 2a , where a = −4.9 and b = 30. Thus, t =
30
− 2(−4.9) ≈ 3.06. The maximum height of the ball is given by h(3.06) ≈ 47.25 meters.

5.3 Exponential Models

Exponential functions are functions that have a variable in the exponent, such as f (x) = ax , where
a is a positive constant. Exponential functions are commonly used to model situations involving
growth or decay.
Example: The population of a city is currently 100, 000 and is increasing at a rate of 3% per
year. Write an exponential function that models the population of the city t years from now.
Solution: Let P (t) be the population of the city t years from now. Since the population is
increasing at a rate of 3% per year, the growth factor is 1 + 0.03 = 1.03. Thus, the exponential
function that models the population is P (t) = 100, 000 · 1.03t .

5.4 Direct and Inverse Variation

Direct variation is a relationship between two variables where one variable is directly proportional
to the other. In other words, as one variable increases, the other variable increases by a constant
factor. Direct variation can be modelled by a linear function in the form y = kx, where k is the
constant of variation.
Inverse variation is a relationship between two variables where one variable is inversely propor-
tional to the other. In other words, as one variable increases, the other variable decreases by a
constant factor. Inverse variation can be modelled by a function in the form y = xk , where k is the
constant of variation.
Example: The time it takes for a car to travel a certain distance is inversely proportional to the
speed of the car. If it takes 6 hours to travel the distance at a speed of 40 miles per hour, how long
will it take to travel the distance at a speed of 60 miles per hour?
Solution: Let t be the time it takes to travel the distance at a speed of 60 miles per hour. Since
the time is inversely proportional to the speed, we have t · 60 = k, where k is a constant. We know
that it takes 6 hours to travel the distance at a speed of 40 miles per hour, so we have 6 · 40 = k.
Solving for k, we get k = 240. Thus, t · 60 = 240, so t = 240
60 = 4 hours.

5.5 Sinusoidal Models

Sinusoidal functions are functions that have a sine or cosine term, such as f (x) = a sin(bx + c) + d
or f (x) = a cos(bx + c) + d. Sinusoidal functions are commonly used to model situations involving
periodic behavior.
Example: The
height of a Ferris wheel at a certain point in time can be modelled by the function
π
h(t) = 20 sin 30 t + 35, where t is the time in seconds. Determine the maximum height of the Ferris
wheel and the time it takes to reach that height.
Solution: The maximum height of the Ferris wheel is given by the amplitude of the sinusoidal
function and a vertical shift, which is 20 + 35 = 55 meters.
To find the time it takes to reach the maximum height, we need to solve for t
such that h(t) = 55,
π
since the function is shifted vertically by 35 meters. This occurs when sin 30 t = 1, which implies

13
 π π
that 30 t = 2 + 2nπ for some integer n. Solving for t, we get:

30 π
t= ( + 2nπ) = 15 + 60n
π 2
where n is any integer. Therefore, the time it takes to reach the maximum height of 55 meters
is t = 15 seconds, when n = 0.

5.6 Strategy for Modelling Functions

The following is a strategy for modelling functions:
• Identify the variables and their units.
• Identify the type of relationship between the variables (linear, exponential, etc.).
• Collect data or information and make a table or graph.

• Choose a function that fits the data or information.

• Verify the function by checking if it fits the data or information well.
This strategy can be used to model a wide range of real-world phenomena using various types of
functions.
Overall, understanding how to model functions is an important skill for interpreting and analyzing
real-world situations. By using the different types of functions and the strategy for modelling
functions discussed in this section, students can develop the ability to apply mathematical concepts
to real-world problems.

14