Basic concept of Functions

What you will learn!

• What is Relation?
• Some basic definitions – Independent
variable, Dependent variable, Domain,
Range.
Relations

• What is Function?
Functions
• Function Notation.
• Ways to Represent a Function.
Relation
 Let A and B be two non-empty sets. If each element of A is related
to one or more elements of B, then it is called a Relation.
Example: 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 i.e., 𝑦 = ± 𝑥 is a relation.
For 𝑥 = 1, 4, 9, … … … we get, 𝑦 = ±1, ±2, ±3, … … …
i.e., 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1, 1 , 1, −1 , 4, 2 , 4, −2 , 9, 3 , 9, −3 … … …
𝑥 𝑦

1
1 -1

2
4
-2

3
9
-3
Some Definitions-
 A relation between two variables x and y is a set of ordered pairs

 In general, any ordered pair in the coordinate plane can be written in the form (𝒙, 𝒚).

Independent variable
(𝒙, 𝒚)
Dependent variable

 The set of all x-values (inputs) is the domain.

 The set of all y-values (outputs) is the range.

Example
Is this a relation?

Input 3 –6 0 9 –1

Output –4 5

•What is the domain?

{3, -6, 0, 9, -1}
•What is the range?
{-4, 5}
Function
 Let A and B be two non-empty sets. If each element of A is related to unique
element of B, then it is called a function from the set A to B.

 If 𝑓 is a function from A to B, we write 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵.

Note: Functions are sometimes also called mappings or transformations.

Example: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 is a function 𝑥 𝑦
For 𝑥 = ±1, ±2, ±3, … … … we get, 𝑦 = 1, 4, 9, … … … 1
1
-1
i.e., 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1, 1 , −1, 1 , 2, 4 , −2, 4 , 3, 9 , −3, 9 … … … 2
4
Since, we get unique 𝑦 for 𝑥, so it is a function. -2

3 9

-3
Function is like a machine
 A function relates an input to an output.

 It is like a machine that has an input and an output.

 A function is a rule which operates on an input and

produces a single output from that input.
Example:

Input: Bread Function: Toaster Output: Toasted Bread

Now do this exercise
 Write down the output from the function shown in figure when the
input is:
𝑎) 5 𝑏) − 2 𝑐) 𝑥 2

Function
Input Multiply input by 7 and Output
then subtract 2

Answer:

a) 5 × 7 − 2 = 35 − 2 = 33

b) −2 × 7 − 2 = −14 − 2 = −16

c) 𝑥 2 × 7 − 2 = 7𝑥 2 − 2
Function Notation
• When we know that a relation is a function, the “y” in the equation can be
replaced with f(x).

• f(x) is simply a notation to designate a function. It is pronounced ‘f’ of ‘x’ or

‘function of x’.

• The ‘f’ names the function, the ‘x’ tells the variable that is being used.

• The parenthesis DO NOT mean multiplication!

• f(x) is another name for y.

• Sometimes other letters such as g, h or capital letters F, G and H are used to name
functions.
Function Notation

𝑦=𝑓 𝑥
Name of
Output Input
Function
Ways to Represent a Function
Mapping:
Ordered Pairs: Graph: Input Output
(1, 2)
(3, 6) 1 10
(5, 10) 3 2
(−1, −2)
5 -2
X Y
-1 6
1 2
Symbolic:
Table:
3 6 Verbal:
𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑦 = 2𝑥
5 10 The cost is twice the original
amount.
-1 -2
Identification Objectives
of Function • To determine if a relation is a function
𝐴 𝐵 • To identify function algebraically and graphically

𝑎
𝑏 3
𝑐
Is a relation a function?
• When a relation is provided, concentrate on the x-coordinates.

If the set of ordered pairs has different x-coordinates,

it IS a function

If the set of ordered pairs has same x-coordinates,

it is NOT a function
• Function identification is not affected by y-coordinates.
Example 1

{(1, −3), (0, 4), ( 3, −5), ( 2, 7), (4, −1), (5, 0)}

•Is this a relation?

YES
•Is this a function?
•Hint: Look only at the x-coordinates

YES
Example 2

{(1, −5), ( −1, 0), ( 2, −3), ( 3, −4), (1, 5), ( −2, 1)}

•Is this a function?

•Hint: Look only at the x-coordinates

NO
•Is this still a relation?

YES
Example 3
Which relation mapping represents a function?

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 𝑎
1. 3 𝑏 2. 𝑏 3
𝑐 𝑐

2
Conclusion

• Not every relation is a function.

• Every function is a relation.

Identifying functions
Look at the following
table:
For each input there is
Input Output
EXACTLY one output
5 12
10 22
You can notice that there is
15 32
NO REPEATATION in the
20 42 input column
25 52

This table represents a function

Identifying functions
Look at the following table:

Input Output For each input there is

5 12 MORE THAN ONE output
5 14
7 21 You can notice that there is
7 22 REPEATATION in the input
9 36 column

This table DOES NOT represents a function

Vertical Line Test
Vertical Line Test: A relation is a function if a vertical line drawn through its graph,
passes through only one point.

Also Known As

“The Pencil Test”

Take a pencil and move it from left to right (–x to x); if it crosses more than one
point, it is not a function.
Vertical Line Test
𝑦

Would this
graph be a
−𝑥 𝑥 function?

−𝑦
YES
No two points are on
the same vertical line.
Vertical Line Test

Would this
graph be a
function?
NO
Two points are on the
same vertical line.
Identifying functions from graph

Function Not a Function Not a Function

Function Function Not a Function

 What you will learn!
Different types of Functions-
Types of ▪ One-to-one Function

Functions ▪ Onto Function

▪ One-to-one Correspondence

𝐴 𝐵 ▪ Into Function
▪ Constant Function
𝑎 1 ▪ Identity Function
𝑏 2 ▪ Even Function
𝑐 3 ▪ Odd Function
𝑑 4
One-to-one Function
Let 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵 be a function. If distinct element of A has distinct images in B then
the function is called one-to-one function.

A function is said to be injective if it is one-to-one.

Note: There can be un-used elements in the co-domain.

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑒 2 𝑒 2
𝑖 3 𝑖 3
𝑜 4 𝑜 4
5 5

A one-to-one function A function that is not

one-to-one
Horizontal line test
If horizontal lines intersect the graph of a function 𝑓 in at most one point, then 𝑓
is one-to-one.

One-to- Not one-to-one

one
Onto Function
Let 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵 be a function. If all elements of the set B are images of the
elements of A then the function is called onto function.

A function is said to be surjective if it is onto.

Note: There can be multiply used elements in the co-domain.

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑒 2 𝑒 2
𝑖 3 𝑖 3
𝑜 4 𝑜 4
𝑢 5

An onto function A function that is not onto

One-to-one vs. onto
 Are the following functions onto, one-to-one, both, or neither?

𝑎 1 𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑏 2 𝑏 2 𝑏 2
3
𝑐 4 𝑐 3 𝑐 3
𝑑 𝑑 4
One-to-one but not Onto but not one-to- One-to-one and onto
onto one

𝑎 1 𝑎 1
𝑏 2 𝑏 2
3
𝑐 3 𝑐 4
𝑑 4
Neither one-to-one nor onto Not a
function
One-to-one correspondence
 The function 𝑓: 𝐴 ⟶ 𝐵 is a one to one correspondence, if it is both one-to-
one and onto.
 Such function is also called bijection.

𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1
𝑏 2
𝑐 3
𝑑 4

Onto-to-one correspondance
Into Function
 The function 𝑓: 𝐴 → 𝐵 is said to be into function if 𝑓 𝐴 ≠ 𝐵 that is the co-

domain of the function is not equal to the range of the function (hence, 𝐶𝑜𝑑𝑓 ≠
𝑅𝑓 ).

𝐴 𝐵

𝑎 1 Cod(f) = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
𝑒 2
𝑖 3 Range(f) = {1, 2, 5}
𝑜 4
5 Cod f ≠ Range f

Into function
Constant function
Constant Function: A constant function is a function that has the same output value
no matter what your input value is. Symbolically, 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘, where 𝑘 is a
constant, a single value that does not change.
𝑦
Example: 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 =3
𝑥 𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑦 𝑓(𝑥) 3 3 3 3 3

 The domain of the constant function is all real numbers.

 The range is the constant 𝑘. In this function is equal to 3.

 The graph is a horizontal line.

Identity function
Identity Function: Identity function is a function which gives the same value as
inputted. Symbolically, 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥.
Identity Function
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥
Input Output

Graph: 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥

𝑥 𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑦 𝑓(𝑥) −2 −1 0 1 2

 The domain is the set of real numbers.

 The range of the identity function is also the set of real numbers.
Even Function & Odd Function
Even Function: A function 𝑓(𝑥) is called even function if 𝑓 −𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥

For example, y = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 is an even function.

Odd Function: A function 𝑓(𝑥) is called odd function if 𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓 𝑥

For example, y = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 is an odd function.

Determine algebraically the following functions are even, odd, or neither.

1. 𝑓 𝑥 = −3𝑥 2 + 4
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
Graphs of functions

34
35
EXAMPLE 8
 EXAMPLE 9
Sketch the graph of
𝑎 𝑦 = ±√𝑥
Solution (a):
𝑏 𝑦 =± 𝑥−3
Solution (b):
 𝑐 𝑦 =± 𝑥+3
Solution (c):
 Absolute value function

PROPERTIES OF ABSOLUTE VALUE

40
Example 4

41
 Inverse
Functions Objectives
D of 𝑓 R of 𝑓 • To be able to find inverse of functions
𝑓

𝑦=𝑓 𝑥
𝑥

𝑓 −1
R of 𝑓 −1 D of 𝑓 −1
Inverse Relations and Functions
If (a, b) is an ordered pair of a relation, then (b, a) is an ordered pair of its inverse.
 The domain of the relation is the range of the inverse AND the range of the
relation is the domain of the inverse.
If both a relation and its inverse happen to be functions, they are inverse functions.
 Not all inverses are functions.
 The inverse function of 𝑓 would be denoted as 𝑓 −1 and read as “𝑓 inverse”.

𝑎 𝑓 1 1 𝑓 −1 𝑎
𝑏 2 2 𝑏
𝑐 3 3 𝑐
Graph of Inverse Function

The graph of a function and its

inverse are mirror images about
the line 𝒚 = 𝒙.
Existence of Inverse

 To have an inverse function, a function must be one-to-one.

 A function is said to be one-to-one if whenever 𝑓 𝑥1 = 𝑓 𝑥2 it

implies that 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

 This means that for each y-value there is only one x-value.
Finding an Inverse Function
 Rewrite 𝑓(𝑥) as 𝑦

 Swap the 𝑥 and 𝑦

 Solve for 𝑦

 Rewrite 𝑦 as 𝑓 −1 𝑥
Find Inverse: 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐
Given that, 𝑓 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 12

𝑦 = 6𝑥 − 12 Replace 𝒇(𝒙) with 𝒚

𝑥 = 6𝑦 − 12 Interchange 𝒙 and 𝒚

𝑥 + 12 = 6𝑦

𝑥+12
𝑦= Solve for 𝒚
6

1
∴ 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = 6 𝑥 + 2 Replace 𝒚 with 𝒇−𝟏 𝒙
 𝟐
Find Inverse: 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐
Given that, 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 + 2
𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 2 Replace 𝒇(𝒙) with 𝒚
𝑥 = 3𝑦 2 + 2 Interchange 𝒙 and 𝒚
Not One-One
Function!
𝑥 − 2 = 3𝑦 2 Solve for 𝒚

𝑥−2
𝑦2 = 3

𝑥−2
𝑦=± Not Function!
3

𝑥−2
∴ 𝑓 −1 𝑥 = ± Replace 𝒚 with 𝒇−𝟏 𝒙
3
Composition Function
• A composite function is a combination of two functions.

• The output or results of one of the functions is used as the input to the other
function.

• The composition of the function f with the function g is written as 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), which is
read as ‘f of g of x.’

• It is also known as 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 𝑥 which is read as ‘f composed with g of x.”

• In other words: 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑔 𝑥
Example
Evaluate Composites of Functions
f ( x) = 3x 2 − x + 4
g ( x) = 2 x − 1

a) ( f  g )( x) b) ( g  f )( x)
= f ( g ( x)) = g ( f ( x))
= f (2 x − 1)
= g (3x 2 − x + 4)
= 3(2 x − 1) 2 − (2 x − 1) + 4
= 2(3x 2 − x + 4) − 1
= 3(4 x 2 − 4 x + 1) − 2 x + 1 + 4
= 12 x − 12 x + 3 − 2 x + 5
2 = 6x2 − 2x + 8 −1

= 12 x 2 − 14 x + 8 = 6x2 − 2x + 7
Composition and Inverses
▪ If f and g are functions and

( f  g )( x) = (g  f )(x ) = x,

then f and g are inverses of one another.

Show that the following are inverses of each other.
f ( x ) = 7 x − 2 and g ( x ) =
1 2
x+
7 7

(f g )( x ) = f ( g ( x ) ) (g f )( x ) = g ( f ( x ) )
1 2 = g ( 7 x − 2)
= f  x+ 
7 7 1 2
1 2
= ( 7 x − 2 ) +
= 7 x +  − 2 7 7
7 7 2 2
= x− +
= x+2−2 7 7
=x =x
They are inverses of one another since the
composition of each yields a value of x.
Domain and Objectives
Range
• To be able to find domain and range of a
function
Domain and Range

Inputs Outputs
-1 1

0
0

2.25
1.5
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐
2 4

3.2 10.24
⋮ ⋮

The domain of a function is the set of The range of a function is the set of
possible inputs. possible outputs.
Problem 1: Find the domain and range for the function f ( x) = x 2 − x + 1, where x = {0,1, 2,3}.

Given that, f ( x) = x 2 − x + 1

When x = 0, f (0) = 02 − 0 + 1 = 1

x = 1, f (1) = 12 − 1 + 1 = 1

x = 2, f (2) = 22 − 2 + 1 = 3

x = 3, f (3) = 32 − 3 + 1 = 7

 dom f = {0,1, 2,3}

and range f = {1,3, 7}.

 1+ x
Problem 2: Find the domain and range for the function f ( x) = .
5− x
For Domain: 1+ x
Clearly, f ( x) = is not defined when x = 5.
5− x
 domain of f ( x) = R − {5} = set of all real numbers except 5.

For Range:
1+ x
Let y = f ( x) = or , x(1 + y ) = 5 y − 1
5− x
5 y −1
or , 1 + x = 5 y − xy x =
1+ y
or , x + xy = 5 y − 1 So, x is not defined for y = −1.

 range of f ( x) = R − {−1} = set of all real numbers except − 1.

Problem 3: Find the domain and range for the function y = 2𝑥 + 5

For Domain:
For Range:
Given that, y = 2𝑥 + 5

Here, y gives real values if and y = 2𝑥 + 5, y≥0

only if 𝑦 2 = 2𝑥 + 5 Range

2𝑥 + 5 ≥ 0 2𝑥 = 𝑦 2 − 5
Domain
2𝑥 ≥ −5 𝑦2 − 5
𝑥= , y≥0
2
5
𝑥 ≥ −2
∴ 𝑅𝑓 = 0, ∞
5
∴ 𝐷𝑓 = −2,∞
Domain and range of some functions

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

R
R a
a R n
n a g
g n e
e g
e

Domain Domain Domain

Domain: (−∞, ∞) Domain: (−∞, ∞) Domain: (−∞, ∞)

Range: [𝟎, ∞) Range: [−∞, ∞) Range: [𝟎, ∞)
THE EFFECT OF ALGEBRAIC OPERATIONS ON THE
DOMAIN
EXAMPLE 7
EXAMPLE

64
65
Piecewise Objectives
Functions ▪ To introduce the concept of piecewise functions.
▪ To evaluate piecewise functions from a graph.
▪ To evaluate piecewise functions from a function.
What is a Piecewise Function?
 A piecewise function is exactly what it sounds like. It is a
function made of pieces.

 Look at the graph to the right. Notice if you apply the

vertical line test it passes. Thus, it is a function.

 The pieces look very different so how can a function model

the graph?

 This is where piecewise functions come in!

𝑥+5 𝑥 ≤ −8
 A piecewise function will have the same number of
equations as the graph has pieces. sin 𝑥 + 3 − 8 < 𝑥 < −2
𝑓 𝑥 =
 Each equation in the function represents a piece on the 𝑥2 −1≤𝑥 <3
graph.
log 𝑥 𝑥≥3
What is a Piecewise Function?
 A piecewise function is exactly what it sounds like. It is a function
made of pieces.

 Look at the graph to the right. Notice if you apply the vertical line
test it passes. Thus, it is a function.

 The pieces look very different so how can a function model the
graph?

 This is where piecewise functions come in!

 A piecewise function will have the same number of equations as 𝑥+5 𝑥 ≤ −8

the graph has pieces.
sin 𝑥 + 3 − 8 < 𝑥 < −2
 Each equation in the function represents a piece on the graph. 𝑓 𝑥 =
 Piecewise function always have domain restrictions so you know 𝑥2 −1≤𝑥 <3
which equation matches which piece. log 𝑥 𝑥≥3
Evaluating From a Graph
 If you need to know a value but are only given
the graph, how do find the value?

 Go to the x value on the x- axis.

 Move vertically until you hit the function

 Find the point.

 The y-coordinate is the value of the function at

that x.
Evaluating From a Graph (Continued)
 Find 𝑓 −1

 Move horizontally on the x-axis to find 𝑥 = −1.

 Move vertically until you hit the function.

 In this case, the function is an end point.

Because it is a closed circle, the point is part of
(−1, 0.5)
the function. So the point is (−1, 0.5).

 The value of the function is the y-coordinate of

the point on the function.

 Thus, 𝑓(−1) = 0.5.

Evaluating From Function
2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
 Evaluate 𝑓 −2 𝑓 𝑥 =ቐ
2𝑥 𝑥≥1
 When asked to evaluate from a function, how
do you know which equation to use?

 Remember the number inside the parentheses

for 𝑓(−2) is the 𝑥.
 The right column in the piecewise function is
the domain for each equation.
Evaluating From Function
2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
𝑓 𝑥 =ቐ
 Evaluate 𝑓 −2 2𝑥 𝑥≥1

 When asked to evaluate from a function, how do

 Notice -2 falls in the first domain
you know which equation to use?
because it is less than 0.
 Remember the number inside the parentheses
for 𝑓(−2) is the 𝑥.

 The right column in the piecewise function is the

domain for each equation.

 Find the domain in which the 𝑥 falls and use that

equation to evaluate the function.
Evaluating From Function
2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
𝑓 𝑥 =ቐ
 Evaluate 𝑓 −2 2𝑥 𝑥≥1

 When asked to evaluate from a function, how  Notice -2 falls in the first domain
do you know which equation to use? because it is less than 0.

 Remember the number inside the  Thus, use the first equation to
parentheses for 𝑓(−2) is the 𝑥. evaluate.
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3
 The right column in the piecewise function is
𝑓 −2 = 2 −2 + 3
the domain for each equation.
= −4 + 3
 Find the domain in which the 𝑥 falls and use
that equation to evaluate the function. = −1

Therefore, 𝑓 −2 = −1
Evaluating From Function (Continued)
2𝑥 + 3 𝑥<0
 Evaluate 𝑓 0 . 𝑓 𝑥 =ቐ
2𝑥 𝑥≥1

 This one is tricky. Notice the first domain is less than 0 and the second
domain is greater than or equal to 1. Because we need to evaluate
when 𝑥 is 0, no function exists for this domain.

 Thus, this function is undefined when 𝑥 is 0. So, 𝑓(0) = undefined.

Your turn:

2𝑥 + 1, 𝑥< 0
𝑓(𝑥) 2𝑥 + 2, 𝑥≥0
=

Evaluate the followings:

f(-2) = ? f(4) = ?

f(0) = ? f(-1) = ?
Example 5

76
 Home Assignment-1

x2 + y2 = 4
1. Draw the graph of the equation and use
vertical line test to determine whether the equation
defines a function or not.

2. In each part of the accompanying figure,

y determine
whether the graph defines as a function of
x.
Date of submission:
Before Next Class
That’s all for today!