1.

2
Functions and Their
Properties
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Mapping
A mapping is a function if every input has a distinct
output. Functions can either be one-to-one or
many-to-one.
 Function, Domain, and Range
A function from a set D to a set R is a rule that
assigns to every element in D a unique element
in R. The set D of all input values is the domain
of the function, and the set R of all output values
is the range of the function.
 Function Notation

To indicate that y comes from the function acting on x,

we use Euler’s elegant function notation y = f (x)
(which we read as “y equals f of x” or “the value of f
at x”).
Here x is the independent variable and y is the
dependent variable.
 Is this a function?

No, this is a one-to-many mapping.

 Example: Seeing a Function Graphically

Of the three graphs shown below, which is not the graph

of a function?

The graph in (c) is not the graph of a function. There are

three points on the graph with x-coordinates 0.
 Vertical Line Test

A graph (set of points (x,y)) in the xy-plane

defines y as a function of x if and only if no
vertical line intersects the graph in more than one
point.
State whether this is a function
𝑦
or not?

For each input (𝑥 value), we

only get one output (𝑦 value)

Yes
State whether this is a function or not?

For each value of 𝑥

(except 0), we get two
values of 𝑦! We say this is
a one-to-many mapping.

No
State whether this is a function or not?

𝑥 Domain: 𝑥 ∈ ℝ
𝑓 𝑥 =2 (i.e. all real values)

Yes
State whether this is a function or not?

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 Domain: 𝑥 ∈ ℝ

We can’t square root a

negative number, but the
No
input set is ℝ, so some inputs
don’t map to a value.
State whether this is a function or not?

𝑓 𝑥 =± 𝑥 Domain: 𝑥 ≥ 0

𝑓 4 = 2 but 𝑓 4 = −2 also.
This is one-to-many so not a
No
function.
Mapping Functions For each function, match values in the domain to values in the range (if you can).
A B C D 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥2 E
𝑥 𝑥+3
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3 𝑓 𝑥 = +1 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥
2 2 Domain Range
Domain Range Domain Range Domain Range Domain Range
−2 −2 −4 −2 −2 −2 0 −2
−5 −2
−1 −1 −2 −1 −1 −1 1 −1
−1
0 0 0 0 −1 0 0 2 0
0
1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1
3 1
2 2 4 2 2 2 4 2
2
3 3 6 3 7 3 3
Why is this
function different?
F G H I J 10
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 4 𝑥+5 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥
D R 2
D R
−1 8 −2 −
−2 −8 2 3.5
0 1 −1
−1 −6 1 3
1 0 0
2 0 −3 1
2 −1 1
3 2 −5 0
For each function, why can’t we use
Complete the missing values.
all the domain values?
Evaluate these functions for each input, which values in the domain won’t work? N Use one or more inequality to
K L M 10 show the values for 𝑥 that can’t be
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥+2 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 4 𝑓 𝑥 = in the domain of this function.
2𝑥 − 4

𝑓 7 = +3 𝑓 −2 = 𝑓 3 =5 12
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑓 2 = 3𝑥 + 6
𝑓 0 =+ 2 𝑓 −1 = + 2
𝑓 −2 = 𝑓 0 = +2 𝑓 −3 = −1
Mapping Functions For each function, match values in the domain to values in the range (if you can).
A B C D 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥2 E
𝑥 𝑥+3
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3 𝑓 𝑥 = +1 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥
2 2 Domain Range
Domain Range Domain Range Domain Range Domain Range
−2 −2 −4 −2 −2 −2 0 −2
−5 −2
−1 −1 −2 −1 −1 −1 1 −1
−1
0 0 0 0 −1 0 0 2 0
0
1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1
3 1
2 2 4 2 2 2 4 2
2
3 3 6 3 7 3 3
Why is this
function different?
F G H I J 10
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 4 𝑥+5 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥
D R 2
D R
−1 5 8 +4 −2 −5
−2 −8 2 3.5
0 0 1 + 2 −1 −10
−1 −6 1 3
1 −3 0 0 0 can’t ÷ by 0
2 0 −3 1
2 −4 −1 −2 = impossible 1 10
3 2 −5 0
In a range we will use the For each function, why can’t we use
Complete the missing values. positive square root. all the domain values?
Evaluate these functions for each input, which values in the domain won’t work? N Use one or more inequality to
K L M 10 show the values for 𝑥 that 3𝑥
can’t+
be 6 ⩽0
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥+2 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 4 𝑓 𝑥 = in the domain of this function.
2𝑥 − 4
3𝑥 ⩽ − 6
𝑓 7 = +3 𝑓 −2 = 0 𝑓 3 =5 12
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥⩽−2
𝑓 2 = 3𝑥 + 6
𝑓 0 =+ 2 𝑓 −1 = + 2
𝑓 −2 = 0 𝑓 0 = +2 𝑓 −3 = −1 Denominator can’t be zero or negative.
Homework
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Find the range of the following function. State whether the function is one-to-
one or many-to-one.

𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 2, domain = {1,2,3,4}

𝑓 1 =1
𝑓 2 =4
𝑓 3 =7
𝑓 4 = 10

Therefore, range is 1,4,7,10

𝑓(𝑥) is one-to-one.
Find the range of the following function. State whether the function is one-to-
one or many-to-one.

𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 , domain = 𝑥 ∈ ℝ, −5 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5

Using graph, range is

0 ≤ 𝑔 𝑥 ≤ 25

𝑔(𝑥) is many-to-one.
Find the range of the following function. State whether the function is one-to-
one or many-to-one.

1
ℎ 𝑥 = 𝑥, domain {𝑥 ∈ ℝ, 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 3}

Using graph, range is

1
ℎ 𝑥 ≥
3
ℎ(𝑥) is one-to-one.
Find the domain of the function.
f ( x) = x + 2

Solve algebraically:
The expression under a radical may not be negative.
x+20
x  −2
The domain of f is the interval [ − 2, ).
Find the domain of the function:
Find the domain of the function:
Find the domain of the function:
 2
Find the range of the function f ( x) = .
x

Solve Graphically:
2
The graph of y = shows that the
x
range is all real numbers except 0.
The range in interval notation is
(−,0) (0, ).
 Piecewise Functions
A ‘piecewise function’ is one which is defined in parts: we can use different
rules for different intervals within the domain.

The function 𝑓(𝑥) is defined by

5 − 2𝑥, 𝑥<1
𝑓: 𝑥 → ቊ 2
𝑥 + 3, 𝑥≥1
a) Sketch 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 , and state the range of 𝑓 𝑥 .
b) Solve 𝑓 𝑥 = 19

a 𝑦 b
𝑦 = 5 − 2𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 3 When 𝑥 ≥ 1:
𝑦 𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 3
𝑥 2 + 3 = 19
19
𝑥 = ±4
5 The filled/unfilled circles
𝑥=4
4 have the same meaning as When 𝑥 < 1: 5
with inequalities on a
3 number line – unfilled
5 − 2𝑥 = 19 4
indicates not included. 𝑥 = −7 3
𝑥 𝑥
1 1

𝑓 𝑥 >3
(as the 3 is not included)
Using the graph, the range is 𝑓 𝑥 > 3
The function 𝑓 is defined by The function 𝑔 is defined by
𝑓: 𝑥 → 𝑒 𝑥 + 2, 𝑥∈ℝ 𝑔: 𝑥 → 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1, 𝑥 ∈ ℝ, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5
State the range of 𝑓. Find the range of 𝑔.

Hint: Identify the minimum point first, as this may

or may not affect the range.
𝑦=2 Extra Hint: Carefully consider the stated domain.
𝑥
𝑦
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1
= 𝑥−2 2−4+1
(5,6) = 𝑥−2 2−3
So minimum point is
𝑓 𝑥 >2 1 (2, −3)
𝑥 At two end points of curve:
Notice the range doesn’t 𝑓 0 =1
2, −3 𝑓 5 =6
include 2, as the line never
reaches the asymptote. Therefore range:
−𝟑 ≤ 𝒇 𝒙 ≤ 𝟔
Homework
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Answers - Domain and Range (exercises on provided sheet)

1 Work out the range for each of these 4 (a) The function 𝑓(𝑥) is defined as:
functions. 𝑓 𝑥 = 22 − 7𝑥, −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑝
(a) 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 6 for all 𝑥 The range of 𝑓(𝑥) is −13 ≤ 𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 36
𝒇 𝒙 ≥𝟔 Work out the value of 𝑝.
(b) 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 5, −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 6 𝒑=𝟓
−𝟏𝟏 ≤ 𝒇 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟑
(c) 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 4 , 𝑥 < −2 (b) The function 𝑔(𝑥) is defined as
𝒇 𝒙 > 𝟒𝟖 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 for all 𝑥.
(i) Express 𝑔(𝑥) in the form 𝑥 − 𝑎 2 + 𝑏
𝑥+2
2 (a) 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥−3 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝒙−𝟐 𝟐+𝟏
(ii) Hence write down the range of 𝑔(𝑥).
Give a reason why 𝑥 > 0 is not a suitable
𝒈 𝒙 ≥𝟏
domain for 𝑓(𝑥).
It would include 3, for which 𝒇(𝒙) is
undefined.
5 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 + 7 for all values of 𝑥.
(b) Give a possible domain for
(a) What is the value of 𝑓 −1 ?
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥−5 𝒙≥𝟓
𝒇 −𝟏 = 𝟗
(b) What is the range of 𝑓(𝑥)?
𝑓 𝑥 = 3 − 2𝑥, 𝑎<𝑥<𝑏
3 𝒇 𝒙 ≥𝟕
The range of 𝑓(𝑥) is −5 < 𝑓 𝑥 < 5
Work out 𝑎 and 𝑏.
𝒂 = −𝟏, 𝒃 = 𝟒
 (exercises on provided sheet)

6 7
By completing the square or otherwise,
determine the range of the following
functions:
(a) 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5, for all 𝑥
= 𝒙−𝟏 𝟐+𝟒
Range: 𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝟒
(b) 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2, for all 𝑥
= 𝒙 + 𝟑 𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏 Here is a sketch of
Range: 𝒇 𝒙 ≥ −𝟏𝟏 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 𝑎 for all 𝑥,
where 𝑎 is a constant. The range
of 𝑓(𝑥) is 𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 11. Work out
the value of 𝑎.
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙+𝟑 𝟐−𝟗+𝒂
−𝟗 + 𝒂 = 𝟏𝟏
𝒂 = 𝟐𝟎
 (exercises on provided sheet)

8 9 The function 𝑓(𝑥) is defined as:

𝑥 2−4 0≤𝑥<3
𝑓 𝑥 =ቊ
14 − 3𝑥 3≤𝑥≤5
Work out the range of 𝑓 𝑥 .
−𝟒 ≤ 𝒇 𝒙 ≤𝟓

10 The function 𝑓(𝑥) has the domain

−3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3 and is defined as:
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 −3 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
The straight line shows a sketch of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 =ቊ
2+𝑥 0≤𝑥≤3
𝑓(𝑥) for the full domain of the function. Work out the range of 𝑓 𝑥 .
(a) State the domain of the function.
𝟏
−𝟐 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟒 − ≤𝒇 𝒙 ≤𝟓
(b) Work out the equation of the line. 𝟒
𝒇 𝒙 = −𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏𝟎
11

𝑓(𝑥) is a quadratic function with domain

all real values of 𝑥. Part of the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 is shown.
(a) Write down the range of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝒇 𝒙 ≤𝟒
(b) Use the graph to find solutions of the
equation 𝑓 𝑥 = 1.
𝒙 = −𝟎. 𝟕, 𝟐. 𝟕
(c) Use the graph to solve 𝑓 𝑥 < 0.
𝒙 < −𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 > 𝟑
Continuity
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
 Increasing, Decreasing, and Constant
Function on an Interval
A function f is increasing on an interval if, for any two
points in the interval, a positive change in x results in a
positive change in f(x).

A function f is decreasing on an interval if, for any two

points in the interval, a positive change in x results in a
negative change in f(x).

A function f is constant on an interval if, for any two

points in the interval, a positive change in x results in a
zero change in f(x).
  −5 if x  −3

Given f (x) = x + 3 − x − 2 = 2x + 1 if − 3  x  2
 5 if x  2

Identify the intervals on which f (x) is increasing,
decreasing and constant.

The graph suggests, f (x)

is constant on ( − ,−3]
( )
and 2, .
On the interval [ − 3,2] f (x)
appears to be increasing.
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Boundedness
 Lower Bound, Upper Bound and
Bounded
A function f is bounded below if there is some number
b that is less than or equal to every number in the range
of f. Any such number b is called a lower bound of f.

A function f is bounded above if there is some number

B that is greater than or equal to every number in the
range of f. Any such number B is called a upper bound
of f.

A function f is bounded if it is bounded both above and

below.
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Local and Absolute Extrema
 Local and Absolute Extrema
A local maximum of a function f is a value f (c) that is
greater than or equal to all range values of f on some
open interval containing c. If f (c) is greater than or equal
to all range values of f, then f (c) is the maximum (or
absolute maximum) value of f.

A local minimum of a function f is a value f (c) that is

less than or equal to all range values of f on some open
interval containing c. If f (c) is less than or equal to all
range values of f, then f (c) is the minimum (or absolute
minimum) value of f.

Local extrema are also called relative extrema.

Decide whether f (x) = x4 – 7x2 + 6x has any local
maxima or minima. If so, find each local maximum value
or minimum value and the value at which each occurs.
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Symmetry with respect to the y-axis
Symmetry with respect to the x-axis
Symmetry with respect to the origin
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
Asymptotes
 Asymptotes

The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of a function y = f ( x)

if f ( x) approaches a limit of b as x approaches + or -.
In limit notation: lim f ( x) = b or lim f ( x) = b.
x →− x →

The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function y = f ( x)

if f ( x) approaches a limit of + or - as x approaches a from either
direction.
In limit notation: lim f ( x) =  or lim f ( x) = .
x→a− x →a+
 Identify any horizontal or vertical asymptotes of the
graph of y = x
.
x −x−2
2

x
y= 2 is undefined at x = −1 and x = 2,
x −x−2
These are the vertical asymptotes.
x
lim 2 .= 0
x→ x − x − 2

So y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.
x
lim .= 0
x→− x 2 − x − 2

Again y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.

 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications
End Behaviour
 What you’ll learn about
◼ Function Definition and Notation
◼ Domain and Range
◼ Continuity
◼ Increasing and Decreasing Functions
◼ Boundedness
◼ Local and Absolute Extrema
◼ Symmetry
◼ Asymptotes
◼ End Behavior

… and why
Functions and graphs form the basis for understanding
mathematics and its applications